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THE    ROMAN    BREVIARY 


THE  ROMAN  BREVIARY 

REFORMED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  HOLY 
(ECUMENICAL  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.    I.— WINTER 


WILLIAM    BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS 
EDINBURGH    AND    LONDON 

MCMVIII 


TRANSLATOR'S    PREFACE. 


["DIFFERENT  parts  of  the  Roman  Breviary  have  long  been  trans- 
lated for  the  use  of  the  faithful  in  English-speaking  countries. 
Nearly  all  the  common  books  of  devotion  contain  the  ordinary  form  of 
Vespers  and  Compline,  and  there  are  Vesper  books,  containing  the 
whole  of  that  office,  for  every  day  in  the  year.  There  are  also  trans- 
lations of  Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  and  None.  Of  Mattins  and  Lauds,  how- 
ever, there  have  only  been  published  those  for  a  few  days,  such  as 
Christmas  and  the  last  three  days  of  the  Holy  Week,  and  the  copious 
extracts  which  are  contained  in  the  English  version  of  Gueranger's 
LiUirgical  Year. 

The  object  of  the  Translator  in  the  present  work  has  been  to  supply 
this  deficiency  by  laying  open  to  the  English  reader  the  whole  of  the 
Prayer  of  the  Church.  He  thinks  that  this  may  be  grateful  to  a  con- 
siderable number  of  English-speaking  Catholics,  who  would  wish,  at 
any  rate  at  times,  to  read  the  Service  of  the  Church,  but  are  debarred 
from  doing  so  by  ignorance  of  the  Latin  language ;  and  more  especi- 
ally so  to  converts  who  have  been  accustomed  to  the  daily  office  while 
Anglicans.  Even  to  some  of  the  clergy,  he  is  not  without  hope  that 
this  version  may  be  of  interest,  since  he  has  taken  great  pains  to  elucidate 
difficult  passages,  to  explain  the  historical  and  other  allusions,  and,  above 
all,  to  verify  the  references  to  the  Holy  Scriptures.  If  the  book  should 
fall  into  the  hands  of  persons  who  are  not  Catholics,  he  ventures  to 
hope  that  it  may  at  any  rate  be  the  means  of  softening  some  prejudices. 

It   is    now    nearly    nine    years    ago    since   the   Translator    began    his 


vi  TRANSLATOR'S  preface. 

work,  and  he  cannot  conceal  from  himself  that  when  he  did  so,  he  did 
not  fully  realise  either  how  vast  a  work  it  has  proved  to  be,  or  how 
little  he  was  himself  fitted  to  execute  it  satisfactorily.  He  has  bestowed 
a  great  deal  of  reading  and  investigation  upon  it,  and  he  has  enjoyed 
the  advantage  of  a  learned  friend's  revision ;  but  at  the  moment  of 
giving  it  to  the  public  he  feels  anything  but  well  content  with  it,  and 
can  only  protest  that  it  is  his  best,  and  that  it  is,  in  his  judgment,  better 
that  the  work  should  be  done  thus  imperfectly  than  not  at  all. 

In  considering  the  work,  the  reader  will  please  to  understand  that 
the  following  are  the  principles  which  have  been  followed.  The  book 
is  a  translation  from  the  Latin,  and  where  the  original  texts  are  Hebrew, 
Chaldee,  or  Greek,  it  is  not  these  texts  but  the  Breviary  Latin  rendering 
of  them  which  is  translated  into  English,  the  aim  of  the  Translator  having 
been  merely  to  give  a  rendering,  in  as  good,  plain,  manly,  and  idiomatic 
English  as  he  could  command,  of  the  Latin  Service-book  of  the  Church. 
Accordingly,  whenever  the  Latin  has  a  distinct  sense  of  its  own — as,  for 
instance,  in  Ps.  lxxv.  5 — that  sense  is  given  simply  without  any  remark, 
and  the  divergence  from  the  original  is  only  pointed  out  in  footnotes 
in  a  few  cases  where  it  appeared  desirable  to  know  both  renderings 
in  order  to  understand  the  context.  Moreover,  in  the  Psalter,  and  in 
a  few  other  places,  the  Rev.  James  McSwiney,  S.J.,  to  whom  the  Trans- 
lator has  to  acknowledge  so  many  obligations,  has  been  kind  enough  to 
bracket  the  words  which  are  not,  now,  to  be  found  in  the  Hebrew  at 
all.  In  the  case  of  a  single  word  in  Lam.  iv.  7,  Dr  Gesenius'  rendering 
of  the  Hebrew  is  put  in  the  text,  and  the  literal  translation  of  the 
Latin  in  a  footnote. 

In  cases  where  the  Latin  is  obscure,  either  in  its  rendering  of  the 
Scripture,  or  elsewhere,  the  original  has  been  referred  to  when  possible, 
in  order  to  find  what  the  Latin  is  probably  intended  to  mean,  and 
here  the  Translator  has  again  to  acknowledge  his  indebtedness  to  the 
learned  Jesuit  already  named,  for  his  assistance  in  a  work  for  which  the 
Translator's  own  knowledge  only  most  imperfectly  qualifies  him. 

It  will  be  gathered  from  the  above  that  the  Translator  has  not 
followed  any  existing  version  exactly  in  the  rendering  of  the  Holy 
Scripture.       The    version,    or   rather    series    of   versions  —  for    there    are 


translator's  preface.  vii 

many  different  recensions  of  the  text, — generally  called  the  Doway  Bible, 
does  not  much  commend  itself  to  the  English  ear,  and  is  indeed, 
especially  in  the  earlier  recensions,  difficult  to  understand  for  any  one 
who  does  not  know  Latin,  and  indeed  other  languages  also  ;  and  more- 
over, none  o/  the  recensions  possess  that  ecclesiastical  authority  which  is 
enjoyed,  for  instance,  in  Italy,  by  the  Italian  version  of  Archbishop 
Martini.  Under  these  circumstances,  it  has  been  the  custom  for 
English  -  speaking  Catholics,  in  compiling  books  of  devotion,  to  make 
renderings  of  the  Latin  at  their  own  convenience,  and  indeed  in  the 
recently  published  Hortus  Anima,  which  bears  the  imprimatur  of  the 
Cardinal  Archbishop  of  Westminster,  the  Psalms  in  the  Little  Office  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  were  translated  from  the  Hebrew  without  any  regard 
to  the  Latin  at  all.  The  present  Translator  has  therefore  felt  himself 
abundantly  justified  in  using  any  good  English  at  his  command,  while 
adhering  to  the  sense  of  the  Latin,  of  which  he  trusts  that  his  text 
will  be  found  a  faithful  rendering. 

As  regards  the  proper  names  in  the  Old  Testament,  it  has  seemed 
to  him  most  convenient  to  use  the  transliteration  from  the  Hebrew 
which  is  most  commonly  used  by  the  Jews,  as  well  as  by  the  general 
world,  in  this  country,  instead  of  reproducing  the  Vulgate's  imperfect 
transliteration  of  the  imperfect  transliteration  of  the  LXX.  from  the 
Hebrew.  But  where  the  names,  even  of  the  same  persons,  occur  in 
quotations  from  the  New  Testament,  the  transliteration  is  equally  made 
from  the  original,  and  therefore  the  Greek  form  preserved. 

In  those  parts  of  the  office  which  are  not  taken  from  the  Scriptures, 
such  as  the  readings  from  the  Fathers,  the  Translator  has  not  been  care- 
ful to  give  the  same  word-for-word  rendering  as  in  the  passages  from 
Scripture.  The  genius  of  the  Latin  language,  its  long  and  involved  sen- 
tences, and  such  forms  as  the  Ablative  Absolute,  would  make  a  trans- 
lation like  a  school-boy's  exercise  a  piece  of  very  inelegant  English  com- 
position, and  almost  intolerable  as  a  devotional  formula.  His  aim, 
therefore,  has  been  to  reflect  the  ideas  of  the  Latin  in  the  best  English 
mirror  he  can  command,  and  he  must  deprecate  criticism  upon  the 
mere  ground  of  freedom  of  translation.  Besides  this,  he  has  only  to 
call  attention   to   the   treatment  of  the  quotations  from   Scripture  found 


viii  translator's  preface. 

in  the  extracts  from  the  Fathers  and  in  the  biographical  notices.  Where 
(a)  the  quotations  are  very  fragmentary,  he  has  usually  given  them  in 
full,  but  wherever  this  has  been  done  to  a  very  considerable  extent,  as 
by  the  insertion  of  whole  clauses  or  sentences,  it  is  indicated  either  by 
a  footnote  or  by  the  inserted  words  being  put  in  brackets,;  and  where 
(/3)  the  quotations  are  from  some  version  of  the  Scriptures  different  to 
the  present  Vulgate,  such  as  the  so-called  Itala,  or  literally  translated 
from  the  LXX.,  or  seem  to  be  inaccurate  quotations  from  memory,  or 
various  readings  created  by  copyists'  blunders,  he  has  harmonised  them 
with  the  rest  of  his  text,  as  it  seemed  to  him  that  to  embalm  these 
eccentricities  in  an  English  rendering  would  be,  even  were  it  always 
possible,  a  mere  useless  piece  of  Antiquarianism.  An  exception  is  made 
in  the  case  of  a  few  passages  where  the  sense  is  clearly  and  curiously 
affected,  and  these  have  been  invariably  pointed  out  in  footnotes. 

In  the  biographical  sketches  of  the  lives  of  the  Saints,  a  few  passages 
will  be  found  inserted  in  brackets.  These  are  almost  always  proper  names, 
dates,  or  geographical  identifications.  They  have  been  inserted  with  the 
idea  of  making  these  biographies  more  interesting  and  valuable,  and  are 
almost  always  taken  either  from  Alban  Butler's  Lives  of  the  Saints,  or 
from  the  very  valuable  French  work  in  seventeen  volumes,  intituled, 
Les  Petits  Bollandistes.  The  constant  changes  in  the  Translator's  place 
of  abode,  and  his  frequent  journeys,  rendered  it  naturally  impossible 
for  him  to  have  always  at  hand  a  copy  of  the  Acta  Sanctorum  them- 
selves, even  had  it  been  needful  for  his  purpose. 

The  poetical  portions  of  the  Breviary  have  given  the  Translator 
peculiar  trouble.  Only  a  few,  and  those  of  the  more  obscure,  of  the 
Hymns,  are  presented  in  his  own  paraphrase.  For  the  rest,  he  has 
sought  to  obtain  the  use  of  the  versions  which,  as  far  as  he  could 
judge,  combined  the  largest  amount  of  poetical  merit  with  accuracy 
in  rendering  the  sense  of  the  originals,  and  he  has  not  felt  it  necessary 
to  take  into  consideration  the  religious  opinions  of  those  by  whom  such 
translations  have  been  executed.  In  all  his  applications,  he  has  been 
met  with  uniform  courtesy  and  compliance  with  his  wishes,  and  he  here 
begs  to  ask  pardon  for  any  breach  of  copyright  which  he  may  have 
unknoMRgly  committed  by  reprinting  hymns  of  which  he  did   not  know 


TRANSLATOR'S   PREFACE.  IX 

the  translator.  The  source  whence  each  is  taken  has  always  been 
indicated. 

A  great  number  of  the  hymns  are  by  the  late  Rev.  E.  Caswall,  of  the 
Birmingham  Oratory,  who  died  during  the  printing  of  the  work.  (R.I. P.) 
The  Translator  expresses  his  thanks  for  his  constant  obliging  kindness. 

H.  E.  Cardinal  Newman  has  permitted  the  Translator  the  use  of  all 
his  published  hymns.  The  hymn  for  Prime  has  never  been  published 
before,  except  in  a  little  book  printed  by  the  present  Translator  a  few 
years  ago,  and  for  which  he  obtained  it  from  the  illustrious  writer. 
H.  E.  has  also  had  the  goodness  to  prepare  the  doxologies,  altering  with 
the  Office,  belonging  to  his  own  hymns. 

The  Rev.  Dr  Littledale  contributes  a  considerable  number  of  hymns, 
some  of  which  are  original,  and  written  expressly  for  this  work. 

The  elegant  hymns  for  Midsummer  Day,  one  of  which  is  written 
expressly  for  this  book,  are  by  a  noble  friend,  who  desires  to  remain 
anonymous. 

The  Translator  begs  finally  to  express  his  sincere  thanks  to  the 
Rev.  Dr  Wallace,  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Blew,  Rev.  W.  J.  Copeland,  Mr 
J.  D.  Chambers,  the  Messrs  Novello,  and  all  others  to  whom  he  is 
indebted  for  the  use  of  copyright  hymns.  The  Translator  tenders  to  all 
his  thankful  acknowledgment.  In  regard  to  the  hymns,  the  alteration 
in  the  last  verse,  caused  by  certain  Festivals  and  Seasons,  depends  in  the 
original  upon  the  scansion.  This  distinction,  viz.,  why  one  hymn  should 
alter  and  another  not,  could  not  be  rationally  adopted  in  the  English, 
where  the  metres  are  not  always  the  same  as  in  the  Latin.  The  Trans- 
lator, therefore,  has  provided  for  the  alteration  of  all  the  unchanging 
hymns,  viz.,  those  of  the  Small  Hours,  while  the  hymns  of  Mattins, 
Lauds,  and  Vespers,  which  change  with  the  Office,  do  not  here  undergo 
the  alteration  of  the  last  verse. 

Besides  the  hymns  proper,  there  are  a  good  many  passages,  such 
as  the  Blessings  at  Mattins,  and  some  of  the  Antiphons  and  Responsories, 
which  are  either  in  actual  verse  or  else  written  with  some  peculiar  rhyme 
or  rhythm.  There  are  also  a  certain  number  of  puns.  Great  care  has 
been  taken,  as  far  as  possible,  to  reproduce  these  quaint  features.  They 
will  jar  upon   the  ear  of  the   English  reader,   but   he    may  rest  assured 


X  translator's  preface. 

that  they  cannot  offend  him  more  than  the  originals  would  have  offended 
a  Roman  of  the  classical  age,  and  to  suppress  them  would  have  been 
to  give  a  false  idea  of  the  book.  They  are  usually  printed  as  prose, 
as  they  are  in  the  original. 

The  feature  in  which  this  translation  is,  so  far,  more  convenient  than 
the  original,  is  the  fact  that  all  the  references  to  Holy  Scripture,  (except 
such  as  are  very  commonly  known,  or  have  been  given  shortly  before,) 
are  given,  either  in  footnotes,  or,  where  they  occur  in  the  text,  (not 
itself  Scripture,)  in  brackets  inserted  in  it.  The  mere  work  with  a 
Concordance  which  this  has  entailed  has  been  very  great,  but  the 
Translator  ventures  to  think  the  object  was  well  worth  it. 

The  other  footnotes  are  exclusively  aimed  at  the  elucidation  of  the 
text.  The  historical  ones  are  chiefly  from  Alban  Butler  or  Les  Petits 
Bollandistes.  Those  on  Scripture  are  mostly  from  the  annotated  English 
Bible  published  by  the  late  Dr  Kenrick,  Archbishop  of  New  York, — a 
most  valuable  work,  unhappily  but  little  known  in  this  country.  Those 
on  Isaiah  are  mainly  from  Lowth ;  those  on  Daniel  from  Dr  Pusey ; 
those  from  the  Targums  on  the  Holy  Torah,  from  Etheridge's  trans- 
lation ;  those  from  the  other  Targums,  from  the  Latin  version  in  Walton's 
Biblia  Polyglotta.  The  source  has  always  been  indicated,  except  where 
one  note  closely  follows  another. 

Most  part  of  this  work  has  been  submitted  in  MS.,  the  whole  of  it 
in  proof,  and  part  even  in  revise,  to  the  friendly  criticism  of  the  Rev. 
James  McSwiney,  S.J.,  whom  the  Translator  has  already  mentioned,  and 
to  whom  he  desires  here  to  express  his  sincerest  thanks  for  the  long 
pains  and  unwearied  patience  and  kindness  which  year  after  year  he  has 
expended  upon  this  matter.  He  begs  also  to  thank  the  Superiors  of  the 
Society  of  Jesus  for  allowing  him  the  assistance  of  so  valuable  a  member 
of  their  body.  It  must,  however,  be  distinctly  understood  that  the  work 
of  Father  McSwiney  has  been  almost  entirely  confined  to  excision  and 
pointing  out  blunders,  and  that  he  is  objectively  responsible  for  nothing 
except  the  bracketing  the  passages  in  the  Psalter,  as  before  mentioned, 
and  a  very  few  of  the  footnotes. 

However,  notwithstanding  the  amount  of  pains  and  repeated  revision, 
and  the  extraordinary  excellence  with  which  the  printers  have  done  their 


TRANSLATORS   PREFACE.  XI 

work,  and  for  which  the  Translator  desires  to  make  to  them  his  sincerely 
felt  and  thankful  acknowledgments,  it  must  needs  be  that  so  very  large 
a  work,  printed  for  the  first  time,  contains  a  considerable  number  of 
oversights.  Some  of  these  are  already  visible  to  the  Translator.  He 
prefers,  however,  to  leave  them  to  the  indulgence  of  the  reader,  rather 
than  revise  every  word  again,  in  order  to  encumber  the  book  with  a 
page  or  pages  of  errata  and  corrigenda. 

The  translator  desires  in  conclusion  to  protest  that  if,  (which  he 
hopes  and  believes  is  not  the  case,)  either  the  translation  itself,  or  the 
footnotes,  should  contain  anything  which  a  faithful  Catholic  ought  not 
to  have  written,  he  has  written  such  passage  inadvertently. 


Richmond,  June  27,  1879. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  PRESENT  EDITION. 


TT  is  now  twenty-eight  years  since  the  first  English  Translation  of  the 
Breviary  was  made,  and  had  the  Translator  lived  to  publish  this 
new  edition,  it  would  have  appeared  a  long  time  ago,  for  the  work 
was  far  advanced,  and  some  portion  of  it  had  been  printed,  before  his 
death. 

This  present  edition  is  for  use  in  England ;  and  it  is  peculiar  in  that 
it  has  added  to  it  a  translation  of  the  Martyrology,  which  will  be  found 
in  its  proper  place  in  the  Office. 

The  Rev.  James  McSwiney,  S.J.,  and  Mr  J.  H.  Stevenson,  who 
were  engaged  with  the  Translator  at  the  time  of  his  death  in  seeing 
the  work  through  the  press,  were  good  enough  to  carry  it  on  until  some 
three  years  ago,  when  the  death  of  the  Rev.  J.  McSwiney  occurred. 
This  misfortune  caused  delay,  but  after  a  time  his  place  was  filled  by 
the  Rev.  James  O'Donohoe,  S.J.,  and  once  again  the  work  went  on. 

The  undertaking  has  been  found  to  be  very  complicated  in  a  way 
which  was  not  at  first  foreseen,  and  although  a  very  complete  manuscript 
of  the  unprinted  part  of  the  book  was  left,  except  three  of  the  recent 
offices,  and  they  were  partly  written,  the  difficulties  have  been  great. 

There  have  been  constant  delays  owing  to  unforeseen  circumstances, 
and  needless  to  say  the  absence  of  the  Translator  himself  has  been 
keenly  felt  throughout.  Frequently  it  has  occurred  that  points  which  he 
could  have  decided  with  a  stroke  of  the  pen  have  had  to  be  made  the 
subject  of  much  consideration  as  well  as  correspondence,  for  the  anxiety 
of  those  engaged  on  the  work  has  been  to  complete  it  if  possible  exactly 


XIV  PREFACE  TO  THE   PRESENT  EDITION. 

as   he  would    have   wished    it,    and,   although  the  result   may  fall   short, 
no  pains  have  been  spared  to  attain  this  end. 

Thanks  are  offered  to  all  who  have  given  permission  to  use  their 
existing  translations  of  hymns,  and  in  one  or  two  cases  for  new 
translations. 

That  such  a  work  as  this  should  be  entirely  free  from  mistakes  or 
oversights  is  hardly  possible,  and  more  especially  considering  the  cir- 
cumstances under  which  it  has  been  finished;  the  indulgence  therefore 
of  the  reader  is  craved,  owing  to  the  extreme  difficulty  of  the  task 
which  has  been  undertaken. 

G.    BUTE. 


St  John's  Lodge,  1908. 


CONTENTS, 


TRANSLATOR'S    PREFACE    . 

PREFACE   TO   THE   PRESENT   EDITION 

THE    PIE 


PAGE 
V 

xiii 
xix 


THE    PSALTER— 

MATTINS — 
SUNDAY 
MONDAY 
TUESDAY 
WEDNESDAY 
THURSDAY 
FRIDAY 
SATURDAY 

LAUDS — 
SUNDAY 
MONDAY 
TUESDAY 
WEDNESDAY 
THURSDAY 
FRIDAY 
SATURDAY 

PRIME 

SUNDAY 
WEEK-DAYS 

TERCE 


I 

73 
92 
I08 
123 
140 
157 

22 

87 
I05 
I20 
137 
153 
171 

35 
45 

52 


XVI 


CONTENTS. 


THE    PSALTER- 

SEXT 

NONE 

VESPERS — 
SUNDAY 
MONDAY 
TUESDAY 
WEDNESDAY 
THURSDAY 
FRIDAY 
SATURDAY 

COMPLINE 


59 
66 

176 
I85 
188 
190 

193 
197 
200 

205 


PROPER    OFFICE    OF    THE    SEASON- 

ADVENT     

CHRISTMAS 

EPIPHANY 

SEPTUAGESIMA  .... 


213 
271 
331 

414 


THE    COMMON    OF    SAINTS— 

FOR    APOSTLES'   EVES 

FOR    APOSTLES    AND    EVANGELISTS 

FOR    ONE    MARTYR      . 

FOR    MANY    MARTYRS 

FOR    ONE   BISHOP   AND   CONFESSOR 

FOR    A   CONFESSOR    NOT   A    BISHOP 

FOR    DOCTORS    .... 

FOR    THE   BLESSED    VIRGIN    MARY 

FOR    VIRGINS      .... 

FOR    HOLY    WOMEN     . 

FOR    DEDICATION    OF    A   CHURCH 

PROPER    OFFICE    OF    THE    SAINTS- 


461 
462 
482 
498 
515 
53i 
547 
552 
567 
580 
588 


FEAST    DAYS 

IN 

NOVEMBER           ..... 

609 

11 

DECEMBER           

.          615 

H 

JANUARY 

676 

» 

FEBRUARY            

733 

11 

MARCH       

■        785 

CONTENTS. 


XVll 


ADDITIONAL    SERVICES- 
LITTLE   OFFICE   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY 
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 


809 

820 

839 
840 

844 
846 
848 
854 
856 


THE    VOTIVE    OFFICES- 


ALL   HOLY   ANGELS 

ALL    THE    HOLY   APOSTLES  .... 

ST   JOSEPH,    SPOUSE    OF   THE    BLESSED    VIRGIN    MARY 

THE    MOST    HOLY    SACRAMENT    OF   THE   ALTAR      . 

THE    PASSION    OF    OUR    LORD    JESUS    CHRIST 

THE    IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION    OF    THE    BLESSED    VIRGIN    MARY 


859 

865 
867 
875 
887 
896 


GENERAL    APPENDIX 


OFFICES    PECULIAR    TO    IRELAND 


905 
950 


ERRATA. 

Page  730,  2nd  col.,  last  line,  delete — from  the  Chapter  inclusive, 
it      772,  1  st  col.,  after  line  4,  insert  martyrology. 


vol.  1. 


Eije  $ie/ 


'"PHERE  is  an  Office  for  every  day,  and  this  Office  is  either   (i)   Double, 
(2)   Semi-double,  or   (3)   Simple. 

« 

Chapter   I.      Of  Double  Offices. 

The  Office  is  Double  from  Maundy  Thursday  to  Easter  Tuesday,  both 
inclusive,  on  Low  Sunday,  on  Ascension  Day,  on  Whitsun  Day,  and  the 
Monday  and  Tuesday  following,  on  Trinity  Sunday,  on  Corpus  Christi,  and 
on  the  Dedication  Feast  of  the  Church  where  the  service  is  held,  or  to  which 
the  person  praying  is  attached ;  on  every  Feast-day  in  the  Kalendar  marked 
Double,  and  on  the  Octave-day  of  every  Feast  which  has  an  Octave  ;  more- 
over, upon  the  Feast  of  the  Patron  or  Patrons,  or  Titular  or  Titulars,  of  the 
place  or  Church,  and  upon  the  Feast  or  Feasts  of  any  Saint  or  Saints  which 
any  particular  Church,  Order,  or  Congregation  may  have  been  used  and  have 
obtained,  or  shall  obtain,  the  Sanction  of  the  Apostolic  See  to  observe  solemnly, 
either  with  a  special  Office,  or  with  the  Common  Office,  even  although  such 
Feast  be  not  to  be  found  in  the  Roman  Kalendar.  Moreover,  the  Office  for 
the  Dead  is  said  as  a  Double  upon  All  Souls'  Day,  and  upon  the  day  of  the 
death  or  burial  of  the  Deceased  for  whom  it  is  said,  even  as  is  directed  in  the 
Office  itself. 

2.  A  Double  Feast  is  kept  or  commemorated  upon  its  own  day,  unless  it 
should  be  transferred  or  entirely  omitted  according  to  Chapter  X.  of  this  Pie. 

3.  A  Double  Feast  has  the  whole  of  both  First  and  Second  Vespers,  unless 
it  clash  with  another  like  Office,  as  treated  of  in  Chapter  XL  of  this  Pie, 
and  the  whole  Office  is  then  of  the  Double  from  the  Vespers  on  the  first  evening 
till  Compline  on  the  second,  both  inclusive — unless  something  special  be  ordered 
in  its  own  place.  The  Office  of  the  Dead,  however,  has  only  one  Vesper  Service, 
Mattins,  and  Lauds,  as  given  in  its  own  place. 

4.  On  a  Double,  the  Antiphons  at  both  Vespers,  at  Mattins,  and  at  Lauds 
(but  not  at  Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  None,  or  Compline,)  are  doubled,  that  is  to  say, 
are  repeated  entire  both  before  and  after  the  Psalm  or  Canticle  to  which  they 
respectively  belong. 

5.  At  Mattins  on  a  Double  are  always  said  three  Nocturns,  being  nine  Psalms 

1  I.e.,  parti-coloured.     This  quaint  name  is  owing  to  the  General  Rubrics  being  usually 
printed  in  black  and  red. 


XX  THE   PIE. 

and  nine  Lessons,  that  is  to  say,  three  Psalms  and  three  Lessons  in  each  Nocturn. 
The  only  exceptions  are  Easter  and  Pentecost,  with  the  two  days  succeeding  in 
each  case,  when  there  is  only  one  Nocturn,  with  three  Psalms  and  three  Lessons, 
as  there  given. 

6.  On  a  Double,  the  Prayers  called  Pieces  are  omitted  at  Compline  and 
Prime,  as  also  the  Common  Commemorations  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  &c,  at 
Vespers  and   Lauds. 

7.  As  for  anything  else,  see  the  Chapters  of  this  Pie  treating  specially  of 
each  detail. 

Chapter  II.     Of  Semi-double  Offices. 

The  Office  is  Semi-double  upon  all  Sundays  (except  Low  Sunday,  which  is 
Double);  upon  all  days  within  Octaves;  upon  all  Feasts  which  are  marked 
Semi-double  in  the  Kalendar,  and  also  upon  any  Feasts  peculiar  to  particular  places 
or  Congregations,  which,  in  the  said  places  or  Congregations  it  has  been  usual  to 
keep  more  solemnly  than  if  they  were  Simples. 

2.  A  Semi-double  Feast  is  either  kept  or  commemorated  upon  its  own  day, 
or  entirely  omitted,  according  to  Chapter  X.  of  this  Pie. 

3.  A  Semi-double  Feast  has  the  whole  of  the  Office,  from  Vespers  on  the 
first  evening  till  Compline  on  the  second,  both  inclusive,  like  a  Double ;  but  the 
Antiphons  are  not  doubled — that  is  to  say,  before  the  Psalm  or  Canticle  only  the 
first  few  words  of  the  Antiphon  are  said,  namely,  those  as  far  as  the  asterisk  (*), 
although  at  the  end  of  the  Psalm  or  Canticle  the  whole  Antiphon  is  said  entire. 

4.  At  Mattins  are  said  three  Nocturns,  with  three  Psalms  and  three  Lessons 
in  each,  except  within  the  Octaves  of  Easter  and  Pentecost,  when  there  is  only 
one  Nocturn,  with  three  Psalms  and  three  Lessons.  Also  on  Sundays,  when  the 
Office  is  of  the  Sunday,  there  are  twelve  Psalms  in  the  first  Nocturn,  instead  of 
three. 

5.  As  to  anything  else,  see  the  Chapters  of  this  Pie  treating  specially  of 
each  detail. 

Chapter  III.     Of  Simple  Offices. 

The  Office  is  Simple  on  all  Week-days  when  the  Service  is  of  such ;  upon 
all  days  in  the  Kalendar  which  are  not  marked  Double,  or  Semi-double,  or  of  an 
Octave ;  and  in  the  Simple  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  on  Saturdays,  as  appointed 
in  Chapter  VIII. 

2.  The  Office  of  a  Simple  Feast  is  said  upon  its  own  day,  but  is  liable  to 
be  overborne  by  any  Office  having  Nine  Lessons,  or  by  that  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
on  Saturday,  or  by  that  of  a  Week-day  having  the  precedence  over  it  according  to 
Chapter  V.  and  Chapter  IX. 

3.  The  Simple  Feast  has  only  one  Vesper  Office,  namely,  the  first,  when  the 
Service  is  of  the  Week-day  till  the  Chapter,  exclusive,  and  then  of  the  Feast  from 
the  Chapter,  inclusive,  till  the  end,  what  is  of  the  Feast  being  as  if  of  a  Semi- 
double.  However,  should  this  evening  be  occupied  by  the  Vespers  of  an  Office 
of  Nine  Lessons,  the  Simple  is  only  commemorated,  as  regulated  in  Chapter  XL 
A  Simple  Office  always  ends  with  None,  inclusive,  and  has  nothing  afterwards, 
not  even  a  Commemoration. 

4.  At  Mattins,  the  Office  is  of  the  Feast  till  the  Hymn,  inclusive  ;  after  which 


THE   PIE.  xxi 

are  said  the  Psalms  and  Antiphons  of  the  Week-day.     Then  the  Office  continues 
of  the  Feast,  according  to  what  is  said  in  Chapter  XXVI. 

5.  As  to  anything  else,  see  the  Chapters  of  this  Pie  treating  specially  of 
each  detail. 

Chapter  IV.     Of  Sundays. 

The  Office  of  the  Sunday  is  always  said  on  the  Sundays  in  Advent,  and  on 
those  from  Septuagesima  to  Low  Sunday,  both  inclusive,  any  Double  or  Semi- 
double  Feast  whatsoever  being  transferred  or  reduced  to  a  mere  Commemoration 
or  entirely  omitted  to  make  room  for  them,  (as  prescribed  in  Chapter  X.,)  unless 
it  be  a  Double  Feast  of  the  First  Class.  Such  Feast  is  then  observed,  with  a 
Commemoration  of  the  Sunday,  except  on  the  first  Sundays  of  Advent  and  Lent, 
and  Passion,  Palm,  Easter,  Low,  Pentecost,  and  Trinity  Sundays,  which  yield  to 
nothing.  See,  as  to  this,  Chapter  IX.  On  other  Sundays  in  the  year,  the  Office 
is  of  the  Sunday  unless  the  day  be  occupied  by  a  Double  Office,  in  which  case 
the  Service  is  of  the  Double,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  Sunday  at  both 
Vespers  and  at  Lauds,  and  for  the  Ninth  Lesson,  the  seventh  of  the  Sunday, 
or  the  seventh,  eighth,  and  ninth  read  as  one ;  as  prescribed  in  Chapter  IX. 
A  Semi-double  clashing  with  a  Sunday  is  commemorated,  according  to  Chapter  X. 

2.  On  the  Sundays  within  the  Octaves  of  Christmas,  Twelfth-Day,  Ascension 
Day,  and  Corpus  Christi,  the  Service  is  of  the  Octave  with  such  variations  as  are 
given  in  their  own  place,  with  Commemoration  of  the  Octave  and  without  either 
Preces  or  the  Common  Commemorations.  On  Sundays  within  other  Octaves,  the 
Service  is  of  the  Sunday  as  given  in  the  Psalter  and  in  the  Proper  Office  of  the 
Season,  with  Commemoration  of  the  Octave,  but  without  Preces  or  the  Common 
Commemorations.  If  a  Sunday  and  an  Octave-day  clash,  the  Office  is  of  the 
Octave-day,  being  Double,  with  Commemoration  and  Ninth  Lesson  of  the 
Sunday.  The  only  exception  is  with  the  Octave-day  of  Twelfth-Day,  when, 
the  Service  of  the  Sunday  having  been  said  on  Saturday,  no  notice  of  it  is 
taken  on  the  Octave-day. 

3.  Offices  are  given  for  six  Sundays  after  the  Epiphany  and  for  twenty-four 
after  Pentecost,  so  that  there  shall  be  no  blank  upon  any  of  the  thirty  Sundays 
which  may  occur  between  Twelfth-Day  and  Septuagesima,  and  between  Pentecost 
and  Advent,  albeit  they  may  perhaps  only  be  commemorated.  Those  which  are 
over  and  not  wanted  after  Twelfth-Day  before  Septuagesima  are  inserted  and 
used  up  between  the  23rd  after  Pentecost,  and  the  next  before  Advent,  in  the 
following  order — 

4.  If  there  are  25  Sundays  after  Pentecost,  the  24th  is  the  6th  after  the 
Epiphany:  if  26 — the  24th,  the  5th;  and  the  25th,  the  6th:  if  27 — the  24th, 
the  4th  ;  the  25th,  the  5th  ;  and  the  26th,  the  6th  :  if  28 — the  24th,  the  3rd  ; 
the  25th,  the  4th;  the  26th,  the  5th;  and  the  27th,  the  6th.  It  sometimes 
happens  that  there  are  only  23  Sundays  after  Pentecost;  in  which  case,  that 
next  before  Advent  still  keeps  its  place,  and  the  Office  of  the  23rd  Sunday  is 
said  upon  the  preceding  Saturday,  if  that  day  be  not  occupied  by  an  Office  of 
Nine  Lessons,  or,  if  so  occupied,  upon  the  nearest  day  in  that  week  not  so 
occupied,  a  Simple  Feast  being  in  such  case  only  commemorated.  On  this 
occasion  the  Office  will  be  of  the  Week-day,  substituting  only  the  three  Lessons, 
the  Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias,  and  the  Prayer  of  the  Sunday  for  those 
of  the  Week-day  (which  are  omitted.)     However,  if  the  whole  of  that  week  be 


XX11  THE   PIE. 

occupied  by  Offices  of  Nine  Lessons,  even  if  transferred  thither  or  belonging  to 
an  Octave,  then  on  the  Saturday  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  the  seventh  of  the  Sunday, 
or  the  seventh,  eighth,  and  ninth,  read  as  one,  and  at  Lauds  (only)  there  is  made 
Commemoration  of  the  Sunday,  by  its  own  Antiphon  for  the  Song  of  Zacharias 
and  its  own  Prayer  with  the  Verse  and  Answer  of  the  Saturday. 

5.  It  will  sometimes  occur  that  the  3rd,  4th,  5th,  or  6th  Sunday  after  the 
Epiphany  is  left  over  and  there  is  no  room  for  it  after  Pentecost.  In  that  case 
it  is  placed  on  the  Saturday  or  other  day  in  the  week  preceding  Septuagesima,  in 
the  same  manner  as  described  in  the  foregoing  section. 

6.  What  to  do  when  the  2nd  Sunday  after  Twelfth-Day  is  Septuagesima,  is 
prescribed  in  a  special  Rubric  on  the  subject  at  p.  359,  Note  2. 

7.  When,  in  the  Breviary,  mention  is  made  of  the  First  Sunday  of  such- 
and-such  a  month,  the  Sunday  meant  is  that  which  is  on  or  nearest  to  the 
1st  day  of  such  month  :  thus,  if  the  1st  day  of  the  month  be  a  Monday,  Tuesday, 
or  Wednesday,  the  first  Sunday  of  that  month  is  the  Sunday  before,  albeit  actually 
in  the  preceding  month,  but  if  the  1st  day  of  the  month  be  a  Thursday,  Friday, 
or  Saturday,  the  first  Sunday  of  the  month  is  the  Sunday  after.  However,  the 
first  Sunday  of  Advent  is  not  taken  to  be  the  first  Sunday  of  December,  but  that 
which  is  either  on  or  nearest  to  the  Feast  of  St  Andrew,  viz.,  November  30. 

8.  The  Sunday  Office  is  Semi-double  and  begins  with  Vespers  on  Saturday, 
lasting  till  Compline  on  Sunday,  inclusive.  See,  however,  the  case  of  its  clashing 
with  other  Offices,  Chapter  XI. 

9.  At  Mattins  there  are  Three  Nocturns,  as  in  the  Psalter,  and  Nine  Lessons, 
as  in  the  Office  of  the  Season. 

10.  As  to  anything  else,  see  the  Chapters  of  this  Pie,  treating  specially  of 
such  detail. 

Chapter  V.     Of  Week-days. 

The  Week-day  Office,  that  is  to  say,  the  Simple  Office  of  the  Season,  as 
contained  in  the  Psalter  and  the  Proper  Office  of  the  Season,  is  always  said  in 
Advent  and  Lent,  and  on  Ember  Days,  Eves,  and  Rogation  Monday,  except 
when  there  is  a  Double  or  Semi-double  Office,  or  that  belonging  to  some  Octave, 
on  which  occasions  the  Week-day  is  only  commemorated,  as  given  in  Chapter  IX. 
If  a  Simple  Feast  occur  upon  one  of  these  Week-days,  it  is  only  commemorated. 
Moreover,  the  Office  of  the  Week-day  is  said  upon  any  day  in  the  Kalendar 
to  which  no  Feast  is  assigned,  which  is  not  within  any  Octave,  and  which  is 
not  occupied  by  the  Simple  Saturday  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  or  by  any 
Feast  peculiar  to  the  Church  or  place  where  the  Service  takes  place  or  to  which 
the  person  praying  belongs. 

2.  In  Advent  and  Lent,  and  on  Ember  Days,  Eves,  and  Rogation  Monday, 
the  Office  of  the  Week-day  begins  with  Mattins  ;  on  other  days  in  the  year  it 
begins  where  the  Office  of  the  preceding  day  ends  :  thus — if  the  day  before 
have  been  Double  or  Semi-double,  it  begins  with  Mattins ;  if  a  Simple,  with 
Vespers.  Moreover,  if  upon  Ember  Wednesday  and  Friday  in  September,  upon 
Ash  Wednesday,  or  upon  any  Eve,  there  fall  a  Simple  Feast,  which  is  to  be 
commemorated,  this  Simple  Feast  is  deprived  of  its  First  Vespers,  which  are 
then  of  the  Week-day  (unless  they  be  the  Second  Vespers  of  some  Office  of  Nine 
Lessons)  as  in  the  Psalter,  without  Preces,  but  with  the  Prayer  of  the  preceding 


THE  PIE.  xxiii 

Sunday,  and  a  Commemoration  of  the  Simple  Feast.  See  Chapter  XI.  The 
Office  of  the  Week-day  ends  with  None,  if  there  follow  a  Double  or  Semi- 
double,  but  if  there  follow  a  Simple,  the  Office  of  which  is  to  be  said,  then 
Vespers  are  of  the  Week-day  till  the  Chapter  exclusive,  and  with  the  Chapter 
begins  the  Office  of  the  said  Simple,  without  any  further  notice  of  the  Week-day. 

3.  At  Mattins  is  said  one  Nocturn,  with  twelve  Psalms  and  three  Lessons,  as 
in  the  Psalter,  and  the  Proper  Office  of  the  Season. 

4.  From  the  above  rules  are  entirely  excepted  the  Offices  of  Maundy 
Thursday,  Good  Friday,  Holy  Saturday,  Easter  Week,  and  Whitsun  Week, 
which  are  perfectly  special,  as  regulated  in  their  own  places. 

5.  As  for  anything  else,  see  the  Chapters  of  this  Pie  treating  specially  of 
each  detail. 

Chapter  VI.     Of  Eves. 

The  Office  of  the  Eve  is  said  upon  all  Eves  which  are  Fasts,1  (and  which 
are  marked  in  the  Kalendar  with  the  word  "Eve,")  unless  there  occur  on  such 
a  day  an  Office  with  Nine  Lessons,  or  the  Office  of  some  Octave.  In  such  a 
case  the  Ninth  Lesson  of  the  said  Office  is  omitted  or  read  as  one  with  the 
Eighth,  and  for  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  read  the  whole  or  the  first  part  of  the 
Homily  for  the  Eve ;  and  the  Eve  is  commemorated  at  Lauds  (only)  by  the 
Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias  and  the  Verse  and  Answer  belonging  to  the 
Week-day,  with  the  Prayer  of  the  Eve.  However,  there  are  some  exceptions, 
which  here  follow. 

2.  If  the  Eve  should  be  a  Sunday,  the  Office  of  the  Eve  is  said  on  Saturday, 
or,  if  Saturday  be  occupied  as  mentioned  above,  it  is  commemorated,  as  there 
directed.  The  two  exceptions  are  the  Eves  of  Christmas  and  Twelfth-Day,  the 
Offices  of  which  are  said  even  on  Sunday,  as  is  noted  in  their  own  place.  How- 
ever, if  on  the  day  of  the  Eve  should  be  some  Feast  of  great  local  importance  in 
a  particular  place,  or  one  of  those  generally  more  important  which  are  enumerated 
hereafter  in  Chapter  IX., — as  for  instance,  if  Corpus  Christi  fell  upon  Midsummer 
Eve, — no  notice  whatever  is  taken  of  the  Eve  in  the  Office.  The  solitary 
exception  is  the  Eve  of  Twelfth-Day.  Moreover,  in  Advent,  Lent,  and  on 
the  days  of  Quarter-Tense,  no  notice  whatever  is  taken  of  an  Eve. 

3.  The  Office  of  the  Eve  begins  with  Mattins  and  ends  with  None. 

4.  The  Office  of  an  Eve  is  entirely  that  of  the  Week-day,  (Responsories 
included,)  except  the  Three  Lessons2  and  the  Prayer.  Long  Preces  are  said 
as  in  Advent  or  Lent,  and  also  the  Common  Commemorations.  For  anything 
else  there  are  special  Rubrics  hereafter. 

5.  There  are  four  exceptional  cases  :  a.  Whitsun  Eve,  which  is  a  Semi- 
double  with  Three  Nocturns.  (3.  Christmas  Eve,  which  is  a  Double,  from 
Lauds  to  None,  both  inclusive,  y,  8.  The  Eves  of  Twelfth-Day  and  of  the 
Ascension.     See  all  these  in  their  own  places. 

1  There  are  a  good  many  Eves  which  are  not  Fasts,  at  least  in  certain  countries,  but 
they  appear  to  have  been  so  formerly,  and  it  is  the  custom  still  to  recite  the  Office, 
including  the  Long  Preces,  as  if  they  had  remained  so. 

2  For  the  Blessings  on  them,  see  the  Summary  of  Blessings  and  Absolutions  hereafter. 


XXIV  THE    PIE. 


Chapter  VII.     Of  Octaves. 

An  Octave  is  the  repetition  of  an  Office,  or  at  the  least  the  Commemoration 
of  it,  if  some  Sunday  or  Festival  intervene,  for  eight  days,  one  after  the  other, 
being  the  Feast  itself  and  seven  days  following.  This  honour  is  paid  to  the 
Passover,  when  our  Lord  rose  again,  to  Ascension  Day,  to  Whitsun  Day,  to 
the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi,  to  the  Dedication  of  the  particular  Church,  to 
the  Patronal  or  Titular  Feast  of  the  place  or  Church,  and  to  Feasts  of  other 
Saints  which  may  have  been  customarily  so  treated  in  any  particular  Church, 
Congregation,  or  Order.  No  Octaves  are  kept  between  Ash  Wednesday  and 
Easter,  nor  during  the  Octave  of  Pentecost,  nor  between  December  1 7  and 
Christmas  ;  and  even  if  one  of  these  days,  namely,  Ash  Wednesday,  Whitsun 
Day,  or  December  17,  should  come  in  the  middle  of  an  Octave  which  has 
already  been  kept  for  some  days,  their  arrival  breaks  it  off  at  once. 

2.  Also,  in  the  cases  of  Easter  and  Pentecost  the  Office  of  the  Octave  is 
not  said  after  None  on  the  next  Saturday. 

3.  Any  Double  or  Semi-double  Feast  which  falls  on  any  day l  within  an 
Octave,  is  observed,  and  so  also  is  observed  any  Feast  which  may  be  thither 
transferred,  but  there  is  then  made  a  Commemoration  of  the  Octave,  at  both 
the  Vespers  and  at  Lauds,  unless  the  Feast  observed  be  one  of  those  more 
important,  hereafter  enumerated  in  Chapter  IX.,  and  whereon  no  Octave  is 
commemorated  ;  however,  an  exception  is  made  in  favour  of  the  Octaves  of 
Christmas,  Twelfth-Day,  and  Corpus  Christi,  which  are  always  at  least  com- 
memorated, whatsoever  be  the  Feast  which  may  occur  during  their  Octaves. 
However,  within  the  Octaves  of  Easter  and  Pentecost  no  Feast  whatsoever  is 
kept,  even  should  it  be  that  of  the  principal  Patron  or  Titular  or  of  the 
Dedication  of  the  particular  Church.  All  are  transferred  out  of  the  Octave, 
if  this  can  be  done,  or  are  reduced  to  mere  commemorations,  as  laid  down  in 
Chapter  X.  Within  the  Octave  of  Twelfth-Day  (except  the  Octave-day 
itself)  may  be  observed  only  Double  Feasts  of  the  First  Class,  and  that 
with  Commemoration  of  the  Octave.  Within  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christi, 
only  Doubles  are  observed,  and  they  only  those  which  naturally  occur  there ; 
others  are  not  to  be  transferred  thither,  unless  they  be  Feasts  of  the  First  or 
Second  Class;  and  Commemoration  is  always  made  of  the  Octave.  Semi- 
doubles  occurring  within  this  Octave  are  reduced  to  mere  Commemorations. 
See  Chapter  X.  Simples  which  occur  within  any  Octave  are  merely  com- 
memorated, except  upon  Easter  Monday  and  Tuesday,  and  Whitsun  Monday 
and  Tuesday,  when  all  notice  of  Simples  is  omitted.  See  Chapter  IX.  The 
Service  upon  Sundays  within  Octaves  is  as  prescribed  above,  in  the  Chapter 
upon  Sundays  (IV.)  If  two  Octaves  clash  (as,  for  instance,  that  of  Midsummer 
Day  with  that  of  Corpus  Christi,  or  that  of  a  local  Patron  or  Titular  with  some 
other)  when  the  Office  is  not  of  some  Festival  with  Nine  Lessons  or  of  the 
Sunday,  it  is  of  that  Octave  whose  Feast  is  of  the  higher  rank,  with  Com- 
memoration of  the  other.  As  for  the  case  of  Feasts  falling  on  the  actual 
Octave-days,  see  Chapter  X. 

4.  The  Office  of  a  day  within  an  Octave  has  three  Nocturns,  that  is  to 
say,  at  Mattins  nine   Psalms  and  nine  Lessons.     The  only  exceptions  are  the 

1  Except,  of  course,  the  Feast  itself,  the  Octave-day,  and  the  Sunday. 


THE    PIE.  XXV 

Octaves  of  Easter  and  Pentecost,  when  there  is  only  one  Nocturn.  Every- 
thing is  as  on  the  Festival,  except  the  Lessons.  Of  these,  the  first  three  are 
always  from  Scripture  according  to  the  Season,  except  within  the  Octave  of 
the  Assumption,  when  those  days  on  which  the  Office  is  of  the  Octave  have 
Scripture  Lessons  of  their  own,  taken  from  the  Song  of  Songs.  The  Lessons 
of  the  Second  and  Third  Nocturns  are  always  given  in  their  own  places.  It 
may  happen  that  an  Octave  is  kept  somewhere  for  some  local  Patron  or  Titular 
Feast,  where  there  are  no  special  authorised  Lessons  for  the  Second  and  Third 
Nocturn : x  in  this  case  Lessons  are  to  be  taken  out  of  the  Common  Office,  if 
the  subject  be  some  Saint  or  Saints,  or,  if  otherwise,  the  Lessons  of  the  Feast-day 
repeated. 

5.  On  the  days  within  the  Octave  the  Office  is  Semi-double,  and  on  the 
Octave-day  itself  Double.  The  Vespers  every  day  are  the  same  as  the  Second 
Vespers  of  the  Feast,  except  the  First  Vespers  of  the  Octave-day,  which  are  the 
same  as  the  First  Vespers  of  the  Feast,  unless  some  special  direction  be  given  to 
the  contrary. 

6.  Within  Octaves  the  Common  Commemorations  of  the  Saints  are  not  said 
at  Vespers  and  Lauds,  nor  Preces  at  Prime  and  Compline,  even  if  the  Office 
be  of  a  Sunday  or  Semi-double.  For  anything  else,  see  the  Chapters  of  this 
Pie  treating  specially  of  each  detail. 

Chapter  VIII.     Of  the  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  as  a  Simple 

on   Saturday. 

On  every  Saturday  in  the  year,  with  the  exceptions  hereafter  immediately 
noted,  the  Simple  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  as  placed  at  the  end  of  the 
Common  Office  for  her  Festivals,  is  said  in  preference  to  the  Office  of  the 
Week-day  or  the  Office  of  any  other  Simple  Festival,  such  simple  Festival,  if 
it  occur,  being  merely  commemorated.  The  exceptions  are  the  Saturdays  in 
Advent  and  Lent,  the  Ember  Saturdays,  Eves,  Saturdays  to  which  the  Sunday 
Office  may  be  transferred  according  to  this  Pie,  IV.  4,  5,  Saturdays  on  which 
Nine  Lessons  may  be  read,  and  the  Saturdays  within  the  Octaves  of  Easter  and 
Whitsun  Day. 

2.  When  this  Office  is  not  said,  neither  is  it  commemorated.  On  Semi- 
doubles  the  Blessed  Virgin  (if  her  Little  Office  is  not  going  to  be  said)  has 
her  Common  Commemoration  at  Vespers  and  Lauds,  along  with  the  others,  but 
that  is  all. 

3.  This  Office  begins  with  the  Chapter  at  Vespers  on  Friday,  like  other 
Simple  Offices,  and  similarly,  has  a  Commemoration  at  the  Friday  Vespers, 
should  those  belong  to  some  Office  of  Nine  Lessons,  unless  such  Office  be  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin,  when  the  Commemoration  of  the  Simple  Office  is  omitted. 
If  such  Commemoration  be  made  it  consists  of  the  Antiphon  at  her  Song,  the 
Verse  and  Answer,  and  the  Prayer  of  the  Little  Office  Vespers ;  and  no  other 
Commemoration  of  her  is  made. 

4.  At  Mattins,  the  Invitatory  and  Hymn  are  of  her ;  then  follows  the  one 
Nocturn  of  the  Week-day,  with  its  own  Psalms  and  Antiphons ;  Verse  and 
Answer,   Absolution,   two    Responsories,   Blessings,   and   Third   Lesson    of  the 

1  There  is,  however,  an  approved  Octavarium  Romanum,  or  Offices  for  Octaves,  which  will 
meet  nearly  every  possible  contingency. 

VOL.  I.  b  2 


XXvi  THE   PIE. 

Blessed  Virgin,  with  two  Lessons  from  Scripture  and  the  Hymn  "  We  praise 
Thee,  O  God,  &c,"  all  as  at  the  end  of  the  Common,  as  are  also  Lauds, 
Prime,  Terce,   Sext,  and  None. 

5.  Preces  are  said  at  Prime  and  Compline,  and  the  Common  Commemora- 
tions (except  her's)  at  Lauds.  After  None,  nothing  is  said  of  her,  unless  she 
is  commemorated,  among  the  other  Common  Commemorations,  in  the  First 
Vespers  of  Sunday. 

Chapter  IX.     Of  Commemorations. 

If  there  come  upon  the  day  of  a  Simple  Feast  («)  an  Office  of  Nine 
Lessons,  either  always,  or  transferred  thither,  (b)  a  Sunday,  (c)  some  day 
belonging  to  an  Octave,  (d)  a  Saturday,  or  (e)  the  Office  of  some  Sunday 
transferred  to  a  Week-day,  then  there  is  made  a  Commemoration  of  the 
Simple  Feast,  at  First  Vespers  and  at  Lauds. 

2.  Week-days  in  Advent  and  Lent,  Ember  Days,  Eves,  and  Rogation 
Monday,  are  commemorated  only,  if  a  Feast  of  Nine  Lessons  comes  upon 
them,  but  their  Office  takes  precedence  of  a  simple  Feast,  which,  in  them,  is 
only  commemorated. 

3.  If  a  Double  Feast  fall  upon  a  Sunday  between  Pentecost  and  Advent, 
between  Twelfth-Day  and  Septuagesima,  or  between  Low  Sunday  and  Pentecost, 
the  Sunday  is  commemorated  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds.  A  Double  Feast 
falling  upon  any  of  the  other  Sundays  is  either  transferred  or  reduced  to  a  mere 
Commemoration,  as  laid  down  in  Chapter  X.,  unless  it  should  be  the  principal 
Patron,  or  Titular,  or  the  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of  the  Church,  (and  this 
applies  only  to  the  Church  itself,  not  to  every  Side-Chapel  or  Altar,)  in  which 
case  such  Patronal,  Titular,  or  Dedication  Festival  is  in  that  particular  place 
or  Church  only,  kept  instead  of  the  Sunday,  but  with  a  Commemoration  of 
the  Sunday  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds.  However,  from  this  liability  are 
excepted  the  first  Sundays  in  Advent  and  Lent,  Passion,  Palm,  Easter,  Low, 
Pentecost,  and  Trinity  Sundays,  which  cannot  be  displaced,  and  any  such  Festival 
occurring  on  them  is  to  be  transferred,  as  likewise  any  Feast  of  the  First  Class 
falling  on  these  Sundays. 

4.  An  Octave  is  always  commemorated,  if  its  office  be  displaced  by  a  Feast 
of  Nine  Lessons  or  a  Sunday,  unless  6uch  Feast  be  that  of  the  Patron,  the 
Titular,  or  the  Dedication  of  the  particular  place,  which  kind  of  Feasts  admit 
of  no  Commemoration  at  First  Vespers  or  at  Lauds,  whether  of  a  Simple,  or 
of  an  Eve,  (unless  it  be  Twelfth-Day  Eve,)  or  of  the  Second  Vespers  of  another 
Festival  going  before  it,  unless  such  Festival  be  one  of  those  in  this  chapter  here- 
after specially  enumerated,  or  of  an  Octave-day,  or  of  the  Second  Vespers  of  a 
Sunday,  unless  that  Sunday  be  one  of  those  of  Advent,  or  one  of  those  between 
Septuagesima  and  Low  Sunday,  both  inclusive,  which  Sundays,  as  also  the  Week- 
days of  Advent  and  Lent,  the  Ember  Days  and  Rogation  Monday,  are  always 
commemorated  in  whatsoever  Office  it  be.  If  such  Festival  fall  on  any  Sunday, 
or  upon  the  Octave-day  of  some  Feast  which  has  an  Octave,  the  Sunday  or 
Octave-day  is  commemorated  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds.  As  regards, 
however,  the  Second  Vespers  of  such  Festival,  a  Commemoration  is  made  of 
the  First  Vespers  of  any  Double,  Semi-double,  or  Sunday  occupying  the  next 
day,  but  not  of  anything  else. 


THE   PIE.  xxvii 

5.  The  same  rule  is  applied  everywhere  to  certain  great  Festivals  in  the  year, 
viz.,  Christmas  Day,  (on  which  day  there  is  no  Commemoration  of  St  Anastasia 
in  the  Office,  but  only  in  the  Dawn  Mass,)  Twelfth-Day,  Maundy  Thursday, 
Good  Friday,  Holy  Saturday,  Easter  Day,  Easter  Monday,  Easter  Tuesday, 
Ascension  Day,  Whitsun  Day,  Whitsun  Monday,  Whitsun  Tuesday,  Corpus 
Christi,  the  Most  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus,  St  Joseph,  Midsummer  Day,  the  Holy 
Apostles  Peter  and  Paul,  the  Immaculate  Conception,  Lady  Day  and  the 
Assumption  of  Blessed  Mary,  All  Saints,  St  Thomas  of  Canterbury,1  St  George, 
St  Augustine  of  Canterbury,  and  the  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of  the  particular 
Church.  The  rules  as  to  Commemorations  on  all  these  are  everywhere  the 
same  as  if  they  were  the  local   Patron. 

6.  There  is  a  second  and  lower  class  of  Festivals,  viz.,  New  Year's  Day, 
the  Holy  Name,  Trinity  Sunday,  Candlemas,  the  Visitation,  the  Nativity  and 
the  Solemnity  of  the  Most  Holy  Rosary  of  Blessed  Mary,  the  Feasts  of  the 
Eleven  Apostles,  of  the  Evangelists,  of  the  Patronage  of  St  Joseph,  of  the  Most 
Precious  Blood  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  the  Finding  of  the  Holy  Cross, 
of  St  Joachim,  father  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  of  St  Anne,  mother  of  the 
Same,  of  St  Lawrence,  of  St  Gregory  the  Great,  of  St  Edward,  and  Michaelmas. 
At  the  First  Vespers  of  these  (unless  there  be  a  special  direction  to  the  contrary) 
a  Commemoration  is  made  of  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  Double,  should  there  have 
been  one  that  day  unless  the  contrary  be  specially  indicated — but  not  of  a  Sunday, 
of  a  day  within  an  Octave,  nor  of  a  Semi-double,  any  more  than  on  Festivals  of 
the  highest  class.  If  Simple  Festivals  or  Eves  fall  on  the  same  days  as  these 
Festivals,  they  have  the  Ninth  Lesson  at  Mattins  and  a  Commemoration  at  Lauds 
only.  At  Second  Vespers  a  Commemoration  is  made  of  any  Festival  whatever — 
even  a  Simple,  and  of  a  day  within  an  Octave,  if  the  Office  of  that  is  to  occupy 
the  next  day.  The  Octaves  of  Christmas,  Twelfth-Day,  and  Corpus  Christi  are 
special  cases ;  they  are  always  commemorated  at  Vespers  and  Lauds,  whatever  be 
the  Office  of  the  day. 

7.  If  Sundays  and  Week-days  of  Advent  and  Lent  are  to  be  commemorated, 
it  is  done  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds  ;  if  Ember  Days,  Eves,  and  Rogation 
Monday,  at  Lauds  only;  if  Simple  Feasts  (unless  in  the  cases  mentioned  above) 
at  First  Vespers  and  Lauds ;  if  other  Sundays  or  Octaves,  at  both  Vespers  and  at 
Lauds.  When  a  Double  or  Semi-double  is  reduced  to  a  mere  Commemoration, 
it  is  commemorated  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds  in  the  same  way  as  if  it  were  an 
Octave-day  or  a  Sunday,  unless  the  superseding  Feast  be  a  Double  of  the  First 
Class,  in  which  case  no  notice  of  a  suppressed  Double  or  Semi-double  is  taken  at 
all,  except  that  the  First  Vespers  of  such  suppressed  Double  or  Semi-double  are 
commemorated  in  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  Double  of  the  First  Class,  occupying 
the  immediately  preceding  day. 

8.  A  Commemoration  is  made  thus.  After  the  Prayer  of  the  Office  for  the 
day  are  recited  ( 1 )  the  Antiphons  for  the  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  or  of 
Zacharias,  according  as  the  occasion  be  Vespers  or  Lauds,  then  (2)  the  Verse 
and  Answer  after  the  Hymn  from  the  same,  and  then  (3)  the  Prayer,  preceded 

1  In  England  St  Thomas  is  the  patron  of  the  secular  clergy,  and  for  them  therefore  the 
feast  is  of  the  First  Class,  but  among  some  of  the  regulars  it  is  only  of  the  Second  Class.  In 
the  present  translation  it  is  given  as  of  the  First  Class  ;  but  where  it  is  treated  as  of  the  Second 
Class,  the  second  half  of  the  Vespers  on  Innocents'  Day  is  of  the  Innocents,  with  a  Com- 
memoration of  him  ;  and  his  Commemoration  is  made  after  that  of  the  Innocents,  while  the 
Octave  of  the  Innocents  lasts. 


XXV111  THE   PIE. 

by  "  Let  us  Pray,"  which  would  have  been  used  in  the  superseded  Office  which 
is  to  be  commemorated.  It  sometimes  happens,  where  both  the  Office  of  the  day 
and  the  Office  of  a  Simple  Feast  to  be  commemorated  have  their  Antiphons  and 
Verse  and  Answer  from  the  Common  Office  for  Saints  of  the  class,  that  the 
Antiphon  and  Verse  and  Answer  in  the  Commemoration  would  naturally  be  the 
same  as  those  in  the  Office  for  the  day,  and,  to  avoid  this,  those  of  the  Com- 
memoration are  taken  from  Lauds  at  First  Vespers,  and  from  First  Vespers  at 
Lauds — unless  a  special  direction  be  given  to  the  contrary.1  In  like  manner,  if 
the  Festival  of  St  Angela  (or  of  any  other  Holy  Woman  with  an  Office  of  Nine 
Lessons)  fell  on  a  Friday,  and  the  Simple  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  were  to 
be  said  on  the  Saturday,  the  Verse  and  Answer  in  the  Commemoration  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  at  the  Second  Vespers  of  St  Angela  would  naturally  be  "  Grace 
is  poured  into  thy  lips — Therefore  God  hath  blessed  thee  for  ever,"  but  these  are 
the  same  Verse  and  Answer  as  would  already  have  been  said  after  the  Hymn  of 
St  Angela,  therefore,  in  the  Commemoration  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  the  Verse 
and  Answer  are  taken  from  the  ensuing  Lauds,  viz.,  "  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women — And  blessed  is  the  Fruit  of  thy  Womb."  And  the  same  system  is 
adopted  in  the  case  of  the  Prayer  ;  if  the  Office  for  the  day  and  the  Office  to  be 
commemorated  have  both  the  same  Prayer  out  of  one  of  the  Common  Offices, 
then  for  the  Commemoration  a  different  Prayer  is  taken  from  the  same  Common 
Office.  If  the  Office  to  be  commemorated  has  been  reduced  to  the  form  of 
a  Simple  Office,  and  the  Antiphons,  &c,  are  taken  from  the  Common  Office  of 
the  Feast  of  the  day,  then  at  First  Vespers  such  Antiphons,  &c,  must  be  taken 
from  the  Second  Vespers  of  the  Common,  and  if  the  Feast  has  both  First  and 
Second  Vespers  the  Antiphon,  &c,  at  Lauds  must  be  taken  from  First  Vespers, 
while  at  Second  Vespers  the  Antiphon  will  be  taken  from  Lauds  and  the  Verse 
from  First  Vespers  unless  a  special  direction  be  given  to  the  contrary.  An 
exception,  however,  is  made  when  a  Commemoration  of  a  Holy  Virgin  is  made 
on  the  Feast  of  another  Holy  Virgin ;  in  this  case  the  Antiphon  for  the  Com- 
memoration at  First  Vespers  must  be  taken  from  Lauds.  When  the  reduced 
Feast  is  not  commemorated  at  Second  Vespers  the  rules  given  above  for  the 
Commemoration  of  Simple  Feasts  must  be  followed. 

9.  Whenever  in  an  Office  of  Nine  Lessons,  Commemoration  is  made  of 
any  Sunday  or  Week-day  which  has  an  Homily  of  its  own,  then  such  Homily 
is  the  Ninth  Lesson  at  Mattins,  being  either  the  first  part  only,  or  the  whole 
three  used  continuously  together  as  one. 

10.  So  too  if  Commemoration  be  made  of  a  Simple  Feast,  in  an  Office  with 
Nine  Lessons,  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  of  the  Simple  Feast ;  and  if  the  Simple  Feast 
have  two  Lessons,  then  both  are  read  together  as  one.  But  this  Lesson  of  the 
Feast  is  omitted,  if  the  Office  of  the  day  be  that  of  a  Sunday  which  has  a 
Ninth  Responsory  instead  of  the  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O  God,  &c," 
and  also  when  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  occupied  by  an  Homily,  as  prescribed  above ; 
neither  is  it  read  in  any  Office  in  which  there  are  only  three  Lessons  (as,  for 
instance,  within  the  Octaves  of  Easter  and  Pentecost.)      Moreover,  when  Com- 

1  A  standing  instance  is  the  First  Vespers  of  St  Angela  on  May  30,  at  which  there  is  always 
a  Commemoration  of  the  First  Vespers  of  St  Petronilla.  Both  the  Office  and  the  Commemora- 
tion are  from  the  Common  Office  for  a  Virgin  not  a  Martyr,  but  the  Antiphon  and  Verse 
and  Answer  for  St  Petronilla  are  taken  from  Lauds,  viz.,  "The  kingdom  of  heaven,  &c," 
and  "  Grace  is  poured,  &c,"  because  "  Come,  Bride  of  Christ,  &c,"  and  "  In  thy  comeliness, 
&c,"  have  already  been  used  for  St  Angela.     And  at  Lauds  the  case  is  reversed. 


THE    PIE.  XXIX 

memoration  is  made  of  a  day  within  an  Octave,  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  not  of  the 
Octave  albeit  it  have  a  proper  Gospel  and  Homily.  So  also,  when  a  Double  or 
Semi-double  has  been  reduced  to  a  mere  Commemoration,  the  historical  Lessons 
of  the  Second  Nocturn  of  the  said  suppressed  Double  or  Semi-double  are  read 
together  as  one  Lesson,  forming  the  Ninth  Lesson  of  the  superior  Office  which 
has  superseded  the  Double  or  Semi-double,  except  if  the  Office  of  Corpus  Christi 
be  said  on  any  day  within  that  Octave,  in  which  case  any  Ninth  Lesson  of  this 
sort  is  omitted. 

ii.  If  several  Commemorations  are  to  be  made,  their  order  of  precedence  is 
as  follows.  First,  a  privileged  Sunday ;  second,  an  Octave ;  third,  a  Greater 
Double  ;  fourth,  a  Double  reduced  to  a  Simple  Commemoration  ;  fifth,  a  Common 
Sunday ;  sixth,  a  day  within  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christi ;  seventh,  a  Semi- 
double  ;  eighth,  a  day  within  an  Octave  when  reduced  to  a  Simple  Com- 
memoration ;  ninth,  a  Week-day  in  Advent  or  Lent,  an  Ember  Day,  Eve,  or 
Rogation  Day ;  tenth,  for  a  Friday  evening,  the  Simple  Office  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  if  it  is  to  be  said  next  day ;  lastly,  a  Simple  Feast ;  and  not  till  after  a 
Simple  (if  there  be  one)  are  made  the  Common  Commemorations  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  St  Joseph,  &c,  or  of  the  Cross  only,  as  the  Season  may  be.  The  place 
of  the  local  Patron  in  these  Common  Commemorations  is  determined  according  to 
his  rank.1     As  to  these  Common  Commemorations,  see  Chapter  XXXV. 

Chapter  X.     Of  Transferences. 

If  any  Double  Feast  fall  upon  a  Sunday  in  Advent,  or  upon  any  Sunday 
between  Septuagesima  and  Low  Sunday,  both  inclusive,  upon  Christmas  Eve 
and  Christmas  Day,  upon  New  Year's  Day,  from  Jan.  6  to  13,  both  inclusive, 
on  Ash  Wednesday,  in  Holy  Week,  or  Easter  Week,  on  Ascension  Day,  or 
any  day  from  Whitsun  Eve  to  Trinity  Sunday,  both  inclusive,  on  Corpus  Christi 
or  its  Octave,  on  the  Feast  of  the  Most  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus,  on  Dec.  8, 
on  Lady  Day,  on  Aug.  15,  on  Midsummer  Day,  on  March  19,  on  June  29, 
or  on  Nov.  1,  then  such  Feast  is  transferred  to  the  nearest  day  which  is  not 
occupied  by  a  Double  or  Semi-double.  The  only  exception  is  that  Midsummer 
Day  and  the  Feast  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  may  be  kept  upon  the  Octave  of 
Corpus  Christi  or  on  the  Feast  of  the  Most  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus.  Moreover, 
the  special  Feast  of  a  particular  Church  or  place  may,  but  only  in  that  particular 
Church  or  place,  be  kept  upon  the  Second,  Third,  and  Fourth  Sundays  of  Lent 
and  Advent,  upon  Septuagesima,  Sexagesima,  and  Quinquagesima,  and  upon  a 
day  within  the  Octave  of  Twelfth-Day.2  A  solemn  primary  Feast  occurring 
on  the  Feast  of  the  Most  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus  will  take  precedence  of  the 
latter.  Candlemas  Day  possesses  this  special  privilege,  viz.,  that  if  it  fall  on  a 
Sunday  of  the  Second  Class,  it  is  transferred  only  to  Monday,  however  occupied. 
Moreover,  if  Midsummer  Day  be  Corpus  Christi,  the  Feast  of  St  John  is  trans- 
ferred only  to  the  next  day,  and  has  Commemoration  of  the  Octave.  St  John 
is  only  commemorated  in  the  Second  Vespers  of  Corpus  Christi,  and  on  the 
following  days  the  Office  is  of  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christi,  with  Commem- 
oration of  the  Octave  of  St  John.  In  this  case  July  1  is  reckoned  to  be  the 
Octave-day  of  both,  and  the  Service  is  of  the  Octave-day  of  Corpus  Christi, 

1  I.e.,  an  Angel  or  St  John  the  Baptist  is  commemorated  before  St  Joseph. 

2  St  Joseph,  as  Patron  everywhere,  possesses  this  privilege  everywhere. 


XXX  THE    PIE. 

with  a  Commemoration  of  the  Octave-day  of  St  John  at  both  Vespers  and  at 
Lauds. 

The  above  rule  is  invariable.  If  a  Feast  which  has  an  Octave  is  transferred, 
its  Octave  is  not  transferred  with  it ;  all  is  done  as  if  the  Feast  had  occupied 
its  usual  place.  And  if  the  Feast  be  transferred  beyond  what  would  ordinarily  be 
its  own  Octave-day,  it  is  that  year  kept  without  any  Octave  at  all ;  unless,  indeed, 
it  be  a  Feast  which  has  some  local  privilege  to  the  contrary. 

Ordinary  or  lesser  Doubles,  with  the  exception  of  the  Feasts  of  those  Saints 
who  are  styled  Doctors  of  the  Church,  are  not  transferred  if  their  observance 
is  impeded  by  that  of  some  Sunday  or  greater  Festival  or  Office,  but  upon  their 
own  day  they  have  a  Commemoration  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds,  and  the 
Ninth  Lesson  at  Mattins, — that  is  to  say,  if  the  rules  applicable  to  the  Feasts 
superseding  them  permit  of  such  Commemoration ;  if  not,  such  Double  Feast  is 
for  that  year  entirely  omitted  (see  Chapter  IX.  par.  7-10,  and  par.  8  of  the 
present  Chapter. )  The  same  rules  apply  to  any  other  Double  Feasts  for  which 
it  may  be  impossible  to  find  any  day  within  the  year  to  which  to  transfer  them. 
When  ordinary  or  lesser  Double  Feasts,  even  though  they  are  not  of  Doctors, 
are  impeded  every  year  by  a  higher  Office,  they  are  permanently  fixed  on  the 
first  free  day. 

2.  If  a  Double  of  the  First  or  Second  Class  as  enumerated  in  Chap.  IX. 
par.  5,  6,  fall  upon  an  Octave-day,  the  Service  is  of  the  Festival  with  Com- 
memoration of  the  Octave,  unless  the  day  be  New  Year's  Day  or  January  13  ; 
any  Festival  falling  upon  these  two  days  must  be  transferred  ;  but  if  the  Festival 
falling  upon  the  Octave-day  be  not  of  the  First  or  Second  Class,  it  is  transferred 
if  it  be  a  Greater  Double,  or  the  Feast  of  a  Doctor  of  the  Church ;  if  not,  it  is 
reduced  to  a  mere  Commemoration  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds  with  the  Ninth 
Lesson  at  Mattins  as  above. 

3.  If  some  Double1  Feast  falling  within  an  Octave  is  superseded  by  some 
higher  Feast,  it  is  transferred  to  the  next  day  not  similarly  occupied,  if  it  be 
of  the  Second  Class,  or  a  Greater  Double,  or  the  Feast  of  a  Doctor  of  the 
Church,  and  is  kept  with  Commemoration  of  the  Octave.2  If  it  be  an  ordinary 
lesser  Double,  it  is  simply  reduced  to  Commemoration  at  both  Vespers  and 
Lauds,  with  the  Ninth  Lesson  at  Mattins,  as  above. 

4.  Sundays  within  the  year  other  than  those  above  mentioned  are  superseded 
even  by  an  ordinary  or  lesser  Double  Feast.  The  Sunday  then  has  a  Com- 
memoration at  both  Vespers  and  Lauds,  and  a  Ninth  Lesson  at  Mattins.  See 
Chap.  IX. 

5.  If  a  Semi-double  Feast  fall  upon  any  of  the  days  above  enumerated,  or 
within  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christi,  or  upon  any  Sunday,  it  either  has  a 
Commemoration  at  both  Vespers  and  at  Lauds,  and  the  historical  Lessons  of 
its  Second  Nocturn  are  read  as  one  for  the  Ninth  Lesson  at  Mattins,  or  it  is 
totally  omitted  as  above  directed  in  the  case  of  ordinary  or  lesser  Doubles. 
But  if  a  Semi-double  Feast  is  impeded  every  year  by  a  higher  Office,  it  is 
permanently  fixed  on  the  first  free  day,  as  in  the  case  of  ordinary  or  lesser 
Double  Feasts. 

1  This  must  be  understood  of  the  Feast  of  a  Doctor  of  the  Church,  of  a  Greater  Double, 
a  Double  of  the  Second  Class,  or  of  a  Double  of  the  First  Class  as  mentioned  in  the  latter  part 
of  IX.  3.  The  end  of  this  paragraph  contains  a  special  direction  for  the  suppression  instead  of 
the  transference  of  the  ordinary  or  lesser  Doubles. 

2  That  is,  if  it  is  not  transferred  beyond  it. 


THE   PIE.  xxxi 

6.  If  two  or  more  Feasts  of  Nine  Lessons  fall  on  the  same  day,  the  higher 
in  rank  is  observed,  and  the  others  commemorated  as  above.  If  they  are  all 
of  the  same  rank,  a  Primary  Feast  will  take  precedence  of  a  Secondary,  and 
generally  the  more  worthy  or  solemn  is  observed,  and  the  others  reduced  to  a 
mere  Commemoration  or  omitted  altogether,  unless  they  be  Feasts  of  Doctors 
of  the  Church  or  higher,  when  they  are  transferred. 

7.  If  several  are  to  be  transferred,  the  order  of  precedence  is  observed  as 
above,  and,  lastly,  if  none  is  more  worthy  or  solemn  than  another,  they  are 
taken  by  priority  of  date. 

8.  A  Simple  Feast  is  never  transferred.  If  it  comes  on  a  day  when  it 
cannot  be  kept,  it  is  commemorated,  and  if  it  cannot  be  commemorated,  it  is 
omitted  altogether. 

9.  If  a  Feast  of  Nine  Lessons  which  has  the  Commemoration  of  a  Simple 
be  transferred,  the  Commemoration  is  not  transferred  with  it,  but  is  made,  if 
it  can  be  made,  upon  its  own  day,  with  the  Ninth  Lesson,  if  it  have  one,  and 
the  Office  of  the  day  admits  of  it.  The  Feast  to  which  it  was  originally  joined 
is  utterly  divorced  from  it.  And  the  same  rule  applies  to  a  Commemoration 
made  on  an  Eve,  if  the  Feast  to  which  the  Eve  belongs  fall  on  Monday,  and 
so  the  Eve  be  kept  on  Saturday ;  the  Commemoration  of  the  Simple  stands 
unchanged  for  the  Sunday. 

Chapter  XI.     Of  Concurrence. 

By  Concurrence  (as  opposed  to  Occurrence,  which  is  two  Offices  falling  on 
the  same  day,)  is  meant  the  case  of  the  Second  Vespers  of  one  Office  falling 
on  the  same  evening  as  the  First  Vespers  of  another. 

2.  If  they  are  two  Doubles  of  the  same  rank,  the  Vespers  are  divided  ; 
the  former  is  observed  up  to  the  Chapter,  and  the  latter  from  the  Chapter, 
inclusive  l — unless  there  be  some  special  direction  to  the  contrary.  If  they 
are  not  of  the  same  rank,  they  are  treated  according  to  Chapters  IX.  and  X. 
Hence  the  highest  class  have  the  whole  of  both  First  and  Second  Vespers, 
with  a  Commemoration,  if  proper,  of  lesser  Feasts.  But  if  the  Second  Vespers 
of  a  Feast  of  the  Second  Class  fall  on  the  same  evening  as  the  First  Vespers 
of  a  Feast  of  the  First  Class,  then  the  whole  is  of  the  Feast  of  the  First 
Class,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  Feast  of  the  Second  Class.  As  regards 
precedence,  among  Feasts  of  the  same  Class,  the  Feasts  of  our  Lord  go  before 
all  others,  so  as  to  have  the  whole  of  both  Vespers  ;  so  those  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  go  before  those  of  other  Saints  ;  so  also  those  of  Angels,  of  St  Joseph, 
and  of  the  Apostles  [and  Evangelists]  before  others ;  and  those  of  Saints  par- 
ticularly venerated  in  the  place  before  the  rest. 

3.  If  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  Double  fall  on  the  same  evening  with  the 
First  Vespers  of  a  Semi-double,  a  Sunday,  a  day  within  an  Octave,  a  Simple 
Feast,  or  the  Simple  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  on  Saturday,  the  Service  is 
all  of  the  Double,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  other,  unless  indeed  it  be  one 
of  those  Doubles  which,  according  to  Chapter  IX.,  exclude  certain  Com- 
memorations. When  the  day  after  any  Office  of  Nine  Lessons  is  a  Week-day 
kept   as   such,  no   notice   of  the   Week-day  so  ensuing  is  taken  in  the  Second 

1  The  Frontal  and  Vestments  are,  from  the  beginning,  of  the  colour  which  will  be  proper  at 
the  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin. 


xxxil  THE   PIE. 

Vespers  of  the  Feast;,  but  if  it  be  in  Advent  or  Lent,  the  Week-day  is  com- 
memorated as  usual.  Also  a  Commemoration  is  made  of  a  Simple  which  is  to 
be  commemorated  in  the  First  Vespers  of  an  Office  of  Nine  Lessons  occupying 
the  next  day,  although  this  Commemoration  cannot  be  said  to  proceed  from 
the  Second  Vespers  of  the  former  Office  of  Nine  Lessons  concurring  with  the 
First  Vespers  of  the  Simple,  seeing  that  the  Simple  has  no  Office,  but  is  because 
the  Simple  occurs  on  the  same  day  with  the  latter  Office  of  Nine  Lessons. 

4.  If  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  Semi-double,  of  a  Sunday,  or  of  a  day 
within  an  Octave  fall  on  the  same  evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  a  Double, 
the  Service  is  all  of  the  Double,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  other,  unless 
the  Double  be  one  of  those  which,  according  to  Chapter  IX.,  exclude  such 
Commemoration.  If  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  Semi -double  fall  on  the  same 
evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  another  Semi-double  or  of  a  Sunday,  the 
Service  is  of  the  former  up  to  the  Chapter,  and  of  the  latter,  from  the  Chapter, 
inclusive.  But  if  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  Semi-double  fall  on  the  same  evening 
with  the  First  Vespers  of  a  day  within  an  Octave,  the  Service  is  all  of  the  former, 
with  a  Commemoration  of  the  latter.  But  if  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  Semi- 
double  fall  on  the  same  evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  a  Simple,  or  of 
the  Simple  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  on  Saturday,  the  Service  is  all  of  the 
former,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  latter. 

5.  If  the  First  Vespers  of  a  Semi-double,  a  day  within  an  Octave,  or  a 
Simple,  fall  on  Sunday  evening,  the  Service  is  all  of  Sunday,  with  a  Com- 
memoration of  the  other. 

6.  If  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  day  within  an  Octave  fall  upon  the  same 
evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  a  Sunday,  the  Service  is  of  the  former  up 
to  the  Chapter,  and  of  the  latter,  from  the  Chapter,  inclusive,  with  a  Com- 
memoration of  the  Octave.  If  the  Second  Vespers  of  a  day  within  an  Octave 
falls  upon  the  same  evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  a  Semi -double,  the 
Service  is  all  of  the  latter,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  Octave.  Second 
Vespers  of  a  day  within  an  Octave  can  never  properly  be  said  to  fall  on  the 
same  evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  a  Simple,  because  a  Simple  in  such  a 
position  is  always  deprived  of  its  Office  by  that  of  the  next  day,  but  there  is 
a  Commemoration,  just  as  there  is  at  the  next  Lauds. 

7.  If  the  Second  Vespers  of  one  Octave-day  fall  on  the  same  evening  with 
the  First  Vespers  of  another  Octave-day,  other  things  being  equal,  the  Service 
is  of  the  latter,  from  the  Chapter  inclusive,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  former, 
except  when  the  Second  Vespers  of  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christi  fall  on  the 
same  evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  the  Octave  of  St  John  the  Baptist, 
when  the  Service  is  all  of  Corpus  Christi,  with  a  Commemoration  of  St  John, 
(which  Commemoration  is  made  though  the  Feast  of  the  Most  Sacred  Heart 
occur),  and  except  also  when  special  directions  are  given.  If  the  Second  Vespers 
of  an  Octave-day  fall  on  the  same  evening  with  the  First  Vespers  of  a  Common 
Double,  (even  one  which  has  got  there  by  transference,)  other  things  being 
equal,  the  Service  is  of  the  Octave-day  up  to  the  Chapter,  and  of  the  ensuing 
Double,  from  the  Chapter,  inclusive — except  the  Octave-days  of  the  Primary 
Feast  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  of  the  Feasts  of  the  Holy  Angels,  of  St  John 
the  Baptist,  of  St  Joseph,  and  of  Apostles,  which  Octaves  have  the  whole 
Service,  the  Double  being  only  commemorated.  But  if  the  ensuing  Feast  be 
a   Greater    Double,    (even  one   there   by   transference,)    such    Double   has    the 


THE    PIE.  XXXill 

whole  Service,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the  Octave — except  in  the  case  of 
the  Octave-days  of  Twelfth-Day,  of  Easter  Day,  of  the  Ascension,  and  of 
other  primary  Feasts  of  our  Lord,  when  the  ensuing  Feast  is  only  commem- 
orated. However,  if  the  ensuing  Feast  be  one  of  the  Doubles  enumerated  in 
Chapter  IX.,  par.  6,  it  has  the  whole  Service,  the  Octave  being  only  com- 
memorated, [and  if  one  of  the  highest  class,  there  is  no  Commemoration.] 
If,  however,  the  Feasts  of  which  the  Octaves  concur  are  of  different  rite,  or 
dignity,  the  Vespers  will  be  all  of  the  Octave  of  the  Feast  which  is  of  higher 
rite,  or  a  primary  Feast,  or  of  greater  dignity,  with  a  Commemoration  of  the 
other,  and  likewise  when  an  Octave  concurs  with  a  Double,  exception  being 
always  made  of  the  Octaves  of  the  above-named  Feasts  of  our  Lord  and  the 
Blessed  Virgin. 

8.  A  Simple  never  has  any  Second  Vespers ;  its  Office  ends  absolutely 
with  None. 

9.  A  Week-day  kept  as  such  cannot  be  said  to  have  either  First  or  Second 
Vespers,  the  Week-day  Office  being  merely  a  means  of  filling  up  space  between 
other  Offices.  The  Commemorations  made  of  them  in  Advent  or  Lent  or  at 
other  times  are  by  occurrence,  not  concurrence,  and  to  fulfil  the  rule  of  the 
Church.  They  cannot  extend  before  midnight ;  for  instance,  if  Vespers  on 
Shrove  Tuesday  were  of  the  Week-day,  the  Prayer  would  be  that  of  Quin- 
quagesima  Sunday,  and  the  Long  Preces  would  not  be  said. 

10.  However,  if  a  Simple  Feast  fall  on  a  Week-day  to  be  kept  as  such 
(for  instance,  on  Ash  Wednesday)  it  is  deprived  of  its  First  Vespers,  and  has 
only  a  Commemoration,  whatever  be  the  Office  on  the  preceding  evening,  or, 
if  it  fall  on  Maundy  Thursday,  all  observance  of  it  is  omitted.  This  is  not 
because  the  Week-day  has  First  Vespers,  which  is  not  the  case,  but  because 
it  would  be  unseemly  for  the  Simple,  which  has  only  a  Commemoration  at 
Lauds,  to  have  First  Vespers. 

Chapter  XII.     How  to  find  the  Office  for  the  Day. 

If  any  one  wishes  to  find  the  Office  for  the  ensuing  day,1  let  him  look  in 
the  Kalendar  and  in  the  Table  of  Moveable  Feasts,2  and  do  as  he  finds  there. 

2.  If  the  Office  be  of  the  Season,  that  is  to  say,  of  some  Sunday  or  Week- 
day kept  as  such,  the  places  to  look  in  are  the  Psalter  and  the  Proper  Office 
of  the  Season ;  the  former  contains  the  general  outline  of  the  Service,  with  the 
Psalms,  and  some  other  things,  and  the  latter,  the  Lessons  and  Responsories, 
with  some  Antiphons,  the  Prayers,  &c,  which  are  not  in  the  Psalter.  The 
Invitatories,  Hymns,  Chapters,  Verses  and  Answers,  Short  Responsories  and 
Antiphons,  given  in  the  Proper  Office  of  the  Season  for  certain  times,  are 
said  instead  of  those  in  the  Psalter ;  when  there  are  no  others,  those  in  the 
Psalter  are  used. 

3.  If  the  Office  be  of  a  Saint,  the  place   to   look   is   the   Common   Office 

1  Which  is  reckoned  to  begin  with  Vespers. 

2  But  this  process  is  now  always  superseded  by  the  simple  plan  of  consulting  the  Ordo 
Recitandi  Divini  Officii,  or  Ecclesiastical  Kalendar,  published  yearly  in  all  dioceses  of  the 
Latin  Church.  In  this  translation  of  the  Breviary  the  Table  of  Moveable  Feasts  is  omitted, 
as  it  is  entirely  useless,  owing  to  the  multiplicity  of  yearly  almanacks. 


XXXIV  THE   PIE. 


of  Saints  and  the  Proper  Office  of  Saints ;  what  is  not  in  the  Proper  is  taken 
from  the  Common.  And  the  Lessons  (not  the  Responsories)  from  Scripture 
are  usually  those  from  the  Proper  Office  of  the  Season.1 


Chapter  XIII.     Mattins. 

Mattins  are  always  said  in  the  following  manner  according  to  the  Office  of  the 
day,  except  on  certain  days,  when  special  directions  are  given.  The  "  Our 
Father,"  the  "  Hail  Mary,"  and  the  "  I  believe  in  God  "  are  first  said  inaudibly. 
Then  the  Officiant  makes  the  sign  of  the  Cross  upon  his  mouth  with  the  thumb  of 
his  right  hand,  saying  aloud  at  the  same  time,  "O  Lord,  open  Thou  my  lips." 
To  which  is  answered,  "  And  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  Thy  praise."  Then 
he  opens  his  hand  and  signs  himself  again,  with  the  extended  fingers,  from  the 
forehead  to  the  breast,  and  from  the  left  shoulder  to  the  right,  saying,  "  Make 
haste,  O  God,  to  deliver  me."  And  so  on,  as  is  to  be  found  at  the  beginning  of 
the  Psalter.  The  same  rite  is  to  be  observed  at  the  beginning  of  every  Canonical 
Hour.  Then  is  said  the  Invitatory  proper  to  the  Office  of  the  day,  either  of  the 
Season  or  of  a  Feast,  with  the  Psalm,  "  O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord," — 
all  as  is  to  be  found  at  the  beginning  of  the  Psalter.2  When  the  Psalm  is  done, 
and  the  Invitatory  repeated  for  the  last  time,  the  Hymn  proper  to  the  Office 
of  the  day  is  recited. 

2.  After  this,  upon  all  Doubles  and  Semi-doubles  follow  nine  Psalms,  (upon 
Sundays  there  are  more,  as  will  be  found  in  the  Psalter,)  with  the  Antiphons  and 
Verses  proper  to  the  Office  of  the  day,  either  of  the  Season  or  Feast,  together 
with  nine  Lessons,  and  either  eight  or  nine  Responsories,  as  marked  in  the  proper 
place.      The  whole  is  divided  into  Three  Nocturns,  as  follows — 

3.  In  the  First  Nocturn  are  said  three  Psalms  with  three  Antiphons,  after 
every  Psalm  an  Antiphon  :  but  in  the  Easter-time,  that  is,  from  Low  Sunday  to 
Whitsun  Day,  (except  in  the  Office  of  the  Ascension,)  the  three  Psalms  of  each 
Nocturn  are  said  with  only  one  Antiphon,  which  is  repeated  after  the  third  Psalm. 
At  the  end  of  the  Antiphon  after  the  third  Psalm  in  each  Nocturn,  is  said  a  Verse 
and  Response,  then  the  "Our  Father," — "And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,"  to 
which  is  answered,  "  But  deliver  us  from  evil,"  then  the  Absolution,  that  is,  the 
Prayer  "  Graciously  hear,"  then  the  Blessing  is  asked  and  pronounced,  "  May  the 
Eternal  Father,"  and  the  other  forms  which  are  marked  for  the  first  and  every 
other  Lesson.  After  this  are  read  three  Lessons  from  Scripture,  which  are  those 
proper  to  the  Season,  unless  special  Lessons  are  assigned.  After  each  Lesson 
follows  a  Responsory  taken  from  the  Office  of  the  day,  which  is  always  the 
case,  whatever  the  Lessons  be ;  as,  for  instance,  on  a  Saint's  Day  when  no  special 
Lessons  are  assigned  and  the  three  Lessons  from  Scripture  are  accordingly  taken 

1  Here  follow  six  more  paragraphs,  describing  the  contents  of  the  book,  which  it  appears 
unnecessary  to  translate. 

2  These  invitatories  vary  with  the  Office,  but  are  invariably  divided  into  two  portions  by  an 
asterisk  (*).  The  entire  invitatory  is  repeated  twice  before  the  Psalm,  and  once  after  the 
first,  third,  and  fifth  of  the  five  sections  (each  consisting  of  two  verses)  into  which  the  Psalm 
is  divided.  After  the  second  and  fourth  sections,  is  repeated  only  that  part  of  the  Invitatory 
which  follows  the  asterisk,  and  which  usually,  though  not  always,  consists  of  the  words,  "  O 
come,  let  us  worship  Him."  The  Psalm  finished  and  the  entire  Invitatory  repeated,  the 
doxology  of  two  verses  is  said  as  another  section,  and  then  is  repeated  first  the  second  portion 
of  the  Invitatory,  and  then  the  whole  of  it  once  more. 


THE    PIE.  XXXV 

from  the  Proper  Office  of  the  Season,  the  Responsories  are  nevertheless  taken  from 
the  Office  of  the  Saint. 

4.  In  the  last  Responsory  of  each  Nocturn  is  said  "Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost,"  (without  "As  it  was  in  the  beginning, 
&c")  And  then  part  of  the  Responsory  is  repeated  again,  unless  a  direction  be 
given  to  the  contrary. 

5.  In  the  Second  Nocturn  are  said  three  more  Psalms,  with  Antiphons,  a 
Verse  and  Response,  the  "Our  Father  —  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation." 
Answer,  "  But  deliver  us  from  evil,"  the  Absolution,  "  May  His  grace  and 
mercy,"  the  Blessings,  and  the  rest,  with  three  more  Lessons,  taken  from  some 
discourse,  or  from  the  Life  of  the  Saint  whose  Office  is  being  said,  if  it  be  a 
Saint's  Day,  and  after  each  Lesson  a  Responsory. 

6.  In  the  Third  Nocturn  are  said  three  more  Psalms,  with  Antiphons,  a 
Verse  and  Response,  the  "  Our  Father — And  lead  us  not  into  temptation," 
Answer,  "  But  deliver  us  from  evil,"  the  Absolution,  "  May  the  Almighty," 
the  Blessings,  and  the  rest,  as  before,  with  three  more  Lessons  taken  from 
some  Commentary  on  the  Gospel  for  the  day  or  Feast.  After  the  two  first 
Lessons  (that  is,  the  seventh  and  eighth  of  the  whole)  is  said  a  Responsory, 
one  after  each.  Sometimes  there  is  also  a  Responsory  said  after  the  third 
(ninth)  Lesson,  which  will  be  found  marked  in  its  proper  place.  In  the  last 
Responsory,  whether  it  be  the  eighth  or  ninth,  is  said  the  "  Glory  be  to  the 
Father  "  as  in  the  third  and  sixth,  unless  the  contrary  is  specially  directed.  If 
there  is  no  ninth  Responsory,  the  last  lesson  is  immediately  followed  by  the 
Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O  God." 

7.  On  plain  Week-days  and  Simple  Feasts  only  three  Lessons  are  read. 
In  that  case  the  Office  is  the  same  as  above,  except  that  instead  of  three 
Nocturns  only  one  is  said.  This  Nocturn  is  always  that  of  the  Week-day, 
whether  the  Office  be  said  of  the  Week-day  or  of  a  Saint,  and  consists  of 
twelve  Psalms,  and  six  Antiphons  arranged  as  in  the  Psalter.  In  the  Easter- 
time  there  is  only  one  Antiphon,  that  is  "Alleluia." 

8.  After  the  Psalms  and  Antiphons  follows  a  Verse  and  Response.  This 
is  to  be  found  in  the  Psalter,  if  the  Office  be  of  a  Week-day.  If  the  Office  is 
of  a  Saint,  it  is  taken  from  the  Common  of  Saints  of  that  Class,  which  is  to  be 
found  in  the  same  place.  Then  is  said  the  "Our  Father — And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,"  Answer,  "  But  deliver  us  from  evil,"  an  Absolution  and  Blessing, 
&c,  as  will  be  laid  down  more  at  length  in  the  Chapter  on  Absolutions  and 
Blessings.  Then  are  read  three  Lessons.  If  the  Office  is  of  a  Week-day, 
these  are  all  from  the  Scripture,  as  appointed  for  the  Season.  If  the  Office  is 
of  a  Saint,  if  there  is  one  special  Lesson  appointed,  the  two  first  only  are  of 
Scripture,  in  which  case  the  third  may  be  read  along  with  the  second,  as  one, 
at  option  ;  if  two  special  Lessons  be  appointed,  then  only  the  first  Lesson  is  from 
Scripture,  in  which  case  the  whole  three  may  be  read  together  as  one. 

9.  After  each  Lesson  is  said  a  Responsory  ;  if  the  Office  be  of  the  Week- 
day, they  will  be  found  marked  after  the  Lessons ;  if  the  Office  be  of  a  Feast 
they  are  taken  from  the  Common  of  Saints  of  the  Class  according  to  the  rule 
given  in  Chapter  XXVII.,  as  will  be  laid  down  more  at  length  in  the  chapter 
on  Verses  and  Responsories.  In  the  case  of  a  Saint's  Day,  it  will  be  observed 
that  only  two  Responsories  are  said,  the  third  Lesson  being  followed  by  the  Hymn 
"We  praise  Thee,  O  God."     The  same  is  the  case   in  Easter-time.      In  both 


XXXVI  THE   PIE. 

these   cases   therefore  •  the   second    Responsory,  being   the  last,  is  said   with   the 
"  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c,"  and  the  partial  repetition  of  the  Responsory  itself. 

Chapter  XIV.     Lauds. 

When  the  Hymn  "We  praise  Thee,  O  God,"  or  the  ninth  Responsory,  as 
the  case  may  be,  has  been  said,  the  Officiant  makes  the  sign  of  the  Cross,  saying, 
"  Make  haste,  O  God,  to  deliver  me,"  to  which  is  answered,  "  Make  haste  to 
help  me,  O  Lord,"  and  so  on,  as  at  Mattins.  But  instead  of  the  Invitatory 
there  follow  at  once  the  Psalms,  with  the  Canticle,  (which  is  on  Sundays  the 
Song  of  the  Three  Children  in  the  burning  fiery  furnace,  "  O  all  ye  works  of 
the  Lord,")  all  as  contained  in  the  Psalter,  with  the  Antiphons  proper  to  the 
Office  of  the  day.  The  same  Psalms  and  Canticle  are  said  upon  every  Sunday 
in  the  year,  on  every  day  in  Easter-time,  and  upon  every  Feast  whatsoever,  even 
Simples,  except  only  the  Sundays  from  Septuagesima  to  Palm  Sunday  inclusively. 
Upon  the  Sundays  from  Septuagesima  to  Palm  Sunday  inclusively  the  Office  is 
said  as  marked  in  its  proper  place.  The  Office  on  Week-days  not  in  Easter- 
time  is  said  as  given  in  the  Psalter. 

2.  If  no  proper  Antiphons  are  assigned,  if  the  Office  be  of  the  Sunday,  those 
are  said  which  are  given  in  the  Psalter ;  if  the  Office  be  of  a  Feast,  Double  or 
Simple,  they  are  taken  from  the  Common  of  Saints  of  that  Class.  After  the 
Psalms  follow  the  Chapter,  the  Hymn,  the  Verse  and  Response,  the  Antiphon 
for  the  Canticle  "  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,"  the  said  Canticle  itself, 
and  the  Prayer  ;  all  taken  from  the  Office  of  the  day. 

3.  When  the  short  Responsory  prayers  called  the  "  Preces  "  are  to  be  said, 
they  are  said  before  the  Prayer ;  and  when  the  Antiphons,  Verses,  Responses 
and  Prayers  in  memory  of  the  Cross,  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  of  St  Joseph, 
of  the  Apostles,  of  the  Patron  of  the  Church,  Country,  Diocese  or  Place,  and 
for  Peace  are  to  be  said,  they  are  said  after  the  Prayer  of  the  day.  If  a  Prayer 
is  likewise  to  be  said  in  memory  of  some  Saint  with  a  Simple  Feast,  such  Prayer 
is  to  be  said,  with  its  proper  Antiphon,  Verse  and  Response,  before  the  Com- 
memoration of  the  Cross ;  for  which  fuller  directions  are  given  in  the  special 
chapter  on  the  subject. 

4.  Before  the  Prayer  the  Officiant  always  says,  "Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord," 
to  which  is  answered,  "And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee."1  Then  he  says, 
"  Let  us  pray,"  and  proceeds.  After  the  last  Prayer  is  again  said,  "  Hear  my 
prayer,  O  Lord,"  Answer,  "  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee."  l  Then,  "  Bless 
we  the  Lord,"  Answer,  "Thanks  be  to  God."  "May  the  souls  of  the  faithful, 
through  the  mercy  of  God,  rest  in  peace,"  Answer,  "Amen."  If  the  Office  is 
not  to  be  at  once  continued,  the  "  Our  Father  "  is  then  recited  inaudibly ;  after 
which  the  Officiant  says,  "The  Lord  give  us  His  peace,"  Answer,  "And  life 
eternal.  Amen."  After  this,  one  of  the  Antiphons  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 
from  the  end  of  Compline,  is  said,  unless  Mass,  the  Office  of  the  Dead,  the 
Penitential  Psalms,  or  the  Litany  are  to  follow  at  once.  If  the  Office  is  to 
be  continued,  the  Antiphon  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  is  said  when  it  is  over. 
Respecting  the  Office  of  the  Dead,  the  Penitential  Psalms  and  the  Litany, 
directions  are  given   in  their  proper  place. 

1  Instead  of  this  a  person  in  or  above  Deacon's  orders  says,  "  The  Lord  be  with  you,"  and 
is  answered,  "And  with  thy  spirit." 


THE  PIE.  xxxvii 


Chapter  XV.     Prime. 


At  the  beginning  of  Prime  the  "Our  Father,"  the  "  Hail,  Mary,"  and  the  "  I 
believe  in  God  "  are  said  inaudibly.  Then  follows,  "  Make  haste,  O  God,  to 
deliver  me,"  and  the  rest  precisely  as  at  Lauds.  But  after  the  "  Alleluia,"  or, 
"Ceaseless  praise,  &c,"  is  said  the  Hymn,  "The  Star  of  morn,  &c."  Then 
follow  the  Psalms,  as  appointed  in  the  Psalter,  according  to  the  day  of  the 
week,  except  on  Feasts  and  in  Easter-time,  when  the  Psalms  said  are  the  three 
(i)  Ps.  liii.  "Save  me,  O  God,  by  Thy  Name,"  (2)  Ps.  cxviii.  I- 16, 
"Blessed  are  the  undefiled — I  will  not  forget  Thy  word,"  and  (3)  Ps.  cxviii. 
17-32,  "Deal  bountifully  with  Thy  servant — Thou  hast  enlarged  my  heart." 
Only  one  Antiphon  is  said  after  all  the  Psalms,  which  Antiphon  is  the  same 
as  the  first  Antiphon  at  Lauds. 

Here  it  is  to  be  observed  that  only  one  Antiphon  is  said  at  Prime,  Terce, 
Sext,  and  None,  one  to  each,  which  Antiphon  on  Feasts  is  the  same  as  the  first, 
second,  third,  and  fifth  at  Lauds,  respectively ;  but  this  matter  is  treated  of  more 
fully  further  on  in  the  chapter  on  Antiphons. 

2.  Immediately  after  the  Antiphon  on  every  Sunday  in  the  year,  on  every  day 
in  Easter-time,  and  on  every  Feast  whatsoever,  even  Simples,  is  read  the  Chapter 
from  1  Tim.  i.  17,  "Unto  the  King  Eternal."  When  the  Office  is  said  of  a 
Week-day  not  in  Easter-time,  the  Chapter  is  the  one  from  Zacharias  viii.  19, 
"Love  peace."  Then  follows  the  short  Responsory :  "Christ,  Thou  Son  of 
the  Living  God,  have  mercy  on  us."  After  the  short  Responsory,  if  the  Office 
be  not  of  a  Double  or  within  an  Octave,  follow  the  short  Responsory  prayers 
called  the  "  Preces,"  which  begin,  "  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,"  as  given  in 
the  Psalter.  When  the  Officiant  says  the  words,  "  Our  help  is  in  the  Name 
of  the  Lorb,"  he  makes  the  sign  of  the  Cross  from  his  forehead  to  his  breast. 
Then  follows  the  "  I  confess  to  God  Almighty,"  "  Almighty  God,  have  mercy 
on  us,"  "May  the  Almighty  and  Merciful  Lord."1  When  the  Office  is  of 
a  Week-day  and  Preces  have  been  said  at  Lauds,  other  Preces  are  added,  as  may 
be  found  in  the  Psalter  in  the  Office  of  Prime  on  Week-days.  But  if  the  Office 
of  the  day  be  Double  or  within  an  Octave,  the  Preces  are  entirely  omitted,  with 
the  Confession,  and  the  Officiant,  immediately  after  the  short  Responsory,  says, 
"Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,"  Answer,  "And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee," 
"  Let  us  pray,"  and  he  says  the  Prayer,  "  O  Lord  God  Almighty." 

3.  Then,  if  the  Little  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  is  said,  it  is  done  at 
once ;  otherwise  after  the  Prayer  "  O  Lord  God  Almighty,"  is  repeated  "  Hear 
my  prayer,  O  Lord,"  Answer,  "And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee,"  then,  "  Bless 
we  the  Lord,"  Answer,  "Thanks  be  to  God,"  and  in  choir  the  Martyrology 
for  the  day  is  read  at  once.  All  that  follows,  beginning  with  "  Precious  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,"  is  to  be  said  by  all  in  or  out  of  choir,  whether  they  have 
read  the  Martyrology  or  not.  At  the  end  is  read  one  of  the  short  Lessons, 
varying  with  the  Season,  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  Psalter  at  the  end  of 
Prime.  But  on  Feasts  and  some  other  days,  instead  of  one  of  these  short  Lessons 
is  read  the  Chapter  appointed  for  None ;  which  days  are  marked  in  their  place. 

1  Here  follow  in  the  original  some  directions  for  the  saying  of  the  Confession  by  clergymen, 
before  others,  and  alone. 


xxxvni  TIJE  PIE. 

Chapter  XVI.     Terce,  Sext,  and  None. 

Terce,  Sext,  and  None  are  all  similar  to  one  another.  At  the  beginning  the 
"  Our  Father  "  and  the  "  Hail,  Mary  "  are  said  inaudibly.  Then  follows,  "  Make 
haste,  O  God,  to  deliver  me,"  and  the  rest  as  at  Mattins,  Lauds,  and  Prime. 
After  the  "Alleluia"  or  "Ceaseless  praise,  &c,"  follow  the  Hymn  and  the 
Psalms,  as  given  in  the  Psalter.  One  Antiphon  is  said  at  each  Hour,  taken 
on  Feasts  and  some  other  occasions  from  Lauds,  viz.,  at  Terce  the  second,  at 
Sext  the  third,  and  at  None  the  fifth,  as  described  above.  After  the  Psalms  and 
Antiphons  are  said  the  Chapter  and  the  short  Responsory,  according  to  the  Office 
of  the  day ;  on  Sundays  and  Week-days  they  are  either  specially  assigned  in  the 
Proper  Office  of  the  Season,  or  are  read  as  in  the  Psalter  ;  on  Feasts  they  are 
either  special,  or  taken  from  the  Common  of  Saints  of  that  Class.  After  the 
short  Responsory  the  Officiant  says,  "  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,"  Answer,  "  And 
let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee,"  "  Let  us  pray,"  and  he  says  the  proper  Prayer  of 
the  day. 

2.  After  the  Prayer  is  repeated  "  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,"  Answer,  "And 
let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee."  Then,  "Bless  we  the  Lord,"  Answer,  "Thanks 
be  to  God,"  "  May  the  souls  of  the  faithful,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  rest  in 
peace,"  Answer,  "Amen."  The  "Our  Father"  is  then  recited  inaudibly;  as 
will  be  more  fully  explained  hereafter  in  the  chapter  on  the  Lord's  Prayer  and 
the  Angelic  Salutation. 

Chapter  XVII.     Vespers. 

Vespers  begin  the  same  as  Terce,  Sext,  and  None  ;  but  immediately  after  the 
"  Alleluia  "  or  "  Ceaseless  praise,  &c,"  there  are  said  five  Psalms,  with  the  same 
number  of  Antiphons,  taken  from  the  Office  of  the  day ;  but  it  is  to  be  observed 
that  the  Antiphons  on  Sundays  and  Week-days  observed  as  such,  are  almost 
invariably  those  in  the  Psalter. 

2.  After  the  Psalms  and  Antiphons  follow  the  Chapter,  the  Hymn,  the  Verse 
and  Response,  the  Antiphon  for  the  Canticle  "My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord," 
the  said  Canticle  itself,  and  the  Prayer  ;  all  taken  from  the  Office  of  the  day. 

3.  When  the  Preces  are  to  be  said,  they  are  said  before  the  Prayer  ;  and 
when  the  Commemorations  of  the  Cross,  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  of  St 
Joseph,  the  Apostles,  and  of  the  Patron  of  the  Church,  Country,  Diocese,  or 
Place,  and  the  Prayer  for  Peace,  are  to  be  said,  they  are  said  after  the  Prayer 
of  the  day.     Vespers  conclude  in  the  same  way  as  Terce,  Sext,  and  None. 

Chapter  XVIII.     Compline. 

The  Blessing  having  been  asked  and  pronounced,  Compline  begins  at  once  with 
the  short  Lesson,  as  given  in  the  Psalter.  Then  follow,  "  Our  help  is  in  the 
Name  of  the  Lord,"  Answer,  "  Who  hath  made  heaven  and  earth."  Then 
the  "Our  Father"  inaudibly,  the  "I  confess  to  God  Almighty,"  "Almighty 
God,  have  mercy  on  us,"  "  May  the  Almighty  and  merciful  Lord,"  then  "  Turn 
us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,"  Answer,  "  And  cause  Thine  anger  toward  us  to 
cease,"  "  Make  haste,  O  God,  to  deliver  me,"  and  so  on,  followed  by  the 
Psalms,  (which  are  always  the  same)  under  one  Antiphon,  the  Hymn,  the 
Chapter,  the  short  Responsory,  and  the  Canticle,  "  Lord,  now  lettest  Thou  Thy 


THE   PIE.  xxxix 

servant,"  with  its  own  Antiphon,  all  as  is  to  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  Psalter. 
After  the  Antiphon  "  Save  us,"  if  the  Office  is  not  Double  or  within  an  Octave 
are  said  the  Preces,  which  begin  "  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us  ;  "  but  if  the 
Office  be  Double  or  within  an  Octave,  the  Officiant  says  at  once,  "Hear  my 
prayer,  O  Lord,"  Answer,  "  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee,"  "  Let  us 
pray,"  and  he  proceeds  with  the  Prayer,  "Visit,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee," 
and  the  rest,  exactly  as  in  the  Psalter. 

2.  After  the  Verse,  "  May  Almighty  God,"  follows  one  of  the  Antiphons 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  with  its  Verse  and  Response,  and  Prayer,  according 
to  the  Season,  as  is  to  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  Psalter,  after  Compline.  And 
after  the  Verse,  "  God's  most  mighty,"  the  "  Our  Father,"  the  "  Hail,  Mary," 
and  the  "  I  believe  in  God,"  are  said  inaudibly. 

Chapter  XIX.     The  Invitatory. 

In  every  Office  an  Invitatory  is  said  at  Mattins,  with  the  Psalm,  "  O  come, 
let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord,"  in  the  manner  in  which  it  will  be  found  given  for 
ordinary  Sundays,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Psalter.  The  Invitatory  varies  with 
the  Office,  with  which  it  will  be  found  either  in  the  Psalter  or  the  Office  proper 
to  the  particular  Season,  or  in  the  Proper,  or  Common  Office  of  Saints. 

2.  The  only  exception  is  on  Twelfth-Day,  and  on  Maundy  Thursday,  Good 
Friday,  and  Holy  Saturday,  when  Mattins  begin  immediately  after  the  "  I  believe 
in  God  "  with  the  Antiphon  for  the  first  Psalm  of  the  Nocturns.  Likewise  no 
Invitatory  is  said  at  the  beginning  of  a  dirge,  except  on  All  Souls'  Day,  the  day 
of  death  or  burial,  and  when  the  whole  three  Nocturns  of  the  Dirge  are  to  be  said. 

Chapter  XX.     The  Hymns. 

A  Hymn  is  said  at  each  of  the  Canonical  Hours,  except  in  the  Office  of  the 
Dead,  and  from  Maundy  Thursday  inclusively  to  the  Vespers  of  Saturday  before 
Low  Sunday  exclusively. 

2.  At  Mattins  the  Hymn  is  said  immediately  after  the  last  repetition  of  the 
Invitatory,  except  on  Twelfth-Day,  when  the  Office  begins  as  mentioned  in  the 
last  chapter  ;  at  Lauds  and  Vespers  it  is  said  after  the  Chapter  ;  at  Prime,  Terce, 
Sext,  and  None  it  is  said  before  the  Psalms ;   and  at  Compline  after  the  Psalms. 

3.  The  Hymns  in  the  Psalter  are  said  if  the  Office  is  of  a'  Sunday  or  a 
Week-day,  when  no  special  Hymns  are  appointed  in  the  Proper  Office  of  the 
Season,  that  is,  from  the  Octave  of  Whitsun  Day  to  Advent  (excepting  only  the 
Sunday  within  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christi)  and  from  the  Octave  of  Twelfth- 
Day  to  the  first  Sunday  in  Lent,  exclusively.  If  the  Office  is  of  a  Feast,  the 
Hymns  are  either  special,  or  taken  from  the  Office  common  to  all  Saints  of  the 
particular  Class.  When  a  Feast  has  three  special  historic  Hymns,  and  the  special 
Hymn  cannot  be  said  in  First  Vespers,  then  this  Hymn  is  said  at  Mattins, 
the  Hymn  for  Mattins  at  Lauds,  and  the  Hymn  for  Lauds  at  Second  Vespers; 
but  if  the  Second  Vespers  are  not  of  such  Feast,  the  Hymn  for  Vespers  is 
joined  to  the  Hymn  for  Mattins,  with  one  common  concluding  Verse. 

4.  From  Christmas  to  Twelfth-Day,  on  Corpus  Christi  and  throughout  the 
Octave,  and  whenever  the  Office  is  said  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  even  in 
Easter-time,   and   whether   with   nine  or  three   Lessons,  the   last  verse   of  the 


xl  THE   PIE. 

Hymns   [at   Prime,  Terce,   Sext,   None,   and   Compline]    is   altered   in   honour 
of  the  Incarnation.1 

5.  Likewise  on  Twelfth-Day  and  throughout  the  Octave  the  last  verse  of 
these  Hymns  is  altered  in  honour  of  the  Revelation  of  our  Lord  to  the  Gentiles. 

6.  From  Low  Sunday  to  Ascension  Day,  on  Whitsun  Day  and  throughout 
the  Octave,  the  last  verse  of  these  Hymns  is  altered  in  honour  of  the  Resurrection 
of  our  Lord  from  the  dead. 

7.  On  Ascension  Day  and  until  Whitsun  Day  the  last  verse  of  these  Hymns 
is  altered  in  honour  of  the  Ascension  of  our  Lord  into  Heaven. 

8.  On  the  Feast  of  the  Transfiguration  of  our  Lord  the  last  verse  of  these 
Hymns  is  altered  in  honour  of  that  Mystery.  These  are  the  only  changes  which 
the  Hymns  ever  undergo. 

Chapter  XXI.     The  Antiphons. 

Throughout  the  whole  of  the  Divine  Office  the  Psalms  are  never  said  without 
Antiphons,  either  for  each  Psalm  or  each  group  of  Psalms  ;  which  Antiphons  vary 
with  the  Office  of  the  day. 

2.  Except  in  Advent  and  Easter-time,  if  the  Office  be  of  a  Sunday  or  Week- 
day, at  Mattins,  Vespers,  and  Compline,  those  Antiphons  are  said  which  are  to  be 
found  in  the  Psalter,  even  when  the  day  is  a  Simple  Feast.  In  Advent  special 
Antiphons  are  given  in  the  Office  proper  to  that  Season,  and  in  Easter-time  only 
one  Antiphon  is  said,  that  is,  "Alleluia."  At  Lauds,  Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  and 
None  those  Antiphons  are  said  which  are  appointed  in  the  Proper  Office  of  the 
Season,  and  if  none  are  so  appointed,  those  are  said  which  are  given  in  the  Psalter. 

3.  When  the  first  Sunday  of  any  particular  month  is  mentioned,  that  Sunday 
is  meant  which  is  on  or  nearest  to,  either  before  or  after,  the  first  day  of  the 
month  named.  And  at  Vespers  on  the  Saturday  the  Antiphon  for  the  Canticle, 
"  My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,"  is  to  be  taken  from  the  Sunday,  and  will  be 
found  with  the  Sunday  in  its  proper  place.  This  Saturday  Antiphon  is  always 
taken  from  that  book  of  Scripture  which  is  to  be  read  at  Mattins  on  the  Sunday. 

4.  On  all  days  when  nine  Lessons  are  read  the  Antiphons  at  Vespers  are 
the  same  as  those  at  Lauds,  unless  special  ones  are  appointed.  And  likewise  at 
Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  and  None,  if  special  Antiphons  are  not  appointed,  when 
Lauds  has  had  proper  Antiphons,  these  are  taken  in  turn,  one  to  each  Hour, 
omitting  the  fourth  ;  so  that  the  first  Antiphon  is  said  at  Prime,  the  second  at 
Terce,  the  third  at  Sext,  and  the  fifth  at  None.  All  which  has  been  explained 
before  in  Chapter  XVI. 

5.  On  Week-days  in  Advent,  if  there  are  no  proper  Antiphons  at  Lauds, 
the  Antiphons  for  the  four  short  Hours  are  taken  from  the  Lauds  of  the 
Sunday  before. 

6.  In  Easter- time,  whether  the  Office  for  the  day  has  nine  Lessons  or 
three,  there  is  only  one  Antiphon  to  each  Nocturn,  which  Antiphon  is  to  be 
found  in  the  Psalter,  or  in  its  proper  place.  Likewise  in  Easter-time  the  word 
"  Alleluia "  is  added  to  every  Antiphon  said,  if  it  be  not  there  already.  On 
the  contrary,  from  Septuagesima  to  Easter,  if  the  word  "  Alleluia  "  occur  it  is 
omitted,  and  nothing  is  said  in  its  place. 

1  The  divergence  of  this  translation  from  the  original  in  the  matter  of  these  alterations 
is  explained  in  the  Translator's  Preface. 


THE   PIE.  xli 

7.  Upon  Double  Feasts  at  Mattins,  Lauds,  and  Vespers  (but  not  at  Prime, 
Terce,  Sext,  None,  and  Compline,)  the  Antiphons  are  said  from  beginning  to 
end  before,  as  well  as  after,  the  Psalms  and  Canticles.  And  this  is  one  of 
the  reasons  why  these  Feasts  get  the  name  of  Doubles.  At  the  short  Hours 
on  these  days  and  throughout  the  whole  Office  on  Semi-doubles,  Simples,  and 
Week-days,  the  first  words  only  of  the  Antiphon  are  said  before  the  Psalm, 
but  it  is  said  entire  at  the  end.  Should  the  Antiphon  happen  to  consist  of  the 
opening  words  of  the  Psalm  or  Canticle  to  which  it  belongs,  the  beginning  of 
such  Psalm  or  Canticle  is  not  repeated.  Such  Psalm  or  Canticle  in  that  case 
begins  with  the  next  words  after  those  which  form  the  Antiphon.  This  does 
not  cause  any  difference  in  the  rule  as  to  whether  the  Antiphon  is  to  be  said 
before  the  Psalm  entire  or  not.  As,  for  instance,  the  first  Psalm  at  Vespers 
on  Sunday  is  Psalm  cix.,  which  begins,  "The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit 
Thou  at  My  right  hand,  Until  I  make  Thine  enemies  Thy  footstool,"  to  which 
the  Antiphon  is,  "The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  Thou  at  My  right  hand." 
As  it  is  a  Semi-double,  the  first  words  only  of  the  Antiphon  are  said  before 
the  Psalm,  "The  Lord  said."  Then  the  Psalm  begins  with  the  words,  "Unto 
my  Lord,  Sit  Thou  at  My  right  hand,  Until  I  make  Thine  enemies  Thy  foot- 
stool." But  if  "Alleluia"  occur  at  the  end  of  the  Antiphon  or  of  the  portion 
said  the  Psalm  begins  as  usual. 

8.  Whenever  proper  Antiphons  are  given  in  the  Office  of  the  day,  these 
Antiphons  are  invariably  to  be  substituted  for  those  in  the  Psalter,  or  the  Common 
Office  of  each  Class  of  Saints. 

9.  When  a  Commemoration  is  to  be  made  at  Lauds  or  Vespers,  it  is  done 
by  reciting  once  the  Antiphon  which  would  be  said  at  Lauds  at  the  Canticle 
"Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,"  and  at  Vespers  at  the  Canticle  "My 
soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,"  with  the  Verse  and  Response  which  would  follow 
the  Hymn,  and  the  Prayer  which  would  be  said,  were  the  Office  of  that  of  which 
the  Commemoration  is  made. 

10.  The  Antiphons  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  with  their  Verses  and 
Responses  and  Prayers,  which  are  to  be  found  after  Compline,  are  said  as  directed 
further  on  in  Chapter  XXXVI. 

Chapter  XXII.     The  Psalms. 

Upon  Sundays  and  Week-days  the  Psalms  are  said  as  they  are  arranged 
in  the  Psalter,  unless  some  special  direction  to  the  contrary  is  given  in  the 
Office  for  the  Season.  On  Feasts  the  Psalms  are  said  as  directed  in  the 
Proper  Office,  or  in  the  Common  of  the  Saints  of  each  Class. 

2.  The  Psalms  appointed  for  Lauds  on  Sunday,  with  the  Canticle  "  O  all 
ye  Works  of  the  Lord,"  are  said  also  on  every  Feast  in  the  year,  and  on 
every  day  whatsoever  in  Easter-time. 

3.  At  Prime  the  Psalm  "O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,"  and  the  others 
there  given  are  said  on  every  Sunday  when  the  Office  is  of  the  Sunday,  even 
if  it  be  within  an  Octave,  from  the  third  Sunday  after  Whitsun  Day  inclusively 
till  Christmas  exclusively,  and  likewise  from  the  second  Sunday  after  Twelfth- 
Day  inclusively  till  Septuagesima  exclusively.  From  Septuagesima  till  Easter 
is  said  instead  Psalm  xcii.,  "The  Lord  reigneth,"  because  the  Psalm  "O  give 
thanks  unto  the  Lord"  is  at  that  time  said  at  Lauds  after  Psalm  1.,  "Have 


Xlii  THE   PIE. 

mercy  upon  me,  O  God,"  as  will  be  found  directed  in  the  proper  place.  Upon 
the  Sundays  from  Low  Sunday  inclusively  to  Ascension  Day  exclusively  are 
said  the  three  Psalms,  "  Save  me,  O  God,  by  Thy  Name,"  "  Blessed  are  the 
undefiled,"  and  "  Deal  bountifully  with  Thy  servant,"  as  on  Feasts,  but  with 
the  addition  of  the  Creed .  of  St  Athanasius.  Outside  Easter-time  when  the 
Office  is  of  a  Week-day,  there  is  substituted  for  the  Psalm  "  O  give  thanks 
unto  the  Lord"  one  of  those  which  are  given  in  the  Psalter  for  that  purpose, 
under  the  heading  of  the  Office  for  Prime  on  Week-days.  But  on  every  day 
in  Easter-time,  upon  every  Feast-day  in  the  year,  and  on  every  Saturday,  whether 
the  Office  be  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  or  of  the  Saturday,  even  if  a  Double  Feast 
is  to  be  kept  on  the  Sunday,  the  Psalms  said  are  the  three,  "  Save  me,  O 
God,  by  Thy  Name,"  "  Blessed  are  the  undefiled,"  and  "  Deal  bountifully  with 
Thy  servant." 

4.  On  every  Sunday  in  the  year  if  the  Office  is  of  the  Sunday,  the  Creed 
of  St  Athanasius,  "  Whosoever  will  be  saved,"  is  added  to  the  Psalms  at  Prime, 
as  is  directed  in  Chapter  XXXIII. 

5.  At  Terce,  Sext,  None,  and  Compline  the  Psalms  are  the  same  on  every 
day  in  the  year. 

6.  It  is  to  be  remarked  that  the  first  four  Psalms  at  Vespers  on  Sundays 
are  likewise  said  on  nearly  every  Feast  in  the  year.  The  fifth  changes  much 
oftener.  But  these  changes,  whether  of  the  fifth  or  of  any  of  the  first  four, 
are  all  marked  in  their  proper  place.  If  a  Feast  has  an  Octave,  the  same  Psalms 
are  said  every  day  at  Vespers  during  the  Octave  as  have  been  said  at  the  Second 
Vespers  of  the  Feast,  except  on  the  evening  of  the  seventh  day,  being  the  First 
Vespers  of  the  Octave-day,  when  the  Vespers  are  the  same  as  the  First  Vespers  of 
the  Feast. 

7.  At  the  end  of  every  Psalm  is  said  this  Hymn  : 

"  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." 

Except  at  the  end  of  Psalms  lxii.,  "  O  God,  Thou  art  my  God  :  early  will  I 
seek  Thee,"  and  cxlviii.,  "  Praise  ye  the  Lord  from  the  heavens,"  which  are 
severally  united  in  groups  with  others,  in  which  case  the  "  Glory  be  to  the 
Father  "  and  the  Antiphon  are  said  after  the  group,  as  if  that  were  only  one 
Psalm.  Moreover,  the  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father "  is  not  said  at  the  end  of 
the  Psalms  on  Maundy  Thursday,  Good  Friday,  and  Holy  Saturday,  nor  in 
the   Office  for  the  Dead.      In  the  latter  case  there  is  said  instead  : 

'*  O  Lord,  give  them  eternal  rest, 

"And  let  the  everlasting  light  shine  upon  them." 
Which  words  are  said  in  the  plural  even  though  the  Office  is  being  recited  for 
one  dead  person. 

8.  For  the  sake  of  uniformity  an  asterisk  (*)  is  put  in  the  middle  of  every 
verse  where  the  pause  is  to  be  made  in  saying  or  singing. 

Chapter  XXIII.     The  Canticles. 

Canticles  are  said  every  day  at  Lauds,  Vespers,  and  Compline.  When  the 
Office  is  of  a  Sunday  or  Week-day  these  are  as  given  in  the  Psalter. 

2.   On  all   Feasts  whatsoever,  and  every  day  in  Easter-time,  the  first  Canticle 


THE  PIE.  xliii 

at  Lauds  is  the  same  as  on  Sundays,  that  is,  "  O  all  ye  Works  of  the  Lord,"  at 
the  end  of  which  the  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father  "  is  not  said  as  it  is  at  the  end  of 
the  other  Canticles,  nor  is  "  Amen  "  answered.  The  other  Canticles  which  are 
appointed  in  the  Psalter  for  Lauds  on  Week-days  are  said  only  when  the  Office 
is  of  the  Week-day  out  of  Easter-time. 

3.  The  three  Canticles,  "Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,"  "My  soul 
doth  magnify  the  Lord,"  and  "  Lord,  now  lettest  Thou  Thy  servant,"  are  always 
said  every  day  at  Lauds,  Vespers,  and  Compline  respectively. 

Chapter  XXIV.     The  Verses  and  Responses. 

A  Verse  and  Response  are  always  said  at  Mattins  after  the  last  Psalm  and 
Antiphon  of  each  Nocturn,  whether  there  be  one  or  three.  At  Lauds  and 
Vespers  they  are  said  immediately  after  the  Hymn.  At  Prime,  Terce,  Sext, 
None,  and  Compline  they  are  said  together  with  the  short  Responsory,  at  the 
end,  after  the  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost," 
and  the  repetition. 

2.  On  Easter  Sunday  and  till  the  Vespers  of  the  Saturday  before  Low 
Sunday,  the  Verse  and  Response  are  said  only  at  Mattins. 

3.  In  Commemorations  a  Verse  and  Response  are  said  as  prescribed  in 
Chapter  XXI.  9,  "On  Antiphons." 

4.  In  Easter-time  the  word  "Alleluia"  is  added  to  every  Verse  and  every 
Response,  except  those  which  form  part  of  Preces,'  those  at  Prime,  "  V.  Precious 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord.  R.  Is  the  death  of  His  Saints,"  and  those  which  form 
part  of  the  Responsories  at  Mattins. 

5.  In  the  Office  of  a  Simple  Feast,  when  there  is  only  one  Nocturn,  the 
Verse  and  Response  which  follow  it  are  taken  from  the  Office  Common  to 
Saints  of  that  Class.  On  Mondays  and  Thursdays  they  are  taken  from  the 
First  Nocturn  of  the  Common  Office ;  on  Tuesdays  and  Fridays  from  the 
Second ;  on  Wednesdays  from  the  Third. 

6.  If  special  Verses  and  Responses  are  not  assigned  for  Lauds  and  Vespers, 
those  are  said  which  are  given  in  the  Psalter. 

Chapter   XXV.     The  Absolutions  and  Blessings  before  the  Lessons. 

At  Mattins  when  nine  Lessons  are  read  they  are  preceded  by  Absolutions  and 
Blessings  as  given  in  the  Psalter ;  the  only  exception  being  the  Dirge,  and  the 
Mattins  of  Maundy  Thursday,  Good  Friday,  and  Holy  Saturday,  called  the 
Office  of  the  Darkness,  in  which  cases  they  are  altogether  omitted. 

2.  When  only  three  Lessons  are  read,  if  they  are  all  from  Scripture,  the 
Absolution  and  Blessings  will  be,  on  Monday  and  Thursday,  "  Graciously 
hear,"  "  May  the  Eternal  Father,"  "  May  the  Son,"  and  "  May  the  grace ;  " 
on  Tuesday  and  Friday,  "  May  His  loving-kindness  and  mercy,"  "  God  the 
Father,"  "  May  Christ  to  all  His  people  give,"  and  "  May  the  Spirit's  fire ;  " 
and  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  "May  the  Almighty  and  merciful  Lord," 
"May  the  Gospel's,"  "God's  most  mighty,"  and  "May  He  That  is  the 
Angels'   King." 

3.  But  if  only  three  Lessons  are  read,  and  they  are  all  from  a  Homily  upon 
the  Gospel  for  the  day,  the  Absolution  is  taken  as  above,  according  to  the  day  of 


xliv  THE   PIE. 

the  week,  but  the  Blessings  are,  "  May  the  Gospel's  holy  Lection,"  "  God's 
most  mighty,"  and  "May  He  That  is  the  Angels'  King."  If  the  Office  be  of 
a  Saint,  the  Absolution  is  likewise  taken  according  to  the  day  of  the  week,  but 
the  Blessings  are  "  May  His  blessing,"  "  He  whose  birth-day  we  are  keeping," 
and  "  May  He  That  is  the  Angels'  King." 

4.  When  the  Office  on  Saturday  is  said  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  the 
Absolution  and  Blessings  are  those  which  belong  to  her  Little  Office,  which  will 
be  found  near  the  end  of  the  Breviary,  namely,  "  By  the  Prayers,"  "  Bless  us, 
Mary,"  "  With  the  Lord,"  and  "  He  to  Whom." 

Chapter  XXVI.     The   Lessons. 

Three  Lessons  are  read  at  the  end  of  each  Nocturn  of  Mattins,  after  the 
Psalms  and  Antiphons,  with  a  Verse  and  Response,  Absolution,  and  Blessings, 
all  as  above.  On  Doubles  and  Semi-doubles  there  are  three  Nocturns,  and 
consequently  nine  Lessons ;  on  Week-days  and  Simples  one  Nocturn  and  three 
Lessons. 

2.  When  nine  Lessons  are  read,  the  first  three  are  always  out  of  Holy 
Scripture,  and  if  no  special  ones  are  assigned,  those  are  read  which  are  given 
for  that  day  in  the  Proper  Office  of  the  Season.  If  the  Office  be  of  a  Saint, 
the  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  Lesson,  viz.,  those  of  the  Second  Nocturn,  are  either 
taken  from  his  Life,  or  from  some  appropriate  Sermon  or  Treatise  ;  if  no  special 
ones  are  assigned,  they  are  taken  from  the  Office  common  to  all  Saints  of  that 
Class.  If  only  one  or  two  special  Lessons  are  given,  then  the  three  are  made  up 
out  of  the  Common,  in  which  case  it  is  optional  to  read  the  whole,  namely,  if  two 
Lessons  are  to  be  read  from  the  Common,  to  read  the  second  and  third  as  one, 
or  if  one,  to  read  all  three  as  one.  If  the  Office  be  of  a  Sunday,  or  of  any  other 
day  in  the  year  having  nine  Lessons,  or  within  an  Octave,  three  proper  Lessons 
are  always  assigned  from  some  appropriate  Sermon  or  Treatise.  In  the  Third 
Nocturn  are  always  read  three  Lessons  from  some  Homily  in  Exposition  of  the 
Gospel  for  the  day,  which  Lessons  are,  like  the  Gospel  itself,  either  special,  or,  if 
the  Office  be  of  a  Saint,  most  frequently  from  the  Common  of  Saints.  Before 
the  first  of  these  is  always  read  the  beginning  of  the  Gospel  which  forms  the 
subject  of  the  Homily,  even  within  Octaves.  The  only  exceptions  to  these  rules 
are  the  Dirge  and  the  Office  of  the  Darkness  on  the  three  nights  before  Easter. 

3.  If  the  Office  be  one  of  Nine  Lessons,  in  which  the  Hymn  "We  praise 
Thee,  O  God  "  is  to  be  said  instead  of  a  ninth  Responsory,  and  some  Saint  who 
has  a  proper  Lesson  is  to  be  commemorated,  then  the  ninth  Lesson  is  the  Lesson 
of  the  Saint.  If  the  Saint  have  two  Lessons,  they  are  read  together  as  one  in  the 
ninth  place.1  In  either  case  the  ninth  Lesson  belonging  to  the  Office  of  the  day 
is  either  omitted,  or  read  as  one  Lesson  joined  on  to  the  eighth.  If  the  day 
happen  to  be  a  Sunday,  or  a  Week-day  which  has  three  Lessons  on  a  special 
Gospel,  then  no  Lesson  of  the  Saint  is  read,  but  the  ninth  Lesson  will  be  that  of 
the  Homily ;  and  it  is  optional  to  read  the  three  joined  together  as  one,  or  the 
first  only. 

4.  On  a  day  when  there  are  only  three  Lessons,  if  the  Office  be  of  the 
Week-day,  they  are  all  from  the  Scripture,  unless  special  Lessons  are  appointed 

1  For  reduced  Feasts  see  c.  ix.  n.  10  of  this  Pie. 


THE    PIE.  xlv 

from  an  Homily  on  the  Gospel,  in  which  case  these  latter  are  read,  and  the 
Lessons  from  Scripture  altogether  omitted.  If,  however,  the  Office  be  of  a  Saint, 
if  he  has  two  proper  Lessons  they  are  read  in  the  second  and  third  places,  and  in 
the  first  is  read  the  first  Lesson  from  Scripture,  or  the  whole  three  together  as 
one.  If  the  Saint  have  only  one  proper  Lesson,  that  is  read  in  the  third  place  ; 
the  first  Lesson  is  the  first  from  Scripture,  and  the  second  either  the  second,  or  the 
second  and  third  together.  Which  rule  is  likewise  to  be  observed  in  the  Office 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  on  Saturdays. 

5.  Lessons  from  Scripture  are  given  for  nearly  every  day  in  the  year,  and 
they  are  always  read  in  order,  whatever  the  Office  is,  unless  other  Lessons  be 
specially  appointed  on  certain  days. 

6.  The  different  books  of  Scripture  are  nearly  always  appointed  to  be  begun 
on  a  Sunday.  Should  it  happen  that  that  day  is  occupied  by  a  Feast  with  special 
Lessons,  the  book  so  prevented  from  being  begun  must  be  begun  on  the  next  day 
which  is  free.  In  this  case,  that  the  whole  book  may  not  get  behind-hand,  the 
Lessons  proper  to  the  day  to  which  the  commencement  of  the  new  book  is  trans- 
ferred are  to  be  read  joined  to  them  in  the  form  of  three  Lessons,  or  else  entirely 
omitted.  If  it  possibly  happened  that  even  more  was  to  be  read,  the  total  number 
of  Lessons  would  be  simply  divided  into  groups  in  the  above  manner. 

7.  Should  it  happen  in  Easter-time  that  one  of  the  Catholic  Epistles,  or  in 
November,  one  of  the  Minor  Prophets  is  prevented  from  being  begun  upon  the 
proper  day  by  some  Feast  occurring  with  special  Lessons,  it  is  to  be  begun  upon 
the  next  free  day,  in  the  manner  described  above.  Should  however  another  book 
be  to  be  begun  upon  the  next  free  day,  the  displaced  book  may  be  begun  on  some 
day  previous  to  its  normal  one.  But  if  this  is  impossible,  it  must  at  any  rate  be 
read,  even  if  another  book  be  begun  immediately.  It  may  be  remarked  that  in 
either  of  the  latter  cases  the  whole  book  may  be  read  through  at  once.  If  two 
books  be  begun  on  the  same  day,  the  beginning  must  be  the  beginning  of  a  Lesson 
— as,  for  instance,  if  Book  A.,  divided  into  three  Lessons,  be  transferred  to  the 
day  when  Book  B.  is  begun,  the  Lessons  will  be,  First,  A.  I,  Second,  A.  2 
and  3,  Third,  B.  1,  2,  and  3. 

8.  Lessons  from  Scripture  are  given  for  as  many  weeks  as  there  can  be  under 
any  circumstances  between  Twelfth-Day  and  Septuagesima,  and  between  Whitsun 
Day  and  Advent.  If  owing  to  Septuagesima  falling  earlier  there  are  fewer  weeks 
between  Twelfth-Day  and  Septuagesima,  the  Lessons  appointed  for  the  super- 
fluous weeks  are  simply  never  read  at  all,  even  though  by  this  arrangement  a 
certain  amount  of  St  Paul's  Epistles  is  not  read  in  that  year  at  all.  The  same 
is  to  be  done  with  the  Lessons  from  the  Books  of  Kings  appointed  for  weeks 
which  may  not  occur  between  the  Octave  of  Whitsun  Day  and  the  first  week  in 
August.  If,  moreover,  the  Office  for  one  of  the  Sundays  after  Twelfth-Day  be 
read  not  on  the  proper  Sunday  but  by  anticipation  on  some  other  day,  the  Lessons 
read  will  be  those  of  the  Sunday  so  anticipated,  and  those  on  the  following  days 
be  those  for  the  days  which  follow  the  anticipated  Sunday,  the  Lessons  belonging 
to  the  actual  days  on  which  the  anticipated  Office  is  read  being  altogether  omitted. 
And  in  the  same  manner  if  Lessons  are  appointed  for  five  weeks  in  a  particular 
month  and  that  month  happen  that  year  to  have  only  four,  the  omission  must  be 
made  as  directed  in  the  special  rubrics  to  be  found  in  the  proper  place. 

9.  If  a  Feast  have  special  Lessons  from  Scripture,  these  are  always  read  in 
place  of  the  ordinary  Lessons  for  the  day,  which  are  not  read  at  all,  unless  they 


xlvi  THE  PIE. 

are  the  commencement  of  a  new  book,  when  they  are  transferred,  as  given  in 
sections  6  and  7.  Likewise  if  a  Feast  with  Nine  Lessons  is  kept  in  Lent,  on 
the  Ember  Days,  on  Rogation  Monday,  or  on  Ascension  Eve,  the  Lessons  from 
Scripture,  that  is,  the  first,  second,  and  third  Lessons,  are  taken  from  the  Office 
common  to  Saints  of  the  Class,  because,  although  the  Feast  have  not  proper 
Lessons,  there  are  no  Lessons  from  Scripture  belonging  to  the  day.  However  if 
one  of  these  days  is  an  Octave-day,  the  three  first  Lessons  will  be  the  same  as 
those  read  on  the  Feast  of  which  it  is  the  Octave.  If  it  be  a  day  within  an 
Octave,  the  three  first  Lessons  are  those  in  the  Common  Office.  And  the  same 
rule  is  to  be  observed  regarding  the  Lessons  in  the  other  Nocturns,  when  they  are 
specially  arranged  for  the  Feast,  or  when  a  Feast  of  Nine  Lessons  is  being  kept 
which  has  not  got  approved  proper  Lessons. 

xo.  Unless  special  directions  are  given  to  the  contrary,  before  the  Lessons  of 
the  First  Nocturn  is  given  out  the  place  from  which  they  are  taken ;  likewise  in 
the  Second  Nocturn  if  the  Lessons  are  from  a  Sermon  or  Treatise,  the  name  of 
the  author  is  announced,  but  not  otherwise ;  and  likewise  also  before  the  Lessons 
in  the  Third  Nocturn  the  title  of  the  Homily,  naming  the  author,  is  given. 

11.  At  the  end  of  every  Lesson  he  who  has  read  it  says,  "But  Thou,  O 
Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,"  to  which  is  answered,  "Thanks  be  to  God."  And 
the  same  is  done  after  the  short  Lessons  at  the  beginning  of  Compline,  and  the  end 
of  Prime  (after  the  Verse  "  Precious.")  The  only  exceptions  are  the  Dirge,  and 
the  three  nights  before  Easter,  where  special  directions  are  given. 

Chapter   XXVII.     The  Responsories  after  the  Lessons. 

At  Mattins  a  Responsory  is  said  after  every  Lesson. 

2.  But  on  every  Feast  of  Nine  Lessons,  (except  that  of  the  Holy  Innocents 
if  it  falls  on  a  Week-day,)  and  on  every  Sunday  from  Low  Sunday  inclusively  to 
Advent  Sunday  exclusively,  and  from  the  Sunday  after  Christmas  inclusively  to 
Septuagesima  exclusively,  only  eight  regular  Responsories  are  said,  and,  instead, 
after  the  ninth  Lesson  is  said  the  Hymn  "We  praise  Thee,  O  God."  At  the 
end  of  the  third,  sixth,  and  last  Responsory,  whether  it  be  eighth  or  ninth,  is  said 
"  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost,"  (but  not 
"As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c.,")  followed  by  the  repetition  of  part  of  the 
Responsory.  The  only  exceptions  are  the  Dirge,  and  Passion-tide,  which  are 
given  in  their  place.  The  words  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and 
to  the  Holy  Ghost "  will  sometimes  be  found  given  in  the  first  Responsory  also. 

3.  Nine  Responsories  are  said  on  the  Sundays  in  Advent,  and  between 
Septuagesima  and  Palm  Sunday  inclusively,  and  likewise  on  the  three  nights 
before  Easter,  for  then  the  Hymn  "We  praise  Thee,  O  God"  is  not  said. 

4.  When  three  Lessons  only  are  read,  if  the  Office  is  of  a  Feast,  and  also 
every  day  in  Easter-tide,  namely,  between  Low  Sunday  and  Ascension  Day, 
except  Rogation  Monday,  which  has  three  Responsories,  only  two  Responsories 
are  said,  because  after  the  third  Lesson  is  said  the  Hymn  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God."  These  Responsories  on  Feasts  are  taken  from  the  Common  Office  of 
Saints  of  the  Class,  and  in  Easter-time  from  the  preceding  Sunday,  thus,  unless 
proper  ones  be  appointed  —  On  Monday  and  Thursday  the  first  and  second 
Responsories  of  the  First  Nocturn,  on  Tuesday  and  Friday  of  the  Second,  and 
on  Wednesday  of  the  Third. 


THE  PIE.  xlvii 

5.  On  plain  Week-days  out  of  Easter-time  three  Responsories  are  said, 
(because  the  Hymn  "We  praise  Thee,  O  God"  is  not  then  said,)  which  are 
taken  from  the  Sunday  before,  on  Monday  and  Thursday  from  the  First  Nocturn, 
on  Tuesday  and  Friday  from  the  Second,  and  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday  (if  the 
Office  is  of  the  Saturday)  from  the  Third.  In  the  Third  Nocturn  of  the  Sundays 
between  the  Third  Sunday  after  Whitsun  Day  inclusively  and  Advent  Sunday 
exclusively,  there  is  only  one  Responsory,  namely,  the  seventh,  which  can  be  said 
on  a  Week-day,  because  there  is  no  ninth,  and  the  Responsory  "  One  Seraph 
cried  unto  another,"  which  is  the  eighth,  is  only  said  on  Sundays.  In  this  case 
therefore  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday  the  first  Responsory  is  the  seventh  of  the 
Sunday,  and  the  second  and  third  are  those  which  are  to  be  said  as  the  second 
and  third  of  the  Monday,  or  if  none  be  assigned,  the  second  and  third  of  the  First 
Nocturn  of  the  Sunday.  From  the  Octave  of  Twelfth-Day  to  Septuagesima, 
proper  Responsories  are  given  for  every  day,  except  the  Saturdays,  in  which  are 
said  the  Responsories  of  the  Wednesday  preceding. 

6.  When  no  special  Responsories  are  given,  they  are  taken  from  the  first 
Sunday  of  the  month,  or  the  beginning  of  the  Book  of  Scripture  which  is  then 
being  read.  When  proper  Responsories  are  given  for  every  day  in  the  first  week 
of  the  month,  they  are  to  be  repeated  on  the  same  days  of  each  succeeding  week 
until  further  notice.  Where  proper  Responsories  are  not  given  for  the  Week-days, 
they  are  taken  from  the  Sunday  in  the  order  explained  above. 

7.  If  a  Double  Feast  falls  on  a  Sunday,  and  so  prevents  the  Responsories  of 
the  First  Nocturn  of  the  Sunday  being  said,  they  are  transferred  to  the  first  free 
day  in  the  week,  to  the  total  omission  of  any  proper  Responsories  which  that 
Week-day  may  happen  to  have.  If  there  is  no  Week-day  free,  they  are  carried 
on  to  the  next  Sunday,  if  it  has  none  of  its  own ;  if  it  has,  to  a  free  day  in  that 
week.  If  there  is  no  free  day,  they  are  entirely  omitted.  If  a  Week-day  have 
proper  Responsories,  and  they  are  not  said  by  reason  of  a  Feast,  they  are  not 
carried  on  at  all,  but  simply  omitted. 

8.  In  Easter-time,  in  the  Responsory,  the  word  "Alleluia"  is  inserted  before 
the  Verse. 

Chapter   XXVIII.     The  Short  Responsories  in  the  Hours. 

A  short  Responsory  is  said  after  the  Chapter  at  Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  None, 
and  Compline,  except  from  Maundy  Thursday  till  None  on  Saturday  before  Low 
Sunday  inclusively,  during  which  time  it  is  omitted.  At  Prime  and  Compline  it 
is  always  as  given  in  the  Psalter.  In  the  other  Hours  it  varies  with  the  Office, 
and  is  to  be  found  either  in  the  Psalter  or  the  Proper  Office  of  the  Season  or 
Feast,  or  the  Common  of  Saints. 

2.  At  the  end  of  the  short  Responsory  is  said  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost,"  (but  not  "  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c.,") 
followed  by  the  repetition  of  part  of  the  Responsory.  In  Passion-tide  this  is  not 
done,  but  instead  the  whole  Responsory  is  repeated. 

3.  In  the  short  Responsory  at  Prime  the  following  changes  are  made — Instead 
of  the  words  "  Thou  That  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father,"  in  Advent, 
except  only  the  Feast  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 
and  its  Octave,  is  said  "  Thou  That  art  to  come  into  the  world,"  from  Christmas 
to  Twelfth-Day,  at  Corpus  Christi  and  throughout  its  Octave,  and  in  all  Offices 


xlviii  THE   PIE. 

whatsoever  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  within  their  Octaves,  if  they  have 
any,  even  though  the  Office  be  not  of  the  Octave,  "  Thou  That  wast  born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary."  On  Twelfth-Day  and  throughout  its  Octave,  and  on  the 
Feast  of  the  Transfiguration,  "Thou  That  art  manifested  unto  us  this  day." 
From  Low  Sunday  inclusively  to  Ascension  Day  exclusively,  except  in  Offices 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  "  Thou  That  hast  arisen  from  the  dead."  From 
Ascension  Day  inclusively  to  Whitsun  Day  exclusively,  "  Thou  That  art  gone 
up  above  the  stars."  At  Whitsun-tide  and  all  the  rest  of  the  year,  "  Thou  That 
sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father." 

4.  The  short  Responsories  for  the  other  Hours  which  are  given  for  Advent 
Sunday  are  used  throughout  Advent,  whenever  the  Office  is  of  the  Season.  Like- 
wise those  given  on  the  first  Sunday  in  Lent  are  used  till  Passion  Sunday 
exclusively.  Those  given  on  Passion  Sunday  are  used  till  Maundy  Thursday 
exclusively.  Those  given  on  Low  Sunday  are  used  till  Ascension  Day  exclus- 
ively. Those  given  on  any  Feast  having  an  Octave  are  used  every  day  during 
the  Octave,  when  the  Office  is  of  the  Octave.  In  all  Offices  whatsoever  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  except  only  the  Assumption,  the  short  Responsories  are 
taken  from  the  Common  Office  of  Virgins. 

5.  In  Easter-time,  from  Low  Sunday  to  the  Saturday  after  Whitsun  Day 
inclusively,  whatsoever  the  Office  be,  the  word  "  Alleluia  "  is  repeated  twice  after 
the  short  Responsory,  and  twice  again  after  the  Verse,  as  the  repetition  of  the 
latter  part  of  the  Responsory,  and  once  also  after  the  Verse  and  the  Answer. 
Thus  it  is  said  ten  times,  twice  after  the  Responsory  both  times  it  is  said,  twice 
after  the  Verse,  twice  after  the  Responsory  again,  once  after  the  Verse,  and  once 
after  the  Answer.  Out  of  Easter-time,  although  the  word  "Alleluia"  is  some- 
times introduced  into  the  short  Responsories  at  Terce,  Sext,  and  None,  it  does 
not  thereby  affect  Prime  and  Compline. 

Chapter   XXIX.     The  Chapters. 

A  Chapter  is  always  said  at  Vespers,  Lauds,  and  the  other  Hours,  after  the 
Psalms  and  Antiphons,  and  at  Compline  after  the  Hymn,  except  from  Maundy 
Thursday  to  the  Saturday  before  Low  Sunday,  and  in  the  Office  of  the  Dead. 

2.  The  Chapters  at  Prime  and  Compline  are  always  the  same,  being  those 
given  in  the  Psalter.  The  Chapters  given  in  the  Psalter  for  First  and  Second 
Vespers,  Lauds,  and  the  Hours  on  Sundays,  are  said  from  the  third  Sunday  after 
Whitsun  Day  till  Advent  Sunday,  and  from  the  second  after  Twelfth-Day  till 
Septuagesima.  The  Chapters  for  the  Week-days  are  said  after  the  Octave  of 
Twelfth-Day  till  the  First  Sunday  in  Lent,  and  after  the  Octave  of  Whitsun 
Day  till  Advent  Sunday.  The  Chapters  for  the  other  Seasons  and  for  Feasts  are 
given  in  the  Offices  to  which  they  belong. 

3.  On  all  the  Sundays  from  Advent  till  the  Octave  of  Twelfth-Day,  and 
from  Septuagesima  till  the  third  Sunday  after  Whitsun  Day,  and  on  every  day 
in  Easter-time,  and  upon  all  Feasts,  the  Chapter  given  at  the  First  Vespers  is 
also  said  at  Lauds,  at  Terce,  and  at  the  Second  Vespers.  There  are  a  few 
exceptions,  which  are  marked  in  their  place. 

4.  On  Week-days  in  Easter-time  the  Chapter  at  Prime  is  that  from  1  Tim. 
i.  17,  "Unto  the  King  eternal,"  as  on  Sundays  and  Feasts.  After  the  Chapter 
is  always  answered,  "Thanks  be  to  God." 


THE    PIE.  xlix 

Chapter    XXX.     The  Prayer  or  Collect. 

The  Prayer  is  said  at  Vespers  and  Lauds  immediately  after  the  Antiphon 
at  the  Canticles  "My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord"  and  "Blessed  be  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel "  respectively,  unless  the  short  Responsory  prayers  called  the 
"  Preces  "  are  to  be  said,  in  which  case  it  is  said  after  the  Preces.  At  Com- 
pline the  Prayer  is  said  after  the  Antiphon  "O  Lord,  save  us  waking,"  unless 
Preces  are  to  be  said,  when  it  is  said  after  them. 

2.  The  Prayers  for  Prime  and  Compline,  given  in  the  Psalter,  are  said 
every  day  in  the  year,  except  the  three  days  before  Easter,  when  the  Service  is 
as  it  is  given  in  its  proper  place.  The  same  Prayer  which  is  said  at  First  Vespers 
is  likewise  said  at  every  other  Hour,  except  Prime  and  Compline.  But  in  Lent, 
and  on  the  Ember  Days,  Eves,  and  Rogation  Monday,  the  Prayer  which  has 
been  said  at  Lauds  is  said  only  at  Terce,  Sext,  and  None.  In  the  Vespers,  if 
they  are  of  the  Week-day,  the  Collect  said  is  either  a  special  one,  as  in  Lent,  or 
that  of  the  preceding  Sunday,  as  on  ordinary  Week-days.  When  the  Office  is 
of  a  Week-day  and  no  special  Prayer  is  given,  that  of  the  preceding  Sunday  is 
used.  In  the  same  way  in  Octaves  the  Prayer  of  the  Feast  is  used  up  to 
the  Octave-day,  inclusively,  unless  a  special  one  be  assigned. 

3.  Before  the  Prayer  the  Officiant  always  says,1  "  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord," 
to  which  is  answered,  "And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee  ;  "  then  he  says,  "  Let 
us  pray,"  and  proceeds  with  the  Prayer.  After  the  Prayers  is  answered  "Amen," 
then,  if  it  is  the  last  or  only  Prayer,  the  Officiant  says  again,  "  Hear  my  prayer, 
O  Lord,"  Answer,  "And  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee."  Then  "Bless  we  the 
Lord,"  Answer,  "Thanks  be  to  God,"  "May  the  souls  of  the  faithful,  through 
the  mercy  of  God,  rest  in  peace,"  Answer,  "Amen."  Then  if  the  Antiphon  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  is  to  be  said,  there  follows  the  "  Our  Father  "  inaudibly, 
"The  Lord  give  us  His  peace,"  Answer,  "And  life  eternal,  Amen,"  and  the 
Antiphon.  But  the  Office  stops  short  after  "  Thanks  be  to  God  "  before  the 
"Precious"  at  Prime,  and  the  Blessing  at  Compline,  or  when  the  Little  Office 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  or  the  Office  of  the  Dead,  or  the  Penitential 
Psalms,  or  the  Litany  is  immediately  to  follow.  If  there  are  more  prayers  than 
one,  they  are  said  after  the  Prayer  for  the  day,  each  preceded  by  its  own  Antiphon, 
Verse  and  Response,  and  the  words  "  Let  us  pray." 

4.  If  the  Prayer  is  addressed  to  God  the  Father,  it  ends  "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."  If  the  Prayer  is  addressed 
to  God  the  Son,  it  ends,  "  Who  livest  and  reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen."  If  the  Prayer 
be  addressed  to  God  the  Father,  and  God  the  Son  be  mentioned  in  it,  it  ends 
"  through  the  Same  our  Lord,  &c,"  and  if  God  the  Holy  Ghost  be  mentioned, 
•instead  of  "in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost "  there  is  said  "in  the  unity  of  the 
Same  Holy  Spirit,  &c." 

5.  If  more  than  one  Prayer  be  said,  the  ending  "through  our  Lord,  &c," 
is  only  said  with  the  first  and  last.  The  others  are  said  without  any  ending,  but 
■"Let  us  pray"  is  said  before  each.  The  only  exceptions  are  the  Office  of  the 
Dead,  where  will  be  found  in  its  proper  place  what  is  to  be  done,  and  the  Litany, 
where  the  Prayers  are  all  joined  on  one  to  the  other. 

1  Here  in  the  original  are  directions  for  clergymen. 
VOL.  1.  C 


THE    PIE. 


Chapter   XXXI.     The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O   God." 

The  Hymn  "We  praise  Thee,  O  God,"  is  said  on  every  Feast  whatsoever, 
and  throughout  all  Octaves,  except  only  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Innocents  if  it 
falls  on  a  Week-day,  though  it  is  said  on  the  Octave.  It  is  said  likewise  on  all 
Sundays  from  Easter  inclusively  to  Advent  exclusively,  and  from  Christmas 
inclusively  to  Septuagesima  exclusively,  and  every  day  from  Low  Sunday  to 
Ascension  Day,  except  Rogation  Monday. 

2.  It  is  not  said  on  the  Sundays  in  Advent  and  from  Septuagesima  to 
Palm  Sunday,  both  inclusively,  nor  on  plain  Week-days  out  of  Easter-time. 

3.  Whenever  it  is  said,  the  ninth  or  third   Responsory  is  omitted. 

4.  Whenever  it  is  not  said,  there  is  said  a  ninth  or  third  Responsory,  and 
as  soon  as  the  Hymn  or  the  Responsory  is  over,  Lauds  begin,  except  on 
Christmas  night,  when  particular  directions  are  given. 

Chapter   XXXII.     The  Lord's  Prayer  and  the  Angelic  Salutation. 

The  Lord's  Prayer,  which  begins  "  Our  Father,"  and  the  Angelic  Salutation, 
which  begins  "  Hail,  Mary,"  are  said  inaudibly  before  every  Hour,  except  Com- 
pline. At  Compline,  after  the  Blessing  has  been  asked  and  given,  comes  the 
Lesson  from  1  Peter  v.  8,  "  Brethren,  be  sober,"  then  "  Our  help  is  in  the  Name 
of  the  Lord,"  Answer,  "Who  hath  made  heaven  and  earth,"  and  then  the  "Our 
Father  "  alone  is  said  inaudibly.  Moreover  at  the  very  end  of  Compline  the  "  Our 
Father,"  the  "  Hail,  Mary,"  and  the  "  I  believe  in  God  "  are  said  inaudibly. 
At  the  end  of  every  Hour  the  "Our  Father"  is  said  inaudibly,  unless  the  Little 
Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  follow  at  once,  or  another  of  the  Canonical 
Hours,  in  which  case  the  "  Our  Father "  is  said  after  that.  If  Compline 
immediately  follows  Vespers,  as  soon  as  "Amen"  has  been  answered  to  "May 
the  souls,  &c,"  is  said  "  Command  Thy  Blessing,  O  Lord." 

2.  Whenever  the  words  "  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation  "  are  said  aloud 
at  the  end  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the  two  first  words  "Our  Father"  are  also 
said  aloud.  In  any  other  case  it  is  all  said  inaudibly,  except  when  Preces  are 
said  at  Lauds  and  Vespers  on  Week-days,  in  which  case  the  Officiant  says  the 
whole  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  aloud. 

3.  The  Angelic  Salutation  is  said  before  each  of  the  Hours  in  the  Little 
Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  unless  they  be  added  on  to  the  Canonical 
Office,  in  which  case  it  is  omitted,  as  having  been  already  said,  at  the  beginning 
of  the  whole. 

Chapter   XXXIII.     The  Apostles'  Creed  and  the  Creed  of 
St  Athanasius. 

The  Apostles'  Creed  is  always  said  before  Mattins  and  Prime,  and  at  the 
end  of  Compline  altogether  inaudibly.  If  it  is  to  be  said  in  the  Preces  at  Prime 
and  Compline  the  words  "  I  believe  in  God  "  are  said  aloud,  and  likewise  those 
at  the  end,  "  the  Resurrection  of  the  body,"  to  which  is  answered  "  and  the  life 
everlasting.     Amen." 

2.  The  Creed  of  St  Athanasius  is  said  at  Prime,  after  the  Psalm  "  Deal 
bountifully  with  Thy  servant,"  on  all  Sundays,  when  the  Office  is  of  the  Sunday, 


THE   PIE.  H 

except  the  Sundays  after  Christmas,  Twelfth-Day,  Ascension  Day,  and  Corpus 
Christi  Day,  and  Easter  and  Whitsun  Day,  when  only  the  three  usual  Psalms 
are  said,  as  on  Feasts.  It  is  said  on  the  Sundays  within  other  Octaves,  and  on 
Trinity  Sunday,  but  otherwise  never.  The  Hymn  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
&c,"  is  added  to  it,  as  to  the  Psalms. 


Chapter  XXXIV.     The  Preces. 

The  Preces  are  certain  Verses  and  Responses  which  are  sometimes  said  before 
the  Prayer.  They  begin  either  with  "  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us  "  or  the  Lord's 
Prayer. 

2.  The  Preces  for  Prime  and  Compline  on  Sundays,  given  in  the  Psalter,  are 
not  said  on  Doubles,  nor  within  Octaves,  nor  on  the  Eve  of  Twelfth-Day,  nor 
on  the  Friday  and  Saturday  after  the  Octave  of  the  Ascension. 

3.  The  Preces  for  Lauds  and  the  other  Hours  on  Week-days,  given  in  the 
Psalter,  are  said  only  on  Week-days  in  Advent,  Lent,  the  Ember  Days,  and 
Eves  which  are  fasts,  but  not  on  Christmas  Eve,  nor  the  Ember  Days  at 
Whitsuntide.  They  are  said  kneeling.  In  the  rest  of  the  year  only  the 
Sunday  Preces  are  said,  and  that  standing. 

4.  On  the  Week-days  in  Advent,  and  Lent,  and  the  Ember  Days,  Preces 
are  said  at  Vespers,  if  they  are  of  the  day.  And  at  Compline  the  same  as  on 
Sundays,  but  kneeling.  The  Preces  are  said  kneeling  till  the  words  "  Bless  we 
the  Lord  "  after  the  Prayer. 

5.  On  Eves  the  Week-day  Preces  are  not  said  at  Vespers  or  Compline,  because 
the  Vespers  are  part  of  the  Feast.  But  if  the  Eve  of  St  Matthias  fall  on  Shrove 
Tuesday,  the  Week-day  Preces  are  said  at  Vespers,  though  the  Prayer  is  not  that 
of  the  Eve,  but  of  the  preceding  Sunday.  The  same  is  the  case  when  the  Week- 
day Office  is  said  on  Ember  Friday  or  Ember  Saturday  in  September,  when  no 
Feast  of  Nine  Lessons  falls  on  them ;  Preces  are  said  on  the  Friday,  although 
the  Prayer  to  be  said  is  not  that  of  the  Ember  Day  but  of  the  preceding 
Sunday. 

6.  The  Psalm  "  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,"  is  said  with  the  Preces  at 
Vespers  only,  and  "Out  of  the  depths"  at  Lauds.  In  the  Office  of  the  Dead 
those  Psalms  are  said  which  are  there  appointed. 

Chapter  XXXV.     The  Common  Commemorations,  or  Suffrages 
of  the  Saints. 

The  Common  Commemorations,  or  Suffrages  of  the  Saints,  which  are  given  in 
the  Psalter,  are  said  at  the  end  of  Vespers  and  Lauds  from  the  Octave  of  Twelfth- 
Day  till  Passion  Sunday  exclusively,  and  from  the  Octave  of  Whitsun  Day  till 
Advent  exclusively,  on  Sundays,  Week-days,  and  Feasts,  whenever  the  Office  is 
not  Double  nor  the  day  within  an  Octave.  After  the  Commemoration  of  the 
Apostles  is  made  a  Commemoration  of  St  George,  Patron  of  England,  except 
in  the  diocese  of  Hexham,  where  there  is  made  instead  a  Commemoration  of 
St  Cuthbert,  and  before  the  Commemoration  of  St  George  there  is  made  in  the 
diocese  of  Northampton  a  Commemoration  of  St  Thomas  of  Canterbury,  and 
in  that  of  Plymouth  of  St  Boniface  of  Maintz,  and  after  it  in  the  diocese  of 


lii  THE   PIE. 

Portsmouth  a  Commemoration  of  St  Edmund  of  Canterbury.1  The  last  is 
aiways  the  Suffrage  for  Peace.  On  Week-days  there  is  prefixed  that  Com- 
memoration of  the  Cross  which  is  given  in  the  Psalter  after  Lauds  for  Monday. 

2.  In  Easter-time  the  only  Suffrage  said  is  the  Commemoration  of  the  Cross 
for  that  Season.  It  is  not  said  on  Doubles,  nor  within  Octaves,  nor  in  the 
Votive  Offices  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  and  the  Passion. 

3.  If  a  Commemoration  of  a  Feast  is  made,  it  is  always  put  before  the 
Suffrages,  even  that  of  the  Cross. 

4.  The  Commemoration  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  is  omitted  if  her  Little 
Office  is  said,  or  the  Office  of  the  day  is  of  her. 

Chapter   XXXVI.     The  Antiphons  of  the  Blessed  Virgin   Mary 

AT    THE    END    OF    THE    OFFICE. 

The  Antiphons  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  which  are  given  in  the  Psalter 
at  the  end  of  Compline  are  said  according  to  the  season  of  the  year,  as  there 
prescribed,  except  on  the  three  days  before  Easter. 

2.  They  are  said  only  at  the  end  of  Compline,  and  at  the  end  of  Lauds,  or 
that  aggregation  of  Offices  into  which  Lauds  enters.  (However  in  Choir  they 
are  said  every  time  the  Choir  is  to  be  left.)  They  are  said  kneeling,  except 
from  Saturday  evening  to  Sunday  evening  both  inclusive,  and  throughout  the 
whole  of  Easter-time.  They  are  not  said  in  the  morning  if  the  Office  is  to 
be  immediately  followed  by  the  Dirge,  the  Penitential  Psalms,  or  the  Litany, 
or  Mass. 

Chapter   XXXVII.     The  Little  Office,  &c. 

There  are  proper  Rubrics  at  the  end  of  the  Breviary  with  directions  about 
the  Little  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  the  Office  of  the  Dead,  the 
Penitential  Psalms,  the  Litany,  and  the  Gradual  Psalms. 

2.  In  Easter-time  if  the  Little  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  be  joined 
to  the  Church  Office,  the  word  "  Alleluia  "  is  added  neither  to  the  Antiphons, 
Verses  and  Answers,  nor  Responsories. 

1  This  custom  is  peculiar  to  England,  and  is  contrary  to  the  general  rule ;  the  original 
rubric  reads,  "There  is  added  [to  the  other  Common  Commemorations]  a  Commemoration 
of  the  Patron  or  Titular  of  the  Church  [in  which  the  service  is  read,  or  to  which  the  person 
saying  the  Office  is  attached,  but  only  if  such  Church  have  been  consecrated  or  solemnly 
blessed],  which  is  inserted  either  before  or  after  the  Commemorations  of  St  Joseph  and  of 
the  Apostles  according  to  his  rank."  But  there  is  a  privilege  in  the  Province  of  Westminster 
according  to  which  it  is  permitted :  "  That  in  the  suffrages  of  the  Saints  and  in  the  Prayer 
A  cunctis,  a  Commemoration  shall  be  made  of  St  George  only,  and  the  Commemoration  of 
any  other  Saint  shall  be  omitted,  except  in  the  case  of  the  Regular  Orders  as  to  the  Com- 
memoration of  their  own  founders,  and  any  particular  cases  exempted  by  grace  of  the  Holy 
See."  A  grace  of  this  sort  has  been  granted,  as  stated  above,  with  regard  to  the  Dioceses 
of  Hexham,  Northampton,  Plymouth,  and  Portsmouth. 


TWO   EASY  TABLES.  Hi] 


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  Ojjice  fall  on  the  same  evening  with  the  First 
Vespers  of  another  Office. 

(2)    When  two  Offices  fall  on  the  same  da$. 

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  1, 
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. 


liv  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.  1. 

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.  1. 

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.  lv 

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.  1. 

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  1 1 . 

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  21. 

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. 

1  The  Feast  was  an  Ordinary  Double  when  the  Office  given  in  this  Breviary  was  printed. 


lvi  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. 


In  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.  lvii 

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. 


vol.  I. 


lviii  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. 


lix 


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 

3 

O 

An  Ordinary  Sunday      .... 

4 

3 

4 

4 

3 

3 

1 

I 

1 

O 

A  Double  of  the  First  Class    . 

2 

4 

2 

4 

4 

4 
4 

6 
3 

4 
6 

6 
3 

4 

4 

A  Double  of  the  Second  Class 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

A  Patron  or  Titular         .... 

2 

4 

2 

4 

4 

4 

0 

4 

6 

4 

A  Greater  Double            .... 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

6 

1 

3 

1 

4 

A  Double 

4 

5 

4 

«t 

5 

3 

1 

3 

1 

4 

A  Semi-double       ..... 

4 

3 

4 

5 

3 

3 

1 

1 

1 

5 

An  Octave-day       ..... 

4 

5 

4 

4 

5 

3 

1 

3 

1 

4 

A  Day  within  an  Octave 

0 

3 

4 

3 

3 

3 

1 

1 

1 

5 

i.  All  of  the  latter,  nothing  of  the  former. 

2.  All  of  the  former,  nothing  of  the  latter. 

3.  All    of  the    latter,   but  with    a    Com- 

memoration of  the  former. 

4.  All   of  the  former,  but  with   a   Com- 

memoration of  the  latter. 

5.  All  of  the  former  till  the  Chapter,  ex- 

clusive ;  then  of  the  latter,  from  the 
Chapter,  inclusive,  but  with  a  Com- 
memoration of  the  former. 

6.  All  of  the  more   important,    but   with 

a     Commemoration     of     the     less 
important ;  if  equal,  Vespers  of  the 
latter  from  the  Chapter  inclusive. 

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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, 


lx  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. 


lxi 


TABLE    B. 


If 

A  Double  of  the  First  Class 

6 

4 

6 

6 

4 

6 

6 

2  |  2 

2 

8 

4 

4 

1 

A  Double  of  the  Second  Class    . 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

6 

4 

2 

2 

8 

1 

4 

1 

1 

A  Greater  Double 

4 

4 

4 

4 

1 

4 

4 

2 

8 

1 

1 

4 

1 

1 

A  Double  of  a  Doctor 

4 

4 

4 

4 

1 

4 

0 

O      I 

1 

1 

4 

1 

1 

A  Double          .... 

4    4    4 

4 

3 

4 

7 

0    3 

3 

5 

4 

3 

3 

A  Day  within  an  Octave    . 

4 

4 

4 

3 

3 

7 

3 

3    3 

5 

5 

3 
4 
3 

3 
3 
3 

3 

3 
3 

An  Octave-day 

4 
4 

4 
4 

4 

4 

4 
7 

7 
3 

4 
4 

4 
3 

2    2 

3 

3 

3 
5 

A  Semi-double 

3 

3 

A  Simple           .... 

3 

3 

0 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

5 

3 

3 

3 

A  Greater  Week-day 

6 

0 

4 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

0 

0 

0 

An  Eve   ..... 

0 

5 

4 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

5 

0 

0 

0 

i .   The  former  is  transferred,  and 
the  latter  observed. 

2.  The  former  is  observed,  and 

the  latter  transferred. 

3.  The  latter   is   observed,   and 

the  former  commemorated. 

4.  The  former  is  observed,  and 

the  latter  commemorated. 

5.  The     former     is     altogether 

omitted,     and     the     latter 

> 

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P 

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3 

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> 

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3. 

0 
5 

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r% 

PL 

P 

> 

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0 
0 
p 

p 

> 

u 
0 
c 

cr 
0 
0 

►*! 

P 

r 

c 
0 

c 

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■-! 
P 

c 
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5 

> 

0 

c 
c 
cr 
r^ 

O 
►+> 

0 
:/: 

0 

Q 
P 
P- 

n 

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c 

— 

0 
~ 

X 

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> 

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g. 

5' 

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c 

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3 

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ir. 

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r. 
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a 

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IT. 

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a 

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►5' 

X 

n 

p 

0 
3 

(A 

P 

3 

— 
P 

Bf1 

observed. 

p 

en 

ui 

p" 

ui 

6.  The  former  is  observed,  and 

t/> 

ui 

the  latter  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. 

lxii  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.  1  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.  1,  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  1  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. 

2  I.e.,  in  that  particular  Church,  it  has  a  day  fixed  other  than  elsewhere. 


KALENDAR.  lxiii 


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. 

1 1 .  Within  the  Octave.     Commemoration  of  St  Hyginus,  Pope  of  Rome,  and 

Martyr. 

12.  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. 

16.  Marcellus,  Pope  and  Martyr.     Semi-double. 

17.  Antony,  Abbat.     Double. 

18.  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. 


lxiv  KALENDAR. 

2  5.   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 1 .  Peter  Nolasco,  Confessor.     Double. 

*  Friday  after  Septuagesima  Sunday,  Prayer  of  our  Dora7  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. 

1 1 .  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.] 
1  5.   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  p.  723. 


KALENDAR.  lxv 

20. 
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.  J 
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  ivith   Thorns.       Greater 
Double. 

Second  Friday   in   Lent,    Piercing   of  Our  Lord  ivith   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  of 

Rome,  and  Martyr. 

5- 

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    \jhe   Great, ~\    Pope  of  Rome,  Doctor  of  the   Church,  and  Apostle  of 

England.     Double  of  the  Second  Class. 
I3- 

'5- 
16. 

17.  Patrick,  Archbishop  [of  Armagh,]  Confessor.      Greater  Double. 

18.  The  Archangel  Gabriel.      Greater  Double. 

19.  Joseph,   Husband  of  the   Blessed  Virgin    Mary.       Double  of  the  First 

Class. 


lxvi  KALENDAR. 

20.  Cuthbert,  Bishop  [of  Lindisfarne,]  Confessor.     Double. 

[In  the  diocese  of  Hexham  and  Newcastle  this  Feast  has  an  Octave.     See 
Gen.  App.] 

2 1 .  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.] 

23- 
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°- 

*  Friday  in  Passion  Week,  Sorrows  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary.     Greater 
Double. 


APRIL. 

1. 

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. 


9- 
10. 
11.  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. 

'5- 
16. 
17.   Stephen  Harding,  Abbat,  Confessor.     Semi-double.     Commemoration  of  St 

Anicete,  Pope  of  Rome,  and  Martyr. 
18. 

19.  ^Elphege,  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.  Lxvii 

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. 

14.  Monica,  Widow.     Double.     Commemoration  of  St  Boniface,  Martyr. 


lxviii  KALENDAR. 

15.  [Jean-Baptiste  de  la  Salle,  Confessor.      Double.      Gen.  App.] 

[The    Blessed  Virgin    Mary,    styled    Mother   of  Grace.       Greater   Double. 
Gen.   App.] 

16.  Simon  Stock,  Confessor.     Double. 

17.  Paschal  Baylon,  Confessor.     Double. 

18.  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, 

ivith  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,  ivith  an  Octave. 
Gen.  App.] 

6.  Norbert,  Archbishop  [of  Magdeburg,]  Confessor.     Double. 
7- 


KALENDAR.  lxix 

8.  William,  Archbishop  of  York,  Confessor.     Double. 

9.  Primus  and  Felician,  Martyrs. 

\_Jn   the  diocese   of  Portsmouth,  Translation  of  St  Edmund,  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury,  Confessor.      Greater  Double.      Gen.  App.^ 

10.  Margaret,  Queen  of  Scots,  Widow.      Double. 

1 1 .  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  Csesarea-in-Pontus,]  Confessor  and  Doctor 

of  the  Church.      Double. 

15.  Philip  Neri,  Confessor.     Double.     Commemoration  of  SS.  Vitus,  Modestus, 

and  Crescentia,  Martyrs. 
16. 

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.] 

18.  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.^j 

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. 


lxx  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. 

1 1 .  Cyril,   Bishop   of  Moravia,   and    Methodius,   Bishop  of  KiefF,   Confessors. 

Double.     Commemoration  of  St  Pius  I.,  Pope  and  Martyr. 
T2.  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. 

18.  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.  Ixxi 

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. 
I  o.   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. 

15.  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. 

18.  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. 


lxxii  KALENDAR. 

*  The  Lord's  Day  after  the  Octave  of  the  Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary.  \OJffice  of  the  Most  Pure  Heart  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  Greater 
Double.      Vol.  hi.,  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  Hexham.      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. 

11.  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. 
1  5.   Octave  of  the  Birth  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.     Double.     Commemoration  of  St 
Nicomede,  Martyr. 

*  Third  Lord's  Day  in  this  Month,  The  Seven  Sorrows  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 

Mary.     Greater  Double.     Commemoration  of  the  Sunday. 


KALENDAR.  lxxiii 

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. 

2 1 .  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. 

J .  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. 

11.  Francis  Borgia,  Confessor.      Semi-double. 

12.  Wilfred,  Archbishop  [of  York,]  Confessor.      Double. 

13.  Edward,  King  of  England,  Confessor.     Double  of  the  Second  Class. 


lxxiv  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. 

1 5.  Theresa,  Virgin.     Double.     Commemoration  of  the  Octave  of  St  Edward. 

16.  Within  the  Octave  of  St  Edward. 

17.  Iadwiga,   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. 

3°- 

3 1 .   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.  lxxv 

10.  Andrew  Avellino,  Confessor.     Double.     Commemoration  of  SS.  Tryphon, 

Respicius,  and  the  Virgin  Nympha,  Martyrs,  and  of  St  Justus,  Bishop  of 
Rochester,  Confessor. 

1 1 .  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. 

18.  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-Caesarea  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,  Apostle.     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  Double. 


lxxvi  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.] 

11.  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. 

16.  Eusebius,  Bishop  [of  Vercelli,]  Martyr.      Semi-double. 

1 8.  The  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  looking  shortly  to  be  delivered.      Greater  Double. 
19. 

20.  Eve  of  St  Thomas. 

2 1 .  Thomas,  Apostle.     Double  of  the  Second  Class. 
22. 

23- 

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.  lxxvii 

PRAYERS.     ABSOLUTIONS   AND    BLESSINGS. 

A  Prayer  before  a  Service. 

,0  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  ivho  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. 


lxxviii  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.  lxxix 


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,  J  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  N oct urn. 

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  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  for 
Saturdays  are  peculiar  to  that  Office,  and  are  given  in  their  own  place. 


Cite  falter, 


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  Mattins,  and  every  other 
Hour,  except  Lauds  and  Compline, 
there  is  said  inaudibly? 

/^UR  Father,  Who  art  in  heaven, 
^~s  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. 


TUT  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. 

At  the  beginning  of  Mattins  and 
Prime,  and  at  the  end  of  Compline, 
is  then  said  inaudibly  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. 

2  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.   I.  A 


THE   PSALTER. 


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  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 : 

Verse}  ►£<  O  Lord,  open  Thou 
my  lips. 

Answer.  And  my  mouth  shall 
show  forth  Thy  praise. 

Verse.2  ^*  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. 

T/ien  is  said  Psalm  xciv.  with  the 
Invitatory.  The  hivitatory  here  given 
is  said  from  the  Octave  of  the  Epiph- 
any to  Sepluagesima  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.  lxix.  2. 

:i  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  the  first 
Sunday  of  October  to  Advent. 


Hymn.3 

"p  O-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  Himaddrest ; 
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  son-owing. 
Thee,  bounteous  Father,  we  entreat, 
And  only  Son,  awful  and  sweet, 
And  life-creating  Paraclete, 

The  Everlasting  King. 

Amen. 

Instead  of  the  foregoing  the  follorv- 
ing  Hymn  is  said  from  the  Octave  of 
Pentecost  to  the  first  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 

LET  us  arise  and  watch  by  night, 
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,  Gr>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  time.  Al- 
leluia. 

Psalm  I. 

BLESSED  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. 

1  Also  ascribed  to  Pope  St.  Gregory  the  Great,  although  somewhat  altered, 
by  the  late  Card.  Newman. 


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  attrihuted  to  David.] 

T  \  TYLY  do  the  heathen  rage,  * 
*  *  ancj  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. 


Translation 


SUNDAY   AT   MATT1NS. 


5 


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.] 

ORD,  how  are  they  increased 
-1— '  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.] 

OLORD,  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  Cush  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.] 


o 


LORD  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.  11, 


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. 

0  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. 

0  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.] 

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.  16. 


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 


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. 


1  Here  occurs  : — "Instrumental  music — SLH."     This  is  a  strong  argument  in  favour  of 
Gesenius'  opinion,  see  p.  5,  note  I. 

J  SLH.     Here,  according  to  the  present  Hebrew  text,  ends  Ps.  i.\. 


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 
snares  :  *  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.  I. 


HELP,  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. 


2  Ps.  vii.  12. 


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.  ] 

THE  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."] 

LORD,  who  shall  abide  in  Thy 
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  Ps.  xi.  8. 


SUNDAY   AT    MATTINS. 


II 


Antiphon  for  Paschal  time.  Al- 
leluia. x  The  stone  was  rolled  away, 
Alleluia,  from  the  door  of  the  sepul- 
chre.    Alleluia,  alleluia. 

The?i  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.  3 1  have  remembered  Thy 
name,  O  Lord,  in  the  night. 

Answer.  And  have  kept  Thy 
law. 

In  Lent. 

Verse.  i  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  Lords  Prayer. 

/^\UR  Father  (inaudidly),  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. 

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. 
Answer.     Amen. 

Then  the  reader  says  : 

c  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. 
Ansiver.     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.  1,  2. 


SUNDAY   AT    MATTINS. 


13 


Psalm  XVI. 
[Intituled  "A  Prayer  of  David."] 

HEAR  my  right,  0  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,  *  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  used  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.] 

T  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. 


14 


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  I 
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. 


15 


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. 

1  Apoc. 


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.  l  Behold, 
I  come  quickly,  saith  the  Lord, 
and  My  reward  is  with  Me,  to  give 
every  man  according  as  his  work 
shall  be. 


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.  3Send  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. 

Anszver.  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.  60  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. 

1  Ps.  xvii.  2. 

3  Isa.  xvi.  i.     The  "  Rock  "  is  the  town  of 

*  Ps.  xvii.  29.  s  Ps.  xc.  3. 


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. 

Anszver.  But  deliver  us  from 
evil. 

Then  this  Absolution. 

1\/TAY  His  loving-kindness  and 
■L*-*-  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. 
Anszver.     Amen. 

Then  is  read  the  Fourth  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  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. 

2  John  xx.  15. 
Petra  in  the  wilderness. 
6  Ps.  xxi.  22.  7  Luke  xxiv.  34. 


SUNDAY   AT   MATTINS. 


'7 


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. 

The?i  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.] 


HP  HE   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  : x  *  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  leading 
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." 


i8 


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  Antipho7i  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.] 

'"PHE  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.  i  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. 


Ps. 
Ps. 


xvni.  4. 
xix.  2. 


3  SLH. 


SUNDAY   AT   MATTINS. 


19 


Psalm  XX. 

[This  Psalm  also  bears  the  same  title  as 
the  xviiith.] 

THE  king  shall  joy  in  Thy 
strength,  0  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  j  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. 
In  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. 

Answer.  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. 


1  SLH.  2  Heb.  x.  37. 

4  Isa.  xxxv.  4 ;  Micah  i.  3.  5  Ps.  xx.  14. 


3  Ps,  xx,  2. 
6  Ps.  xc.  5.  7  Ps.  xxv.  9. 


20 


THE   PSALTER. 


In  Paschal  time. 

Verse.  l  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. 

Ansiver.     But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

Then  the  Absolution. 

TV/TAY  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. 


John  xx.  20. 


SUNDAY   AT    MATTINS. 


21 


*A  \  7"E  praise  Thee,  O  God  :    we 
V»     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. 

Anstver.     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.  ^  3  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.  10  Ps.  xxx.  2. 


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  Septuagesiina  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.  1) :  "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."] 

HPHE  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. 


23 


Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure  :  * 
holiness  becometh  Thine  house,  O 
Lord,  for  ever ! 

When  there  are  Five  Antiphons  the 
First  is  repeated,  and  the  Second  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, 
-!•»  J-  .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 l  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  1  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.] 

r^OD   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." 


24 


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  Antiphons,  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.] 

f~~\  ALL  ye  works  of  the  Lord, 
^-^  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. 
■  SLH.  V 


SUNDAY   AT   LAUDS. 


25 


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. 

0  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  A?itiphons,  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.  ] 

TDRAISE  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."] 

SING  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."] 

PRAISE  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  Antiphons  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  given  here. 

Chapter.    (Apoc.  vii.  12.) 

OLESSING,  and  glory,  and  wis- 
*-*  dom,  and  thanksgiving,  and 
honour,  and  power,  and  might   be 


SUNDAY   AT   LAUDS. 


27 


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 

T7RAMER  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  following  Hymn  is  said  from  the 
Fourth  Sunday  after  Pentecost  till  the 
first  Sunday  of  October. 

Hymn.2 

"DALER  have  grown  the  shades  of 

*■       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,  and  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  on  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  Anliphon,  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.  3  Ps.  xcii.   1. 


28 


THE   PSALTER. 


begun  or  said  through  the  first  time  be- 
fore it,  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.] 

OLESSED  be  the  Lord  God  of 
*-*  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 
Aniiphon  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 Jiecessary,  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. 


29 


remembrance,  feel  the  might  of 
thine  assistance. 

Verse.  Pray  for  us,  0  holy 
Mother  of  God. 

Answer.  That  we  may  be  made 
worthy  of  the  promises  of  Christ. 

Let  us  pray. 

/^RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
^J  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, 
bat  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. 

OGOD,  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. 

r\  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.  xxx vi.  30. 
5  Matth.  xiv.  31. 


3  2  Kings  (Sam.)  i.  23. 
6  2  Cor.  xi.  25. 


3<D  THE   PSALTER. 

both,  that  we  also  may  attain  unto  For  Peace. 

everlasting  glory.  Antiphon.     Give    peace    in    our 

Mote  \  time,    0    Lord,    because    there    is 

1  In  England  in  this  case,  by  a  special  rule,  is  made 

Conwiemoration  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. 

OGOD,  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.     XI  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 
Ans7ver.     Possess  ye  your  souls. 

Let  us  pray. 

f~\  GOD,  in  defence  of  Whose  Church  the  glorious  Bishop  Thomas  fell 

^-■S     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.  3 1 

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.     l  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.  m  trie  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  j  give  J&gg*  M/f^  after  Low  S»»*V. 

J                      ,    r                 J°.  ,  till  the  hve  of  the  Ascension,  instead  of 

unto  Thy  servants  that  peace  which  the  preceding  Commemorations,  is  said 

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. 

OGOD,  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. 

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. 

1  Ps.  cxxi.  7. 


32 


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  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. 
Ansiver.     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 


through  the   mercy  of  God  rest  in 
peace. 

Answer.     Amen. 

If  Prime  is  to  follow  immediately,  it 
is  begun  here,  and  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, 


1  Ps.  xcv.  10.  old  version. 

'-'  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  Sundav,  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. 


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. 

A  \  J"E  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. 

r\  GOD,  Who,  by  the  fruitful 
^~J  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. 

Anszver.  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  Faster  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.  Cregory 
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.  I.  B 


34 


THE   PSALTER. 


Mother,  pray  to  Him  for  us.  Alle- 
luia. 

Verse.  Be  glad  and  rejoice,  0 
Virgin  Mary,  Alleluia, 

Ansiver.  For  the  Lord  is  risen 
indeed,  Alleluia. 

Let  us  pray. 

r^\  GOD,  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.  Froni  Trinity  Sunday  x  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. 

r\  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 
Lord's  Prayer,  the  Angelic  Salutation, 
and  the  Apostles'1  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. 

IT  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. 

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.  *%*  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  ^aid  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. 


36 


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    under    one    Antiphon,    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. 
lxii.  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 
enemies :  *  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  fallowing  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, 
both  inclusive.  Moreover  it  is  not  said 
on  or  after  Septuagesima  Sunday  till 


1  Another  Ambrosian  hymn.     Translation  by  the  late  Card.  Newman. 


2SLH. 


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  ! x 
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,  "Ye  shall 
dwell  in  booths  seven  days." 

3  These  two  verses  were  quoted  by  our  Lord.     Matth.  xxi.  42  ;  Mark  xii.  10. 


38 


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.8 

N 

"DLESSED  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. 


\  ^THEREWITH  AL  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." 

2  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. 

:t  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. 

a1 

r^EAL  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. 


1\ /FY  soul  cleaveth  unto  the 
^V**  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 

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. 


41 


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." 

Antiphon.  Alleluia,  Alleluia,  Alle- 
luia. 

In  Paschal  time  is  said  a  fourth 
time,  Alleluia. 

Then  is  said  the  Chapter. 

Chapter,    (i  Tim.  i.  17.) 

T  TNTO    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. 

Anszver.  Christ,  Thou  Son  of  the 
Living  God,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Verse.  1  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  Sun- 
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. 

Answer.     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. 

Anszver.  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. 


1  Ps.  xliii.  26. 


VOL.   I. 


B  2 


42 


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. 

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. 

I  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. 

Ansiver.  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. 

Ansiver.  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. 

Ansiver.  And  renew  a  right  spirit 
within  me. 

Verse.  Cast  me  not  away  from 
Thy  presence. 

Answer.  And  take  not  Thine 
holy  Spirit  from  me. 

Verse.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy 
of  Thy  salvation. 

Ansiver.  And  uphold  me  with 
Thy  free  spirit. 

Verse.  5  *%*  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.  lxxxvii.  14.  3  Ps.  lxx.  8.  *  Ps.  1.  II-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. 

►J*l\  /[AY  the  Almighty  and  mer- 
*y*-      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. 

OLORD  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, 

1  Whether  the  Martyrology  has  been  read 
out  of  Choir. 


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 : * 

Verse.  2  Precious  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord. 

Answer.  Is  the  death  of  His 
Saints. 

IV/TAY  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. 

or  not.     The  Martyrology  is  never  binding 
2  Ps.  cxv.  6. 


44 


THE   PSALTER. 


Verse.  Make  haste,  O  God,  to 
deliver  me. 

Answer.  Make  haste  to  help  me, 
0  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. 
Anszver.     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. 


1  Ps.  lxxxix.  16,  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  1 
will  help  me,  therefore  also  shall 
I  not  be  confounded. 

5.  From  Easter  Sunday  inchtsive  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. 

*%*  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. 

Ln  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. 


46 


THE   PSALTER. 


fHontJajL 

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 


Euostia$L 

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. 


48 


THE    PSALTER. 


M 


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. 

jftrttiarL 

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."] 

Y  God,  my  God,  look  upon 
me x :  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. 

0  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 

Him: 

Him ; 

Let 

Him. 


that   fear    the    Lord,    praise 
*  all  ye  seed  of  Jacob,  glorify 


all  the  seed  of  Israel  fear 
*  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. 


&aturtia|L 

Psalm  cxvii.  is  simply  omitted  and 
no  other  is  substituted  for  it. 


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.  JAs  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. 

Antiphoti  for  Passiontide.  2  De- 
liver me,  O  Lord,  and  set  me  be- 
side Thee :  and  any  man's  hand 
may  fight  against  me. 


L 


Chapter.    (Zech.  viii.  19.) 

OVE  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. 

Ansiver.  But  deliver  us  from 
evil. 


Ordinary  Antiphon  during  the  T  BELIEVE  {inaudibly)  in  God 
year.  Blessed  are  they  that  walk  *  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of 
in  Thy  law,  O  Lord.  heaven  and  earth.      And  in  Jesus 


1  Ezek.  xxxiii.  II. 


2  Job  xvii.  3. 


50 


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. 

Anszuer.  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. 

Answer.  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.  1  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.  lviii.  2,  3.  3  Ps.  lx.  9.  4  Ps.  lxiv.  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. 


51 


Anstver,  Who  healeth  all  thy 
diseases. 

Verse.  Who  redeemeth  thy  life 
from  destruction. 

Answer.  Who  crowneth  thee 
with  loving  -  kindness  and  tender 
mercies. 

Verse.  Who  satisfieth  thy  desire 
with  good  things. 


Answer.  Thy  youth  is  renewed 
like  the  eagle's. 

Verse.  *%*  Our  help  is  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

Answer.  Who  made  heaven  and 
earth. 


Then  is  made  the  General  Confession, 
and  all  proceeds  as  on  Sunday. 


52 


TERCE,  OR  THE  THIRD  HOUR.1 


©ffitce  for  efaerg  oag  in  tjje 

At  the  beginning  of  Terce  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. 

XT  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. 


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 

PO ME,  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  otherivise  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  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 XVII I. 

n1 

HTEACH  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. 


LET  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  Vau,  variously  attempted   to  be  represented  by  V,  W,   U, 
O,  Oo. 


54 


THE    PSALTER. 


Continuation  of  the  same  Psalm. 

Y 

TD  EMEMBER  Thy  word  unto 
-1^  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  ?iot  said. 


'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. 

a3 

^PHOU  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  undefiled  in 
Thy  statutes,  *  that  I  be  not 
ashamed. 

Ordinary  Antiphon  for  Sundays. 
Alleluia,  Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Antiphon  for  every  day  in  Paschal 
ti?ne.  Alleluia,  Alleluia,  Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 

Ordinary  Antiphon  for  Week- 
days. 2  Lead  me  in  the  path  of 
Thy  commandments,  O  Lord. 

In  Advent  the  Antipho?i  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  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  exclusive 
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. 

Ansiver.  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. 

Ansiver.  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.  *  Ps.  cxviii.  36,  37. 


5  Ps.  xl.  5. 


56 


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.  l.  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. 

Ans7ver.     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.) 

TURN   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. 

Anstver.  He  hath  delivered  me 
from  the  snare  of  the  fowler. 

Verse.  He  shall  cover  thee  with 
His  wings. 

Ansiver.  And  under  His  feathers 
shalt  thou  trust. 


1  Ps.  xxvi.  9. 


2  Ps.  Ixxix.  4. 


:i  Ps.  ci.  16. 


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. 

In  Paschal  time  are  said  the  following 
{but  the  Chapter  on  Week-days  only)  : 

Chapter.    (Rom.  vi.  9.) 

/^HRIST,  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  07nittedat  Lauds, 
then  these  are  also  omitted  down  to  the 
tnark  *. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Answer.     Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

/^UR  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  continued  when  the 
above  has  been  omitted. 


1  Ps.  xxi.  21. 


2  Luke  xxiv.  34. 


3  Ps.  lxxix.  8. 


5> 


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. 

/^\UR  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 


©flftce  for  eberg  trap,  in  tjje 

At  the  beginning  of  Se.rt,  the  Lord's 
Prayer  and  the  Angelic  Salutation  are 
said  inaudibly. 

/^UR  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. 

TTAIL,  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. 

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 
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 

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  i?i  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. 


MY  soul  fainteth  for  Thy  salva- 
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. 


T7OR  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. 

ft1 

OHOW  I  love  Thy  law,  O  Lord  ! 
*  it  is  my  meditation  all  the 
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 
quicken  me  according  to 


Lord  :  * 
Thy  word. 
Accept, 


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. 

D3 

*  but 


I 


I  beseech  Thee,  the  free- 


HATE  the  unrighteous  : 
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. 


r 


I"  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. 

Theft  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. 

Short  Responsory. 

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.  6The  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. 

2  Ps.  cxviii.  117.  3  Micah  vi.  3.  4  Ps.  cxviii.  89.  5  Ps.  xxii.  1,  2. 


SEXT,   OR   THE   SIXTH    HOUR. 


63 


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  4s  my  Shep- 
herd,  I  shall  not  want. 

Answer.  He  maketh  me  to  lie 
down  in  green  pastures. 

In  Advent  are  said  the  following  {put 
the  Chapter  on  Week-days  only)  : 

Chapter.    (Jerem.  xxxiii.  16.) 

T  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. 


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.) 

ET  the  wicked  forsake  his  way, 
■*— *  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.) 

ET  them  be  confounded  that  per- 
■*~^  secute  me,  but  let  not  me  be 
confounded ;  let  them  be  dismayed, 


1  Ps.  xxxiii.  2. 


9  Ps.  lxxxiv.  8. 


Ps.  cv.  4. 


4  Ps.  xc.  4. 


64 


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.) 

"\J OW  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  o?nitted,  down  to  the 
mark  *. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Answer.     Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

/^UR  Father  (inaudibly),  Who  art 
^S  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.     Hear     my     prayer,     O 
Lord. 


Ps.  xxi.  22. 


2  Ps.  xxv.  9. 


John  xx.  20. 


SEXT,   OR   THE   SIXTH   HOUR. 


65 


Answer. 
unto  Thee. 


And  let  my  cry  come 


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. 
Anszver.     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. 

/^UR  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.  1. 


66 


NONE,    OR   THE    NINTH    HOUR.1 


©fKce  for  eberg  &ay_  in  tjje 
Wink. 

At  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 ; 


IT  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.  >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. 


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  : 

Jestj,  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. 
-  Another  hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  with  one  word  altered, 
late  Card.  Newman. 


Translation  by  the 


NONE,   OR   THE   NINTH   HOUR. 


67 


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. 

It  is  also  occasionally  otherwise  al- 
tered, which  occasions  are  marked  in 
their  places. 

Then  follow  six  sections  of  Psalm 
C XVIII.  They  are  all  said  under  one 
Antiphon,  and  when  Five  A?itiphons 
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  been  said  at  Lauds 
on  Sunday,  unless  the  day  have  a  set  of 
its  own. 

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  C XVIII. 

a1 

"  I  "HY  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. 


13  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. 


Here  begins  the  letter  Pe,  represented  by  P,  Ph.  F. 
Here  begins  the  letter  Tzade,  represented  by  Tz  or  Ts. 


68 


THE    PSALTER. 


Continuation  of  the  same  Psalm. 

P' 

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. 

"DRINCES  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. 

8  Here  begins  the  letter  Shin,  somewhat  represented  by  S  and  Sh. 


NONE,   OR   THE   NINTH    HOUR. 


69 


IV 

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, 

0  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  Lauds 
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.  Whe?i  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.) 

F^OR  ye  are  bought  with  a  great 
price.     Glorify  God,  and  bear 
Him  in  your  body. 

Ansiver.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Short  Resp07isory. 

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. 


1  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. 


Jer.  xviii.  20. 


70 


THE   PSALTER. 


On  ordinary   Week-days  throughout 
the  year  are  said  the  following : 

Chapter,    (i  Cor.  vi.  20.) 

T^OR  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,  0  Lord, 
and  be  merciful  unto  me. 

Verse.  For  my  foot  standeth  in 
uprightness. 

Ansiver.  And  be  merciful  unto 
me. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Redeem  me,  0  Lord, 
and  be  merciful  unto  me. 

Verse.  Cleanse  Thou  me  from 
secret  faults,  O  Lord. 

Ansiver.  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.  1.) 

HER  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.  lviii.  7.) 

DEAL  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. 

Ansiver.     Thy  shield. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  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.  11,  12. 


2  Isa.  lx.  2. 


3  Ps.  xc.  II. 


NONE,   OR   THE   NINTH    HOUR. 


71 


In  Passiontide  are  said  the  following 
{but  the  Chapter  on  Week-days  only)  : 

Chapter.    (Jer.  xviii.  20.) 

REMEMBER  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. 

Answer.  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  *. 

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.  Hear  my  prayer,  O 
Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 


1  Ps.  xxv.  9. 


*  Ps.  cxxxix.  2. 


John  xv.  20. 


4  Luke  xxiv.  29. 


72 


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.  Whe?i  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 


JtUnbaj)   at  Jtlatthts. 


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  07t  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. 


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.] 

HP  HE  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  ? 


1  Another  hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  with  two  words  altered.     Translation  by  the 
late  Card.  Newman. 


VOL.  L 


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."] 

T  JNTO  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  smiteth  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."] 

I"  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.  1. 

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. 


76 


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 
*■      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, 

0  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. 

3  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, 

0  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."] 

BLESSED  are  they  whose  trans- 
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  holdest  fast 
with  bit  and  bridle,  *  else  they  will 
not  come  unto  thee. 


1  SLH. 


78 


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.  x  Deliver  me  in  Thy 
righteousness. 

Fourth  Antiphon.   Praise  is  comely. 

Psalm  XXXII. 

[The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  ascribe  this 
psalm  "to  David."] 

73  EJOICE  in  the  Lord,  O  ye 
^^-  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 
isABC  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. 

0  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.  l  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   mvself  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  darling1  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.] 

r  I  "HE  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  preservest  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.     1  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.] 

FRET  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. 


83 


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.] 

f~\  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 


84 


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. 

TJien  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.  3Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  is 
in  the  heavens. 

Anstver.  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. 

Ansiver.  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  Respofisories 
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 
{out  of  Paschal  time). 

Verse.  7Thou  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. 

Ansiver.  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. 


[/;/  Paschal  time,  add  Alleluia.] 


1  Ps.  xxxvi.  5. 

4  Ps.  xc.  3. 
7  I's.  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. 


85 


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.  1  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 
at  ranged  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  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. 

Then  this  Absolution : 

/GRACIOUSLY  hear,  O  Lord 
^--3r  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  : 

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. 
Anstver.     Amen. 

Then  is  read  the  First  Lesson  from 
Scripture  or  from  the  Homily,  or  oti  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. 


Second  Blessing,  if  the  Lesson  be  of 
Scripture. 

May  the  Son  the  Sole-begotten 
In  His  mercy  bless  and  help  us. 
Answer.     Amen. 


1  Ps.  xliv.  5. 


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  Seco?id  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,"  dr^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. 


87 


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  l 
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  exultabit  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  LXII.,  LXVI. 

O  God,  Thou   art   my  God,  &c. 

(A  23)- 

Antiphon.  O  God,  Thou  art  my 
God,  early  will  I  seek  Thee. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Thine  anger 
is  turned  away. 


MONDAY   AT   LAUDS. 


89 


From  Advent  Sunday  till  the  Octave 
of  the  Epiphany  and  front  the  First 
Sunday  in  Lent  till  the  Octave  of  Pente- 
cost special  Chapters  are  given.  At 
other  times  the  followitig  is  said  on  all 
week-days  observed  as  such. 

Chapter.    (Rom.  xiii.  12.) 

THE  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. 

1  Another  hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,   slightly  altered.     Translation  by  the    late 
Card.  Newman. 


The  Song  of  Isaiah  the  Prophet. 

[Isa.  xii.  1.  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  : — "] 

f~\  LORD,  I  will  praise  Thee, 
^S  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. 


90 


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.  1  Thou  hast  satisfied  us 
early  with  Thy  mercy. 

Answer.  We  rejoice  and  are 
glad. 

Antiphonfor  the  Song  of  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  Jollowing  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  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. 

Ansiver.  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. 

Ansiver.  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. 

Ansiver.     Amen. 

Verse.  Let  us  pray  for  our  ab- 
sent brethren. 

Ansiver.  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.  lxxxix.  14.  2  Ps.  xl.  5.  3  Ps.  lxxxix.  1 3. 

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.  lxxiii.  2.  9  Ps.  cxxi.  7. 
10  Ps.  lxxxv.  2.                                       n  Ps.  xxiv.  22.                              la  Ps.  xix.  3. 


MONDAY   AT   LAUDS. 


91 


Ansiver.  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.  1  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  Commetnoration  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. 

Answer.  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.  lxv.  4. 


92 


^tusbag  at  JBaitin*. 


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  ti?ne. 
luia,  Alleluia,  *  Alleluia. 


Alle- 


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  Tuesday 
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  otie  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.] 


will  take  heed   unto 
*  that  I  sin  not  with 


T  SAID:  I 
-*-  my  ways, 
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  : 


1  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  superscription  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. 


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.  1  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.] 

"DLESSED  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 


1  Ps.  xxxviii.  2. 


9  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.      i  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  \  7"E    have   heard  with  our  ears, 
*  *        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. 

2  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. 


96 


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  XL IV. 

[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.  ] 

]\ /TINE  heart  is  overflowing  with 
■*•  * -*■  a  good  matter  :  *  I  speak  of 
my  works  unto  the  king. 


1  SLII. 


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.     3Mine  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,  n).] 

f~^  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,  Q. 

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.  I. 


D 


98 


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 
cur  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  XLVI  I. 

[Intituled  "A  Song.  A  Psalm  of  the 
sons  of  Korah."  The  Vulgate  and  the 
LXX.  assign  it  to  the  second  day  of  the 
week.] 

f~~*  REAT  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  Tarshish1  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. 

PsalmXLVIII. 

[This  Psalm  has  the  same  title  as  Ps. 
xlvi.] 

TTEAR  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.  x  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."] 

XHE    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  to  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  in  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 


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.  2The  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. 

Atiswer.  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. 

In  Lent. 
Verse.     He  shall  cover  thee  with 
His  wings. 

2  Ps.  xlix.  i.  3  Ps.  xlix.  14. 


102 


THE    PSALTER. 


Answer.  And  under  His  feath- 
ers shalt  thou  trust. 

In  Passion  time. 

Verse.  0  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. 

Ansiver.  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  Antiphons  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. 

/;/  the  Simple  Office  for  one  Martyr 
{out  of  Paschal  time). 

Verse.     xThou  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. 


Answer.  Yea,  let  them  exceed- 
ingly rejoice. 

In  the  Simple  Office  for  a  Bishop  and 
Confessor. 

Verse.  3The  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.  5God  shall  give  her  the 
help  of  His  countenance. 

[In  Paschal  time,  add  Alleluia.] 

Ansiver.     God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 
[In  Paschal  time,  add  Alleluia.] 

77*i?  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  Responsories  are  ar- 
ranged according  to  the  rules  in  Chapter 
xxvii.  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 


1  Ps.  xx.  4.  ■  Ps.  lxvii.  4.  3  Cf.  Ecclus.  xlv.  16,  27. 

4  Ps.  xxxvi.  30.  5  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  : 

\J\  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  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," 
Qr'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. 


105 


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.    (/. 

87). 

Antiphon.  O  Lord,  blot  out  my 
transgressions. 

Second  Antiphon.     The  health. 

Psalm  XL1I. 

[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.  1. 


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    my 
countenance,  and  my  God. 
Third  Antiphon.   Early. 

Psalms  LXII.,  LXVI. 

O  God,  Thou  art  my  God,  &c. 

(A  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  !  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. 

0  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.n. 
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.  x  Thou  hast  satisfied  us 
early  with  Thy  mercy. 

Answer.    We  rejoice  and  are  glad. 

Antiphonfor  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  Lord  hath  raised  up  *  an  horn 
of  salvation  for  us,  in  the  house  of 
His  servant  David. 

Commemoration  of  the  Cross  before 
the  other  general  Commemorations,  and 
Long  Preces  in  Advent  and  Lent,  and 
o?t  Fast-days,  as  on  Monday. 


1  Ps.  Ixxxix.  14. 


ioS 


ebiusfoag   at  JfUtiin*. 


THE    FOURTH    DAY    OF    THE    WEEK. 


All  as  on  Sunday  except  as  otherwise 
given  here. 

Invitatory.  In  Thy  hand,  O 
Lord,  *  are  the  inmost  depths  of 
the  earth. 

Hymn.1 

WHO  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  Nocturti  is  said. 

Antiphon.     God  bringeth  back. 

In  Paschal  time  only  one  Antiphon 
is  said  to  the  whole  Nocturn.     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.] 

*T^HE  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. 


109 


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 


1  SLH. 


no 


THE  PSALTER. 


not  live  out  half  their  days  :  *  but 
I  will  trust  in  Thee,  O  Lord. 

Antiphon.     1  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  1  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."] 

DE  merciful  unto  me,  O  God,  for 
*-*  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. 

0  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, 

*  I  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" — 1 
Kings  (Sam.)  xxii.  1  —  "David  therefore 
departed  thence"  (viz.  from  Gath)  "and 
escaped  to  the  cave  Adullam."  See  the 
note  on  Ps.  xxxiii.,  p.  78.] 

DE  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. 

1  will  cry  unto  God  Most  High  : 

*  unto  God,  That  performeth  all 
things  for  me. 


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.] 

TF  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.  lvi.  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."] 

DELIVER  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.  2Judge  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. 

"  Ps.  lvii.  2. 


WEDNESDAY   AT    MATTINS. 


113 


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.] 

IT  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  Nabliis,  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. 


U4 


THE   PSALTER. 


Psalm  LXI. 

[This  Psalm  has  exactly  the  same  super- 
scription as  Ps.  xxxviii.] 

r^VOTH  not  my  soul  wait  upon 
*S  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- 
longed! unto  God  :  also  unto  Thee,  O 
Lord,  belongeth  mercy  :  *  for  Thou 
shalt  render  to  every  man  according 
to  his  works. 


Psalm  LXI  1 1. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David  "with  a 
farther  superscription  of  meaning  now 
uncertain.] 

IT  EAR  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  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.  -  Doth  not  my  soul 
wait  upon  God  ? 

Sixth  Antiphon.  O  bless  our 
God. 


1  SLH. 


2  Ps.  lxi.  2. 


WEDNESDAY   AT   MATTINS. 


115 


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."] 

TV /T  AKE  a  joyful  noise  unto  God, 
*■**■  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 

0  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  -  is  His  name. 


1  SLH. 

2  "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. 


n6 


THE    PSALTER. 


Rejoice  before  Him  :  *  fear  shall 
go  before  the  face  of  Him  That  is 
the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  and  the 
Juojge  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  ? 

This6  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  SLII.  "  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."  *  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. 


117 


them  again  from  Bashan  x :  *  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.5  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.  60  God,  I  have  declared 
my  life  unto  Thee. 

Answer.  Thou  hast  put  my  tears 
in  Thy  sight. 

In  Le?it. 

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.  lxv.  8.  6  Ps.  lv.  9. 


u8 


THE   PSALTER. 


Anstver.  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 
Noctarn  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. 

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  many  Martyrs  in  Paschal 
time. 

Verse.  :  Everlasting  joy  upon 
their  heads,  Alleluia. 

Anstver.  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.  4Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever. 

[In  Paschal  time,  add  Alleluia.] 
1  Isa.  xxxv.  10.         *  Ps.  xx.  6.  3  Wisd. 


Answer.  After  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedeck. 

[In  Paschal  time,  add  Alleluia.] 
For  a  Confessor  not  a  Bishop. 

Verse.  5The  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.         e  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- 


First  Blessing,  if  the  Lesson  be  from 
Scripture. 

May  His  blessing  be  upon  us, 
Who  doth  live  and  reign  for  ever. 
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. 

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  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,"  <S-V.,  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  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. 


120 


^nesbag   at  Jtabs. 


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.,  (/. 

87). 

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.] 

pRAISE  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, 
(A  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.)] 

TV  /T INE  heart  rejoiceth  in  the 
*■**-  Lord,  *  and  mine  horn  is 
exalted  in  my  God  : * 

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. 


1  The  Divine  Name. 


122 


THE   PSALTER. 


Chapter.    (Rom.  xiii.  12.) 

The  night  is  far  spent,  &c,  (as  on 
Monday,  p.  89). 


Hymn.1 

ITAUNTING    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. 

Antiphon  for  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
O  Lord,  save  us  *  from  the  hand  of 
all  that  hate  us. 

Commemoration  of  the  Cross  before  the 
other  Commemoratio/is,  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. 


123 


^hm'simp  at  JHattins. 


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, 
■**-     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  o?te  Nocturn  is  said. 

Antiphon.     Make  haste. 

In  Paschal  time  only  one  Antiphon 
is  said  to  the  whole  Nocturn.     Alleluia. 


Psalm  LXVIII. 

[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. 


124 


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,  *  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. 

Atitiphon.  x  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.  lxix.  1. 


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. 

0  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.] 

/~^  IVE  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 x  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."] 

"T^RULY  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.  lxx.  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, 

0  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  (?)  Psalm  of 
Asaph."] 

OGOD,  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. 


129 


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 l  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." 

s  Ps.  lxxiii.  2.  *  SLH. 

VOL.  I.  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.  4And  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.] 

f"  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,   Sec,  were  mixed  with  wine  to  make  it  more  intoxicating.      See 
Smith's  Diet,  of  the  Bible,— Wine. 

8  Peace— a  translation  of  "Salem."  »  SLH.  4  Ps.  lxxiv.  2. 


THURSDAY   AT   MATTINS. 


131 


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  ? * 

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. 

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. 
INumb.  xiv. 


Psalm  LXXVII. 

[Intituled    "  A    didactic     (?)     poem     of 
Asaph."] 

GIVE  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,  *  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 


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.  1  Thou  art  the  God 
That  doest  wonders. 

Sixth  Antiphon.     Be  merciful. 

Psalm  LXXVIII. 
[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  Asaph."] 

f~\  GOD,  the  heathen  are  come 
^-^  into  Thine  inheritance,  Thine 
holy  temple  have  they  denied :  * 
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. 


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. 

During  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.  lxxviii.  9.  3  Ps.  lxx.  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  so?netimes  the  Respon- 
sories,  are  those  of  the  day. 


m 


^huvsliap  at  Jaxtbs. 


THE   FIFTH    DAY   OF   THE   WEEK. 


All  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. 

87). 

Antiphon.  Against  Thee,  Thee 
only,  have  I  sinqed,  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."] 

ORD,  Thou  hast  been  our  re- 
Jr-'     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.  1. 


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. 


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, 
(A  ?3> 

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.] 

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. 
Sanctuary. 


Praise    God    in    His 


Chapter.    (Rom.  xiii.  12.) 

The  night  is  far  spent,  &c,  (as 
on  Monday,  p.  89). 

Hymn.1 

CEE,  the  golden  dawn  is  glowing, 
**J     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  of Zacharias. 
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 


Jfriiag  at  Jttattins. 

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 

TV/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.] 

SING  aloud  unto  God  our  strength  i 
*  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. 

-  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  heginnings  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. 


141 


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. 

0  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. 

1  SLH.     For  "the  waters  of  Meribah  "  or 
3  SLH.  3  This  verse  was  quoted  by 


Psalm  LXXXI. 
[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  Asaph."] 

/^*OD  standeth  in  the  congrega- 
^-J  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. 

"strife,"  see  note  on  Ps.  xciv.,  p.  2. 

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. 

PsalmLXXXIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  the  sons  of 
Korah. "  It  has  the  same  superscription  as 
Ps.  lxx.,  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.] 

TTOW  lovely  are  Thy  taberna- 
-*■  *■  cles,  O  Lord  of  hosts !  * 
my  soul  longeth  and  fainteth  for 
the  courts  of  the  Lord  j 

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. 


H3 


give  His  blessing ;  they  shall  go 
from  strength  to  strength :  *  they 
appear  before  the  God  of  gods  in 
Zion. 

0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  my 
prayer :  *  give  ear,  O  God  of  Ja- 
cob !  x 

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.     2Thou  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.] 

ORD,  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  ? 

0  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."] 

"DOW  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 


1  SLH. 


2  Ps.  lxxxii.  19. 


;i44 


THE   PSALTER. 


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.       1  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.  ] 

TIER  foundation  is  in  the  holy 


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. 

O  look  upon  me,  and  have  mercy 

1  Vs.  lxxxiv.  2. 

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. 


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  Rahab8 
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. 

SLH. 


FRIDAY   AT   MATTINS. 


H5 


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  (1) 
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  ? x 

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.  ] 

I  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.  lxxxvi.  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." 

6  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. 


H7 


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  t 
*  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  XC 1 1 1. 

[The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  ascribe  this 
Psalm  to  David,  and  assign  it  to  the  fourth 
day  of  the  week.  ] 

XHE  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. 


148 


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  avk  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.  lxxxviii.  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  1  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. 


*5o 


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, 
hi  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. 

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. 


1  Ps.  xcv.  2. 
*  Ps.  lxvii.  3. 


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  : 

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, 
{out  of  Paschal  time). 

Verse.     3  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.  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. 

[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.  6  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.] 
Ps.  lxxxvii.  3.  s  ps.  xx.  3. 

Ecclus.  xlv.  16.  6  Ps.  xxx vi.  30. 


FRIDAY   AT    MATTINS. 


151 


For  one  Holy  Woman,  of  whatever 
kind. 

Verse.     l  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  frofn 
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  Responsories  are  ar- 
ranged 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. 
evil. 

Then  this  Absolution . 


1\/TAY  His  loving  kindness  and 
-L'-l-  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- 


But    deliver   us    from      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. 


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," 
&>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 


Jfrxjtag  at  5^ui)s. 


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."] 

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 


H 


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,. 


SLH. 


154 


THE   PSALTER. 


And  destroy  all  them  that  af- 
flict my  soul :  *  for  I  am  Thy 
servant. 

Antiphon.  In  Thy  faithfulness, 
answer  me,  0  Lord. 

Third  Antiphon.     0  Lord. 

Psalms  LXII.,  LXVI. 

O  God,  Thou  art  my  God,  &c., 
(A  23)- 

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  with  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.] 

OLORD,  I  have  heard  tell  of 
Thee :  *  and  was  afraid : 

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  "T/ie  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.  *  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, 

Stay  and  make  us  bright, 
Streaming     through     each     cleansed 
sense, 

On  the  outward  night. 

Then  the  root  of  faith  shall  spread 
In  the  heart  new  fashioned  ; 
Gladsome  hope  shall  spring  above, 
And  shall  bear  the  fruit  of  love. 
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. 

Antiphon  for  the  Song  of  Zach- 
arias.  Through  the  tender  mercy 
of  our  God  *  the  day-spring  from  on 
high  hath  visited  us. 

Commemoration  of  the  Cross  before 
the  other  Commemorations,  and  Long 
Preces  in  Advent  and  Lent,  and  on 
Fast-days,  as  on  Monday. 


157 


iaturbaD  at  JRattins. 


-i 


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 

"LEATHER  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. 

1  Another  hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  considerably  altered ;  translation  by  the  late 
Card.  Newman. 


Psalm  XCVII. 

[Intituled  "  A  Psalm."  The  Vulgate  and 
the  LXX.  ascribe  it  to  David.] 

f~\  SING  unto  the  Lord  a  new 
^-J  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- 


i58 


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.  1For  the  Lord  hath 
done  marvellous  things. 

1  Ps.  : 


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  Christinas  Eve  fell 
on  a  Saturday)  it  is  not  said  here,  nor 
its  A  ntiphon.  But  instead  is  said  Ps<  ihn 
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. 

If  this  Antiphon  be  used,  the  Psalm 
begins  with  the  words,  "  Unto  GOD,  all 
ye  lands." 

Psalm  XCIX. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  thanksgiving," 
The  Tavgum  has  "  A  Psalm  for  the  Sacrifice 
of  thanksgiving."] 

A  /T  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 


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."] 

TJEAR  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. 


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. 


Ps.  xcix,  1, 


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  : 

the    groaning    of    the 
to    loose    the    children 


To 


hear 
* 


prisoners, 
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  CI  I. 

[Intituled  "of  David."] 

"DLESS  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.  x  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 
Tsalm  to  David.] 

OLESS  the  Lord,  O  my  soul :  * 
*~*     O   Lord  my  God,  Thou   art 

very  great ! 

Thou  art  clothed  with  honour  and 
1  Ps.  ci.  i.  2  So 

VOL.   I. 


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. 


163 


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.  1  Bless  the  Lord,  O 
my  soul ! 

Fifth  Antiphon.     Visit  us. 

Psalm  CV. 
[Superscribed  "Alleluia."] 

f~~\  GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
^~s  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. 


SATURDAY   AT    MATTINS. 


165 


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  I.e.,  "  the  Lord  of  Mount  Feor,"  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 

*  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. 


167 


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.  1  Visit  us  with  Thy 
salvation,  O  Lord. 

Sixth  Antiphon.  I  will  greatly 
praise. 

Psalm  CVI1. 

[Intituled  "A  Song.  A  Psalm  of  David." 
It  is  a  compilation  of  Ps.  Ivi.  8-12,  and 
Ps.  lix.  6-14.] 

TV/TINE  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. 

1  Ps.  cv.  4. 

2  Here  begins  the  extract  from  Ps.  lix. 


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  CVIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
superscription,  probably  musical,  but  now 
uncertain.] 

HOLD  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. 

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.  1. 


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.  1I  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. 


cvm.  30. 


F  2 


170 


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. 


Ansiver.  Nor  my  life  with  bloody 
men. 

In  Paschal  time. 

Verse.  The  disciples  were  glad, 
Alleluia. 

Ansiver.  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. 


1  Ps.  ci.  2. 


i7i 


iatttrbag  at  5aub0. 


THE    SABBATH. 


All  as  on  Sunday,  except  as  otherwise 
given  here. 

The  Psaltns  are  as  follows : 
Antiphon.     Do  good. 

Psalm  L. 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  &c.,  {p. 
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. 


1  Hebrew  :  "lam  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, 

(/•   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  : — "] 

f~^  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  " l  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, 

i*  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. 


»74 


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 

dragons,  *  and  the  cruel  venom  of 
asps. 

Is  not  this  laid  up  in  store  with 
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 
that  remained  are  consumed. 

And  He  shall  say :  Where  are 
their  gods,  *  in  whom  they  trusted  ? 

Of  whose  sacrifices  they  did  eat 
the  fat,  *  and  drank  the  wine  of 
their  drink-offerings? 

Let  them  rise  up,  and  help  you, 

*  and  be  your  protection  in  the 
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. 


My  glittering  sword, 
hand    take    hold    on 


to 
requite 


Mine 
them 


If  I  whet 
*  and  Mine 
judgment ; 

I  will  render  vengeance 
enemies,    *   and   will 
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 
chief  of  the  enemy. 

Rejoice  with  His  people,  ye 
nations  :  *  for  He  will  avenge  the 
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  CXLVIII.,  CXLIX.,  CL. 
Praise    ye    the    Lord    from    the 
2  5, 


heavens,  &c. 


Antiphon. 
loud  cymbals. 


(//.    25,    26). 

Praise  God  upon  the 


Chapter. 
The  night  is 


on  Monday,  p. 


(Rom.  xiii. 

far  spent, 
89). 


12.) 
&c. 


(as 


Hymn.1 


HP  HE  dawn  is  sprinkled  o'er  the  sky, 
J-       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. 


176 


VESPERS,    OR    EVENSONG.1 


SttntraiL 

The  Lord's  Day. 


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  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." 


At  the  beginning  of  Vespers  the 
Lord's  Prayer  and  the  Angelic  Salu- 
tation are  said  inaudibly. 

/^VUR  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. 

IT  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.  ►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.       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. 


Atitiphon  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.] 

*""PHE  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord: 
A       *  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- 


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.  1A11  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.] 

WILL  praise  Thee,  O  Lord, 
J-  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 


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.] 

OLESSED  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. 


1  Ps.  ex.  8. 


178 


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. 

A?itiphon.  In  His  command- 
ments he  delighteth  greatly. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Blessed  be  the 
Name. 

Psalm  CXI  I. 
[The  Hebrew  prefixes  "Alleluia."] 

ORAISE  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  CXI II. 

A  \  7"  HEN  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 


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  given,  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 

T^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, 
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. 


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. 


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.  l  Let  my  prayer,  O  Lord, 
be  set  forth. 

Answer.  As  incense  before 
Thee. 

Then  is  said  the  following  Canticle 
frotn  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.) 

MY    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  superseded  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  clause  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  Common- 
oration  of  the  Cross,  given  hereafter  at 
the  end  of  the  Lauds  of  Monday.) 


1  Ps.  cxl.  2. 


VESPERS,    OR   EVENSONG. 


ISI 


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. 

GRANT,  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. 

r\  GOD,  Who,  by  the  fruitful  vir- 
^-J  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.  l  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. 

t~\  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.  3Thou  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. 


8  Ps.  xliv.  17,  18. 


l82  THE    PSALTER. 

Let  us  pray.  the  deep  of  the  sea,  when   he  suf- 

OGOD,    Whose    Right    Hand  fered    shipwreck;     graciously    hear 

caught     the     Blessed     Peter  us>  and  Srant'  for  the  sake  of  them 

when   he    walked    upon    the    water,  both>  that  we  also  may  attain  unt0 

and  began  to  sink,  and  thrice   de-  everlasting  glory, 

livered  his  fellow- Apostle  Paul  from  Note 1. 

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. 

{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. 

f~\  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.     1  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 
Anstver.     Possess  ye  your  souls. 

Let  us  pray. 

f~\  GOD,  in  defence  of  Whose  Church  the  glorious  Bishop  Thomas 
^S  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.  1 83 

For  Peace.  Let  us  pray. 

Antiphon.      Give    peace    in    our  f~\    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. 

f~\  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 84 


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. 

Frotn  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  in  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 : 

/^\UR  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  Choiry 
the  service  is  ended  with  the  Antiphon 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  ex>ery  ti»ie 
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  Cottipline.  When- 
ever it  is  said,  except  after  Compline,  it 
is  preceded  by: 

Verse.  >%*  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,  appoititcd 
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. 


185 


JHontiasL 


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  tune  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  : 

0  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.  l  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."] 

T  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. 

0  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  used  the  Psalm 
begins  with  the  words,  "  The  Lord." 


1  Ps.  cxiv.  2. 


1 86 


THE   PSALTER. 


Psalm  CXVI. 

O    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 

With  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. 


1  Properly  "  Black-skin." 
tribe  sprung  from  him. 


Psalm  CXX. 
[Also  a  Song  of  Degrees.] 

[  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. 

This  was  the  name  of  a  son  of  Ishmael,  and  of  an  Arabian 


2  Ps. 


s   Ps.  CXX.   I. 


4  Hymn   of  the  Ambrosian  school,  almost  unchanged  ;    translation  by  the  late  Card. 
Newman. 


VESPERS,   OR   EVENSONG. 


187 


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  op  the  Antiphon 
after  the  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  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  dow?t,  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 
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. 


THE   PSALTER. 


Psalm  L. 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God, 
&c.,  (p.  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. 

All  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. 

Let  us  pray. 

r~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  keep 
^-^      us  in  continual  peace,  whom 


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. 


EuestoajL 

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."] 

I"  WAS  glad  when  they  said  unto 
■■■  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  CXXIII. 

[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.  x  Our  help  is  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Do  good,  O 
Lord. 

Psalm  CXXIV. 
[Intituled  "  A  Song  of  Degrees."] 

^PHEY  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."] 

T  \  fHEN  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 

A  LL-BOUNTIFUL  Creator,  Who, 
J-"*-     When    Thou    didst    mould    the 

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. 


SEetmestia^ 


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.] 

EXCEPT  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. 


191 


is    vain 

* 


rise 
ye    that 


for    you    to 
up     when 


eat    the 


rise   up 
ye     are 
bread    of 


Except  the  Lord  keep  the  city, 

*  the  watchman  waketh  but  in 
vain. 

It 
early, 
rested, 
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."] 

OLESSED  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\  /f  ANY  a  time  have  they  warred 
*•*  *-      against  me  from   my  ■""'♦*» 


-*  may  Israel  now  say : — 
Many  a  time  have    they 


youth 


warred 
*  yet 
against 


against  me  from  my  youth 
they  have  not  prevailed 
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. 


192 


THE   PSALTER. 


Fourth    Antiphon. 
depths. 


Out    of    the 


If  this  Antiphon  be  used,  the  Psalm 
begins  with  the  words,  "  Have  I  cried 
unto  Thee." 


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.' 


Psalm  CXXIX. 

/^UT  of  the  depths  have  I  cried 
^S  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  ORU,  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. 

1  Hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,   somewhat  nltered  ;    translation  by  the  late   Card. 
Newman. 


Antiphon.  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 


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. 

All  as  on  Sunday,  except  as  otherwise 
given  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  (1)  Kings  vii.  ( Saturday  before 
8th  Sunday  after  Pentecost.)] 

LORD,  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.   I.  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 


unto  beast. 

He  sent  tokens  and  wonders 
into  the  midst  of  thee,  O  Egypt, 
*  upon  Pharaoh  and  upon  all  his 
servants. 

He  smote  great  nations,  *  and 
slew  mighty  kings. 

3Sihon,  king  of  the  Amorites, 
and  Og,  king  of  Bashan,  *  and 
all  the  kingdoms  of  Canaan. 

And  gave  their  land  for  an 
heritage,  *  an  heritage  unto  Israel 
His  people. 

Thy  Name,  O  Lord,  endureth  for 
Thy   memorial,   O   Lord, 


beard, 

That  went  down  to  the  skirts 
of  his  garments.  *  As  the  dew  of 
Hermon,  that  descendeth  upon 
the  mountains  of  Zion  ; 2 

For  there  the  Lord  commanded 
the  blessing,  *  even  life  for  evermore. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  how  good 
and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren 
to  dwell  together  in  unity. 

Third  Antipho?i.     Whatsoever. 

Psalm  CXXXIV. 
[To  this  Psalm  is  prefixed  "Alleluia."] 

ORAISE  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 
is  good :  *  sing  praises  unto  His 
Name,  for  it  is  pleasant. 

For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Jacob 
unto  Himself,  *  and  Israel  for 
His  peculiar  treasure. 

For  I  know  that  the  Lord  is 
great,  *  and  that  our  Lord  is  above 
all  gods. 

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. 


ever ! 

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 
speak  not :  *  eyes  have  they,  but 
they  see  not. 

Ears  have  they,  but  they  hear 
not :  *  neither  is  there  any  breath 
in  their  mouths. 

Let  them  that  make  them  be 
made  like  unto  them,  *  and  every 
one  that  trusteth  in  them. 


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.] 

A?itiphon.  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.] 

f~\  GIVE  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.  1. 


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.] 

T)  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  ? 


Hymn.1 

OGOD,  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, 
Glorv  and  Praise.  Amen. 


1  Hymn    of  the    Ambrosian    school,   slightly   altered  ;    translation   by   the    late   Card. 
Newman. 


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. 


JFrttrarj, 

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.] 

[  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  CXXXVIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  direction,  the  meaning  of  which 
is  not  now  certain.] 

f~\  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.] 

DELIVER  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  ! 

0  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. 

Afitiphon.  Preserve  me,  O  Lord, 
from  the  wicked  man. 

Fourth  Antiphon.     Lord. 

If  this  Antiphon  be  used,  the  Psalm 
begins  with  the  words,  "  1  cry  unto 
Thee." 

Psalm  CXL. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."]     * 

LORD,   I   cry   unto  Thee :    hear 
me  !  *  give  ear  unto  my  voice 
when  I  cry  unto  Thee. 

1  SLH. 


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 


2  The  Targum  is,  "They  are  torn  away  from  the  house  of  instruction  by  the  strong 
.nds  of  their  judges."     The  Syriac,  "  And  their  judges  are  crushed  by  the  strong  hand." 


hands 


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." 


200 


THE   PSALTER. 


I 


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  lvi.  See  note  on  that  Psalm, 
p.  no.] 

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 

\X7"HOM  all  obey, —  _^//  ^  on  Sunday,  except  as  otherwise 

*  v  Maker  of  man  !  Who  from  Thy  given  here. 
height 

Badest  the  dull  earth  bring  to  light  The  Psalms  are  as  follows: 
All  creeping  things,  and  the  fierce  might 

Of  beasts  of  prey  ; —  Antiphon.     Blessed. 

1  Hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  considerably  altered  ;  translation  by  the  late  Card. 
Newman. 


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.  Lf  the  Vespers  of  a 
Simple  Feast  be  kept  on  a  Friday,  the 
service  is  of  the  Feast  from  the  Chapter 
inclusive. 


^aturfcag. 

The  Sabbath. 


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."] 

DLESSED  be  the  Lord  my  God, 
*~*  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 
*■  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. 


202 


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 


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  ; 
J-  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."] 

TDRAISE  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  j  *  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."] 

ORAISE  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.] 


204 


THE    PSALTER. 


Antiphon.  Praise  the  Lord,  O 
Jerusalem. 

Antiphon  in  Paschal  time.  Alle- 
luia, Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Erom  Advent  Sunday  till  the  Octave 
oj  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.) 

C~\  THE  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 


©fe  for  tberp_  trap  m  tlje 
WLtzk. 

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- 
*-*  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.  ^  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. 


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. 

A  LMIGHTY    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.  2  Ps.  cxxiii.  8. 


o 


UR  Father,  Who  art  in  heaven, 
Hallowed  be  Thy  Name.    Thy 


206 


THE    PSALTER. 


*i*  1\  /T  AY  the  Almighty  and  mer- 

■^  »  A  ciful  Lord  grant  us  pardon, 
absolution,  and  remission  of  all  our 
sins. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Verse.  *  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, 
0  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.] 

Vy'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.  lxxxiv.  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, 

*  and  sleep, 

For  Thou,  Lord,  only  *  makest 
me  to  dwell  in  safety. 

Psalm  XXX. 

[The  first  eight  verses  of  Psalm  xxx.,  p. 
76.] 

TN  Thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my 
-*■  trust,  let  me  never  be  asham- 
ed j  *  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."] 

"DEHOLD  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.  1  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 

"M"  OW  that  the  day-light  dies  away, 
-L^      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. 

It  is  also  occasionally  otherwise  al- 
tered, which  occasions  are  marked  in 
their  places. 

Then  follows  the 
Chapter.    (Jer.  xiv.  9.)  ! 

YET  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  in  the 
midst  of  us,  and  Thine  holy 
Name  is  called  upon  us  : x  leave  us 
not,  O  LorcJ  our  God. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Then  the  Short  Responsory. 

2  Into  Thine  hands,  O  Lord,  I 
commend  my  spirit. 


Answer.  Into  Thine  hands,  O 
Lord,  I  commend  my  spirit. 

Verse.  Thou  hast  redeemed  us, 
O  Lord  God  of  truth. 

Ansiver.     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. 

Ansiver.  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.  Th  ey  are  omitted  on  Doubles 
and  within  Octaves.  In  Advent,  Lent, 
and  the  Ember  Days  they  are  said 
kneeling. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Answer.     Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

OUR  Father,  (tnaudibly,)  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. 

1  Dan.  iii 


T  BELIEVE  (inaudibly)  in  God 
A  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.  x  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.  x  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, 

Anszver.     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. 

Atiswer.  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,  *%*  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 

1  This  Office  was  originally  the  last  Prayer 
Order  of  St  Benedict. 


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. 

A  \  J"E  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. 

Answer.  Mother  of  God,  pray 
for  us. 

Let  us  pray. 

r\  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- 

before  going  to  rest  for  the  monks  of  the 


COMPLINE. 


21  I 


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. 

1\  /T  OST  merciful  God,  grant,  we 
-!■*-*-  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. 

Ansiver.     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. 

r~\  GOD,  Who  dost  vouchsafe  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  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  ! l 

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. 

O  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  said 
this  Blessing: 

God's  most  mighty  strength  alway 
Be  His  people's  staff  and  stay. 
Answer.     Amen. 

Lastly,  whether  Mattins  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. 


TTAIL,  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. 

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  Forgiveness 
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 
o?iiitted,  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. 


Cije  proper  iDfltce  of  tije  Reason- 


^trbtttt,  or  <&ommg=€ttm* 


In  Advent  the  Common  Commemora- 
tions are  never  said  at  Lauds  and  Ves- 
pers. During  Advent  Simple  Feasts 
are  not  observed,  but  merely  com- 
memorated. If  a  Feast  of  a  higher 
rank  falls  after  Advent  Sunday  it  is 
cotmnemorated ;  or  transferred  to  the 
next  day  not  so  impeded,  except  a  Feast 
of  the  First  Class,  of  which  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  is  one. 

^afuroag  Before  Jfovtnt  ^>unoaj. 

VESPERS. 

All  of  the  Saturday  except  the 
following. 

The  Chapter  is  taken  from  Lauds. 

Hymn.1 

CREATOR  of  the  starry  pole, 
Saviour  of  all  who  live, 
And  light  of  every  faithful  soul, 
Jesu,  these  prayers  receive. 

Who  sooner  than  our  foe  malign 

Should  triumph,  from  above 
Didst  come,  to  be  the  medicine 

Of  a  sick  world,  in  love  ; 

And  the  deep  wounds  to  cleanse  and  cure 

Of  a  whole  race,  didst  go, 
Pure  Victim,  from  a  Virgin  pure, 

The  bitter  Cross  unto. 


Who  hast  a  Name,  and  hast  a  Power, 
The  height  and  depth  to  sway, 

And  Angels  bow,  and  devils  cower, 
In  transport  or  dismay  ; 

Thou  too  shalt  be  our  Judge  at  length  ; 

Lord,  in  Thy  grace  bestow 
Thy  weapons  of  celestial  strength, 

And  snatch  us  from  the  foe. 

Honour  and  glory,  power  and  praise, 

To  Father,  and  to  Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost,  be  paid  always, 

The  Eternal  Three  in  One.     Amen. 

Verse.  2  Drop  down,  ye  heavens, 
from  above,  and  let  the  skies  pour 
down  the  Righteous  One. 

Answer.  Let  the  earth  open,  and 
let  her  bring  forth  the  Saviour. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  Behold,  the  name  of  the 
Lord  *  cometh  from  far,  and  the 
whole  earth  is  full  of  His  glory. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

&tibent  Simtfag, 

The  First  Lord's  Day  in  Coming-  Tune. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Lord,  He  is  our 
King  that  is  to  come.  *  O  come,  let 
us  worship  Him. 


1  Another  hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  altered  almost  beyond  recognition ;    one  verse 
omitted  ;    translation  by  the  late  Card.  Newman. 

2  Isa.  xlv.  8.  3  Isa.  xxx.  27. 

VOL.  I.  H 


214 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Jfymn.1 

SUPERNAL  Word,  proceeding  from 
The  Eternal  Father's  breast ; 
And  in  the  end  of  ages  come, 
To  aid  a  world  distrest ; 

Enlighten,  Lord,  and  set  on  fire, 

Our  spirits  with  Thy  love, 
That,  dead  to  earth,  they  may  aspire 

And  live  to  joys  above. 

That,  when  the  judgment-seat  on  high 

Shall  fix  the  sinner's  doom, 
And  to  the  just  a  glad  voice  cry, 

Come  to  your  destined  home ; 

Safe  from  the  black  and  yawning  lake 

Of  restless,  endless  pain, 
We  may  the  face  of  God  partake, 

The  bliss  of  heaven  attain. 

To  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son, 

And  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee, 
As  heretofore,  when  time  is  done, 

Unending  glory  be.     Amen. 


FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson.     (Isa.  i.  i.) 

T'HE  vision  of  Isaiah,  the  son  of 
Amoz,  which  he  saw  concerning 
Judah  and  Jerusalem,  in  the  days  of 
2  Uzziah,  Jotham,  Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah, 
kings  of  Judah.  Hear,  O  heavens,  and 
give  ear,  O  earth,  for  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  :  I  have  nourished  and  brought 
up  children  :  and  they  have  rebelled 
against  Me.  The  ox  knoweth  his 
owner,  and  the  ass  his  master's  crib : 
but  Israel  doth  not  know  Me,  and  My 
people  doth  not  consider. 

First  Responsory. 

I  look  from  afar,  and,  behold,  I  see 
the  Power  of  God  coming,  3  and  a 
cloud  covering  all  the  land.  4  Go  ye 
out  to  meet  Him,  and  say :  5Tell  us  if 


Thou  art  He,  6That  shalt  reign  over 
God's  people  Israel. 

Verse.  7  Both  low  and  high,  rich 
and  poor  together. 

Answer.  Go  ye  out  to  meet  Him, 
and  say. 

Verse.  8  Give  ear,  O  Shepherd  of 
Israel^  Thou  That  leadest  Joseph  like 
a  flock. 

Answer.     Tell  us  if  Thou  art  He. 

Verse.  9  Lift  up  your  gates,  O  ye 
princes  ;  and  be  ye  lift  up,  ye  everlast- 
ing doors,  and  the  King  of  glory  shall 
come  in. 

Answer.  That  shalt  reign  over 
God's  people  Israel. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  I  look  from  afar,  and, 
behold,  I  see  the  Power  of  God  coming, 
and  a  cloud  covering  all  the  land.  Go 
ye  out  to  meet  Him,  and  say  :  Tell  us 
if  Thou  art  He,  That  shalt  reign  over 
God's  people  Israel. 

Second  Lesson. 

"\^7"OE  to  the  sinful  nation,  a  people 
laden  with  iniquity,  a  seed  of 
evil-doers,  children  that  are  corrupters  : 
they  have  forsaken  the  LORD,  they 
have  provoked  the  Holy  One  of  Israel 
unto  anger :  they  are  gone  away  back- 
ward. Upon  what  part  shall  I  smite 
you  any  more,  ye  that  revolt  more  and 
more  ?  The  whole  head  is  sick,  and 
the  whole  heart  faint :  from  the  sole 
of  the  foot  even  unto  the  head  there  is 
no  soundness  in  it,  but  wounds  and 
bruises  and  putrifying  sores  :  they  have 
not  been  closed,  neither  bound  up, 
neither  mollified  with  ointment. 


1  Hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  very  much  altered ;  translation  by  the  late  Card.  Newman. 

2  Uzziah,  Jotham,  and  Ahaz  were  the  great-grandfather,  grandfather,  and  father  of  their 
successor  on  the  throne  of  Judah,  Hezekiah,  concerning  whom  see  the  eleventh  week  after 
Pentecost.  According  to  the  common  tradition,  Isaiah  survived  Hezekiah  and  was  martyred 
under  his  son  Manasseh.  Lowth  thinks  that  the  prophecy  which  forms  the  first  chapter  was 
uttered  towards  the  end  of  the  reign  of  Jotham  when  "  the  Lord  began  to  send,  against  Judah, 
Rezin,  the  king  of  Syria,  and  Pekah,  the  son  of  Remaliah,"  king  of  Israel.     4  (2)  Kings  xv.  37. 

s  Ezek.  xxxviii.  9.  *  Matth.  xxv.  6.  6  Matth.  xi.  3 ;  Luke  vii.  19. 

8  i  Kings  (Sam.)  ix.  17.  7  Ps.  xlviii.  3.  8  Ps.  lxxix.  2.  9  Ps.  xxiii.  7. 


FIRST   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


215 


Second  Responsory. 

1  I  saw  in  the  night  visions,  and, 
behold,  the  Son  of  man  came  with  the 
clouds  of  heaven,  and  there  was  given 
Him  a  Kingdom,  and  glory :  and  all 
people,  nations,  and  languages  shall 
serve  Him. 

Verse.  His  dominion  is  an  ever- 
lasting dominion  which  shall  not  pass 
away,  and  His  Kingdom  that  which 
shall  not  be  destroyed. 

Answer.  And  all  people,  nations, 
and  languages  shall  serve  Him. 

Third  Lesson. 

~\7  OUR  country  is  desolate,  your 
cities  are  burned  with  fire  ;  your 
land,  strangers  devour  it  in  your  pres- 
ence, and  it  is  desolate,  as  overthrown 
by  strangers.  And  the  daughter  of 
Zion  is  left  as  a  cottage  in  a  vineyard, 
and  as  a  lodge  in  a  garden  of  cucum- 
bers, and  as  a  besieged  city.  Except 
the  Lord  of  hosts  had  left  unto  us  a 
seed,  we  should  have  been  as  Sodom, 
and  we  should  have  been  like  unto 
Gomorrah. 

Third  Responsory. 

2  The  Angel  Gabriel  was  sent  to 
Mary,  a  Virgin  espoused  to  Joseph, 
to  bring  unto  her  the  word  of  the 
Lord  :  and  3  when  the  Virgin  saw  the 
light  she  was  afraid.  Fear  not,  Mary, 
for  thou  hast  found  grace  from  the 
Lord.  Behold,  thou  shalt  conceive 
and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  He  shall 
be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest. 

Verse.  The  Lord  God  shall  give 
unto  Him  the  throne  of  His  father 
David,  and  He  shall  reign  over  the 
house  of  Jacob  for  ever. 

Answer.  Behold,  thou  shalt  con- 
ceive, and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  He 
shall  be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Behold,  thou  shalt  con- 
ceive and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  He 
shall  be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  4  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great,]  (8th 
on  the  December  Fast,  and  alms- 
giving.) 

P)UR  Saviour  Himselt  instructed 
^^^  His  disciples  concerning  the 
times  and  seasons  of  the  coming  of 
the  Kingdom  of  God  and  the  end  of 
the  world,  and  He  hath  given  the 
same  teaching  to  the  Church  by  the 
mouth  of  His  Apostles.  In  connec- 
tion with  this  subject  then,  Our  Lord 
biddeth  us  beware  lest  we  let  our 
hearts  grow  heavy  through  excess  of 
meat  and  drink,  and  worldly  thoughts. 
Dearly  beloved  brethren,  we  know 
how  that  this  warning  applieth  par- 
ticularly to  us.  We  know  that  that 
day  is  coming,  and  though  for  a 
season  we  know  not  the  very  hour> 
yet  this  we  know,  that  it  is  near. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

5  Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace ;  the 
Lord  is  with  thee :  the  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee  : 
therefore  also  that  Holy  Thing  Which 
shall  be  born  of  thee  shall  be  called 
the  Son  of  God. 

Verse.  How  shall  this  be,  seeing  I 
know  not  a  man  ?  And  the  Angel 
answered  and  said  unto  her, — 

Answer.  The  Holy  Ghost  shall 
come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the 
Highest  shall  overshadow  thee  ;  there- 


1  Dan.  vii.  13,  14.  2  Luke  i.  26,  30-33. 

3  Compare  the  Apocryphal  "  Gospel  of  the  Nativity  of  Mary,"  ch.  ix. 

4  April  11.  «  Luke  i.  28,  34,  35. 


2l6 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


fore  also  that  Holy  Thing  Which  shall 
be  born  of  thee  shall  be  called  the  Son 
of  God. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

ET  every  man  then  make  himself 
ready  against  the  coming  of  the 
Lord,  so  that  He  may  not  find  him 
making  his  belly  his  god,  or  the 
world  his  chief  care.  Dearly  beloved 
brethren,  it  is  a  matter  of  every  day 
experience  that  fulness  of  drink  dulleth 
the  keenness  of  the  mind,  and  that 
excess  of  eating  unnerveth  the  strength 
of  the  will.  The  very  stomach  pro- 
testeth  that  gluttony  doth  harm  to  the 
bodily  health,  unless  temperance  get 
the  better  of  desire,  and  the  thought 
of  the  indigestion  afterward  check  the 
indulgence  of  the  moment. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1  We  look  for  the  Saviour,  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;  Who  shall  change  our 
vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned 
like  unto  His  glorious  Body. 

Verse.  2We  should  live  soberly, 
and  righteously,  and  godly  in  this 
present  world,  looking  for  that  blessed 
hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of 
the  great  God. 

Answer.  Who  shall  change  our 
vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned 
like  unto   His  glorious   Body. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

r~T'HE  body  without  the  soul  hath  no 
desires ;  its  sensibility  cometh 
from  the  same  source  as  its  move- 
ments. And  it  is  the  duty  of  a  man 
with  a  reasonable  soul  to  deny  some- 
thing to  his  lower  nature  and  to  keep 
back  the  outer  man  from  things  un- 
seemly. Then  will  his  soul,  free  from 
fleshly  cravings,  sit  often  at  leisure  in 
the   palace   of  the  mind,  dwelling  on 


the  wisdom  of  God.  There,  when  the 
roar  and  rattle  of  earthly  cares  are 
stilled,  will  she  feed  on  holy  thoughts 
and  entertain  herself  with  the  expecta- 
tion of  the  everlasting  joy. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

3  O  my  Lord,  send  I  pray  Thee, 
Him  Whom  Thou  wilt  send  ;  see  the 
affliction  of  Thy  people.  As  Thou 
hast  promised,  come  and  deliver  us. 

Verse.  4  Give  ear,  O  Shepherd  of 
Israel,  Thou  That  leadest  Joseph  like 
a  flock,  Thou  That  sittest  upon  the 
Cherubim  ! 

Answer.  As  Thou  hast  promised, 
come. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.     And  deliver  us. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken   from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xxi.  25.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto  His 
"^^  disciples  ;  There  shall  be  signs 
in  the  sun,  and  in  the  moon,  and  in 
the  stars,  and  upon  the  earth  distress 
of  nations.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  5  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]  (1st  on  the  Gospels.) 

Our  Lord  and  Saviour  wisheth  to 
find  us  ready  at  His  second  coming. 
Therefore  He  telleth  us  what  will  be 
the  evils  of  the  world  as  it  groweth 
old,  that  He  may  wean  our  hearts 
from  worldly  affections.  Here  we  read 
what  great  convulsions  will  go  before 
the  end,  that,  if  we  will  not  fear  God 
in  our  prosperity,  we  may  at  least  be 
scourged  into  fearing  His  judgment 
when  it  is  at  hand. 


1  Phil.  iii.  20. 

*  Ps.  lxxix. 


2  Tit.  ii.  12. 


3  Exod.  iv.  13. 

5  March  12. 


FIRST   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


217 


Seventh  Responsory. 

1  Behold,  the  Virgin  shall  conceive, 
and  bear  a  son,  saith  the  Lord,  2  and 
His  name  shall  be  called  Wonderful, 
the  Mighty  God. 

Verse.  He  shall  sit  upon  the  throne 
of  David,  and  upon  his  kingdom  for 
ever. 

Answer.  And  His  name  shall  be 
called  Wonderful,  the  Mighty  God. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T  MMEDIATELY  before  the  passage 
A  which  hath  just  been  read  from 
the  Gospel,  are  found  the  following 
words  of  our  Lord, — "  Nation  shall 
rise  against  nation,  and  kingdom 
against  kingdom,  and  great  earth- 
quakes shall  be  in  divers  places,  and 
pestilences  and  famines."  Then,  after 
a  few  more  verses,  cometh  to-day's 
Gospel.  "There  shall  be  signs  in 
the  sun,  and  in  the  moon,  and  in  the 
stars  ;  and  upon  the  earth  distress  of 
nations  with  perplexity,  the  sea  and 
the  waves  roaring."  Now  some  of 
these  things  are  come  to  pass  already, 
and  we  fear  the  others  are  not  far  off. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

3  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  O  ye 
nations,  and  declare  it  in  the  ends  of 
the  earth,  and  in  the  isles  afar  off,  and 
say  :  Our  Saviour  shall  come. 

Verse.  Declare  it  and  make  it 
known,  lift  up  your  voice  and  cry 
aloud. 

Answer.  And  in  the  isles  afar  off, 
and  say :   Our  Saviour  shall  come. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

T  N  these  our  days  we  see  nation  rise 

against  nation,  and  their  distress 

over  all  the  earth,  more  than  we  read 

in  books  hath  ever  come   to   pass   of 


old  time.  Ye  know  also  how  often 
we  hear  of  earthquakes  overwhelming 
countless  cities  in  other  parts  of  the 
world.  As  for  pestilences,  we  suffer 
from  them  ourselves,  with  hardly  any 
intermission.  As  yet  we  do  not  see 
signs  in  the  sun,  and  in  the  moon, 
and  in  the  stars  ;  but  the  changes  of 
seasons  and  climates  warn  us  that  we 
may  look  for  these  also  before  long. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  is  not  said  in  the  Office  of  the 
Season  till  Christmas.  A  Ninth  Re- 
sponsory is  said  instead. 

Ninth  Responsory. 

4  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 : 
and  this  is  His  name  whereby  He 
shall  be  called  ;  The  Lord  our  Right- 
eous one. 

Verse.  In  His  days  Judah  shall  be 
saved,  and  Israel  shall  dwell  safely. 

Answer.  And  this  is  His  name 
whereby  He  shall  be  called. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  our  Righteous 
one. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  5  In  that  day  * 
the  mountains  shall  drop  down  sweet 
wine,  and  the  hills  shall  flow  with 
milk  and  honey.      Alleluia. 

Second  Antiphon.  6  Sing,  O  daugh- 
ter of  Zion,  *  and  rejoice  with  all  the 
heart,  O  daughter  of  Jerusalem.  Alle- 
luia. 

Third  Antiphon.  7  Behold,  the 
Lord  shall  come,  *  and  all  His 
saints  with   Him  ;    and  it  shall    come 


3  Isa.  vii.  14. 

5  Joel  iii. 


Isa.  ix.  6,  7.  3  Jer.  xxxi.  10. 

6  Zeph.  (Soph.)  iii.  14. 


4  Jer.  xxiii.  5  ;   1  Cor.  i.  30. 
7  Zech.  xiv.  5,  6. 


218 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


to  pass  in  that  day  that  the  light 
shall  be  great.     Alleluia. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  1  Ho,  every  one 
that  thirsteth  *  come  ye  to  the  waters  : 
seek  ye  the  Lord  while  He  may  be 
found.      Alleluia. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Behold,  a  great 
Prophet  *  shall  arise,  and  He  shall 
build  up  a  new  Jerusalem.     Alleluia. 

Chapter.     (Rom.  xiii.  II.) 

1\/T  Y  brethren,  it  is  now  high  time  to 
awake  out  of  sleep.      For  now 
is  our  salvation  nearer  than  when  we 
believed. 

Hymn.2 

HARK,  a  joyful  voice  is  thrilling, 
And  each  dim  and  winding  way 
Of  the  Ancient  Temple  filling  ; 
Dreams,  depart !  for  it  is  day. 

Christ  is  coming  !  from  thy  bed, 

Earth-bound  soul,  awake  and  spring, — 

With  the  sun  new-risen  to  shed 
Health  on  human  suffering. 

Lo  !  to  grant  a  pardon  free, 

Comes  a  willing  Lamb  from  Heaven  ; 
Sad  and  tearful,  hasten  we, 

One  and  all,  to  be  forgiven. 

Once  again  He  comes  in  light, 
Girding  earth  with  fear  and  woe  ; 

Lord,  be  Thou  our  loving  might, 
From  our  guilt  and  ghostly  foe. 

To  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
And  the  Spirit,  Who  in  heaven 

Ever  witness,  Three  and  One, 

Praise  on  earth  be  ever  given.     Amen. 

Verse.  3  The  voice  of  one  crying  in 
the  wilderness  :  Prepare  ye  the  way  of 
the  Lord. 

Answer.     Make  His  paths  straight. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
4  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon 
thee,  *  O  Mary  ;  fear  not,  thou  shalt 
bear  in  thy  womb  the  Son  of  God. 
Alleluia. 


Prayer. 

5  CTIR  up,  O  Lord,  we  pray  Thee, 
^  Thy  strength,  and  come  among 
us,  that  whereas  through  our  sins  and 
wickedness  we  do  justly  apprehend 
Thy  wrathful  judgments  hanging  over 
us,  Thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy 
may  speedily  help  and  deliver  us  ; 
Who  livest  and  reignest  with  God 
the  Father,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
A  men. 

The  same  Prayer  is  used  throughout 
the  day  and  week,  except  at  Prime  and 
Compline. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  In  that  day,  &c,  {First 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  short  Responsory  instead  of 
the  Verse  "  Thou  That  sittest,"  &c,  is 
said  : 

Verse.  Thou  That  art  to  come  into 
the  world. 

And  the  change  is  made  every  day  in 
Advent  till  Christmas,  except  on  the 
Feast  and  within  the  Octave  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Sing,  O  daughter  of 
Zion,  &c,  {Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Behold  the  Lord,  &c, 
( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Rom.  xiii.  12.) 

THE  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. 


1  Isa.  lv.  1,  6.     Possibly  in  allusion  to  the  baptisms  at  the  Epiphany. 

2  Hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  freely  altered  ;  translation  by  the  late  Card.  Newman. 

3  Matth.  iii.  3 ;  (Isa.  xl.  3.)  *  Luke  i.  35.  s  Ps.  lxxix.  3. 


FIRST   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


219 


NONE. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  a  great  Pro- 
phet, &c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (Rom.  xiii.  13.) 

T    ET  us  walk  honestly  as  in  the  day, 

not  in  rioting  and  drunkenness, 

not    in    chambering    and   wantonness, 

not    in    strife    and    envying,    but    put 

ye  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

VESPERS. 

Aniiphons,  Chapter  and  Prayer  as  at 
Lauds. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Saturday  Evening. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  1  Fear  not,  Mary,  *  for  thou 
hast  found  grace  with  the  Lord  ;  be- 
hold, thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb, 
and  bring  forth  a  son.      Alleluia. 

After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord,"  are  said 
the  Vespers  of  the  Dead. 

QUonfcap. 

Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  the  last 
Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (i.  16.) 

2  \17"ASH  you,  make  you  clean,  put 
away  the  evil  of  your  imag- 
inations from  before  Mine  eyes  ;  cease 
to  do  evil,  learn  to  do  well :  seek  judg- 
ment, relieve  the  oppressed,  judge  the 
fatherless,  plead  for  the  widow.  Come 
now,  and  let  us  reason  together,  saith 


the  Lord.  Though  your  sins  be  as 
scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as  snow  ; 
and  though  they  be  red  like  crimson, 
they  shall  be  as  wool. 

First  Responsory. 

Receive,  O  Virgin  Mary,  receive  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  which  is  sent  thee 
by  His  Angel :  thou  shalt  conceive, 
and  shalt  bring  forth  God  and  Man 
together.  And  thou  shalt  be  called 
blessed  among  all  women. 

Verse.  Thou  shalt  bring  forth  a 
son,  and  remain  a  maiden  undefiled  : 
thou  shalt  conceive  and  be  a  Mother, 
still  Virgin  unspotted. 

Answer.  And  thou  shalt  be  called 
blessed  among  all  women. 

Second  Lesson. 

T  F  ye  be  willing  and  obedient,  ye 
shall  eat  the  good  of  the  land. 
But  if  ye  refuse  and  provoke  Me  to 
anger,  ye  shall  be  devoured  with  the 
sword,  for  the  mouth  of  the  LORD  hath 
spoken  it.  How  is  the  faithful  city 
become  an  harlot  !  It  was  full  of 
judgment ;  righteousness  lodged  in  it ; 
but  now  murderers.  Thy  silver  is 
become  dross  ;  thy  wine  mixed  with 
water.  Thy  princes  are  rebellious 
and  companions  of  thieves  ;  every 
one  loveth  gifts  and  followeth  after 
rewards.  They  judge  not  the  father- 
less, neither  doth  the  cause  of  the 
widow  come  unto  them. 

Second  Responsory. 

3  Sing,  O  heavens  ;  and  be  joyful,  O 
earth  ;  and  break  forth  into  singing,  O 
mountains,  for  our  Lord  will  come,  and 
will  have  mercy  on  His  afflicted. 

Verse.  4  In  His  days  shall  right- 
eousness flourish  and  abundance  of 
peace. 


1  Luke  i.  31. 

8  This  refers  to  the  words  immediately  preceding  : — "  Your  hands  are  full  of  blood." 

3  Isa.  xlix.  13.  4  ps>  ixxj_  7- 


220 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Answer.  And  will  have  mercy 
upon   His  afflicted. 

Third  Lesson. 

HTHEREFORE  saith  the  Lord  God 
of  hosts,  the  Mighty  One  of 
Israel :  Ah  !  I  will  ease  Me  of  Mine 
adversaries,  and  avenge  Me  of  Mine 
enemies.  And  I  will  turn  My  hand 
upon  thee,  and  purely  purge  away  thy 
dross,  and  take  away  all  thy  tin  ;  and 
I  will  restore  thy  judges  as  at  the  first, 
and  thy  counsellors  as  at  the  begin- 
ning :  afterward  thou  shalt  be  called, 
The  City  of  righteousness,  The  faith- 
ful City.  Zion  shall  be  redeemed  with 
judgment,  and  they  shall  restore  her 
with  righteousness  :  and  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  transgressors  and  of  the 
sinners  shall  be  together ;  and  they 
that  forsake  the  Lord  shall  be  con- 
sumed. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  There  shall  no  strangers  pass 
through  Jerusalem  any  more,  for  in 
that  day  the  mountains  shall  drop 
down  sweet  wine,  and  the  hills  shall 
flow  with  milk  and  honey,  saith  the 
Lord. 

Verse.  2  God  shall  come  from 
Lebanon,  and  the  Holy  One  from  the 
thick  and  shady  mountain. 

Answer.  For  in  that  day  the 
mountains  shall  drop  down  sweet 
wine,  and  the  hills  shall  flow  with 
milk  and  honey,  saith  the  Lord. 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

POME  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the 
mountain  of  the  LORD,  and  to 
the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob :  and 
He  will  teach  us  of  His  ways,  and 
we   will   walk    in    His    paths,   for  out 


of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and 
the  word  of  the  Lord  from  Jeru- 
salem. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  at 
Vespers  on  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  angel  of  the  Lord  *  announced 
unto  Mary,  and  she  conceived  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.      Alleluia. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

Note.  This  rule  is  invariable  that 
when  a  special  Prayer  is  not  assigned 
and  the  Office  is  of  the  Season,  the 
Prayer  of  the  preceding  Sunday  is 
used. 

After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord  "  is  said 
the  Dirge. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Responsory  at 
Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

'X'HE  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from 
Judah,  nor  the  law-giver  from 
his  loins,  until  he  that  shall  be  sent 
cometh  ;  and  unto  him  shall  the  desire 
of  the  Gentiles  be. 

This  Chapter  is  to  be  said  every 
week-day  evening  till  Christmas  Eve 
exclusive. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Lift  up  thine  eyes,  *  O 
Jerusalem,  and  see  that  thy  King  is 
mighty  :  behold,  thy  Saviour  shall 
come  and  loose  thee  from  thy  chain. 


1  Joel  iii.  17,  18. 

2  Hab.  iii.  3,  substituting  Lebanon  for  Teman,  and  translating  Paran. 


FIRST   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


221 


Third  Day. 
MATTINS. 


swords  into  ploughshares,  and  their 
spears  into  pruning  -  hooks  :  nation 
shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation, 
neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more. 
O  house  of  Jacob,  come  ye,  and  let  us 
walk  in  the  light  of  the  LORD.  For 
Thou  hast  forsaken  Thy  people,  the 
house  of  Jacob ;  because  they  be 
replenished  as  aforetime,  and  have 
soothsayers  like  the  Philistines,  and 
cleave  unto  the  children  of  strangers. 

Second  Responsory. 

Let  the  mountains  break  forth  into 
singing,  and  the  hills  bring  forth  right- 
eousness :  for  the  Lord,  the  Light  of 
the  world,  cometh  with  power. 

Verse.  4  Out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth 
the  law,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord 
from  Jerusalem. 

Answer.  For  the  Lord,  the  Light 
of  the  world,  cometh  with  power. 

Third  Lesson. 

'"THEIR  land  is  full  of  silver  and 
gold,  neither  is  there  any  end 
of  their  treasures  :  their  land  also  is 
full  of  horses,  neither  is  there  any 
end  of  their  chariots.  Their  land 
also  is  full  of  idols :  they  worship 
the  work  of  their  own  hands,  that 
which  their  own  fingers  have  made. 
And  the  mean  man  boweth  down, 
and  the  great  man  humbleth  him- 
self;  therefore  forgive  them  not. 

Third  Responsory. 

Behold,  I,  the  Lord  your  God, 
come  from  the  South,  to  visit  you 
in  peace. 

Verse.  I  will  look  again  upon  you 
and  make  you  to  increase  :  ye  shall  be 
multiplied,  and  I  will  establish  My 
covenant  with  you. 

Answer.     To  visit  you  in  peace. 

1  Here  begins  the  second  prophecy,  comprising  chapters  ii.,  iii.,  and  iv.,  and  "probably 
delivered  in  the  time  of  Jotham,  or  perhaps  in  that  of  Uzziah." 

2  Ezek.  xxxvi.  8.  3  Joel  ii.  i.  4  Isa.  ii.  3. 

VOL.   I.  H   2 


Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  Sunday. 
First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (ii.  1.) 

1  HP  HE  word  that  Isaiah,  the  son  of 
Amoz,  saw  concerning  Judah 
and  Jerusalem.  And  it  shall  come 
to  pass  in  the  last  days  that  the 
mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall 
be  established  in  the  top  of  the 
mountains  and  shall  be  exalted  above 
the  hills :  and  all  nations  shall  flow 
unto  it.  And  many  people  shall  go 
and  say :  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go 
up  to  the  mountain  of  the  LORD, 
and  to  the  house  of  the  God  of 
Jacob  ;  and  He  will  teach  us  of  His 
ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  His  paths, 
for  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the 
law,  and  the  word  of  the  LORD 
from  Jerusalem. 

First  Responsory. 

2  O  ye  mountains  of  Israel,  shoot 
forth  your  branches  and  blossom  and 
bring  forth  fruit.  3  The  day  of  the 
Lord  is  at  hand  to  come. 

Verse.  Drop  down,  ye  heavens, 
from  above,  and  let  the  skies  pour 
down  the  Righteous  One  :  let  the 
earth  open,  and  let  her  bring  forth 
the  Saviour. 

Answer.  The  day  of  the  Lord 
is  at  hand  to  come. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND    He    shall   judge    among   the 

nations,  and  shall  rebuke  many 

people :    and     they    shall    beat     their 


222 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Verse.     Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Answer.     To  visit  you  in  peace. 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as yesterday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  at 
Lauds  on  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  Before  they  came  together,  *  Mary 
was  found  with  child  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.     Alleluia. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory  at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.      (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  {as yesterday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  2  Seek  ye  the  Lord  *  while 
He  may  be  found  ;  call  ye  upon  Him 
while  He  is  near.     Alleluia. 

Fourth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (iii.  1.) 

T7OR  behold,  the   Lord,  the   Lord 

of  Hosts,  doth  take  away  from 

Jerusalem  and  from  Judah  the  strength 


1  Matth.  i.  18. 
4  John  i.  29. 


2  Isa. 
5  Isa. 


and  the  might,  the  whole  stay  of  bread 
and  the  whole  stay  of  water :  the 
mighty  man  and  the  man  of  war : 
the  judge,  and  the  Prophet,  and  the 
soothsayer,  and  the  ancient :  the  cap- 
tain of  fifty,  and  the  honourable  man, 
and  the  counsellor,  and  the  cunning 
artificer,  and  the  eloquent  orator. 
And  I  will  give  children  to  be  their 
princes  ;  and  3  boys  shall  rule  over 
them. 

First  Responsory. 

Christ  our  King  cometh.  4  And 
John  hath  testified  of  Him,  that  He 
is  the  Lamb  that  should  come  ! 

Verse.  5  The  kings  shall  shut  their 
mouths  at  Him,  all  nations  shall  serve 
Him. 

Answer.  And  John  hath  testified 
of  Him,  that  He  is  the  Lamb  that 
should  come  ! 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  people  shall  oppress  every 
one  another,  and  every  one  his 
neighbour :  the  child  shall  behave 
himself  proudly  against  the  ancient, 
and  the  base  against  the  honourable. 
For  a  man  shall  take  hold  of  his 
brother  of  the  house  of  his  father, 
saying :  Thou  hast  clothing,  be  thou 
our  ruler :  and  let  this  ruin  be  under 
thy  hand.  And  in  that  day  shall  he 
swear,  saying :  I  am  not  an  healer, 
and  in  my  house  is  neither  bread, 
nor  clothing :  make  me  not  a  ruler 
of  the  people. 

Second  Responsory. 

Of  a  long  time  said  Ezekiel  the  Pro- 
phet :  6  I  saw  the  gate  shut :  behold, 
God  went  forth  from  it  before  the  ages 
for  the  salvation  of  the  world.  And  it 
was  shut  again,  for  it  is  a  figure  of  the 
Virgin,  in  that  after  child-birth  she  re- 
mained a  Virgin  still. 

lv.  6.  3  Effeminati. 

Hi.  15.  6  Ezek.  xliv.  2. 


FIRST   WEEK   IN    ADVENT, 


223 


Verse.  The  Lord  alone  shall  enter 
by  the  gate  that  thou  savvest. 

Answer.  And  it  was  shut  again, 
for  it  is  a  figure  of  the  Virgin,  in  that 
after  child-birth  she  remained  a  Virgin 
still. 

Third  Lesson. 

T7OR  Jerusalem  is  ruined,  and  Judah 
is  fallen  :  because  their  tongue 
and  their  imaginations  are  against  the 
Lord,  to  provoke  the  eyes  of  His 
glory.  The  show  of  their  countenance 
doth  witness  against  them  ;  and  they 
declare  their  sin  as  Sodom,  they  hide 
it  not.  Woe  unto  their  soul,  for  their 
evil  is  repaid  unto  them.  Say  unto 
the  righteous  that  it  shall  be  well  with 
him,  for  he  shall  eat  the  fruit  of  his 
doings.  Woe  unto  the  wicked,  it 
shall  be  ill  with  him  ;  for  the  reward 
of  his  hands  shall  be  given  him. 

Third  Responsory. 

Behold  the  days  come,  &c,  {Ninth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Out  of  Zion  *  shall  go  forth  the  law, 
and  the  word  of  the  LORD  from 
Jerusalem. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 


VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  l  There  cometh  One  mightier 
*  than  I  after  me,  the  latchet  of  Whose 
shoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  unloose. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (iv.  1.) 

2  A  ND  in  that  day  seven  women 
shall  take  hold  of  one  man, 
saying :  We  will  eat  our  own  bread 
and  wear  our  own  apparel ;  only  let 
us  be  called  by  thy  name  ;  take  thou 
away  our  reproach.  In  that  day  shall 
the  Branch  of  the  Lord  be  beautiful 
and  glorious,  and  the  fruit  of  the  earth 
shall  be  excellent,  and  a  rejoicing  for 
them  that  are  escaped  of  Israel.  And 
it  shall  come  to  pass  that  he  that  is 
left  in  Zion  and  he  that  remaineth  in 
Jerusalem,  shall  be  called  holy,  even 
every  one  that  is  written  among  the 
living  in  Jerusalem. 

First  Responsory. 

Receive,  O  Virgin  Mary,  &c,  (First 
Responsory  on  Monday.) 


Second  Lesson. 


(v.  1.) 


Antiphons  as  on   Sunday,  and  the  WILL  sing  to  my  well-beloved  a 

same  alteration   in  the  Short  Respon-  song  of  my  beloved  touching  his 

sory 'at  Prime.  vineyard.      My    well  -  beloved  •  hath    a 

1  Mark  i.  7. 

2  This  follows  the  last  verses  of  the  third  chapter,  wherein  it  is  said  that  the  number  of  men 
killed  in  battle  will  make  them  so  scarce  that  (iv.)  seven  women,  &c. 

3  "This  chapter  stands  single  and  alone,  unconnected  with  the  preceding  or  following." 


224 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


vineyard  in  a  very  fruitful  hill.  And 
he  fenced  it,  and  gathered  out  the 
stones  thereof,  and  planted  it  with  the 
choicest  vine,  and  built  a  tower  in  the 
midst  of  it,  and  also  made  a  wine-press 
therein  :  and  he  looked  that  it  should 
bring  forth  grapes,  and  it  brought 
forth  wild  grapes.  And  now,  O  in- 
habitants of  Jerusalem,  and  men  of 
Judah,  judge  betwixt  me  and  my  vine- 
yard. What  could  have  been  done 
more  to  my  vineyard,  that  I  have 
not  done  in  it  ?  wherefore,  when  I 
looked  that  it  should  bring  forth 
grapes,  brought  it  forth  wild  grapes  ? 

Second  Responsory. 

I    saw    in    the    night    visions,    &c, 
{Second  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  now  I  will  tell  you  what  I  will 
"^^  do  to  my  vineyard  :  I  will  take 
away  the  hedge  thereof,  and  it  shall  be 
eaten  up  :  I  will  break  down  the  wall 
thereof,  and  it  shall  be  trodden  down. 
And  I  will  lay  it  waste  ;  it  shall  not  be 
pruned  nor  digged :  and  there  shall 
come  up  briars  and  thorns :  I  will  also 
command  the  clouds  that  they  rain  no 
rain  upon  it.  For  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord  of  hosts  is  the  house  of  Israel  ; 
and  the  men  of  Judah  His  pleasant 
plant :  and  I  looked  for  judgment,  but 
behold,  oppression  ;  for  righteousness, 
but,  behold,  a  cry. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  angel  Gabriel,  &c,  {Third  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as  on  Monday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Sunday. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Blessed  art  thou  *  among  women,  and 
blessed  is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphon  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  {as  on  Monday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  I  will  wait  *  upon  the  Lord 
my  Saviour,  and  come  before  Him 
when  He  is  near. 


Sixth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hy7nn  as  on  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (vi.  1.) 

T  N  the  year  that  King  Uzziah  died, 
I  saw  the  Lord  sitting  upon  a 
throne,  high  and  lifted  up,  and  His 
train  filled  the  temple.  Above  it  stood 
the  1  Seraphim  ;  each  one  had  six 
wings  ;  with  twain  he  covered  his  face, 
and  with  twain  he  covered  his  feet, 
and  with  twain  he  did  fly.  And  one 
cried  unto  another,  and  said :  Holy, 
Holy,  Holy,  is  the  Lord  God  of 
hosts  ;  the  whole  earth  is  full  of  His 
glory. 


1  Or,  "burning-ones." 


FIRST   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


225 


First  Responsory. 

Hail,  Mary,  &c,  (Fourth  Responsory 
on  Sunday.) 


Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  posts  of  thWloor  moved  at 
the  voice  of  him  that  cried,  and 
the  house  was  filled  with  smoke. 
Then  said  I  :  Woe  is  me,  for  I  am 
silent,  because  I  am  a  man  of  unclean 
lips,  and  I  dwell  in  the  midst  of  a 
people  of  unclean  lips,  and  mine  eyes 
have  seen  the  King,  the  LORD  of  hosts. 
Then  flew  one  of  the  Seraphim  unto 
me,  having  a  live  coal  in  his  hand, 
which  he  had  taken  with  the  tongs 
from  off  the  altar.  And  he  laid  it 
upon  my  mouth  and  said :  Lo,  this 
hath  touched  thy  lips,  and  thine  in- 
iquity is  taken  away,  and  thy  sin 
purged. 

Second  Responsory. 

We     look     for     the     Saviour,     &c, 
{Fifth  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson. 

A  LSO  I  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
saying :  Whom  shall  I  send  ? 
and  who  will  go  for  us  ?  Then  said 
I  :  Here  am  I  ;  send  me.  And  He 
said :  Go,  and  tell  this  people :  Hear 
ye  indeed,  but  understand  not ;  and 
see  ye  indeed,  but  perceive  not. 
Make  the  heart  of  this  people  dull, 
and  make  their  ears  heavy,  and  shut 
their  eyes ;  lest  haply  they  see  with 
their  eyes,  and  hear  with  their  ears, 
and  understand  with  their  heart,  and 
be  converted,  and  I  should  heal  them. 

Third  Responsory. 

(Sixth  Responsory 


O  my  Lord,  &c. 
on  Sunday.) 


LAUDS. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
He  that  is  both  God  and  man  *  shall 
come  of  the  house  of  David  and  sit  in 
David's  seat.     Alleluia. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  1  Out  of  Egypt  *  have  I 
called  My  Son :  He  shall  come  to 
save  His  people. 

The  Sabbath. 
MATTINS. 

Lnvitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (vii.  1.) 

AND  it  came  to  pass  in   the  days 

of  Ahaz,  the  son  of  Jotham,  the 

son    of    Uzziah,    king    of  Judah,    that 

Rezin,  the  king  of  Syria,  and  Pekah, 


1  Matth.  ii.  15.     (Hos.  xi.  1.) 


226 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


the  son  of  Remaliah,  king  of  Israel, 
went  up  toward  Jerusalem,  to  war 
against  it :  but  could  not  prevail 
against  it.  And  it  was  told  the 
house  of  David,  saying :  Syria  is 
confederate  with  Ephraim.  And  his 
heart  was  moved,  and  the  heart  of 
his  people,  as  the  trees  of  the  wood 
are  moved  with  the  wind.  Then  said 
the  LORD  unto  Isaiah :  Go  forth  to 
meet  Ahaz,  thou,  and  he  that  is  left, 
even  Jashub  thy  son,  at  the  end  of  the 
conduit  of  the  upper  pool,  in  the  high- 
way of  the  fuller's  field. 

First  Responsory. 

Behold,    the   Virgin,   &c,    (Seventh 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  say  unto  him :  Take  heed 
"^^  and  be  quiet :  fear  not ;  neither 
be  faint-hearted  for  the  two  tails  of 
these  smoking  firebrands,  for  the 
fierce  anger  of  Rezin,  king  of  Syria, 
and  of  the  son  of  Remaliah ;  be- 
cause Syria,  Ephraim,  and  the  son 
of  Remaliah,  have  taken  evil  counsel 
against  thee,  saying :  Let  us  go  up 
against  Judah,  and  vex  it,  and  take 
it  for  ourselves,  and  set  a  king  in 
the  midst  of  it,  even  the  son  of 
Tabeal. 

Second  Responsory. 

Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  &c, 
(Eighth  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson.      (10.) 

IVTOREOVER  the  Lord  spake 
again  unto  Ahaz,  saying  :  Ask 
thee  a  sign  of  the  Lord  thy  God 
either  in  the  depth  beneath  or  in 
the  height  above.  But  Ahaz  said  : 
I  will  not  ask,  neither  will  I  tempt 
the   Lord.     And  he   said  :    Hear   ye 


now,  ye  house  of  David :  Is  it  a 
small  thing  for  you  to  weary  men, 
but  will  ye  weary  my  God  also  ? 
Therefore  the  LORD  Himself  shall 
give  you  a  sign.  Behold  the  Virgin 
shall  conceive,  and  bear  a  son,  and 
shall  call  his  flame  Emmanuel.  But- 
ter and  honey  shall  he  eat,  until  he 
may  know  to  refuse  the  evil,  and 
choose  the  good. 

Third  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  days  come,  &c,  (Ninth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  as  on  Monday. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Fear  not  *  Zion,  behold,  thy  God 
cometh,   Alleluia. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

The  Chapter  is  taken  from  the 
Lauds  of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
last  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Come,  O  Lord,  *  visit  us  in 
peace,  that  we  may  rejoice  before  Thee 
with  all  our  heart. 

The  Prayer  is  taken  from  the  Lauds 
of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 


SECOND   WEEK    IN    ADVENT. 


227 


$econ&  Sttntiag  tit  ^tobent. 

The  Second  Lord's  Day  in  Coming- 
Ti?ne. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  the  last 
Sunday. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xi.  1.) 

1  AND  there  shall  come  forth  a 
rod  out  of  the  stem  of  Jesse, 
and  a  flower  shall  grow  out  of  his 
roots.  Anjl  the  Spirit  of  the  LORD 
shall  rest  upon  him  ;  the  Spirit  of 
wisdom,  and  understanding,  the  Spirit 
of  counsel  and  might,  the  Spirit  of 
knowledge  and  of  godliness :  and 
he  shall  be  filled  with  the  Spirit  of 
the  fear  of  the  Lord.  He  shall  not 
judge  after  the  sight  of  his  eyes, 
neither  reprove  after  the  hearing  of 
his  ears  ;  but  with  righteousness  shall 
he  judge  the  poor,  and  reprove  with 
equity  for  the  meek  of  the  earth. 


Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  he  shall  smite  the  earth  with 
the  rod  of  his  mouth,  and  with 
the  breath  of  his  lips  shall  he  slay 
the  wicked.  And  righteousness  shall 
be  the  girdle  of  his  loins,  and  faith- 
fulness the  girdle  of  his  reins.  The 
wolf  shall  dwell  with  the  lamb,  and 
the  leopard  shall  lie  down  with  the 
kid ;  the  calf  and  the  young  lion 
and  the  fatling  together,  and  a  little 
child  shall  lead  them.  The  heifer 
and  the  she  -  bear  shall  feed :  their 
young  ones  shall  lie  down  together, 
and  the  lion  shall  eat  straw  like  the 
ox. 

Second  Responsory. 

4  Behold,  the  Lord  shall  come,  and 
all  His  saints  with  Him,  and  it  shall 
come  to  pass  in  that  day  that  the  light 
shall  be  great ;  and  they  shall  go  out 
from  Jerusalem  like  clean  water ;  and 
the  Lord  shall  be  King  for  ever,  over 
all  the  earth. 

Verse.  Behold,  the  Lord  cometh 
with  an  host,  and  in  His  hand  are 
the  kingdom,  and  power,  and  do- 
minion. 

Answer.     Over  all  the  earth. 


First  Responsory. 

2  Thy  salvation  cometh  quickly,  O 
Jerusalem  ;  why  art  thou  wasted  with 
sorrow  ?  Is  there  no  counsellor  in 
thee,  that  pangs  have  taken  thee  ? 
Fear  not,  for  I  will  save  thee  and 
deliver  thee. 

Verse.  3  For  I  am  the  Lord,  thy 
God,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  thy 
Saviour. 

Answer.  Fear  not,  for  I  will  save 
thee,  and  deliver  thee. 

1  Ch.  viii.  commences  with  the  birth  of  Maher-shalal-hash-baz  the  son  of  Isaiah  and  ' '  the 
Prophetess,"  giving  occasion  to  a  prophecy  stretching  to  the  end  of  ch.  xii.,  foretelling  the 
deliverance  of  Israel  not  only  from  Rezin  and  Pekah,  but  from  her  other  enemies,  and  an 
ultimate  time  of  blessedness  and  prosperity.  The  passage  in  the  text  is  to  be  understood  of 
the  Messiah.     (Rom.  xv.  12.) 

2  A  paraphrase  of  Micah  iv.  8-10.  3  Isa.  xliii.  3.  4  Zech.  xiv.  5-9. 


Third  Lesson. 

AND  the  sucking  child  shall  play 
on  the  hole  of  the  asp  ;  and 
the  weaned  child  shall  put  his  hand 
on  the  cockatrice'  den.  They  shall 
not  hurt,  nor  destroy  in  all  My  holy 
mountain,  for  the  earth  shall  be  full 
of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as 
the  waters  cover  the  sea.  In  that 
day  there  shall  be  a  root  of  Jesse, 
which  shall  stand  as  an  ensign  of 
the    people,   to    it    shall    the    Gentiles 


228 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


seek  ;   and  the  place  of  his  rest  shall 
be  glorious. 

Third  Responsory. 

O,  thou  city  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not, 
for  the  Lord  hath  repented  Him  con- 
cerning thee.  And  He  will  take  away 
from  thee  all  distress. 

Verse.  l  Behold,  the  Lord  shall 
come  with  might,  and  His  arm  shall 
rule. 

Answer.  And  He  will  take  away 
from  thee  all  distress. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  He  will  take  away 
from  thee  all  distress. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Com- 
mentary on  the  Prophecies  of  Isaiah 
made  by  2  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem,]  {Book  iv.  c.  xi.) 

"AND  there  shall  come  forth  a 
"^^  rod  out  of  the  stem  of  Jesse." 
From  the  beginning  of  the  Book  of 
this  Prophet  till  the  xiiith  chapter, 
where  commenceth  the  vision,  or  bur- 
den of  Babylon,  the  whole  of  the  vision 
of  Isaiah,  the  son  of  Amoz,  is  one  con- 
tinual prophecy  of  Christ.  We  must 
explain  it  part  by  part,  for  if  we  were 
to  take  it  all  at  once,  the  memory  of 
the  reader  would  be  confused.  Ac- 
cording to  the  Jewish  commentators, 
the  rod  and  the  flower  would  both  re- 
late to  the  Lord  Himself.  They  take 
the  rod  to  mean  the  sceptre  of  His 
Royal  dominion,  and  the  flower  the 
loveliness  of  His  beauty. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Behold,  there  cometh  the  Lord, 
our  defender,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel, 

1  Isa.  xl.  10.  2  Sept.  30.  3  Zech.  ix.  10 


wearing  a  royal  crown  upon  His 
head. 

Verse.  sAnd  His  dominion  shall 
be  from  sea  even  to  sea,  and  from  the 
river  even  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

Answer.  Wearing  a  royal  crown 
upon  His  head. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

A1TE,  however,  understand  that  the 
rod  out  of  the  root  of  Jesse 
signifieth  the  holy  Virgin  Mary.  She 
was  a  clean  stem  that  had  as  yet  put 
forth  no  shoot ;  as  we  have  read  above  : 
"  Behold,  the  Virgin  shall  conceive  and 
bear  a  son."  (Isa.  vii.  14.)  And  the 
flower  we  believe  to  mean  the  Lord 
our  Redeemer,  Who  hath  elsewhere 
compared  Himself  to  a  flower  ;  "I  am 
a  flower  of  the  plain,  and  a  lily  of  the 
valleys."     (Cant.  ii.  1.) 

Fifth  Responsory. 

4  As  a  mother  comforteth  her  chil- 
dren, so  will  I  comfort  you,  saith  the 
Lord  ;  My  help  also  cometh  unto  you 
out  of  Jerusalem,  the  city  which  I  have 
chosen.  And  when  ye  see  this,  your 
heart  shall  rejoice. 

Verse.  5 1  will  place  salvation  in 
Zion  and  in  Jerusalem  My  glory. 

Answer.  And  when  ye  shall  see 
this,  your  heart  shall  rejoice. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'"THE  Spirit  of  the  Lord  then  shall 
rest  upon  this  flower  ;  this  flower 
which  shall  come  forth  from  the  stem 
and  roots  of  Jesse  by  means  of  the 
Virgin  Mary.  And  truly  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  did  rest  upon  our  Redeemer. 
It  is  written  that  "  In  Him  dwelleth 
all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily." 
(Col.  ii.  9.)  The  Spirit  was  not  shed 
on  Him  by  measure,  as  it  is  upon  the 

4  Isa.  Ixvi.  13,  14.  5  Isa.  xlvi.  13. 


SECOND   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


229 


Saints.  To  Him  we  may  apply  the 
words  of  the  Hebrew  Gospel  used  by 
the  Nazarenes  ;  "  The  whole  fountain 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  be  poured 
forth  upon  Him : "  "  The  Lord  is  a 
spirit,  and  where  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  is,  there  is  liberty."  (2  Cor. 
iii.  17.) 

Sixth  Responsory. 

1  Thou  shalt  yet  plant  vines  upon 
thy  mountains,  O  Jerusalem :  thou 
shalt  sing  for  joy,  for  the  day  of  the 
Lord  cometh  ;  arise,  O  Zion,  and  turn 
unto  the  Lord  thy  God  ;  rejoice  and 
be  glad,  O  Jacob.  For  thy  Saviour 
cometh  from  the  midst  of  the  nations. 

Verse.  Sing  aloud  for  joy,  O  daugh- 
ter of  Zion  ;  shout  with  gladness,  O 
daughter  of  Jerusalem. 

Answer.  For  thy  Saviour  cometh 
from  the  midst  of  the  nations. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  For  thy  Saviour  cometh 
from  the  midst  of  the  nations. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xi. 
2.) 

A  T  that  time:  When  John  had  heard 
in  the  prison  the  works  of  Christ, 
he  sent  two  of  his  disciples,  and  said 
unto  Him  :  Art  Thou  He  That  should 
come,  or  do  we  look  for  another  ? 
And   so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]  (\oth  Homily  o?i  the  Gospels.) 

The  sight  of  so  many  signs  and  so 
many  mighty  works  should  have  been 
a  source  of  wonder,  and  not  a  stum- 
bling-block.     And  yet   the   unfaithful 

*Jer.  xxxi.  5. 


found  these  very  works  a  rock  of 
offence,  when  they  afterwards  saw  Him 
Who  had  worked  so  many  miracles 
dying  on  the  Cross.  Hence  Paul 
saith  :  "  We  preach  Christ  crucified, 
unto  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block  and 
unto  the  Gentiles  foolishness."  (1  Cor. 
i.  23.)  It  is  indeed  folly  in  the  eyes 
of  men  to  say  that  the  Author  of  life 
died  for  men  :  and  thus  men  put  as 
a  stumbling-block  to  hinder  them  from 
coming  to  JESUS,  the  very  thing  that 
doth  oblige  them  the  most  unto  Him. 
For  the  more  humbling  God  hath  under- 
gone for  man's  sake,  the  more  worthy 
is  He  that  man  should  worship  Him. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

The  Lord  shall  go  forth  out  of 
Samaria  unto  the  gate  that  looketh 
toward  the  East ;  and  He  shall  come 
into  Bethlehem,  walking  upon  the 
waters  of  the  redemption  of  Judah. 
Then  shall  every  one  be  saved :  for, 
behold,  He  cometh. 

Verse.  2And  in  mercy  shall  His 
throne  be  established,  and  He  shall 
sit  upon  it  in  truth. 

Answer.  Then  shall  every  one  be 
saved  :  for,  behold,  He  cometh. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

"AND  blessed  is  he,  whosoever  shall 
^"^  not  be  offended  in  Me."  Now 
what  is  this,  but  a  plain  mention  of 
that  time,  when  He  afterwards  hum- 
bled Himself,  becoming  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  Cross  ? 
It  is  as  if  He  said :  "  I  indeed  do 
wonderful  works,  but  the  day  will 
come  when  I  shall  not  refuse  to  suffer 
shame  and  evil  treatment.  Take  heed 
then,  ye  who  now  worship  Me  for  the 
works'  sake,  that  when  I  come  to  die 
ye  despise  Me  not  for  My  death's 
sake." 

2  Isa.  xvi.  5. 


230 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

Make  haste,  O  Lord,  make  no 
tarrying.      And  deliver  Thy  people. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  come  and  make 
no  tarrying :  loose  the  bonds  of  Thy 
people. 

Answer.     And  deliver  Thy  people. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

A  ND,  as  the  disciples  of  John  de- 
parted, what  did  JESUS  say  unto 
the  multitudes  concerning  this  same 
John?  Let  us  hear.  "What  went 
ye  out  into  the  wilderness  to  see  ?  A 
reed  shaken  with  the  wind  ? "  Here 
our  Lord  teacheth  not  by  assertion, 
but  by  negation.  Now  a  reed  is  a 
thing  so  made  that  as  soon  as  the 
wind  bloweth  upon  it,  it  bendeth  it 
over  toward  the  opposite  quarter.  And 
the  fleshly-minded  man  is  like  a  human 
reed.  As  he  is  praised  or  blamed  so 
he  bendeth  himself  in  the  one  direction 
or  the  other. 

Ninth  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  Lord  cometh  down  with 
glory,  and  His  host  is  with  Him.  To 
visit  His  people  in  peace,  and  to  estab- 
lish them  in  life  everlasting. 

Verse.  Behold,  our  Lord  cometh 
with  an  host. 

Answer.  To  visit  His  people  in 
peace,  and  to  establish  them  in  life 
everlasting. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  To  visit  His  people  in 
peace,  and  to  establish  them  in  life 
everlasting. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Behold,  the  Lord 
*  cometh  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  with 
great  power.      Alleluia. 

Second  Antiphon.      l  Our  Zion  is  a 


strong  city,  *  the  Saviour  will  God  ap- 
point in  her  for  walls  and  bulwarks  ; 
open  ye  the  gates,  for  God  is  with  us. 
Alleluia. 

Third  Antiphon.  2  Behold,  the 
Lord  *  shall  appear  and  not  lie : 
though  He  tarry,  wait  for  Him,  be- 
cause He  will  come  and  will  not  tarry. 
Alleluia. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  3  The  mountains 
and  the  hills  *  shall  break  forth  before 
God  into  singing,  and  all  the  trees  of 
the  wood  shall  clap  their  hands  :  for 
the  Lord  the  Ruler  cometh,  and  He 
shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.  Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Behold,  our  Lord 
*  cometh  with  power,  and  He  shall 
lighten  the  eyes  of  His  servants. 
Alleluia. 

Chapter.      (Rom.  xv.  4.) 

"DRETHREN,  whatsoever  things 
were  written  were  written  for  our 
learning,  that  we  through  patience  and 
comfort  of  the  Scriptures  might  have 
hope. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Now  when  John  *  had  heard  in  the 
prison  the  works  of  Christ,  he  sent 
two  of  his  disciples  and  said  unto 
Him  :  Art  Thou  He  That  should  come, 
or  do  we  look  for  another  ? 


Prayer. 

CTIR  up  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  to 
make  ready  the  ways  of  Thine 
Only-begotten  Son,  that  by  His  com- 
ing our  minds  being  purified,  we  may 
the  more  worthily  give  up  ourselves  to 
Thy  service :  through  the  same  Our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  Who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the 


1  Isa.  xxvi.  1. 


2  Cf.  Hab.  ii.  3. 


3  Isa.  lv.  12. 


SECOND   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


231 


unity  of  the   Holy   Ghost,    One   God, 
world  without  end.      Amen. 


PRIME. 


An  tip/ton  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Xin.  Art  Thou  He  *  That  should 
come,  or  do  we  look  for  another  ? 
Tell  John  what  things  ye  have  seen  : 
The  blind  receive  their  sight,  the  dead 
are  raised  up,  the  poor  have  the 
Gospel  preached  to  them.      Alleluia. 

After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord  "  are  said 
the  Vespers  of  the  Dead. 


Atitiphon.  Behold,  the  Lord,  * 
&c,   {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Reponsory  the  same 
alteration  as  last  week. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Our  Zion  is  a  strong 
city,  *  &c,  {Second  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

The  Chapter  is  taken  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  the  Lord,  * 
&c,  {Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Rom.  xv.  5.) 

"VT  OW  the  God  of  patience  and  con- 
solation grant  you  to  be  like- 
minded  one  toward  another,  according 
to  Christ  JESUS  :  that  ye  may  with  one 
mind  and  one  mouth  glorify  God,  even 
the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  our  Lord,  * 
&c,   {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Rom.  xv.  13.) 

"VT  OW  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with 
all  joy  and  peace  in  believing  ; 
that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,   and  in 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphons  and  Chapter  as  at  Lauds. 
Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  first  evening. 

1  Chap.   xiii.    1    to   xiv.   27   "contain    one   entire   prophecy,  foretelling   the   destruction    of 
Babylon  by  the  Medes  and  Persians;    delivered  probably  in  the  reign  of  Ahaz." 


(Wonfcap. 

Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  the 
First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  or 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xiii.  1.) 

1  'THE  burden  of  Babylon,  which 
Isaiah,  the  son  of  Amoz,  did 
see.  Lift  ye  up  a  banner  upon  the 
cloudy  mountain,  exalt  the  voice, 
beckon  with  the  hand,  and  let  the 
nobles  enter  in  at  the  gates.  I  have 
commanded  My  sanctified  ones,  I 
have  also  called  My  mighty  ones  for 
Mine  anger,  even  them  that  rejoice  in 
My  highness.  The  noise  of  a  multitude 
in  the  mountains,  like  as  of  a  great 
people  :  a  tumultuous  noise  of  kings  ; 
even  of  nations  gathered  together. 

First  Responsory. 

Receive,  O  Virgin  Mary,  &c,  {First 
Responsory  on  the  Monday  in  the  First 
Week.) 

Second  Lesson. 

XHE  Lord  of  hosts  mustereth  the 

host    of   the    battle,    they    come 

from  a   far   country,  from  the   end   of 


232 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


heaven  ;  even  the  LORD  and  the 
weapons  of  His  indignation,  to  destroy 
the  whole  land.  Howl  ye,  for  the 
day  of  the  LORD  is  at  hand  ;  it  shall 
come  as  a  destruction  from  the  x  Lord. 
Therefore  shall  all  hands  be  faint,  and 
every  man's  heart  shall  melt,  and  they 
shall  be  afraid.  Pangs  and  sorrows 
shall  take  hold  of  them,  they  shall  be 
in  pain  as  a  woman  that  travaileth  ; 
they  shall  be  amazed  one  at  another, 
their  faces  shall  be  as  scorched  faces. 

Second  Responsory. 

Sing,  O  heavens,  &c,  {Second  Re- 
sponsory on  Monday  in  the  First 
Week.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T3EH0LD,  the  day  of  the  Lord 
cometh,  cruel,  and  full  of  wrath 
and  fierce  anger,  to  lay  the  land 
desolate,  and  He  shall  destroy  the 
sinners  thereof  out  of  it.  For  the 
stars  of  heaven,  and  the  constellations 
thereof,  shall  not  give  their  light :  the 
sun  shall  be  darkened  in  his  going 
forth,  and  the  moon  shall  not  cause 
her  light  to  shine.  And  I  will  punish 
the  world  for  their  evil,  and  the  wicked 
for  their  iniquity  ;  and  I  will  cause  the 
arrogancy  of  the  unfaithful  to  cease, 
and  will  lay  low  the  haughtiness  of  the 
terrible. 

Third  Responsory. 

There  shall  no  strangers  pass,  &c, 
{Third  Responsory  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

LAUDS. 
Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  Lord  the  Ruler  *  cometh  from 
heaven,  and  in  His  hand  are  honour 
and  dominion. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 
After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord  "  is  said 
the  Dirge. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Responsory 
at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 
Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  i?i 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Behold,  the  Lord  cometh  * 
the  King  of  all  the  earth,  to  take  off 
from  us  the  yoke  of  our  captivity. 

Third  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  the 
First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xiv.  1.) 

2  j_T  ER  time  is  near  to  come,  and 
her  days  shall  not  be  pro- 
longed. For  the  Lord  will  have 
mercy  on  Jacob,  and  will  yet  choose 
Israel,  and  set  them  in  their  own 
land ;  the  strangers  shall  be  joined 
with  them,  and  they  shall  .cleave  to 
the  house  of  Jacob.     And  the  people 


1  Hebrew,  "  the  Almighty." 

2  I.e.,  Babylon's.     The  hour  of  her  destruction  is  no  longer  to  be  postponed. 


SECOND   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


233 


shall  take  them  and  bring  them  to 
their  place  ;  and  the  house  of  Israel 
shall  possess  them  in  the  land  of 
the  Lord,  for  servants  and  hand- 
maids ;  and  they  shall  take  them 
captive  whose  captives  they  were, 
and  they  shall  rule  over  their  op- 
pressors. 

First  Responsory. 

O  ye  mountains,  &c,  {First  Respon- 
sory on  Tuesday  in  the  First  Week.) 

Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the 
"^^  day  that  the  Lord  shall  give 
thee  rest  from  thy  sorrow,  and  from 
thy  fear,  and  from  the  hard  bondage, 
wherein  thou  wast  made  to  serve  : 
that  thou  shalt  take  up  this  pro- 
verb against  the  King  of  Babylon, 
and  say :  How  hath  the  oppressor 
ceased,  the  exaction  ceased  ?  The 
Lord  hath  broken  the  staff  of  the 
wicked,  the  sceptre  of  the  rulers,  the 
staff  of  him  who  smote  the  people 
in  wrath,  with  a  continual  stroke,  of 
him  that  ruled  the  nations  in  anger, 
of  the  cruel  persecutor. 

Second  Responsory. 

Let  the  mountains,  &c,  {Second 
Responsory  on  Tuesday  in  the  First 
Week.) 

Third  Lesson.     (12.) l 

IT  OW  art  thou  fallen  from  heaven, 
O  Lucifer,  son  of  the  morn- 
ing ?  How  art  thou  cut  down  to 
the  ground,  which  didst  weaken  the 
nations  ?  For  thou  hast  said  in 
thine  heart  :  I  will  ascend  into 
heaven,   I  will  exalt  my  throne  above 


the  stars  of  God,  I  will  sit  upon  the 
mount  of  the  covenant,  in  the  sides 
of  the  north  ;  I  will  ascend  above 
the  heights  of  the  clouds,  I  will  be 
like  the  Most  High.  Yet  thou  shalt 
be  brought  down  to  hell,  to  the  depth 
of  the  pit. 

Third  Responsory. 

Behold  I,  &c,  (Third Responsory  on 
Tuesday  in  the  First  Week.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
2  The  Lord  shall  arise  *  upon  thee, 
O  Jerusalem,  and  His  glory  shall  be 
seen  upon  thee. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday 
in  the  First   Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  voice  *  of  one  crying 
in  the  wilderness :  Prepare  ye  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  make  His  paths 
straight. 

1  In  the  intervening  verses  the  ghost  of  the  king  of  Babylon  is  described  entering  the  nether- 
world, and  greeted  with  vindictive  joy  by  the  ghosts  of  his  wronged  victims,  who  find  him  at 
last  reduced  to  their  own  level.  They  address  him  as  Lucifer,  i.e.,  the  morning-star,  now 
dropped  out  of  that  (political)  firmament  of  which  he  had  used  to  be  the  brightest  luminary. 

2  Isa.  lx.  2. 


234 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Fourth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

hivitatory  and  Hynin  as  on  the 
First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xvi.  i.)1 

2  CEND    forth   the    Lamb,    O    Lord, 

the  Ruler  of  the  land,  from 
the  rock  in  the  wilderness  unto  the 
mount  of  the  daughter  of  Zion.  For 
it  shall  be,  that  as  a  wandering 
bird,  and  as  fledglings  that  fly  from 
the  nest,  so  the  daughters  of  Moab 
shall  be  at  the  fords  of  Arnon.  Take 
counsel,  call  together  a  council ;  make 
thy  shadow  as  the  night,  in  the  midst 
of  the  noon-day :  hide  the  outcasts, 
and  bewray  not  him  that  wandereth. 

3  Mine  outcasts  shall  dwell  with  thee  : 
Moab,  be  thou  a  cover  to  them  from 
the  face  of  the  spoiler. 

First  Responsory. 

Christ  our  King,  &c,  {First  Respon- 
sory on  Wednesday  in  the  First  Week. ) 

Second  Lesson. 

4  For  the  grinding  down  is  at  an 
end,  the  beggar  ceaseth,  they  that 
trod  down  the  land  are  consumed. 
And  in  mercy  shall  the  throne  be 
established,  and  He  shall  sit  upon 
it  in  truth  in  the  tabernacle  of  David, 
judging    and    seeking   judgment,    and 


executing  justice  speedily.  We  have 
heard  of  the  pride  of  Moab,  he  is 
very  proud  :  his  haughtiness,  and  his 
pride,  and  his  wrath  are  greater  than 
his  strength. 

Second  Responsory. 

Of  a  long  time,  &c,  (Second  Respon- 
sory on  Wednesday  in  the  First  Week. ) 

Third  Lesson. 

THEREFORE  shall  Moab  howl  un- 
to Moab,  every  one  shall  howl  : 
tell  her  strokes,  ye  that  rejoice  in 
the  "Walls -of- brick."5  For  the 
fields  of  Heshbon  languish,  the  lords 
of  the  nations  have  broken  down  the 
vine  of  Sibmah :  their  scourge  is 
come  even  unto  Jazer,  they  wandered 
through  the  wilderness,  her  branches 
are  left  desolate,  they  are  gone  over 
the  sea. 

Third  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  Lord,  &c,  (Second  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday,)  with  this  ad- 
dition, 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.     Over  all  the  earth. 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First   Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 


1  This  is  an  extract  from  the  prophecy  against  Moab,  comprised  in  chaps,  xv.  and  xvi. 

2  The  opening  words  are  of  extreme  difficulty,  and  translators  are  much  divided.  Lowth,  on 
divers  grounds,  renders  it,  "I  (God)  will  send  forth  the  son  of  the  ruler  of  the  land  from  Selah 
^Petra)  in  the  desert  unto  the  Mount  of  the  daughter  of  Zion  " — i.e.,  in  the  misfortunes  of  Moab, 
the  son  of  their  king  will  escape  from  the  country  and  seek  an  asylum  at  Jerusalem. 

3  According  to  Lowth: — "  Let  the  outcasts  of  Moab  sojourn  with  thee" — (viz.  with  Judah) — 
"  be  thou  a  cover  to  them,"  &c. 

4  Lowth  suggests  that  the  reference  is  to  the  misfortunes  inflicted  upon  Judah  by  Israel  in  the 
time  of  Ahaz,  the  cessation  of  which  left  them  at  liberty  to  show  hospitality. 

s  Kir-hareseth — a  fortified  city  on  the  borders  of  Moab. 


SECOND   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


235 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  Behold  I  send  My  angel  *  which 
shall  prepare  My  way  before  Thy 
face. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory  at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Thou  shalt  yet  be  built 
anew,  *  O  Zion,  and  thou  shalt 
see  thy  Righteous  One,  Who  shall 
come  in  thee. 


Fifth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

Invitatory   and    Hymn    as    on    the 
First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The    Lesson  is  taken   from   the    Book 
of  the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xix.  1.) 

THE  burden  of  Egypt.  Behold  the 
Lord  shall  ride  upon  a  swift 
cloud,  and  shall  come  into  Egypt ;  and 
the  idols  of  Egypt  shall  be  moved  at 
His  presence,  and  the  heart  of  Egypt 
shall  melt  in  the  midst  of  it.  And  I 
will  set  the  Egyptians  against  the 
Egyptians  :  and  they  shall  fight,  every 

1  Mark  i.  2. 


one  against  his  brother,  and  every  one 
against  his  neighbour,  city  against  city, 
and  kingdom  against  kingdom. 

First  Responsory. 

Thy  salvation,  &c,  (First  Responsory 
on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  spirit  of  Egypt  shall  fail  in 
the  midst  thereof,  and  I  will 
destroy  the  counsel  thereof:  and  they 
shall  seek  to  their  idols,  and  to  their 
charmers,  and  to  them  that  have 
familiar  spirits,  and  to  the  wizards. 
And  the  Egyptians  will  I  give  over 
into  the  hand  of  cruel  lords  ;  and  a 
fierce  king  shall  rule  over  them,  saith 
the  Lord  2  God  of  hosts.  And  the 
waters  shall  fail  from  the  sea :  and  the 
river  shall  be  wasted,  and  dried  up, 
and  the  brook  shall  fail  and  the 
streams  in  the  furrows  shall  be  emptied 
and  dried  up. 

Second  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  Lord,  &c,  (Second  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson,      (v.  11.) 

'T'HE  princes  of  Tanis  are  fools,  the 
wise  counsellors  of  Pharaoh  have 
given  brutish  counsel :  how  say  ye 
unto  Pharaoh :  I  am  the  son  of  the 
wise,  the  son  of  ancient  kings  ?  Where 
are  now  thy  wise  men  ?  Let  them 
tell  thee,  and  show  thee  what  the  Lord 
of  hosts  hath  purposed  upon  Egypt. 
The  princes  of  Tanis  are  become  fools, 
the  princes  of  Memphis  are  deceived  ; 
they  have  seduced  Egypt,  even  they 
that  are  the  corner-stone  of  the  tribes 
thereof. 

2  The  Divine  Name. 


236 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Responsory. 

O     thou     city    of    Jerusalem, 
( Third  Responsory  on  Sunday. ) 

LAUDS. 


Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
O  Lord,  Thou  art  He  That  should 
come,  *  for  Whom  we  look,  that  Thou 
shouldest  save  Thy  people. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Responsory 
at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Afttiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  l  He  it  is  *  Who,  coming 
after  me,  is  preferred  before  me, 
Whose  shoe's  latchet  I  am  not  worthy 
to  unloose. 

Sixth  Day. 
MATTINS. 


First  Lesson. 

&c.,      The  Lesson  taken  from   the   Book   of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xxiv.  1.) 

2  DEHOLD,  the  Lord  shall  make 
the  earth  empty,  and  make  it 
waste,  and  afflict  the  surface  thereof; 
and  scatter  abroad  the  inhabitants 
thereof.  And  it  shall  be,  as  with 
the  people,  so  with  the  priest  ;  as 
with  the  servant,  so  with  his  master  ; 
as  with  the  maid,  so  with  her  mis- 
tress ;  as  with  the  buyer,  so  with 
the  seller  ;  as  with  the  lender,  so 
with  the  borrower  ;  as  with  the 
creditor,  so  with  the  debtor.  The 
land  shall  be  utterly  emptied,  and 
utterly  spoiled.  For  the  LORD  hath 
spoken  this  word. 

First  Responsory. 

Behold,  there  cometh,  &c,  (Fourth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 

'THE  earth  mourneth  and  fadeth 
away,  and  languisheth ;  the 
world  fadeth  away,  the  haughty  people 
of  the  earth  do  languish.  The  earth 
also  is  defiled  under  the  inhabitants 
thereof;  because  they  have  trans- 
gressed the  laws,  changed  the  ordi- 
nance, broken  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant. Therefore  shall  the  curse 
devour  the  earth,  and  they  that  dwell 
therein  are  guilty,  therefore  they  that 
till  it  shall  become  mad,  and  few 
men   shall   be   left. 


Invitatory    and   Hym?i 
First  Sunday. 


Second  Responsory. 

the  As  a  mother,  &c,  (Fifth  Responsory 

on  Sunday.) 


1  John  i.  27. 

2  Delivered  probably  in  the  beginning  of  Hezekiah's  reign  ;   but  concerning  the  particular 
subject  of  the  chapter,  interpreters  are  not  at  all  agreed. 


SECOND   WEEK    IN    ADVENT. 


237 


Third  Lesson. 

HP  HE  new  wine  mourneth,  the  vine 
languisheth,  all  the  merry-hearted 
do  sigh.  The  mirth  of  tabrets  ceaseth, 
the  noise  of  them  that  rejoice  endeth, 
the  joy  of  the  harp  ceaseth.  They 
shall  not  drink  wine  with  a  song ; 
strong  drink  shall  be  bitter  to  them 
that  drink  it.  The  city  of  confusion 
is  broken  down,  every  house  is  shut  up 
that  no  man  may  come  in.  There  is 
a  cry  for  wine  in  the  streets  ;  all  joy 
is  darkened,  the  mirth  of  the  land  is 
gone.  In  the  city  is  left  desolation, 
and  the  gate  is  smitten  with  de- 
struction. For  thus  it  shall  be  in  the 
midst  of  the  land,  among  the  people  ; 
as  a  few  olives  that  remain  after  the 
olive-tree  is  shaken,  and  as  the  glean- 
ing grapes  when  the  vintage  is  done. 
Those  shall  lift  up  their  voice  and  sing 
praises  ;  when  the  LORD  is  magnified 
they  shall  cry  aloud  from  the  sea. 
Wherefore  glorify  ye  the  LORD  in  your 
teaching,  even  the  name  of  the  LORD 
God  of  Israel  in  the  isles  of  the  sea. 
From  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth 
have  we  heard  the  voice  of  praise,  even 
glory  to  the  Righteous  One. 

Third  Responsory. 

Thou  shalt  yet  plant  vines,  &c, 
{Sixth  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  oj  Zacharias. 
1  Say  :  *  Ye  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart, 
be  strong  ;  behold,  the  Lord  our  God 
will  come. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

1  Isa.  xxxv.  4. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Re- 
sponsory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  2  Sing  unto  the  LORD  *  a 
new  song  :  from  the  end  of  the  earth 
let  the  voice  of  praise  be  heard. 


The  Sabbath. 
MATTINS. 

Invitatory   and   Hymn    as    on    the 
First  Sunday.  « 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Isaiah  (xxv.  1.) 

r\  LORD,  Thou  art  my  God,  I  will 
^-^  exalt  Thee,  I  will  also  praise 
Thy  name ;  for  Thou  hast  done 
wonderful  things,  Thy  counsels  of  old 
are  faithful.  Amen.  For  Thou  hast 
made  of  a  city  an  heap,  of  a  defenced 
city  a  ruin,  a  house  of  strangers,  so 
that  it  is  no  more  a  city,  neither  shall 
it  ever  be  built  any  more.  Therefore 
shall  the  strong  people  glorify  Thee, 
the  city  of  the  terrible  nations  shall 
fear  Thee.  For  Thou  hast  been  a 
strength  to  the  needy  in  his  distress  ; 
a  refuge  from  the  storm,  a  shadow 
from  the  heat. 

2  Isa.  xlii.  10. 


238 


THE   PROPER    OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


First  Responsory. 

The     Lord     shall     go     forth,     &c, 
(Seventh  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 

T^OR  the  blast  of  the  terrible  ones 
is  as  a  storm  against  the  wall. 
Thou  shalt  bring  down  the  noise  of 
strangers,  as  the  heat  in  a  dry  place  ; 
and  Thou  shalt  bring  low  the  blast 
of  the  terrible  ones  even  as  the  heat 
with  the  shadow  of  a  cloud.  And 
in  this  mountain  shall  the  Lord  of 
hosts  make  unto  all  people  a  feast 
of  fat  things,  a  feast  of  wines  on 
the  lees,  of  fat  things  full  of  marrow, 
of  wines  on  the  lees  well  refined. 
And  He  will  destroy  in  this  moun- 
tain the  face  of  the  band  tied  upon 
all  people,  and  the  veil  that  is  spread 
over  all  nations. 

Second  Responsory. 

Make  haste,  &c,  (Eighth  Responsory 
on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson. 

IT  E  will  utterly  destroy  death  for 
ever  ;  and  the  Lord  1  God  will 
wipe  away  tears  from  all  faces,  and 
the  rebuke  of  His  people  shall  He 
take  away  from  off  all  the  earth  ; 
for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it.  And 
it  shall  be  said  in  that  day :  Lo, 
this  is  our  God,  we  have  waited  for 
Him,  and  He  will  save  us  ;  this  is 
the  Lord,  we  have  waited  for  Him, 
we  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  His 
salvation.  For  on  this  mountain  shall 
the  hand  of  the  Lord  rest ;  and  Moab 
shall  be  trodden  down  under  Him, 
even  as  straw  is  trodden  down  on 
the  threshing-floor.  And  He  shall 
spread  forth  His  hands  in  the  midst 
of  them,  as  he  that  swimmeth  spread- 

1  The  Name.  2  Isa.  xi.  12 


eth  forth  his  hands  to  swim ;  and 
He  shall  bring  down  their  pride  to- 
gether with  the  spoils  of  their  hands. 
And  the  bulwark  of  thine  high  walls 
shall  He  bring  down,  lay  low,  and 
bring  to  the  ground,  even  to  the 
dust. 

Third  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  Lord,  &c,  (Ninth  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
2  The  Lord  shall  lift  up  a  standard  * 
unto  the  nations,  and  shall  gather  to- 
gether the  outcasts  of  Israel. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

The  Chapter  is  taken  from  the  Lauds 
of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  Before  Me  *  there  was  no 
god  formed,  neither  shall  there  be 
after  Me :  for  unto  Me  every  knee 
shall  bow,  and  every  tongue  shall 
swear. 

The  Prayer  is  taken  from  the  Lauds 
of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 

3  Isa.  xliii.  10 ;  xlv.  24. 


THIRD   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


239 


1  i&ose  Suntias  in  Unbent. 

The  Third  Lord's  Day  in  Coming- 
Time. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  2  The  Lord  is  now  at 
hand :  *  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him. 

This   Invitatory   is  said  every   day 
till  Christmas  Eve  exclusive. 
Hymn  as  on  First  Sunday. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xxvi.  1.) 

T  N  that  day  shall  this  song  be  sung 
in  the  land  of  Judah.  3  Zion  is 
our  strong  city,  the  Saviour  will  God 
appoint  in  her  for  walls  and  bulwarks. 
Open  ye  the  gates,  that  the  righteous 
nation  which  keepeth  the  truth  may 
enter  in.  The  former  wandering  is 
past :  Thou  shalt  keep  lasting  peace, 
because  our  trust  is  stayed  on  Thee. 
Ye  trust  in  the  Lord  for  ever,  in 
the  Lord  God  mighty  for  ever. 
For  He  bringeth  down  them  that 
dwell  on  high,  the  lofty  city,  He 
shall  lay  it  low,  He  shall  lay  it  low, 
even  to  the  ground,  He  shall  bring 
it  even  to  the  dust.  The  foot  shall 
tread  it  down,  even  the  feet  of  the 
poor,  and  the  steps  of  the  needy. 

First  Responsory. 

4  Behold,  the  Lord  shall  appear 
upon  a  white  cloud,  and  ten  thou- 
sand of  His  saints  with  Him  ;  and 
He   shall    have    on    His   vesture,    and 


on  His  thigh  a  name  written :  King 
of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords. 

Verse.  He  shall  appear  and  not 
lie  ;  though  He  tarry,  wait  for  Him, 
because  He  will  surely  come. 

Answer.  And  ten  thousand  of  His 
saints  with  Him  ;  and  He  shall  have 
on  His  vesture,  and  on  His  thigh  a 
name  written :  King  of  kings,  and 
Lord  of  lords. 


Second  Lesson. 

'THE  way  of  the  just  is  upright, 
the  path  wherein  the  just  walk- 
eth  is  upright.  Yea,  in  the  way  of 
Thy  judgments,  O  LORD,  have  we 
waited  for  Thee ;  the  desire  of  our 
soul  is  to  Thy  name,  and  to  the  re- 
membrance of  Thee.  With  my  soul 
have  I  desired  Thee  in  the  night  ; 
yea,  with  mine  inmost  spirit  will  I 
seek  Thee  early.  When  Thy  judg- 
ments are  in  the  earth,  the  inhabitants 
of  the  world  will  learn  righteousness. 
Though  mercy  be  shown  to  the  wicked, 
yet  will  he  not  learn  righteousness  ;  in 
the  land  of  uprightness  will  he  deal 
unjustly,  and  will  not  behold  the  ma- 
jesty of  the  Lord. 


Second  Responsory. 

5  Thou,  Bethlehem,  art  the  city  of 
the  Most  High  God,  out  of  thee  shall 
He  come  forth  That  is  to  be  Ruler 
in  Israel  ;  Whose  goings  forth  have 
been  from  of  old,  from  everlasting, 
and  now  shall  He  be  great  unto  the 
ends  of  the  earth.  And  this  Man 
shall  be  the  peace  in  our  land,  when 
He  shall  come. 

Verse.  He  shall  speak  peace  unto 
the  Gentiles,  and  shall  have  dominion 
from  sea  to  sea. 


1  The  penitential  character  of  the  season  is  relaxed  as  on  the  Fourth  Sunday  in  Lent, — Rose- 
coloured  (*.*.,  reddish  brown)  vestments  may  be  worn  instead  of  purple,  and  it  is  allowed  to  put 
flowers  on  the  altar  and  to  play  the  organ.  2  Phil.  iv.  5. 

3  Zion  not  in  the  Hebrew.  4  Jude  14 ;  Apoc.  xix.  16.  5  Micah  v.  2,  4,  5. 


240 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE   OF  THE  SEASON. 


Answer.  And  this  Man  shall  be 
the  peace  in  our  land,  when  He  shall 
come. 

Third  Lesson. 

f  ORD,  1  let  Thy  hand  be  lifted  up, 
and  let  them  not  see  ;  let  them 
see  and  be  ashamed  for  their  envy  at 
the  people ;  yea,  let  the  fire  devour 
Thine  enemies.  LORD,  Thou  wilt 
ordain  peace  for  us,  for  Thou  hast 
also  wrought  all  our  works  for  us. 
O  Lord,  our  God,  other  lords  be- 
side Thee  have  had  dominion  over 
us  ;  but  by  Thee  only  will  we  make 
mention  of  Thy  name.  They  are 
dead,  they  shall  not  live,  the  giants 
shall  not  rise.  Therefore  hast  Thou 
visited  and  destroyed  them,  and  made 
all  their  memory  to  perish. 

.  Third  Responsory. 

2  He  That  shall  come,  will  come, 
and  will  not  tarry ;  and  there  shall 
no  more  be  fear  in  our  borders. 
For  He  is  our  Saviour. 

Verse.  3  He  shall  tread  down  all 
our  iniquities,  and  cast  all  our  sins 
into  the  depths  of  the  sea. 

Answer.     For  He  is  our  Saviour. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.     For  He  is  our  Saviour. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great,]  {Second 
on  the  December  Fast,  and  Alms- 
giving.) 

T\  EARLY    beloved    brethren,    with 

the  care  which  becometh  us  as 

the   shepherd   of  your  souls,  we  urge 

1  Lowth — "Thy  hand  is  lifted  up,  yet  will 
Thy  zeal,"  &c. 

2  Heb.  x.  37.  3  Micah  vii. 


upon  you  the  rigid  observance  of  this 
December  Fast.  The  month  of  De- 
cember hath  come  round  again,  and 
with  it  this  devout  custom  of  the 
Church.  The  fruits  of  the  year,  which 
is  drawing  to  a  close,  are  now  all 
gathered  in,  and  we  most  meetly  offer 
our  abstinence  to  God  as  a  sacrifice 
of  thanksgiving.  And  what  can  be 
more  useful  than  fasting,  that  exercise 
by  which  we  draw  nigh  to  God,  make 
a  stand  against  the  devil,  and  over- 
come the  softer  enticements  of  sin  ? 


Fourth  Responsory. 

Weep  not,  O  Egypt,  for  the  Ruler 
cometh  unto  thee,  and  the  depths  shall 
be  moved  at  His  presence.  To  de- 
liver His  people  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  mighty. 

Verse.  Behold,  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
thy  God,  cometh  with  great  power. 

Answer.  To  deliver  His  people  out 
of  the  hand  of  the  mighty. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

TOASTING  hath  ever  been  the  bread 
of  strength.  From  abstinence 
proceed  pure  thoughts,  reasonable 
desires,  and  healthy  counsels.  By 
voluntary  mortifications  the  flesh  dieth 
to  lust,  and  the  soul  is  renewed  in 
might.  But  since  fasting  is  not  the 
only  mean  whereby  we  get  health  for 
our  souls,  let  us  add  to  our  fasting 
works  of  mercy.  Let  us  spend  in 
good  deeds  what  we  take  from  in- 
dulgence. Let  our  fast  become  the 
banquet  of  the  poor. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

4  Her  time  is  near  to  come,  and  her 
days  shall  not  be  prolonged.      For  the 

they  not  see  :  but  they  shall  see,  with  confusion, 

19.  4  Isa.  xiv.  i. 


THIRD   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


24I 


Lord  will  have  mercy  on  Jacob,  and 
Israel  shall  be  saved. 

Verse.  1  Turn  again,  O  Virgin  of 
Israel,   turn  again  to  thy  cities. 

Answer.  For  the  Lord  shall  have 
mercy  on  Judah,  and  Israel  shall  be 
saved. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

ET  us  defend  the  widow  and  serve 
the  orphan  ;  let  us  comfort  the 
afflicted  and  reconcile  the  estranged  ; 
let  us  take  in  the  wanderer  and  suc- 
cour the  oppressed  ;  let  us  clothe  the 
naked  and  cherish  the  sick.  And  may 
every  one  of  us  that  shall  offer  to  the 
God  of  all  goodness  this  Advent  sacri- 
fice of  fasting  and  alms  be  by  Him 
fitted  to  receive  an  eternal  reward  in 
His  heavenly  kingdom  !  We  fast  on 
Wednesday  and  Friday ;  and  there  is 
likewise  a  Vigil  on  Saturday  at  the 
Church  of  St  Peter,  that  by  his  good 
prayers  we  may  the  more  effectually 
obtain  what  we  ask  for,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Who  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  liveth 
and  reigneth,  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


Sixth  Responsory. 

2  The  Lord  shall  come  down  like 
rain  upon  a  fleece.  In  His  days  shall 
righteousness  flourish,  and  abundance 
of  peace. 

Verse.  All  the  kings  of  the  earth 
shall  fall  down  before  Him,  all  nations 
shall  serve  Him. 

Answer.  In  His  days  shall  right- 
eousness flourish,  and  abundance  of 
peace. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  In  His  days  shall  right- 
eousness flourish,  and  abundance  of 
peace. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 


Seventh  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is   taken   from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (i.  19.) 

A  T  that  time  :  The  Jews  sent  Priests 
and   Levites   from  Jerusalem  to 
John    to    ask    him :     Who    art    thou  ? 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]  {jth  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  the  first 
thing  which  striketh  us  in  to  -  day's 
Gospel  is  the  lowly  -  mindedness  of 
John.  He  was  so  great  that  it  was 
thought  he  might  be  the  Christ ;  yet 
he  soberly  chose  rather  to  seem  only 
what  he  really  was,  than  to  let  the 
belief  of  men  invest  him  with  a  dignity 
which  did  not  belong  to  him  ;  for  "  he 
confessed,  and  denied  not,  but  con- 
fessed, I  am  not  the  Christ,"  at  the 
same  time  he  would  not  deny  what 
he  was  in  reality ;  and  thus  his  very 
truth  -  speaking  made  him  a  member 
of  Him  Whose  title  he  would  not  by 
falsehood  take.  In  that  he  arrogated 
not  to  himself  the  name  of  Christ,  he 
became  a  member  of  Christ.  While 
he  humbly  strove  to  confess  his  own 
weakness,  he  earned  by  his  simplicity 
a  part  in  the  grandeur  of  his  Master. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  come  and  make  no  tarry- 
ing ;  loosen  the  bonds  of  Thy 
people.  And  gather  again  into  their 
own  land  them  that  are  scattered 
abroad. 

Verse.  3  O  Lord,  stir  up  Thy 
strength,  and  come  and  save  us. 

Answer.  And  gather  again  into 
their  own  land  them  that  are  scat- 
tered abroad. 


1  Jer.  xxxi.  21. 


2  Ps.  lxxi.  6,  7,  11. 


3  Ps.  lxxix.  3. 


242 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

T  N  considering  this  subject  we  find 
an  apparent  contradiction  between 
one  of  John's  statements,  and  the 
saying  of  our  Redeemer  recorded  in 
another  part  of  the  Gospel.  (Matth. 
xvii.  10-12.)  When  His  disciples 
asked  our  Lord  regarding  the  coming 
of  Elias,  He  answered :  "  Elias  is 
come  already,  and  they  knew  him 
not,  but  have  done  unto  him  whatso- 
ever they  listed."  "And  if  ye  will 
receive  it,  this "  (that  is,  John)  "  is 
Elias."  (Matth.  xi.  14.)  But  when 
John  was  asked  if  he  was  Elias,  he 
answered,  "  I  am  not."  How  comes 
it  then,  dearly  beloved  brethren,  that 
we  find  the  Truth  Itself  asserting  what 
the  prophet  of  the  Truth  denied  ?  It 
must  evidently  be  that  our  Lord  meant 
one  thing  and  John  another,  when  the 
Lord  said,  "  This  is,"  and  John,  "  I  am 
not."  For  how  can  he  be  the  prophet 
of  truth,  if  he  speak  not  according  to 
the  word  of  Him  Who  is  the  Eternal 
Truth  ? 

Eighth  Responsory. 

1  Behold,  there  shall  be  a  root  of 
Jesse,  which  shall  come  for  salva- 
tion unto  the  people,  to  it  shall  the 
Gentiles  seek,  and  His  name  shall  be 
glorious. 

Verse.  2The  Lord  God  shall  give 
unto  Him  the  throne  of  His  father 
David,  and  He  shall  reign  over  the 
house  of  Jacob  for  ever. 

Answer.  And  His  name  shall  be 
glorious. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

["  ET  us  then  more  minutely  examine 
these  words,  and  we  shall  find 
that  there  is  no  real  contradiction. 
When  the  Angel  announced  to  Zacha- 
rias  the  coming  birth  of  John  he  said  : 
"  He  shall  go  before  Him  in  the  spirit 


and  power  of  Elias,"  (Luke  i.  17.) 
As  the  old  Elias  will  come  again  be- 
fore the  Second  Advent  of  the  Lord, 
so  did  John,  as  the  new  Elias,  go  be- 
fore the  First  Advent,  in  the  spirit 
and  power  of  Elias.  As  the  old  Elias 
will  be  the  Fore-runner  of  the  Judge, 
so  the  new  Elias  was  the  Fore-runner 
of  the  Saviour.  John  then  was  Elias 
in  spirit,  but  not  in  person  ;  and  our 
Lord  asserteth  of  the  spirit  what  John 
denieth  of  the  person. 

Ninth  Responsory. 

3  The  Lord  will  teach  us  of  His 
ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  His  paths. 
For  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the 
law,  and  the  word  of  the  LORD  from 
Jerusalem. 

Verse.  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up 
to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  and  to 
the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob. 

Answer.  For  out  of  Zion  shall  go 
forth  the  law,  and  the  word  of  the 
Lord  from  Jerusalem. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  For  out  of  Zion  shall  go 
forth  the  law,  and  the  word  of  the 
Lord  from  Jerusalem. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  4The  Lord  will 
come,  *  and  will  not  tarry ;  He  both 
will  bring  to  light  the  hidden  things 
of  darkness,  and  will  make  Himself 
manifest  to  all  people.     Alleluia. 

Second  Antiphon.  Rejoice  greatly, 
O  Jerusalem,  *  for  thy  Saviour  cometh 
unto  thee.      Alleluia. 

Third  Antiphon.  5  I  will  place  sal- 
vation in  Zion,  *  and  My  glory  in 
Jerusalem.      Alleluia. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  6  Every  moun- 
tain and  hill  *  shall  be  made  low,  and 


1  Isa.  xi.  10. 
4  1  Cor.  iv.  5. 


2  Luke  i.  32. 
'  Isa.  xlvi.  13. 


3  Isa.  ii.  3. 
B  Isa.  xl.  4. 


THIRD   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


243 


the  crooked  shall  be  made  straight, 
and  the  rough  places  plain  :  O  Lord, 
come  and  make  no  tarrying.  Alleluia. 
Fifth  Antiphon.  *  We  should  live 
*  righteously  and  godly,  looking  for 
that  blessed  hope  and  the  coming  of 
the  Lord. 

Chapter.      (Phil.  iv.  4.) 

"DRETHREN,    Rejoice  in  the  Lord 
alway  :  again  I  say,  rejoice.      Let 
your    moderation    be    known   unto   all 
men  :  for  the  Lord  is  at  hand. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
He  shall  sit  *  upon  the  throne  of 
David,  and  upon  his  kingdom  for  ever. 
Alleluia. 

Prayer. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  merci- 
fully incline  Thine  ears  unto  our 
prayers,  and  lighten  the  darkness  of 
our  minds  by  the  grace  of  Thy  heavenly 
visitation ;  Who  livest  and  reignest 
with  God  the  Father,  in  the  unity  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  The  Lord  will  come,  * 
&c,  (First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.} 

In  the  Short  Responsory  the  same 
alteration  as  before. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Rejoice  greatly,  &c, 
(Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

The  Chapter  is  taken  from  Lauds. 


Chapter.      (Phil.  iv.  6.) 

DE  anxious  for  nothing,  but  in  every 
thing  by  prayer  and  supplication 
with  thanksgiving,  let  your  requests  be 
made  known  unto  God. 


NONE. 

Antiphon.     We  should  live,  *  &c, 
(Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Phil.  iv.  7.) 

AND  the  peace  of  God  which  pass- 
eth  all  understanding,  keep  your 
hearts     and     minds,     through     Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord. 


VESPERS. 

Antiphons  and  Chapter  as  at  Lauds. 
Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  (utile ss  supplanted  by  the  great 
Antiphon,  O  Wisdom.)  2  Blessed  art 
thou,  *  O  Mary,  that  hast  believed  the 
Lord  :  for  there  shall  be  a  performance 
of  those  things  which  were  told  thee 
from  the  Lord.     Alleluia. 

After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord  "  are  said 
the  Vespers  of  the  Dead. 


The  Seven  Days  preceding  Christ- 
mas Eve  are  marked  by  the  Church 
with  two  observances;  1st,  The  series 
of  Antiphons  called  the  Great  O's,  and 
2nd,  by  a  special  series  of  Antiphons 
at  Lauds.  The  rules  which  apply  to 
them  are  different. 


SEXT. 


Antiphon.       I    will   place   salvation, 
&c,  (Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 


1  Tit.  ii. 


1$ 


1.    The  Great  O's. 

The  Great  O's  are  a  series  of  Anti- 
phons at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin, 


2  Luke 


45- 


244 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


one  for  every  evening  from  Dec.  1 7  to 
2  3  inclusive.  They  supplant  any  other 
Antiphon  of  the  Office  of  the  Season, 
(as,  for  instance,  if  the  17th  Dec. 
should  be  the  Third  Sunday  of  Advent, 
the  Antiphon,  "  Blessed  art  thou  "  is 
displaced  for  "  O  Wisdom.")  The 
Great  O's  however  can  be  suprplanted 
by  Feasts,  (as,  for  instance,  "  O  Wis- 
dom "  and  "  O  Adonai  "  by  the  Feast  of 
the  Expectation,  and  "  O  Day-Spring," 
by  the  Feast  of  St  Thomas, )  and  then 
they  are  treated  as  the  Antiphon  for 
the  Week-day,  forming  part  of  the 
Commemoration.  They  are  always 
said  entire  both  before  and  after  the 
Canticle,  like  the  Antiphon  on  Double 
Feasts. 

Dec.  17. 

1  r~\  WISDOM,  That  comest  out  of 
^  the  mouth  of  the  Most  High, 
2 That  reachest  from  one  end  to  another, 
and  dost  mightily  and  sweetly  order 
all  things  :  come,  to  teach  us  the  way 
of  prudence ! 

Dec.  18. 

r\  s  ADONAI,  and  Ruler  of  the 
^^^  house  of  Israel,  Who  didst  ap- 
pear unto  Moses  in  the  burning  bush, 
and  gavest  him  the  law  in  Sinai :  come, 
to  redeem  us  with  an  outstretched 
arm  ! 

Dec.  19. 

4  r\  ROOT  of  Jesse,  Which  standest 
^-^      for    an    ensign    of   the    people, 

5  at  Whom  the  kings  shall  shut  their 
mouths,  4  unto  Whom  the  Gentiles 
■shall  seek  :  come,  to  deliver  us,  make 
no  tarrying ! 

Dec.  20. 

«/"\   KEY  of  David,  and  Sceptre  of 

^^^      the  house  of  Israel ;  That  open- 

est,  and  no  man  shutteth  ;  and  shuttest 

1  Ecclus.  xxiv.  5.  2  Wisd.  viii.  1. 

3  I.e.,  Lord.     This  is  the  Hebrew  word  which  the  Jews  substitute  for  any  endeavour  to 
pronounce  the  Name.                                                    4  Isa.  xi.  10.  s  Isa.  Hi.  15. 

8  Apoc.  iii.  7.  7  Isa.  xlii.  7.  8  Luke  i.  78,  79.  9  Wisd.  vii.  26. 

10  Mai.  iv.  2.  u  Hag.  ii.  8.  12  Eph.  ii.  14,  20.  13  Gen.  xlix.  10. 


and  no  man  openeth  :  come,  7  to  bring 
out  the  prisoners  from  the  prison,  and 
them  that  sit  in  darkness,  and  in  the 
shadow  of  death  ! 

Dec.  2 1 . 

8Q  DAY-SPRING,  brightness  of 
^^  the  everlasting  Light,  10  Sun  of 
Righteousness,  come,  8  to  give  light  to 
them  that  sit  in  darkness,  and  in  the 
shadow  of  death  ! 

Dec.  22. 

f~\  KING  of  the  Gentiles,  yea,  and 
^^^  n  Desire  thereof,  12  O  Corner- 
stone that  makest  of  twain  one  :  come, 
to  save  man,  whom  Thou  hast  made 
of  the  dust  of  the  earth  ! 

Dec.  23. 

(~\  EMMANUEL,  our  King  and  our 
Law  -  giver,    18  Longing    of    the 
Gentiles,  yea,   and   Salvation  thereof: 
come  to  save  us,  O  Lord  our  God ! 

2.   Special  series  of  Antiphons  at 
Lauds. 

The  following  series  of  Antiphons 
are  used  on  Week-days  at  Lauds,  and, 
consequently,  the  First,  Second,  Third, 
and  Fifth  at  Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  and 
None,  on  the  seven  days  preceding 
Christmas  Eve,  beginning  like  the 
Great  O's  on  the  17th  Dec.  They 
differ  from  the  Great  O's  in  that  they 
can  be  wholly  supplanted.  This  is 
always  the  case  on  two  days,  which 
are  necessarily,  one  a  Sunday,  and  the 
other  the  Feast  of  St  Thomas.  There- 
fore five  sets  only  are  given.  If  the 
17  th  be  the  Sunday,  the  series  is  begun 
on  Monday. 

The  set   which  fall  upon   the   day 


THIRD   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


245 


when  the  Feast  of  St  Thomas  occurs 
are  transferred  to  the  next  Saturday, 
and  said  then,  except  the  Fourth,  which 
is  07tiitted,  and  the  Antiphon,  "My 
teaching  shall  drop,  &c."  said  in  its 
place.  If  however,  the  Sunday  to 
follow  be  Christmas  Eve,  then  on 
Saturday  are  said  the  Antiphons  of 
the  Lauds  of  the  Fourth  Sunday  in 
Advent,  except  the  Fourth,  which  is 
omitted,  and  the  Antiphon  "  My  teach- 
ing shall  drop,  &c."  said  in  its  place. 
The  Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias 
and  the  Prayer  will  then  be  those  pro- 
per to  the  Day,  as  Ember  Saturday. 
In  this  case  the  set  of  Antiphons 
which  fell  upon  the  day  occupied  by 
the  Feast  of  St  Thomas  will  be  alto- 
gether omitted;  and  the  Antiphon  "My 
teaching  shall  drop,  &c."  will  likewise 
be  altogether  omitted  should  the  Feast 
of  St  Thomas  come  on  the  Saturday. 

Here  follow  the  five  sets  of  Antiphons. 
First  set. 

First  Antiphon.  Behold,  the  Lord 
cometh,  *  1  the  Prince  of  the  Kings 
of  the  earth  :  blessed  are  they  that  are 
ready  to  go  forth  to  meet  Him. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  When  the  Son 
of  man  cometh,  *  shall  He  find  faith 
on  the  earth  ? 

Third  Antiphon.  3  Behold,  the  ful- 
ness *  of  the  time  is  come,  when  God 
sent  forth  His  Son  into  the  world. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  4  With  joy  * 
shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells 
of  the  Saviour. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  The  Lord  goeth 
forth  *  from  His  holy  place  ;  He  com- 
eth to  save  His  people. 

Second  set. 

First  Antiphon.  5  Drop  down,  ye 
heavens,   from   above,    *   and    let    the 


skies  pour  down  the  Righteous  One  : 
let  the  earth  open  and  let  her  bring 
forth  the  Saviour. 

Second  Antiphon.  6  Send  forth  the 
Lamb,  O  Lord,  *  the  Ruler  of  the  land, 
from  the  rock  of  the  wilderness  unto 
the  mount  of  the  daughter  of  Zion. 

Third  Antiphon.  7  That  Thy  way, 
O  Lord,  *  may  be  known  upon  earth, 
Thy  saving  health  among  all  nations. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  8  O  Lord,  * 
reward  them  that  wait  for  Thee,  and 
let  Thy  Prophets  be  found  faithful. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  9  The  law  was 
given  by  Moses,  *  but  grace  and  truth 
came  by  Jesus  Christ. 

Third  set. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Prophets 
foretold  *  that  the  Saviour  should  be 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary. 

Second  Antiphon.  10  The  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  *  is  upon  Me,  because  He 
hath  anointed  Me  to  preach  the 
Gospel  to  the  poor. 

Third  Antiphon.  n  For  Zion's  sake 
*  will  I  not  hold  my  peace,  until  her 
Righteous  One  go  forth  as  brightness. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Behold,  the  Lord5 
cometh,  *  12  to  sit  among  princes,  and 
to  inherit  the  throne  of  glory. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Tell  it  out  among 
the  people,  *  and  say :  Behold,  God, 
our  Saviour  cometh. 

Fourth  set. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Lord,  the 
Almighty,  *  cometh  out  of  Zion,  to 
save  His  people. 

Second  Antiphon.  Turn  Thee,  O 
Lord,  *  at  the  last,  and  tarry  not  to 
come  unto  Thy  servants. 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  That 
shall  rule  *  shall  come  forth  from  Zion, 
Emmanuel  is  His  name,  and  His  name 
is  great. 


1  Apoc.  i.  5. 

5  Isa.  xlv.  8. 

9  John  i.  17. 

VOL.  I. 


2  Luke  xviii. 
6  Isa.  xvi.  i. 
10  Luke  iv.  if 


3  Gal.  iv.  4. 
7  Ps.  lxvi.  3. 
11  Isa.  lxii.  1. 


4  Isa.  xii.  3. 
8  Ecclus.  xxxvi.  18. 
12  1  Kings  (Sam.)  ii.  8. 


246 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE   SEASON. 


Fourth  Antiphon.  1  Behold,  He  is 
my  God,  *  and  I  will  glorify  Him  ;  my 
father's  God,  and  I  will  exalt  Him. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  The  Lord  our 
Law-giver,  *  the  Lord  our  King,  cometh 
to  save  us. 

Fifth  set. 

First  Antiphon.  2  Stand  still  *  and 
see  the  salvation  of  the  Lord. 

Second  Antiphon.  3  Unto  Thee,  O 
LORD,  *  lift  I  up  my  soul :  come  and 
deliver  me,  O  Lord,  in  Thee  do  I  put 
my  trust. 

Third  Antiphon.  Come,  O  Lord,  * 
and  make  no  tarrying :  loosen  the 
bonds  of  Thy  people  Israel. 

Fourth  A?itiphon.  4  God  shall 
come  from  Lebanon,  *  and  His  bright- 
ness shall  be  as  the  light. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  5  Therefore  I  will 
look  unto  the  LORD,  *  I  will  wait  for 
the  God  of  my  salvation. 


this  last  Antiphon  is  said  at  the  Song 
of  Zacharias  on  the  Fourth  Sunday  of 
Advent,  instead  of  the  Antiphon, 
"Hail,   Mary,   &c." 

23rd  Dec. 

On  this  day  the  Antiphon  at  the 
Song  of  Zacharias  is  : 

Behold,  all  things  are  fulfilled,  * 
which  were  spoken  by  the  angel  con- 
cerning the  Virgin  Mary. 

QHonfcap. 

Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xxviii.  1.) 

A  \  TOE  to  the  7  crown  of  pride,  to  the 
drunkards  of  Ephraim,  to  the 
fading  flower  of  their  glorious  beauty  ; 
which  are  upon  the  head  of  the  fat 
valley,  overcome  with  wine.  Behold 
the  Lord  is  mighty  and  strong,  as  a 
tempest  of  hail,  and  as  a  destroying 
storm,  as  a  flood  of  mighty  waters 
overflowing,  sent  forth  over  the  breadth 
of  the  land.  The  crown  of  pride,  the 
drunkards  of  Ephraim,  shall  be  trodden 
under  foot. 

First  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  Lord  shall  appear,  &c, 
{First  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

1  Exod.  xv.  2.  2  Exod.  xiv.  13.  s  Ps.  xxiv.  1. 

*  Hab.  iii.  3,  4.  5  Micah  vii.  7.  6  Deut.  xxxii.  2. 

7  I.e..  the  city  of  Samaria,  the  capital  of  the  apostate  kingdom  of  Israel.  "The  city,"  says 
Lowth,  "  beautifully  situated  upon  the  top  of  a  round  hill,  and  surrounded  immediately  with 
a  rich  valley,  and  a  circle  of  other  hills  beyond  it,  suggested  the  idea  of  a  chaplet,  or  wreath  of 
flowers,  worn  upon  their  heads  on  occasions  of  festivity."     And  he  cites  Wisd.  ii.  7,  8. 


The  Saturday. 

If  the  Saturday  be  not  Christmas 
Eve,  the  Antiphons  will  be  one  of  the 
above  sets,  as  directed  by  the  Rubric 
above,  with  the  exception  of  the  Fourth 
(i.e.,  that  for  the  Song  of  Moses),  which 
will  be  as  follows  : 

Fourth  Antiphon.  6  My  teaching 
shall  drop  *  as  the  rain,  and  our  God 
shall  come  down  upon  us  as  the  dew. 

On  the  Feast  of  St  Thomas,  at  the 
Commemoration  of  the  Week-day  at 
Lauds,  the  Antiphon  is  as  follows  : 

Antiphon.  Fear  not :  *  yet  five 
days  and  the  Lord  shall  come  unto 
you. 

If  the  Feast  of  St  Thomas  should 
happen  to  be  transferred  to  the  Monday, 


THIRD   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


247 


Second  Lesson. 

AND    the    fading    flower    of    their 
x  glorious   beauty,  which   is   upon 

the  head  of  the  fat  valley,  shall  be  as 
the  hasty  fruit  before  the  ripening  of 
Autumn  ;  which  when  he  that  looketh 
upon  it  seeth,  while  it  is  yet  in  his 
hand,  he  eateth  it  up.  In  that  day 
shall  the  Lord  of  hosts  be  for  a  crown 
of  glory,  and  for  a  diadem  of  beauty 
unto  the  residue  of  His  people  ;  and 
for  a  spirit  of  judgment  to  him  that 
sitteth  in  judgment,  and  for  strength  to 
them  that  turn  from  the  battle  to  the 
gate.  But  they  also  have  erred 
through  wine,  and  through  strong 
drink  are  out  of  the  way :  the  priest 
and  the  prophet  have  erred  through 
strong  drink,  they  are  swallowed  up  of 
wine. 

Second  Responsory. 

Thou,  Bethlehem,  &c,  {Second  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 


Third  Lesson.     (16.) 

HTHEREFORE  thus  saith  the  Lord 
1  GOD  :  Behold  I  lay  in  Zion  for 
a  foundation  a  stone,  a  tried  stone,  a 
precious  corner-stone,  a  sure  found- 
ation. Let  not  him  that  believeth 
make  haste.  Justice  also  will  I  lay  to 
the  plummet  and  righteousness  to  the 
line :  and  the  hail  shall  sweep  away 
the  refuge  of  lies,  and  the  waters  shall 
overflow  the  hiding-place.  2  And  your 
covenant  with  death  shall  be  disan- 
nulled, and  your  agreement  with  hell 
shall  not  stand. 


Third  Responsory. 


&c,    {Third 


LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
There  shall  come  forth  a  rod  *  out  of 
the  stem  of  Jesse,  and  the  whole  earth 
shall  be  filled  with  the  glory  of  the 
Lord,  and  all  flesh  shall  see  the  salva- 
tion of  God. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 
After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord  "  is  said 
the  Dirge. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Responsory 
at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  All  generations  shall  call 
me  blessed,  *  for  God  hath  regarded 
the  lowliness  of  His  hand-maiden. 


£ueefcap. 

Third  Day. 
MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 


He  That   shall   come, 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

1  The  Name. 

2  The  allusion  is  to  v.  15,  where  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  are  represented  as  saying, 
"  'We  have  entered  into  a  covenant  with  death' — a  kind  of  proverbial  expression  to  denote 
perfect  security  from  evil."  3  Luke  i.  48. 


248 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE  SEASON. 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xxx.  1 8.) 

'"FHE  Lord  waiteth  that  He  may  be 
gracious  unto  you  ;  and  there- 
fore will  He  be  exalted,  that  He  may 
have  mercy  upon  you,  for  the  LORD 
is  a  God  of  judgment ;  blessed  are  all 
they  that  wait  for  Him.  For  the 
people  of  Zion  shall  dwell  in  Jeru- 
salem, thou  shalt  weep  no  more, 
He  will  be  very  gracious  unto  thee  ; 
at  the  voice  of  thy  cry  when  He 
shall  hear  it,  He  will  answer  thee. 
Though  the  LORD  give  you  bread  in 
scarcity  and  water  in  short  measure  : 
yet  will  He  not  make  thy  teacher  to 
fly  from  thee  any  more  ;  and  thine 
eyes  shall  see  thy  teacher. 

First  Responsory. 

Weep  not,   O   Egypt,  &c,  {Fourth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson,     (v.  22.) 

'"T'HOU  shalt  say  unto  it,  :  Get  thee 
hence,  and  the  rain  shall  fall 
upon  thy  seed,  that  thou  shalt  sow 
the  ground  withal  ;  and  the  bread  of 
the  increase  of  the  earth  shall  be  fat 
and  plenteous.  In  that  day  shall 
thy  lambs  feed  in  large  pastures  ; 
thine  oxen  likewise,  and  the  young 
asses  that  till  the  ground  shall  eat 
mixed  provender,  as  that  which  hath 
been  winnowed  on  the  threshing-floor. 
And  there  shall  be  upon  every  high 
mountain,  and  upon  every  high  hill 
rivers  of  running  waters,  in  the  day 
of  the  great  slaughter,  when  the 
2  towers  fall. 

Second  Responsory. 

Her    time    is    near    to    come,    &c, 
(Fifth  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

1  The  allusion  is  to  the  ornament 

2  I.e.,  the  mighty  men. 


Third  Lesson. 

IV/TOREOVER,  the  light  of  the 
moon  shall  be  as  the  light 
of  the  sun,  and  the  light  of  the  sun 
shall  be  sevenfold,  as  the  light  of 
seven  days,  in  the  day  that  the 
Lord  bindeth  up  the  breach  of  His 
people,  and  healeth  the  stroke  of 
their  wound.  Behold,  the  name  of 
the  LORD  cometh  from  far,  burning 
with  His  anger,  and  the  burden 
thereof  is  heavy :  His  lips  are  full 
of  indignation,  and  Hie  tongue  as 
a  devouring  fire.  His  breath,  as  an 
overflowing  stream,  shall  reach  to 
the  midst  of  the  neck,  to  destroy 
the  nations  to  the  uttermost,  and 
as  a  bridle  causing  them  to  en- 
shall  it  be  in  the  jaws  of  the 
peoples. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord  shall  come  down,  &c, 
(Sixth  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter  (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hy?nn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
3  Thou,  Bethlehem,  *  in  the  land  of 
Judah,  shalt  not  be  the  least  [among 
the  princes  of  Judah]  :  for  out  of  thee 
shall  come  a  Ruler,  That  shall  rule  my 
people  Israel. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

of  a  molten  image. 

3  Matth.  ii.  6 ;  Micah  v.  2. 


THIRD   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


249 


VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  l  Awake,  awake,  *  arise,  O 
Jerusalem :  loose  thyself  from  the 
bands  of  thy  neck,  O  captive  daugh- 
ter of  Zion. 

The  Fourth  Day  in  Quarter-Week. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The    Lesson   is    taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.   26.) 

A  T  that  time  :  The  Angel  Gabriel 
■^^  was  sent  from  God,  unto  a  city 
of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to  a  vir- 
gin espoused  to  a  man  whose  name 
was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David : 
and  the  virgin's  name  was  Mary. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  2  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan,]  (Bk.  ii.  on  Luke.) 

The  mysteries  of  God  are  unsearch- 
able, and  it  is  especially  declared  by 
a  Prophet,  that  a  man  can  hardly  know 
His  counsels.  (Wisd.  ix.  13.)  Never- 
theless, some  things  have  been  revealed 
to  us,  and  we  may  gather  from  some 
of  the  words  and  works  of  the  Lord 
our  Saviour,  that  there  was  a  special 
purpose  of  God,  in  the  fact  that  she 


who  was  chosen  to  be  the  mother  of 
the  Lord  was  espoused  to  a  man. 
Why  did  not  the  power  of  the  High- 
est overshadow  her  before  she  was 
so  espoused  ?  Perhaps  it  was  lest 
any  might  blasphemously  say  that 
she  had  conceived  in  adultery  the 
Holy  One. 

First  Responsory. 

3  O  thou  that  bringest  good  tidings 
of  peace  to  Jerusalem,  lift  up  thy  voice 
with  strength  !  Say  unto  the  cities  of 
Judah,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jeru- 
salem :  Behold,  our  God  will  come,  for 
Whom  we  waited. 

Verse.  O  thou  that  tellest  good 
tidings  to  Zion :  get  thee  up  into 
the  high  mountain,  lift  up  thy  voice 
with  strength. 

Answer.  Say  unto  the  cities  of 
Judah,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Jerusalem  :  Behold,  our  God  will 
come,  for  Whom  we  waited. 

Second  Lesson. 

"  AND  the  Angel  came  in  unto 
r^  her."  Let  us  learn  from  this 
Virgin  how  to  bear  ourselves,  let  us 
learn  her  modesty,  let  us  learn  by 
her  devout  utterance,  above  all  let 
us  learn  by  the  holy  mystery  en- 
acted. It  is  the  part  of  a  maiden 
to  be'  timid,  to  avoid  the  advances 
of  men,  and  to  shrink  from  men's 
addresses.  Would  that  our  women 
would  learn  from  the  example  of 
modesty  here  set  before  us.  She 
upon  whom  the  stare  of  men  had 
never  been  fixed  was  alone  in  her 
chamber,  and  she  found  herself  alone 
with  Angels.  There  was  neither 
companion  nor  witness  there,  that 
what  passed  might  not  be  debased 
in  gossip :  and  the  Angel  saluted 
her. 


1  Isa.  lii.  1,  2. 


2  Dec.  7. 


3  Isa.  xl.  9,  10. 


250 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Second  Responsory, 

1  There  shall  come  a  Star  out  of 
Jacob,  and  a  Man  shall  rise  out  of 
Israel,  and  shall  smite  through  all 
the  princes  of  the  aliens.  And  all 
the  earth  shall  be  His  possession. 

Verse.  2  All  kings  shall  fall  down 
before  Him,  all  nations  shall  serve 
Him. 

Answer.  And  all  the  earth  shall 
be  His  possession. 

Third  Lesson. 

'T'HE  message  of  God  to  the  Virgin 
was  a  mystery,  which  it  was  not 
lawful  for  the  mouth  of  men,  but  only 
of  Angels,  to  utter.  For  the  first  time 
on  earth  the  words  are  spoken  :  "  The 
Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee." 
The  holy  maiden  heareth,  and  be- 
lieveth.  At  length  she  said :  "  Be- 
hold the  handmaid  of  the  Lord :  be 
it  unto  me  according  to  thy  word." 
Here  is  an  example  of  lowliness, 
here  is  a  pattern  of  true  devotion. 
At  the  very  moment  that  she  is 
told  she  is  chosen  to  be  the  mother 
of  the  Lord  she  at  once  declareth 
herself  His  handmaid.  The  know- 
ledge that  she  was  mother  of  God 
caused  in  the  heart  of  Mary  only 
an  act  of  humility. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord,  the  Ruler,  cometh  quickly. 
3  And  His  name  shall  be  called  Em- 
manuel. 

Verse.  4  In  His  days  shall  right- 
eousness flourish,  and  abundance  of 
peace. 

Answer.  And  His  name  shall  be 
called  Emmanuel. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  His  name  shall  be 
called  Emmanuel. 


1  Numb.  xxiv.  17. 


2  Ps.  lxxi.  11. 


LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  angel  Gabriel  *  was  sent  to  Mary, 
a  virgin  espoused  to  Joseph. 

Prayer. 

QRANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty 
God,  that  the  solemn  Feast  of  our 
redemption,  which  is  now  at  hand,  may 
both  help  us  in  the  life  which  now  is, 
and  further  us  toward  the  attaining  of 
Thine  eternal  joy  in  that  which  is 
to  come.  Through  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ  Thy  Son,  Who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  Thee  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  One  God  world  without 
end.      Amen. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Responsory 
at  Prime. 

Prayer  as  at  Lauds. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week. ) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Behold  the  handmaid  *  of 
the  Lord  ;  be  it  unto  me  according  to 
thy  word. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 
Matth.  i.  23  ;  Isa.  vii.  14.  *  Ps.  lxxi.  7. 


THIRD   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


251 


Fifth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xxxiii.  1.) 

1"\l/rOE  to  thee  that  spoilest,  shall 
not  thou  also  be  spoiled  ?  and 
dealest  scornfully,  shall  not  they  also 
deal  scornfully  with  thee?  When  thou 
shalt  cease  to  spoil,  thou  shalt  be 
spoiled ;  when  thou  shalt  be  weary 
and  make  an  end  to  deal  scornfully, 
they  shall  deal  scornfully  with  thee. 
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. 

First  Responsory. 

3  The  Lord  shall  go  forth  and  fight 
against  the  nations.  And  His  feet 
shall  stand  upon  the  mount  of  Olives 
on  the  east. 

Verse.  4And  it  shall  be  exalted 
above  the  hills,  and  all  nations  shall 
flow  unto  it. 

Answer.  And  His  feet  shall  stand 
upon  the  mount  of  Olives  on  the  east. 

Second  Lesson. 

5  AT  the  voice  of  thy  messenger  the 

people  fled,  and   at   the   lifting 

up  of  thyself  the  nations  were  scattered. 


And  your  spoil  shall  be  gathered  like 
the  gathering  of  the  locust,  when  the 
trenches  are  filled  therewith.  6  The 
Lord  is  exalted,  for  He  dwelleth  on 
high :  He  hath  filled  Zion  with  judg- 
ment and  righteousness :  and  7  thy 
times  shall  be  faithful ;  wisdom  and 
knowledge  shall  be  the  riches  of  thy 
salvation ;  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is 
his  treasure. 

Second  Responsory. 

8  The  Fore-runner  is  for  us  entered, 
even  the  Lamb  without  spot :  made  an 
High  Priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of 
Melchisedek. 

Verse.  This  is  that  King  of  Right- 
eousness without  descent,  nor  end  of 
life. 

Answer.  Made  an  High  Priest  for 
ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedek. 

Third  Lesson.     (14.) 

9  'THE  sinners  in  Zion  are  afraid, 
fearfulness  hath  surprised  the 
hypocrites.  Who  among  you  can 
dwell  with  the  devouring  fire  ?  who 
among  you  shall  dwell  with  everlasting 
burnings  ?  He  that  walketh  right- 
eously, and  speaketh  uprightly,  he 
that  refuseth  the  gain  of  leasing,  and 
shaketh  his  hands  from  holding  of 
bribes,  that  stoppeth  his  ears  from 
hearing  of  blood,  and  shutteth  his 
eyes  from  seeing  evil.  He  shall  dwell 
on  high,  his  place  of  defence  shall  be 
the  munitions  of  rocks  :  bread  shall  be 
given  him,  his  waters  shall  be  sure. 
His  eyes  shall  see  the  King  in  his 
beauty :  they  shall  behold  the  land 
that  is  very  far  off. 


1  "The  prophet  addresses  himself  to  Sennacherib,  king  of  the  Assyrians,  who  was  threaten- 
ing the  destruction  of  the  Jewish  kingdom." 

a  "The  Jews  are  here  introduced  imploring  the  protection  of  God." 
3  Zech.  xiv.  3,  4.  4  Isa.  ii.  2. 

5  "The  Prophet,  in  the  name  of  God,  or,  rather,  God  Himself,  is  introduced,  addressing 
Himself  to  Sennacherib." 

6  "  A  chorus  of  Jews  is  introduced  acknowledging  the  mercy  and  power  of  God." 

7  Viz.,  those  of  Hezekiah.  8  Heb.  vi.  20;  vii.  2,  3. 
9  The  Prophet  is  speaking  in  the  name  of  God. 


252 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE  SEASON. 


Third  Responsory. 

1  The  Gentiles  shall  see  thy  Right- 
eous One,  and  all  kings  thy  Glorious 
one.  And  thou  shalt  be  called  by  a 
new  name,  which  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  hath  named. 

Verse.  Thou  shalt  also  be  a  crown 
of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and 
a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy 
God. 

Answer.  And  thou  shalt  be  called 
by  a  new  name,  which  the  mouth  of 
the  Lord  hath  named. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  thou  shalt  be  called 
by  a  new  name,  which  the  mouth  of 
the  Lord  hath  named. 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as  on  the  First 
Monday. ) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Let  your  soul  watch,  *  the  Lord  our 
God  is  nigh  at  hand.  (See  the  Rubric 
on  the  Feast  0/  St  Thomas,  6.  244.) 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,  SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

1  Isa.  lxii.  2,  3. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  2  Rejoice  ye  with  Jerusalem, 
*  and  be  glad  with  her,  all  ye  that 
love  her  for  ever. 


The  Sixth  Day  in  Quarter-Week. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  Si:nday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson   is   taken   from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.  39.) 

A  T  that  time  :   Mary  arose,  and  went 

into  the  hill  country  with  haste, 

into  a  city  of  Judah,  and  entered  into 

the   house  of  Zacharias,   and    saluted 

Elizabeth.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan,]  (Comtnentary  on  Luke,  Bk.  ii. 

c.\.) 

When  any  one  asketh  another  for 
credence,  he  is  bound  to  give  some 
reasonable  ground.  And- so  the  Angel, 
when  he  announced  to  Mary  the  coun- 
sel of  God,  gave,  as  a  proof,  the  con- 
ception of  Elizabeth,  then  aged  and 
barren,  that  Mary  might  perceive,  by 
this  example,  that  with  God  nothing 
is  impossible.  When  the  holy  Virgin 
had  heard  it,  she  arose  and  went  to 
visit  her  cousin.  She  did  not  go  to 
see  if  what  she  had  heard  was  true, 
because  she  did  not  believe  God,  or 
because  she  knew  not  who  the  mes- 
senger had  been,  or  yet  because  she 
doubted  the  fact  adduced  in  proof. 
She  went  joyfully  as  one  who  hath 
received  a  mercy  in  answer  to  his  vow 
goeth  to  pay  the  same.  She  went 
with  devotion,  as  a  godly  person  goeth 
to  execute  a  religious  duty.      She  went 

2  Isa.  lxvi.  10. 


THIRD   WEEK    IN   ADVENT. 


253 


into  the  hill  country  in  joyful  haste. 
And  is  it  not  something  that  she 
went  up  into  the  hills  ?  God  was 
already  in  her  womb,  and  her  feeling 
bore  her  continually  upward.  The 
grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit  knoweth 
no  slow  working. 


First  Responsory. 

Send  forth  the  Lamb,  O  Lord,  the 
Ruler  of  the  land  ;  from  the  rock  in 
the  wilderness  unto  the  mount  of  the 
daughter  of  Zion. 

Verse.  Show  us  Thy  mercy,  O 
LORD,  and  grant  us  Thy  salvation. 

Answer.  From  the  rock  in  the 
wilderness  unto  the  mount  of  the 
daughter  of  Zion. 


Second  Lesson. 

/^ODLY  women  will  learn  from  the 
^  example  of  the  Mother  of  God  to 
take  a  tender  care  of  their  kinswomen 
who  are  with  child.  In  pursuance  of 
this  charity,  Mary,  who  had  hitherto 
remained  alone  at  home,  was  not  de- 
terred by  her  maidenly  shyness  from 
entering  on  a  public  journey  ;  she  faced 
for  this  end  the  hardships  of  mountain 
travelling ;  and  encountered  with  a 
sense  of  duty  the  weary  length  of  the 
way.  The  Virgin  left  her  home,  and 
went  into  the  hill  country  with  haste, 
unmindful  of  the  trouble,  and  remem- 
bering only  the  office  to  which  her 
cousinly  love  prompted  her,  in  spite 
of  the  delicacy  of  her  sex.  Maidens 
will  learn  from  her  not  to  idle  about 
from  house  to  house,  to  loiter  in  the 
streets,  nor  to  take  part  in  conver- 
sations in  public.  Mary,  as  she  was 
hasteful  to  pass  through  the  public 
roads,  so  was  she  slow  again  to  enter 
on  them  :  she  abode  with  her  cousin 
about  three  months. 


Second  Responsory. 

Drop  down,  ye  heavens,  from 
above,  and  let  the  skies  pour  down 
the  Righteous  One.  Let  the  earth 
open,  and  let  her  bring  forth  the 
Saviour. 

Verse.  Send  forth  the  Lamb,  O 
Lord,  the  Ruler  of  the  land,  from  the 
rock  in  the  wilderness  unto  the  mount 
of  the  daughter  of  Zion. 

Answer.  Let  the  earth  open,  and 
let  her  bring  forth  the  Saviour. 


Third  Lesson. 

A  S  the  modesty  of  Mary  is  a  pattern 
7*"  for  the  imitation  of  all  maidens, 
so  also  is  her  humility.  She  went  to 
see  Elizabeth,  like  one  cousin  going  to 
visit  another,  and  as  the  younger  to  the 
elder.  Not  only  did  she  first  go,  but 
she  first  saluted  Elizabeth.  Now,  the 
purer  a  virgin  is,  the  humbler  ought 
she  to  be.  She  will  know  how  to 
submit  herself  to  her  elders.  She  that 
professeth  chastity  ought  to  be  a  very 
mistress  of  humility.  Lowly-minded- 
ness  is  at  once  the  very  ground  in 
which  devotion  groweth,  and  the  first 
and  principal  rule  of  its  teaching.  In 
this  act  of  the  Virgin  then  we  see  the 
greater  going  to  visit  and  to  succour 
the  lesser — Mary  to  Elizabeth,  Christ 
to  John. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  waste  places  have  brought 
forth  sweet-smelling  buds  for  Israel  ; 
for,  behold,  our  God  will  come  with 
power.  And  His  brightness  is  with 
Him. 

Verse.  l  Out  of  Zion  the  perfection 
of  beauty,  our  God  shall  come  mani- 
festly. 

Answer.  And  His  brightness  is 
with  Him. 


1  Ps.  xlix.  2. 


VOL.  1. 


I  2 


254 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Ansrver.  And  His  brightness  is 
with   Him. 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  As  soon  as  the  voice  of  thy  salutation 
*  sounded  in  mine  ears,  the  babe 
leaped  in  my  womb  for  joy.     Alleluia. 


Prayer. 

OTIR  up,  O  Lord,  we  pray  Thee, 
Thy  might,  and  come  among  us  ; 
that  we,  trusting  only  in  Thy  mercy, 
may  by  Thee  be  speedily  delivered 
from  all  adversity :  Who  livest  and 
reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory  at  Prime. 

Prayer  as  at  Lauds. 


VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.     2John  bare  witness  of  Him, 

1  Luke  i.  44. 


*  saying :   He  That  cometh  after  me  is 
preferred  before  me. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 


6m6er  |>>afur&aj>. 

The  Sabbath  in  Quarter- Week. 

(May  be  displaced  by  the  Office  of  the 
Fourth  Sunday.) 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson   is   taken   from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (iii.  I.) 

T  N  the  fifteenth  year  of  the  reign  of 

Tiberius    Caesar,    Pontius     Pilate 

being  governor  of  Judaea.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]  (10th  on  the  Gospels.) 

The  date,  at  which  the  Fore-runner 
of  our  Redeemer  entered  on  his  public 
office  of  preaching,  is  indicated  to  us 
by  the  name  of  the  ruler  of  the  Roman 
Commonwealth,  and  by  those  of  the 
princes  of  Palestine.  The  time  of  his 
preaching  is  indicated  by  these  names, 
because  he  came  as  the  Fore-runner  of 
Him  Who  was  to  be  the  Redeemer  of 
some  Jews  and  many  Gentiles.  More- 
over in  the  enumeration  of  these 
worldly  monarchs  there  is  a  fore- 
shadowing of  the  fact,  that  the  Gen- 
tiles were  about  to  be  gathered  into 
one,  and  the  Jews  to  be  scattered 
abroad  in  punishment  of  their  unbelief; 
in  the  whole  heathen  Commonwealth 
we  find  the  title  of  one  Emperor,  but 
in  the  small  kingdom  of  Judaea  arc- 
mentioned  four  masters. 

2  John  i.  15. 


THIRD   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


255 


•    First  Responsory. 

There  shall  come  forth  a  rod  out  of 
the  stem  of  Jesse,  and  a  flower  shall 
grow  out  of  his  roots.  And  righteous- 
ness shall  be  the  girdle  of  his  loins, 
and  faithfulness  the  girdle  of  his  reins. 

Verse.  And  the  Spirit  of  the  LORD 
shall  rest  upon  him :  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  understanding :  the  spirit 
of  counsel  and  might. 

Answer.  And  righteousness  shall 
be  the  girdle  of  his  loins,  and  faithful- 
ness the  girdle  of  his  reins. 

Second  Lesson. 

/"PHE  blessed  voice  of  the  Saviour 
itself  hath  said,  "  Every  kingdom 
divided  against  itself  is  brought  to 
desolation"  (Luke  xi.  17.)  And  we 
may  well  look  for  the  ruin  of  the 
Jewish  state  when  we  see  it  divided 
among  so  many  rulers.  We  observe 
likewise  that  the  names  of  the  reigning 
priests  as  well  as  kings  are  given. 
The  Evangelist  Luke  hath  left  on 
record  the  chiefs  both  of  the  mon- 
archy and  of  the  priesthood  who  held 
office  when  John  the  Baptist  began 
to  preach,  because  John  preached 
Him  Who  is  at  once  our  Priest 
and  our  King. 


Second  Responsory. 

1  Behold,  the  root  of  Jesse  that 
shall  arise  to  bring  forth  judgment  to 
the  Gentiles,  in  him  shall  the  Gentiles 
trust.  And  his  name  shall  be  blessed 
for  ever. 

Verse.  2  The  Kings  shall  shut  their 
mouths  at  him,  to  him  shall  the  Gen- 
tiles seek. 

Answer.  And  his  name  shall  be 
blessed  for  ever. 


Third  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  he  came  into  all  the  country 
about  Jordan,  preaching  the 
baptism  of  repentance 3  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sins."  It  is  evident  from  these 
words  that  John  the  Baptist  not  only 
preached,  but  also  administered  the 
baptism  of  repentance,  and  yet  that 
baptism  of  repentance  which  he  gave, 
was  not  really  a  baptism  for  the  re- 
mission of  sins.  For  there  is  only  one 
baptism  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and 
that  is  our  Christian  baptism.  It  is 
worthy  of  note  here  that  the  words 
used  are,  "  preaching  the  baptism  of 
repentance  for  the  remission  of  sins," 
for  he  himself  owned  that  his  baptism 
was  not  the  true  baptism  that  washes 
away  sin.  Even  as  the  Eternal  Word 
of  God  made  Flesh  was  greater  than 
the  preacher  that  went  before  Him,  so 
was  His  holy  baptism,  by  which  our 
sins  are  washed  away,  far  greater  than 
that  baptism  of  repentance  which  the 
Fore-runner  preached,  and  which  could 
never  wash  away  sin. 

Third  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  come,  and  make  no  tarry- 
ing :  loosen  the  bonds  of  Thy  people. 
And  gather  together  into  their  own 
land  them  that  are  scattered  abroad. 

Verse.  Stir  up,  O  Lord,  Thy 
power,  and  come  among  us,  to  save 
us. 

Answer.  And  gather  together  in- 
to their  own  land  them  that  are 
scattered  abroad. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  gather  together  into 
their  own  land  them  that  are  scattered 
abroad. 

1  Isa.  xi.  10;  xlii.  1.  2  isa_  uj.  x, 

3  The  translator  holds  himself  justified  in  adopting  this  rendering  of  "metanoia,"  (lit. 
"change  of  mind,")  by  the  authority  of  Archbishop  Kenrick  in  his  version  of.  the  New 
Testament.     (Matth.  iii.  2.) 


2.56 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
O  thou  Angel  of  God,  *  how  shall  this 
be,  seeing  I  know  not  a  man  ?  Hear, 
O  Virgin  Mary  !  —  the  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow 
thee! 

See,  however,  the  Rubrics  concern- 
ing Dec.  21  and  23,  {p.  244,)  both 
as  to  this  and  the  following  days. 


Prayer. 

(~\  GOD,  Who  seest  that  by  reason 
^-"^  of  our  sins  we  are  sorely 
afflicted,  mercifully  grant  unto  us  by 
Thy  visitation  effectually  to  be  com- 
forted :  Who  livest  and  reignest  with 
God  the  Father,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory  at  Prime. 

Prayer  as  at  Lauds. 


JFourti)  Stinting  in  gfobent 

The  Fourth  Lord's  Day  in  Coming- 
Time. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  the  Third  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xxxv.  1.) 

'"PHE  wilderness  and  the  solitary 
place  shall  be  glad,  and  the 
desert  shall  rejoice  and  blossom  as 
the  lily.  It  shall  blossom  abundantly, 
and  rejoice,  even  with  joy  and  singing. 
The  glory  of  Lebanon  is  given  unto 
it,  the  excellency  of  Carmel  and 
Sharon  ;  they  shall  see  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  and  the  excellency  of  our 
God.  Strengthen  ye  the  weak  hands 
and  confirm  the  feeble  knees.  Say 
to  them  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart : 
Be  strong,  and  fear  not,  behold,  your 
God  will  come  with  recompense  of 
vengeance ;  God  Himself  will  come 
and  save  you.  Then  the  eyes  of 
the  blind  shall  be  opened,  and  the 
ears  of  the  deaf  shall  be  unstopped. 
Then  shall  the  lame  man  leap  as  an 
hart,  and  the  tongue  of  the  dumb 
shall  sing :  for  in  the  wilderness  are 
waters  broken  out,  and  streams  in 
the  desert.  And  the  parched  ground 
shall  become  a  pool,  and  the  thirsty 
land  springs  of  water. 


VESPERS. 


Chapter  and  Prayer  from  next  morn- 
ing's Lauds. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 


First  Resionsory. 

Blow  ye  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  call 
together  the  nations,  tell  it  out  among 
the  people,  and  say :  Behold,  God  our 
Saviour  cometh. 


FOURTH    WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


257 


Verse.  Tell  it  out  and  make  it  to 
be  heard  ;   speak  aloud  and  cry — 

Answer.  Behold,  God  our  Saviour 
cometh. 

Second  Lesson. 

T  N  the  habitations  where  dragons  lay 
shall  rise  the  green  freshness  of 
the  reed  and  the  bulrush.  And  an 
highway  shall  be  there  and  a  way, 
and  it  shall  be  called,  The  way  of 
holiness  :  the  unclean  shall  not  pass 
over  it,  and  it  shall  be  unto  you  a 
straight  way,  that  fools  shall  not  err 
therein.  No  lion  shall  be  there,  nor 
any  ravenous  beast  shall  go  up  there- 
on, it  shall  not  be  found  there  :  but 
the  redeemed  shall  walk  there,  and 
the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  re- 
turn and  come  to  Zion  with  songs  ; 
and  everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads, 
they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness, 
and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee 
away. 

Second  Responsory. 

The  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from 
Judah,  nor  the  law-giver  from  his  loins, 
until  he  that  shall  be  sent  cometh. 
And  unto  him  shall  the  longing  of 
the  Gentiles  be. 

Verse.  J  His  eyes  shall  be  bright 
with  wine,  and  his  teeth  white  with 
milk. 

Answer.  And  unto  him  shall  the 
desire  of  the  Gentiles  be. 

Third  Lesson  (xli.  1.) 

2  T/"  EEP  silence  before  Me,  O  is- 
lands, and  let  the  peoples  re- 
new their  strength ;  let  them  come 
near  and  then  let  them  speak  ;  let 
us  come  near  together  to  judgment. 
Who  raised  up  the  3  righteous  man 
from    the    East,    and    called    him    to 


follow  Him  ?  Who  gave  the  nations 
before  him,  and  made  him  to  rule 
over  kings  ?  Who  gave  them  as 
the  dust  to  his  sword,  as  driven 
stubble  to  his  bow  ?  He  pursueth 
them,  he  passeth  safely,  his  feet  see 
not  the  way !  Who  hath  wrought 
and  done  it,  calling  the  generations 
from  the  beginning  ?  I,  the  LORD, 
the  First  and  the   Last,    I   am   He. 

• 
Third  Responsory. 

4  I  must  decrease,  but  He  must 
increase  :  He  it  is  Who,  coming 
after  me  is  preferred  before  me  : 
Whose  shoe's  latchet  I  am  not 
worthy   to   unloose. 

Verse.  5  I  baptize  you  with  water  ; 
but  He  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Whose  shoe's  latchet  I 
am  not  worthy  to  unloose. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Whose  shoe's  latchet  I 
am  not  worthy  to  unloose. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great,]  (1st  on 
the  December  Fast,  and  almsgiving. ) 

T\  EARLY  beloved  brethren,  if  we 
study  attentively  the  history  of 
the  creation  of  our  race,  we  shall 
find  that  man  was  made  in  the 
image  of  God,  that  his  ways  also 
might  be  an  imitation  of  the  ways 
of  his  Maker.  This  is  the  natural, 
real,  and  highest  dignity  to  which 
we  are  capable  of  attaining,  that  the 
goodness  of  the  Divine  nature  should 


1  Gen.  xlix.  12. 

i  From  a  prophecy  of  Isaiah  distinct  from  any  of  the  foregoing,  and  beginning  with  ch.  xli. 
3  "The  righteous  man"  is  perhaps  Abraham,  but  most  commentators  are  of  opinion  that 
Cyrus  is  meant.  4  John  iii.  30;  i.  27.  s  Matth.  iii,  11. 


258 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


have  a  reflection  in  us,  as  in  a  glass. 
As  a  mean  of  reaching  this  dignity, 
we  are  daily  offered  the  grace  of  our 
Saviour,  for  as  in  the  first  Adam  all 
men  are  fallen,  so  in  the  Second 
Adam  can  all  men  be  raised  up  again 
(i  Cor.  xv.  22). 


Fourth  Responsory. 

1  Unto  us  shall  a  Child  be  born,  and 
His  name  shall  be  called  the  Mighty 
God.  He  shall  sit  upon  the  throne  of 
His  father  David,  and  shall  reign,  and 
the  government  shall  be  upon  His 
shoulder. 

Verse.  2  In  Him  shall  all  the  kin- 
dreds of  the  earth  be  blessed ;  all 
nations  shall  serve  Him. 

Answer.  He  shall  sit  upon  the 
throne  of  His  father  David,  and  shall 
reign,  and  the  government  shall  be 
upon   His  shoulder. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

/^~\UR  restoration  from  the  conse- 
^^  quences  of  Adam's  fall  is  sheer 
mercy  of  God,  and  nothing  else  ;  we 
should  not  have  loved  Him  unless  He 
had  first  loved  us,  (1  John  iv.  19,)  and 
scattered  the  darkness  of  our  ignorance 
by  the  light  of  His  truth.  This  the 
Lord  promised  by  the  mouth  of  Isaiah, 
where  He  saith,  (Isa.  xlii.  16,)  "I  will 
bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they 
knew  not,  and  I  will  lead  them  in 
paths  that  they  have  not  known  :  I 
will  make  darkness  light  before  them, 
and  crooked  things  straight.  These 
things  will  I  do  unto  them  and  not 
forsake  them."  And  again,  (Isa.  lxv. 
1,  2  ;  Rom.  x.  20,)  "I  was  found  of 
them  that  sought  Me  not ;  I  was 
made  manifest  unto  them  that  asked 
not  after  Me." 


Fifth  Responsory. 

3  Behold,  the  fulness  of  the  time  is 
come,  wherein  God  hath  sent  forth 
His  Son  into  the  world,  born  of  a 
Virgin,  made  under  the  law :  to  re- 
deem them  that  were  under  the  law. 

Verse.  4  God,  for  His  great  love 
wherewith  He  loved  us,  hath  5  sent 
His  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful 
flesh. 

Answer.  To  redeem  them  that  were 
under  the  law. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

AND  we  know  from  the  Apostle 
Jr^  John  how  God  fulfilled  His 
promise,  (1  John  v.  20.)  "We  know 
that  the  Son  of  God  is  come,  and 
hath  given  us  an  understanding,  that 
we  may  know  Him  That  is  True,  and 
be  in  Him  That  is  True,  even  in  His 
Son."  And  again,  (iv.  19,)  "Let  us 
therefore  love  God,  because  He  first 
loved  us."  For  His  great  love  then 
wherewith  he  hath  loved  us,  (Eph.  ii. 
4,)  God  reneweth  Hjs  likeness  in  us. 
And,  moreover,  in  order  that  He  may 
find  in  us  the  reflection  of  His  good- 
ness, He  giveth  us  that  whereby  to 
work  along  with  Himself,  (Who  work- 
eth  all  in  all,)  lighting,  as  it  were, 
candles  in  our  dark  minds,  and  kind- 
ling in  us  the  fire  of  His  love,  to  make 
us  love  not  Himself  only,  but  likewise, 
in  Him,  whatsoever  He  loveth. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

cO  virgin  of  Israel,  turn  again  to 
thy  cities.  How  long  wilt  thou  go 
about  sorrowing  ?  Thou  shalt  bring 
forth  the  Lord  thy  Saviour,  a  new 
offering  in  the  earth  ;  men  shall  walk 
in  paths  of  salvation. 

Verse.      I  have  loved  thee  with  an 


1  Isa.  ix.  6. 
4  Eph.  ii.  4. 


2  Ps.  lxxi.  17,  11. 
5  Rom.  viii.  3. 


3  Gal.  iv.  4,  5. 
6  Jer.  xxxj.  21, 


FOURTH   WEEK    IN    ADVENT. 


259 


everlasting  love  :  therefore  with  loving- 
kindness  have  I  drawn  thee. 

Answer.  How  long  wilt  thou  go 
about  sorrowing  ?  Thou  shalt  bring 
forth  the  Lord  thy  Saviour,  a  new 
offering  in  the  earth. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Men  shall  walk  in  paths 
of  salvation. 

THIRD    NOCTTJRN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson   is   taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (iii.  1.) 

T  N  the  fifteenth  year  of  the  reign  of 

Tiberius     Caesar,     Pontius     Pilate 

being  governor  of  Judaea.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]  {20th  on  the  Gospels.) 

"John  said  unto  the  multitude,  that 
came  forth  to  be  baptised  of  him  :  O 
generation  of  vipers,  who  hath  warned 
you  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  ?  " 
"The  wrath  to  come"  in  one  sense 
signifieth  the  great  vengeance  of  the 
Latter  Day :  the  sinner  that  repenteth 
not  of  his  sin  now,  will  have  no  mean 
whereby  to  flee  from  punishment  then. 
Let  us  remark  that  addressing  evil 
children  copying  the  example  of  evil 
parents,  the  Baptist  calleth  them  a 
generation  of  vipers  :  in  that  they  were 
envious  at  the  righteous,  and  perse- 
cuted them  ;  that  they  repaid  evil  for 
evil ;  that  they  hunted  out  ways  of 
harming  their  neighbours, — in  all  these 
things  following  the  pattern  of  carnal 
parents,  the  prophet  likeneth  them  to 
a  venomous  brood  hatched  from  a 
venomous  stock. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

1  I  have  sworn,  saith  the  Lord,  that 
I  will  not  be  wroth  any  more  with  the 

1  Isa.  liv.  9.  2  Isa.  lvi.  1. 


earth  ;  for  the  mountains  and  the  hills 
shall  receive  My  righteousness.  And 
the  covenant  of  My  peace  shall  be  in 
Jerusalem. 

Verse.  2  My  salvation  is  near  to 
come,  and  My  righteousness  to  be  re- 
vealed. 

Answer.  And  the  covenant  of  My 
peace  shall  be  in  Jerusalem. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

\  \  J"E  also  have  sinned,  we  have  fallen 
into  wicked  habits.  What  must 
we  do,  if  we  would  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come  ?  Let  us  hear  John.  "Bring 
forth  fruits  worthy  of  repentance."  In 
which  words  let  us  remark  that  the 
Friend  of  the  Bridegroom  demandeth 
not  only  fruits  of  repentance,  but  fruits 
worthy  of  repentance.  The  former  are 
one  thing,  and  the  latter  another.  In 
considering  then  what  are  fruits  worthy 
of  repentance,  we  may  remark  that  if 
we  had  done  nothing  unlawful  we 
might  have  had  free  use  of  things 
which  are  lawful,  and  been  able  to 
sanctify  ourselves  without  abstaining 
from  indulgence  in  the  things  of  the 
world. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

3  We  will  not  go  back  from  Thee. 
Thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  quicken  us,  and 
we  will  call  upon  Thy  name.  Cause 
Thy  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  we 
shall  be  saved. 

Verse.  i  Remember  us,  O  Lord, 
with  the  favour  that  Thou  showest 
unto  Thy  people  ;  O  visit  us  with  Thy 
salvation. 

Answer.  Cause  Thy  face  to  shine 
upon  us,  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

DUT  if  any  one,  for  example,  hath 
fallen    into    fornication,    or    per- 
haps, into  what  is  much  worse,  adul- 

3  Ps.  Ixxix.  19.  4  Ps.  cv.  4. 


26o 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


tery,  he  ought  to  make  up  for  his 
lawless  pleasure  by  abstaining  in  some 
degree  from  lawful  enjoyments.  He 
that  hath  sinned  less  is  not  bound  to 
mortify  himself  as  much  as  he  that 
hath  sinned  more,  nor  he  that  is  in- 
nocent like  him  that  is  guilty.  Let 
every  one  hearing  these  words  "bring 
forth  fruits  worthy  of  repentance,"  pro- 
ceed to  judge  himself  by  his  own 
conscience,  and  the  more  he  perceiveth 
that  he  hath  sinned,  the  greater  pen- 
ance let  him  do. 

Ninth  Rcsponsory. 

1  Consider  how  great  this  man  is, 
who  is  entered  in  for  the  salvation  of 
the  nations  ;  he  is  King  of  Righteous- 
ness ;  without  descent,  nor  end  of 
life. 

Verse.  The  Fore-runner  is  for  us 
entered,  made  an  High  Priest  for  ever 
after  the  order  of  Melchisedek. 

Answer.  Without  descent,  nor  end 
of  life. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Without  descent,  nor  end 
of  life. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  2  Blow  ye  the 
trumpet  *  in  Zion,  for  the  day  of 
the  Lord  is  nigh  at  hand:  behold, 
He  cometh  to  save  us !  Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 

Second  Antiphon.  3  Behold,  the  de- 
sire *  of  all  nations  shall  come  ;  and 
the  house  of  the  Lord  shall  be  filled 
with  glory.     Alleluia. 

Third  Antiphon.  4  The  crooked  * 
shall  be  made  straight,  and  the  rough 
places  plain  ;  O  Lord,  come,  and  make 
no  tarrying.      Alleluia. 

Fourth  Antiphon.     The  Lord  com- 


eth !  *  Go  ye  out  to  meet  Him,  and 
say :  How.  great  is  His  dominion, 
and  of  His  kingdom  there  shall  be 
no  end !  He  is  the  mighty  God, 
the  Ruler,  the  Prince  of  Peace  ' 
Alleluia,   Alleluia* 

Fifth  Antiphon.  5  Thine  Almighty 
Word,  *  O  Lord,  shall  leap  down  out 
of  Thy  royal  throne.      Alleluia. 

Chapter.      ( i  Cor.  iv.  i . ) 

DRETHREN,  let  a  man  so  account 
of  us  as  of  the  ministers  of  Christ, 
and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God. 
Moreover  it  is  required  in  stewards 
that  a  man  be  found  faithful. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of Zacharias, 
6  Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace,  *  the  Lord 
is  with  thee  :  blessed  art  thou  among 
women.     Alleluia. 

See  however  the  Rubrics  concerning 
Dec.  21  and  23,  {p.  244.) 

Prayer. 

CTIR  up,  O  Lord,  we  pray  Thee, 
Thy  power,  and  come  among  us, 
and  with  great  might  succour  us,  that 
whereas  through  our  sins  and  wicked- 
ness we  are  sore  let  and  hindered, 
Thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy  may 
speedily  help  and  deliver  us  ;  Who 
livest  and  reignest  with  God  the 
Father,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Blow  ye  the  trumpet,  * 
&c,  (First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

hi  the  Short  Responsory  the  same 
alteration  as  before. 


1   Heb.  vi.  20;  vii.  2-4. 
4  Isa.  xl.  4. 


2  Joel  ii.  1. 

3  Wisd.  xviii.  15. 


3  Hag.  ii.  8. 
6  Luke  i.  28. 


FOURTH   WEEK   IN   ADVENT. 


26l 


TERCE. 


Antiphon.       Behold,    the    desire,    * 
&c,   (Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

The  Chapter  is  taken  from  Lauds. 


SEXT. 

Antiphon.      The    crooked,    *    &c, 
(Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (1  Cor.  iv.  3.) 

DUT  with  me  it  is  a  very  small  thing 
that  I  should  be  judged  of  you, 
or   of  any    man's  judgment ;    yea,    I 
judge  not  mine  own  self. 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xli.  8.) 

AND  thou,  Israel  My  servant,  Jacob, 
"^^  whom  I  have  chosen,  the  seed  of 
Abraham  My  friend  :  in  whom  I  have 
taken  thee  from  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
and  called  thee  from  the  uttermost 
parts  thereof,  and  said  unto  thee : 
Thou  art  My  servant,  I  have  chosen 
thee,  and  not  cast  thee  away.  Fear 
thou  not,  for  I  am  with  thee  ;  be  not 
dismayed,  for  I  am  thy  God  ;  I  have 
strengthened  thee,  yea,  I  have  up- 
holden  thee,  and  the  right  hand  of  My 
Righteous  One  comforteth  thee. 


NONE. 

Antiphon.     Thine  Almighty  Word, 
*  &c,   (Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 


First  Responsory. 

Blow   ye    the    trumpet,    &c,    (First 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 


Chapter.      (1  Cor.  iv.  5.) 

'"THEREFORE  judge  nothing  before 
the  time,  until  the  Lord  come, 
Who  both  will  bring  to  light  the 
hidden  things  of  darkness,  and  will 
make  manifest  the  counsels  of  the 
hearts  :  and  then  shall  every  man  have 
praise  of  God. 


VESPERS. 

Antiphons  and  Chapter  from  Lauds. 
Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord,"  are  said 
the  Vespers  of  the  Dead. 


Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  the  Third  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 


Second  Lesson. 

DEHOLD,  all  they  that  fight  against 
"  thee  shall  be  ashamed  and  con- 
founded :  they  shall  be  as  nothing,  and 
the  men  that  strive  with  thee  shall 
perish.  Thou  shalt  seek  them  and 
shalt  not  find  them,  even  them  that 
contended  with  thee ;  they  that  war 
against  thee  shall  be  as  nothing  and 
as  a  thing  of  nought.  For  I  the 
LORD  thy  God  will  hold  thy  right 
hand,  saying  unto  thee :  Fear  not,  I 
have  holpen  thee. 


Second  Responsory. 

The  sceptre   shall   not  depart,   &c, 
(Second  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T7 EAR    not,    thou    worm    Jacob,    ye 

■        dead    ones    in     Israel  ;     I     have 

holpen  thee,  saith  the  LORD,  and  thy 

Redeemer,    the    Holy   One    of   Israel. 


262 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Behold,  I  have  made  thee  a  new  sharp 
threshing  wain,  having  teeth  ;  thou 
shalt  thresh  the  mountains,  and  beat 
them  small,  and  shalt  make  the  hills 
as  chaff.  Thou  shalt  fan  them,  and 
the  wind  shall  carry  them  away  ;  and 
the  whirlwind  shall  scatter  them  ;  and 
thou  shalt  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  thou 
shalt  glory  in  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

Third  Responsory. 

I  must  decrease,  &c,  {Third  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord,  *  1  Repent  ye, 
for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 
Alleluia. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 
After  "  Bless  we  the  Lord,"  is  said 
the  Dirge. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Responsory 
at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 


Third  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  the  Third  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (xlii.  1.) 

DEHOLD  My  servant  whom  I  will 
uphold,  Mine  elect  in  whom  My 
soul  delighteth  :  I  have  put  My  spirit 
upon  him,  he  shall  bring  forth  judg- 
ment to  the  Gentiles.  He  shall  not 
cry,  nor  have  respect  of  persons, 
neither  shall  he  cause  his  voice  to  be 
heard  in  the  street.  A  bruised  reed 
shall  he  not  break,  and  the  smoking 
flax  shall  he  not  quench ;  he  shall 
bring  forth  judgment  unto  truth.  He 
shall  not  fail  nor  be  discouraged  till  he 
have  set  judgment  in  the  earth  ;  and 
the  isles  shall  wait  for  his  law. 

First  Responsory. 

Unto  us  shall  a  Child,  &c,  (Fourth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 

THUS  saith  God  the  Lord,  He 
That  created  the  heavens  and 
stretched  them  out,  He  That  estab- 
lished the  earth  and  that  which  cometh 
out  of  it ;  He  That  giveth  breath  unto 
the  people  upon  it,  and  spirit  to  them 
that  walk  therein.  I  the  LORD  have 
called  thee  in  righteousness,  and  held 
thine  hand  and  kept  thee,  and  given 
thee  for  a  covenant  of  the  people,  for  a 
light  of  the  Gentiles  ;  to  open  the  blind 
eyes,  to  bring  out  the  prisoners  from 
the  prison,  and  them  that  sit  in  dark- 
ness out  of  the  prison-house. 


1  Matth.  Hi.  2. 


FOURTH   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


263 


Second  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  fulness  of  the  time,  &c, 
{Fifth  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson.      (10.) 

OING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song, 
His  praise  from  the  end  of  the 
earth,  ye  that  go  down  to  the  sea,  and 
all  that  is  therein,  the  isles  and  the 
inhabitants  thereof.  Let  the  wilder- 
ness and  the  cities  thereof  lift  up  their 
voice,  they  that  dwell  in  the  tents 
of  Kedar.1  Sing,  O  ye  inhabitants 
of  Petra,2  shout  from  the  top  of  the 
mountains.  Let  them  give  glory  unto 
the  LORD,  and  declare  His  praise  in 
the  islands.  The  Lord  shall  go  forth 
as  a  mighty  man,  He  shall  stir  up 
jealousy  like  a  man  of  war  ;  He  shall 
cry,  yea,  roar  ;  He  shall  prevail  against 
His  enemies. 

Third  Responsory. 

O  virgin  of  Israel,  &c,  (Sixth  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
3  Awake,  awake,  *  put  on  strength,  O 
arm  of  the  Lord  ! 

See  however  the  Rubrics  on  Dec.  2 1 
and  23,  (p.  244.) 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Responsory 
at  Prime. 


VESPERS. 

Chapter.      (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Fourth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  the  Third  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (li.  1.) 

TTEARKEN  to  me,  ye  that  follow 
after  righteousness  and  seek  the 
Lord  !  Look  unto  the  rock  whence  ye 
are  hewn,  and  to  the  hole  of  the  pit 
whence  ye  are  dug.  Look  unto  Abra- 
ham your  father,  and  unto  Sarah  that 
bare  you  ;  for  I  called  him  when  he 
was  alone,  and  blessed  him,  and  in- 
creased him.  Therefore  the  Lord 
shall  comfort  Zion  ;  He  also  will  com- 
fort all  her  waste  places  :  and  He 
will  make  her  wilderness  a  place  of 
delights,  and  her  desert  like  the 
garden  of  the  LORD.  Joy  and  glad- 
ness shall  be  found  therein,  thanks- 
giving, and  the  voice  of  praise. 

First  Responsory. 

I  have  sworn,  &c,  (Seventh  Respon- 
sory on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 


1  The  name  of  a  son  of  Ishmael. 


TTEARKEN   unto  Me,   My  people, 

and  give  ear  unto   Me,   O   My 

nation  :   for  a  law  shall  proceed  from 

2  A  large  city  in  Northern  Arabia.  3  lsa.  li.  9. 


264 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Me,  and  I  will  make  My  judgment 
to  rest  for  a  light  of  the  people. 
My  Righteous  One  is  near,  My 
Saviour  is  gone  forth,  and  Mine 
arms  shall  judge  the  people  :  the 
isles  shall  wait  upon  Me,  and  on 
Mine  arm  shall  they  trust.  Lift  up 
your  eyes  to  the  heavens,  and  look 
upon  the  earth  beneath  ;  for  the 
heavens  shall  vanish  away  like  smoke, 
and  the  earth  shall  wax  old  like  a 
garment,  and  they  that  dwell  therein 
shall  perish  in  like  manner  :  but  My 
salvation  shall  be  for  ever,  and  My 
righteousness  shall  not  pass  away. 

Second  Responsory. 

We  will  not  go  back,  &c,  {Eighth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T_J  EARKEN  unto  me,  ye  that  know 
righteousness,  My  people  in 
whose  heart  is  My  law :  fear  ye  not 
the  reproach  of  men,  neither  be  ye 
afraid  of  their  revilings.  For  the 
worm  shall  eat  them  up  like  a  gar- 
ment, and  the  moth  shall  eat  them 
like  wool :  but  My  salvation  shall 
be  for  ever,  and  My  righteousness 
from  generation  to  generation. 


Third  Responsory. 

Consider    how   great,   &c,     (Ninth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 


LAUDS. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  I  will  place  salvation  *  in  Zion, 
and  My  glory  in  Jerusalem.  Alle- 
luia. 

See  however  the  Rubrics  on  Dec.  2 1 , 
and  23,  (p.  244.) 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 


PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 


VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Fifth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  the  Third  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (lxiv.  1.) 

C\  THAT  Thou  wouldest  rend  the 
^^  heavens,  that  Thou  wouldest 
come  down  !  that  the  mountains 
might  flow  down  at  Thy  presence ! 
They  would  pass  away  like  a  fire 
that  is  burnt  out,  the  fires  would 
cause  the  waters  to  boil,  to  make 
Thy  name  known  to  Thine  adver- 
saries, that  the  nations  may  tremble 
at  Thy  presence  !  When  Thou  doest 
terrible  things  we  shall  not  abide  it : 


1  Isa.  xlvi.  13. 


FOURTH   WEEK   IN    ADVENT. 


265 


Thou  earnest  down,  the  mountains 
flowed  down  at  Thy  presence.  From 
the  beginning  of  the  world  men  have 
not  heard,  nor  perceived  by  the  ear  ; 
the  eye  hath  not  seen,  O  God,  be- 
side Thee,  what  Thou  hast  prepared 
for  them  that  wait  for  Thee  ! 

First  Responsory. 

Blow    ye    the   trumpet,    &c,    {First 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 

'THOU  meetest  him  that  rejoiceth, 
and  worketh  righteousness  ;  they 
will  remember  Thee  in  Thy  ways  : 
behold,  Thou  art  wroth,  for  we  have 
sinned  :  in  those  was  continuance  and 
we  shall  be  saved.  But  we  are  all 
as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our 
righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags  :  l 
and  we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf,  and 
our  iniquities,  like  the  wind,  have 
taken  us  away.  There  is  none  that 
calleth  upon  Thy  name,  that  stirreth 
up  himself  to  take  hold  of  Thee  : 
Thou  hast  hid  Thy  face  from  us, 
and  hast  consumed  us  by  the  hand 
of  our  iniquities. 


Our  holy  and  our  beautiful  house, 
where  our  fathers  praised  Thee,  is 
burned  up  with  fire,  and  all  our 
pleasant  things  are  laid  waste. 

Third  Responsory. 

I  must  decrease,  &c,  {Third  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
2  Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye,  *  My  people, 
saith  the  Lord  your  God. 

See  however  the  Rubric  on  Dec.  23, 

(p.  244.) 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 


Second  Responsory. 

The  sceptre   shall  not  depart,  &c, 
(Second  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 


Third  Lesson. 

AND  now,  O  LORD,  Thou  art  our 
"^^  Father  ;  we  are  clay,  and  Thou 
our  Potter,  and  we  all  are  the  work 
of  Thine  hand.  Be  not  wroth  very 
sore,  O  LORD,  neither  remember  our 
iniquity  for  ever :  behold,  see,  we  are 
all  Thy  people.  The  city  of  Thy 
sanctuary  is  a  wilderness,  Zion  is  a 
wilderness,     Jerusalem     a    desolation. 

1  Pannus  menstruatae. 


VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 

Sixth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  as  on  the  Third  Sunday. 
Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

2  Isa.  xl.  1. 


266 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE  SEASON. 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (lxvi.  5.) 

TTEAR  the  word  of  the  LORD,  ye 
that  tremble  at  His  word ;  your 
brethren  that  hated  you,  and  cast  you 
out  for  My  name's  sake,  said  :  Let  the 
Lord  be  glorified,  and  we  shall  see  it 
in  your  joy — but  they  shall  be  ashamed. 
A  voice  of  people  from  the  city,  a  voice 
from  the  temple,  a  voice  of  the  Lord 
that  rendereth  recompense  to  His  ene- 
mies. Before  she  travailed,  she  brought 
forth  :  before  her  pain  came  she  was  de- 
livered of  a  man  child.  Who  hath  heard 
such  a  thing  ?  or  who  hath  seen  such 
things  ?  Shall  the  earth  bring  forth  in 
one  day  ?  or  shall  a  nation  be  born  at 
once  ?  for  as  soon  as  Zion  travailed  she 
brought  forth  her  children. 

First  Responsory. 

Unto  us  shall  a  Child,  &c,  {Fourth 
Responsory  on  Sunday.) 

Second  Lesson. 

CHALL  not  I  Myself  bring  forth, 
^  saith  the  LORD,  That  make 
others  to  bring  forth  ?  Shall  I  Myself 
be  barren,  That  cause  others  to  beget 
children  ?  saith  the  Lord  thy  God. 
Rejoice  ye  with  Jerusalem,  and  be  glad 
with  her,  all  ye  that  love  her :  rejoice 
for  joy  with  her,  all  ye  that  mourn  for 
her,  that  ye  may  suck,  and  be  satisfied 
with  the  breasts  of  her  consolations  : 
that  ye  may  milk  out,  and  be  delighted 
with  the  abundance  of  her  glory.  For 
thus  saith  the  LORD :  Behold,  I  will 
extend  the  glory  of  the  Gentiles  to  her 
like  a  flowing  stream,  whereof  ye  shall 
suck ;  ye  shall  be  borne  upon  her 
breasts,  and  be  dandled  upon  her 
knees. 

Second  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  fulness  of  the  time,  &c, 
{Fifth  Responsory  on  Sunday.) 


Third  Lesson 

A  S  one  whom  his  mother  comfort- 
eth,  so  will  I  comfort  you,  and 
ye  shall  be  comforted  in  Jerusalem. 
When  ye  see  this,  your  heart  shall 
rejoice,  and  your  bones  shall  flourish 
like  an  herb :  and  the  hand  of  the 
Lord  shall  be  known  towards  His 
servants,  and  His  indignation  towards 
His  enemies.  For,  behold,  the  Lord 
will  come  with  fire  ;  and  His  chariots 
like  a  whirlwind,  to  render  His  anger 
with  fury,  and  His  rebuke  with  flames 
of  fire  :  for  by  fire  and  by  His  sword 
will  the  Lord  plead  with  all  flesh,  and 
the  slain  of  the  LORD  shall  be  many. 

Third  Responsory. 

O  virgin  of  Israel,  &c,  {Sixth  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday.) 

LAUDS. 

Chapter.      (Isa.  ii.  3.) 

Come  ye,  &c,  (as  on  Monday  in  the 
First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Behold,  all  things  are  fulfilled  *  which 
were  spoken  by  the  Angel  concerning 
the  Virgin  Mary. 

Prayer  as  on  Sunday. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

Antiphons  as  on  Sunday,  and  the 
same  alteration  in  the  Short  Respon- 
sory at  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  10.) 

The  sceptre,  &c,  {as  on  Monday  in 
the  First  Week.) 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  First  Saturday. 


CHRISTMAS   EVE. 


267 


Christmas;  Wat, 

The  Eve  of  the  Lord's  Birth. 

If  Christmas  Eve  does  not  fall  on  a 
Sunday,  the  Office  is  of  the  Eve.  If  it 
fall  on  a  Sunday,  the  Office  is  of  the 
Sunday,  save  that  the  Invitatory  is  of 
the  Eve  j  all  is  then  of  the  Sunday  till 
the  Verse  and  Answer  of  the  Third 
Nocturn :  the  Verse  and  Answer,  Gos- 
pel and  Homily,  are  then  of  the  Eve  j 
what  follows  is  of  the  Eve,  and  at 
Lauds  there  is  a  Commemoration  of 
the  Sunday. 

MATTINS. 

Of  the  week-day,  except  the  following. 

Invitatory.  This  day  ye  shall  know 
that  the  Lord  cometh  :  *  1  and  in  the 
morning,  then  ye  shall  see  His  glory. 

Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

Verse.  This  day  ye  shall  know  that 
the  Lord  cometh. 

Answer.  And  in  the  morning,  then 
ye  shall  see  His  glory. 


First  [or  Seventh]  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (i. 
18.) 

V\/'HEN  as  Mary,  the  Mother  of 
Jesus,  was  espoused  to  Joseph, 
before  they  came  together,  she  was 
found  with  child  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem,]  (is/  Bk.  of  Commentaries, 
on  Matth.  i.) 

Why  was  the  Lord  conceived  of  an 
espoused  virgin  rather  than  of  a  free  ? 
First,  for  the  sake  of  the  genealogy  of 
Mary,  which  we  have  obtained  by  that 

1  Exod.  xvi.  6,  7.  2  Exod.  xix.  10. 


of  Joseph.  Secondly,  because  she  was 
thus  saved  from  being  stoned  by  the 
Jews  as  an  adulteress.  Thirdly,  that 
Himself  and  His  mother  might  have 
a  guardian  on  their  journey  into  Egypt. 
To  these,  Ignatius,  the  martyr  of 
Antioch,  has  added  a  fourth  reason  : 
namely,  that  the  birth  might  take 
place  unknown  to  the  devil,  who 
would  naturally  suppose  that  Mary 
had  conceived  by  Joseph. 

First  [or  Seventh]  Responsory. 

2  Sanctify  yourselves  to-day,  and  be 
ready :  for  on  the  morrow  ye  shall  see 
the  majesty  of  God  upon  you. 

Verse.  This  day  ye  shall  know  that 
the  Lord  cometh,  and  in  the  morning, 
then  ye  shall  see — 

Answer.  The  majesty  of  God  upon 
you. 

Second  [or  Eighth]  Lesson. 

"  "DEFORE  they  came  together,  she 
was  found  with  child  of  the 
Holy  Ghost."  She  was  found,  that  is, 
by  Joseph,  but  by  no  one  else.  He 
had  already  almost  an  husband's  privi- 
lege to  know  all  that  concerned  her. 
"  Before  they  came  together."  This 
doth  not  imply  that  they  ever  did  come 
together :  the  Scripture  merely  show- 
eth  the  absolute  fact  that  up  to  this 
time  they  had  not  done  so. 

Second  [or  Eighth]  Responsory. 

3  Stand  still,  and  ye  shall  see  the 
help  of  the  Lord  with  you  :  O  Judah 
and  Jerusalem,  fear  not.  To-morrow 
ye  shall  go  out,  and  the  Lord  will  be 
with  you. 

Verse.  Sanctify  yourselves,  O  ye 
children  of  Israel,  and  be  ready. 

Answer.  To-morrow  ye  shall  go 
out,  and  the  Lord  will  be  with  you. 

3  Exod.  xiv.  13  ;  2  Par.  (Chron.)  xx.  17. 


268 


THE    PROPER    OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  [or  Ninth]  Lesson. 

"  'THEN  Joseph  her  husband,  being 
a  just  man,  and  not  willing  to 
make  her  a  public  example,  was 
minded  to  put  her  away  privily."  If 
any  man  be  joined  to  a  fornicatress 
they  become  one  body  ;  and  according 
to  the  law  they  that  are  privy  to  a 
crime  are  thereby  guilty.  How  then 
can  it  be  that  Joseph  is  described  as 
a  just  man,  at  the  very  time  he  was 
compounding  the  criminality  of  his 
espoused  ?  It  must  have  been  that 
•he  knew  her  to  be  pure,  and  yet 
understood  not  the  mystery  of  her 
pregnancy,  but,  while  he  wondered  at 
that  which  had  happened,  was  willing 
to  hold  his  peace. 

Third  [or  Ninth]  Responsory. 

Sanctify  yourselves,  O  ye  children 
of  Israel,  saith  the  Lord :  for  on  the 
morrow  the  LORD  will  come  down. 
And  will  take  away  from  you  all 
sickness.1 

Verse.  On  the  morrow  the  sins  of 
the  earth  shall  be  washed  away,  and 
the  Saviour  of  the  world  will  be  our 
King. 

Answer.  And  will  take  away  from 
you  all  sickness. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  will  take  away  from 
you  all  sickness. 

The  rest  of  the  day  is  observed  as  a 
Double  Feast. 


Second  Antiphon.  3  This  day  ye 
shall  know  *  that  the  Lord  cometh  : 
and  in  the  morning,  then  ye  shall  see 
His  glory. 

Third  Antiphon.  On  the  morrow  * 
the  sins  of  the  earth  shall  be  washed 
away,  and  the  Saviour  of  the  world 
will  be  our  King. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  The  Lord  com- 
eth !  * — Go  ye  out  to  meet  Him, 
and  say  :  How  great  is  His  dominion, 
and  of  His  kingdom  there  shall  be 
no  end  :  He  is  the  Mighty  God,  the 
Ruler,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  Alleluia  ! 

Fifth  Antiphon.  On  the  morrow  * 
ye  shall  be  saved,  saith  the  Lord  God 
of  hosts. 

Chapter.      (Rom.  i.  I.) 

TDAUL,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ, 
called  to  be  an  Apostle,  separated 
unto  the  gospel  of  God,  which  He 
had  promised  afore  by  His  Prophets, 
in  the  holy  Scriptures,  concerning  His 
Son,  Which  was  made  of  the  seed  of 
David  according  to  the  flesh. 

Hymn  as  on  the  First  Sunday. 

Verse.  On  the  morrow  the  sins  of 
the  earth  shall  be  washed  away. 

Answer.  And  the  Saviour  of  the 
world  will  be  our  King. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  Saviour  of  the  world  shall  rise 
like  the  sun,  and  come  down  into  the 
womb  of  the  Virgin  as  the  showers 
upon  the  grass.     Alleluia. 


LAUDS. 

Psalms  of  the  Sunday. 

First  Antiphon.  2  O  Judah  and 
Jerusalem,  *  fear  not:  to-morrow  ye 
shall  go  out,  and  the  Lord  will  be 
with  you. 


Prayer. 

f~\  GOD,  Whose  mercy  doth  year  by 
year  cause  us  to  rejoice,  looking 
forward  to  our  deliverance,  grant  that 
as  we  now  make  ready  with  gladness 
to  receive  Thine  Only-begotten  Son  as 
our  Saviour,  so  we  may  see  Him  with? 


1  Deut.  vii.  15. 


2  2  Par.  (Chron.)xx.  17. 


3  Exod.  xvi.  6,  7. 


CHRISTMAS   EVE. 


269 


out  dread  at  His  second  and  terrible 
coming  as  our  Judge,  even  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. 

PRIME. 

As  on  Doubles. 

Antiphon.  O  Judah  and  Jerusalem, 
*  &c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

The  same  alteration  as  before  in  the 
Short  Responsory. 

MARTYROLOGY  {all  standing). 

Upon  the  25th  day  of  December  ; 

In  the  year  5199  from  the  creation 
of  the  world,   when   in  the  beginning 
'  God     created    the    heavens    and    the 
earth  ; 

In  the  year  2959  from  the  flood  ; 

In  the  year  2015  from  the  birth  of 
Abraham  ; 

In  the  year  1  5  1  o  from  the  going  forth 
of  the  people  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt 
under  Moses  ; 

In  the  year  1032  from  the  anoint- 
ing of  David  as  King  ; 

In  the  65th  week  according  to  the 
prophecy  of  Daniel  ; 

In  the  194  Olympiad  ; 

In  the  752  from  the  foundation  of 
the  city  of  Rome  ; 

In  the  42nd  year  of  the  reign  of  the 
Emperor  Octavian  Augustus  ; 

In  the  6th  age  of  the  world,  while 
the  whole  earth  was  at  peace,  Jesus 
Christ,  Himself  Eternal  God  and  Son 
of  the  Eternal  Father,  being  pleased  to 
hallow  the  world  by  His  most  gracious 
coming,  having  been  conceived  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  when  nine  months 
were  passed  after  His  conception, 
{all  kneel  down) 

was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  at  Beth- 
lehem of  Juda  made  Man,  our  Lord 


Jesus   Christ   was  born   according  to 
the  flesh. 

{All  rise  and  sit.) 

Upon  the  same  25  th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  in  the  Apronian  cemetery, 
the  holy  virgin  Eugenia,  who  in  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Gallienus,  after 
many  works  of  power,  and  after  enlist- 
ing bands  of  sacred  virgins  for  Christ, 
suffered  long  under  Nicetius,  Prefect  of 
the  city,  and  at  length  was  slain  with 
the  sword  [about  258]. 

At  Nicomedia,  many  thousand  holy 
martyrs.  Upon  the  feast  of  Christ's 
birth  they  had  come  together  unto  the 
Lord's  house,  and  the  Emperor  Diocle- 
tian ordered  the  doors  of  the  church 
to  be  shut,  and  all  things  made  ready 
for  fire  round  about  it  ;  then  he  set  a 
tripod  and  incense  in  front  of  the  door, 
and  sent  an  herald  to  proclaim  in  a 
loud  voice  that  whosoever  would  escape 
burning  should  come  forth  arid  offer 
incense  unto  Jupiter.  Whereunto  they 
all  replied  with  one  voice,  that  they 
would  far  rather  die  for  Christ's  sake, 
whereupon  he  kindled  the  fire  and  they 
were  consumed,  and  were  born  in 
heaven  upon  that  same  day  where- 
upon it  had  pleased  Christ  to  be  born 
into  this  world  to  save  it. 

At  Barcelona,  in  Spain  [in  the  year 
1 2  56],  the  holy  confessor  Peter  Nolasco, 
founder  of  the  Order  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary  of  Ransom  for  the  re- 
demption of  captives.  He  was  famous 
for  his  graces  and  miracles,  and 
Alexander  VIII.  commanded  his 
feast  to  be  kept  upon  the  last  day 
of  January. 

Chapter  at  the  end.      (Rom.  i.  5.) 

"DY  Whom  we  have  received  grace 
and  Apostleship,  for  obedience 
to  the  faith  among  all  nations,  by  His 
name,  among  whom  are  ye  also  the 
called  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


270 


THE  PROPER  OFFICE  OF   THE   SEASON. 


TERCE. 

Antiphon.  This  day  ye  shall  know, 
*  &c,  {Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

This  day  ye  shall  know  that  the 
Lord  cometh. 

Answer.  This  day  ye  shall  know 
that  the  Lord  cometh. 

Verse.  And  in  the  morning,  then 
ye  shall  see   His  glory. 

Answer.     That  the  Lord  cometh. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  This  day  ye  shall  know 
that  the  Lord  cometh. 

Verse.      Stand  ye  still. 

Answer.  And  ye  shall  see  the 
salvation  of  the   LORD  with  you. 

Prayer  as  at  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  On  the  morrow,  *  &c, 
( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Rom.  i.  4.) 

V\/"HO  is  declared  to  be  the  Son  of 
God  with  power,  according  to 
the  spirit  of  holiness,  by  the  resur- 
rection of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ  from 
the  dead. 

Short  Responsory. 

On  the  morrow  the  sins  of  the  earth 
shall  be  washed  away. 

Answer.  On  the  morrow  the  sins 
of  the  earth  shall  be  washed  away. 

Verse.  And  the  Saviour  of  the 
world  will  be  our  King. 


Answer.  The  sins  of  the  earth 
shall  be  washed  away. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  On  the  morrow  the  sins 
of  the  earth  shall  be  washed  away. 

Verse.  On  the  morrow  ye  shall  be 
saved. 

Answer.  Saith  the  Lord  God  of 
hosts. 

Prayer  as  at  Lauds. 
NONE. 

Antiphon.  On  the  morrow,  *  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory.  • 

On  the  morrow  ye  shall  be  saved. 

Answer.  On  the  morrow  ye  shall 
be  saved. 

Verse.  Saith  the  Lord  God  of 
hosts. 

Answer.     Ye  shall  be  saved. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  On  the  morrow  ye  shall 
be  saved. 

Verse.  On  the  morrow  the  sins  of 
the  earth  shall  be  washed  away. 

Answer.  And  the  Saviour  of  the 
world  will  be  our  King. 

Prayer  as  at  Lauds. 

The  Feast  begins  at  sunset. 

From  henceforth  until  the  Epiphany, 
the  last  verse  of  all  the  hymns  at 
Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  None,  and  Com- 
pline, is  altered  in  honour  of  the 
Incarnation. 


271 


Pule   or    Christmas   ISag, 

£fte  Btrt^Hag 1  of  the  Eorb. 
Double  of  the  First  Class,  with  an  Octave. 


Everything  as  on  Sundays  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

First  Antiphon.  King  Peaceful  ex- 
ceeded all  the  kings  of  the  earth,  and 
all  the  earth  sought  to  Peaceful.2 

Second  Antiphon.  King  Peaceful 
exceeded  all  the  kings  of  the  whole 
earth. 

Third  Antiphon.  3  The  days  of 
Mary  were  accomplished  that  she 
should  bring  forth  her  first-born  Son. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  4  Know  ye  that 
the  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand  :  Amen 
I  say  unto  you,  it  will  not  tarry. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  5  Lift  up  your 
heads :  behold,  your  redemption 
draweth  nigh. 

Psalm  CXVI. 
O  praise  the  Lord,  &c,  {p.  186.) 

Chapter.      (Tit.  iii.  4.) 

'T'HE  kindness  and  love  of  God  our 

Saviour  appeared,  not  by  works  of 

righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but 


Hymn.6 

JESUS,  the  Ransomer  of  man, 
Who,  ere  created  light  began, 
Didst  from  the  Sovereign  Father  spring, 
His  power  and  glory  equalling. 

Thou  brightness  of  Thy  Father's  rays, 
Thou  hope  and  end  of  all  our  ways  : 
With  gracious  ears  the  prayers  attend, 
Which  round  the  world  to  Thee  ascend. 

Remember,  Lord,  that  heretofore, 
When  Thee  Thy  Virgin  Mother  bore, 
Thou  from  her  womb  didst  breathe  our  air, 
And  human  nature  for  us  bear. 

To  Thee,  this  present  solemn  day, 
We  yearly  adorations  pay  ; 
The  world's  Redeemer  Thee  we  own, 
Descending  from  Thy  Father's  throne. 

The  joyful  heavens,  earth  and  main, 
With  whatsoever  they  contain, 
In  new,  harmonious  accents  sing 
New  life  restored  by  the  new-born  King. 

We,  ransomed  by  that  bloody  tide, 
That  issued  from  Thy  sacred  side, 
With  double  hymns  of  heart  and  voice, 
For  this  Thy  natal  day  rejoice. 

To  Jesus,  from  a  Virgin  sprung, 
Be  glory  given,  and  praises  sung  : 
The  like  to  God  the  Father  be, 
And  Holy  Ghost  eternally.     Amen. 

Verse.      On  the  morrow  the  sins  of 


according  to  His  mercy  He  saved  us.         the  earth  shall  be  washed  away. 

1  Nativitas. 

2  This  passage  is  in  3  (1)  Kings  x.  23,  24,  and  relates  to  Solomon,  but  by  translating  his 
name,  which,  in  the  Hebrew,  means  "  Peaceful,"  it  is  made  to  apply  to  Christ  the  true  "  Prince 
of  Peace."  3  Luke  ii.  6,  7.  4  Luke  xxi.  31.  5  Luke  xxi.  28. 

6  This  hymn,  except  the  last  verse,  is  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  though  altered  almost  beyond 
recognition  :  the  translation  is  extracted  from  the  "  Hortus  Animse." 


272 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF  THE   SEASON. 


Answer.  And  the  Saviour  of  the 
world  will  be  our  King. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  x  Or  ever  the  sun  be  risen, 
ye  shall  see  the  King  of  kings  coming 
forth  from  the  Father,  as  a  bridegroom 
out  of  his  chamber. 

Prayer  as  at  the  following  Lands. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  2  Unto  us  a  Christ  is 
born  :  *  O  come,  let  us  worship  Him. 

Hymn  as  at  Vespers. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
said  unto  Me  :  *  Thou  art  My  Son, 
this  day  have  I  begotten  Thee. 

Psalm  II. 

Why    do    the    heathen    rage  ?    &c, 

(A  4-) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  is  as 
a  bridegroom  *  coming  out  of  his 
chamber. 

Psalm  XVIII. 

The  heavens  declare,  &c.  {p.  17.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Grace  is  poured 
into  Thy  lips :  *  therefore  God  hath 
blessed  Thee  for  ever. 

Psalm  XLIV. 

Mine  heart  is  overflowing,  &c,  {p. 
96.) 

Verse.  The  Lord  is  as  a  bride- 
groom. 

Answer.  Coming  out  of  his  cham- 
ber. 


First  Lesson.  3     (Isa.  ix.  1.) 

A  T  the  first  He  lightly  afflicted  the 
land  of  Zabulon  and  the  land 
of  Naphtali :  and  afterward  did  more 
grievously  afflict  the  way  of  the  sea, 
beyond  Jordan,  Galilee  of  the  Gen- 
tiles. The  people  that  walked  in 
darkness  have  seen  a  great  light  : 
they  that  dwell  in  the  land  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  upon  them  hath 
the  light  shined.  Thou  hast  multi- 
plied the  nation  and  4  not  increased 
the  joy.  They  shall  joy  before  Thee 
according  to  the  joy  in  harvest,  as 
men  rejoice  when  they  divide  the 
spoil.  For  Thou  hast  broken  the 
yoke  of  his  burden,  and  the  staff 
of  his  shoulder,  and  the  rod  of  his 
oppressor,  as  in  the  day  of  Midian. 
For  every  battle  of  the  warrior  is 
with  confused  noise,  and  garments 
rolled  in  blood,  and  it  shall  be  with 
burning  and  fuel  of  fire.  For  unto 
us  a  Child  is  born,  and  unto  us  a 
Son  is  given :  and  the  government 
is  upon  His  shoulder,  and  His  name 
shall  be  called  Wonderful,  Counsel- 
lor, The  Mighty  God,  The  Ever- 
lasting Father,  the  Prince  of  Peace. 

First  Responsory. 

This  is  the  day  whereon  the  King  of 
heaven  was  pleased  to  be  born  of  a 
Virgin,  that  He  might  bring  back  to 
heaven  man  who  was  lost.  There  is 
joy  among  the  hosts  of  Angels,  be- 
cause eternal  salvation  hath  appeared 
unto  men. 

Verse.  5  Glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est, and  on  earth  peace,  to  men  of 
goodwill.6 

Answer.     There  is  joy  among  the 


1  Cf.  Ps.  xviii.  s  Cf.  Isa.  ix.  6. 

3  But  the  title  is  not  given  out.  Lowth  translates  the  first  words :  "  In  the  former  time  He 
debased  the  land  of  Zabulon,  &c,"  (referring  to  the  invasion  under  Tiglath  Pileser,)  "but  in 
the  latter  time  He  hath  made  it  glorious,  even  the  way  of  the  sea,  &c." 

4  The  Hebrew  tradition,  accepted  by  Lowth,  attributes  the  negative  to  an  eccentric  spelling, 
and  translates  :   "  and  increased  their  joy." 

5  Luke  ii.  14.  6  [x>  the  objects  of  God's  good-will. 


YULE   OR   CHRISTMAS   DAY. 


273 


hosts  of  Angels,  because  eternal  sal- 
vation hath  appeared  unto  men. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  This  is  the  day  whereon 
the  King  of  heaven  was  pleased  to 
be  born  of  a  Virgin,  that  He  might 
bring  back  to  heaven  man  who  was 
lost.  There  is  joy  among  the  hosts 
of  Angels,  because  eternal  salvation 
hath  appeared  unto  men. 

Second  Lesson.     l  (Isa.  xl.  1.) 

/^OMFORT  ye,  comfort  ye,  My 
people,  saith  your  God.  Speak 
ye  comfortably  to  Jerusalem,  and  cry 
unto  her  that  her  warfare  is  accom- 
plished, that  her  iniquity  is  pardoned  ; 
for  she  hath  received  of  the  Lord's 
hand  double  for  all  her  sins.  The 
voice  of  him  that  crieth  in  the  wilder- 
ness :  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the 
Lord,  make  straight  in  the  desert 
an  highway  for  our  God.  Every 
valley  shall  be  exalted,  and  every 
mountain  and  hill  shall  be  made 
low :  and  the  crooked  shall  be  made 
straight,  and  the  rough  places  plain. 
And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall 
be  revealed,  and  all  flesh  shall  see 
it  together ;  for  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  it.  The  voice 
said,  Cry.  And  I  said  :  What  shall 
I  cry  ?  All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all 
the  goodliness  thereof  is  as  the  flower 
of  the  field.  The  grass  withereth  and 
the  flower  fadeth,  because  the  spirit 
of  the  LORD  bloweth  upon  it :  surely 
the  people  is  grass.  The  grass  with- 
ereth and  the  flower  fadeth  :  but  the 
word  of  our  2  Lord  endureth  for  ever. 


Second  Responsory. 

This    day   is   the   true   peace   come 
down    unto    us    from    heaven.       This 


day  throughout  the  whole  world  the 
skies  drop  down  sweetness. 

Verse.  This  day  is  the  daybreak 
of  our  new  redemption,  of  the  re- 
storing of  the  old,  of  everlasting 
joy. 

Answer.  This  day  throughout  the 
whole  world  the  skies  drop  down 
sweetness. 

Third  Lesson.     x  (Isa.  Hi.  1.) 

A  WAKE,  awake,  put  on  thy  strength, 
O  Zion  :  put  on  thy  beautiful  gar- 
ments, O  Jerusalem,  thou  city  of  the 
Holy  One  !  for  henceforth  there  shall 
no  more  come  into  thee  the  uncircum- 
cised  and  the  unclean.  Shake  thyself 
from  the  dust,  arise,  sit  down,  O  Jeru- 
salem :  loose  thyself  from  the  bands  of 
thy  neck,  O  captive  daughter  of  Zion  ! 
For  thus  saith  the  Lord  :  Ye  have 
sold  yourselves  for  nought,  and  ye 
shall  be  redeemed  without  money. 
For  thus  saith  the  Lord  3  God  :  My 
people  went  down  aforetime  into 
Egypt?  to  sojourn  there  :  and  the 
Assyrian  oppressed  them  without 
cause.  Now,  therefore,  what  have 
I  here,  saith  the  LORD,  that  My 
people  is  taken  away  for  nought  ? 
They  that  rule  over  them  do  evil, 
saith  the  LORD,  and  My  name  con- 
tinually every  day  is  blasphemed. 
Therefore  My  people  shall  know  My 
Name  in  that  day  :  they  shall  know 
that  I  am  He  That  spake,  behold, 
it  is   I. 

Third  Responsory. 

O  ye  shepherds,  speak,  and  tell  us 
what  ye  have  seen  ;  who  is  appeared 
in  the  earth  ?  We  saw  the  new-born 
Child,  and  Angels  singing  praise  to 
the  Lord. 

Verse.  Speak  ;  what  have  ye  seen  ? 
And  tell  us  of  the  Birth  of  Christ. 

Answer.       We    saw    the    new-born 


1  Not  given  out. 


2  Hebrew,  "our  God." 


3  The  Divine  Name. 


274 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE  SEASON. 


Child,  and  Angels  singing  praise  to 
the  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  We  saw  the  new-born 
Child,  and  Angels  singing  praise  to 
the  Lord. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  We  have  drunk 
in  Thy  loving-kindness,  *  O  God, 
in  the  midst  of  Thy  temple. 

Psalm  XLVII. 

Great  is  the  Lord,  &c,  (p.  98.) 

Second  Antiphon.  In  the  Lord's 
days  *  shall  abundance  of  peace  arise 
and  flourish. 

Psalm  LXXI. 

Give  the  king  Thy  judgment,  &c, 
(p.  126.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Truth  is  sprung 
out  of  the  earth,  *  and  righteousness 
hath  looked  down  from  heaven. 

Psalm  LXXXIV. 

Lord,  Thou  hast  been  favourable, 

&c,  {p.    1 43-) 

Verse.  x  Thou  art  fairer  than  the 
children  of  men. 

Answer.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great,]  (1st  for 
Christmas. ) 

T^\EARLY  beloved  brethren,  "  Unto 

us  is  born  this  day  a  Saviour," 

(Luke   ii.    11.)      Let  us    rejoice.       It 


would  be  unlawful  to  be  sad  to-day, 
for  to  -  day  is  Life's  Birthday :  the 
Birthday  of  that  Life,  Which,  for 
us  dying  creatures,  taketh  away  the 
sting  of  death,  and  bringeth  the 
bright  promise  of  the  eternal  glad- 
ness hereafter.  It  would  be  unlaw- 
ful for  any  man  to  refuse  to  partake 
in  our  rejoicing.  All  men  have  an 
equal  share  in  the  great  cause  of 
our  joy,  for,  since  our  Lord,  Who 
is  the  destroyer  of  sin  and  of  death, 
findeth  that  all  are  bound  under  the 
condemnation,  He  is  come  to  make 
all  free.  Rejoice,  O  thou  that  art 
holy,  thou  drawest  nearer  to  thy 
crown !  Rejoice,  O  thou  that  art 
sinful,  thy  Saviour  offereth  thee  par- 
don !  Rejoice  also,  O  thou  Gentile, 
God  calleth  thee  to  life !  For  the 
Son  of  God,  when  the  fulness  of  the 
time  was  come,  which  had  been  fixed 
by  the  unsearchable  counsel  of  God, 
took  upon  Him  the  nature  of  man, 
that  He  might  reconcile  that  nature 
to  Him  Who  made  it,  and  so  the 
devil,  the  inventor  of  death,  is  met 
and  beaten  in  that  very  flesh  which 
hath  been  the  field  of  his  victory. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

How  great  is  this  mystery,  how 
wonderful  is  the  teaching  of  the  faith  ! 
The  beasts  saw  the  new-born  Lord 
lying  in  a  manger.  Blessed  is  that 
Virgin  whose  womb  was  made  meet 
to  bear  our  Lord  Christ. 

Verse.  Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace  : 
the  Lord  is  with  thee. 

Answer.  Blessed  is  that  Virgin 
whose  womb  was  made  meet  to  bear 
our  Lord  Christ. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

\ \T HEN  our  Lord  entered  the  field 

of  battle  against  the  devil,  He 

did    so   with    a   great   and    wonderful 


1  Ps.  xliv.  3. 


YULE  OR  CHRISTMAS   DAY. 


275 


fairness.  Being  Himself  the  Almighty, 
He  laid  aside  His  uncreated  Majesty 
to  fight  with  our  cruel  enemy  in  our 
weak  flesh.  He  brought  against  him 
the  very  shape,  the  very  nature  of  our 
mortality,  "yet  without  sin."  (Heb. 
iv.  15.)  His  birth  however  was  not 
a  birth  like  other  births — for  no  other 
is  born  pure,  nay,  not  the  little  child 
whose  life  endureth  but  a  day  on  the 
earth.1  To  His  birth  alone  the  throes 
of  human  passion  had  not  contributed, 
in  His  alone  no  consequence  of  sin 
had  had -part.  For  His  Mother  was 
chosen  a  Virgin  of  the  kingly  lineage 
of  David,  and  when  she  was  to  grow 
heavy  with  the  sacred  Child,  her  soul 
had  already  conceived  Him  before  her 
body.  She  knew  the  counsel  of  God 
announced  to  her  by  the  Angel,  lest 
the  unwonted  events  should  alarm 
her.  The  future  Mother  of  God  knew 
what  was  to  be  wrought  in  her  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  that  her  modesty  was 
absolutely  safe. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

Blessed  "is  God's  holy  Mother, 
Mary,  maiden  undefiled.  This  day 
hath  she  brought  forth  the  Saviour 
of  the  world. 

Verse.  2  Blessed  is  she  that  be- 
lieved ;  for  there  is  a  performance  of 
all  those  things  which  were  told  her 
from  the  Lord. 

Answer.  This  day  hath  she 
brought  forth  the  Saviour  of  the 
world. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

THEREFORE,  dearly  beloved  bre- 
thren,  let  us  give  thanks  to 
God  the  Father,  through  His  Son,  in 
the  Holy  Ghost:  Who,  "for  His  great 
love  wherewith  He  loved  us,"  hath 
had  mercy  on  us  :  and,  "  even  when 
we  were  dead  in  sins,  hath  quickened 


us  together  with  Christ,"  (Eph.  ii.  4, 
5,)  that  in  Him  we  might  be  a  new 
creature,  and  a  new  workmanship. 
Let  us  then  put  off  the  old  man  with 
his  deeds  (Col.  iii.  9)  ;  and,  having 
obtained  a  share  in  the  Sonship  of 
Christ,  let  us  renounce  the  deeds  of 
the  flesh.  Learn,  O  Christian,  how 
great  thou  art,  who  hast  been  made 
partaker  of  the  Divine  nature,  (2  Pet. 
i.  4,)  and  fall  not  again  by  corrupt 
conversation  into  the  beggarly  ele- 
ments above  which  thou  art  lifted. 
Remember  Whose  Body  it  is  Whereof 
thou  art  made  a  member,  and  Who 
is  its  Head,  (1  Cor.  vi.  15.)  Re- 
member that  it  is  He  That  hath 
delivered  thee  from  the  power  of 
darkness  aijd  hath  translated  thee 
into  God's  light,  and  God's  king- 
dom,  (Col.   i.    13.) 

Sixth  Responsory. 

O  Mary,  how  holy  and  how  spotless 
is  thy  virginity  —  I  am  too  dull  to 
praise  thee  !  For  thou  hast  borne  in 
thy  breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens 
cannot  contain.3 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women,  and  blessed  is  the  fruit  of 
thy  womb. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  borne  in 
thy  breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens 
cannot  contain. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  borne  in 
thy  breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens 
cannot  contain. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  He  shall  cry  unto 
Me,  (Alleluia)  *  Thou  art  My  Father, 
(Alleluia.) 


1  Job  xiv.  4.  (LXX.) 


2  Luke  i.  45. 


3  3  (1)  Kings  viii.  27. 


276 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Psalm  LXXXVIII. 

I  will  sing  of  the  mercies,  &c,  (fi. 
I45-) 

Second  Antiphon.  Let  the  heavens 
rejoice,  *  and  let  the  earth  be  glad 
before  the  Lord,  for  He  cometh. 

Psalm  XCV. 

O  sing  unto  the  Lord,  &c,  (p.  148.) 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
made  known,  (Alleluia,)  *  His  salva- 
tion, (Alleluia.) 

Psalm  XCV//. 
O  sing  unto  the  Lord,  &c.,(p.  157.) 

Verse.  He  shall  cry  unto  Me, 
(Alleluia.) 

Answer.  Thou  art  My  Father, 
(Alleluia.) 

Seventh  Blessing. 

May  the  Gospel's  saving  Lord 
Bless  the  reading  of  His  Word. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson   is  taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  1.) 

A  T  that  time :  There  went  out  a 
■^"^  decree  from  Caesar  Augustus 
that  all  the  world  should  be  enrolled. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]  (8th  on  the  Gospels.) 

By  God's  mercy  we  are  to  say  three 
Masses  to-day,  so  that  there  is  not 
much  time  left  for  preaching  ;  but  at 
the  same  time  the  occasion  of  the 
Lord's  Birth-day  itself  obliges  me   to 


speak  a  few  words.  I  will  first  ask 
why,  when  the  Lord  was  to  be  born, 
the  world  was  enrolled  ?  Was  it  not 
to  herald  the  appearing  of  Him  by 
Whom  the  elect  are  enrolled  in  the 
book  of  life  ?  Whereas  the  Prophet 
saith  of  the  reprobate :  "  Let  them 
be  blotted  out  of  the  book  of  the 
living,  and  not  be  written  with  the 
righteous."  (Ps.  lxviii.  29.)  Then, 
the  Lord  is  born  in  Bethlehem.  Now 
the  name  Bethlehem  signifieth  "  the 
House  of  Bread,"  and  thus  it  is  the 
birth-place  of  Him  Who  hath  said, 
"  I  am  the  Living  Bread,  Which  came 
down  from  heaven."  (John  vi.  51.) 
We  see  then  that  this  name  of  Bethle- 
hem was  prophetically  given  to  the 
place  where  Christ  was  born,  .because 
it  was  there  that  He  was  to  appear 
in  the  flesh  by  Whom  the  souls  of 
the  faithful  are  fed  unto  life  eternal. 
He  was  born,  not  in  His  Mother's 
house,  but  away  from  home.  And 
this  is  a  mystery,  showing  that  this 
our  mortality  into  which  He  was  born 
was  not  the  home  of  Him  Who  is 
begotten  of  the  Father  before  the 
worlds. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

Blessed  be  the  womb  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,  which  bore  the  Son  of  the 
Eternal  Father,  and  blessed  be  the 
paps  which  give  suck  to  Christ  our 
Lord.  This  day  hath  He  been  pleased 
for  the  salvation  of  the  world  to  be 
born  of  a  Virgin. 

Verse.  This  day  which  is  breaking 
is  holy :  O  come,  ye  Gentiles,  and 
worship  the  Lord. 

Answer.  This  day  hath  He  been 
pleased  for  the  salvation  of  the  world 
to  be  born  of  a  Virgin. 


Eighth  Blessing. 

May  the  Gospel's  glorious  word, 
Cleansing  to  our  souls  afford. 


YULE   OR   CHRISTMAS   DAY. 


277 


Eighth  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken   from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  1  5.) 

A  T  that  time  :  The  shepherds  said 
-**"  one  to  another  :  Let  us  now  go 
even  unto  Bethlehem,  and  see  this 
thing  which  is  come  to  pass,  which 
the  Lord  hath  made  known  unto  us. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan,]  {Book  ii.  on  Luke  ii.) 

Behold  the  beginning  of  the  Church. 
Christ  is  born,  and  the  shepherds 
watch  ;  shepherds,  to  gather  together 
the  scattered  sheep  of  the  Gentiles, 
and  to  lead  them  into  the  fold  of 
Christ,  that  they  might  no  longer  be 
a  prey  to  the  ravages  of  spiritual  wolves 
in  the  night  of  this  world's  darkness. 
And  that  shepherd  is  wide  awake, 
whom  the  Good  Shepherd  stirreth  up. 
The  flock  then  is  the  people,  the  night 
is  the  world,  and  the  shepherds  are 
the  Priests.  And  perhaps  he  is  a 
shepherd  to  whom  it  is  said,  "  Be 
watchful  and  strengthen,"  (Apoc.  iii. 
2,) l  for  God  hath  ordained  as  the 
shepherds  of  His  flock  not  Bishops 
only,  but  also  Angels. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

2  The  Word  was  made  flesh,  and 
dwelt  among  us.  And  we  beheld 
His  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  Only- 
begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace 
and  truth. 

Verse.  All  things  were  made  by 
Him,  and  without  Him  was  not  any- 
thing made. 

Answer.  And  we  beheld  His 
glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  Only -be- 
gotten of  the  Father,  full  of  grace 
and  truth. 

Verse.       Glory    be    to    the    Father, 


and    to    the    Son,    and    to    the    Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  we  beheld  His 
glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  Only -be- 
gotten of  the  Father,  full  of  grace 
and  truth. 

Ninth  Blessing. 

Christ  That  sent  the  Gospel  preacher, 
In  his  meaning  be  our  Teacher. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken   from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (i.  1.) 

T  N  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and 
the  Word  was  with  God,  and  the 
Word  was  God.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by   St    Austin,    Bishop   [of 
Hippo,]  (1st  Tract  on  John.) 

Lest  thou  shouldest  think  all  things 
mean,  as  thou  art  accustomed  to  think 
of  things  human,  hear  and  digest  this 
— "The  Word  was  God."  Now  per- 
haps there  will  come  forward  some 
Arian  unbeliever,  and  say  that  the 
Word  of  God  was  a  creature.  How 
can  the  Word  of  God  be  a  creature, 
when  it  was  by  the  Word  that  all 
creatures  were  made  ?  If  He  be  a 
creature,  then  there  must  have  been 
some  other  Word,  not  a  creature,  by 
which  He  was  made.  And  what 
Word  is  that  ?  If  thou  sayest  that  it 
was  by  the  word  of  the  Word  Himself 
that  He  was  made,  I  tell  thee  that 
God  had  no  other,  but  One  Only- 
begotten  Son.  But  if  thou  say  not 
that  it  was  by  the  word  of  the  Word 
Himself  that  He  was  made,  thou  art 
forced  to  confess  that.  He  by  Whom 
all  things  were  made  was  not  Himself 
made  at  all.     Believe  the  Gospel. 

The   Hymn,    "We   praise    thee,    O 
God,  &c."  is  said. 


1  Addressed  to  the  Angel  of  the  Church  of  Sardis. 
VOL.  I. 


John  i.  14,  3. 
K 


278 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


After  this  the  Service  proceeds  as 
follows : * 

Verse.      Hear  my  prayer,  O  LORD. 
Answer.     And    let    my    cry    come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

Here  follows  the  Prayer  from  Lauds, 
at  the  end  of  which  is  answered  : 

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. 

In  communities  the  Midnight  Mass 
is  now  celebrated,  and  immediately 
afterwards  Lauds  are  begun. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  O  ye  shepherds, 
speak,  *  and  tell  us  what  ye  have 
seen  ;  who  is  appeared  in  the  earth  ? 
We  saw  the  new  -  born  Child,  and 
angels  singing  praise  to  the  Lord. 
Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  The  Mother 
brought  forth  the  King,  *  Whose  name 
is  called  The  Eternal  ;  the  joy  of  a 
Mother  was  hers,  remaining  a  Virgin 
unsullied ;  neither  before  nor  hence- 
forth hath  there  been  or  shall  be  such 
another.      Alleluia. 

Third  Antiphon.  3  The  Angel  said 
unto  the  shepherds  :  *  I  bring  you 
good  tidings  of  great  joy  ;  for  unto  you 
is  born  this  day  a  Saviour  of  the 
world.     Alleluia. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  3  There  was  with 
the  Angel  a  multitude  of  the  heavenly 
host,    *    praising    God,    and    saying : 


Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on 
earth  peace,  to  men  of  good  will. 
Alleluia. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Unto  us  this  day 
a  little  Child  is  born,  *  and  His  name 
shall  be  called  the  Mighty  God.  Alle- 
luia, Alleluia. 

Chapter.     (Heb.  i.  i.) 

/^OD,  Who  by  divers  portions  and 
in  divers  manners  spake  in  time 
past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  Prophets  : 
hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto  us 
by  His  Son,  Whom  He  hath  appointed 
heir  of  all  things,  by  Whom  also  He 
made  the  worlds. 

Hymn.* 

pROM  where  the  sunrise  had  its  birth, 
■*•       Unto  the  farthest  bounds  of  earth, 
The  Virgin  Mary's  Child  we  sing, 
With  notes  of  gladness,  Christ  the  King. 

Blest  Maker  of  the  world,  He  came 
And  clad  Him  in  a  servant's  frame, 
Our  flesh  with  His  own  Flesh  to  aid, 
Lest  those  should  perish  whom  He  made. 

His  Mother  pure  becomes  the  place 
Wherein  abides  celestial  grace, 
She  bears  within  her  maiden  breast 
A  secret  by  herself  unguessed. 

Soon  rises  in  that  modest  shrine 
The  Temple  of  the  Lord  Divine  : 
The  stainless  and  unwedded  one 
Within  her  womb  conceived  the  Son. 

Him  in  that  wondrous  birth  she  bore 
Whom  Gabriel  announced  before  ; 
Whom  John  while  yet  unborn  perceived, 
And,  leaping  in  the  womb,  believed. 

On  hay  reclined,  the  Lord  Most  High, 
Within  a  manger  deigned  to  lie  : 
And  He  who  feeds  the  birds  of  air 
Vouchsafed  a  little  milk  to  share. 

The  Heavenly  choirs  now  rejoice, 
The  Angels  lift  to  God  their  voice, 
The  Shepherd  Who  the  world  hath  made 
Before  the  shepherds  lies  displayed. 

1  But  if  there  is  to  be  no  Mass,  Lauds  are  begun  at  once. 

2  This  Antiphon  has  a  sort  of  rhythm  like  Hexameters,  which  has  been  preserved  in  the 
translation.  3  Luke  ii.  io,  13,  14. 

4  Hymn  attributed  to  Ccelius  Sedulius,  a  poet  of  the  fifth  century.  It  is  slightly  altered. 
The  translation  is  by  the  Rev.  Dr  Littledale.  In  the  original,  and  in  the  Breviary,  the  verses 
begin  with  A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  G,  respectively. 


YULE   OR   CHRISTMAS   DAY. 


279 


O  Lord,  from  spotless  Virgin  sprung, 

All  glory  unto  Thee  be  sung, 

To  Father,  and  to  Spirit  be 

Like  honour  paid  eternally.     Amen. 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  made  known. 
— Alleluia. 

Answer.     His  salvation.     Alleluia. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  *  and  on 
earth  peace,  to  men  of  good-will.  Al- 
leluia, Alleluia. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

/^RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty 
^^  God,  that  we  who  groan  under 
the  burthen  of  our  sins,  may,  by  the 
new  Birth  of  Thine  Only-begotten  Son 
in  the  flesh,  mercifully  be  freed  and 
delivered.  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.      Amen. 


PRIME. 

Prime  is  said  at  dawn. 

Antiphon.  O  ye  shepherds,  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  short  Responsory  instead  of 
the  Verse  "  Thou  That  sittest  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  Father,"  is  said: 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  born  of  the 
Virgin  Mary. 

And  the  same  alteration  is  made 
every  day  till  Twelfth  Day. 

Martyrology. 

On  the  26th  day  of  December,  was 
born  into  the  higher  life — 

At  Jerusalem,  holy  Stephen,  the 
first  Martyr.  He  was  stoned  by  the 
Jews  not  long  after  the  Ascension  of 
the  Lord. 


At  Rome,  holy  Marinus,  of  the 
Senatorial  order.  He  was  arrested 
under  the  Emperor  Numerian  and  the 
Praefect  Marcian,  on  the  charge  of 
being  a  Christian.  He  was  tortured 
as  they  used  to  do  to  slaves,  on  the 
rack  and  with  iron  claws.  They  threw 
him  into  a  furnace,  but  the  fire  was 
turned  into  dew,  and  he  was  delivered. 
He  was  thrown  to  wild  beasts,  but 
they  left  him  unharmed.  He  was 
led  again  to  the  altar,  and,  when  he 
prayed,  the  idols  fell  down.  Then 
they  smote  him  with  the  sword,  and 
he  became  more  than  conqueror 
through  up-lifting  of  his  testimony. 

Likewise,  at  Rome,  on  this  day  was 
laid  to  sleep  [in  the  year  269]  beside 
the  Appian  Road  the  holy  Pope  Denys, 
who  worked  hard  for  the  Church,  and 
is  a  bright  ensample  of  faith. 

At  the  same  place  [in  the  year 
417],  the  holy  Pope  and  confessor 
Zosimus. 

In  Mesopotamia,  the  holy  Bishop 
Archelaus,  well  known  for  his  teaching 
and  holiness. 

At  Verona  [in  the  year  380],  holy 
Bishop  Zeno. 

At  Rome,  holy  Theodore,  the  cham- 
berlain of  St  Peter's  church,  of  whom 
mention  is  made  by  blessed  Pope 
Gregory. 

And  in  divers  places  an  exceeding 
great  multitude  of  holy  Martyrs  and 
Confessors  and  holy  Virgins. 


Chapter  at  the  end.      (Heb.  i.  11.) 

'"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. 

In  Co7)imunities  the  Dawn  Mass  is 
now  celebrated. 


28o 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF   THE  SEASON. 


TERCE. 

Antiphon.  The  Mother,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  Word  was  made  flesh.  Alle- 
luia, Alleluia. 

Answer.  The  Word  was  made 
flesh.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.     And  dwelt  among  us. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Word  was  made 
flesh.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  He  shall  cry  unto  Me, — 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  Thou  art  My  Father.  Al- 
leluia. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  The  Angel  said,  &c, 
{Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (Heb.  i.  10.) 

AND:  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  begin- 
"^^  ning  hast  laid  the  foundation  of 
the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the 
works  of  Thine  hands. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  LORD  hath  made  known.  Al- 
leluia, Alleluia. 

Answer.  The  Lord  hath  made 
known.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.     His  salvation. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  hath  made 
known.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  All  the  ends  of  the  earth 
have  seen — Alleluia. 

Answer.  The  salvation  of  our  God. 
Alleluia. 


NONE. 

Antiphon.  Unto  us  this  day,  &c.r 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

All  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen, 
— Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  All  the  ends  of  the  earth 
have  seen, — Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.     The  salvation  of  our  God. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  The  Word  was  made  flesh. 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  And  dwelt  among  us. 
Alleluia. 

second  vespers. 

First  Antiphon.  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. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  sent  re- 
demption unto  His  people,  *  He  hath 
commanded  His  covenant  for  ever. 

Third  Antiphon.  Unto  the  upright 
there  ariseth  light  in  the  darkness  :  * 
the  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of  com- 
passion, and  righteous. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  With  the  Lord 
there  is  mercy,  *  and  with  Him  is 
plenteous  redemption. 

Psalm  CXXIX. 

Out  of  the  depths,  &c,  {p.  91). 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Of  the  fruit  of  thy 
body  *  will  I  set  upon  thy  throne. 

Psalm  CXXXL. 

Lord,  remember  David,  &c,  {p. 
193)- 

Chapter  and  Verse  and  Answer  from 
Lauds. 

Hymn  as  at  the  First  Vespers. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.     This  day  the  Christ  is  born  : 


ST   STEPHEN  S   DAY. 


281 


this  day  the  Saviour  is  appeared  :  * 
this  day  the  Angels  sing  praise  in  the 
earth  and  the  Archangels  rejoice  :  this 
day  the  righteous  are  glad  and  say  : 
Glory  to  God  in  the  highest.     Alleluia. 

Commemoration  of  St  Stephen. 

Antiphon.  l  And  Stephen,  full  of 
grace  and  power,  did  great  wonders 
among  the  people. 

Verse.  Thou  hast  2  crowned  him 
with  glory  and  honour,   O   Lord. 

Answer.  And  madest  him  to  have 
dominion  over  the  works  of  Thy 
hands. 

Let  us  pray. 

r*  RANT,  O  Lord,  that  we  may  have 
^^  grace  to  tread  in  his  footsteps 
whom  we  honour,  and  learn  to  love 
and  bless  our  enemies  by  the  ex- 
ample of  Thy  First  Martyr  Stephen, 
who  prayed  even  for  his  murderers  to 
JESUS  Christ,  Thy  Son;  Who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  Thee  in  the  unity 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

Dec.  26. 

&t  Stephen's  Bag, 

The  Feast  of  St  Stephen  the  First 
Martyr. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class,  with  an 
Octave. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  one 
Martyr  except  what  is  otherwise  given 
here. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory. 

3  He  That  once  a  little  Child, 
Shivering  in  the  manger  lay, 
Set  on  Stephen's  blessed  head 
A  crown  that  fadeth  not  away. 

*  O  come,  let  us  worship  Him  ! 
1  Acts  vi.  8.  2  The  name  Stephen  means 


FIRST   NOCTURN. 


First  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Acts  of 
the  Apostles  (vi.  2.) 

T  N  those  days,  when  the  number  of 
the  disciples  was  multiplied,  there 
arose  a  murmuring  of  the  Grecians 
against  the  Hebrews,  because  their 
widows  were  neglected  in  the  daily 
ministration.  Then  the  twelve  called 
the  multitude  of  the  disciples  unto 
them,  and  said  :  It  is  not  reasonable 
that  we  should  leave  the  Word  of 
God,  and  serve  tables.  Wherefore, 
brethren,  look  ye  out  among  you 
seven  men  of  honest  report,  full  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  and  wisdom,  whom 
we  may  appoint  over  this  business. 
But  we  will  give  ourselves  continually 
to  prayer,  and  to  the  ministry  of  the 
word. 

First  Responsory. 

And  Stephen,  full  of  grace  and 
power,  did  great  wonders  and  miracles 
among  the  people. 

Verse.  There  arose  certain  of  the 
synagogue,  disputing  with  Stephen ; 
and  they  were  not  able  to  resist  the 
wisdom,  and  the  Spirit  which  spake. 

Answer.  Did  great  wonders  and 
miracles  among  the  people. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  saying  pleased  the  whole 
"^^  multitude.  And  they  chose  Ste- 
phen, a  man  full  of  faith  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  Philip,  and  Pro- 
chorus,  and  Nicanor,  and  Timon,  and 
Parmenas,  and  Nicolas,  a  proselyte  of 
Antioch.  Whom  they  set  before  the 
Apostles  :  and  when  they  had  prayed, 
they  laid  their  hands  on  them.  And 
the  word  of  God  increased  ;  and  the 
multitude  of  the  disciples  multiplied 
in    Jerusalem    greatly ;    and    a    great 

wn.  3  The  original  has  a  rhyme. 


282 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


multitude  of  the  priests  were  obedient 
to  the  faith.  And  Stephen,  full  of 
grace  and  power,  did  great  wonders 
and  miracles  among  the  people. 

Second  Responsory. 

1  All  that  sat  in  the  council,  looking 
steadfastly  on  Stephen,  saw  his  face 
as  it  had  been  the  face  of  an  angel 
standing  among  them. 

Verse.  Full  of  grace  and  power,  he 
did  great  wonders  and  miracles  among 
the  people. 

Answer.  His  face  as  it  had  been 
the  face  of  an  angel  standing  among 
them. 

Third  Lesson. 

/T,HEN  there  arose  certain  of  the 
synagogue,  which  is  called  the 
synagogue  of  the  Libertines,  and  Cyre- 
nians,  and  Alexandrians,  and  of  them 
of  Cilicia  and  of  Asia,  disputing  with 
Stephen.  And  they  were  not  able 
to  resist  the  wisdom  and  the  Spirit 
which  spake.  Then  they  suborned 
men,  which  said  they  had  heard  him 
speak  blasphemous  words  against  Moses 
and  against  God.  And  they  stirred  up 
the  people,  and  the  elders,  and  the 
scribes  ;  and  came  upon  him,  and 
caught  him,  and  brought  him  to  the 
council,  and  set  up  false  witnesses, 
which  said  :  This  man  ceaseth  not  to 
speak  words  against  this  holy  place, 
and  the  law. 


Third  Responsory. 

2  The  blessed  Stephen  looked  up 
steadfastly  into  heaven,  and  saw  the 
glory  of  God,  and  said  : — Behold,  I 
see  the  heavens  opened,  and  the  Son 

i  Acts  vi.  15.  2  Acts  vii.  55. 

3  Now  called  Alfaques,  in  the  district  of  Tunis,  in  North  Africa.  The  Martyrology  (Jan.  1) 
says  that  "in  the  persecution  by  the  Vandals  he  suffered  much  for  the  Catholic  faith,  and,  on 
account  of  his  great  learning,  was  banished  by  the  Arians  into  the  isle  of  Sardinia  ;  but,  after- 
ward permitted  to  return  to  his  Bishopric,  renowned  for  his  life  and  preaching,  made  an  holy 
end."     Born,  a.d.  468.     Died,  533. 


of  Man  standing  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  power  of  God. 

Verse.  But  Stephen,  being  full  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  looked  up  steadfastly 
into  heaven,  and  saw  the  glory  of  God, 
and  said : — 

Answer.  Behold,  I  see  the  heavens 
opened,  and  the  Son  of  man  standing 
at  the  right  hand  of  the  power  of 
God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Behold,  I  see  the  heavens 
opened,  and  the  Son  of  Man  standing 
at  the  right  hand  of  the  power  of  God. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Fulgentius,  Bishop  [of  Ruspa.]  3 
{On  St  Stephen.) 

'yESTERDAY  we  were  celebrating 
the  birth  in  time  of  our  Eternal 
King ;  to-day  we  celebrate  the  vic- 
tory, through  suffering,  of  one  of  His 
soldiers.  Yesterday  our  King  was 
pleased  to  come  forth  from  His  royal 
palace  of  the  Virgin's  womb,  clothed 
in  a  robe  of  flesh,  to  visit  the  world  ; 
to-day  His  soldier,  laying  aside  the 
tabernacle  of  the  body,  entereth  in 
triumph  into  the  heavenly  palaces. 
The  One,  preserving  unchanged  that 
glory  of  the  Godhead  which  He  had 
before  the  world  was,  girded  Himself 
with  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  en- 
tered the  arena  of  this  world  to  fight 
sin  ;  the  other  taketh  off  the  garments 
of  this  corruptible  body,  and  entereth 
into  the  heavenly  mansions,  where  he 
will  reign  for  ever.     The  One  cometh 


ST   STEPHEN'S   DAY. 


283 


down,  veiled  in  flesh  ;  the  other  goeth 
up,  clothed  in  a  robe  of  glory,  red 
with  blood. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

1  They  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon 
God  and  saying :  Lord  JESUS  Christ, 
receive  my  spirit ;  and  lay  not  this  sin 
to  their  charge. 

Verse.  And  he  kneeled  down,  and 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying : — 

Answer.  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  re- 
ceive my  spirit ;  and  lay  not  this  sin 
to  their  charge. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

XHE  One  cometh  down  amid  the 
jubilation  of  angels ;  the  other 
goeth  up  amid  the  stoning  of  the 
Jews.  Yesterday  the  holy  angels  were 
singing,  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est ; "  to-day  there  is  joy  among  them, 
for  they  receive  Stephen  into  their 
company.  Yesterday  the  Lord  came 
forth  from  the  Virgin's  womb  ;  to-day 
His  soldier  is  delivered  from  the  prison 
of  the  body.  Y'esterday  Christ  was 
for  our  sakes  wrapped  in  swaddling 
bands  ;  to  -  day  He  girdeth  Stephen 
with  a  robe  of  immortality.  Yester- 
day the  new-born  Christ  lay  in  a 
narrow  manger ;  to-day  Stephen  en- 
tereth  victorious  into  the  boundless 
heavens.  The  Lord  came  down  alone 
that  He  might  raise  many  up ;  our 
King  humbled  Himself  that  He  might 
set  His  soldiers  in  high  places. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

2  They  ran  upon  him  with  one  ac- 
cord, and  cast  him  out  of  the  city, 
calling  upon  God,  and  saying :  Lord 
JESUS,  receive  my  spirit. 

Verse.  And  the  witnesses  laid 
down  their  clothes  at  a  young  man's 

1  Acts  vii.  59,  60. 


feet,  whose  name  was  Saul  ;  and  they 
stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon  God, 
and  saying : — 

Answer.  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my 
spirit. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

ly/fY  brethren,  it  behoveth  us  to  con- 
sider  with  what  arms  Stephen 
was  able,  amid  all  the  cruelty  of  the 
Jews,  to  remain  more  than  conqueror, 
and  worthily  to  attain  to  so  blessed 
a  triumph.  Stephen,  in  that  struggle 
which  brought  him  to  the  crown 
whereof  his  name  is  a  prophecy,  had 
for  armour  the  love  of  God  and  man, 
and  by  it  he  remained  victorious  on 
all  hands.  The  love  of  God  strength- 
ened him  against  the  cruelty  of  the 
Jews  ;  and  the  love  of  his  neighbour 
made  him  pray  even  for  his  murderers. 
Through  love  he  rebuked  the  wander- 
ing, that  they  might  be  corrected  ; 
through  love  he  prayed  for  them  that 
stoned  him,  that  they  might  not  be 
punished.  By  the  might  of  his  love 
he  overcame  Saul  his  cruel  persecutor  ; 
and  earned  for  a  comrade  in  heaven, 
the  very  man  who  had  done  him  to 
death  upon  earth. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

The  ungodly  fell  upon  the  righteous, 
to  put  him  to  death.  But  he  received 
the  stones  with  joy,  that  he  might  earn 
a  crown  of  glory. 

Verse.  They  stopped  their  ears, 
and  ran  upon  him  with  one  accord. 

Answer.  But  he  received  the 
stones  with  joy,  that  he  might  earn 
a  crown  of  glory. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  But  he  received  the 
stones  with  joy,  that  he  might  earn 
a  crown  of  glory. 

2  Acts  vii.  56-58. 


284 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xxiii. 
34-) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto  the 

Scribes  and  Pharisees :   Behold, 

I    send  unto  you   Prophets,  and  wise 

men,  and  Scribes  ;  and  some  of  them 

ye  shall  kill  and  crucify.     And  so  on. 

Homily  on  this  passage  by  St 
Jerome,  Priest  [at  Bethlehem.]  (Bk. 
iv.  Commentary  on  Matth.  xxiii.) 

We  have  already  remarked  that  the 
Lord's  words,  "  Fill  ye  up  the  measure 
of  your  fathers,"  (32,)  refer  in  the  first 
place  to  Himself,  Whom  the  Jews 
afterwards  put  to  death.  In  a  second- 
ary sense  it  may  likewise  be  applied 
to  His  disciples,  of  whom  He  saith, 
"  Behold,  I  send  unto  you  Prophets, 
and  wise  men,  and  Scribes."  Here 
observe  that,  according  to  the  Apostle 
writing  to  the  Corinthians,  (1  Cor.  xii. 
4,)  there  are  diversities  of  gifts  among 
Christ's  followers.  Some  are  Prophets 
of  that  which  is  to  come  ;  some  are 
wise  men,  who  know  the  due  season 
for  rebuke  and  exhortation  ;  some  are 
Scribes  learned  in  the  law.  And  of 
these  they  stoned  Stephen,  slew  Paul 
with  the  sword,  crucified  Peter,  and 
scourged  the  Disciples  mentioned  in 
the  Acts  of  the  Apostles.  (v.  40 ; 
xvi.  23.) 

Seventh  Responsory. 

Stephen,  the  servant  of  God,  who 
was  stoned  by  the  Jews,  saw  the 
heavens  opened :  he  saw  and  entered 
in.  Blessed  is  he,  unto  whom  the 
heavens  were  opened. 

Verse.  While  his  poor  body  was 
crushed  by  the  hurtling  shower  of 
stones,  God's  brightness  broke  upon 
him  out  of  the  heavenly  palaces. 


Answer.  Blessed  is  he  unto  whom 
the  heavens  were  opened. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T  T  is  a  subject  of  dispute  among 
commentators  who  is  meant  by 
Zacharias  the  son  of  Barachias.  We 
read  of  several  persons  of  the  name 
of  Zacharias.  But  here,  in  order  to 
prevent  any  mistake,  it  is  particularly 
said,  "  Whom  ye  slew  between  the 
temple  and  the  altar."  I  have  read 
various  opinions  in  various  places  upon 
this  question,  and  I  will  give  each. 
First,  some  hold  that  Zacharias  the 
son  of  Barachias  is  the  eleventh  of 
the  twelve  Minor  Prophets  ;  and  this 
opinion  is  supported  by  the  father's 
name.  But  the  Bible  nowhere  telleth 
us  that  this  Prophet  was  slain  between 
the  temple  and  the  altar ;  and  it  is 
hardly  possible  that  he  can  have  been, 
for  in  his  time  it  could  scarcely  be 
said  that  even  the  ruins  of  the  temple 
were  in  existence.  Secondly,  others 
maintain  that  this  Zacharias  was 
Zacharias,  the  father  of  John  the 
Baptist.  This  interpretation  is  de- 
rived from  the  dreams  of  the  Apocry- 
phal Gospels,  wherein  it  is  asserted 
that  he  was  martyred  for  preaching 
Christ's  coming. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

The  gates  of  heaven  were  opened 
to  Christ's  blessed  martyr  Stephen, 
and  he  is  the  first  of  all  the  martyrs. 
Wherefore  he  reigneth  crowned  in 
heaven. 

Verse.  For  he  was  the  first  to 
make  an  offering  of  his  death  to  that 
Saviour  Who  vouchsafed  to  suffer 
death  for  us. 

Answer.  Wherefore  he  reigneth 
crowned  in  heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 


ST   STEPHEN'S   DAY. 


285 


Answer.  Wherefore  he  reigneth 
crowned  in  heaven. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

A  THIRD  school  will  have  it  that  this 
■^"^  Zacharias,  the  son  of  Barachias, 
was  that  Zacharias  of  whom  we  read, 
in  2  Chron.  xxiv.  22,  that  he  was 
slain  by  Joash,  king  of  Judah,  between 
the  temple  and  the  altar.  Against 
this  it  is  to  be  remarked,  that  that 
Zacharias  was  not  the  son  of  Barachias, 
but  of  Jehoiada  the  priest ;  whence  it 
is  written,  "  Joash  remembered  not 
the  kindness  which  Jehoiada  his  father 
had  done  to  him."  The  question 
therefore  ariseth,  if  this  opinion  be 
true,  why,  the  name  and  manner  of 
death  both  agreeing  with  this  explana- 
tion, Zacharias  is  called  the  son,  not 
of  Jehoiada,  but  of  Barachias.  In 
Hebrew,  Barachias  signifieth  the 
Blessed  of  the  Lord,  and  Jehoiada 
proves  his  Righteousness.  In  the 
Gospel  used  by  the  Nazarenes  the 
name  of  Jehoiada  is  used  instead  of 
Barachias. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  l  They  stoned 
Stephen,  *  calling  upon  God,  and 
saying :  Lay  not  this  sin  to  their 
charge. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  stones  of 
the  brook  *  were  sweet  to  him :  all 
the  souls  of  the  righteous  follow  him. 

Third  Antiphon.  O  my  God,  my 
soul  followeth  hard  after  Thee,  *  for 
my  flesh  hath  been  stoned  for  Thy 
sake. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Stephen  saw  the 
heavens  opened ;  *  he  saw  and  en- 
tered in  :  blessed  is  he  unto  whom  the 
heavens  were  opened. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  2  Behold,  I  see  * 
the  heavens  opened,  and  JESUS  stand- 
ing on  the  right  hand  of  the  power  of 
God. 


Chapter.     (Acts  vi.  8.) 

A  ND  Stephen,  full  of  grace  and 
*^^  power,  did  great  wonders  and 
miracles  among  the  people. 

Verse.  3  Devout  men  carried  Ste- 
phen to  his  burial. 

Answer.  And  made  great  lamen- 
tation over  him. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias, 
and  Prayer  throughout  the  Office  from 
the  Cotmnemoration  of  the  preceding 
evening. 

Commemoration  of  Christmas  fro?n 
the  Lauds  of  yesterday. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  They  stoned  Stephen, 
&c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Ln  the  Short  Responsory  the  same 
alteration  as  yesterday. 

Martyrology. 

Upon  the  27th  day  of  December 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Ephesus,  the  holy  Apostle  and 
Evangelist  John.  After  the  writing  of 
his  Gospel  after  his  return  from  exile, 
and  after  the  Revelation  which  God 
gave  unto  him,  he  lived  on  until  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Trajan,  and 
founded  and  governed  the  churches  of 
all  Asia.  He  died  of  old  age  in  the 
sixty-eighth  year  after  the  death  of 
Christ  [about  the  year  101],  and  was 
buried  hard  by  the  city  of  Ephesus. 

At  Alexandria,  holy  Maximus,  Pope 
of  that  See,  who  was  eminently  worthy 
to  be  called  a  confessor  [in  the  year 
282]. 

At  Constantinople  the  holy  brethren 
Theodore  [Grapt]  and  Theophanes. 
They  were  bred  up  from  their  child- 
hood in  the  monastery  of  St  Saba,  and 
afterwards  stoutly  contended  for  the 
honouring  of  holy  images  against  the 


1  Acts  vii.  58,  59. 
VOL    I. 


2  Acts  vii.  55. 


8  Acts  viii.  2. 
K  2 


286 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Emperor  Leo  the  Armenian,  for  the 
which  he  caused  them  to  be  beaten 
and  sent  into  exile,  and  after  his  death 
they  still  stoutly  withstood  the  Emperor 
Theophilus,  who  was  held  captive  by 
the  same  ungodliness,  for  the  which  he 
also  caused  them  to  be  again  beaten 
and  driven  into  exile.  Theodore  died 
in  prison,  but  Theophanes,  after  that 
peace  was  given  back  to  the  Church, 
was  made  Bishop  of  Nice,  and  fell 
asleep  in  peace  in  the  Lord  [ninth  cen- 
tury]. 

Likewise,  at  Constantinople,  the 
holy  virgin  Niceras,  who  was  emi- 
nent for  her  holiness,  in  the  time  of 
the  Emperor  Arcadius  [about  the 
year  440]. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Acts  vii.  59.) 

AND  he  kneeled  down,  and  cried 
"^^  with  a  loud  voice,  saying  :  Lord, 
lay  not  this  sin  to  their  charge.  And 
when  he  had  said  this,  he  fell  asleep 
in  the  Lord. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  The  stones  of  the  brook, 
*  &c,  {Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 


NONE. 


Antiphon.      O  my  God,  &c,  ( Third 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Acts  vi.  9.) 

'TWEEN  there  arose  certain  of  the 
synagogue  of  the  Libertines,  and 
Cyrenians,  and  Alexandrians,  and  of 
them  of  Cilicia  and  of  Asia,  disputing 
with  Stephen,  and  they  were  not  able 
to  resist  the  wisdom,  and  the  Spirit 
which  spake. 

1  When  this  is  the  first  or  last  Prayer,  it  has,  of  course,  the  usual  termination,  "  Through  our 
Lord,  &c." 


Antiphon.     Behold,    I    see,    *   &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 


VESPERS. 

All  as  the  Second  Vespers  of  Christ- 
mas, till  the  Chapter. 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Verse.  Stephen  saw  the  heavens 
opened. 

Answer.  He  saw  and  entered  in  : 
blessed  is  he  unto  whom  the  heavens 
were  opened. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Devout  men  carried  Stephen 
to  his  burial,  and  made  great  lamenta- 
tion over  him. 


Commemoration  of  St  John. 

Antiphon.  This  is  that  John, 
which  leaned  on  the  Lord's  Breast  at 
supper ;  even  that  blessed  Apostle, 
unto  whom  were  made  known  the 
secret  things  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Very  worshipful  is  blessed 
John. 

Answer.  Which  leaned  on  the 
Lord's  Breast  at  supper. 

Let  us  pray. 

TV/TERCIFUL  Lord,  we  beseech 
Thee  to  cast  Thy  bright  beams 
of  light  upon  Thy  Church,  that  it, 
being  enlightened  by  the  doctrine  of 
Thy  blessed  Apostle  and  Evangelist 
John,  may  at  length  attain  to  the  light 
of  everlasting  life.1 

Commemoration  of  Christmas  from 
the  Second  Vespers  of  that  day. 


ST  JOHN'S   DAY. 


287 


Dec.  27. 

77^  Feast  of  St  John,  Apostle  and 
Evangelist. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class,  with  an 
Octave. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  of 
Apostles  except  the  following  : 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

Here   beginneth   the    First    Epistle   of 
the  Blessed  Apostle  John  (i.  1.) 

PHAT  Which  was  from  the  begin- 
ning, Which  we  have  heard, 
Which  we  have  seen  with  our  eyes, 
Which  we  have  looked  upon,  and  our 
hands  have  handled,  of  the  Word  of 
life,  (and  the  Life  was  manifested,  and 
we  have  seen  It,  and  bear  witness,  and 
show  unto  you  that  Eternal  Life, 
Which  was  with  the  Father,  and  was 
manifested  unto  us)  That  Which  we 
have  seen  and  heard  declare  we  unto 
you,  that  ye  also  may  have  fellowship 
with  us,  and  our  fellowship  be  with  the 
Father,  and  with  His  Son  JESUS 
Christ.  And  these  things  we  write 
unto  you  that  ye  may  rejoice,  and  that 
your  joy  may  be  full.  This  then  is 
the  message  which  we  have  heard 
of  Him,  and  declare  unto  you  :  That 
God  is  light,  and  in  Him  is  no  dark- 
ness at  all. 

First  Responsory. 

Very  worshipful  is  blessed  John, 
which  leaned  on  the  Lord's  Breast  at 
supper.  To  Him  did  Christ  upon  the 
Cross  commit  His  mother,  maiden  to 
maiden. 


Verse.  The  Lord  chose  him  for  his 
clean  maidenhood,  and  loved  him 
more  than  all  the  rest. 

Answer.  To  him  did  Christ  upon 
the  Cross  commit  His  mother,  maiden 
to  maiden. 

Second  Lesson. 

T  F  we  say  that  we  have  fellowship 
with  Him,  and  walk  in  darkness, 
we  lie,  and  do  not  the  truth.  But  if 
we  walk  in  the  light,  as  He  is  in  the 
light,  we  have  fellowship  one  with 
another,  and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ 
His  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin.  If 
we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive 
ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 
If  we  confess  our  sins,  He  is  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to 
cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness. 
If  we  say  that  we  have  not  sinned,  we 
make  Him  a  liar,  and  His  word  is  not 
in  us. 

Second  Responsory. 

1  This  is  the  disciple  which  testifieth 
of  these  things,  and  wrote  these  things. 
And  we  know  that  his  testimony  is 
true. 

Verse.  He  drank  in  the  rivers  of 
the  Gospel  from  the  Lord's  Breast  as 
from  an  holy  fountain. 

Answer.  And  we  know  that  his 
testimony  is  true. 

Third  Lesson,      (ii.  1.) 

IV/r  Y  little  children,  these  things 
write  I  unto  you,  that  ye  sin 
not.  And  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an 
advocate  with  the  Father,  JESUS  Christ 
the  righteous  :  and  He  is  the  propitia- 
tion for  our  sins  ;  and  not  for  ours 
only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world.  And  hereby  we  do  know  that 
we  know  Him,  if  we  keep  His  com- 
mandments. He  that  saith,  I  know 
Him,  and  keepeth  not  His  command- 


1  John  xxi.  24. 


288 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


ments,  is  a  liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in 
him.  But  whoso  keepeth  His  word, 
in  him  verily  is  the  love  of  God 
perfected. 

Third  Responsory. 

This  is  that  most  blessed  Evangelist 
and  Apostle  John.  Who  was  found 
worthy  that  the  Lord  should  honour 
him  more  than  all  the  rest,  by  a 
special  privilege  of  love. 

Verse.  x  This  is  the  disciple  whom 
Jesus  loved,  which  also  leaned  on  the 
Lord's  Breast  at  supper. 

Answer.  Who  was  found  worthy 
that  the  Lord  should  honour  him  more 
than  all  the  rest,  by  a  special  privilege 
of  love. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Who  was  found  worthy 
that  the  Lord  should  honour  him  more 
than  all  the  rest,  by  a  special  privilege 
of  love. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  on 
Ecclesiastical  writers,  written  by  St 
Jerome,  Priest  [at  Bethlehem.] 

'"THE  Apostle  John  "whom  Jesus 
loved "  was  a  son  of  Zebedee, 
and  brother  of  the  Apostle  James,  who 
was  beheaded  by  Herod  soon  after  our 
Lord  suffered.  He  was  the  last  of  the 
Evangelists  to  write  his  Gospel,  which 
he  published  at  the  request  of  the 
Bishops  of  Asia,  against  Cerinthus  and 
other  heretics,  and  particularly  against 
the  then  spreading  doctrine  of  the 
Ebionites,  who  asserted  that  Christ 
had  had  no  existence  before  Mary. 
It  was  therefore  needful  for  the  Evan- 
gelist to  declare  His  Eternal  and 
Divine  Generation. 


Fourth  Responsory. 

2  Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make 
a  pillar  in  My  temple,  saith  the  Lord, 
and  I  will  write  My  name  upon  him, 
and  the  name  of  the  city,  which  is 
New  Jerusalem. 

Verse.  3  To  him  that  overcometh 
will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life, 
which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  Paradise 
of  My  God. 

Answer.  And  I  will  write  My 
name  upon  him,  and  the  name  of  the 
city,  which  is  New  Jerusalem. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  N  the  fourteenth  year  after  Nero, 
Domitian  stirred  up  the  second 
persecution,  and  John  was  exiled  to 
the  island  of  Patmos,  where  he  wrote 
his  Apocalypse,  which  hath  been  ex- 
plained by  Justin  the  Martyr  and 
Irenaeus.  When  Domitian  was  killed, 
the  Senate  annulled  all  his  acts,  on 
account  of  his  savage  cruelty,  and  the 
Apostle  returned  to  Ephesus,  during 
the  reign  of  Nerva.  He  remained  at 
Ephesus  until  the  time  of  Trajan,  and 
founded  and  governed  all  the  Churches 
of  Asia.  There,  in  an  extreme  old 
age,  he  died,  in  the  sixty-eighth  year 
after  the  Lord's  passion,  and  was 
buried  near  the  city. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

Jesus  loved  him,  because  his  singu- 
lar gift  of  purity  made  him  more  worthy 
of  love.  He  chose  him  for  a  virgin 
unto  Himself,  and  he  remaineth  a 
virgin  for  ever. 

Verse.  At  the  end,  when  He  was 
dying  upon  the  Cross,  to  him  did 
He  commit  His  mother,  maiden  to 
maiden. 

Answer.  He  chose  him  for  a 
virgin  unto  Himself,  and  he  remaineth 
a  virgin  for  ever. 


1  John  xxi.  20. 


2  Apoc.  iii.  12. 


3  Apoc.  ii.  7. 


ST  JOHN'S  DAY. 


289 


Sixth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Com- 
mentary upon  the  Epistle  to  the 
Galatians,  by  the  same  author 
(iii.  6.) 

T^HE  Blessed  Evangelist  John  lived 
at  Ephesus  down  to  an  extreme 
old  age,  and,  at  length,  when  he  was 
with  difficulty  carried  to  the  Church, 
and  was  not  able  to  exhort  the 
congregation  at  length,  he  was  used 
simply  to  say  at  each  meeting,  "  My 
little  children,  love  one  another."  At 
last  the  disciples  and  brethren  were 
weary  with  hearing  these  words  con- 
tinually, and  asked  him,  "  Master, 
wherefore  ever  sayest  thou  this  only  ?  " 
Whereto  he  replied  to  them,  (worthy 
of  John,)  "It  is  the  commandment 
of  the  Lord,  and  if  this  only  be  done, 
it  is  enough." 

Sixth  Responsory. 

1  T  N  the  midst  of  the  congregation 
did  the  Lord  open  his  mouth. 
And  filled  him  with  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  understanding. 

Verse.  He  made  him  rich  with  joy 
and  gladness. 

Answer.  And  filled  him  with  the 
spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  filled  him  with  the 
spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (xxi.  19.) 

A  T    that    time :     JESUS    saith    unto 
Peter  :   Follow  Me.     Peter,  turn- 
ing   about,    seeth    the    disciple    whom 
JESUS  loved,  following.     And  so  on. 

1  Ecclus.  xv.  5,  6.  2  Hag.  ii.  24. 


Homily  on  this  passage  by  St  Austin, 
Bishop  [of  Hippo,]  (124//?  Tract  on 
John. ) 

The  Church  knoweth  of  two  different 
lives  which  God  hath  revealed  and 
blessed  :  one  is  the  life  of  faith,  the 
other  the  life  of  knowledge :  one  the 
life  of  this  pilgrimage,  the  other  the 
life  of  the  eternal  mansions  ;  one  the 
life  of  work,  the  other  the  life  of  rest : 
one  the  life  of  the  journey,  the  other 
the  life  of  home  ;  one  the  life  of  action, 
the  other  the  life  of  contemplation. 
The  one  escheweth  evil  and  doeth 
good ;  the  other  hath  no  evil  to 
eschew,  and  only  an  exceeding  good 
to  enjoy.  The  one  striveth  with  the 
enemy,  the  other  hath  no  enemies, 
and  reigneth. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

2  In  that  day  will  I  take  thee,  O  My 
servant,  and  will  make  thee  as  a 
signet  before  Me.  For  I  have  chosen 
thee,  saith  the  LORD. 

Verse.  3  Be  thou  faithful  unto 
death,  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown 
of  life. 

Answer.  For  I  have  chosen  thee, 
saith  the  Lord. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

XHE  one  succoureth  the  needy  ;  the 
other  is  where  there  are  no  needy 
to  succour.  The  one  forgiveth  them 
that  trespass  against  it,  that  its  own 
trespasses  may  be  forgiven  ;  the  other 
neither  hath  trespasses  to  forgive  nor 
to  be  forgiven.  The  one  is  chastened 
with  evil,  lest  it  be  exalted  above 
measure  by  good  ;  the  other  enjoyeth 
such  a  fulness  of  grace  that  it  feeleth 
no  evil,  and  cleaveth  so  firmly  unto 
the  Highest  Good,  that  it  hath  no 
temptation  to  pride. 

3  Apoc.  ii.  10. 


290 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

This  is  that  John  which  leaned  on 
the  Lord's  Breast  at  supper — even  that 
blessed  Apostle  unto  whom  were  made 
known  the  secret  things  of  heaven. 

Verse.  He  drank  in  the  rivers  of 
the  Gospel  from  the  Lord's  Breast,  as 
from  an  holy  fountain. 

Answer.  Even  that  blessed  Apostle 
unto  whom  were  made  known  the 
secret  things  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Even  that  blessed  Apostle 
unto  whom  were  made  known  the 
secret  things  of  heaven. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

VyHEREFORE  the  one  is  good, 
but  still  sorrowful ;  the  other  is 
better  and  perfectly  blessed.  And  of 
these  two  lives  there  are  types,  of  the 
one  in  the  Apostle  Peter,  of  the  other 
in  John.  The  one  laboureth  here  even 
unto  the  end,  and  findeth  its  end  here- 
after ;  the  other  stretcheth  out  into  the 
hereafter,  and  in  eternity  findeth  no 
end.  Therefore  is  it  said  unto  the 
one,  "Follow  Me;"  but  of  the  other, 
"  If  I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come, 
what  is  that  to  thee  ?  Follow  thou 
Me."  What  is  the  meaning  of  these 
words  ?  who  can  know  ?  who  can 
understand  ?  what  is  it  ?  is  it  "  Follow 
thou  Me,  imitating  Me  in  the  bear- 
ing of  earthly  sorrow;  let  him  tarry 
till  I  come  again,  bringing  the  ever- 
lasting reward  ?  " 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Very  worshipful  * 
is  blessed  John,  which  leaned  on  the 
Lord's  Breast  at  supper. 

Second  Antiphon.  This  is  the  dis- 
ciple *  which  testifieth  of  these  things, 

1  Matth.  xvi.  28. 


and  we  know  that  his  testimony  is 
true. 

Third  Antiphon.  This  is  My  dis- 
ciple :  *  if  I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I 
come — ? 

Fourth  Antiphon.  1  There  be  some 
standing  here,  *  which  shall  not  taste 
of  death,  till  they  see  the  Son  of  man 
in  His  kingdom. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  2  Behold  My  ser- 
vant, *  whom  I  have  chosen,  I  have 
put  My  spirit  upon  him. 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xv.  1.) 

T_T  E  that  feareth  the  Lord  will  do 
good :  and  he  that  keepeth 
righteousness  shall  obtain  her,  and  as 
an  honoured  mother  shall  she  meet 
him. 

Verse.  This  is  the  disciple  which 
testifieth  of  these  things. 

Answer.  And  we  know  that  his 
testimony  is  true. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias, 
and  Prayer  throughout  the  Office  from 
the  Commemoration  at  the  preceding 
Vespers. 

Commemorations  of  Christmas  and 
of  St  Stephen  from  the  Second  Vespers 
of  Christmas  Day. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Very  worshipful,  *  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory  the  same 
alteration  as  before. 

Martyrology. 

Upon  the  28th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Bethlehem  of  Judah,  the  holy 
innocent  little  children  who  were  slain 
for  Christ's  sake  by  Herod  the  King. 

At    Ancyra,    in    Galatia,    the     holy 

2  Matth.  xii.  18. 


ST  JOHN'S   DAY. 


291 


martyrs     Eutychius     the     priest     and 
Domitian  the  deacon. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Castor, 
Victor,  and  Rogatian. 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyrs, 
Indes  the  eunuch,  the  virgins  Domna, 
Agape,  and  Theophila,  and  their  com- 
panions, who  after  long  contendings 
by  divers  kinds  of  death  gained  the 
crown  of  martyrdom  in  the  persecu- 
tion under  the  Emperor  Diocletian. 

At  Neo-Caesarea,  in  Pontus,  in  the 
persecution  under  the  Emperor  Decius, 
the  holy  martyr  Troadius  ;  as  he  was 
dying  the  ghost  of  holy  Gregory  the 
wonder-worker  appeared  to  him  and 
strengthened  him  to  undergo  mar- 
tyrdom. 

At  Arabissa,  in  the  lower  Armenia, 
the  holy  martyr  Cassarius,  who  suffered 
under  the  Emperor  Galerius  Maxi- 
mian. 

At  Lyons,  in  Gaul,  the  holy  con- 
fessor Francis  de  Sales  [1 567-1622], 
Bishop  [and  Prince]  of  Geneva,  whose 
name  was  enrolled  among  those  of  the 
Saints  by  Pope  Alexander  VII.  on 
account  of  his  burning  zeal  for  the 
conversion  of  heretics.  His  feast  is 
kept  by  command  of  the  said  Pope 
upon  the  29th  day  of  January,  being 
that  day  whereon  his  sacred  body  was 
brought  to  Annecy  from  Lyons.  Pope 
Pius  IX.,  in  accordance  with  a  vote  of 
the  Congregation  of  Sacred  Rites,  de- 
clared him  a  doctor  of  the  universal 
Church. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  priest  Domnio. 

In  Egypt,  the  holy  monk  Theodore 
;[the  Sanctified,  Abbat  —  from  348, 
death  of  St  Pachom — of  Tabenno, 
in  Egypt.  He  lived  from  314-April 
27,   367],  a  disciple  of  holy  Pachom. 

In  the  monastery  of  Lerins  the  holy 
monk  Anthony,  famous  for  his  miracles. 
[A  monk  of  Lerins,  which  monastery 
he  entered  about  523.  He  died  about 
525-] 

1  Apoc, 


Chapter  at  the  end.      (Ecclus.  xv.  5.) 

T  N  the  midst  of  the  congregation  did 
the  Lord  open  his  mouth,  and 
filled  him  with  the  spirit  of  wisdom 
and  understanding,  and  clothed  him 
with  a  robe  of  glory. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  This  is  the  disciple,  * 
&c,  (Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  This  is  My  disciple,  * 
&c,  (Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xv.  3.) 

\UITH  the  bread  of  life  and  under- 
standing did  the  Lord  our  God 
feed  him,  and  gave  him  the  healthful 
water  of  wisdom  to  drink. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Behold  My  servant,  * 
&c,  (Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 
VESPERS. 

•  All  as  at  the  Second  Vespers  of 
Christmas,  till  the  Chapter. 

Chapter  as  at  Lauds. 

Verse  and  Answer  as  at  the  Com- 
memoration in  the  preceding  Vespers. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  There  went  this  saying  abroad 
among  the  brethren,  that  that  disciple 
should  not  die  ;  yet  JESUS  said  not : 
He  shall  not  die  ;  but,  If  I  will  that  he 
tarry  till  I  come. 

Commemoration  of  the  Holy 
Innocents. 

Antiphon.  1  These  are  they  which 
were  not  defiled  with  women  :  for  they 

xiv.  4. 


292 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


are  virgins,  and  follow  the  Lamb 
whithersoever  He  goeth. 

Verse.  Herod  was  exceeding  wroth, 
and  slew  many  children. 

Answer.  In  Bethlehem  Judah,  the 
city  of  David. 

Let  us  pray. 

f~\  GOD,  Whose  praise  Thine  Inno- 
^^^  cent  Martyrs  did  this  day  set 
forth,  not  in  confession  but  in  death, 
mortify  and  kill  all  vices  in  us,  that 
we,  whose  mouths  profess  Thy  faith, 
may  by  our  lives  also  give  glory  to  the 
same.1 

Commemorations  of  Christmas  and 
of  St  Stephen  from  the  Second  Vespers 
of  Christmas  Day. 

Dec.  28. 

CJjtltienttas    ©ag. 

The  Feast  of  the  Holy  Innocents, 
Martyrs. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class,  with  an 
Octave. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Many  Martyrs,  except  what  is  other- 
wise given  here. 

MATTINS. 
Hymn? 

THE  moody  tyrant  hears  aghast 

News  that  the  King  of  kings,  at  last, 
Hath  come  to  rule  o'er  Israel's  name, 
And  David's  Royal  throne  to  claim. 

Mad  at  the  tidings  is  his  cry  ! 
"  A  King,  who  drives  me  forth,  is  nigh — 
Haste  ye,  my  guard,  with  hand  on  glaive, 
Till  ye  in  blood  all  cradles  lave." 


What  is  the  gain  of  such  a  sin? 
What  doth  his  crime  for  Herod  win? 
Saved  only  from  so  many  slain, 
Away  uninjured  Christ  is  ta'en. 

Jesu,  to  Thee  be  glory  paid, 

Born  for  us  of  a  stainless  maid  ; 

To  Father,  and  to  Spirit  blest, 

Like  praise  be  evermore  addrest.     Amen. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Jeremiah  (xxxi.  15.) 

""THUS  saith  the  LORD:  A  voice 
was  heard  in  the  "  Lofty  City,"3 
lamentation  and  weeping,  and  great 
mourning,  Rachel  weeping  for  her 
children,  refused  to  be  comforted  for 
them,  because  they  were  not.  Thus 
saith  the  LORD :  Refrain  thy  voice 
from  weeping,  and  thine  eyes  from 
tears  :  for  thy  work  shall  be  rewarded, 
saith  the  Lord,  and  they  shall  come 
again  from  the  land  of  the  enemy. 
And  there  is  hope  in  thine  end,  saith 
the  Lord,  and  thy  children  shall 
come  again  to  their  own  border. 

First  Responsory. 

4  An  hundred,  forty,  and  four  thou- 
sand, which  were  redeemed  from  the 
earth  ;  these  are  they  which  were  not 
defiled  with  women.  For  they  re- 
mained virgins  ;  therefore  are  they 
kings  before  God,  and  the  Lamb  of 
God  is  with  them. 

Verse.  These  are  they  which  came 
out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have 
washed  their  robes  in  the  Blood  of  the 
Lamb. 

Answer.  For  they  remained  vir- 
gins ;  therefore  are  they  kings  before 
God,  and  the  Lamb  of  God  is  with 
them. 


1  When  this  is  the  first  or  last  Prayer,  it  has,  of  course,  the  usual  termination,  "Through 
our  Lord,   &c." 

*  Verses  from  a  hymn  by  Aurelius  Prudentius  Clemens,  b.  348,  d.  after  404 :  translation  by 
the  Rev.  Dr  Littledale.  a  Ramah.  *  Apoc.  xiv.  2,  4 ;  vii.  14. 


CHILDERMAS   DAY. 


295 


Second  Lesson. 

\  HAVE  surely  heard  Ephraim  be- 
moaning himself  thus  :  Thou  hast 
chastised  me  ;  and  I  was  chastised  as 
a  bullock  unaccustomed  to  the  yoke. 
Turn  Thou  me,  and  I  shall  be  turned  ; 
for  Thou  art  the  Lord  my  God.  For 
after  that  Thou  hadst  turned  me,  I 
repented :  and  after  that  Thou  hadst 
instructed  me,  I  smote  upon  my  thigh  : 
I  was  ashamed,  yea,  even  confounded, 
because  I  did  bear  the  reproach  of  my 
youth.  Is  Ephraim  My  dear  son  ? 
Is  he  a  beloved  child  ?  For  since  I 
spake  against  him,  I  do  earnestly 
remember  him  still. 

Second  Responsory. 

1  I  heard  under  the  altar  the  voices 
of  them  that  were  slain,  saying :  How 
long  dost  Thou  not  avenge  our  blood  ? 
And  it  was  said  unto  them  from  God  : 
Rest  yet  for  a  little  season,  until  the 
number  of  your  brethren  be  fulfilled. 

Verse.  I  saw  under  the  altar  of 
God  the  souls  of  them  that  were  slain 
for  the  Word  of  God,  and  for  the 
testimony  which  they  held,  and  they 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,   saying  : 

Answer.  How  long  dost  Thou  not 
avenge  our  blood  ?  And  it  was  said 
unto  them  from  God  :  Rest  yet  for  a 
little  season,  until  the  number  of  your 
brethren  be  fulfilled. 

Third  Lesson. 

CET  thee  up  way-marks,  make  thee 
2  monuments  of  thy  grief,  set 
thine  heart  toward  the  high-way,  even 
the  way  which  thou  wentest :  turn 
again,  O  Virgin  of  Israel,  turn  again 
to  these  thy  cities.  How  long  wilt 
thou    wander    hither    and    thither,    O 

1  Apoc.  vi.  9,  10,  11. 

2  I.e.,  (perhaps)  in  going  into  exile,  mark  the  road,  since  it  will  soon  have  to  be  retraced. 

3  Apoc.  iv.  10. 

4  Some  liturgical  scholars  question  this  ascription  to  St  Austin,  and  pronounce  the  homily  to 
be  a  composition  from  various  writers.     See  Revue  Benedictine,  1891,  p.  272. 


thou  back-sliding  daughter  ?  for  the 
Lord  hath  created  a  new  thing  in 
the  earth  :  a  woman  shall  compass  a 
man.  Thus  saith  the  LORD  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel  :  As  yet  they  shall 
use  this  speech  in  the  land  of  Judah, 
and  in  the  cities  thereof,  when  I  shall 
bring  again  their  captivity:  The  LORD 
bless  thee,  O  habitation  of  righteous- 
ness, and  mountain  of  holiness ! 

Third  Responsory. 

3  They  worshipped  Him  That  liveth 
for  ever  and  ever.  And  cast  their 
crowns  before  the  throne  of  the  Lord 
their  God. 

Verse.  And  they  fell  down  upon 
their  faces  before  the  throne,  and 
blessed  Him  That  liveth  for  ever  and 
ever. 

Answer.  And  cast  their  crowns  be- 
fore the  throne  of  the  Lord  their  God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  cast  their  crowns  be- 
fore the  throne  of  the  Lord  their  God. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  4St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
{\oth  on  the  Saints.) 

T~\  EARLY  beloved  brethren,  to-day 
we  keep  the  birthday  of  those 
children,  who,  as  we  are  informed  by 
the  Gospel,  were  massacred  by  the 
savage  King  Herod.  Therefore  let 
earth  rejoice  with  exceeding  joy,  for 
she  is  the  mother  of  these  heavenly 
soldiers,  and  of  this  numerous  host. 
The    love    of    the    vile     Herod    could 


294 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


never  have  crowned  these  blessed 
ones  as  hath  his  hatred.  For  the 
Church  testifieth  by  this  holy  solem- 
nity, that  whereas  iniquity  did  speci- 
ally abound  against  these  little  saints, 
so  much  the  more  were  heavenly  bless- 
ings poured  out  upon  them. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

1  The  blood  of  Thy  saints  have  they 
shed  like  water  round  about  Jerusalem. 
And  there  was  none  to  bury  them. 

Verse.  The  dead  bodies  of  Thy 
servants  have  they  given  to  be  meat 
unto  the  fowls  of  the  air,  the  flesh  of 
Thy  saints  unto  the  beasts  of  the 
earth. 

Answer.  And  there  was  none  to 
bury  them. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

"DLESSED  art  thou,  O  Bethlehem 
in  the  land  of  Judah,  which  hast 
suffered  the  cruelty  of  King  Herod  in 
the  slaughter  of  thy  children  ;  who  art 
found  worthy  to  offer  at  once  to  God  a 
whole  white-robed  army  of  guileless 
martyrs  !  Surely,  it  is  well  to  keep 
their  birth-day,  even  that  blessed  birth- 
day which  gave  them  from  earth  to 
heaven,  more  blessed  than  the  day  that 
brought  them  out  of  their  mother's 
womb.  Scarcely  had  they  entered  on 
the  life  that  now  is,  when  they  obtained 
that  glorious  life  which  is  to  come. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

These  holy  ones  suffered  for  Thy 
sake,  O  Lord :  take  vengeance  for 
them.  For  day  by  day  they  cry  unto 
Thee. 

Verse.  Avenge,  O  Lord,  the  blood 
of  Thy  saints  which  is  shed. 

Answer.  For  day  by  day  they  cry 
unto  Thee. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

A1/"E  praise  the  death  of  other 
martyrs  because  it  was  the 
crowning  act  of  an  undaunted  and  per- 
sistent testimony ;  but  these  were 
crowned  at  once.  He  That  maketh 
an  end  to  this  present  life,  gave  to 
them  at  its  very  gates  that  eternal 
blessedness  which  we  hope  for  at  its 
close.  They  whom  the  wickedness  of 
Herod  tore  from  their  mothers'  breasts 
are  rightfully  called  the  flowers  of 
martyrdom  ;  hardly  had  these  buds 
of  the  Church  shown  their  heads 
above  the  soil,  in  the  winter  of  un- 
belief, when  the  frost  of  persecution 
nipped  them. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

2  These  are  they  which  have  not  de- 
filed their  garments.  They  shall  walk 
with  Me  in  white,  for  they  are  worthy. 

Verse.  These  are  they  which  were 
not  defiled  with  women  :  for  they  are 
virgins. 

Answer.  They  shall  walk  with  Me 
in  white,  for  they  are  worthy. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  They  shall  walk  with  Me 
in  white,  for  they  are  worthy. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  3  The  Righteous 
live  *  for  evermore  ;  their  reward  also 
is  with  the  Lord. 

Second  Antiphon.  These  are  they 
which  came  out  of  great  tribulation, 
and  have  washed  their  robes  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb. 

Third  Antiphon.  Behold,  how 
great  with  God  is  the  reward  *  of 
His  Saints  : 4  yea,  they  who  died  for 
Christ's  sake  shall  live  for  ever  and 
ever. 


1  Ps.  Ixxviii.  3,  2. 


2  Apoc.  iii.  4. 


3  Wisd.  v.  16. 


4  Matth.  v.  12. 


CHILDERMAS   DAY. 


295 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (ii. 
130 

A  T  that  time :  The  angel  of  the 
■^^  Lord  appeareth  to  Joseph  in  a 
dream,  saying :  Arise,  and  take  the 
young  Child,  and  His  mother,  and  flee 
into  Egypt :  and  be  thou  there  until  I 
bring  thee  word.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem.]  {Book  i.  Comment,  on 
Matth.  ii.) 

He  took  the  young  Child,  and  His 
mother,  and  fled  into  Egypt,  by  night 
and  in  darkness  ;  and  the  darkness  of 
that  night  was  a  figure  of  the  darkness 
of  ignorance  in  which  they  left  the  un- 
believers from  whom  they  fled.  But 
when  they  returned  into  Judaea,  we 
learn  not  from  the  Gospel  that  it  was 
by  night,  or  in  darkness  ;  which  is 
an  image  of  that  light  which  will 
lighten  the  Jews,  when,  at  the  end  of 
the  world,  they  shall  receive  back  the 
faith,  which  now  lighteneth  the  Gen- 
tiles, even  as  Judaea  received  Christ 
returning  from  Egypt. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

The  saints  sung  a  new  song  before 
the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb  :  and 
their  voices  were  echoed  on  earth. 

Verse.  These  were  redeemed  from 
among  men,  being  the  first-fruits  unto 
God,  and  to  the  Lamb,  and  in  their 
mouth  was  found  no  guile. 

Answer.  And  their  voices  were 
echoed  on  earth. 

Eighth  Blessing. 

They  whose  feast-day  we  are  keeping, 
Be  our  advocates  with  God. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

"  THAT  it  might  be  fulfilled  which 
was  spoken  of  the  Lord  by  the 
Prophet,  saying :  Out  of  Egypt  have 
I  called  My  Son."  Those  who  go 
about  to  deny  the  authority  of  the 
Hebrew  Scriptures,  ask  where  any 
such  passage  is  to  be  found  in  the 
Septuagint.  But,  although  they  find 
it  not  there,  I  tell  them  that  the  fact 
of  its  being  written  in  the  Prophet 
Hosea  (xi.  i)  can  be  proved  by  the 
texts  which  I  have  lately *  published. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

I  saw  under  the  Altar  of  God  the 
souls  of  them  that  were  slain  for  the 
word  of  God,  which  they  held,  and 
they  cried  with  a  loud  voice  :  Avenge, 
O  Lord,  the  blood  of  Thy  saints, 
which  is  shed. 

Verse.  Under  the  throne  of  God 
all  the  saints  cry  aloud  : 

Answer.  Avenge,  O  Lord,  the 
blood  of  Thy  saints,  which  is  shed. 

If  this  day  be  Sunday  the  following 
is  added : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Avenge,  O  Lord,  the 
blood  of  Thy  saints,  which  is  shed. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"HP  HEN  was  fulfilled  that  which 
was  spoken  by  Jeremy  the 
Prophet,  saying  ;  In  Rama  was  there 
a  voice  heard,  weeping  and  great 
mourning ;  Rachel  weeping  for  her 
children."  The  child  of  Rachel  was 
Benjamin,  and  Bethlehem  is  not  a 
town  belonging  to  his  tribe.  We 
must  therefore  seek  another  reason 
why     Rachel     should    weep    for     the 


1  viz.,  circ.  A.D.  400.     The  reading  of  the  LXX.  is:   "I  loved  [Israel],  and  called  his  sons 
out  of  Egypt." 


296 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


children  of  Judah,  to  whom  Bethlehem 
belongeth,  as  for  her  own.  The  plain 
answer  is  that  she  is  buried  at  Ephrath 
close  to  Bethlehem,  and  she  is  called 
Mother  on  account  of  the  resting-place 
of  her  earthly  tabernacle  being  there. 
It  is  possible  also  that  she  is  called 
Mother  because  the  tribes  of  Judah 
and  Benjamin  were  joined  together, 
and  Herod  slew  not  only  all  the 
children  that  were  in  Bethlehem,  but 
also  in  all  the  coasts  thereof. 

If  it  be  Sunday,  the  Hymn,  "We 
praise  Thee,  O  God,  &c,"  is  said,  but 
if  not,  then  the  following : 


Second  A  ntiphon.  H  erod  slew  many 
children  *  from  two  years  old,  and 
under,  for  the   Lord's  sake. 

Third  Antiphon.  l  Their  angels  * 
do  always  behold  the  face  of  My 
Father. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  In  Rama  was 
there  a  voice  *  heard,  weeping  and 
mourning,  Rachel  weeping  for  her 
children. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Under  the  throne 
of  God  *  all  the  saints  cry  aloud : 
Avenge  our  blood,  O  our  God ! 

Chapter.      (Apoc.  xiv.  1.) 

LOOKED,  and,  lo,  a  Lamb  stood 

on  the  mount  Sion,  and  with  Him 

an  hundred,  forty,  and  four  thousand  ; 

having    His   name    and    His    Father's 

name  written  in  their  foreheads. 


Ninth  Responsory. 

What  are  these  which  are  arrayed 
in  white  robes  ?  and  whence  came 
they  ?  And  he  said  to  me  :  These  are 
they  which  came  out  of  great  tribu- 
lation, and  have  washed  their  robes, 
and  made  them  white  in  the  Blood  of 
the  Lamb. 

Verse.  I  saw  under  the  Altar  of 
God  the  souls  of  them  which  were 
slain  for  the  word  of  God,  and  for  the 
testimony  which  they  held. 

Answer.  These  are  they  which 
came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have 
washed  their  robes,  and  made  them 
white  in  the  Blood  of  the  Lamb. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  These  are  they  which 
came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have 
washed  their  robes,  and  made  them 
white  in  the   Blood  of  the  Lamb. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Herod  was  ex- 
ceeding wroth,  *  and  slew  many  chil- 
dren in  Bethlehem  Judah,  the  city  of 
David. 

1  Matth.  xviii.  10. 

2  Additional  verses  from  the  same  hymn  by  Aurelius  Prudentius  Clemens  ;  translation  by  the 
late  Rev.  Dr  Neale. 


Hymn.*1 

A  LL  hail !   ye  infant  Martyr  flowers  ! 

Cut  off  in  life's  first  dawning  hours, 
As  rose-buds  snapped  in  tempest  strife, 
When  Herod  sought  your  Saviour's  life. 

You,  tender  flock  of  lambs,  we  sing, 
First  victims  slain  for  Christ  your  King : 
Beneath  the  altar's  heavenly  ray, 
With  martyr  palms  and  crowns  ye  play. 

For  their  Redemption,  glory  be, 
O  Jesus,  Virgin-born,  to  Thee ! 
With  Father,  and  with  Holy  Ghost, 
For  ever  from  the  Martyr-host  !     Amen. 

Verse  and  Answer,  Antiphon  at 
the  Song  of  Zacharias,  and  Prayer 
throughout  the  Office,  all  from  the 
Commemoration  at  the  preceding 
Vespers. 

Commemoration  of  Christmas,  of  St 
Stephen,  and  of  St  John  from  their 
respective  Lauds. 


CHILDERMAS   DAY. 


297 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Herod  was  exceeding 
wroth,  *  &c,  {First  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

In  the  Short  Responsory  the  same 
alteration  as  before. 

Martyrology. 

Upon  the  29th  day  of  December 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Canterbury,  in  England,  the  holy 
martyr  Thomas,  Archbishop  of  that 
see,  who  for  his  contending  for  right- 
eousness and  for  the  privileges  of  the 
Church,  was  smitten  with  the  sword  in 
his  own  cathedral  by  a  band  of  wicked 
men,  and  so  passed  away  to  be  with 
Christ  [in  the  year  1 170]. 

At  Jerusalem,  holy  David,  the  King 
and  Prophet  [in  the  year  of  the  world 
2950]. 

At  Aries,  holy  Trophimus,  of  whom 
St  Paul  maketh  mention  in  writing 
unto  Timothy.  He  was  ordained 
bishop  by  this  same  Apostle  Paul, 
and  was  the  first  who  was  sent  to 
Aries  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ, 
and  it  was  a  spring,  as  holy  Pope 
Zosimus  writeth,  whence  streams  of 
faith  ran  into  all  Gaul. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  Callistus, 
Felix,  and  Boniface. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Dominic, 
Victor,  Primian,  Lybosus,  Saturninus, 
Crescentius,  Secundus,  and  Honoratus. 

At  Vienne,  in  Gaul,  holy  Crescens, 
the  disciple  of  the  blessed  Apostle 
Paul  and  the  first  bishop  of  the  said 
city. 

At  Constantinople,  holy  Marcellus 
[of  Apamea]  Abbat  [of  the  Accemeti  in 
the  year  485  or  486  in  that  city]. 

At  Hiesmes,  in  the  time  of  King 
Childebert,  the  holy  confessor  Evroul, 
Abbat  [of  the  monastery  of  Ouche,  in 
the  diocese  of  Lisieux,  in  Normandy. 
He  was  born  at  Bayeux  in  517, 
founded  the  Abbey  of  Ouche  and  be- 


came  a   monk  in    567,   and  died    on 
December  29,    596]. 

Chapter  at  the  end.      (Apoc.  xiv.  4.) 

"T^HESE  were  redeemed  from  among 
men,  being  the  first-fruits  unto 
God  and  to  the  Lamb,  and  in  their 
mouth  was  found  no  guile  ;  for  they 
are  without  blemish  before  the  throne 
of  God. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Herod  slew  many  chil- 
dren, *  &c,  {Second  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter  from  Laicds. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Their  angels,  &c,  ( Third 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.") 

Chapter.     (Apoc.  xiv.  4.) 

'T^HESE  are  they  which  were  not 
defiled  with  women :  for  they 
are  virgins.  These  are  they  which 
follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever  He 
goeth. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.   Under  the  throne  of  God, 
*  &c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 
Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

VESPERS. 

All  as  the  Second  Vespers  of  Christ- 
mas, till  the  Chapter. 

Then  of  St  Thomas  of  Canterbury 
(where  he  is  of  the  First  Class),  from 
the  Office  of  One  Martyr  and  the 
following. 

Prayer. 

f~\  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  whole- 
some fruit  of  their  petition.  Through 
our  Lord  JESUS  Christ  Thy  Son,  Who 


298 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Holy  Innocents. 

Antiphon.  Innocent  babes  were 
killed  for  Christ's  sake,  yea,  the  un- 
righteous king  slew  the  sucklings  :  now 
they  follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever 
He  goeth,  they  are  without  fault  before 
the  throne  of  God,  and  say  continu- 
ally :   Glory  be  to  Thee,   O  Lord. 

Verse.  Under  the  throne  of  God 
all  the  saints  cry  aloud : 

Answer.  Avenge  our  blood,  O  our 
God. 

Prayer  as  during  the  day. 

If  this  be  Saturday  evening,  a  Com- 
memoration is  then  made  of  the  Sun- 
day, taken  from  the  Lauds  of  that  day, 
which  will  be  found  under  December 
30,  {j).  305.) 

Then,  in  any  case,  a  Commetnoration 
of  Christinas  {and,  where  St  Thomas 
of  Canterbury  is  not  of  the  First  Class, 
Commemorations  of  St  Stephen,  and  of 
St  John,  from  the  Second  Vespers  of 
each  respectively). 

Dec.  29. 

&t   Eftomas,   arcptsfjop    of 
Canterbury,  Jlartpr. 

The  Feast  of  St   Thomas,  Archbishop 
[of  Canterbury,]  Martyr. 

Double  of  the  First x  Class,  with  an 
Octave. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  One 
Martyr,  except  what  is  otherwise  given 
here. 


MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Acts  xx.    17,  as  in  the 
Common  Office  for  a  Martyr. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

T^  HO  MAS  was  born  in  London,  [in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1 1 1 7,]  and 
succeeded  Theobald  in  the  Archbishop- 
ric of  Canterbury  [in  1 162].  He  had 
previously  filled  with  great  distinction 
the  office  of  Lord  Chancellor,  and 
showed  an  indomitable  firmness  in  his 
duty  as  Primate.  When  Henry  II., 
King  of  England,  in  an  assembly  of 
the  Bishops  and  great  men  of  his 
realm,  endeavoured  to  pass  laws  detri- 
mental to  the  advantage  and  dignity 
of  the  Church,  he  opposed  himself  so 
steadily  to  the  king's  wishes,  that, 
neither  promises,  nor  threats  availing 
to  shake  him,  he  was  about  to  be  cast 
into  prison,  had  he  not  made  good  his 
escape  in  time.  The  whole  of  his 
kinsfolk  without  regard  to  age  or  sex, 
his  friends,  and  his  advisers,  were  then 
banished  the  kingdom,  and  those  who 
were  able,  were  bound  by  an  oath  to 
make  their  way  to  the  presence  of 
Thomas,  in  the  hope  that  though  care- 
less of  his  own  sufferings,  he  might 
yield  at  the  sight  of  their  misery.  But 
neither  flesh  and  blood,  nor  the  plead- 
ings of  natural  affection  could  make 
him  swerve  from  the  line  of  his  pastoral 
duty. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

LIE   betook  himself  to  Pope  Alex- 
ander   III.,    by  whom   he   was 
graciously    received,    and    who    com- 
mitted him  to  the  care  of  the  Cister- 


1  In  England  St  Thomas  is  the  patron  of  the  secular  clergy,  and  for  them  therefore  the 
feast  is  of  the  First  Class,  but  among  some  of  the  regulars  it  is  only  of  the  Second  Class. 
In  the  present  translation  it  is  given  as  of  the  First  Class ;  but  where  it  is  treated  as  of  the 
Second  Class,  the  second  half  of  the  Vespers  on  Innocents'  Day  is  of  the  Innocents,  with  a 
Commemoration  of  him ;  and  his  Commemoration  is  made  after  that  of  the  Innocents, 
while  the  Octave  of  the  Innocents  lasts. 


ST   THOMAS,    ARCHBISHOP   OF   CANTERBURY,   MARTYR.        299 


cians  at  Pontigni.  As  soon  as  this 
came  to  the  knowledge  of  King  Henry, 
he  sent  threatening  letters  to  the 
monks,  in  order  to  drive  Thomas  from 
this  shelter.  The  saint  was  unwilling 
that  the  Cistercian  Order  should  suffer 
on  his  account,  and  therefore  volun- 
tarily withdrew  from  Pontigni,  and 
accepted  the  invitation  of  Lewis  VII., 
King  of  France,  to  go  to  his  court. 
He  remained  here,  until  his  banish- 
ment was  recalled  at  the  intercession 
of  the  Pope  and  of  the  King  of  France, 
and  he  returned  to  England  amid 
great  public  joy.  He  was  quietly  con- 
tinuing the  work  of  a  faithful  shepherd 
of  souls,  when  certain  calumniators 
denounced  him  to  the  king  as  a  plotter 
against  the  crown  and  the  public  peace. 
Henry,  deceived  by  these  libels,  cried 
out  that  it  was  hard  that  one  priest 
should  never  let  him  have  quiet  in  his 
kingdom. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

COME  wicked  servants  of  the  king, 
hearing  his  words,  and  thinking 
to  do  him  pleasure,  betook  themselves 
to  Canterbury  to  rid  him  of  the  Arch- 
bishop. They  entered  the  cathedral 
in  the  evening  as  Thomas  was  pro- 
ceeding to  assist  at  Evensong.  The 
clergy  in  attendance  on  him,  conscious 
of  the  attempt  about  to  be  made, 
wished  to  bolt  the  doors.  But  the 
saint  caused  them  to  be  again  opened, 
saying,  "  The  Church  of  God  is  not  to 
be  made  a  castle  of,  and  for  the  cause 
of  God's  Church  I  am  willing  to  die." 
He  then  said  to  his  murderers,  "  I 
charge  you  in  the  name  of  the  Al- 
mighty God  to  hurt  none  of  my 
people."  With  these  words  he  fell  on 
his  knees,  and  commended  himself  to 
God,  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  to 
St  Denis,  and  to  the  other  holy 
Patrons  of  the  Church  of  Canterbury. 
He  presently  offered  his  sacred  head 


for  the  stroke  of  death,  and  received  it 
from  the  swords  of  those  wicked  men 
with  the  same  constancy  with  which 
he  had  withstood  the  commands  of 
the  unrighteous  king.  The  murderers 
pulled  out  his  brains  and  strewed  them 
all  about  the  floor  of  the  Church.  He 
testified  on  the  29th  day  of  December, 
in  the  [53rd]  year  of  [his  own  age  and 
of]  our  Lord  1 1 70,  and,  being  after- 
wards honoured  with  many  miracles, 
was  canonised  by  Pope  Alexander  IIL 
[in  1 173]. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The    Lesson   is  taken  from  the    Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John    (x.    11.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto  the 
Pharisees  :  I  am  the  Good  Shep- 
herd.     The  Good  Shepherd  giveth  His 
life  for  the  sheep.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  l  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.]  (59/// 
on  John. ) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  the  Bishops 
of  the  Church  hold  a  great  office,  an 
office  that  needeth  much  that  wisdom 
and  strength  whereof  Christ  hath  given 
us  an  example.  We  must  learn  of 
Him  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the 
sheep  and  never  to  leave  them  ;  and 
to  fight  bravely  against  the  wolf. 
This  is  the  difference  between  the  true 
shepherd  and  the  hireling.  The  one 
leaveth  the  sheep  and  seeketh  his  own 
safety,  but  the  other  recketh  not  of  his 
own  safety,  so  as  he  may  watch  over 
the  sheep.  Christ  then  having  given 
us  the  pattern  of  a  good  shepherd, 
warneth  us  against  two  enemies  ;  first, 
the  thief  that  cometh  not  but  to  kill 
and  to  steal,  and,  secondly,  the  hire- 
ling that  standeth  by,  and  defendeth 
not  them  that  are  committed  to  his 
charge. 


1  Jan.  27. 


30o 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

"PZECHIEL  hath  said  of  old  time, 
(xxxiv.  2):  "Woe  be  to  the 
shepherds  of  Israel !  do  they  not  feed 
themselves  ?  Should  not  the  shep- 
herds feed  the  flocks  ?  "  But  they  did 
the  contrary,  a  great  wickedness  and 
the  root  of  many  evils.  "  Therefore," 
he  saith,  "  they  brought  not  back  that 
which  was  gone  astray :  neither  did 
they  search  for  that  which  was  lost : 
neither  did  they  bind  up  that  which 
was  broken,  nor  strengthen  that  which 
was  sick  ;  for  they  fed  themselves,  and 
not  the  flock."  And  Paul  hath  the 
same  in  other  words,  where  he  saith, 
(Phil.  ii.  21):  "All  seek  their  own, 
not  the  things  which  are  Jesus 
Christ's." 

Ninth  Lesson. 

/~*HRIST  showeth  Himself  very  dif- 
ferent from  either  the  thief  or 
the  hireling  ;  whereas  the  thief  cometh 
to  destroy,  He  came  that  they  might 
have  life,  and  that  they  might  have  it 
more  abundantly.  The  hireling  fleeth, 
but  He  layeth  down  His  life  for  the 
sheep,  that  the  sheep  perish  not.  When 
then  the  Jews  went  about  to  kill  Him, 
He  ceased  not  to  teach  :  He  gave  not 
up  them  that  believed  in  Him,  but 
stood  steadfast  and  died.  Wherefore 
He  hath  good  title  often  to  say,  "  I  am 
the  Good  Shepherd."  It  was  but  a 
little  while,  and  He  showed  us  how  He 
could  lay  down  His  life  for  the  sheep. 
And  if  it  appeareth  not  as  yet  how 
they  have  life,  and  have  it  more 
abundantly,  (but  it  shall  appear,  in 
the  world  which  is  to  come,)  we  may 
well  be  persuaded  of  the  truth  of  the 
second  promise,  who  have  seen  the 
fulfilment  of  the  first. 

If  the  day  be  Sunday,  the  above 
Ninth  Lesson  is  read  as  one  with 
the  Eighth  to  leave  room  for  the 
Homily    of  the    Sunday,    which    will 


be  foutid  under  December  30,  {p.  304,) 
and  the  three  Lessons  of  which  are 
read  together  as  one  preceded  by  the 
Blessing. 

May  the  Gospel's  glorious  word 
Cleansing  to  our  souls  afford. 

At  Lauds,  if  the  day  be  Sunday, 
a  Commemoration  is  made  of  that  day 
which  will  be  found  under  Decetnber 
3°,  (A  3°5>)  and  then,  in  any  case, 
a  Commemoratio7t  of  the  Octave  of 
Christmas,  {and  where  the  Feast  of  St 
Thomas  of  Canterbury  is  not  a  Double 
of  the  First  Class,  Commemorations  of 
the  Octaves  of  St  Stephen,  St  John, 
and  the  Holy  Innocents  from  their  re- 
spective Lauds.) 

At  Prime,  the  same  alteration  in  the 
Short  Responsory  as  before. 

Martvrology. 

Upon   the   30th   day  of   December 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Spoleto,  under  the  Emperor 
Maximian,  the  holy  martyrs  Sabinus, 
bishop  of  that  see;  the  deacons 
Exuperantius  and  Marcellus,  and  the 
President  Venustian  along  with  his 
wife  and  children.  Marcellus  and 
Exuperantius  were  first  racked  then 
heavily  cudgelled,  then  mangled  with 
hooks,  and  their  sides  were  afterwards 
burnt  until  they  died.  Venustian  and 
his  wife  and  children  were  shortly 
afterward  put  to  the  sword  ;  holy 
Sabinus  had  his  hands  cut  off,  and 
was  long  imprisoned,  and  at  length 
lashed  to  death.  These  did  not 
all  suffer  at  the  same  time,  but 
they  are  all  commemorated  upon  the 
same  day. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyrs 
Mansuetus,  Severus,  Appian,  Donatus, 
Honorius  and  their  companions. 

At    Thessalonica,    the    holy    mart^ 
Anysia  [about  the  year  303].     There 
likewise  holy  Anysius,  bishop  of  that 


OFFICE   OF   THE   OCTAVE   OF   CHRISTMAS. 


301 


city.  [He  succeeded  S.  Ascole,  and 
died  about  the  year  404.] 

At  Milan,  the  holy  confessor  Eu- 
genius,  bishop  of  that  city. 

At  Ravenna,  holy  Liberius,  bishop 
of  that  city. 

At  Aquila,  in  the  Abruzzi,  holy 
Rainerius,  bishop  of  that  city  [in  the 
twelfth  century]. 

At  Vespers  the  service  as  at  the 
Second  Vespers  of  Christmas  until  the 
Chapter  exclusive.  The  rest  is  of 
St  Thomas  {where  he  is  of  the  First 
Class),  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Martyr,  with  the  special  Prayer.  A 
Commemoration  is  made  of  the  Sunday 
'within  the  Octave  of  Christinas,  the 
Office  of  which  will  be  found  under 
Dec.  30,  or  of  the  Day  within  the 
Octave,  whichever  is  the  next  day.  If 
the  former,  then  a  Commemoration  of 
Sunday  and  then  of  the  Octave  of 
Christmas  only ;  if  the  latter,  a  Com- 
memoration of  the  Octave  of  Christmas 
and  then  of  Sunday  only.  If  the  day 
itself  be  actually  Sunday  then  the 
Commemoration  is  taken  from  the 
Second  Vespers,  as  follows  : 

Antiphon.  The  child  Jesus  in- 
creased in  age  and  wisdom  before 
God  and  man. 

Verse.  The  Word  was  made  flesh. 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  And  dwelt  among  us. 
Alleluia. 

Prayer. 

(~\  ALMIGHTY,  &c,  {as  at  Lauds. 
^^^  But  if  this  day  be  any  other 
than  Sunday,  the  Commemoration  is 
taken  entirely  from  Lauds. ) 

Then  a  Commemoration  of  Christ- 
mas, {and,  where  St  Thomas  of  Can- 
terbury is  not  of  the  First  Class, 
Commemorations    of   St    Stephen,    St 

1  Archbishop  Kenrick  says  that  "this  letter  has  been  placed  at  the  head  of  the  letters 
of  St  Paul,  on  account  of  the  dignity  of  the  Roman  Church." — "It  is  probably  sixth  in  the 
order  of  time,  having  been  written  in  the  year  58,  from  Corinth,  or  Cenchrea."     N.  T.,  p.  459- 


fohn,  and  the  Holy  Innocents,  from 
the  Second  Vespers  of  each  respec- 
tively. ) 

Note.  If  December  25,  26,  27,  28, 
or  30  fall  on  a  Sunday,  the  Office  of 
the  Sunday  is  said  upon  December  30. 
But  if  the  Sunday  should  be  the  29th 
or  the  3 1  st,  the  Sunday  is  commemor- 
ated in  the  usual  manner  with  the 
Ninth  Lesson,  &r*c,  in  the  Office  of 
St  Thomas  of  Canterbury  or  of  St 
Silvester. 

If  Dec.  29  fall  on  a  Friday,  the 
Office  of  Saturday  is  of  the  Octave  of 
Christmas,  as  given  immediately  here- 
after, and  the  Office  on  Sunday  is  of  St 
Silvester,  with  merely  a  Commemora- 
tion of  Sunday. 

Dec.  30. 

©fltce  of  tije  ©ctaue  of 
Cjjristmas* 

Semi-double. 

Alias  on  Christmas  Day,  except  what 
is  otherwise  given  here,  and  that  the 
Aiitiphons  are  not  doubled. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

Here    beginneth    the    Epistle    of    the 
Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the  Romans 

(i.  i.)i 

TDAUL,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ, 
called  to  be  an  Apostle,  separated 
unto  the  Gospel  of  God,  which  He  had 
promised  afore  by  His  Prophets  in  the 
holy  Scriptures,  concerning  His  Son, 
That  was  born  of  the  seed  of  David 


302 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


according  to  the  flesh,  and  determined 
to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  ac- 
cording to  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the 
resurrection  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
from  the  dead  :  by  Whom  we  have  re- 
ceived grace  and  apostleship,  for  obedi- 
ence to  the  faith  among  all  nations, 
for  His  name,  among  whom  are  ye 
also  the  called  of  JESUS  Christ :  to  all 
that  be  in  Rome,  beloved  of  God, 
called  to  be  saints.  Grace  to  you, 
and  peace  from  God  our  Father,  and 
the   Lord  JESUS  Christ. 

First  Responsory. 

This  day  is  the  true  peace,  &c,  (Se- 
cond Responsory  on  Christmas  Day. ) 

Second  Lesson. 

"CMRST,  I  thank  my  God,  through 
JESUS  Christ,  for  you  all,  that 
your  faith  is  spoken  of  throughout  the 
whole  world.  For  God  is  my  witness, 
Whom  I  serve  with  my  spirit,  in  the 
Gospel  of  His  Son,  that  without  ceas- 
ing I  make  mention  of  you  always  in 
my  prayers  ;  making  request,  if  by  any 
means  now  at  length  I  might  have  a 
prosperous  journey,  by  the  will  of  God, 
to  come  to  you.  For  I  long  to  see 
you,  that  I  may  impart  unto  you  some 
spiritual  gift,  to  the  end  ye  may  be 
established :  that  is,  that  I  may  be 
comforted  together  with  you  by  the 
mutual  faith  both  of  you  and  me. 

Second  Responsory. 

O  ye  shepherds,  &c,  [Third  Re- 
sponsory on  Christmas  Day,)  omitting 
the  last  Verse  and  Answer. 

Third  Lesson. 

"M"  OW   I   would  not  have  you  ignor- 
ant, brethren,  that  oftentimes   I 
purposed  to  come  unto  you  (but  was 


hindered  hitherto,)  that  I  might  have 
some  fruit  among  you  also,  even  as 
among  other  Gentiles.  I  am  debtor 
both  to  the  Greeks  and  to  the  Bar- 
barians, both  to  the  wise  and  to  the 
unwise  :  so,  as  much  as  in  me  is,  I 
am  ready  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  you 
that  are  at  Rome  also.  For  I  am  not 
ashamed  of  the  Gospel.  For  it  is  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every 
one  that  believeth,  to  the  Jew  first, 
and  also  to  the  Greek.  For  therein 
is  the  righteousness  of  God  revealed 
from  faith  to  faith,  as  it  is  written  : 
1  The  just  shall  live  by  faith.  For 
the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from 
heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and 
unrighteousness  of  men,  who  hold 
the  truth  of  God  in  unrighteousness  : 
because  that  which  may  be  known  of 
God  is  manifest  in  them ;  for  God 
hath  showed  it  unto  them. 

Third  Responsory. 

How  great  is  this  mystery,  &c, 
(Fourth  Responsory  on  Christmas 
Day.) 

At  the  end  is  added : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Blessed  is  that  virgin 
whose  womb  was  made  meet  to  bear 
the  Lord  Christ. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great.]  (gth 
on  Christmas.) 

T\  EARLY     beloved     brethren,     the 

greatness  of  God's  work,  in  its 

breadth  and  height,  passeth  the  power 

of    man's    utterance  ;    and,    therefore, 


i  Hab.  ii.  4. 


OFFICE   OF   THE   OCTAVE   OF   CHRISTMAS. 


303 


when  we  must  needs  not  keep  silence, 
we  find  it  hard  to  know  what  to  say. 
The  words  of  the  Prophet- — "Who 
shall  declare  His  generation?"  (Isa. 
liii.  8) — look  not  only  to  the  Divine, 
but  also  to  the  human  birth  of  JESUS 
Christ,  the  Son  of  God.  Faith  be- 
lieveth,  but  words  cannot  explain,  how 
the  two  natures  were  joined  in  one 
Person,  —  and  therein  we  find  that 
we  shall  never  lack  matter  of  praise 
in  Him,  Whose  abundance  ever  out- 
runneth  the  power  of  our  expression. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Blessed  is  God's  holy  mother,  &c, 
{Fifth  Responsory  on  Christmas  Day.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

THEREFORE  let  us  rejoice,  that 
this  mystery  of  mercy  is  greater 
than  we  can  ever  speak  ;  and  let  us 
feel  that  it  is  good  for  us  to  fail  if 
we  try  to  express  the  height  and  depth 
of  redeeming  love.  He  cometh  nearest 
to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  who, 
the  farther  he  advanceth,  seeth  all  the 
more  clearly  that  he  can  never  overtake 
that  whereafter  he  searcheth.  For  he 
that  imagineth  therein  that  he  hath 
ever  attained  unto  the  goal,  hath  not 
found  that  which  he  seeketh,  but  hath 
altogether  missed. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

O  Mary,  how  holy,  &c,  (Sixth  Re- 
sponsory on  Christmas  Day,)  down  to 
the  Verse,  "  Glory,  &c,"  exclusive. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

DUT  lest  we  should  be  confounded 
at  the  weakness  of  our  mortality, 
we  have  help  in  the  words  of  the 
Prophets  and  Evangelists  ;  and  they 
are  able  so  to  inflame  and  teach  us 
that    we    may    see    the    Birth    of   the 


Lord,  wherein  the  Word  was  made 
Flesh,  not  so  much  as  a  thing  past, 
as  a  thing  present.  The  proclamation 
of  the  angel  to  the  shepherds  who 
watched  their  flocks  by  night,  ringeth 
in  our  ears  also  ;  and  for  this  end  are 
we  appointed  to  rule  the  Lord's  flock, 
that  we  may  ever  keep  in  our  heart 
the  word  revealed  from  heaven,  and 
say  unto  you,  as  we  do  this  day : 
"  Behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of 
great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people  ; 
for  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the 
city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  Which  is 
Christ  the  Lord  !  " 

Sixth  Responsory. 

Blessed  be  the  womb,  &c,  (Seventh 
Responsory  on  Christmas  Day.) 

At  the  end  is  added : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  This  day  hath  He  been 
pleased  for  the  salvation  of  the  world 
to  be  born  of  a  Virgin. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

(If  a  week-day.) 

The  Lesson  is  taken   from    the    Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  15.) 

A  T  that  time  :  The  shepherds  said 
^^  one  to  another  :  Let  us  now  go 
even  unto  Bethlehem,  and  see  this 
thing  which  is  come  to  pass,  which 
the  Lord  hath  made  known  unto  us. 
And  they  came  with  haste.  And  so 
on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]     (Bk.  ii.  on  Luke  ii.) 

The  shepherds  came  with  haste. 
This  is  how  every  one  cometh  who  is 
really  earnestly  seeking  Christ.  The 
shepherds    believed   the    angel.     Wilt 


304 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


not  thou  believe  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost,  Angels,  Prophets,  and 
Apostles  ?  Here  also  remark  how 
carefully  every  word  in  the  Scripture 
is  chosen.  They  came  with  haste  to 
see  this  "Word,"  (as  the  original  text 
hath  it.1)  A  Word,  indeed ;  the 
Word  of  God.  He  that  saw  the 
Lord's  Flesh,  saw  the  Word,  that  is, 
God  the  Son. 

{If  Sunday.') 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  33.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Joseph  and  Mary  the 
~^^  mother  of  Jesus,  marvelled  at 
those  things  which  were  spoken  of 
Him.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]     {Bk.  ii.  on  Luke  ii.) 

We  see  that  God's  abounding  grace 
is  poured  forth  on  all  by  the  birth  of 
the  Lord,  and  that  the  gift  of  prophecy 
is  not  denied  to  the  righteous,  but  to 
the  unbelieving.  Simeon  prophesieth 
that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  set  for 
the  fall  and  rising  again  of  many  in 
Israel,  setting  forth  that  the  just  and 
the  unjust  reap  different  fruits  from  the 
coming  of  the  Saviour  ;  so  will  it  be 
with  us  ;  according  to  our  individual 
works  will  the  True  and  Just  Judge 
apportion  to  us  punishment  or  reward. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

The  Word  was  made  Flesh,  &c, 
{Eighth  Responsory  on  Christmas  Day, ) 
down  to  the  Verse  "  Glory,  &c."  ex- 
clusive. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

{If  a  week-day.) 

"DECAUSE  the  office  of  a  shepherd 

is  mean,  think  not  meanly  of  the 

example   of   their  faith.      Verily,    that 

1  Gr.  Rhema. 


which  is  poorest  in  learning  is  richest 
in  faith.  The  Lord  seeketh  not  for 
schools  crowded  with  wise  men,  but 
for  a  people  of  a  single  heart  unused 
to  overlay  and  to  disguise  what  they 
learn,  by  vain  and  superfluous  adorn- 
ments. He  will  have  straightforward- 
ness rather  than  vain-glory. 


{If  Sunday.) 

"  \/EA,  a  sword  shall  pierce  through 
thine  own  soul  also."  We  have 
no  record  or  tradition  that  Mary  left 
this  world  by  suffering  a  violent  death, 
and  the  material  sword  can  pierce  the 
body  only,  and  not  the  soul.  Where- 
fore here  we  see  the  wisdom  of  Mary 
in  that  she  was  not  ignorant  of  the 
heavenly  mysteries.  For,  "  the  word 
of  God  is  quick,  and  powerful,  and 
sharper  than  any  two-edged  sword, 
piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asunder 
of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints 
and  marrow,  and  is  a  discerner  of 
the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart : 
for  all  things  are  naked  and  opened 
unto  the  eyes " 2  of  the  Son  of  God, 
from  Whom  also  the  secret  things  of 
our  conscience  are  not  hidden. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

How  is  the  King  of  heaven  at- 
tended ?  He  that  containeth  the  world 
is  laid  in  a  stable  :  lying  in  a  manger, 
reigning  in  heaven. 

Verse.  Unto  us  is  born,  this  day, 
in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  Which 
is  Christ  the  Lord. 

Answer.  Lying  in  a  manger,  reign- 
ing in  heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Lying  in  a  manger,  reign- 
ing in  heaven. 

2  Heb.  iv.  12,  13. 


OFFICE   OF   THE   OCTAVE   OF   CHRISTMAS. 


305 


Ninth  Lesson. 

(If  a  week-day.) 

HTHINK  not  meanly  either  of  the 
shepherds'  words.  The  shep- 
herds strengthen  the  faith  even  of 
Mary ;  the  shepherds  lead  God's 
people  to  His  worship.  For,  "  all 
they  that  heard  it,  wondered  at  those 
things  which  were  told  them  by  the 
shepherds.  But  Mary  kept  all  these 
things  and  pondered  them  in  her 
heart."  Let  us  learn  the  modesty  of 
the  Holy  Virgin,  that  modesty  of 
speech  as  of  body,  whereby  she  laid 
up  in  her  heart  the  evidences  of  her 
faith. 

(If  Sunday.) 

T"HERE  had  been  a  triple  prophecy  ; 
the  prophecy  of  Simeon  had  fol- 
lowed the  prophecy  of  the  virgin,  and 
the  prophecy  of  the  wife ;  those, 
namely,  of  Mary  and  Elizabeth.  And 
now  ought  the  widow  also  to  prophesy, 
that  no  sex  nor  state  might  be  want- 
ing. And  Anna  is  brought  before  us 
with  such  a  title  from  her  widowhood 
and  her  life,  that  we  may  well  believe 
that  she  received  the  grace  to  an- 
nounce the  Advent  of  the  Redeemer. 
In  our  exhortation  addressed  to  widows 
we  have  already  treated  of  her  gifts  at 
length,  and,  as  we  have  much  matter 
before  us,  we  will  not  now  again  enter 
on  the  subject. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,   &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

If  a  week-day,  are  the  same  as  on 
Christmas  Day,  but  if  a  Sunday,  they 
have  the  following  : 

Chapter.      (Gal.  iv.  1.) 

"DRETHREN  :  The  heir,  as  long  as 

he   is   a   child,  differeth  nothing 

from  a  servant,  though  he  be  lord  of 


all ;  but  is  under  tutors  and  governors 
until  the  time  appointed  by  the  father. 

Verse.  The  Word  was  made  Flesh. 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  And  dwelt  among  us. 
Alleluia. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
While  all  things  were  in  quiet  silence, 
and  that  night  was  in  the  midst  of  her 
swift  course,  Thine  Almighty  Word,  O 
Lord,  leapt  down  out  of  Thy  Royal 
Throne.1 

Prayer. 

Q  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
God,  do  Thou  order  all  our 
actions  in  conformity  with  Thy  good 
pleasure,  that  through  the  name  of 
Thy  well-beloved  Son,  we  may  worthily 
abound  in  all  good  works.  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.     Amen. 

Whether  Week-day  or  Sunday,  Com- 
memorations are  made  of  St  Thomas, 
of  St  Stephen,  of  St  fohn,  and  of 
the  Holy  Innocents. 

PRIME. 
MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  31st  day  of  December 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  holy  Pope  Silvester  [I.] 
who  [was  said  by  tradition  to  have] 
baptized  the  Emperor  Constantine  the 
Great,  confirmed  the  decrees  of  the 
Council  of  Nice,  wrought  many  other 
holy  works,  and  fell  asleep  in  peace  [in 
the  year  335.] 

Likewise  at  Rome,  at  the  cemetery 
of  Priscilla  upon  the  Salarian  Way,  the 
holy  martyrs  Donata,  Paulina,  Rustica, 
Nominanda,  Serotina,  Hilaria,  and 
their  companions. 

At    Sens,   blessed   Sabinian   [First] 


1  Wisd.  xviii.  14,  15. 


306 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


bishop  of  that  see,  and  Potentian,  who 
were  sent  thither  to  preach  by  the 
Roman  Pontiff,  and  adorned  that  city 
by  their  last  testimony.  [He  was  the 
Apostle  of  Sens.]  There  also  in  the 
persecution  under  the  Emperor  Aure- 
lian  the  holy  virgin  and  martyr  Colum- 
ba,  who  conquered  fire  and  was  slain 
with  the  sword  [third  century.] 

At  Rhessara,  the  holy  exorcist 
Hermes. 

At  Catania,  in  Sicily,  the  holy 
martyrs  Stephen,  Pontian,  Attalus, 
Fabian,  Cornelius,  Sextus,  Flos,  Quin- 
tian,  Minervinus  and  Simplician. 

On  the  same  day  holy  Zoticus,  a 
Roman  priest,  who  went  to  Constanti- 
nople, and  busied  himself  with  the 
■care  of  orphans. 

At  Ravenna,  the  holy  confessor  the 
priest  Barbatian. 

On  the  same  day  holy  Melania,  the 
younger,  who  left  Rome  along  with 
her  husband  Pinian  [son  of  the  Pre- 
fect of  Rome],  and  went  to  Jerusalem 
where  she  became  a  nun,  and  he  a 
monk  —  and  both  died  holy  deaths. 
[She  was  born  in  383,  married  410, 
and  died  in  439.] 

If  the  Office  be  not  of  the  Sunday,  it 
continues  as  on  Christinas  Day,  but  if 
of  the  Sunday  it  is  as  of  Christmas 
Day,   with  the  following  differences. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Gal.  iv.  7.) 

"t^HEREFORE   he   is   no   more  a 
servant,   but   a   son  ;  and   if  a 
son,   then  an  heir  of  God. 


TERCE. 

The  Chapter  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Chapter.      (Gal.  iv.  4.) 

UT  when  the  fulness  of  the  time 
was  come,   God    sent  forth    His 


B 


Son,   made  of  a  woman,  made  under 


the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were 
under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive 
the  adoption  of  sons. 

NONE. 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Vespers  of  the  following,  with  the 
same  Commemorations  as  at  Lauds. 


Dec.  31. 

St  Silvester  [/.],  Pope  of  Rome, 
Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 

The  first  Vespers  are  of  Christmas. 
Double  to  the  Chapter  exclusive. 

Commemorations  of  Christmas,  St 
Thomas  of  Canterbury,  St  Stephen, 
St  John,  and  the  Holy  Innocents, 
as  at  the  second  Vespers  of  each,  are 
made,  preceded,  if  Saturday  evening, 
by  a  Commemoration  of  the  Sunday. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (ii.    1.) 

'"THEREFORE,  thou  art  inexcus- 
able,  O  man,  whosoever  thou  art 
that  judgest ;  for  wherein  thou  judgest 
another,  thou  condemnest  thyself;  for 
thou  that  judgest,  doest  the  same 
things.  But  we  are  sure  that  the 
judgment  of  God  is  according  to  truth 
against     them     which     commit     such 


HOGMANAY. 


307 


things.  And  thinkest  thou  this,  O 
man,  that  judgest  them  which  do  such 
things,  and  doest  the  same,  that  thou 
shalt  escape  the  judgment  of  God  ? 
Or  despisest  thou  the  riches  of  His 
goodness,  and  forbearance,  and  long- 
suffering  ?  Knowest  thou  not  that  the 
goodness  of  God  leadeth  thee  to  re- 
pentance ? 

Second  Lesson. 

"DUT,  after  thy  hardness  and  impeni- 
tent  heart,  treasurest  up  unto 
thyself  wrath,  against  the  day  of  wrath 
and  revelation  of  the  righteous  judg- 
ment of  God,  Who  will  render  to  every 
man  according  to  his  deeds  :  to  them 
who,  by  patient  continuance  in  well- 
doing, seek  for  glory  and  honour  and 
immortality,  eternal  life  ;  but  unto 
them  that  are  contentious  and  do  not 
obey  the  truth,  but  obey  unrighteous- 
ness, indignation  and  wrath. 

Third  Lesson. 

^TRIBULATION  and  anguish  upon 
every  soul  of  man  that  doeth  evil, 
of  the  Jew  first,  and  also  of  the  Gen- 
tile,1 but  glory  and  honour  and  peace, 
to  every  man  that  worketh  good,  to 
the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Gentile.1 
For  there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with 
God.  For  as  many  as  have  sinned 
without  law  shall  also  perish  without 
law  ;  and  as  many  as  have  sinned 
under  law,  shall  be  judged  by  law. 
For  not  the  hearers  of  the  law  are 
just  before  God,  but  the  doers  of  the 
law  shall  be  justified. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

CILVESTER  [I.]  was  a  Roman  by 

birth,  and  his  father's  name  was 

Rufinus.      He  was  brought  up  from  a 


very  early  age  under  a  Priest  named 
Cyrinus,  of  whose  teaching  and  ex- 
ample he  was  a  diligent  learner.  In 
his  thirtieth  year  he  was  ordained 
Priest  of  the  Holy  Roman  Church  by 
Pope  Marcellinus.  In  the  discharge 
of  his  duties  he  became  a  model  for 
all  the  clergy,  and,  after  the  death  of 
Melchiades,  he  succeeded  him  on  the 
Papal  throne,  [in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
314,]  during  the  reign  of  Constantine, 
who  had  already  by  public  decree  pro- 
claimed peace  to  the  Church  of  Christ. 
Hardly  had  he  undertaken  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Church  when  he  betook 
himself  to  stir  up  the  Emperor  to  pro- 
tect and  propagate  the  religion  of 
Christ.  Constantine  was  fresh  from 
his  victory  over  his  enemy  Maxentius, 
on  the  Eve  whereof  the  sign  of  the 
Cross  had  been  revealed  to  him  limned 
in  light  upon  the  sky  ;  and  there  was 
an  old  story  in  the  Church  of  Rome 
that  it  was  Silvester  who  caused  him 
to  recognise  the  images  of  the  Apostles, 
administered  to  him  holy  Baptism,  and 
cleansed  him  from  the  leprosy  of  mis- 
belief. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

THE  godly  Emperor  had  already 
granted  to  Christ's  faithful  people 
permission  to  build  public  churches, 
and  by  the  advice  of  Silvester  he 
himself  set  them  the  example.  He 
built  many  Basilicas,  and  magnificently 
adorned  them  with  holy  images,  and 
gifted  them  with  gifts  and  endowments. 
Among  these  there  were,  besides 
others,  the  Church  of  Christ  the 
Saviour,  hard  by  the  Lateran  Palace  ; 
that  of  St  Peter,  upon  the  Vatican 
Mount  ;  that  of  St  Paul,  upon  the 
road  to  Ostia  ;  that  of  St  Lawrence, 
in  Verus'  field  ;  that  of  the  Holy 
Cross  at  the  Sessorian  hall  ;  that  of 
St  Peter  and  St  Marcellinus,  upon  the 
Lavican  Way  ;  and  that  of  St  Agnes, 


1  Graeci. 


3o8 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


upon  the  road  to  Mentana.  Under 
this  Pope  was  held  the  first  Council  of 
Nice,  presided  over  by  the  Papal 
Legates,  and  in  the  Presence  of  Con- 
stantine,  and  three  hundred  and  eigh- 
teen Bishops,  where  the  holy  and 
Catholic  Faith  was  declared,  and 
Arius  and  his  followers  condemned  ; 
which  Council  was  finally  confirmed 
by  the  Pope,  at  the  request  of  all  the 
assembled  Fathers,  in  a  synod  held 
at  Rome,  where  Arius  was  again  con- 
demned. This  Pope  issued  many  use- 
ful ordinances  for  the  Church  of  God. 
He  reserved  to  Bishops  the  right  of 
consecrating  the  Holy  Chrism  ;  ordered 
Priests  to  anoint  with  Chrism  the 
heads  of  the  newly  baptised  ;  settled 
the  officiating  dress  of  Deacons  as  a 
dalmatic  and  a  linen  maniple  ;  and 
forbade  the  consecration  of  the  Sacra- 
ment of  the  Altar  on  anything  but  a 
linen  corporal. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

HTHIS  Silvester  is  likewise  said  to 
have  ordained  that  all  persons 
taking  Holy  Orders  should  remain  a- 
while  in  each  grade  before  being  pro- 
moted to  a  higher  ;  that  laymen  should 
not  go  to  law  against  the  clergy  ;  and 
that  the  clergy  themselves  were  not  to 
plead  before  civil  tribunals.  He  de- 
creed that  the  first  and  seventh  days  of 
the  week  should  be  called  respectively 
the  Lord's  Day  and  the  Sabbath,  and 
the  others,  Second  Day,  Third  Day, 
and  so  on.  In  this  he  confirmed  the 
use  of  the  word  "  Feria  "  for  the  week- 
days, the  which  use  had  already  begun 
in  the  Church.  This  word  signifieth 
an  "  holiday,"  and  pointeth  to  the  duty 
of  the  clergy  ever  to  lay  aside  all 
worldly  labour,  and  leave  themselves 
free  to  do  continually  the  work  of  the 
Lord.  The  heavenly  wisdom  with 
which  he  ruled  the  Church  of  God, 
was  joined  in  him  to  a  singular  holi- 


ness of  life,  and  an  inexhaustible 
tenderness  towards  the  poor  ;  in  which 
matter  he  ordained  that  the  wealthy 
clergy  should  each  relieve  a  certain 
number  of  needy  persons  ;  and  he  also 
made  arrangements  for  supplying  the 
consecrated  virgins  with  the  neces- 
saries of  life.  He  lived  as  Pope 
twenty  -  one  years,  ten  months  and 
one  day,  and  was  buried  in  the 
cemetery  of  Priscilla  on  the  Salarian 
Way,  [in  the  year  335.]  He  held 
seven  Advent  ordinations,  and  made 
forty-two  Priests,  twenty-five  Deacons, 
and  sixty-five  Bishops  of  various  sees. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xii.  35,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  as  in  the 
Common  Office  for  a  Confessor  not  a 
Bishop.  If  it  be  Sunday,  the  last 
Lesson  is  omitted,  or  read  as  one 
with  the  Eighth,  and  the  Ninth  Lesson 
is  the  whole  or  the  first  part  of  the 
Homily  of  the  Sunday,  already  given 
in  the  preceding  Office — preceded  by  the 
Blessing : — 

May  the  Gospel's  glorious  word 
Cleansing  to  our  souls  afford. 

At  Lauds,  if  Sunday,  Christmas  is 
commemorated  from  the  Lauds  of  that 
day  after  the  Commemoration  of  the 
Sunday.  Then  Commemorations  of  St 
Thomas  of  Canterbury,  St  Stephen, 
St  John,  and  the  Holy  Innocents,  as 
at  the  Lauds  of  each. 

At  Prime  the  same  alteration  as  be- 
fore in  the  Short  Responsory. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  the  Octave  of  the 
Birth  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  upon 
the  which  day  is  commemorated  His 
Circumcision. 

Upon  the  same  1st  day  of  Jan- 
uary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 


NEW   YEAR'S   DAY. 


309 


At  Rome,  the  holy  martyr  Al- 
machius,  who  was  slain  by  gladiators 
[about  the  year  404]  at  the  command 
of  Alpius,  prefect  of  the  city,  be- 
cause he  said :  "  This  is  the  Octave 
of  the  Lord's  Birth,  cease  from  your 
idolatrous  superstitions,  and  your 
unclean  sacrifices." 

Likewise  at  Rome,  upon  the  Appian 
Way,  thirty  holy  soldiers  who  were 
crowned  with  martyrdom,  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian. 

Likewise  at  Rome,  the  holy  virgin 
Martina,  who  was  put  to  divers  tor- 
ments, under  the  Emperor  Alexander, 
and  at  length  gained  the  crown  of 
martyrdom  by  the  sword,  whose  feast 
we  keep  upon  the  30th  day  of  the 
month  of  January. 

At  Spoleto,  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperor  Antonine,  the  holy  martyr, 
the  priest  Concordius.  He  was  first 
cudgelled,  then  racked,  and  afterwards 
suffered  imprisonment  —  wherein  he 
was  comforted  by  a  visit  of  angels, 
and  at  length  was  delivered  from  this 
life  by  the  sword. 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  martyr 
Magnus. 

At  Cassarea,  in  Cappadocia,  the 
burial  of  the  holy  Basil,  bishop  of 
Caesarea  [in  the  year  379],  whose 
feast  we  keep  upon  the  14th  day  of 
June.  Which  is  the  day  whereon  he 
was  ordained  a  bishop. 

In  Africa,  blessed  Fulgentius,  bishop 
of  the  Church  of  Ruspa  [in  the  year 
508],  who  at  the  time  of  the  per- 
secution under  the  Vandals,  suffered 
much  at  the  hands  of  the  Arians  be- 
cause of  his  Catholic  faith,  and  his 
eminent  teaching.  He  was  exiled  to 
Sardinia  [in  the  year  510];  but  was 
at  length  [in  the  year  523]  allowed 
to  return  to  his  own  church,  where 
[in  the  year  533]  he  died  a  holy 
death,  famous  for  his  life  and  his 
words. 

At  Chieti,  in  Abruzzo  Citeriore, 
vol.  I. 


holy  Justin,  bishop  of  that  city,  famous 
for  the  holiness  of  his  life,  and  for  the 
miracles  worked  through  him  [in  the 
year   543]. 

At  the  monastery  of  St  Claude,  upon 
the  Jura  Mountains,  in  the  country  of 
Lyons,  holy  [4th]  Eugendus,  Abbat 
[of  Condat],  whose  life  was  illustrious 
for  his  graces  and  miracles  [in  the 
year   510]. 

At  Senlis  [in  the  year  1049],  holy 
Odilo,  [6th]  Abbat  of  Cluni  [elected 
in  the  year  994],  who  first  com- 
manded that  in  his  monasteries  a 
commemoration  of  all  the  faithful 
departed  should  be  made  upon  the 
first  day  after  the  festival  of  All 
Saints,  the  which  custom  the  Uni- 
versal Church  hath  since  approved 
by  adopting  it. 

At  Monte  Senario,  in  Tuscany,  the 
blessed  confessor  Bonfiglio,  one  of  the 
seven  founders  of  the  order  of  ser- 
vants of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  to 
whom  he  was  devoted — and  by  whom 
he  was  suddenly  called  away  to  heaven 
[in  the  year  1262]. 

At  Alexandria  [in  the  year  470],  the 
burial  of  the  holy  virgin  Euphrosyne, 
who  shone  in  her  nunnery  as  a  great 
light  by  the  power  of  her  self-denial 
and  her  miracles. 

The  Vespers  are  of  the  Circumcision, 
without  any  Commemorations. 


Jan.  1. 

Ifoto  gear's  ©ag. 

The  Circumcision  of  the  Lord,  and 
Octave  of  His  Birth. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

Everything   as   on    Sundays   except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


3io 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Verse  and  An- 
swer, and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Psalms  as  in  the  Common  Office  for 
Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

Hymn  from  the  Vespers  of  Christmas 
Day. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  1  God,  for  His  great  love 
wherewith  He  loved  us,  sent  His  Own 
Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh. 
Alleluia. 

No  Commemorations. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory  and  Hymn  as  on  Christ- 
mas Day. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
said  unto  Me:  Thou  art  My  Son,  * 
this  day  have   I  begotten  Thee. 

Psalm  II. 

Why    do    the    heathen    rage,    &c, 

(A   4-) 

Second  Antiphon.  In  the  sun  hath 
He  set  His  tabernacle :  *  and  He  is 
as  a  bridegroom  coming  out  of  his 
chamber. 

Psalm  XVIII. 

The  heavens  declare,  &c,  {p.  17.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Be  ye  lift  up,  ye 
everlasting  doors,  *  and  the  King  of 
glory  shall  come  in. 

Psalm  XXIII. 

The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  &c,  {p. 
46.) 
1  Eph.  ii.  4 ;  Rom.  viii.  3.  2  ps.  j.  5. 


Verse.  The  Lord  is  as  a  bride- 
groom. 

Answer.  Coming  out  of  His 
chamber. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans,   (iii.    1.) 

A  \1  HAT  advantage  then  hath  the 
Jew  ?  or  what  profit  is  there 
of  circumcision  ?  Much  every  way. 
Chiefly,  because  that,  unto  them  were 
committed  the  oracles  of  God.  For 
what  if  some  did  not  believe  ?  Shall 
their  unbelief  make  the  faith  of  God 
of  none  effect  ?  God  forbid.  Yea, 
God  is  true  :  but  every  man  a  liar, 
as  it  is  written  : — "  That  Thou  might- 
est  be  justified  in  Thy  sayings,  and 
mightest  overcome  when  Thou  art 
judged."2  But  if  our  unrighteous- 
ness commend  the  righteousness  of 
God,  what  shall  we  say  ?  Is  God 
unrighteous,  Who  taketh  vengeance  ? 
(I  speak  as  a  man.)  God  forbid:  for 
then  how  shall  God  judge  this  world  ? 

First  Responsory. 

3  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  behold 
Him  Which  taketh  away  the  sins  of 
the  world  ;  behold  Him  of  Whom  I 
said  unto  you :  He  That  cometh  after 
me  is  preferred  before  me  ;  Whose 
shoe's  latchet  I  am  not  worthy  to 
unloose. 

Verse.  4  He  that  is  of  the  earth 
speaketh  of  the  earth  ;  He  That  com- 
eth from  heaven  is  above  all. 

Answer.  Whose  shoe's  latchet  I 
am  not  worthy  to  unloose. 

Second  Lesson,      (iii.  29.) 

T  S  He  the  God  of  the  Jews  only  ? 
■*■  Is  He  not  also  of  the  Gentiles  ? 
Yea,  of  the  Gentiles  also.     Seeing  it 

3  John  i.  29.  *  John  iii.  31. 


NEW   YEAR'S   DAY. 


311 


is  one  God  Which  justifieth  the  cir- 
cumcision by  faith,  and  uncircumcision 
through  faith.  Do  we  then  make 
void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God 
forbid :  yea,  we  establish  the  law. 
(iv.  1.)  What  shall  we  then  say  that 
Abraham,  our  father,  hath  found, 
according  to  the  flesh  ?  For  if 
Abraham  were  justified  by  works,  he 
hath  whereof  to  glory,  but  not  before 
God.  For  what  saith  the  Scripture  ? 
1  "  Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was 
counted  unto  him  for  righteousness." 
Now  to  him  that  worketh  is  the  re- 
ward not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of 
debt.  But  to  him  that  worketh  not, 
but  believeth  on  Him  That  justifieth 
the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for 
righteousness,  according  to  the  gracious 
purpose  of  God.  Even  as  David  also 
describeth  the  happiness  of  the  man, 
unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteous- 
ness without  works  :  2  "  Blessed  are 
they  whose  iniquities  are  forgiven,  and 
whose  sins  are  covered." 

Second  Responsory. 

This  day  which  is  breaking  is  holy : 
O  come,  ye  Gentiles,  and  worship  the 
Lord.  For  this  day  is  much  light 
come  down  unto  us  from  heaven. 

Verse.  3  This  is  the  day  which  the 
Lord  hath  made,  let  us  rejoice  and 
be  glad  in  it. 

Answer.  For  this  day  is  much 
light  come  down  unto  us  from  heaven. 

Third  Lesson. 

(COMETH  this  blessedness  then 
upon  the  circumcision  only,  or 
upon  the  uncircumcision  also  ?  For 
we  say  that  faith  was  reckoned  to 
Abraham  for  righteousness.  How 
then  was  it  reckoned  ?  When  he  was 
in  circumcision  or  in  uncircumcision  ? 
Not  in  circumcision,  but  in  uncircum- 
cision.     And  he  received  the  sign   of 

1  Gen.  xv.  6.  -  Ps.  xxxi.  1,  2. 


circumcision,  a  seal  of  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  faith  which  he  had,  yet 
being  in  uncircumcision  ;  that  he  might 
be  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe, 
though  they  be  not  in  circumcision,  that 
it  might  be  imputed  to  them  also  for 
righteousness  ;  and  the  father  of  cir- 
cumcision to  them  who  are  not  of  the 
circumcision  only,  but  who  also  walk 
in  the  steps  of  that  faith  of  our  father 
Abraham,  which  he  had,  being  yet  in 
uncircumcision. 

Third  Responsory. 

4  Blessed  be  He  That  cometh  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  !  God  is  the 
Lord  Which  hath  showed  us  light. 
Alleluia,   Alleluia. 

Verse.  This  is  the  day  v/hich  the 
LORD  hath  made,  let  us  rejoice  and 
be  glad  in  it. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Thou  art  fairer 
than  the  children  of  men,  *  grace  is 
poured  into  Thy  lips. 

Psalm  XLIV. 

Mine  heart  is  overflowing,  &c, 
(P.   96.) 

Second  Antiphon.  This  man  was 
born  in  her,  *  and  the  Highest  Him- 
self hath  established  her. 

Psalm  LXXXVI. 
Her  foundation,  &c,  {p.  144.) 

Third  Antiphon.  All  the  trees  of 
the  wood  shall  rejoice  *  before  the 
Lord,  for  He  cometh. 


3  Ps.  cxvii.  24. 


4  Ps.  cxvii.  26,  27. 


312 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Psalm  XCV. 

0    sing   unto   the   Lord,   &c,    {p. 

148.) 

Verse.  Thou  art  fairer  than  the 
children  of  men. 

Answer.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great.]  {jth 
for  Christmas.') 

T~\ EARLY  beloved  brethren,  who- 
soever will  keep  truly  and  honour 
piously  this  day's  festival,  it  is  neces- 
sary for  him  neither  to  think  falsely 
of  the  Lord's  Incarnation,  nor  meanly 
of  the  Lord's  Godhead.  For  as  there 
is  danger,  on  the  one  hand,  of  denying 
the  truth  of  Christ's  participation  of 
our  nature,  so  is  there  no  less  danger, 
on  the  other,  of  doing  despite  to  the 
equality  of  His  glory  with  the  glory 
of  the  Father.  Wherefore,  when  we 
draw  near  to  understand  the  mystery 
of  Christ's  Birth,  wherein  He  was 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  we  must 
leave  the  clouds  of  earthly  imagina- 
tion behind  and  pierce  the  fog  of 
human  wisdom  with  the  eye  of  en- 
lightened faith. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Rejoice  with  me,  all  ye  that  love 
the  Lord.  For  while  I  was  yet  little  I 
pleased  the  Most  High,  and  from  my 
womb  have  I  brought  forth  God  and 
man. 

Verse.  All  generations  shall  call  me 
blessed,  for  God  hath  regarded  the 
lowliness  of  His  hand-maiden. 

Answer.  For  while  I  was  yet  little 
I  pleased  the  Most  High,  and  from 
my  womb  have  I  brought  forth  God 
and  man. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

'T'HE  authority  on  which  we  believe 
is  the  authority  of  God  Himself; 
the  teaching  which  we  follow  is  the 
teaching  of  God  Himself.  Wherefore 
whether  we  lend  the  ear  of  our  mind 
to  the  testimony  of  the  Law,  or  to  the 
revelations  of  the  Prophets,  or  to  the 
full  pealing  of  the  Gospel  trumpet, 
that  is  true,  which  John  the  Son  of 
Thunder,  uttered,  when  he  was  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  said  :  "In 
the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the 
Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word 
was  God.  The  Same  was  in  the 
beginning  with  God.  All  things  were 
made  by  Him,  and  without  Him  was 
not  anything  made."  True  also  is  his 
witness  when  he  saith :  "  The  Word 
was  made  Flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us, 
and  we  beheld  His  glory,  the  glory  as 
of  the  Only-begotten  of  the  Father." 
(John  i.  1-3,  14.) 

Fifth  Responsory. 

The  heart  of  the  Virgin  was  fixed, 
when  the  Angel  declared  unto  her  the 
mystery  of  God  and  she  conceived  : 
then  did  she  receive  in  her  pure  womb 
Him  That  is  fairer  than  the  children 
of  men.  And,  she  that  is  blessed  for 
ever,  brought  forth  for  us  God  and 
man. 

Verse. 

Soon  rises,  in  that  modest  shrine, 
The  Temple  of  the  Lord  Divine  : 
The  stainless  and  unwedded  one, 
Within  her  womb  conceived  the  Son. 

Answer.  And,  she  that  is  blessed 
for  ever,  brought  forth  for  us  God  and 
man. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

HP  HE   Person    of   the    Son    of   God 

therefore    remaineth    unchanged 

and  one,  though  He  have  two  natures, 


NEW   YEAR'S   DAY. 


313 


keeping  His  own,  and  taking  ours. 
He  appeareth  as  man  to  be  the  re- 
storer of  men,  but  abideth  all  the 
while  in  His  immutable  Godhead. 
That  Godhead  which  He  shareth  with 
the  Father  was  not  a  whit  the  less 
Almighty,  nor  did  the  form  of  a  ser- 
vant touch  the  form  of  God  to  dero- 
gate from  it.  The  Most  High  and 
Everlasting  Being,  bending  down  for 
man's  salvation,  took  the  Manhood 
into  His  glory ;  He  ceased  not  to  be 
That  which  He  is  from  everlasting. 
Hence  we  see  the  Only-begotten  Son 
of  God  in  one  place  confessing  that 
the  Father  is  greater  than  He,  (John 
xiv.  28,)  and  in  another  declaring 
that  He  and  the  Father  are  One, 
(x.  30.)  This  is  an  evident  proof  of 
the  distinction  of  His  two  natures,  and 
the  unity  of  His  Person ;  for  He  is 
inferior  to  the  Father  as  touching  His 
Manhood,  and  yet  equal  to  the  Father 
as  touching  His  Godhead,  and  yet, 
though  He  be  God  and  Man,  He  is 
not  two,  but  One  Christ. 


Sixth  Responsory. 

Blessed  and  worshipful  art  thou,  O 
Virgin  Mary ;  from  thee,  still  maiden 
undefiled,  the  Saviour  came  a  little 
Child.  He  Whose  glory  filled  the 
heavens  lay  in  a  manger. 

Verse.  l  O  Lord,  I  have  heard 
Thy  speech  and  was  afraid  ;  I  con- 
sidered Thy  works  and  trembled.  O 
Thou  [That  dwellest]  between  the  two 
living  creatures  ! 

Answer.  He  Whose  glory  filled  the 
heavens  lay  in  a  manger. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  He  Whose  glory  filled  the 
heavens  lay  in  a  manger. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  In  the  beginning, 
and  before  the  worlds,  the  Word  was 
God,  *  and  this  day  is  He  born  the 
Saviour  of  the  world. 

Psalm  XCVI. 
The  Lord  reigneth,  &c,  {p.  149.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  our 
Saviour,  *  begotten  before  the  day- 
star,  and  before  the  worlds,  hath  this 
day  vouchsafed  to  be  born. 

Psalm  XCVI  I. 
O  sing  unto  the  Lord,  &c,  {p.  157.) 

Third  Antiphon.  When  the  Lord 
was  born  the  Angels  sang  together,  * 
saying  :  2  Salvation  to  our  God,  Which 
sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb. 

Psalm  XCVIII. 

The  Lord  reigneth,  &c,  {p.  158.) 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  made  known. 
Alleluia. 

Answer.   His  salvation.     Alleluia. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is   taken   from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  21.) 

A  T    that    time :    When    eight    days 
were    accomplished    for  the  cir- 
cumcision of  the  Child,  His  name  was 
called  Jesus.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]     {Book  ii.  on  Luke  ii.) 

So  the  Child  is  circumcised.  This 
is   the    Child    of   Whom    it    is    said : 


1  Hab.  iii.  2.     As  to  the  "two  living  creatures,"  compare  Exod.  xxv.  22,  &c.     But  this 
reading  of  the  Song  of  Habakkuk  is  not  that  of  the  present  authorised  version.     (P.   154.) 

2  Apoc.  vii.  10. 


3H 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


"  Unto  us  a  Child  is  born,  unto  us  a 
Son  is  given,"  (Isa.  ix.  6.)  "Made 
under  the  law  to  redeem  them  that 
were  under  the  law."     (Gal.  iv.  4.) 

"  To  present  Him  to  the  Lord," 
(22.)  In  my  Commentary  on  Isaiah 
I  have  already  explained  what  is 
meant  by  being  presented  to  the 
Lord  in  Jerusalem,  and  therefore  I 
will  not  enter  into  the  subject  again. 
He  that  is  circumcised  in  heart  gain- 
eth  the  protection  of  God,  for  "  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the 
righteous."  (Ps.  xxxiii.  16.)  Ye  will 
see  that  as  all  the  ceremonies  of 
the  old  law  were  types  of  realities 
in  the  new,  so  the  circumcision  of  the 
body  signified  the  cleansing  of  the 
heart  from  the  guilt  of  sin. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

O  Mary,  how  holy  and  how  spotless 
is  thy  virginity !  I  am  too  dull  to 
praise  thee :  for  thou  hast  borne  in 
thy  breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens 
cannot  contain. 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women,  and  blessed  is  the  fruit  of 
thy  womb. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  borne  in 
thy  breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens 
cannot  contain. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

DUT  since  the  body  and  mind  of 
man  remain  yet  infected  with  a 
proneness'  to  sin,  the  circumcision  of 
the  eighth  day  is  also  a  type  of  that 
complete  cleansing  from  sin  which  we 
shall  have  at  the  resurrection.  This 
ceremony  was  also  performed  in 
obedience  to  the  commandment  of 
God  :  1  "  Every  male  that  openeth  the 
womb  shall  be  called  holy  unto  the 
Lord."  These  words  were  written 
with  especial  reference  to  the  delivery 


of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  Truly  He  That 
opened  her  womb  was  holy,  for  He 
was  altogether  without  spot,  and  we 
may  gather  that  the  law  was  written 
specially  for  Him  from  the  words  of 
the  Angel :  "  That  Holy  Thing  Which 
shall  be  born  of  thee,  shall  be  called 
the  Son  of  God." 

Eighth  Responsory. 

The    Virgin-Mother   that   knew   not 
a  man,  bore,  but  travailed  not. 

She  fed  the  Saviour  of  the  world, 
The  King  of  Angel  hosts  above, 
Jesus,  our  Redeemer  blest, 
From  the  fountain  of  her  breast. 

Verse. 

Soon  rises  in  that  modest  shrine, 
The  Temple  of  the  Lord  Divine  ; 
The  stainless  and  unwedded  one, 
Within  her  womb  conceived  the  Son. 

Answer. 

She  fed  the  Saviour  of  the  world, 
The  King  of  Angel  hosts  above, 
Jesus,  our  Redeemer  blest, 
From  the  fountain  of  her  breast. 

Verse.     Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer. 

She  fed  the  Saviour  of  the  world, 
The  King  of  Angel  hosts  above, 
Jesus,  our  Redeemer  blest, 
From  the  fountain  of  her  breast. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

A  MONG  all  that  are  born  of  women 
■^  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  stood 
alone  in  holiness.  Fresh  from  His 
immaculate  Birth,  He  felt  no  con- 
tagion    from    human    corruption,    and 


1  Luke  ii.  23. 


NEW    YEARS   DAY. 


315 


His  heavenly  Majesty  drove  it  away. 
If  we  are  to  follow  the  letter  and  say 
that  every  male  that  openeth  the  womb 
is  holy,  how  shall  we  explain  that  so 
many  have  been  unrighteous  ?  Was 
Ahab  holy  ?  Were  the  false  prophets 
holy  ?  Were  they  holy  on  whom 
Elijah  justly  called  down  fire  from 
heaven  ?  But  He  to  Whom  the  sacred 
commandment  of  the  law  of  God  is 
mystically  directed  is  the  Holy  One  of 
Israel ;  Who  also  alone  hath  opened 
the  secret  womb  of  His  holy  Virgin- 
bride  the  Church,  filling  her  with  a 
sinless  fruitfulness  to  give  birth  to 
Christian  souls. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  &c,  is  said. 

Lauds. 

First  Antiphon.  How  wonderful  is 
the  dealing  here !  *  The  Maker  of 
man  hath  taken  to  Himself  a  living 
body,  and  hath  been  pleased  to  be 
born  of  the  Virgin  :  He  is  come  forth 
conceived  without  seed,  and  hath 
made  us  partakers  of  His  Divine 
nature. 

Second  Antiphon.  When,  in  an 
unspeakable  manner,  *  Thou  wast 
born  of  a  Virgin,  the  Scriptures  were 
fulfilled ;  to  save  man,  Thou  earnest 
down  as  dew  upon  the  fleece :  we 
praise  Thee,   O  our  God  ! 

Third  Antiphon.  Mother  of  God, 
when  Moses  *  saw  the  bush  uncon- 
sumed,  we  own  that  it  was  a  figure  of 
the  preservation  of  thy  most  wonder- 
ful virginity  :  pray  for  us. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  The  Root  of 
Jesse  hath  blossomed :  *  the  star  is 
arisen  out  of  Jacob,  the  Virgin  hath 
given  birth  to  the  Saviour  :  we  praise 
Thee,  O  our  God  ! 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Behold,  Mary 
hath  borne  *  for  us  a  Saviour  ;  John 
beheld  Him  and  cried,  saying :  Be- 
hold, the   Lamb  of  God,  behold   Him 


that  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world. 
Alleluia. 

Chapter.     (Tit.  ii.  11.) 

'"PHE  grace  of  God  our  Saviour 
hath  appeared,  teaching  us,  that, 
denying  ungodliness  and  worldly 
lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  right- 
eously, and  godly  in  this  present 
world. 

Hymn  from  the  Lauds  of  Christmas 
Day. 

Verse.  The  Word  was  made  Flesh. 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  And  dwelt  among  us. 
Alleluia. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
This  day  is  set  forth  a  wonderful  mys- 
tery, *  a  new  thing  hath  been  created 
in  the  earth — God  is  made  man. 
That  which  He  was  He  remaineth, 
and  that  which  He  was  not  He  taketh, 
suffering  therein  neither  confusion  nor 
division. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  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,  Who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.       How    wonderful,    &c, 
{First  Atitiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Ln  the    Short  Responsory  the   same 
alteration  as  before. 


316 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  the  Octave  of  holy 
Stephen  the  Proto-Martyr. 

At  Rome  are  commemorated  upon 
the  same  day  many  holy  martyrs 
who  defied  the  edict  of  the  Emperor 
Diocletian  whereby  it  was  commanded 
to  give  up  the  holy  books,  they 
being  willing  rather  to  give  over 
their  own  bodies  to  the  executioners 
than  to  give  unto  dogs  that  which 
was  holy. 

Upon  the  same  2nd  day  of  Jan- 
uary, were  born  into  the  better 
life— 

At  Antioch,  blessed  Isidore,  Bishop 
[in  the  year  420]. 

At  Tomi,  in  Pontus,  under  Emperor 
Licinius,  the  three  holy  brethren, 
Argeus,  Narcissus,  and  Marcellinus. 
Argeus  and  Narcissus  were  slain  with 
the  sword.  Marcellinus  was  a  boy, 
he  was  taken  among  the  recruits,  and 
for  as  much  as  he  would  not  be 
a  soldier  he  was  grievously  flogged, 
and  after  suffering  long  in  prison 
was  drowned  in  the  sea  [in  the  year 
320]. 

At  Milan  [after  the  year  431], 
holy  Martinian  [17th]  bishop  of  that 
see. 

At  Nitria,  in  Egypt,  the  blessed 
confessor  Isidore  [Bishop  of  Hermo- 
polis  in  the  fourth  century]. 

Upon  the  same  day  the  holy  Bishop 
Siridion. 

In  the  Thebaid  the  holy  Abbat 
Macarius  of  Alexandria  [about  the  year 
395]- 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Heb.  ii.  11.) 

T'HEY  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. 


TERCE. 

Antiphon.  When  in  an  unspeak- 
able manner,  &c,  {Second  Antiphon 
at  Lauds. ) 

Chapter  as  at  Lauds. 
Short   Responsory   as   at    Terce  on 
Christmas  Day. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Mother  of  God,  &c, 
( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds. ) 

Chapter.     (Heb.  i.  10.) 

AND:  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  begin- 
*^^  ning  hast  laid  the  foundation  of 
the  earth :  and  the  heavens  are  the 
works  of  Thine  hands. 

Short  Responsory  as  on  Sext  on 
Christmas  Day. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  Mary,  &c. 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 
Short  Responsory    as   at   None   on 
Christmas  Day. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Psalms  as  in  the  Common  Office  for 
Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  from 
the  Vespers  of  Christmas  Day. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Herein  is  a  great  mystery  of 
heirship  ;  the  womb  of  her  that  knew 
not  a  man  is  become  the  temple  of 
God  :  in  taking  of  her  flesh  He  was 
not  defiled :  all  nations  shall  come 
and  say,  Glory  be  to  Thee,  O  Lord  ! 


OCTAVE   OF   ST   STEPHEN. 


317 


Commemoration  of  St  Stephen. 

Antiphon.  Stephen,  full  of  grace 
and  power,  did  great  wonders  among 
the  people. 

Verse.  Stephen  saw  the  heavens 
opened. 

Answer.  He  saw  and  entered  in  : 
blessed  is  he  unto  whom  the  heavens 
were  opened. 

Let  us  pray. 

r\  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
^-^  God,  Who  hast  dedicated  the 
first-fruits  of  Thy  Martyrs  with  the 
blood  of  the  Blessed  Stephen  ;  grant, 
we  beseech  Thee,  that  the  same  may 
pray  for  us  also,  who  prayed  even  for 
his  murderers  to  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. 

No  other  Commemoration. 


Jan.  2. 

<Dctavt  of  0fc  £foep0en. 

Double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast-day,   (J>.   281), 
except  the  following. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Acts  of 
the  Apostles  (vii.  51.) 

1  "  \7"E  stiff-necked,  and  uncircum- 
cised  in  heart  and  ears,  ye 
do  always  resist  the  Holy  Ghost ;  as 
your  fathers  did,  so  do  ye.  Which 
of  the  Prophets  have  not  your  fathers 


persecuted  ?  And  they  have  slain 
them  which  showed  before  of  the 
coming  of  the  Just  One  ;  of  Whom 
ye  have  been  now  the  betrayers  and 
murderers :  who  have  received  the 
law  by  the  disposition  of  Angels, 
and  have  not  kept  it."  When  they 
heard  these  things  they  were  cut 
to  the  heart,  and  they  gnashed  on 
him  with  their  teeth. 

Second  Lesson. 

"DUT  he,  being  full  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  looked  up  steadfastly  into 
heaven,  and  saw  the  glory  of  God, 
and  JESUS  standing  on  the  right  hand 
of  God.  And  said :  f*  Behold,  I  see 
the  heavens  opened,  and  the  Son  of 
man  standing  on  the  right  hand  of 
God."  Then  they  cried  out  with  a 
loud  voice,  and  stopped  their  ears, 
and  ran  upon  him  with  one  accord. 
And  they  cast  him  out  of  the  city  and 
stoned  him  :  and  the  witnesses  laid 
down  their  clothes  at  a  young  man's 
feet,  whose  name  was  Saul.  And 
they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon 
God,  and  saying :  "  Lord  Jesus,  re- 
ceive my  spirit." 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  he  kneeled  down  and  cried 
"^^  with  a  loud  voice,  saying : 
"  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their 
charge."  And  when  he  had  said 
this,  he  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord, 
(viii.  1.)  And  Saul  was  consenting 
unto  his  death.  And  at  that  time 
there  was  a  great  persecution  against 
the  Church  which  was  at  Jerusalem  : 
and  they  were  all  scattered  abroad 
throughout  the  regions  of  Judea  and 
Samaria  except  the  Apostles.  And 
devout  men  carried  Stephen  to  his 
burial  and  made  great  lamentation 
over  him. 


1  The  end  of  the  speech  of  the  Saint  before  the  Council. 


VOL.   I. 


L  2 


3i8 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 


Fourth  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  1  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (2nd  on  St  Stephen.) 

"C*VEN  after  the  glory  of  yesterday, 
bright  with  the  splendour  of 
Christ  our  Saviour's  Birth,  this  day 
findeth  itself  an  illumination  of  its  own 
from  the  crown  of  the  blessed  Martyr 
Stephen.  The  whole  earth  knoweth 
how  manfully  he  fought  and  con- 
quered :  for  he  suffered  at  the  very 
fountain-head  of  the  Church,  that  is 
to  say,  in  Jerusalem.  It  was  in  the 
Church  there  that  he  ministered  as  a 
Deacon  :  and  in  the  youthful  spring- 
time of  life  dyed  with  his  blood  the 
lily  of  his  purity.  His  Passion  is 
very  glorious,  and  many  ways  wonder- 
ful, and  when  we  read  it  in  the  Acts 
of  the  Apostles,  we  seem  rather  to  see 
than  to  hear. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

C*  HRIST,  the  Captain  of  the  Martyrs, 
^  hath  first  suffered  for  us,  leaving 
us  an  example  that  we  should  follow 
His  steps,  (i  Pet.  ii.  21.)  And  truly, 
Blessed  Stephen  followed  them,  when, 
having  confessed  Christ,  he  was  stoned 
to  death  by  the  Jews,  and  obtained  the 
crown  which  his  name  had  foreshown. 
For  the  meaning  of  the  Greek  name 
"Stephanos"  is  "a  crown."  Already 
he  had  a  crown  for  his  name,  a  fore- 
shadowing of  the  martyr's  palm  which 
he  beareth  in  heaven. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

"\1THEN  they  stoned  him  he  did  not 
rejoice  at  the  thought  that  God 
would   take   vengeance    on   his   perse- 
cutors.     On   the   contrary,  he   prayed 


that  they  might  be  forgiven.  For  he 
remembered  the  word  of  the  Lord,  that 
saith :  "Vengeance  belongeth  unto 
Me,  I  will  recompense,  saith  the  Lord," 
(Heb.  x.  30,)  and  again:  "Say  not 
thou  ;  I  will  recompense  evil  [to  mine 
enemies],  but  wait  on  the  LORD,  and 
He  shall  save  thee."  (Prov.  xx.  22.) 
The  Lord  God  biddeth  us  also  be 
patient,  knowing  that  in  the  great  day 
of  retribution,  we,  as  well  as  His  holy 
martyrs,  shall  be  righted. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xxiii. 
34-) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto  the 
^^  Scribes  and  Pharisees  :  Behold, 
I  send  unto  you  Prophets,  and  wise 
men,  and  scribes  :  and  some  of  them 
ye  shall  kill  and  crucify.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem.]  (Bk.  iv.  Comment,  on 
Matth.  xxiii.) 

"  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  thou  that 
killest  the  Prophets."  The  Jerusalem 
that  killed  the  Prophets  was  not  the 
material  stone  and  houses,  but  they 
that  dwelt  therein.  He  wept  over  her 
with  a  father's  love,  as  also  it  is  written 
in  another  place  that,  when  He  saw 
the  city,  He  wept  over  it.  (Luke  xix. 
41.)  "How  often  would  I  have 
gathered  thy  children  together."  Here 
observe  that  Christ  avoweth  that  He 
had  been  the  Sender  of  all  the  former 
Prophets.  "Even  as  an  hen  gathereth 
her  chickens  under  her  wings."  A 
similar  figure  is  found  in  the  Song  of 
Moses  in  Deuteronomy,  xxxii.  II,  "As 
an  eagle  stirreth  up  her  nest,  fluttereth 
over  her  young,  spreadeth  abroad  her 


1  Some  parts  are  certainly  by  St  Austin  ;  others  are  probably  not. 


OCTAVE   OF   ST   STEPHEN. 


3*9 


wings,  taketh  them,  and  beareth  them 
on  her  wings."  1 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  TDEHOLD,  your  house  is  left  unto 
you  desolate."  God  had  al- 
ready spoken  these  things  once  before, 
by  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah,  where  He 
saith  :  "  I  have  forsaken  Mine  house, 
I  have  left  Mine  heritage  ;  Mine  in- 
heritance is  become  unto  Me  like  an 
hyaena's  den."2  (xii.  7.)  The  house 
of  the  Jews,  which  was  to  be  left  unto 
them  desolate,  is  that  Temple,  whose 
splendour  they  loved  only  too  well, 
when  they  slew  the  Owner  of  it  for  the 
sake  of  it,  and  said  of  Christ,  "  This  is 
the  heir  ;  come,  let  us  kill  Him,  and 
the  inheritance  shall  be  ours."  ( Matth. 
xxi.  38.) 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  T^OR  I  say  unto  you,  Ye  shall  not 
see  Me  henceforth,  till  ye  shall 
say :  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord."  Here  He  speaketh 
to  Jerusalem  and  to  the  Jewish  people. 
The  words,  "  Blessed  is  He  That 
cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord," 
were  indeed  spoken  by  babes  and 
sucklings  when  the  Saviour  entered 
Jerusalem  in  triumph,  "  and  they 
that  went  before  and  they  that  fol- 
lowed, cried,  saying,  '  Blessed  is  He 
That  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord ;  Hosanna  in  the  highest,' " 
(Mark  xi.  9,)  but  they  are  originally 
taken  from  Psalm  cxvii.  26. — -Which 
Psalm  is  all  evidently  written  in 
honour  of  the  coniing  of  our   Lord. 


LAUDS. 

Co?nmemorations  of  St   Thomas  of 
Canterbury,   of  St  John,   and  of  the 


Holy  Innocents  from    their  respective 
Lauds. 

Martyrology. 

The  morrow  is  the  Octave  of  the 
holy  Apostle  and  Evangelist  John. 

Upon  the  same  3rd  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Appian  Way, 
holy  Pope  Anterus,  who  suffered  under 
the  Emperor  Julius  Maximian,  and  was 
buried  in  the  cemetery  of  Callistus. 
[He  reigned  1  month  and  1 2  days  in 
the  year  236.] 

Upon  the  same  day,  holy  Peter,  who 
suffered  the  death  of  the  cross  at  the 
city  of  Aulone.  [In  the  year  311  or 
291.] 

On  the  Hellespont,  the  holy  martyrs 
Cyrinus,  Primus,  and  Theogenes 
[about  the  year  320.] 

At  Caesarea,  in  Cappadocia,  the  holy 
centurion  Gordius  [about  the  year 
320],  in  whose  praise  Basil  the  Great 
delivered  a  noble  discourse  upon  his 
feast  day. 

In  Cilicia,  the  holy  martyrs  Zozi- 
mus  and  Athanasius  the  Notary,  also 
the  holy  martyrs  Theopemptus  and 
Theona,  who  suffered  an  illustrious 
martyrdom  in  the  persecution  under 
Diocletian. 

At  Padua,  the  holy  martyr  Daniel 
[in  the  year  168.] 

At  Vienne,  in  Gaul,  holy  Florence, 
[8th]  bishop  of  that  see  [successor  to 
S.  Paracodius],  who  was  exiled  in  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Gallienus,  and 
there  finished  his  testimony  [in  the 
year  252.] 

At  Paris  [in  the  year  512],  the  holy 
virgin  [and  Patron  of  Paris]  Genevieve, 
who  was  dedicated  to  Christ  by  blessed 
Germanus,  Bishop  of  Auxerre,  and  was 
famous  for  her  wondrous  graces  and 
miracles. 


1  In  the  original  this  quotation  is  made  from  a  different  version  to  that  in  the  Psalter  (p.  172). 

2  This  passage  in  Jeremiah  is  somewhat  obscure.     See  it,  on  Wednesday  in   Holy  Week, 
where  the  translation  in  the  text  is  altogether  different. 


320 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


VESPERS. 

Antiphons  from  Lauds. 
Psalms   as   on    Sunday,   except  the 
last,  which  is  : 

Psalm  CXV. 

I  believed,  therefore  have  I  spoken, 
&c.,(p.  185.) 

From  the  Chapter  inclusive  the  Ves- 
pers are  of  the  Octave  of  St  fohn. 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xv.  1.) 

T_T  E  that  feareth  the  Lord  will  do 
good ;  and  he  that  keepeth 
righteousness  shall  obtain  her,  and  as 
an  honoured  mother  shall  she  meet 
him. 

Hymn  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Apostles. 

Verse  and  Answer,  Antiphon  at  the 
Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  Prayer, 
from  the  Commemoration  of  St  fohn  in 
the  Second  Vespers  of  St  Stephen,  (p. 
286.) 

Commemoration  of  St  Thomas  of 
Canterbury  and  of  the  Holy  Innocents 
from  the  Second  Vespers  of  their  Feasts 
respectively. 

Jan.  3. 

<Dctavt  of  §t  Jf©0n. 

Double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast-day,  {p.  287,) 
except  the  following. 

1  I.e.,  "Unveiling"  or  "  Revelation." 

2  "Seniores."  But  the  Greek  is  "  Presbyteroi, "  generally  translated,  or,  rather,  contracted, 
"Priests."  It  may  be  suggested,  with  great  reverence,  that  the  arrangement  described  is 
similar  to  that  in  the  most  ancient  Churches,  some  of  which  still  exist.  In  these  the  East  end 
has  a  large  arch,  here  represented  by  the  rainbow,  opening  into  a  semi-circular  apse,  which  is 
here  represented  by  the  hollow  vault  of  heaven.  At  the  end  of  the  apse  is  a  "  throne"  for  the 
Bishop,  and  the  Presbyters  sit  round  the  apse  on  either  side  of  him.  On  the  chord  of  the  apse 
stands  the  Altar,  and  the  Celebrant  occupies  the  place  "in  the  midst  of  the  throne  and  the 
elders,"  assigned  by  St  John  to  the  True  High  Priest,  looking  at  the  people  over  the  Altar.  The 
"  sea  of  glass  "  is  described  as  in  the  place  where  there  is  a  paved  enclosure  for  the  Choir,  viz. 
just  westward  of  the  Altar.  Under  the  Altar  are  placed  the  reliques  of  the  Saints,  (in  primitive 
times  always  martyrs — Rev.  vi.  9,)  and  lighted  lamps  hang  before  it. 


MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Apoca- 
lypse of  the  Blessed  Apostle  John, 

(iv.  1.) 

A  FTER  this  I  looked  ;  and,  behold, 
a  door  was  opened  in  heaven  ; 
and  the  first  voice  which  I  heard,  was 
as  it  were  of  a  trumpet  talking  with 
me,  which  said  :  Come  up  hither,  and 
I  will  show  thee  things  which  must  be 
hereafter.  And  immediately  I  was  in 
the  Spirit ;  and,  behold,  a  throne  was 
set  in  heaven,  and  One  sat  on  the 
throne.  And  He  That  sat  was  to  look 
upon  like  a  jasper  and  a  sardine 
stone  ;  and  there  was  a  rainbow  round 
about  the  throne,  in  sight  like  unto  an 
emerald  ;  and  round  about  the  throne 
were  four-and-twenty  seats  ;  and  upon 
the  seats  I  saw  four-and-twenty  2  elders 
sitting,  clothed  in  white  raiment ;  and 
they  had  on  their  heads  crowns  of 
gold. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  out  of  the  throne  proceeded 
"^^  lightnings,  and  voices  and  thun- 
derings  ;  and  there  were  seven  lamps 
of  fire  burning  before  the  throne,  which 
are  the  seven  spirits  of  God.  And 
before  the  throne  there  was  a  sea  of 
glass  like  unto  crystal ;  and  in  the 
midst  of  the  throne,  and  round  about 
the  throne,  were  four  living  creatures 
full  of  eyes  before  and  behind.      And 


OCTAVE   OF   ST  JOHN. 


321 


the  first  living  creature  was  like  a  lion, 
and  the  second  living  creature  like  a 
calf,  and  the  third  living  creature  had 
the  face  as  a  man,  and  the  fourth  liv- 
ing creature  was  like  a  flying  eagle. 
And  the  four  living  creatures  had  each 
of  them  six  wings  about  him  ;  and  they 
are  full  of  eyes  about  and  within. 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  they  rest  not  day  and  night, 
"^^  saying  :  Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord 
God  Almighty,  Which  was,  and  is, 
and  is  to  come.  And  when  those 
living  creatures  gave  glory  and  honour 
and  blessing  to  Him  That  sat  upon 
the  throne,  Who  liveth  for  ever  and 
ever,  the  four-and-twenty  elders  fell 
down,  and  worshipped  Him  That 
liveth  for  ever  and  ever,  and  cast 
their  crowns  before  the  throne,  saying  : 
Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord  our  God, 
to  receive  glory,  and  honour,  and 
power ;  for  Thou  hast  created  all 
things,  and  for  Thy  pleasure  they  are 
and  were  created. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  a  treatise  of 
St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo,]  on 
John.     (36.) 

(~\F  the  Four  Evangelists,  or,  rather, 
^^^  the  Four  Writers  of  the  'one 
Evangel,  the  holy  Apostle  John  hath 
not  unworthily  been  compared  by 
spiritual  writers  to  an  eagle,  because 
of  the  lofty  and  glorious  flight  of  his 
teaching,  soaring  above  the  other 
three  ;  a  flight  that  raiseth  not  him- 
self alone,  but  also  the  hearts  of  all, 
whosoever  will  hear  him.  The  other 
three  writers  walk  with  the  Lord 
upon  earth,  as  with  a  man,  and  enlarge 
little  upon  His  Godhead  ;  but  John, 
as    though     it    had    wearied    him    to 


walk  upon  earth,  in  the  very  first  words 
of  his  writing,  riseth  not  above  the 
earth  only,  or  above  the  firmament, 
and  the  heavens,  but  above  every 
angel,  and  above  every  power  of 
things  unseen,  and  flieth  directly  to 
Him  by  Whom  all  things  were  made, 
saying :  "In  the  beginning  was  the 
Word,  and  the  Word  was  with  God, 
and  the  Word  was  God." 

Fifth  Lesson. 

'"PHEN  he  goeth  on  worthily  of  such 
a  beginning,  and  speaketh  of  the 
Lord's  Godhead  as  none  hath  ever 
spoken,  uttering  freely  the  things 
which  he  had  heard.  It  is  not  with- 
out cause  that  it  is  told  of  him  in 
that  Gospel  how  he  lay  on  Jesus' 
Breast  at  supper.  Truly  he  drank 
secretly  from  that  Breast,  and  what 
he  drank  secretly  he  hath  uttered 
openly,  that  all  men  may  know  not 
only  how  the  Son  of  God  became 
man,  suffered,  and  rose  again  for  us, 
but  likewise  how  He  was  with  the 
Father  before  He  took  flesh,  the  Only- 
begotten  Son,  the  Word  of  the  Father, 
co-eternal  with  Him  that  begat  Him, 
equal  to  Him  That  sent  Him. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

JOHN  is  an  eagle  that  soareth  up 
to  the  things  that  are  not  made, 
and  fixeth  his  eye  unquailing  upon 
the  secret  and  eternal  Light.  It  is 
said  that  the  father-eagle  taketh  his 
young  in  his  talons  and  flieth  with 
them,  that  they  may  look  at  the  sun. 
Them  that  look  at  it  boldly,  he 
acknowledgeth  for  his  own  offspring, 
but  them  whose  eyes  shrink,  he  letteth 
fall  from  his  claws  as  bastards.  Let 
us  consider,  then,  how  mightily  he 
must  speak  who  is  likened  to  an 
eagle  ;  and  yet  we  who  are  reptiles 
crawling  on  earth,  weak,  and  of  small 
consideration   even  among  men,  dare 


322 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


take  in  hand  these  utterances,  to  treat 
of  them,  and  to  explain  them,  and 
think  that  our  intelligence  understand- 
eth  them,  or  our  speech  commendeth 
them. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson    is  taken  from  the    Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (xxi.  19.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  saith  unto 
■*~*-  Peter  :  Follow  Me.  Then  Peter, 
turning  about,  seeth  the  disciple  whom 
Jesus  loved  following.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.]  (87//; 
Ho7ti.  on  John.) 

Christ  had  made  known  great  things 
to  Peter,  charged  him  with  the  care 
of  the  whole  world,  announced  to  him 
his  future  martyrdom,  and  given  him 
testimony  of  His  especial  love.  Peter 
then  would  have  John  for  a  fellow  and 
helper,  and  he  said,  "  What  shall  this 
man  do?"  as  it  were,  "Shall  not  he 
also  follow  the  same  path  with  me  ?  " 
At  the  supper,  when  Peter  would  ask 
a  question  of  the  Lord,  he  dared  not, 
but  got  John  for  his  spokesman  ;  and 
now  Peter  asketh  that  which  he 
thought  John  fain  would  know,  but 
dared  not  ask  for  himself.  Christ 
"  saith  unto  him :  If  I  will  that  he 
tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to 
thee  ? " 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"DETER  asked  because  of  his  great 
love  for  John,  hoping  not  to  be 
parted  from  him,  and  Christ  answered 
him,  that  with  whatever  affection  he 
loved  him,  he  could  not  love  him  as 
He  loved  him.  "  If  I  will  that  he 
tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to 
thee  ? "  Let  us  learn  from  these 
words,    by    the     teaching    of    Christ, 


neither  to  chafe,  nor  to  enquire  too 
curiously,  where  the  will  of  God  is 
concerned.  For  when  Peter  would 
be  still  asking,  the  Lord  at  length 
checked  him  in  these  words  for  his 
continued  curiosity. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  T^HEN  went  this  saying  abroad 
among  the  brethren,  that  that 
disciple  should  not  die  ;  yet  JESUS 
said  not  unto  him,  He  shall  not  die  ; 
but,  If  I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come, 
what  is  that  to  thee  ? "  That  is,  He 
would  not  have  it  thought  that  He 
had  disposed  of  them  both  in  the 
same  way.  He  spoke  thus  that  He 
might  check  the  untimely  motion  of 
affection,  and  the  desire  to  continue 
the  old  companionship.  The  Apostles 
were  about  to  take  in  charge  the  whole 
earth,  and  it  behoved  them  no  more 
to  continue  together,  lest  the  world 
should  suffer.  Therefore  the  Lord 
saith  to  Peter  :  "  Thou  hast  received 
thy  task  ;  bend  thyself  to  it,  and  do 
it ;  work  and  fight ;  what  is  it  to  thee 
if  I  will  that  he  tarry  here  ?  Turn 
thou  to  thine  own  appointed  labour 
and  finish  it." 

Lauds. 

Commemoration  of  St  Thomas  of 
Canterbury  and  of  the  Holy  Innocents 
from  their  proper  Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  Octave  of  the  Holy 
Innocents. 

Upon  the  same  4th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

In  Crete,  holy  Titus,  whom  the 
Apostle  Paul  ordained  Bishop  for  the 
Cretans.  When  he  had  faithfully 
brought  to  an  end  [about  the  year 
105],   his  work   of  preaching,  he   ob- 


OCTAVE   OF  CHILDERMAS. 


323 


tained  a  blessed  death,  and  was  buried 
in  that  church  whereof  the  blessed 
Apostle  had  appointed  him  a  worthy 
minister.  His  feast  is  kept  upon  the 
6th  day  of  the  month  of  February. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  the 
priest  Priscus,  the  clerk  Priscillian, 
and  the  devout  woman  Benedicta, 
who  won  martyrdom  by  the  sword  in 
the  time  of  the  wicked  Emperor  Julian 
[the  Apostate]. 

Likewise  at  Rome,  the  blessed 
martyr  Dafrosa,  wife  of  the  holy 
martyr  Flavian  [mother  of  St  Bibi- 
ana].  After  the  execution  of  her 
husband  she  was  first  sentenced  to 
exile,  and  then  put  to  death  under 
the  aforesaid  Emperor  Julian. 

At  Bologna,  the  holy  martyrs 
Hermes,  Aggaeus,  and  Caius,  who 
suffered  under  the  Emperor  Maxi- 
mian. 

At  Adrumetum,  in  Africa,  the  holy 
martyr  Mavillus,  whom  the  cruel 
President  Scapula  condemned  to  the 
wild  beasts  in  the  persecution  under 
the  Emperor  Severus,  and  who  thus 
received  the  crown  of  martyrdom. 

Likewise  in  Africa,  the  illustrious 
martyrs  Aquilinus,  Geminus,  Eugenius, 
Marcian,  Quintus,  Theodotus,  and 
Tryphon  [about  end  of  fifth  century]. 

At  Langres,  holy  Gregory,  bishop 
of  that  see,  famous  for  miracles  [in 
the  year   539]. 

At  Rheims,  in  Gaul  [in  the  year 
743],  the  holy  confessor  Rigobert, 
bishop  [in  the  year  722]  of  that  see. 


VESPERS. 

Antiphons  from  Lauds. 

Psalms  from  the  Common  Office  for 
the  Second  Vespers  of  Apostles. 

Commemoration  of  St  Thomas  of 
Canterbury  from  his  Second  Vespers, 
and  of  the  Holy  Innocents  from  t/ieir 
ftroper  Lauds. 


Jan.  4. 

Ocfwe  of  £0tf*oettttae. 

Octave  of  the  Holy  Innocents,  Martyrs. 

Double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast-day,  except  the 
following. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (v.  1.) 

THEREFORE  being  justified  by 
faith,  let  us  have  peace  with 
God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
by  Whom  also  we  have  access  by 
faith  into  this  grace,  wherein  we  stand, 
and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  the 
sons  of  God.  And  not  only  so,  but 
we  glory  in  tribulations  also,  knowing 
that  tribulation  worketh  patience,  and 
patience  proof,  and  proof  hope  ;  and 
hope  maketh  not  ashamed,  because 
the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our 
hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  Which  is 
given  unto  us. 

Second  Lesson. 

"CpOR  wherefore,  when  we  were  yet 
without  strength,  did  Christ  in 
due  time  die  for  the  ungodly  ?  For 
scarcely  for  a  righteous  man  will  one 
die  ;  yet  peradventure  for  a  good  man 
some  would  even  dare  to  die.  But 
God  commendeth  His  love  towards 
us  ;  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners 
Christ  died  for  us  ;  much  more  then 
being  now  justified  by  His  Blood,  we 
shall  be  saved  from  wrath  through 
Him. 


324 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Lesson. 

T70R  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we 
were  reconciled  to  God  by  the 
death  of  His  Son,  much  more,  being 
reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by  His 
life.  And  not  only  so,  but  we  also 
joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ,  by  Whom  we  have  now  re- 
ceived the  Atonement.  Moreover, 
as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the 
world,  and  death  by  sin,  so  also 
death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that 
all  have  sinned. 


[which  shall  be  returned  hereafter], 
but  they  are  pledges  taken  with- 
out being  given,  impounded  without 
being  entrusted. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

~\J  ATURE  is  herself  our  witness  of 
what  the  scene  must  have  been 
when  the  tyrant  dashed  the  little  ones 
against  the  stones.  The  childless 
mothers  tore  their  hair  ;  those,  whose 
infants  had  still  escaped,  strove  vainly 
to  hide  them,  and  their  very  cries 
betrayed  them,  too  young  to  have 
learnt  the  silence  of  fear.  Sometimes 
the  wretched  mother  struggled  with 
the  executioner,  as  he  dragged  the 
child  to  which  she  clung  from  her 
arms.  The  fruit  of  her  body  is  torn 
from  her  breast.  Was  it  for  this  that 
her  womb  bore  it,  and  her  paps  gave 
it  suck  ?  Had  she  carried  it  so  ten- 
derly, that  the  murderer  might  seize 
it  ?  It  had  come  of  her  body  only 
to  be  dashed  against  the  stones. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

COMETIMES  a  broken-hearted 
woman  cried  to  the  ruffian  to 
kill  her  also  ;  wherefore  leave  her  to 
her  childless  widowhood  ?  If  fault 
there  were,  the  fault  was  hers, — then 
why  not  let  her  suffer  and  follow  her 
lost  one  ?  Some  must  have  cried  out 
that  all  were  being  slain  for  the  sake 
of  One,  and  that  One  had  escaped. 
And  surely  some  called  for  the  com- 
ing of  the  Messiah  to  deliver  them. 
"  Come,  come,  O  Saviour,  how  long 
do  we  wait  for  Thee  ?  Thou  art  Al- 
mighty —  come,  and  save  our  chil- 
dren." And  so  the  cry  of  the  mother 
and  the  sacrifice  of  her  offspring  went 
up  together  to  heaven. 

1  There  are  good  grounds  for  doubting  the  ascription  of  the  Sermon  to  St  Austin. 

2  Pignora  sunt,  non  credita  sed  creata,  non  deposita  sed  exposita.     The  passage  is  very- 
obscure.     The  imagery  seems  to  be  taken  from  a  pawn-shop. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  1  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
( I  st  for  Childermas. ) 

rTHE  Lord  is  born,  and  sorrow 
breaketh  out,  not  in  heaven  but 
on  earth ;  to  mothers  is  proclaimed 
lamentation,  to  angels  joy,  to  children 
translation.  God  is  born,  and  inno- 
cence must  be  offered  up  to  Him  Who 
cometh  to  condemn  the  malice  of  the 
world.  The  Lamb  that  taketh  away 
the  sins  of  the  world  is  come  to  be 
crucified,  and  the  tender  flock  is 
brought  to  the  sacrifice.  But  the 
mothers  will  lament  over  them  whose 
inarticulate  bleating  is  silenced  for 
ever.  Let  us  turn  a  look  on  this 
great  martyrdom,  this  heart-rending 
sorrow.  The  sword  is  drawn,  though 
there  is  no  offence  to  punish,  only 
jealousy  shrieking  for  Him  Who  is 
born,  and  doth  no  violence.  And 
here  are  mothers  weeping  over  the 
lambs  of  the  flock.  "In  Ramah  was 
there  a  voice  heard,  weeping  and 
great  mourning."    2  They  are  pledges 


OCTAVE   OF   CHILDERMAS. 


325 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 


Seventh  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is   taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel    according    to    Matthew   (ii. 

A  T  that  time :  The  Angel  of  the 
"^^  Lord  appeared  to  Joseph  in  a 
dream,  saying :  Arise,  and  take  the 
young  Child,  and  His  Mother,  and 
flee  into  Egypt :  and  be  thou  there 
until  I  bring  thee  word.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.]  {8th  on 
Matthew.) 

When  Joseph  had  heard  this  he 
was  not  troubled,  neither  did  he  say, 
"  This  is  doubtful,  or  at  least  obscure. 
Thou  saidst  not  long  ago,  that  He 
shall  save  His  people,  and  now  appar- 
ently Himself  He  cannot  save ;  but 
we  are  to  flee,  and  journey  far,  and 
dwell  in  a  strange  land.  Thy  works 
belie  thy  words."  But  Joseph  said 
none  of  these  things,  for  he  was  faith- 
ful ;  neither  did  he  curiously  ask  of 
the  angel  the  time  of  his  return,  which 
God  was  not  pleased  to  show  him, 
but  only  to  send  him  that  word,  "  Be 
thou  there  until  I  bring  thee  word." 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"LJT  E  was  not  slothful,  but  obeyed 
cheerfully,  and  by  faith  bore  all 
tribulations  with  joy.  God  in  His 
mercy  mingled  some  joy  with  his 
sorrow,  as  He  doth  in  all  the  saints, 
whom  He  will  have  to  abide  continu- 
ally neither  in  sorrow,  nor  in  joy  :  but 
weaveth  their  life  ever  with  a  strange 
diversity.  And  let  us  consider  how 
He  did  it  here. 

The  Eighth  Responsory  is  added  to, 
as  when  the  Feast  falls  on  Sunday. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

V\7"HEN  St  Joseph  knew  that  the 
Virgin  was  with  child,  he  was 
greatly  troubled ;  but  forthwith  an 
Angel  came  to  take  away  his  fears. 
The  Lord  was  born  and  he  rejoiced  with 
exceeding  joy  ;  but  straightway  came 
the  great  danger,  when  all  Jerusalem 
was  troubled,  the  king  in  great  wrath, 
and  murderers  seeking  the  young 
Child's  life.  The  star  shone  over 
Bethlehem,  and  the  wise  men  came 
to  worship ;  but  Herod  sought  to  slay 
the  Saviour ;  and  they  arose,  and  fled 
into  a  far  country. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  always  said. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  St  Thomas  of  Canterbury,  from  the 
Lauds  of  his  feast. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  the  Eve  of  the 
Epiphany  of  the  Lord,  the  same  day 
is  the  Octave  of  the  holy  martyr 
Thomas,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury. 

Upon  the  same  5th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Pope  Teles- 
phorus,  who  toiled  much  for  Christ, 
and  under  the  Emperor  Antoninus 
Pius  obtained  by  his  testimony  a 
glorious  martyrdom. 

In  Egypt  are  commemorated  many 
holy  martyrs  who  were  slain  in  the 
Thebaid  in  divers  ways,  in  the  perse- 
cution under  the  Emperor  Diocletian. 

At  Antioch,  the  holy  monk  Simeon, 
who  lived  for  many  years  standing 
upon  a  pillar,  whence  he  is  called 
Stylitis  [from  the  Greek  style,  which 
is  being  interpreted  a  pillar],  whose 
life  and  conversation  was  wonderful 
[in  the  year  459]. 

In  England,  the  holy  King  Edward, 
famous  for  his  gift  of  chastity  and  of 
the   power   of  working   miracles.      By 


326 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


command  of  Pope  Innocent  XI.  his 
feast  is  kept  upon  the  13th  day  of 
October,  which  is  the  day  of  the  trans- 
lation of  his  sacred  body  [in  the  year 
1066.] 

At  Alexandria  [in  the  fourth  cen- 
tury], holy  Syncletica,  whose  noble 
acts  holy  Athanasius  hath  set  before 
us  in  his  writing. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  virgin  yEmiliana, 
father's  sister  to  holy  Gregory  the 
Great.  Her  sister  Tharsilla,  who  had 
gone  to  God  before  her,  came  and 
called  her,  and  upon  the  same  day  she 
passed  hence  to  be  for  ever  with  the 
Lord  [sixth  century]. 

Upon  the  same  day,  the  holy  virgin 
Apollinaris  [about  the  year  440]. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphons  from,  Lauds. 

Psalms  as  on  Sundays,  except  the 
last,  which  is  Ps.  cxv.,  "  I  believed, 
&c,"  p.   185. 

The  Office  is  then  of  St  Thomas  of 
Canterbury,  as  in  the  Office  of  One 
Martyr. 

Prayer,  p.  297. 

Comme?noration  of  the  Holy  Inno- 
cents, also  from  p.  298,  with  the 
Prayer,  p.   292. 

Commemoration  of  Twelfth-Day 
Eve. 

A?itiphon.  The  Child  Jesus  in- 
creased in  stature  and  wisdom  before 
God  and  man. 

Verse.  The  LORD  hath  made 
known.      Alleluia. 

Answer.     His  salvation.     Alleluia. 


pleasure,  that  through  the  name  of 
Thy  well-beloved  Son,  we  may  worthily 
abound  in  all  good  works. 

Commemoration  of 1  St  TELESPHORUS, 
Pope  and  Martyr. 

All  frotn  the  Lauds  of  the  Common 
Office  of  one  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

Prayer.  O  God,  Who  year  by  year 
dost  gladden  us  by  the  solemn  feast- 
day  of  Thy  blessed  Martyr  and  Bishop 
Telesphorus,  mercifully  grant  that  we 
who  keep  his  birthday,  may  ever 
feel  the  joyful  effects  of  his  pro- 
tection. 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. 


Jan.  5. 

bctavt  of  §bt  Zfyoma*  of 

Which  day  is  also  Twelfth-Day  Eve. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  One 
Martyr,  except  the  Prayer,  which  is 
as  on  his  feast,  p.  297,  and  the  fol- 
lowing : 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (vii.  1.) 

TT'NOW    ye    not,    brethren,    (for    I 

speak   to    them    that   know   the 

law,)  how  that  the  law  hath  dominion 

1  The  First  Vespers  of  the  Common  Office  for  one  Martyr  being  already  in  use  for  the 
Octave  of  St  Thomas,  the  Commemoration  of  St.  Telesphorus  is  taken  from  the  Lauds, 
according  to  the  Pie,  ix.  8. 


Let  us  pray. 

ALMIGHTY     and    everlasting 
God,    do    Thou    order   all    our 
actions  in  conformity  with   Thy  good 


O 


OCTAVE   OF   ST   THOMAS   OF   CANTERBURY. 


327 


over  a  man,  so  long  as  he  liveth  ? 
For  the  woman  which  hath  an  hus- 
band is  bound  up  by  the  law  to  her 
husband  so  long  as  he  liveth :  but  if 
the  husband  be  dead,  she  is  loosed 
from  the  law  of  her  husband.  So 
then,  if,  while  her  husband  liveth,  she 
be  married  to  another  man,  she  shall 
be  called  an  adulteress  ;  but,  if  her 
husband  be  dead,  she  is  free  from  the 
law  of  her  husband  ;  so  that  she  is  no 
adulteress,  though  she  be  married  to 
another  man. 

Second  Lesson. 

Vy  HE  RE  FORE,  my  brethren,  ye 
also  are  become  dead  to  the 
law  by  the  body  of  Christ ;  that  ye 
should  be  married  to  another,  even  to 
Him  Who  is  raised  from  the  dead  ; 
that  we  should  bring  forth  fruit  unto 
God.  For  when  we  were  in  the  flesh, 
the  motions  of  sin  which  were  by  the 
law,  did  work  in  our  members,  to 
bring  forth  fruit  unto  death.  But  now 
we  are  delivered  from  the  law  of 
death  wherein  we  were  held,  that  we 
should  serve  in  newness  of  spirit,  and 
not  in  the  oldness  of  the  letter. 


Psalm  by  St  Ambrose,   Bishop  [of 
Milan. ]       ( 2 1  st  Sermon. ) 

"  TDRINCES  have  persecuted  me 
without  a  cause :  but  my 
heart  standeth  in  awe  of  Thy  word." 
These  are  rightly  the  words  of  a 
martyr,  who  beareth  unjustly  the  tor- 
ments of  the  persecutors,  who  hath 
robbed  no  man,  who  hath  violently 
oppressed  no  man,  who  hath  shed  the 
blood  of  no  man,  who  hath  imagined 
to  defile  the  bed  of  no  man,  who  is 
debtor  to  the  laws  in  nothing,  and  who 
is  punished  more  grievously  than  if  he 
were  a  robber :  who  speaketh  right- 
eousness, and  there  is  none  that  will 
hear  :  who  speaketh  salvation,  and  all 
men  fight  against  him  :  who  is  able  to 
say :  "  When  I  spoke  unto  them,  they 
fought  against  me  without  a  cause." 
(Ps.  cxix.  7.)  They  fight  against  him 
without  a  cause,  who  can  lay  no  sin  to 
his  charge  :  they  fight  against  him  as 
an  evil-doer,  who  is  by  their  own  ac- 
knowledgment righteous :  they  fight 
against  him  as  a  warlock,  who  glorieth 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  who 
doeth  all  things  well  because  he  doeth 
all  things  for  God's  sake. 


Third  Lesson. 

AIT  HAT  shall  we  say  then  ?  Is  the 
law  sin?  God  forbid.  Nay, 
I  had  not  known  sin,  but  by  the  law. 
For  I  had  not  known  lust,  except  the 
law  had  said :  Thou  shalt  not  covet. 
But  sin,  taking  occasion  by  the  com- 
mandment, wrought  in  me  all  manner 
of  concupiscence.  For  without  the 
law  sin  was  dead.  For  I  was  alive 
without  the  law  once  :  but  when  the 
commandment  came  sin  revived. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Exposi- 
tion  of  the  hundred-and-eighteenth 


Fifth  Lesson. 

*T"*HEY  fight  against  him  in  vain  who 
is  accused  of  ungodliness  among 
the  ungodly  and  the  unfaithful,  because 
he  teacheth  Faith.  Verily,  him  that 
is  fought  against  without  a  cause  it 
behoveth  to  be  strong  and  patient. 
Wherefore  then  saith  he  :  "My  heart 
standeth  in  awe  of  Thy  word  ?  "  Awe 
is  the  mark  of  the  weak,  the  timid,  and 
the  fearful.  But  there  is  also  a  weak- 
ness unto  salvation,  there  is  a  fear 
which  is  an  holy  fear.  "O  fear  the 
LORD,  all  ye  His  Saints."  (Ps.  xxxiii. 
10.)  And  again:  "Blessed  is  the 
man  that  feareth  the  Lord."  (Ps. 
cxi.  1.)     And  wherefore  is  he  blessed  ? 


328 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


because  he  "delighteth  greatly  in  His 
commandments." 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T'HINK,  then,  how  the  martyr 
standeth  between  two  dangers. 
On  the  one  hand  the  wild  beasts, 
roaring  for  his  blood,  do  indeed  strike 
terror ;  he  heareth  the  hissing  of  the 
plates  of  white-hot  metal,  and  seeth 
surging  up  the  flames  of  the  fiery 
furnace ;  behind  him  is  the  clanking 
of  fetters,  and  beside  him  the  execu- 
tioner, stained  with  fresh  blood  ;  think 
of  him  there,  face  to  face  with  the 
apparatus  of  death — but  think  again — 
of  what  thinketh  he  ?  Of  the  Law  of 
God,  of  the  everlasting  fire,  of  the 
eternal  flames  wherein  the  unbelieving 
shall  burn  for  ever,  of  that  torture 
whereof  the  agony  is  for  ever  new. 
And  then  indeed  his  heart  faileth  for 
fear,  lest  by  giving  way  under  torment 
here,  he  should  give  himself  up  to 
everlasting  torment  hereafter :  then 
indeed  he  trembleth,  when  Faith 
maketh  to  glitter  before  his  eyes  the 
awful  sword  of  the  judgment  to  come. 
And  in  this,  the  faithful  trembling  of 
the  true-hearted,  are  there  not  both 
unshaken  hope  of  the  eternal  things, 
and  awe  of  the  things  of  God  ? 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (x.  1 1.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto  the 
■^^  Pharisees  :  I  am  the  Good  Shep- 
herd. The  Good  Shepherd  giveth 
His  life  for  His  sheep.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope   St   Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (14th  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved    brethren,    ye  have 
heard  from  the  Holy  Gospel  what  is 


at  once  your  instruction,  and  our 
danger.  Behold,  how  He  Who,  not 
by  the  varying  gifts  of  nature,  but  of 
the  very  essence  of  His  being,  is 
Goodness,  behold  how  He  saith :  "  I 
am  the  Good  Shepherd."  And  then 
He  saith  what  is  the  character  of  His 
goodness,  even  of  that  goodness  of 
His  which  we  must  strive  to  copy : 
"  The  Good  Shepherd  giveth  His  life 
for  the  Sheep."  As  He  had  foretold, 
even  so  did  He ;  as  He  had  com- 
manded, so  gave  He  ensample.  The 
Good  Shepherd  gave  His  life  for  the 
sheep,  and  made  His  Own  Body  and 
His  Own  Blood  to  be  our  Sacramental 
Food,  pasturing  upon  His  Own  Flesh 
the  sheep  whom  He  had  bought. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"LT  E,  by  despising  death,  hath  shown 
us  how  to  do  the  like  ;  He  hath 
set  before  us  the  mould  wherein  it  be- 
hoveth  us  to  be  cast.  Our  first  duty 
is,  freely  and  tenderly  to  spend  our 
outward  things  for  His  sheep,  but 
lastly,  if  need  be,  to  serve  the  same 
by  our  death  also.  From  the  light 
offering  of  the  first,  we  go  on  to  the 
stern  offering  of  the  last,  and,  if  we  be 
ready  to  give  our  life  for  the  sheep, 
why  should  we  scruple  to  give  our 
substance,  seeing  ,how  much  "  more  is 
the  life  than  meat?"  (Matt.  vi.  25.) 
And  some  there  be  which  love  the 
things  of  this  world  better  than 
they  love  the  sheep ;  and  such  as 
they  deserve  no  longer  to  be  called 
shepherds.  These  are  they  of  whom 
it  is  written  :  "  But  he  that  is  an  hire- 
ling, and  not  the  shepherd,  whose  own 
the  sheep  are  not,  seeth  the  wolf 
coming,  and  leaveth  the  sheep,  and 
fleeth"  (12.)  He  is  not  a  shepherd 
but  an  hireling  which  feedeth  the 
Lord's  sheep,  not  because  he  loveth 
their  souls,  but  because  he  doth  gain 
earthly     wealth     thereby.       He     that 


OCTAVE   OF   ST   THOMAS   OF   CANTERBURY. 


329 


taketh  a  shepherd's  place,  but  seeketh 
not  gain  of  souls,  that  same  is  but 
an  hireling ;  such  an  one  is  ever 
ready  for  creature-comforts,  he  loveth 
his  pre-eminence,  he  groweth  sleek 
upon  his  income,  and  he  liketh  well 
to  see  men  bow  down  to  him. 

Ninth  Blessing. 

May  the  Gospel's  glorious  word 
Cleansing  to  our  souls  afford. 

Ninth  Lesson.     (For  the  Eve  of 
the  Epiphany.) 

The  Lesson  is    taken   from  the    Holy 
Gospel   according    to    Matthew    (ii. 

A  T  that  time :  When  Herod  was 
dead,  behold,  an  Angel  of  the 
Lord  appeareth  in  a  dream  to  Joseph 
in  Egypt,  saying :  Arise  and  take  the 
young  Child  and  His  Mother,  and 
go  into  the  land  of  Israel.  And  so 
on. 

Homily  by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem.]  (Bk.  i.,  Comm.  on 
Matth.   ii.) 

From  the  words,  "they  are  dead," 
(in  the  Plural),  which  are  used  in  this 
passage  of  the  Gospel,  we  may  under- 
stand that  there  were  others  beside 
Herod  "  which  sought  the  young 
Child's  life"  —  probably  the  Priests 
and  Scribes.  "And  he"  (Joseph) 
"arose,  and  took  the  young  Child 
and  His  Mother."  It  is  not  written, 
"  He  took  his  wife  and  child,"  but 
"he  took  the  young  Child  and  His 
Mother ; "  whence  it  is  clear  that  the 
holy  Evangelist  willeth  to  imply  that 
Joseph  was  not  the  father,  but  the 
Guardian  of  Jesus,  not  the  husband, 
but  the  Betrothed  of  Mary. 

1  Judges  xiii.  5,  however,  contains  almost  the  precise  phrase,  and  is  very  like  Luke  i.  31, 
and  Matth.   1.  21. 


"  But  when  he  heard  that  Archelaus 
did  reign  in  Judea,  in  the  room  of  his 
father  Herod,  he  was  afraid  to  go 
thither."  There  are  some  persons 
so  grossly  ignorant  of  history  that 
they  confuse  themselves  over  the  two 
Herods,  as  if  the  one  mentioned  here 
were  the  same  who  afterwards  set 
our  Lord  at  nought  during  His  Pas- 
sion, and  they  cannot  understand  how 
he  should  now  be  said  to  be  dead. 
The  Herod  who  was  made  friends 
with  Pilate  over  Christ's  death,  was 
the  son  of  the  Herod  who  massacred 
the  infants  of  Bethlehem,  and  the 
brother  of  Archelaus. 

"  He  shall  be  called  a  Nazarene." 
The  Evangelist,  in  quoting  these  words, 
saith  that  they  were  "  spoken  by  the 
Prophets,"  (Plural).  If  he  had  been 
citing  any  one  precise  passage  he 
would  have  said  "  by  the  Prophet," 
in  the  Singular.  But  he  is  citing 
the  sense  of  the  Prophets,  and  not 
any  individual  passage  in  any  of 
their  writings.  He  seemeth  to  refer 
to  the  fact  that  in  Hebrew  the  word 
"  Nazarene  "  signifieth  "  holy,"  and 
that  Christ  is  the  Holy  One  of  God 
is  the  common  declaration  of  all  the 
Scriptures.1 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Eve  of  the  Epiphany,  from  the 
Lauds  of  the  Sunday  within  the  Octave 
of  Christmas,  p.  305. 

Then  of  St  Te/esphorus,  from  the 
First  Vespers  of  One  Martyr  Prayer 
as  on  the  preceding  evening. 

Martyrology. 

The  morrow  is  the  Epiphany  of 
the  Lord. 

Upon  the  same  6th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 


330 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


In  the  country  of  Rheims,  by 
command  of  the  President  Rictio- 
varus,  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian,  the  holy  virgin 
and  martyr  Macra  —  she  was  first 
cast  into  the  fire  but  remained  un- 
hurt, whereupon  her  breasts  were 
cut  off,  and  she  was  thrust  into  a 
prison  and  rolled  upon  sharp  pot- 
sherds and  live  coals  until  she  passed 
away  in  prayer  to  be  ever  with  the 
Lord. 

On  the  same  day  are  commemorated 
many  holy  martyrs  in  Africa,  who 
were  burnt  at  the  stake  in  the  perse- 
cution under  the  Emperor  Severus. 

At  Rennes,  in  Gaul,  the  holy  con- 
fessor Melanius  [Abbat  of  Platz] 
[in  the  year  511],  bishop  of  that  see, 
who  after  countless  works  of  power 
passed  gloriously  out  of  this  world  to 


that  heaven  where  his  heart  was  al- 
ready fixed  [in  the  year  530]. 

At  Florence,  holy  Andrew  Corsini 
of  that  city,  a  Carmelite  friar,  Bishop 
of  Fiesoli,  who  was  famous  for  miracles 
[in  the  year  1373],  and  whose  name 
was  numbered  by  Urban  VIII.  among 
those  of  the  Saints,  whose  feast  we 
keep  upon  the  4th  day  of  February. 

At  Geris,  in  Egypt,  the  holy  hermit 
Nilammon,  who  gave  up  his  soul  in 
prayer  to  God  while  he  was  being 
haled  against  his  will  to  make  him 
a  bishop  [fifth  century]. 

The  Feast  begins  at  sunset. 

From  henceforth  till  the  end  of  the 
Octave  of  Twelfth-Day,  the  last  verse 
of  all  the  Hymns  at  Prime,  Terce, 
Sext,  None,  and  Compline,  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Epiphany. 


33i 


Jan.  6. 

€fo*lft|)=I33ag, 

2Tfce  iEpiptjang x  of  the  3Loro. 

Double  of  the  First  Class,  with  an  Octave. 


Everything  as   on    Sundays   except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,     Chapter,     and    Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

The  Last  Psalm, 

Psalm  CXVI. 

O  praise  the  LORD,  all  ye  nations, 
&c,  (p.  1 86.) 

Hymn!1 

"VXTHAT  makes  thee,  cruel  Herod,  quake, 
Lest    Christ    thy    crown    from    thee 
should  take? 
He  will  not  seize  an  earthly  throne, 
Who  heavenly  kingdoms  makes  our  own. 

1  Epiphaneia — a  Greek  word,  meaning  Manifestation.  By  the  Greeks  themselves  the  Feast  is 
called  most  commonly  the  Theophaneia,  or  Manifestation  of  God.  It  is  observed  by  the  Church 
in  honour  of  the  Manifestation  of  Christ  upon  three  occasions :  first,  when  a  star  led  the  wise 
men  to  adore  Him ;  secondly,  when  He  was  baptized  in  Jordan,  and  the  Father  proclaimed 
Him  His  Son;  thirdly,  when  He  "  manifested  forth  His  glory  "  by  turning  water  into  wine  at 
Cana.  Of  these  occasions  the  first  is  principally  commemorated  on  the  Feast  itself,  and  the 
second  on  the  Octave,  but  mentions  of  the  latter  penetrate  the  whole  Office.  Throughout  the 
whole  East  there  is  a  Blessing  of  the  Waters  at  the  First  Vespers,  in  which  the  people  bathe,  or 
from  which  they  are  sprinkled,  in  honour  of  the  Baptism  of  Christ,  and  there  is  a  Ritual  for  the 
purpose,  according  to  the  Roman  Rite,  which  is  in  use  in  some  Churches  at  Rome  and  else- 
where. This  ceremony  is  repeatedly  alluded  to  in  the  Office,  and  must  be  kept  in  mind  if  it  is 
to  be  intelligently  followed.  The  Birth  of  Christ  appears  (at  least  in  some  places)  to  have  been 
anciently  observed  on  this  day,  as  is  still  done  by  the  Monophysite  Armenians,  and  this  perhaps 
accounts  in  part  for  the  great  importance  given  to  it. 

2  Hymn  by  Coelius  Sedulius,  unaltered  save  in  the  first  two  lines  ;  translation  extracted  from 
the  "  Hortus  Animae."  3  Ps.  lxxi.  io. 


The  Sages  coming  from  afar, 
Follow  the  new  appearing  star : 
With  light  they  seek  a  better  Light ; 
Their  gifts  confess  the  God  of  might. 

The  heavenly  Lamb  in  Jordan  stood, 

To  sanctify  the  crystal  flood  ; 

Our  sins  with  that  baptismal  dew, 

Were  washed  in  Him,  Who  sin  ne'er  knew. 

A  strange  miraculous  power  is  shown : 
The  water  pots  are  ruddy  grown, 
Whose  waters  by  command  Divine 
Their  nature  change,  and  yield  pure  wine. 

To  Christ,  Who  did  the  Gentiles  call, 

Be  endless  glory  given  by  all, 

To  God  the  Father  we  repeat 

The  same,  and  to  the  Paraclete.     Amen. 

Verse.     3  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and 
of  the  isles  shall  bring  presents. 


332 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Answer.  The  kings  of  Arabia  and 
Saba  shall  offer  gifts. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  When  the  wise  men  saw 
the  star,  they  said  one  unto  another : 
This  is  the  sign  of  the  Great  King  ; 
let  us  go  and  search  diligently  for 
Him,  and  present  unto  Him  gifts, 
gold,  and  frankincense,  and  myrrh. 
Alleluia. 

COMPLINE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  said 
thus  : 

Jesu,  Whom  now  the  Gentiles  see, 
To  Thee  all  praise  be  given, 

With  Father,  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 
Here  as  it  is  in  heaven.     Amen. 

MATTINS. 

The  Lord's  Prayer,  the  Angelic  Salu- 
tation, and  the  Apostles'1  Creed  are  re- 
cited inaudibly,  as  usual,  but  the  rest 
of  the  beginning  of  Mattins  is  entirely 
omitted,  and  the  Service  begins  with 
a  large  Sign  of  the  Cross,  then  pro- 
ceeds with  the  First  Antiphon  of  the 
First  Nocturn,  as  follows  : 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Give  unto  the 
Lord,  O  ye  sons  of  God :  *  worship 
the  Lord  in  His  holy  courts. 

Psalm  XXVIII. 

Give  unto  the  Lord,  &c,  {p.  75.) 

Second  Antiphon.  It  is  a  river, 
the  streams  whereof  make  glad  *  — 
Alleluia — the  city  of  God — Alleluia. 

Psalm  XL  V. 

God  is  our  refuge,  &c,  {p.  97.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Sing  praises  to 
our  God,  sing  praises  :   *  sing  praises 

1  Ps.  lxv.  4.  2  Matth.  iii.  16,  17. 


unto  our  King,   sing  ye  praises   with 
understanding. 

Psalm  XL  VI. 
O  clap  your  hands,  &c,  (p.  98.) 

Verse.  1  Let  all  the  earth  worship 
Thee,  and  sing  unto  Thee. 

Answer.  Let  them  sing  praises  to 
Thy  Name,  O  Lord. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (lv.  1.) 

TUT  O,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come 
ye  to  the  waters  ;  and  he  that 
hath  no  money,  come  ye,  buy  and 
eat :  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk 
without  money  and  without  price. 
Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money  for 
that  which  is  not  bread,  and  your 
labour  for  that  which  satisfieth  not  ? 
Hearken  diligently  unto  Me,  and  eat 
ye  that  which  is  good,  and  let  your 
soul  delight  itself  in  fatness.  Incline 
your  ear  and  come  unto  Me  :  hear, 
and  your  soul  shall  live :  and  I  will 
make  an  everlasting  covenant  with 
you,  even  the  sure  mercies  of  David. 
Behold  I  have  given  him  for  a  witness 
to  the  people,  a  leader  and  com- 
mander to  the  nations. 

First  Responsory. 

This  day,  2  when  the  Lord  was  bap- 
tized in  Jordan,  the  heavens  were 
opened,  and  the  Spirit  descended  like 
a  dove,  and  abode  upon  Him,  and,  lo, 
the  voice  of  the  Father  was  heard, 
3  like  unto  thunder,  saying :  This  is 
My  beloved  Son,  in  Whom  I  am  well 
pleased. 

Verse.  4  The  Holy  Ghost  de- 
scended in  a  bodily  shape  like  a  dove 
upon  Him,  and  a  voice  came  from 
heaven — 


3  Ps.  xxviii.  3. 


4  Luke  iii.  22. 


TWELFTH-DAY. 


333 


Answer.  This  is  My  beloved  Son, 
an  Whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

Second  Lesson,     (lx.  i.) 

A  RISE,  shine,  [O  Jerusalem,]  for 
thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory 
of  the  LORD  is  risen  upon  thee.  For, 
behold,  darkness  shall  cover  the  earth, 
and  gross  darkness  the  people :  but 
the  Lord  shall  arise  upon  thee,  and 
His  glory  shall  be  seen  upon  thee. 
And  the  Gentiles  shall  walk  in  thy 
light,  and  kings  in  the  brightness  of 
thy  rising.  Lift  up  thine  eyes  round 
about  and  see :  all  they  gather  them- 
selves together,  they  come  to  thee ; 
thy  sons  shall  come  from  far,  and  thy 
daughters  shall  be  nursed  at  thy  side. 
Then  thou  shalt  see,  and  tremble  ; 
and  thine  heart  shall  rejoice  and  be 
enlarged,  because  the  riches  of  the 
sea  shall  be  poured  in  upon  thee,  the 
wealth  of  the  Gentiles  shall  come  unto 
thee ;  the  multitude  of  camels  shall 
cover  thee,  the  dromedaries  of  Midian 
and  x  Ephah :  all  they  from  Saba 
shall  come  :  they  shall  bring  gold  and 
incense,  and  they  shall  proclaim  the 
praises  of  the  Lord. 

Second  Responsory. 

The  Holy  Ghost  appeared  in  a 
bodily  shape  like  a  dove,  and  the 
voice  of  the  Father  was  heard  :  This 
is  My  beloved  Son,  in  Whom  I  am 
well  pleased. 

Verse.  The  heavens  were  opened 
unto  him,  and,  lo,  the  voice  of  the 
Father  was  heard,  like  unto  thunder, 
saying  : 

Answer.  This  is  My  beloved  Son, 
in  Whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

Third  Lesson.     (Isa.  lxi.  10. ) 

T  WILL  greatly  rejoice  in  the  LORD, 

and  my  soul  shall  be  joyful  in  my 

God :  for  He  hath   clothed    me    with 

1  A  country  and  tribe  of  the  Midianites. 


the  garments  of  salvation,  and  hath 
covered  me  with  the  robe  of  righteous- 
ness, as  a  bridegroom  decketh  himself 
with  ornaments,  and  as  a  bride 
adorneth  herself  with  her  jewels. 
For  as  the  earth  bringeth  forth  her 
bud,  and  as  the  garden  causeth  the 
things  that  are  sown  in  it  to  spring 
forth,  so  the  Lord  2  God  will  cause 
righteousness  and  praise  to  spring 
forth  before  all  the  nations,  (lxii.  I.) 
For  Zion's  sake  I  will  not  hold  my 
peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's  sake  I  will 
not  rest,  until  the  Righteous  One 
thereof  go  forth  as  brightness,  and  her 
Saviour  as  a  lamp  that  burneth. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the 
isles  shall  bring  presents.  The  kings 
of  Arabia  and  Saba  shall  offer  gifts 
unto  the  Lord  God. 

Verse.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come,  they  shall  bring  gold  and  in- 
cense. 

Answer.  The  kings  of  Arabia  and 
Saba  shall  offer  gifts  unto  the  Lord 
God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  kings  of  Arabia  and 
Saba  shall  offer  gifts  unto  the  Lord 
God. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Let  all  the  earth 
worship  Thee,  and  sing  unto  Thee  :  * 
let  them  sing  praises  to  Thy  name,  O 
Lord. 

Psalm  LXV. 
Make  a  joyful  noise,  &c,  {p.  115.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  kings  of 
Tarshish  and  the  isles  shall  bring 
presents  *  unto  the  Lord  the  King. 

2  The  name. 


334 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Psalm  LXXI. 

Give  the  king  Thy  judgment,  &c, 

(p.  126.) 

Third  Antiphon.  All  nations 
whom  Thou  hast  made  shall  come  * 
and  worship  before  Thee,  O  Lord. 

Psalm  LXXXV. 
Bow  down  Thine  ear,  &c,  {p.  143.) 

Verse.  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and 
of  the  isles  shall  bring  presents. 

Answer.  The  kings  of  Arabia  and 
Saba  shall  offer  gifts. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great] 
{2nd for  Twelfth-Day.) 

T~\  EARLY  beloved  brethren,  re- 
joice  in  the  Lord ;  again  I  say, 
rejoice.  But  a  few  days  are  past 
since  the  solemnity  of  Christ's  Birth, 
and  now  the  glorious  light  of  His 
Manifestation  is  breaking  upon  us. 
On  that  day  the  Virgin  brought  Him 
forth,  and  on  this  the  world  knew 
Him.  The  Word  made  Flesh  was 
pleased  to  reveal  Himself  by  degrees 
to  those  for  whom  He  had  come. 
When  Jesus  was  born  He  was  mani- 
fested indeed  to  the  believing,  but 
hidden  from  His  enemies.  Already 
indeed  the  heavens  declared  the  glory 
of  God,  and  their  sound  went  out  into 
all  lands,  when  the  Herald  Angels 
appeared  to  tell  to  the  shepherds  the 
glad  tidings  of  a  Saviour's  Birth  ;  and 
now  the  guiding  star  leadeth  the  wise 
men  to  worship  Him,  that  from  the 
rising  of  the  sun  to  the  going  down 
thereof,  the  Birth  of  the  true  King 
may  be  known  abroad  ;  that  through 
those  wise  men  the  kingdoms  of  the 


east  might  learn  the  great  truth,  and 
the  Roman  empire  remain  no  more  in 
darkness. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Shine,  shine,  O  Jerusalem,  for  thy 
light  is  come :  and  the  glory  of  the 
LORD  is  risen  upon  thee. 

Verse.  And  the  Gentiles  shall  walk 
in  thy  light,  and  kings  in  the  bright- 
ness of  thy  rising. 

Answer.  And  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  is  risen  upon  thee. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

r~PHE  very  cruelty  of  Herod,  when 
he  strove  to  crush  at  His  birth 
this  King  Whom  he  alone  feared,  was 
made  a  blind  means  to  carry  out  this 
dispensation  of  mercy.  While  the 
tyrant  with  horrid  guilt  sought  to  slay 
the  little  Child  he  did  not  know,  amid 
an  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  inno- 
cents, his  infamous  act  served  to 
spread  wider  abroad  the  heaven-told 
news  of  the  Birth  of  the  Lord.  Thus 
were  these  glad  tidings  loudly  pro- 
claimed, both  by  the  novelty  of  their 
story,  and  the  iniquity  of  their  ene- 
mies. Then  was  the  Saviour  borne 
into  Egypt,  that  that  nation,  of  a  long 
time  hardened  in  idolatry,  might  by 
the  mysterious  virtue  which  went  out 
of  Him,  even  when  His  presence  was 
unknown,  be  prepared  for  the  saving 
light  so  soon  to  dawn  on  them,  and 
might  receive  the  Truth  as  a  wanderer 
even  before  they  had  banished  false- 
hood. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

All  they  from  Saba  shall  come,  they 
shall  bring  gold  and  incense,  and  they 
shall  show  forth  the  praises  of  the 
Lord.     Alleluia,  Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of 
the  isles  shall  bring  presents,  the  kings 
of  Arabia  and  Saba  shall  offer  gifts. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia,  Alleluia. 


TWELFTH-DAY. 


335- 


Sixth  Lesson. 

T~\ EARLY  beloved  brethren,  we  re- 
cognise  in  the  wise  men  who 
came  to  worship  Christ,  the  first-fruits 
of  that  dispensation  to  the  Gentiles 
wherein  we  also  are  called  and  en- 
lightened. Let  us  then  keep  this  Feast 
with  grateful  hearts,  in  thanksgiving 
for  our  blessed  hope,  whereof  it  doth 
commemorate  the  dawn.  From  that 
worship  paid  to  the  new-born  Christ  is 
to  be  dated  the  entry  of  us  Gentiles 
upon  our  heirship  of  God  and  co-heir- 
ship  with  Christ.  Since  that  joyful 
day  the  Scriptures  which  testify  of 
Christ  have  lain  open  for  us  as  well  as 
for  the  Jews.  Yea,  their  blindness 
rejected  that  Truth,  Which,  since  that 
day,  hath  shed  Its  bright  beams  upon 
all  nations.  Let  all  observance,  then, 
be  paid  to  this  most  sacred  day, 
whereon  the  Author  of  our  salvation 
was  made  manifest,  and  as  the  wise 
men  fell  down  and  worshipped  Him  in 
the  manger,  so  let  us  fall  down  and 
worship  Him  enthroned  Almighty  in 
heaven.  As  they  also  opened  their 
treasures  and  presented  unto  Him 
mystic  and  symbolic  gifts,  so  let  us 
strive  to  open  our  hearts  to  Him,  and 
offer  Him  from  thence  some  worthy 
offering. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

There  came  wise  men  from  the  east 
to  Jerusalem,  asking  and  saying : 
Where  is  He  That  is  born  King  of  the 
Jews  ?  for  we  have  seen  His  star  in 
the  east,  and  are  come  to  worship  the 
Lord. 

Verse.  We  have  seen  His  star  in  the 
east. 

Answer.  And  are  come  to  worship 
the  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  are  come  to  worship 
the  Lord. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Instead  of  the  ist  Psalm  the  follow- 
ing is  said  just  as  given  here. 

Antiphon.  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him :  for  He  is  the  Lord  our  God. 

Psalm  XCIV. 

r\  COME,  let  us  sing  unto  the 
^-^  Lord  :  let  us  make  a  joyful 
noise  to  the  God  of  our  salvation. 

Let  us  come  before  His  presence 
with  thanksgiving,  and  make  a  joyful 
noise  unto  Him  with  psalms. 

Antiphon.  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him  :  for  He  is  the  Lord  our  God. 

For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and 
a  great  King  above  all  gods. 

In  His  hand  are  the  inmost  depths 
of  the  earth  :  and  the  heights  of  the 
hills  are  His  also. 

Antiphon.  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him  :  for  He  is  the  Lord  our  God. 

For  the  sea  is  His,  and  He  made  it, 
and  His  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 

Antiphon.  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him :  for  He  is  the  Lord  our  God. 

And  we  are  the  people  of  His  pas- 
ture, and  the  sheep  of  His  hand.  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,  and  proved  Me,  and  saw  My 
works. 

Antiphon.  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him  :  for  He  is  the  Lord  our  God. 

Forty  years  long  was  I  grieved  with 
that  generation,  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. 

Antiphon.  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him  :  for  He  is  the  Lord  our  God. 


336 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


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. 

Antiphon.  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him  :  for  He  is  the  Lord  our  God. 

The  Service  then  proceeds  as  usual. 

Second  Antiphon.  O  worship  the 
Lord  *  — Alleluia — in  His  holy  temple 
— Alleluia. 

Psalm  XCV. 

O  sing  unto  the  Lord,  &c,  (p. 
148.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Worship  God  *  — 
Alleluia — all  ye  His  Angels — Alleluia. 

Psalm  XCV/. 
The  LORD  reigneth,  &c,  {p.  149.) 

Verse.  O  worship  the  Lord — Alle- 
luia. 

Answer.  In  His  holy  temple — Alle- 
luia. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson   is  taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (ii.  1.) 

AlfHEN  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethle- 
hem of  Judah,  in  the  days  of 
Herod  the  king,  behold  there  came 
wise  men  from  the  East  to  Jerusalem, 
saying :  Where  is  He  that  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (10th  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  hear  ye 
from  the  Gospel  lesson  how,  when  the 
King  of  heaven  was  born,  the  king  of 
earth  was  troubled  ?  The  heights  of 
heaven  are  opened  and  the  depths  of 
earth  are  stirred.      Let  us  now  consider 


the  question,  why,  when  the  Redeemer 
was  born,  an  angel  brought  the  news 
to  the  shepherds  of  Judea,  but  a  star 
led  the  wise  men  of  the  East  to  worship 
Him.  It  seemeth  as  if  the  Jews  as 
reasonable  creatures  received  a  revela- 
tion from  a  reasonable  being,  that  is, 
an  angel,  but  the  Gentiles  without, 
being  as  brutes,  are  roused  not  by  a 
voice,  but  by  a  sign,  that  is,  a  star. 
Hence  Paul  hath  it:  "a  sign,  not  to 
them  that  believe,  but  to  them  that 
believe  not :  but  prophesying  serveth 
not  for  them  that  believe  not,  but  for 
them  which  believe."  (1  Cor.  xiv.  22.) 
So  the  prophesying,  (that  is,  of  the 
angel)  was  given  to  them  that  believed, 
and  the  sign  to  them  that  believed  not. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

The  star  which  the  wise  men  had 
seen  in  the  East,  went  before  them,  till 
they  came  where  the  young  Child  was. 
And  when  they  saw  the  star,  they 
rejoiced  with  exceeding  great  joy. 

Verse.  And  when  they  were  come 
into  the  house,  they  found  the  young 
Child  with  Mary  His  Mother,  and  fell 
down  and  worshipped  Him. 

Answer.  And  when  they  saw  the 
star,  they  rejoiced  with  exceeding  great 
joy. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

'"PHUS  also  we  remark  that  after- 
wards the  Redeemer  was  preached 
among  the  Gentiles  not  by  Himself, 
but  by  His  Apostles,  even  as,  when  a 
little  Child,  He  is  shown  to  them,  not 
by  the  voice  of  angels,  but  merely  by 
the  vision  of  a  star.  When  He  Him- 
self had  begun  to  speak  He  was  made 
known  to  us  by  speakers,  but  when  He 
lay  silent  in  the  manger,  by  that  silent 
testimony  in  heaven.  But  whether  we 
consider  the  signs  which  accompanied 
His  birth  or  His  death,  this  thing  is 
wonderful,    namely,    the    hardness     of 


TWELFTH-DAY. 


337 


heart  of  the  Jews,  who  would  not 
believe  in  Him  either  for  prophesying 
or  for  miracles. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

When  the  wise  men  saw  the  star, 
they  rejoiced  with  exceeding  great  joy. 
And  when  they  were  come  into  the 
house,  they  found  the  young  Child  with 
Mary  His  Mother,  and  fell  down  and 
worshipped  Him  ;  and  when  they  had 
opened  their  treasures,  they  presented 
unto  Him  gifts  ;  gold,  and  frankincense, 
and  myrrh. 

Verse.  The  star  which  the  wise  men 
had  seen  in  the  East,  went  before  them, 
till  it  came  and  stood  over  where  the 
young  Child  was. 

Answer.  And  when  they  were  come 
into  the  house,  they  found  the  young 
Child  with  Mary  His  Mother,  and  fell 
down  and  worshipped  Him. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  when  they  had 
opened  their  treasures,  they  presented 
unto  Him  gifts ;  gold,  and  frankin- 
cense, and  myrrh. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

A  LL  things  which  He  had  made, 
"^^  bore  witness  that  their  Maker 
was  come.  Let  me  reckon  them  after 
the  manner  of  men.  The  heavens 
knew  that  He  was  God,  and  sent  a 
star  to  shine  over  where  He  lay.  The 
sea  knew  it,  and  bore  Him  up  when 
He  walked  upon  it.  The  earth  knew 
it,  and  quaked  when  He  died.  The 
sun  knew  it,  and  was  darkened.  The 
rocks  and  walls  knew  it,  and  rent  at 
the  hour  of  His  death.  Hell  knew 
it,  and  gave  up  the  dead  that  were 
in  it.  And  yet  up  to  this  very 
hour    the   hearts    of    the   unbelieving 


Jews  will  not  acknowledge  that  He 
to  Whom  all  nature  testified  is  their 
God,  and,  being  more  hardened 
than  the  rocks,  refuse  to  be  rent  by 
repentance. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Lord  our  Sa- 
viour, *  begotten  before  the  day-star, 
and  before  the  ages,  is  this  day  made 
manifest  in  the  world. 

Second  Antiphon.  O  Jerusalem,  * 
thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of 
the  LORD  is  risen  upon  thee,  and  the 
Gentiles  shall  walk  in  thy  light. 
Alleluia. 

Third  Antiphon.  When  the  wise 
men  *  had  opened  their  treasures, 
they  presented  unto  the  Lord  gold, 
frankincense,  and  myrrh.     Alleluia. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  O  ye  seas  and 
floods,  *  bless  ye  the  Lord.  O  ye 
wells,  bless  ye  the  Lord.     Alleluia. 

Fifth  Antiphon. 

1  Bright  as  a  fiery  beacon  gleams 
The    guiding    star,    *    whose    mystic 

beams 
Shone  o'er  the   crib  where,  veiled  in 

clay, 
The  new-born  King  of  Glory  lay. 

When  to  the  manger  came  the  three, 
They  fell  in  worship  on  the  knee, 
Then  to  the  King  their  gifts  unfold, 
The  myrrh,  the  frankincense,  and  gold. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  lx.  I.) 

A  RISE,  shine,  O  Jerusalem,  for  thy 
"^  light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  is  risen  upon  thee. 


1  Two  verses  of  an  Hymn. 


338 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Hymn.1 

DETHLEHEM  !   of  noblest  cities, 

None  can  once  with  thee  compare ; 
Thou  alone  the  Lord  of  heaven, 
Didst  for  us  Incarnate  bear. 

Fairer  than  the  sun  at  morning, 
Was  the  star  that  told  His  birth ; 

To  the  lands  their  God  announcing, 
Hid  beneath  a  form  of  earth. 

By  its  lambent  beauty  guided, 
See,  the  Eastern  Kings  appear ; 

See  them  bend,  their  gifts  to  offer, — 
Gifts  of  incense,  gold,  and  myrrh. 

Offerings  of  mystic  meaning  ! — 
Incense  doth  the  God  disclose ; 

Gold  a  Royal  Child  proclaimeth ; 
Myrrh  a  future  tomb  foreshows. 

Holy  Jesu,  in  Thy  brightness 
To  the  Gentile  world  displayed  ! 

With  the  Father  and  the  Spirit, 
Endless  praise  to  Thee  be  paid. 

Amen. 

Verse.     Worship  God — Alleluia. 
Answer.       All     ye      His     angels. 
Alleluia. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
This  day  is  the  Church  joined  unto 
the  Heavenly  Bridegroom,  *  since 
Christ  hath  washed  away  her  sins  in 
Jordan ;  the  wise  men  hasten  with 
gifts  to  the  marriage  supper  of  the 
King ;  and  they  that  sit  at  meat 
together  make  merry  with  water 
turned  into  wine.      Alleluia. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who  by  the  leading  of  a 
^-^  star  didst,  as  on  this  day,  mani- 
fest Thine  Only-begotten  Son  to  the 
Gentiles,  mercifully  grant  that  we, 
which  know  Thee  now  by  faith,  may 
after  this  life  have  the  fruition  of  Thy 
glorious  Godhead  ;  through  the  Same 

1  Hymn  by  Aurelius  Prudentius  Clemens  practically  unchanged  ;   translation  by  the  Rev. 
iE.  Caswall. 


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. 


PRIME. 

Last  verse  of  the  Hymn  as  at  Com- 
pline. 

Antiphon.  The  Lord  our  Saviour, 
&c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory  instead  of 
the  Verse,  "Thou  That  sittest  at  the 
right  hand  of  the   Father,"  is  said: 

Verse.  Thou  That  art  manifested 
unto  us  this  day. 

And  the  same  alteration  is  made 
every  day  till  the  end  of  the  Octave. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  call  to  mind  the 
return  of  the  Child  Jesus  out  of  Egypt. 

Upon  the  same  7th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Nicomedia,  for  confessing  Christ, 
in  the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Galerius  Maximian,  the  blessed  mar- 
tyr Lucian,  priest  of  the  Church  of 
Antioch,  distinguished  for  his  learn- 
ing and  eloquence,  whose  praise  hath 
been  recorded  by  holy  John  Chrysos- 
tom.  He  is  buried  at  Helenopolis  in 
Bithynia. 

At  Antioch,  the  holy  martyr  the 
deacon  Cleri,  who  on  account  of  his 
glorious  confession  was  seven  times 
put  to  the  torture,  suffered  long  in 
prison,   and  at  length  was  beheaded. 

In  the  city  of  Heraclea,  the  holy 
martyrs  Felix  and  Januarius. 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  martyr 
Julian. 

In  Denmark  [in  the  year  1086],  the 
holy  martyr  King  Canute  [IV.],  whose 


TWELFTH-DAY. 


339 


feast  is  kept  on  January  19  [although 
not  in  England]. 

At  Pavia,  the  holy  confessor  Crispin 
[I.],  bishop  of  that  see  [in  the  year 
248]. 

In  Dacia,  the  holy  bishop  Nicetas, 
who  by  his  preaching  of  the  Gospel 
caused  savage  and  barbarous  tribes 
to  become  mild  and  gentle.  [Fifth 
century.] 

In  Egypt,  the  blessed  monk  Theo- 
dore, who  flourished  in  holiness  in  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Constantine  the 
Great,  and  of  whom  mention  is  made 
by  holy  Athanasius  in  the  life  of  holy 
Anthony. 

At  Barcelona  [in  the  year  1275], 
holy  Raymond  of  Pehafuerte,  of  the 
order  of  Friars  Preachers,  famous  for 
his  holiness  and  teaching,  whose  feast 
we  keep  upon  the  23rd  day  of  this 
present  month  of  January. 

Chapter  at  the  end.      (Isa.  lx.  6.) 

A  LL  they  from  Saba  shall  come, 
J^  they  shall  bring  gold  and  in- 
cense, and  they  shall  show  forth  the 
praises  of  the   LORD. 

TERCE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  said 
.  thus  : 

Jesu,  Whom  now  the  Gentiles  see, 
Father  and  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 
To  Thee,  one  God,  be  glory  given, 
By  men  on  earth,  by  Saints  in  heaven. 

Amen. 

Antiphon.  O  Jerusalem,  *  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the 
isles  shall  bring  presents.  Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 


Answer.  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and 
of  the  isles  shall  bring  presents.  Alle- 
luia, Alleluia. 

Verse.  The  kings  of  Arabia  and 
Saba  shall  offer  gifts. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and 
of  the  isles  shall  bring  presents.  Alle- 
luia, Alleluia. 

Verse.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come.      Alleluia. 

Answer.  They  shall  bring  gold  and 
incense.     Alleluia. 

SEXT. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  said 
thus  : 

Jesu,  by  Gentiles  now  adored, 
With  Father  and  with  Holy  Ghost, 
To  Thee  be  praise,  as  God  and  Lord, 
On  earth  as  'mid  the  Angelic  host. 

Amen. 

Antiphon.  When  the  wise  men,  * 
&c,   {Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Isa.  lx.  4.) 

["    I  FT    up  thine    eyes   round   about, 
and  see ;  all  they  gather  them- 
selves  together,   they  come   to    thee : 
thy  sons  shall  come  from  far,  and  thy 
daughters  shall  be  nursed  at  thy  side. 

Short  Responsory. 

All  they  from  Saba  shall  come. 
Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  They  shall  bring  gold  and 
incense. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 


340 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Verse.  Worship  the  Lord.  Alle- 
luia. 

Answer.  In  His  holy  courts.  Alle- 
luia. 

NONE. 

Last  verse  of  the  Hymn  as  at  Com- 
pline. 

Antiphon.  Bright  as  a  fiery  beacon 
gleams,  *  &c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

Worship  the  Lord.  Alleluia,  Al- 
leluia. 

Answer.  Worship  the  LORD.  Alle- 
luia, Alleluia. 

Verse.     In  His  holy  courts. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Worship  the  Lord.  Alle- 
luia, Alleluia. 

Verse.     Worship  God.     Alleluia. 

Answer.  All  ye  His  angels.  Alle- 
luia. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  from 
First  Vespers. 

Psalms  as  on  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  This  day  we  keep  a  holiday 
in  honour  of  three  wonders,  *  — this 
day  a  star  led  the  wise  men  to  the 
manger ;  this  day  at  the  marriage, 
water  was  made  wine  ;  this  day  was 
Christ,  for  our  salvation,  pleased 
to  be  baptized  of  John  in  Jordan. 
Alleluia. 

If  this  day  should  be  a  Saturday, 


the  following  Comtnemoration  is  made 
of  the  Sunday  within  the  Octave. 

Antiphon.  The  Child  JESUS  tarried 
behind  in  Jerusalem,  and  His  parents 
knew  not  of  it,  supposing  Him  to  have 
been  in  the  company  :  and  they  sought 
Him  among  their  kinsfolk  and  ac- 
quaintance. 

Verse.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come.     Alleluia. 

Answer.  They  shall  bring  gold  and 
incense.     Alleluia. 

Let  us  pray. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  merci- 
^-y^  fully  to  receive  the  prayers  of 
Thy  people  which  call  upon  Thee, 
and  grant  that  they  may  both  perceive 
and  know  what  things  they  ought  to 
do,  and  also  may  have  grace  and 
power  faithfully  to  fulfil  the  same ; 
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. 

COMPLINE. 
Last  verse  of  the  Hymn  as  before. 


The  following  are  the  rules  for  the 
Service  during  the  Octave  of  the  Epi- 
phany. 

1 .  If  a  Double  Minor  or  Semidouble 
Feast  occur,  it  is  not  transferred,  but 
simplified.  Only  Doubles  Major  and 
Feasts  of  Doctors  may  be  transferred. 
If  Doubles  Minor  occur  on  a  Double 
of  the  first  class  they  are  omitted  that 
year.  So  also  Simple  Feasts  which  are 
otherwise  merely  commemorated. 

2.  The  Service  is  precisely  the  same 
as  on  Twelfth-Day  itself,  except  the 
differences  hereafter  immediately  noted, 
and  those  given  under  the  head  of 
every  day. 


SECOND   DAY   WITHIN    THE   OCTAVE   OF   THE   EPIPHANY.      34I 


3.  Mat  tins  commence  as  usual  with 

the  following  : 

Invitatory.  Christ  is  made  mani- 
fest unto  us,  *  O  come,  let  us  worship 
Him. 

Hymn.  What  makes  thee,  &c, 
{Hymn  at  First    Vespers.) 

4.  Except  on  the  Sunday  within  the 
Octave,  and  on  the  Octave  itself,  the 
First  Responsory  is  as  follows  : 

There  are  three  precious  gifts  which 
the  wise  men  offered  unto  the  Lord  on 
this  day,  and  they  speak  a  mystery  of 
the  things  of  God, — Gold,  to  show 
His  kingly  power ;  frankincense,  for 
our  Great  High  Priest ;  and  myrrh, 
against  the  Lord's  burying. 

Verse.  The  wise  men  worshipped 
the  Captain  of  our  Salvation,  as  He 
lay  in  the  manger,  and  when  they  had 
opened  their  treasures,  they  presented 
unto  Him  mystic  gifts. 

Answer.  Gold,  to  show  His  kingly 
power ;  frankincense,  for  our  Great 
High  Priest ;  and  myrrh,  against  the 
Lord's  burying. 

5.  The  Third  Nocturn  begins  as 
follows  : 

First  Antiphon.  This  man  was 
born  in  her,  *  and  the  Highest  Him- 
self shall  establish  her. 


Psalm  LXXXVI. 
Her  foundation,  &c,  {p.  144.) 

6.  Offices  are  hereafter  given  for 
five  days  within  the  Octave,  besides 
the  Octave-day  itself,  and  the  Sunday. 
These  Offices  are  recited  one  after 
another  on  the  five  next  week-days  after 
the  Feast.  For  example,  if  the  Feast 
fell  on  a  Saturday,  the  Office  for  the 
Second  Day  within  the  Octave  would 
be  said  on  Monday.  The  Lessons  of 
the  First  Nocturns  of  these  days  are 

vol.  1. 


subject  to  the  change  mentioned  in  the 
eighth  section. 

7.  The  Antiphons  are  not  doubled, 
except  on  the  Octave-day. 

8.  On  the  First  Sunday  after  the 
Epiphany  is  begun  the  First  Epistle 
of  St  Paul  to  the  Corinthians,  which 
is  continued  on  the  following  days  till 
the  Saturday  inclusive.  These  Lessons 
are  all  given  together  at  p.  $59 ■  To 
make  room  for  them  the  Lessons  from 
the  Epistle  to  the  Romans  are  omitted 
if  need  be.  Hence,  if  the  Feast  fell  on 
a  Saturday,  all  the  rest  of  the  Epistle 
to  the  Romans  would  that  year  be 
omitted. 

9.  If  the  Feast  fall  on  a  Sunday,  the 
Octave-day  will  do  so  too.      Then  the 

first  Suttday  after  the  Feast  will  be 
observed  as  the  Octave-day,  and  the 
Office  of  the  Sunday  will  be  said  on 
Saturday  by  anticipation,  except  the 
beginning  of  the  First  Epistle  to  the 
Corinthians,  which  will  still  be  read 
on  Sunday,  and  its  place  in  the  Sutt- 
day Office  {said  by  anticipation  on 
Saturday)    is    supplied   with    Lessons 

from  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  given 
on  p.  354. 

^econb  ©ap  witfyin  tU  Octau  of 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (ix.  1.) 

T  SAY  the  truth  in  Christ,  I  lie  not, 
my  conscience  bearing  me  wit- 
ness in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  I  have 
great  heaviness  and  continual  sorrow 
in  my  heart.  For  I  could  wish  that 
myself  were  anathema  from  Christ  for 
my  brethren,  my  kinsmen  according 
to  the  flesh ;    who  are    Israelites  ;    to 

M 


342 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


whom  pertaineth  the  adoption,  and 
the  glory,  and  the  covenant,  and  the 
giving  of  the  law,  and  the  service  of 
God,  and  the  promises  ;  whose  are 
the  fathers,  and  of  whom,  as  concern- 
ing the  flesh,  Christ  came,  Who  is 
over  all  —  God,  blessed  for  ever. 
Amen. 

Second  Lesson. 

1VJ  OT  as  though  the  word  of  God 
hath  taken  none  effect.  For 
they  are  not  all  Israelites  which  are 
of  Israel ;  neither,  because  they  are 
the  seed  of  Abraham,  are  they  all 
children  ;  but,  "In  Isaac  shall  thy 
seed  be  called  ;  " l  that  is,  they  which 
are  the  children  of  the  flesh,  these  are 
not  the  children  of  God  ;  but  the  chil- 
dren of  the  promise  are  counted  for 
the  seed. — For  this  is  the  word  of  pro- 
mise :  2 "  At  this  time  will  I  come, 
and  Sarah  shall  have  a  son."  And 
not  only  she,  but  when  Rebecca  also 
had  conceived  [twins]  by  the  same  our 
father  Isaac. 


Third  Lesson. 

"C7OR  the  children  being  not  yet 
born,  neither  having  done  any 
good  or  evil,  (that  the  purpose  of  God, 
according  to  election,  might  stand,) 
not  of  works,  but  of  Him  That  calleth, 
it  was  said  unto  her :  3 "  The  elder 
shall  serve  the  younger "  —  as  it  is 
written  :  4 "  Jacob  have  I  loved,  but 
Esau  have  I  hated."  What  shall  we 
say  then  ?  Is  there  unrighteousness 
with  God  ?  God  forbid.  For  He  saith 
to  Moses :  5 "  I  will  have  mercy  on 
whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will 
have  compassion  on  whom  I  will  have 
compassion."  So  then,  it  is  not  of 
him  that  willeth,  nor  of  him  that 
runneth,  but  of  God  that  showeth 
mercy." 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
{2nd  on  the  Epiphany,  30th  on  the 
Season. ) 

"\A7TSE  men  came  from  the  East 
to  worship  the  Virgin's  Son. 
This  is  the  event  which  we  this  day 
commemorate,  the  occasion  in  honour 
of  which  this  sermon  is  preached.  On 
them  that  day  first  broke  in  gladness, 
which  year  by  year,  now  cometh  round 
to  us  for  celebration.  They  were  the 
first-fruits  of  that  Gentile  Church 
whereof  we  are  the  in-gathering.  To 
us  the  voice  of  Apostles,  to  them  a 
star,  as  a  voice  from  heaven,  pro- 
claimed the  advent  of  a  Saviour  ;  and 
to  us  the  voice  of  the  Apostolic 
preachers  is  also  as  a  voice  from 
heaven,  a  heaven  declaring  the  glory 
of  God. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

/^REAT  is  the  mystery.  While  He 
^"^  lay  in  the  manger,  He  drew  to 
Himself  wise  men  from  the  East ; 
while  He  was  unknown  in  the  stable, 
He  was  recognised  in  the  heavens  ; 
and,  being  recognised  in  the  heavens, 
made  Himself  known  in  the  stable. 
So  this  day  is  called  in  the  Greek 
"  Epiphaneia,"  which  is,  being  inter- 
preted, "  Manifestation."  Wherein  is 
manifested  both  the  greatness  and  the 
lowliness  of  Him,  Whose  greatness 
was  attested  in  the  stars  of  heaven, 
and  Who,  being  sought  on  earth, 
is  found  so  lowly  that  there  is  no 
room  for  Him  in  the  inn.  And  yet, 
though  to  be  found  in  fashion  as 
a  little  Child  wrapped  in  swaddling- 
clothes,  He  is  the  object  of  worship 
to  the  wise  men  and  of  terror  to 
the  godless. 


1  Gen.  xxi.  12.  2  Gen.  xviii.  10.  s  Gen.  xxv.  23. 

*  Mai.  i.  2,  3.  B  Exod.  xxxiii.  19. 


SECOND   DAY   WITHIN   THE   OCTAVE   OF   THE   EPIPHANY.      343 


might  come  and  worship  Him,"  but, 
in  reality,  that,  when  he  had  found 
Him,  he  might  put  Him  to  death. 
But,  behold,  of  how  light  weight  is 
the  malice  of  man,  when  it  is  tried 
against  the  counsel  of  God.  It  is 
written :  "  There  is  no  wisdom,  nor 
understanding,  nor  counsel,  against 
the  LORD,"  (Prov.  xxi.  30.)  So  the 
star  which  the  wise  men  saw  in  the 
East,  still  led  them  on  ;  they  found 
the  new-born  King,  and  presented  unto 
Him  gifts  ;  then  they  were  warned  in 
a  dream  that  they  should  not  return 
to  Herod.  And  as  it  came  to  pass 
that,  when  Herod  sought  JESUS,  he 
could  not  find  Him — even  so  is  it 
with  hypocrites,  who,  while  they  make 
pretence  to  seek  the  Lord  to  worship 
Him,  find  Him  not. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T  T  is  as  well  to  know  that  it  is  one 
of  the  opinions  of  the  Priscillianist 
heretics  l  that  every  man  is  born  under 
the  influence  of  a  star ;  and,  to  con- 
firm this  notion,  they  bring  forward 
the  instance  of  the  star  of  Bethlehem, 
which  appeared  when  the  Lord  was 
born  ;  and  which  they  call  His  star, 
that  is,  the  star  ruling  over  His  fate 
or  destiny.  But  if  we  consider  the 
words  of  the  Gospel  concerning  this 
star,  they  are :  "It  went  before,  till 
it  came  and  stood  over  where  the 
young  Child  was."  Whence  we  see 
that  it  was  not  the  young  Child  Who 
followed  the  star,  but  the  star  which 
followed  the  young  Child,  as  if  to 
show  that  the  young  Child  ruled  the 
star,  instead  of  the  star  ruling  Him. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

DUT   I  pray  that  the  hearts  of  the 

faithful  may  ever  be  free  from  the 

thought     that    anything    ruleth     their 

1  A  branch  of  the  Manichaean  school,  which  arose  in  Spain  towards  the  close  of  the  fourth 
century. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

T^OR  Herod  feared  when  he  heard 
from  the  wise  men  of  Him  Whom 
they  sought,  and  of  Whose  birth  they 
knew  by  the  witness  of  a  star.  What 
will  be  the  fearful  judgment-seat  of 
Him,  Who,  even  as  a  Suckling,  struck 
terror  into  haughty  kings  ?  How 
much  wiser  is  the  thought  of  those 
kings  who  seek  Christ  like  the  wise 
men,  to  worship  Him,  than  of  those 
who  seek  Him,  like  Herod,  to  slay 
Him  !  who  seek  to  put  Him  to  that 
same  death,  which  He  came  to  suffer 
from  His  .enemies  for  their  own 
salvation,  and  which,  by  His  death, 
He  hath  trodden  down  !  Kings 
will  do  well  to  fear  Him  Who 
now  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  Father,  and  Whom  Herod 
feared  when  He  hung  upon  His 
mother's  breast. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is   taken  from  the    Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (ii.  1.) 

"VirHEN  Jesus  was  born  in  Beth- 
lehem of  Judah,  in  the  days  of 
Herod  the  King,  behold,  there  came 
wise  men  from  the  East  to  Jerusalem, 
saying :  Where  is  He  That  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews  ?      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great]     {\oth  on  the  Gospels.) 

When  Herod  knew  of  the  birth  of 
our  King,  he  betook  himself  to  his 
cunning  wiles,  and  lest  he  should  be 
deprived  of  an  earthly  kingdom  he 
desired  the  wise  men  to  search  dili- 
gently for  the  young  Child,  and  when 
they  had  found  Him,  to  bring  him 
word  again.      He  said,  "  that  he  also 


344 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


destiny.  In  this  world  there  is  but 
One  Who  ruleth  the  destiny  of  man, 
even  He  Who  made  man ;  neither 
was  man  made  for  the  stars,  but  the 
stars  for  man  ;  and  if  we  say  that 
they  rule  his  destiny,  we  set  them 
above  him  for  whose  service  they 
were  made.  When  Jacob  came  out 
of  his  mother's  womb,  and  his  hand 
took  hold  on  his  elder  brother  Esau's 
heel,  he  could  not  have  done  so  unless 
this  his  first  movement  had  been 
behind  his  brother,  and,  nevertheless, 
such  was  not  in  after  life  the  position 
of  those  two  brethren  whom  their 
mother  brought  forth  at  one  birth. 

LAUDS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
There  came  wise  men  from  the  East 
to  Bethlehem  to  worship  the  Lord :  * 
and  when  they  had  opened  their 
treasures,  they  presented  unto  Him 
precious  gifts  ;  gold,  as  unto  the  Great 
King  ;  frankincense  as  unto  the  true 
God ;  and  myrrh  for  His  burying. 
Alleluia. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  When  the  wise  men  saw  the 
star,  *  they  rejoiced  with  exceeding 
great  joy  ;  and  when  they  were  come 
into  the  house,  they  presented  unto 
the  Lord  gold,  frankincense,  and 
myrrh.     Alleluia. 

£0trb  ©ap  wtfflm  ^e  bctavt  of 

tU  6ptpb,<mp. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (xii.  I.) 

T  BESEECH  you,  therefore,  brethren, 
by  the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  pre- 
sent your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy, 


acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your 
reasonable  service.  And  be  not 
fashioned  according  to  this  world  : 
but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renew- 
ing of  your  mind  :  that  ye  may  prove 
what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable, 
and  perfect  will  of  God.  For  I  say, 
through  the  grace  given  unto  me,  to 
every  man  that  is  among  you  :  not 
to  think  of  himself  more  highly  than 
he  ought  to  think ;  but  so  to  think 
as  to  think  soberly,  according  as  God 
hath  dealt  to  each  man  a  measure 
of  faith. 

Second  Lesson. 

T_70R  as  we  have  many  members  in 
one  body,  and  all  members  have 
not  the  same  office ;  so  we,  being 
many,  are  one  body  in  Christ,  and 
every  one  members  one  of  another, 
and  having  gifts  differing  according 
to  the  grace  that  is  given  to  us ; 
whether  prophecy,  according  to  the 
proportion  of  faith  ;  or  ministry,  in 
ministering ;  or  he  that  teacheth,  in 
teaching ;  he  that  exhorteth,  in  ex- 
hortation ;  he  that  giveth,  in  sim- 
plicity ;  he  that  ruleth,  in  carefulness  ; 
he  that  showeth  mercy,  in  cheerfulness. 


Third  Lesson. 

T  ET  love  be  without  hypocrisy. 
Abhor  that  which  is  evil,  cleave 
to  that  which  is  good ;  be  kindly 
affectioned  one  to  another,  with 
brotherly  love,  in  honour  preferring 
one  another  ;  not  slothful  in  business  ; 
fervent  in  spirit ;  serving  the  Lord  ; 
rejoicing  in  hope  ;  patient  in  tribula- 
tion ;  continuing  instant  in  prayer ; 
distributing  to  the  necessity  of  the 
saints  ;  given  to  hospitality.  Bless 
them  which  persecute  you  :  bless  and 
curse  not.  Rejoice  with  them  that 
do  rejoice,  and  weep  with  them  that 
weep ;  be  of  the  same  mind  one 
toward  another  ;  setting  not  your  heart 


THIRD   DAY   WITHIN    THE   OCTAVE   OF   THE   EPIPHANY.       345 


on  high  things,  but  condescending  to 
things  that  are  lowly. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 


Fourth  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
{2nd  on  the  Epiphany.) 

TV/TANY  kings  of  the  Jews  had  been 
born,  and  died,  but  which  of 
them  was  sought  after  by  wise  men 
to  worship  him  ?  Not  one  :  for  not 
one  had  been  proclaimed  by  the  voice 
of  heaven.  Let  us  not  also  pass  by 
the  fact  that  the  enlightenment  of  the 
wise  men  standeth  in  strong  contrast 
to  the  blindness  of  the  Jews.  The 
first  came  from  far  to  find  Him, 
Whom,  being  born  in  their  midst, 
the  second  knew  not. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

HHHE  wise  men  found  the  young 
Child  among  those  who  denied 
Him.  These  holy  pilgrims  came  and 
worshipped  the  yet  silent  Christ  in  the 
land  whose  inhabitants,  after  He  grew 
up  and  worked  miracles,  crucified 
Him.  They  worshipped  in  that  tiny 
Body  the  God  Whom,  amid  great 
signs  and  wonders,  the  Jews  would 
not  spare  even  as  a  man.  They  who 
saw  the  Star  which  shone  at  His  birth, 
put  it  to  more  profit  than  they  who 
saw  the  sun  veiled  at  His  death. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

HTHE  star  which  led  the  wise  men 
towards  the  place  where  the 
new-born  God  dwelt  with  His  Virgin 
Mother,  ceased  to  shine  when  it  came 
to  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  while  they 
were  inquiring  of  the  Jews  where 
Christ  should  be  born.  The  Jews 
answered  them  according  to  the  tes- 
timony of  the  Divine  Scriptures  :   "In 


Bethlehem  of  Judah :  for  thus  it  is 
written  :  And  thou  Bethlehem  in  the 
land  of  Judah,  art  not  the  least  among 
the  princes  of  Judah,  for  out  of  thee 
shall  come  a  Governor,  that  shall  rule 
My  people  Israel."  What  else  are 
we  to  understand  that  God's  Provi- 
dence would  here  signify,  than  that 
there  should  remain  among  the  Jews 
those  Divine  Writings  only,  whereby 
the  Gentiles  are  enlightened,  while 
they  themselves  remain  dark  ? 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The    Lesson   is  taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (ii.  1.) 

ATtTHEN  JESUS  was  born  in  Beth- 
lehem of  Judah,  in  the  days 
of  Herod  the  King,  behold,  there 
came  wise  men  from  the  East  to 
Jerusalem,  saying  :  Where  is  He  That 
is  born  King  of  the  Jews  ?  And  so 
on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (10th  on  the  Gospels.) 

The  wise  men  brought  gold,  frank- 
incense, and  myrrh.  Gold  is  the  fit- 
ting gift  to  a  King,  frankincense  is 
offered  in  sacrifice  to  God,  and  with 
myrrh  are  embalmed  the  bodies  of 
the  dead.  By  the  gifts,  therefore, 
which  they  presented  unto  Him,  the 
wise  men  set  forth  three  things  con- 
cerning Him  unto  Whom  they  offered 
them  ;  by  the  gold,  that  He  was 
King ;  by  the  frankincense,  that  He 
was  God  ;  and  by  the  myrrh,  that  He 
was  to  die.  There  are  some  heretics 
who  believe  Him  to  be  God,  but  con- 
fess not  His  Kingly  dominion  over  all 
things  ;  these  offer  unto  Him  frank- 
incense, but  refuse  Him  gold.  There 
are  some  others  who  admit  that  He  is 
King,  but  deny  that  He  is  God  ;  these 
present  unto  Him  gold,  but  will  not 
give  Him  frankincense. 


346 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF  THE  SEASON. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

'""PHERE  are  some  other  heretics 
who  profess  that  Christ  is  both 
God  and  King,  but  not  that  He  took 
a  dying  nature  ;  these  offer  Him  gold 
and  frankincense,  but  not  myrrh  for 
the  Manhood.  Let  us,  however, 
present  gold  unto  the  new-born  Lord, 
acknowledging  His  universal  King- 
ship ;  let  us  offer  unto  Him  frankin- 
cense, confessing  that  He  Who  hath 
been  made  manifest  unto  us  in  time, 
is  God  before  time  was ;  let  us  give 
unto  Him  myrrh,  believing  that  He 
Who  cannot  suffer  as  touching  His 
Godhead,  was  made  capable  of  death 
as  touching  the  manhood  which  He 
shareth  with  us. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

HP  HERE  is  also  another  significa- 
tion in  this  gold,  frankincense, 
and  myrrh.  Gold  is  a  type  of  wis- 
dom ;  as  saith  Solomon :  x "  In  the 
mouth  of  the  wise  abideth  a  treasure  to 
be  desired."  Frankincense,  which  is 
burnt  in  honour  of  God,  is  a  figure 
of  prayer  ;  witness  the  words  of  the 
Psalmist,  (Ps.  cxl.  2:)  "Let  my 
prayer  be  set  forth  as  incense  before 
Thee."  By  myrrh  is  represented  the 
putting  to  death  of  the  body ;  as 
where  the  holy  Church  saith  of  her 
labourers  who  strive  for  God  even 
unto  death :  "My  hands  dropped 
with  myrrh."     (Cant.  v.  5.) 


LAUDS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Gold,  frankincense,  and  myrrh,  *  are 
the  three  precious  gifts  which  the  wise 
men  offered  unto  the  Lord,  as  unto 
the  Son  of  God,  the  Great  King. 
Alleluia. 


VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  O  Christ,  Thou  Light  of 
Light,  Thou  art  made  manifest,  * 
and  the  wise  men  have  presented  unto 
Thee  gifts.    Alleluia,  Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Sourffl  ©ag  roftgtn  t$t  Octave 
of  t%t  6ptp0<mp. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 
First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (xiii.  1.) 

T  ET  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the 
higher  powers.  For  there  is  no 
power  but  of  God  :  the  powers  that  be 
are  ordained  of  God.  Whosoever, 
therefore,  resisteth  the  power,  resist- 
eth  the  ordinance  of  God.  And  they 
that  resist  earn  for  themselves  dam- 
nation :  for  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to 
good  works,  but  to  the  evil.  Wilt 
thou  then  not  be  afraid  of  the  power  ? 
Do  that  which  is  good,  and  thou  shalt 
have  praise  of  the  same  ;  for  he  is  the 
minister  of  God  to  thee  for  good. 

Second  Lesson. 

DUT  if  thou  do  that  which  is  evil, 
be  afraid  ;  for  he  beareth  not 
the  sword  in  vain.  For  he  is  the 
minister  of  God  ;  a  revenger  to  exe- 
cute wrath  upon  him  that  doeth  evil. 
Wherefore  ye  must  needs  be  subject 
not  only  for  wrath,  but  also  for  con- 
science' sake.  For,  for  this  cause 
pay  ye  tribute  also :  for  they  are 
God's  ministers,  attending  continually 
upon  Him  for  this  very  thing.  Ren- 
der, therefore,  to  all  their  dues  ;  trib- 
ute to  whom  tribute  is  due  ;  custom 
to  whom  custom  ;  fear  to  whom  fear  ; 
honour  to  whom  honour. 


1  Prov.  xxi.  20.  (LXX.) 


FOURTH   DAY   WITHIN    THE   OCTAVE   OF   THE   EPIPHANY.      347 


Third  Lesson. 

f^WE  no  man  anything,  but  to  love 
^^  one  another  ;  for  he  that  loveth 
his  neighbour,  hath  fulfilled  the  law. 
For  this,  Thou  shalt  not  commit 
adultery,  Thou  shalt  not  kill,  Thou 
shalt  not  steal,  Thou  shalt  not  bear 
false  witness,  Thou  shalt  not  covet ; 
and  if  there  be  any  other  command- 
ment, it  is  briefly  comprehended  in 
this  saying :  "  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbour  as  thyself."  Love  worketh 
no  ill  to  his  neighbour.  Therefore 
love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great] 
( 1  st  for  Twelfth-Day. ) 

"P)  EARLY  beloved  brethren,  we 
have  but  lately  celebrated  that 
day  whereon  the  inviolate  virginity 
of  Blessed  Mary  gave  to  man  a 
Saviour.  And  now  the  venerable 
solemnity  of  the  Epiphany  giveth  us 
a  continuance  of  joy.  So  that  by  the 
nearness  of  these  two  holy  Feasts,  the 
freshness  of  our  gladness  and  the 
quickening  of  our  faith  hath  no  time 
wherein  to  die  away.  And  truly  it 
concerneth  the  salvation  of  all  men, 
that  the  Mediator  between  God  and 
men  is  already  made  manifest  before 
leaving  the  humble  city  of  His  birth. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  T  is  true  that  the  Lord  chose  the 
nation  of  Israel,  and  in  that  na- 
tion one  family,  whence  to  take  upon 
Him  that  nature  which  He  shareth 
with  all  mankind,  but,  at  the  same 
time,  He  would  not  that  the  narrow 
walls  of  His  Mother's  house  should 
imprison  within  them  all  the  bright- 
ness of  His  appearing,  and,  as  He  was 


pleased  to  be  born  for  all,  so  willed 
He  to  be  forthwith  made  manifest  to 
all.  Three  wise  men  in  the  East, 
therefore,  saw  a  new  and  brilliant 
star,  which,  by  excelling  all  others  in 
brightness  and  beauty,  attracted  the 
eyes  and  thoughts  of  all  beholders : 
and  thereby  it  became  at  once  evi- 
dent that  some  new  and  great  event 
had  befallen. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T^HEN  He  Who  had  given  the 
sign,  gave  understanding  to 
those  that  saw  it ;  and  having  given 
to  them  to  understand  that  He  was 
born,  He  gave  them  the  grace  to  seek 
Him  ;  and,  being  sought  by  them, 
was  pleased  to  be  found.  The  three 
wise  men  followed  the  guiding  of  the 
heavenly  light,  and,  with  their  eyes 
firmly  fixed  upon  the  glory  that  went 
before  them,  were  so  led  by  the  light 
of  grace  as  to  obtain  the  knowledge 
of  truth.  They,  knowing  that  He 
was  born  a  King,  sought  Him  in  the 
Royal  City  ;  but  He  Who  had  taken 
upon  Him  the  form  of  a  servant, 
and  came  not  to  judge  but  to  be 
judged,  had  chosen  Bethlehem  for  His 
birth,  and  Jerusalem  for  His  Suffering. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The    Lesson  is  taken   from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (ii.  1.) 

"\1THEN  JESUS  was  born  in  Beth- 
lehem of  Judah,  in  the  days  of 
Herod  the  King,  behold  there  came 
wise  men  from  the  East  to  Jerusalem, 
saying :  Where  is  He  That  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by    Pope    St   Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (10th  on  the  Gospels.) 

The    wise    men    teach    us    a    great 
lesson    in    that    "they    departed    into 


348 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


their  own  country  another  way." 
That  which  they  did,  ("being  warned 
of  God  in  a  dream,")  we  ought  to  do. 
Our  country  is  heaven  ;  and,  when  we 
have  once  known  JESUS,  we  can 
never  get  there  by  returning  on  the 
way  wherein  we  walked  before  we 
knew  Him.  We  have  left  our  coun- 
try far,  by  the  way  of  pride,  and  dis- 
obedience, and  worldliness,  and  for- 
bidden indulgence  :  we  must  seek  that 
heavenly  Fatherland  by  tears,  by  sub- 
jection, by  contempt  of  the  things 
which  are  seen,  and  by  curbing  the 
fleshly  appetites. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T  ET  us  then  depart  into  our  own 
country  another  way.  They  that 
have  by  enjoyment  put  themselves 
away  from  it,  must  seek  it  again  by 
sorrow.  Therefore,  my  dearly  beloved 
brethren,  it  behoveth  us  to  be  ever 
fearful  and  watch,  having  continually 
before  the  eyes  of  our  heart,  on  the 
one  hand,  the  guilt  of  our  doings,  and, 
on  the  other,  the  judgment  at  the 
latter  day.  It  behoveth  us  to  think 
how  that  awful  Judge  will  surely  come, 
Whose  judgment  is  hanging  over  us, 
and  hath  not  yet  fallen  :  the  wrath  to 
come  is  before  sinners,  and  hath  not 
yet  smitten  them  :  and  the  Judge  yet 
tarrieth  in  order  that,  when  He 
cometh,  there  may  haply  be  less  to 
condemn. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

T  ET  us  afflict  ourselves  for  our 
faults  with  weeping,  and,  with 
the  Psalmist,  "  let  us  come  before  His 
Presence  with  thanksgiving."  Let  us 
take  heed  that  we  be  not  fooled  by 
the  appearance  of  earthly  happiness, 
or  seduced  by  the  vanity  of  earthly 
pleasure.  For  the  Judge  is  at  hand, 
even  He  That  saith  :  "  Woe  unto  you 
that  laugh  now,  for  ye  shall  mourn 
and    weep,"    (Luke    vi.    25.)      Hence 


also  Solomon  saith  :  "  Even  in  laugh- 
ter the  heart  is  sorrowful  ;  and  the 
end  of  that  mirth  is  heaviness,"  (Prov. 
xiv.  13.)  And  again:  "I  said  of 
laughter,  It  is  mad ;  and  of  mirth, 
What  doeth  it?"  (Eccles.  ii.  2.)  And 
yet  again  :  "  The  heart  of  the  wise  is 
in  the  house  of  mourning,  but  the 
heart  of  fools  is  in  the  house  of  mirth," 
(vii.  5.) 

LAUDS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
We  have  seen  His  star  *  in  the  East, 
and  are  come  with  gifts  to  worship 
the  Lord. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Herod  inquired  *  of  the  wise 
men  :  What  is  the  sign  that  ye  have 
seen  that  a  King  is  born  ?  We  have 
seen  the  shining  of  the  star,  the  glory 
whereof  enlighteneth  the  whole  world." 

ftfffl  ©op  wftgm  t%t  Qctavt 
of  t$t  6pq>0att£. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (xiv.  1.) 

TJIM  that  is  weak  in  the  faith  re- 
ceive  ye,  but  not  to  doubtful 
disputations.  For  one  believeth  that 
he  may  eat  all  things  :  another,  who  is 
weak,  eateth  herbs.  Let  not  him  that 
eateth  despise  him  that  eateth  not : 
and  let  not  him  which  eateth  not, 
judge  him  that  eateth  :  for  God  hath 
received  him.  Who  art  thou  that 
judgest  another  man's  servant  ?  To 
his  own  Master  he  standeth  or  falleth  ; 
yea,  he  shall  be  holden  up  :  for  God 
is  able  to  make  him  stand. 


FIFTH    DAY   WITHIN    THE   OCTAVE   OF   THE   EPIPHANY.       349 


Second  Lesson. 

17  OR  one  man  esteemeth  one  day 
above  another ;  another  esteem- 
eth every  day  alike  ;  let  every  man  be 
fully  persuaded  in  his  own  mind.  He 
that  regardeth  the  day,  regardeth  it 
unto  the  Lord ;  and  he  that  eateth, 
eateth  to  the  Lord  :  for  he  giveth  God 
thanks.  And  he  that  eateth  not,  to 
the  Lord  he  eateth  not,  and  giveth 
God  thanks.  For  none  of  us  liveth  to 
himself,  and  none  dieth  to  himself. 
For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the 
Lord ;  and  whether  we  die,  we  die 
unto  the  Lord.  Whether  we  live, 
therefore,  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's. 

Third  Lesson. 

T^OR  to  this  end  Christ  died  and 
rose  again,  that  He  might  be 
the  Lord  both  of  the  dead  and  living. 
But  why  dost  thou  judge  thy  brother  ? 
Or  why  dost  thou  set  at  nought  thy 
brother  ?  For  we  shall  all  stand  be- 
fore the  judgment-seat  of  Christ.  For 
it  is  written :  "As  I  live,  saith  the 
Lord,  unto  Me  every  knee  shall  bow, 
and  every  tongue  shall  confess  to 
God."1  So  then  every  one  of  us  shall 
give  account  of  himself  to  God.  Let 
us  not  therefore  judge  one  another  any 
more. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  2  St  Maximus,  Bishop  [of  Turin.] 
{\st  on  the  Epiphany.) 

"T^  EARLY  beloved  brethren,  we  are 

instructed    by    the    tradition    of 

the    Fathers,    that   we    have    to    keep 

holiday   on    this   solemnity   in   honour 


of  several  joyful  events.  We  are 
taught  that  on  this  day,  our  Lord 
Christ  was,  first,  manifested  to  the 
Gentiles  by  the  leading  of  a  star ; 
secondly,  that  being  bidden  to  a  mar- 
riage, He  turned  water  into  wine ; 
and,  thirdly,  that  He  received  baptism 
from  John,  whereby  He  hallowed  the 
waters  of  the  Jordan,  and  cleansed3 
him  that  baptised  Him. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

Al^HICH  of  these  events  was  the 
greatest,  He  knoweth  by  Whose 
Will  they  came  to  pass  ;  for  us  it  is 
needful  to  believe  and  doubt  not  that 
whatever  was  wrought  was  wrought 
for  us.  For  to  the  Gentiles  is  given  a 
hope  of  worshipping  that  Very  God  of 
Very  God,  to  adore  Whom  the  Chal- 
daeans  were  led  by  the  rays  of  a 
glorious  star.  So  also  He  That  by 
His  Will  changed  water  into  wine, 
hath  given  us  to  drink  of  the  cup  of 
His  Blood  of  the  New  Testament ; 
and  the  Lamb  of  God  baptized  in  the 
Jordan  hath  hallowed  for  us  that  sav- 
ing Fountain  wherein  we  are  born 
again. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'"THEREFORE,  my  brethren,  as  we 
have  lately  celebrated  with  glad- 
ness the  Festival  of  our  Saviour's 
birth,  so  now  it  behoveth  us  with  all 
earnestness  to  keep  holy  in  His  hon- 
our, this  the  birth-day  of  His  wonder- 
working. And,  verily,  these  three 
anniversaries  are  rightly  on  one  day 
preached  to  us,  who  acknowledge  the 
unspeakable  mystery  of  the  Trinity 
under  the  name  of  one  God.  By 
these  miracles  the  Lord  Christ  our 
Redeemer  willed   to  manifest   to  men 


1  Isa.  xlv.  23. 

2  The  Martyrology  for  June  25,  says  : — "At  Turin,  the  birthday  of  St  Maximus,  Bishop  and 
Confessor,  very  famous  for  learning  and  holiness."  He  was  born  about  the  close  of  the  fourth 
century,  was  Bishop  of  Turin  at  the  beginning  of  the  fifth,  and  died  after  465,  aged  eighty  or 
ninety  years.     Nothing  more  accurate  is  strictly  historical.  3  Purificasse. 

VOL.  I.  M   2 


35o 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


some  of  the  power  of  that  Godhead, 
Which  in  Him  lay  hidden  under  the 
Manhood. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is   taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (ii.  i.) 

A1THEN  JESUS  was  born  in  Beth- 
lehem of  Judah,  in  the  days  of 
Herod  the  king,  behold,  there  came 
wise  men  from  the  East  to  Jerusalem, 
saying :  Where  is  He  That  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem.]  (Bk.  i.  Comm.  on  Matth. 
ii.) 

"We  have  seen  His  star  in  the 
East."  In  order  that  the  Jews  might 
be  confounded  by  hearing  from  the 
Gentiles  of  the  birth  of  Christ,  the 
star  rose  in  the  East.  They  knew 
that  it  would  come,  by  the  prophecy 
of  Balaam,  whose  successors  they 
were.  See  the  Book  of  Numbers, 
(xxiv.  17.)  The  star  led  the  wise 
men  to  Judea,  that  the  Priests,  having 
it  demanded  of  them  where  Christ 
should  be  born,  might  have  no  power 
to  plead  that  they  knew  not  of  His 
coming. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  they  said  unto  him,  In  Beth- 
lehem of  Judea,"  — this  is  a 
mistake  of  copyists.1  In  our  opinion, 
what  the  Evangelist  wrote  must  have 
been,  not  "of  Judea,"  but  "of  Judah." 
Thus  it  is  in  the  Hebrew  text.2  Nor 
is  there  any  town  called  Bethlehem 
among     any    other    people,    that    this 

1  Which  has  since  been  corrected  in  the  Latin  Vulgate,  which  now  reads,  "  In  Bethlehem  of 
Judah,"  but  the  accepted  Greek  text  still  retains  the  inaccuracy.  The  Missal  agrees  with  the 
V  ulgate. 

-  I.e.,  (apparently)  the  Hebrew  Gospel  used  by  the  Nazarenes,  but  now  lost. 

3  C.  Vettius  Aquilinus  Juvencus,  of  the  fourth  century,  priest  and  poet,  composed  his  Poem 
on  the  Gospels  during  the  peace  of  Constantine. 


should  be  called  "  of  Judea "  to  dis- 
tinguish it.  But  it  is  fitly  distin- 
guished as  "  of  Judah,"  because  there 
is  in  Judea  another  Bethlehem,  namely, 
the  one  in  Galilee.  See  the  Book  of 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun.  (xix.  15.) 
Finally,  the  passage  cited,  which  is  in 
the  prophet  Micah,  (v.  2,)  hath : 
"  But  thou,  Bethlehem  Ephratah, 
though  thou  be  little  among  the 
thousands  of  Judah[,  yet  out  of  thee 
shall  He  come  forth  unto  me  that  is 
to  be  ruler  in  Israel."] 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"AND  when  they  had  opened  their 
treasures  they  presented  unto 
Him  gifts,  gold,  and  frankincense, 
and  myrrh."  The  mystic  meaning  of 
these  gifts  is  thus  neatly  expressed  by 
Juvencus  the  Priest,3— 

"  To  God  made  man,  born  Israel's  King, 
Frankincense,  myrrh,  and  gold  they  bring." 

"  And  being  warned  of  God  in  a  dream 
that  they  should  not  return  to  Herod, 
they  departed  into  their  own  country 
another  way."  They  who  had  pre- 
sented unto  the  Lord  gifts,  were 
honoured  by  receiving  a  warning,  not 
from  an  Angel,  but  from  God  Himself; 
whereas  even  Joseph  was  warned  only 
by  an  Angel.  They  departed  into  their 
own  country  another  way,  that  they 
might  not  be  brought  into  contact  with 
the  unbelief  of  the  Jews. 


LAUDS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
All  nations  shall  come  *  from  afar, 
bringing  their  gifts  with  them.  Alle- 
luia. 


SIXTH    DAY   WITHIN    THE   OCTAVE   OF   THE   EPIPHANY.       35 1 


VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
•come,  *  they  shall  bring  gold  and 
Incense.      Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

$k\rt%  <£)ap  within  tU  (Octan  of 
t$t  6ptp#an£. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (xv.  1.) 

\A/"E  then  that  are  strong  ought  to 
bear  the  infirmities  of  the  weak, 
and  not  to  please  ourselves.  Let  every 
one  of  you  please  his  neighbour  in  that 
which  is  good,  to  edification.  For 
■even  Christ  pleased  not  Himself,  but, 
as  it  is  written  :  1  "  The  reproaches  of 
them  that  reproached  Thee  fell  on  Me." 
For  whatsoever  things  were  written 
aforetime  were  written  for  our  learning, 
that  we,  through  patience  and  comfort 
of  the  Scriptures,  might  have  hope. 

Second  Lesson. 

"VT  OW  the  God  of  patience  and  con- 
solation  grant  you  to  be  like- 
minded  one  toward  another,  according 
to  Christ  JESUS,  that  ye  may  with  one 
mind  and  one  mouth  glorify  God,  even 
the  Father  of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ. 
Wherefore  receive  ye  one  another  as 
Christ  also  received  you,  to  the  glory 
of  God.  For  I  say  that  Jesus  Christ 
was  a  minister  of  the  circumcision  for 
the  truth  of  God,  to  confirm  the 
promises  made  unto  the  fathers  ;  but 


that  the  Gentiles  glorify  God  for  His 
mercy  ;  as  it  is  written  :  2  "  Therefore 
will  I  give  thanks  unto  Thee,  O  Lord, 
among  the  heathen,  and  sing  praises 
unto  Thy  Name."  And  again  He 
saith  :  3  "  Rejoice,  O  ye  nations,  with 
His  people."  And  again  :  4  "  O  praise 
the  LORD,  all  ye  nations,  and  praise 
Him,  all  ye  people." 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  again  Isaias  saith:  5  "  There 
"^^  shall  be  a  root  of  Jesse,  and  He 
That  shall  arise  to  reign  over  the 
Gentiles,  in  Him  shall  the  Gentiles 
trust."  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you 
with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing, 
that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,  and  in 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  And  I 
myself  also  am  persuaded  of  you,  my 
brethren,  that  ye  also  are  full  of  love, 
filled  with  all  knowledge,  so  that  ye  are 
'  able  to  admonish  one  another.  Never- 
theless, brethren,  I  have  written  the 
more  boldly  unto  you  in  some  sort,  as 
putting  you  in  mind  ;  because  of  the 
grace  that  is  given  to  me  of  God,  that 
I  should  be  the  minister  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  the  Gentiles,  sanctifying  the 
Gospel  of  God,  that  the  offering  of  the 
Gentiles  may  be  made  acceptable  and 
sanctified  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Fulgentius,6  Bishop  [of  Ruspa.] 
{$th  on  Twelfth-Day.) 

HTHE  same  God  Who  in  the  Old 
Testament  had  commanded  the 
first-fruits  to  be  offered  to  Himself, 
being  born  as  a  man,  Himself  con- 
secrated to  His  own  worship  the  first- 

3  Deut.  xxxii.  43  (LXX.) 


1  Ps.  lxviii.  10.  2  Ps.  xvii.  50. 

4  Ps.  cxvi.   1.  6  Isa.  xi.  10  (LXX.) 

6  Fabius  Claudius  Gordianus  Fulgentius,  born  468  ;  cr.  bishop  of  Ruspa  508  ;  died  533. 


352 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


fruits  of  the  nations.  The  Shepherds 
were  the  first-fruits  of  the  Jews,  and 
the  wise  men  of  the  Gentiles.  The 
first  came  from  near  at  hand,  the 
second  from  afar.  "  Where  is  He," 
say  they,  "  that  is  born  King  of  the 
Jews  ?  "  Herod,  the  king  of  the  Jews, 
had  already  had  children.  Archelaus 
was  born  in  a  palace,  Christ  at  an 
inn  ;  Archelaus  was  laid  in  a  silver 
cradle,  Christ  in  a  manger.  And  yet 
the  wise  men  sought,  not  Archelaus, 
but  Christ ;  they  did  not  even  name 
him  that  was  born  in  a  palace,  but 
when  they  found  Him  That  lay  in 
a  manger,  they  fell  down  and  wor- 
shipped Him. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

VX/'HO  is  the  King  of  the  Jews  ? 
The  Poor  and  the  Rich,  the 
Lowly  and  the  Exalted  One.  Who  is 
the  King  of  the  Jews  ?  He  Who, 
being  carried  at  the  breast,  is  adored 
as  the  Eternal  ;  He  Who  lieth  tiny  in 
the  manger,  and  is  He  Whom  the 
heavens  cannot  contain  ;  He  Who  is 
meanly  wrapped  in  swaddling  clothes, 
and  is  more  glorious  than  all  the 
stars.  Why  art  thou  troubled,  O 
Herod  ?  He  that  is  born  King 
of  the  Jews  cometh  not  by  carnal 
warfare  to  conquer  other  kings, 
but  by  a  marvellous  working,  by 
dying,  to  subdue  them  to  Himself. 
He  is  not  born  to  be  thy  successor, 
but  that  the  world  may  faithfully 
believe  in  Him.  He  cometh,  not 
that  He  may  fight  in  the  flesh,  but 
that  He  may  conquer  through  the 
suffering  of  death. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

^pHE  little  Child,  Whom  the   wise 

men  call  the  King  of  the  Jews,  is 

the   Maker  and   Lord  of  Angels.       If 

thou   fearest   Him   at  His  birth,   thou 


hast  more  reason  to  fear  Him  as  the 
Almighty  Judge.  Fear  Him,  not  as  a 
pretender  to  thy  kingdom,  but  fear 
Him  as  Him  Who  will  pass  a  most 
just  sentence  of  condemnation  on  thee 
because  thou  hast  not  believed  in 
Him.  "  Go,"  said  Herod,  "  and  bring 
me  word  again,  that  I  may  come 
and  worship  Him  also."  We  know 
thy  cunning  lying,  thy  godless  un- 
belief, thine  iniquitous  treachery.  The 
blood  of  the  innocents  which  thou 
didst  cruelly  shed,  is  witness  to  us 
of  what  thou  wouldst  have  done  to 
Him. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy  Gos- 
pel according  to  Matthew  (ii.  i.) 

\\7  HEN  Jesus  was  born  in  Beth- 
lehem of  Judah,  in  the  days  of 
Herod  the  King,  behold  there  came 
wise  men  from  the  East  to  Jerusalem, 
saying :  Where  is  He  That  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]     (Booh  ii.  on  Luke  ii.) 

What  are  the  gifts  of  the  faithful 
and  true  ?  Gold  to  our  King,  frank- 
incense to  our  God,  and  myrrh  to  Him 
Who  died  for  us.  The  first  is  that 
whereof  are  made  the  royal  honours  of 
kings,  the  second  is  that  mystic  offer- 
ing which  is  used  in  the  worship  of  the 
Divine  Power,  and  the  third  is  that 
wherewith  we  pay  respect  to  the  dead, 
whose  bodies  it  keepeth  from  corrup- 
tion. My  brethren,  let  us  who  hear 
and  read  these  things,  make  offering 
out  of  what  treasures  we  have — albeit 
we  have  it  in  earthen  vessels.  (2  Cor. 
iv.  7.)  If  we  confess  that  all  that  we 
have,  we  have,  not  from  ourselves,  but 
from  Christ,  how  much  more  should 
we  confess  that  whatever  we  have  is 
not  our  own,  but  Christ's  ? 


SATURDAY   WITHIN    THE   OCTAVE   OF   THE   EPIPHANY.       353 


Eighth  Lesson. 

'  I  "HE  wise  men  out  of  their  treas- 
ures presented  unto  Him  gifts. 
Wilt  thou  know  how  pleasing  to  Him 
they  were  ?  The  star  appeared  to 
them,  but  disappeared  when  it  came 
near  Herod.  Then  it  appeareth  to 
them  again,  leading  them  on  the 
way  that  led  to  Christ.  This  star 
then  was  the  way,  and  we  know 
that  Christ  calleth  Himself  "the 
Way."  (John  xiv.  6.)  And  truly 
also  in  the  mystery  of  His  Incar- 
nation He  is  called  a  Star ;  as  it 
is  written  :  "  There  shall  come  forth 
a  Star  out  of  Jacob,  and  a  Man  shall 
rise  out  of  Israel."1  Where  Christ  is, 
there  is  a  Star ;  yea,  He  is  Himself 
"  the  bright  and  morning  Star." 
(Apoc.  xxii.  16.)  And  the  light  that 
leadeth  to  Jesus  is  His  own. 


VESPERS. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  wise  men  being  warned 
*  in  a  dream,  departed  into  their  own 
country  another  way. 


I&afuvfcag  witfyin  t$t  Ocfave. 

The  Sabbath  within  Eight  Days  of  the 
Epiphany. 

,The   Vespers  from  the  Chapter  are 
as  follows. 

Chapter.     (Rom.  xii.  1.) 

TDRETHREN,  I  beseech  you,  by 
the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  pre- 
sent your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy, 
acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your 
reasonable  service. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

T>  EMARK  another  point.  The  wise 
men  came  by  one  way  and  de- 
parted by  another.  They  that  had 
seen  Christ,  knew  Christ,  and  they 
departed  better  than  they  came. 
There  are  two  ways, — the  one  which 
leadeth  to  destruction,  the  other  which 
leadeth  to  the  kingdom  ;  the  one  is  the 
way  of  sin,  which  leadeth  to  Herod  ; 
the  other  is  Christ,  the  true  Way,  Who 
leadeth  us  home  to  the  fatherland, 
from  that  journeying  here,  whereof  it 
is  said  :  "  My  soul  hath  long  dwelt  as 
an  exile."     (Ps.  cxix.  5.) 


LAUDS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
They  that  despised  Thee  *  2  shall 
come  unto  Thee,  and  shall  bow 
themselves  down  at  the  Soles  of 
Thy   Feet. 

1  Numb.  xxiv.   17,  where  in  the  present  text  it  is  not  "a  man,"  but  "a  sceptre."   'The 
•"man"  is  LXX.  2  cf.  Isa.  lx.  14;  Apoc.  iii.  9. 


Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  on 
the  Feast,  {p.  331.) 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Child  Jesus  tarried 
behind  in  Jerusalem,  *  and  His 
parents  knew  not  of  it,  supposing 
Him  to  have  been  in  the  company  ; 
and  they  sought  Him  among  their 
kinsfolk  and  acquaintance. 

Prayer. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  merci- 
^~^  fully  to  receive  the  prayers  of 
Thy  people  which  call  upon  Thee : 
and  grant  that  they  may  both  perceive 
and  know  what  things  they  ought 
to  do,  and  also  may  have  grace  and 
power  faithfully  to  fulfil  the  same, 
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. 


354 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Then  is  made  a  Commemoration  of 
the  Epiphany.  The  Antiphon  is  that 
proper  to  that  particular  day  within 
the  Octave. 

Verse.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come — Alleluia. 

Answer.  They  shall  bring  gold 
and  incense — Alleluia. 

Unless  it  be  the  Fifth  Day  within 
the  Octave,  in  which  case  are  said : 

Verse.     Worship  God — Alleluia. 
Answer.     All  ye  His  angels — Alle- 
luia. 

Prayer  as  on  the  Feast. 

Should  the  Feast  fall  on  a  Sunday, 
and  therefore  the  Office  for  the  Sunday 
within  the  Octave  be  anticipated  on 
Saturday,  the  above,  being  the  First 
Vespers  of  the  Sunday,  are  said  on 
Friday  evening. 


JFtrst  ^untias  after  tfte 
&foelfn>©a2. 

The  Lord's  Day  withi7i  eight  days  of 
the  Epiphany. 

All  is  said  as  on  the  Feast,  according 
to  the  rules  given  on  p.  340,  {which 
see)  except  what  is  otherwise  given 
here. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  following  Lessons  are  only  used 
when  this  Office  is  said  by  anticipation 
on  Saturday.  Otherwise  the  First 
Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  is  begun. 
See,  p.   359. 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (xvi.  1.) 

COMMEND  unto  you  Phcebe 
our  sister,  who  is  a  Deaconess  of 
the  Church  which  is  at  Cenchreae,  that 
ye  receive  her  in  the  Lord  as  be- 
cometh  Saints,  and  that  ye  assist 
her  in  whatsoever  business  she  hath 
need  of  you :  for  she  hath  been  a 
succourer  of  many,  and  of  myself  also. 
Greet  Prisca,  and  Aquila,  my  helpers 
in  Christ  JESUS,  (who  have  for  my 
life  laid  down  their  own  necks  ;  unto 
whom  not  only  I  give  thanks,  but  also 
all  the  Churches  of  the  Gentiles)  and 
the  church  that  is  in  their  house. 

Second  Lesson.     (17.) 

"M"  OW  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  mark 
them  which  cause  divisions  and 
offences,  contrary  to  the  doctrine  which 
ye  have  learned  ;  and  avoid  them. 
For  they  that  are  such  serve  not 
Christ  our  Lord,  but  their  own  belly  : 
and  by  good  words  and  fair  speeches 
deceive  the  hearts  of  the  simple.  For 
your  obedience  is  known  everywhere 
abroad ;  I  rejoice  therefore  in  you. 
But  I  would  have  you  wise  unto  that 
which  is  good,  and  simple  concerning 
evil. 

Third  Lesson. 

'"TIMOTHY  my  work -fellow,  and 
Lucius  and  Jason,  and  Sosipater, 
my  kinsmen,  salute  you.  I,  Tertius,1 
who  wrote  this  Epistle,  salute  you  in 
the  Lord.  Caius,  mine  host,  and  the 
whole  Church,  salute  you.  Erastus, 
the  chamberlain  of  the  city,  saluteth 
you,  and  Quartus  a  brother.  The 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be 
with  you  all.     Amen. 


1  I.e.,  the  secretary  of  the  Apostle. 


FIRST   SUNDAY   AFTER   THE   TWELFTH-DAY. 


355 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great.]  ($th 
on  the  Epiftfiany.') 

T  T  is  meet  and  right,  dearly  beloved 
brethren,  yea,  it  is  our  bounden 
duty  and  godly  service,  to  rejoice  with 
full  hearts  upon  those  days  which 
more  especially  set  forth  before  us 
the  workings  of  God's  mercy ;  and 
to  have  in  honourable  memory  those 
things  that  were  done  for  our  salvation. 
Hereto  are  we  called  by  the  seasons 
of  the  year  which  continually  return, 
and  notably  by  this  present,  which, 
after  but  a  short  time  hath  passed 
since  that  day  whereon  the  Co- 
eternal  Son  of  God  was  born  of 
a  Virgin,  bringeth  now  the  Feast 
of  the  Epiphany,  hallowed  by  the 
Manifestation  of  the  Lord. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

T  N  this  said  Manifestation  the  good 
Providence  of  God  hath  appointed 
a  strong  bulwark  to  our  faith.  For 
now,  while  in  solemn  worship  we  call 
to  mind  how  the  childhood  of  the 
Saviour  was  adored  in  its  first  in- 
fancy, we  receive  from  the  original 
Scriptures  the  doctrine  that  Christ 
was  born  with  the  very  nature  of 
man.  For  this  is  that  which  maketh 
of  sinners  saints,  even  to  believe 
that  in  one  and  the  same  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  there  is  very  Godhead 
and  very  Manhood  —  very  Godhead, 
as  touching  Which,  He,  being  in 
the  form  of  God,  is  equal  to  the 
Father  from  everlasting  to  everlast- 
ing —  and  very  Manhood,  wherein 
He,  taking  upon  Him  the  form  of  a 
servant,  hath  in  these  latter  days 
been  born   Man. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

"POR  the  strengthening  of  this  our 
faith,  which  we  profess  in  the 
face  of  every  false  doctrine,  the  mercy 
of  God  hath  made  it  to  come  to  pass 
that  one  of  those  peoples  who  dwell 
in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  East, 
and  excel  in  the  skill  of  reading  the 
stars,  should  see  the  sign  of  the  birth 
of  that  Child  Who  was  to  reign  over 
all  Israel.  There  appeared  to  the 
eyes  of  wise  men  a  new  star  of  such 
passing  beauty,  as  wrought  in  the 
minds  of  all  that  saw  it  the  persuasion 
that  the  event,  which  is  announced, 
was  of  an  importance  not  to  be 
neglected. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The    Lesson  is  taken  from    the    Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  42.) 

~\\  7"HEN  Jesus  was  twelve  years  old 
they  went  up  to  Jerusalem, 
after  the  custom  of  the  Feast,  and 
when  they  had  fulfilled  the  days,  as 
they  returned,  the  child  JESUS  tarried 
behind  in  Jerusalem.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]     {Bk.  ii.  on  Luke  ii.) 

We  read  that  when  He  was  twelve 
years  old  the  Lord  began  to  dispute. 
The  number  of  His  years  was  the 
same  as  the  number  of  the  Apostles 
whom  He  afterwards  sent  forth  to 
preach  the  Faith.  He  Who,  as  touch- 
ing His  Manhood,  was  filled  with 
wisdom  and  grace  from  God,  was 
not  careless  of  the  parents  of  the  same 
Manhood,  and,  after  three  days,  was 
pleased  to  be  found  in  the  Temple  : 
thereby  foreshadowing  that,  after  the 
three  days  of  His  victorious  Passion, 
He  That  had  been  reckoned  with  the 


356 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


dead,  would  present  Himself,  living, 
to  our  faith,  in  His  heavenly  Kingship 
and  Divine  Majesty. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  T_J  OW  is  it  that  ye  sought  Me  ? " 
Christ  hath  two  Generations  ; 
one  from  His  Father,  another  from 
His  Mother.  That  from  His  Father 
is  His  Eternal  Generation  as  God  the 
Son  ;  that  from  His  Mother  is  that 
whereby  He  came  to  work  for  us  and 
minister  to  us.  Those  acts,  therefore, 
of  His,  which  are  above  nature,  be- 
yond His  age,  and  different  to  His  cus- 
tom, proceeded  not  from  the  strength 
of  His  Manhood,  but  from  the  power 
of  His  Godhead.  On  another  occa- 
sion His  Mother  moveth  Him  to  work 
a  miracle ;  here  He  answereth  her, 
because  she  treateth  that  which  was 
of  the  Godhead,  as  though  it  had 
been  of  the  Manhood.  On  this  occa- 
sion it  is  said  that  He  was  twelve 
years  old,  but  on  the  other  He  had 
already  disciples.  His  mother  had 
seen  His  wonders  on  the  earlier  occa- 
sion, and  had  learnt  from  her  Son 
to  call  on  the  mightier  nature  for  a 
work  of  power.1 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  AND  He  came  to  Nazareth,  and 
was  subject  unto  them."  No 
wonder  that  the  great  Teacher  should 
practise.  And  shall  we  marvel  how 
He  Who  was  subject  to  His  Mother, 
was  about  His  Father's  business  ?  His 
subjection  to  His  Mother  proceeded, 
not  from  weakness,  but  from  dutiful 
affection.  Nevertheless,  the  false  ser- 
pent lifteth  its  head  from  its  cruel  lair, 
and  spitteth  poison  from  its  venomous 
breast.  The  heretics  say  that,  as  the 
Son  was  sent  by  the  Father,  therefore 


the  Father  is  greater  than  the  Son, 
and,  if  the  Father  be  greater  than  the 
Son,  there  is  that,  than  which  the  Son 
is  less ;  yea,  that  He  Who  is  sent, 
hath  of  necessity,  need  of  some 
strengthening  from  outside  Himself. 
He  was  subject  to  His  Mother  ?  Was 
He  less  than  she  ?     God  forbid  ! 


LAUDS. 

Chapter.     (Rom.  xii.  i.) 

DRETHREN,  I  beseech  you  by  the 
mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present 
your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy, 
acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your 
reasonable  service. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  Child  Jesus  tarried  behind  in 
Jerusalem,  *  and  His  parents  knew 
not  of  it,  supposing  Him  to  have 
been  in  the  company ;  and  they 
sought  Him  among  their  kinsfolk 
and   acquaintance. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee  merci- 
^^^  fully  to  receive  the  prayers  of 
Thy  people  which  call  upon  Thee  ; 
and  grant  that  they  may  both  perceive 
and  know  what  things  they  ought  to 
do,  and  also  may  have  grace  and 
power  faithfully  to  fulfil  the  same, 
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. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Epiphany.  Antiphon  and  Prayer  as 
on  the  Feast  and  the  following. 

Verse.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come — Alleluia. 

1  Translated  directly  from   the  works  of  the  Saint.     In  the  Breviary  the  passage  has  got 
corrupted,  even  to  the  substitution  of  a  negative  for  an  affirmative  ("ne"  for  "ut"). 


OCTAVE   DAY   OF   THE   EPIPHANY. 


357 


Answer.  They  shall  bring  gold  and 
incense — Alleluia. 

At  Terce,  Chapter  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Chapter.      (Rom.  xii.  3.) 

T7OR  I  say,  through  the  grace  given 
unto  me,  to  every  man  that  is 
among  you :  not  to  think  of  himself 
more  highly  than  he  ought  to  think  ; 
but  so  to  think  as  to  think  soberly. 

NONE. 

Chapter.      (Rom.  xii.  4.) 

T^OR  as  we  have  many  members  in 
one  body,  and  all  members  have 
not  the  same  office ;  so  we,  being 
many,  are  one  body  in  Christ,  and 
every  one  members  one  of  another, 
in  Christ  JESUS  our  Lord. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

Psalms  as  on  Sundays. 

Hymn  and  Verse  and  Answer  as  at 
the  First  Vespers  of  the  Epiphany. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Son,  why  hast  Thou  thus 
dealt  with  us  ?  *  Thy  father  and  I 
have  sought  Thee  sorrowing.  How  is 
it  that  ye  sought  Me  ?  Wist  ye  not 
that  I  must  be  in  My  Father's 
house  ? 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Epipha?iy.  A/itiphon  and  Prayer  as 
at  the  Second  Vespers  of  the  Feast,  and 
the  Verse  and  Answer  "All  they  from 
Saba,  &c."  as  at  Lauds. 

May  9. 


€>cttot  ©ap  of  tfyt  6ptp#an£. 

The  Eighth  Day  after  the  Epiphany. 
Double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast  except  as  other- 
wise directed  in  the  rules  given  on  p. 
340,  or  given  here. 

First  Vespers  as  the  First  Vespers  of 
the  Feast,  except  the  Prayer,  which  is 
taken  from  Lauds. 

When  this  Octave  Day  falls  on  Sun- 
day, the  Vespers  on  Saturday  are  the 
First  Vespers  of  the  Octave,  with  a 
Co7nmemoration  of  the  Sunday  within 
the  Octave.  This  Commetnoration  is 
made  by  the  Antiphon  "  Son,  why  hast 
Thou,  &c,"  Verse  and  Answer,  "  All 
they  from  Saba,  &c,"  and  the  Prayer, 
"  O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  &c,"  as 
above.  If  the  Octave  Day  /alls  on  a 
Monday  the  same  Commemoration  is 
made  on  Sunday  evening. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season,  that  is,  from  1  Cor. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  l  St  Gregory  of  Nazianzus,  Pa- 
triarch [of  Constantinople.]  (Dis- 
course on  the  Epiphany, ,)2 

[  AM  not  able  to  restrain  the  out- 
bursts  of  my  happiness.  I  feel 
changed  and  elated.  I  forget  my  own 
meanness  while  I  undertake  and  try 
to  discharge  the  office  of  the  great 
John.  It  is  true  that  I  am  not  the 
Forerunner,  but  at  least   I   come  from 


2  In  the  original  called  by  one  of  the  Greek  names  :  "  The  Holy  Lights." 


358 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


the  desert.1  Christ  is  enlightened,2 
or  rather,  He  enlighteneth  us  with 
His  own  light.  Christ  is  baptized ; 
let  us  go  down  with  Him  into  the 
water,  that  we  may  come  up  with 
Him. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

JOHN  is  baptizing.  Jesus  cometh. 
He  cometh  that  He  may  make 
holy  him  who  baptizeth  Him ;  He 
cometh  to  bury  the  old  Adam  in  the 
waters ;  He  cometh  to  hallow  the 
blessed  flood  of  Jordan.  He  Who  is 
Flesh  and  Spirit  cometh  to  open  for 
all  that  should  ever  be  baptized  that 
power  of  generation  whereby  new 
peoples  are  constantly  begotten  of 
water  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  The 
Baptist  will  not  receive  Him.  Jesus 
striveth  with  him.  "  I,"  saith  John, 
"  have  need  to  be  baptized  of  Thee." 
Thus  speaketh  the  candle  to  the  Sun, 
the  voice  to  the  Word. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

JESUS  came  up  out  of  the  water, 
having,  in  a  manner,  washed  the 
whole  world,  and  brought  it  up  with 
Him.  And  He  saw  the  heavens 
opened  (not  divided,)  even  those 
heavens  which  Adam  had  once  shut 
upon  himself  and  us  his  descendants, 
— when  the  cherub's  fiery  sword 
barred  the  gates  of  Paradise.  And 
the  Holy  Spirit  bare  witness,  witness 
unto  Him  Who  is  of  One  Substance 
with  Himself.  And  witness  was  given 
from  Heaven,  unto  Him  that  came 
down  from  heaven. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (i.  29.) 


A  T   that   time :    John    seeth    JESUS 

coming    unto    him,    and    saith : 

Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  behold  Him 

That    taketh    away    the    sin    of    the 

world.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (6th  Tract  on  John.) 

John  knew  Jesus  even  before  He 
came  to  be  baptized  of  him  in  Jordan, 
as  we  perceive  by  the  words :  "I 
have  need  to  be  baptized  of  Thee, 
and  comest  Thou  to  me  ? "  Behold, 
how  he  knew  that  He  was  the  Lord, 
how  he  knew  that  He  was  the  Son  of 
God !  How  do  we  prove  that  he 
knew  that  He  it  was  Who  should 
baptize  with  the  Holy  Ghost  ?  Be- 
fore the  Lord  came  to  the  river,  when 
many  betook  themselves  to  John  to 
be  baptized  of  him,  the  Baptist  said  : 
"  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water : 
but  One  Mightier  than  I  cometh  ;  the 
latchet  of  Whose  shoes  I  am  not 
worthy  to  unloose :  He  shall  baptize 
you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with 
fire."  (Luke  iii.  16.)  Behold,  John 
knew  this  also. 


Eighth  Lesson. 


YET    John 
1       not. 


saith  :  "  I  knew  Him 
Now,  how  are  we  to 
explain  this  without  calling  John  a 
liar  ? — and  God  forbid  that  we  should 
ever  even  think  anything  of  the  kind. 
Was  it  not  that  when  the  Dove  de- 
scended on  Christ,  John  then  for  the 
first  time  knew  Him  to  have  that  pe- 
culiar attribute,  that,  whosoever  should 
baptize  with  His  Baptism,  whether 
they  were  themselves  just  or  unjust, 
the  virtue  of  the  Sacrament  should 
proceed,  not  from  them,  but  from 
Him  on  Whom  abode  the  Dove  ;  so 
that  He  is  the  real   Baptizer  in  every 


1  St  Gregory  was  a  comrade  of  St  Basil,  and  was  brought  from  a  solitude  at  Seleucia  to  be 
Bishop  of  Constantinople. 

2  Enlightenment  is  an  ancient  term  for  Baptism,  still  used  by  the  Greeks. 


OCTAVE   DAY   OF   THE   EPIPHANY. 


359 


Christian  Baptism  until  the  end  of 
time,  and  it  is  in  this  sense  that  it  is 
said  of  Him  :  "  the  Same  is  He 
Which  baptizeth  with  the  Holy 
Ghost "  ?  Whether  it  be  Peter,  or 
Paul,  or  Judas,  that  performeth  the 
ceremony,  the  real  Baptizer  and  effect- 
ual Worker  is  Christ.  For  if  the 
holiness  of  the  baptism  depended  on 
the  holiness  of  the  particular  officiator, 
no  two  baptisms  would  be  exactly 
alike,  and  every  one  would  be  sup- 
posed to  be  more  or  less  regenerated 
according  as  the  minister  who  bap- 
tized him  was  more  or  less  of  a  saint. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"\J  OW,  my  brethren,  understand  me. 
The  saints  themselves,  those 
good  men  who  appertain  to  the  Dove, 
those  good  men  whose  portion  is  in 
Jerusalem,  those  good  men  in  the 
Church,  of  whom  the  Apostle  saith, 
"  the  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are 
His,"  (2  Tim.  ii.  19,)  these  good  men 
differ  one  from  another  by  diversities 
of  graces,  and  are  not  all  of  the  same 
worthiness.  Some  are  holier  than 
others,  and  some  are  better  than 
others.  Supposing  then  (for  the  sake 
of  argument)  that  A  is  baptized  by  B, 
a  righteous  saint,  and  C  is  baptized 
by  D  who  is  less  worthy  in  the  sight 
of  God,  who  hath  attained  only  a 
lower  degree  in  godliness,  who  is  not 
so  chaste,  and  whose  life  is  not  so 
good  as  B's  :  yet  A  and  C  receive  just 
the  same  thing.  And  how  is  this, 
unless  it  be  that  it  is  Christ  Himself 
Who  is  the  effectual  Baptizer  ? 

LAUDS. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Whose  Only-begotten  Son 
was  made  manifest  in  the  sub- 
stance  of  our  flesh,    mercifully  grant 
that  through  Him  our  inward  man  may 


be  changed  into  the  likeness  of  Him 
Whose  outward  Man  is  made  like 
unto  us.  Even  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.     Amen. 


The  Lessons  from  the  First  Epis- 
tle of  St  Paul  to  the  Corin- 
thians, 

Commenced  on  the  Sunday  within  the 
Octave  of  the  Epiphany,  and  con- 
tinued daily  till  the  next  Saturday. 

Note  1.  If  a  Week-day  in  this  week 
is  observed  as  such,  the  Office  is  as  in 
the  Psalter,  and  what  is  not  given 
there  {for  example,  the  Responsories,) 
is  according  to  Ch.  XXVII.  5,  of 
the  Pie. 

Note  2.  If  the  next  Sunday  be  Septu- 
agesima,  then  either  on  the  preceding 
Saturday,  or,  failing  that,  the  first  day 
after  the  Octave  which  is  not  occupied 
by  a?i  Office  with  Nine  Lessons,  the 
Week-day  Office  is  said  with  the  fol- 
lowing changes, — 

(a.)  The  Lessons  are  those  of  the 
Third  Noctum  of  the  Second  Sunday 
after  the  Epiphany,  namely,  from 
St  John  ii.  1,  with  the  Homily  of 
St  Austin   upon   the  same,  given   on 

P-   371. 

{b. )  The  Responsories  are  those 
given  for  the  First  Noctum  of  the 
Third  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany  {p. 
381),  namely: — First,  "O  Lord,  re- 
buke me  not,"  &c.  Second,  "  O  God, 
Which  satest,"  &c.  And  Third, 
"  The  Lord  is  at  my  right  hand,"  &c. 

(c.)  The  Antiphon  at  the  Song  of 
Zacharias  is  that  given  in  the  Com- 
memoration of  the  Second  Sunday  after 
the  Epiphany,  at  Lauds,  on  the  Feast 
of  the  Holy  Name,  p.  372,  namely : 
"  There  was  a  marriage  in  Cana,"  &c. 


3<5o 


THE  PROPER  OFFICE  OF  THE  SEASON. 


(d.)  The  Prayer  is  from  the  same, 
namely,  "  Almighty  and  everlasting 
God,  Who  dost  govern,"  &c. 

If  a  Double  Feast  fall  on  this 
Saturday,  the  Ninth  Lesson  will  be 
the  Homily  on  St  fohn  for  the  Second 
Sunday,  with  a  Commemoration  at 
Lauds  by  the  Antiphon  for  that  Sun- 
day given  at  the  Feast  of  the  Holy 
Name,  with  Verse  and  Answer  of 
Ferial  Lauds,  and  the  Prayer  of  the 
Second  Sunday,  after  which  no  more 
notice  is  taken  of  it. 


JFtrst  iSuntJajj  after  tije 
(fHptpiianrj- 

The  First  Lord's  Day  after  the 
Epiphany. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  First  Epistle  of 
the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Corinthians  1  (i.  I.) 

TDAUL,  called  to  be  an  Apostle  of 
JESUS  Christ,  through  the  will 
of  God,  and  Sosthenes  our  brother, 
unto  the  Church  of  God  which  is  at 
Corinth,  to  them  that  are  sanctified  in 
Christ  Jesus,  called  to  be  Saints, 
with  all  that  in  every  place,  whether 
their's  or  our's,  call  upon  the  Name 
of  JESUS  Christ  our  Lord.  Grace  be 
unto  you,  and  peace  from  God  our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

Second  Lesson. 

T   THANK  my  God  always  on  your 

behalf,    for    the     grace     of     God 

which  is  given  you  in  Christ  JESUS  : 

1  Archbishop  Kenrick  says: — "The  First  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  was  written  from 
Ephesus,  about  the  year  of  our  Lord  56 :  or  as  Olshausen  insists,  59.  Corinth,  the  capital 
of  Achaia,  and  of  all  Greece  after  the  fall  of  Athens,  B.C.  86,  .  .  .  had  received  the  faith, 
by  the  preaching  of  St  Paul,  about  the  year  52." 


that  in  everything  ye  are  enriched  in 
Him,  in  all  utterance  and  in  all  know- 
ledge ;  even  as  the  testimony  of  Christ 
was  confirmed  in  you  ;  so  that  ye  are 
wanting  in  no  grace,  waiting  for  the 
appearing  of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ, 
Who  shall  also  confirm  you  unto  the 
end,  that  ye  may  be  blameless  in  the 
day  of  the  coming  of  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ.  God  is  faithful  by  Whom  ye 
were  called  unto  the  fellowship  of  His 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Third  Lesson. 

"VT  OW  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  by 
the  Name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  ye  all  speak  the  same 
thing,  and  that  there  be  no  divisions 
among  you  ;  but  that  ye  be  perfected 
together  in  the  same  mind,  and  in  the 
same  judgment.  For  it  hath  been 
declared  to  me  of  you,  my  brethren, 
by  them  which  are  of  the  house  of 
Chloe,  that  there  are  contentions 
among  you.  Now  this  I  mean,  that 
every  one  of  you  saith :  I  am  of 
Paul ;  and,  I  of  Apollos ;  and,  I  of 
Cephas  ;  and,  I  of  Christ.  Is  Christ 
divided  ?  was  Paul  crucified  for  you  ? 
or  were  ye  baptized  in  the  name  of 
Paul? 

QHonbap. 

Second  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (ii.  1.) 

AND  I,  brethren,  when  I  came  to 
"^^  you,  came  not  with  excellency 
of  speech  or  of  wisdom,  declaring 
unto  you  the  testimony  of  Christ. 
For    I    deemed    not    myself  to   know 


FIRST   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


361 


anything  among  you,  save  JESUS 
Christ,  and  Him  crucified.  And  I 
was  with  you  in  weakness,  and  in  fear, 
and  in  much  trembling ;  and  my 
speech  and  my  preaching  were  not 
with  persuasive  words  of  man's  wis- 
dom, but  in  demonstration  of  the 
Spirit  and  of  power ;  that  your  faith 
should  not  stand  in  the  wisdom  of 
men,  but  in  the  power  of  God. 

Second  Lesson. 

TTOWBEIT,  we  speak  wisdom 
among  them  that  are  perfect ; 
yet  not  the  wisdom  of  this  world,  nor 
of  the  princes  of  this  world,  that  come 
to  nought ;  but  we  speak  the  wisdom 
of  God  in  a  mystery,  even  the  hidden 
wisdom  which  God  ordained  before 
the  world  unto  our  glory,  which  none 
of  the  princes  of  this  world  knew  ;  for 
had  they  known  it,  they  would  never 
have  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory.  But 
as  it  is  written,  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor 
ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into 
the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which 
God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love 
Him.1 

Third  Lesson. 

DUT  God  hath  revealed  them  unto 
us  by  His  Spirit :  for  the  Spirit 
searcheth  out  all  things,  yea,  the 
deep  things  of  God.  For  what  man 
knoweth  the  things  of  a  man,  save 
the  spirit  of  the  man  which  is  in 
him  ?  Even  so  the  things  of  God 
knoweth  no  man,  but  the  Spirit  of 
God.  Now  we  have  received,  not  the 
spirit  of  the  world,  but  the  Spirit 
Which  is  of  God,  that  we  might  know 
the  things  that  are  freely  given  to  us 
of  God  :  which  things  also  we  speak, 
not  in  the  words  which  man's  wisdom 
teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
teacheth,  comparing  spiritual  things 
with  spiritual. 


Third  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (v.  1.) 

T  T  is  actually  reported  that  there 
is  fornication  among  you,  and 
such  fornication  as  is  not  named  even 
among  the  Gentiles,  that  one  should 
have  his  father's  wife.  And  ye  are 
puffed  up ;  and  have  not  rather 
mourned,  that  he  that  hath  done  this 
deed  might  be  taken  away  from 
among  you.  But  I,  verily,  as  absent 
in  body,  but  present  in  spirit,  have 
judged  already,  as  though  I  were 
present,  him  that  hath  so  done  this 
deed  ;  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  when  ye  are  gathered  together, 
my  spirit  also  being  with  you,  with 
the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
to  deliver  such  an  one  unto  Satan  for 
the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  that  the 
spirit  may  be  saved  in  the  day  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Second  Lesson. 

~\J OUR  glorying  is  not  good.  Know 
ye  not  that  a  little  leaven  leaven- 
eth  the  whole  lump  ?  Purge  out  the 
old  leaven,  that  ye  may  be  a  new  lump, 
as  ye  are  unleavened.  For  even  Christ 
our  Passover  also  hath  been  sacrificed  : 
therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast,  not 
with  old  leaven,  neither  with  leaven 
of  malice  and  wickedness,  but  with 
the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity  and 
truth. 

Third  Lesson. 

WROTE  unto  you  in  an  epistle  : 

Company    not    with    fornicators. 

Yet  not  altogether  with  the  fornicators 


1  Perhaps  meant  for  a  quotation  from  Isa.  lxiv.  4,  but  the  late  Dr  Neale  inclined   to  the 
belief  that  it  was  from  some  early  Christian  composition. 


362 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


of  this*  world,  or  with  the  covetous,  or 
extortioners,  or  with  idolaters :  for 
then  must  ye  needs  go  out  of  the 
world.  But  now  I  have  written  unto 
you,  not  to  keep  company  :  if  any  man 
that  is  called  a  brother  be  a  fornicator, 
or  covetous,  or  an  idolater,  or  a  railer, 
or  a  drunkard,  or  an  extortioner  :  with 
such  an  one,  no,  not  to  eat. 

Fourth  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (vi.  I.) 

T^ARE  any  of  you,  having  a  matter 
against  another,  go  to  law  before 
the  unjust,  and  not  before  the  saints  ? 
Do  ye  not  know  that  the  saints  shall 
judge  the  world  ?  And  if  the  world 
shall  be  judged  by  you,  are  ye  un- 
worthy to  judge  the  smallest  matters  ? 
Know  ye  not  that  we  shall  judge 
Angels  ?  How  much  more,  things 
that  pertain  to  this  life  ?  If,  then,  ye 
have  judgments  of  things  pertaining  to 
this  life,  set  them  to  judge  who  are 
least  esteemed  in  the  Church.  I 
speak  to  your  shame.  Is  it  so  that 
there  is  not  a  wise  man  among  you, 
that  shall  be  able  to  judge  between 
his  brethren  ?  But  brother  goeth  to 
law  with  brother,  and  that  before 
the  unbelievers. 

Second  Lesson. 

1VT  OW,  therefore,  there  is  utterly  a 
fault  among  you,  because  ye  go 
to  law  one  with  another.  Why  do  ye 
not  rather  take  wrong  ?  Why  do  ye 
not  rather  suffer  yourselves  to  be 
defrauded  ?  Nay,  ye  do  wrong,  and 
defraud,     and     that     your     brethren. 


Know  ye  not  that  the  unrighteous 
shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God  ? 
Be  not  deceived :  neither  fornicators, 
nor  idolaters,  nor  adulterers,  nor 
effeminate,  nor  abusers  of  themselves 
with  mankind,  nor  thieves,  nor  cove- 
tous, nor  drunkards,  nor  revilers,  nor 
extortioners  shall  inherit  the  kingdom 
of  God.  And  such  were  some  of  you  : 
but  ye  are  washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified, 
but  ye  are  justified  in  the  name  of  our 
Lord  JESUS  Christ,  and  in  the  Spirit  of 
our  God. 

Third  Lesson. 

A  LL  things  are  lawful  unto  me,  but 
"^^  all  things  are  not  expedient. 
All  things  are  lawful  for  me,  but  I  will 
not  be  brought  under  the  power  of 
any.  Meats  for  the  belly,  and  the 
belly  for  meats  :  but  God  shall  destroy 
both  it  and  them.  Now,  the  body  is 
not  for  fornication,  but  for  the  Lord, 
and  the  Lord  for  the  body.  And  God 
hath  both  raised  up  the  Lord :  and 
will  also  raise  up  us  by  His  Own 
power.  Know  ye  not  that  your  bodies 
are  the  members  of  Christ  ?  Shall  I 
then  take  the  members  of  Christ,  and 
make  them  the  members  of  an  harlot  ? 
God  forbid.  What  ?  Know  ye  not 
that  he  which  is  joined  to  an  harlot  is 
made  one  body  ?  For  "  the  two," 
saith  He,  "shall  be  one  flesh."1 
But  he  that  is  joined  unto  the  Lord 
is  one  spirit.      Flee  fornication. 

Fifth  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (vii.  i.) 

"VT  OW  concerning  the  things  whereof 

ye  wrote  unto  me  :    it  is  good 

for    a    man    not    to   touch   a  woman  ; 


1  Gen.  ii.  24. 


FIRST   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


363 


nevertheless,  to  avoid  fornication,  let 
every  man  have  his  own  wife,  and  let 
every  woman  have  her  own  husband. 
Let  the  husband  render  the  debt  unto 
the  wife  ;  and  likewise  also  the  wife 
unto  the  husband.  The  wife  hath  not 
power  of  her  own  body,  but  the  hus- 
band :  and  likewise  also  the  husband 
hath  not  power  of  his  own  body,  but 
the  wife. 

Second  Lesson. 

T^E FRAUD  ye  not  one  the  other, 
except  perchance  it  be  with  con- 
sent, for  a  time,  that  ye  may  give  your- 
selves to  prayer ;  and  come  together 
again,  that  Satan  tempt  you  not  for 
your  incontinency.  But  I  speak  this 
by  permission,  not  of  commandment. 
For  I  would  that  ye  all  were  even  as  I 
myself.  But  every  man  hath  his  pro- 
per gift  of  God,  one  after  this  manner, 
and  another  after  that.  But  I  say  to 
the  unmarried  and  widows  :  it  is  good 
for  them  if  they  abide  even  as  I.  But 
if  they  have  not  continency,  let  them 
marry.  For  it  is  better  to  marry  than 
to  burn. 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  unto  the  married  I  command, 
^^  not  I,  but  the  Lord  ;  let  not  the 
wife  depart  from  her  husband  ;  but  if 
she  depart,  let  her  remain  unmarried, 
or  be  reconciled  to  her  husband. 
And  let  not  the  husband  leave  his 
•wife.  For  to  the  rest  speak  I,  not  the 
Lord  :  If  any  brother  hath  a  wife  that 
believeth  not,  and  she  be  pleased  to 
dwell  with  him,  let  him  not  leave 
her.  And  the  woman  which  be- 
lieveth, and  hath  an  husband  which 
believeth  not,  and  he  be  pleased  to 
dwell  with  her,  let  her  not  leave 
her  husband:;  for  the  unbelieving  hus- 
band is  sanctified  by  the  believing 
wife,  and  the  unbelieving  wife  is 
sanctified  by  the  believing  husband  ; 
else  were  your  children  unclean,  but 
now  are   they  holy. 


Sixth  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (xiii.  1.) 

'T*  HOUGH  I  speak  with  the  tongues 
of  men  and  of  angels,  and  have 
not  charity,  I  am  become  as  sounding 
brass,  or  a  tinkling  cymbal.  And 
though  I  have  the  gift  of  prophecy, 
and  understand  all  mysteries,  and  all 
knowledge ;  and  though  I  have  all 
faith,  so  that  I  could  remove  mountains, 
and  have  not  charity,  I  am  nothing. 
And  though  I  bestow  all  my  goods 
to  feed  the  poor,  and  though  I  give 
my  body  to  be  burned,  and  have  not 
charity,  it  profiteth  me  nothing. 

Second  Lesson. 

/^HARITY  suffereth  long,  and  is 
kind  :  charity  envieth  not,  vaunt- 
eth  not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up,  doth 
not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh 
not  her  own,  is  not  easily  provoked, 
thinketh  no  evil,  rejoiceth  not  in 
iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth  ; 
beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things, 
hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things. 
Charity  never  faileth ;  but  whether 
there  be  prophecies,  they  shall  fail  ; 
whether  there  be  tongues,  they  shall 
cease  ;  whether  there  be  knowledge, 
it  shall  vanish  away.  For  we  know 
in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part. 
But  when  that  which  is  perfect  is 
come,  then  that  which  is  in  part  shall 
be  done  away. 

Third  Lesson. 

\\J HEN  I  was  a  child,  I  spake  as 

a    child,    I    felt   as    a    child,    I 

thought  as  a  child.      But  now  that  I 

am  become  a  man,  I  put  away  child- 


364 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


ish  things.  Now,  we  see  in  a  mirror 
darkly  ;  but  then,  face  to  face.  Now, 
I  know  in  part ;  but  then  shall  I  know 
even  as  also  I  have  been  known. 
And  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  love, 
these  three :  but  the  greatest  of  these 
is  love. 

The  Sabbath. 

If  the  next  day  be  Septuagesitna 
Sunday,  then  a  peculiar  Office  is  some- 
times said  on  this  day,  (see  Note  2,  p. 
359,)  in  which  case  the  following  Les- 
sons are  simply  omitted. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (xvi.  1.) 

"VJ  OW  concerning  the  collection  for 
the  Saints,  as  I  have  given 
order  to  the  Churches  of  Galatia,  even 
so  do  ye.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the 
week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him 
in  store  whatsoever  pleaseth  him,  that 
there  be  no  gatherings  when  I  come. 
And  when  I  come,  whomsoever  ye 
shall  approve  by  your  letters,  them 
will  I  send  to  bring  your  liberality  unto 
Jerusalem.  And  if  it  be  meet  that 
I  go  also,  they  shall  go  with  me. 


But  I  will  tarry  at  Ephesus  until 
Pentecost.  For  a  great  door  and 
evident  is  opened  unto  me,  and  there 
are  many  adversaries. 

Third  Lesson. 

TVT  OW,  if  Timothy  come,  see  that  he 
be  with  you  without  fear :  for 
he  worketh  the  work  of  the  Lord,  as 
I  also  do.  Let  no  man  therefore 
despise  him  :  but  conduct  him  forth 
in  peace,  that  he  may  come  unto  me  : 
for  I  look  for  him  with  the  brethren. 
As  touching  our  brother  Apollos,  I 
tell  you  that  I  greatly  desired  him 
to  come  unto  you  with  the  brethren  : 
but  his  will  was  not  at  all  to  come 
at  this  time :  but  he  will  come  when 
he  shall  have  convenient  time.  Watch 
ye  ;  stand  fast  in  the  faith  ;  quit  you 
like  men,  and  be  strong.  Let  all 
your  things  be  done  with  charity. 

Vespers  are  always  the  First  Vespers 
of  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Name,  except 
when  the  next  day  is  Septuagesitna 
Sunday,  in  which  case  the  Feast  of  the 
Holy  Name  is  transferred  to  Jan.  28, 
{which  see,)  and  these  Vespers  are, 
from  the  Chapter,  of  Septuagesima, 
with  the  Farewell  to  the  Alleluia,  all 
the  Office  between  this  and  that,  being 
that  year  omitted. 


Second  Lesson. 

1VT  OW  I  will  come  unto  you,  when 
I  shall  pass  through  Macedonia, 
for  I  do  pass  through  Macedonia. 
And  it  may  be  that  I  will  abide,  yea, 
and  winter  with  you ;  that  ye  may 
bring  me  on  my  journey  whithersoever 
I  go.  For  I  would  not  see  you  only 
in  passing ;  but  I  trust  to  tarry  a 
while   with   you,    if   the    Lord   permit. 

1  In  the  original  this  Office  is  not  given  here,  but  in  the  Proper  Offices  of  Festivals.  It  is 
inserted  here,  1st,  because  it  is  nearly  always  so  in  practice  ;  and  2ndly,  as  a  specimen  of 
the  application  of  the  General  Rubrics. 


&eccmti  ^untiag  after  tjje 
(fEptpfyansL 

Feast  of  the  Most  Holy  Name  of 
Jesus.1 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

All  as  on  ordinary  Sundays,  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


SECOND   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


365 


FIRST    VESPERS. 

First  four  Psalms  as  on  Sundays. 

First  Antiphon.  x  Whosoever  shall 
call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall  be 
saved. 

Second  Antiphon.  Holy  and  ter- 
rible is  His  Name  ;  the  fear  of  the 
LORD  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom. 

Third  Antiphon.  2Yet  will  I  re- 
joice in  the  LORD  :  I  will  joy  in  the 
God  of  my  salvation. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  From  the  rising 
of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down  of 
the  same  the  Lord's  Name  is  to  be 
praised. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  I  will  offer  the 
sacrifice  of  thanksgiving,  and  will  call 
upon  the  Name  of  the  Lord. 

Psalm  CXV. 
I  believed,  therefore  have  I  spoken, 

&c,  (A  185.) 

Nym?i.z 

T  ESUS  !  the  very  thought  of  Thee 
J     With  sweetness  fills  the  breast ! 
Yet  sweeter  far  Thy  Face  to  see 
And  in  Thy  Presence  rest. 

No  voice  can  sing,  no  heart  can  frame, 

Nor  can  the  memory  find 
A  sweeter  sound  than  Jesu's  Name, 

The  Saviour  of  mankind  ! 

O  hope  of  every  contrite  heart ! 

O  joy  of  all  the  meek  ! 
To  those  who  fall,  how  kind  Thou  art  ! 

How  good  to  those  who  seek  ! 

But  what  to  those  who  find?    Ah  !   this 
Nor  tongue  nor  pen  can  show — 

The  love  of  Jesus,  what  it  is, 
None  but  His  loved-ones  know. 

Jesus  !  our  only  joy  be  Thou, 

As  Thou  our  prize  shalt  be ; 
In  Thee  be  all  our  glory  now, 

And  through  eternity  !     Amen. 


Verse.  .  Blessed  be  the  Name  of 
the  Lord — Alleluia. 

Answer.  From  this  time  forth, 
and  for  evermore — Alleluia. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  He  That  is  mighty  hath  done 
to  me  great  things,  and  holy  is  His- 
Name — Alleluia. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  hast  appointed  Thine 
^^^  Only  -  begotten  Son  to  be  the 
Saviour  of  mankind,  and  hast  com- 
manded that  His  Name  should  be 
called  JESUS,  mercifully  grant  that  we 
who  here  on  earth  do  worship  that 
His  most  Holy  Name  may  be  made 
glad  in  heaven  by  His  Presence. 
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.     Amen. 

Commemoration  of  the  First  Vespers 
of  the  Sunday. 

Antiphon.  God  hath  holpen  His 
servant  Israel :  as  He  spake  to  Abra- 
ham and  to  his  seed,  to  exalt  them  of 
low  degree  for  ever  and  ever. 

Verse.  Let  the  evening  prayer 
ascend  unto  Thee,   O   Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  there  descend 
upon  us  Thy  mercy. 

Prayer. 

A  LMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,, 
Who  dost  govern  all  things  in 
heaven  and  earth,  mercifully  hear  the 
supplication  of  Thy  people,  and  grant 
us  Thy  peace  all  the  days  of  our  life. 
Through  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  Thy 
Son,    Who    liveth    and    reigneth   with 


1  Joel  ii.  32 ;  Rom.  x.  13.  2  Hab.  iii.  18. 

3  Except  the  last  verse,  selected  from  a  hymn  by  St  Bernard  :  translation  by  the  Rev.   E.. 
Caswall. 


366 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

At  Compline  the  last  verse  of  the 
Hymn  is  altered  in  honour  of  the  In- 
carnation. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Name  which  shall 
be  called  Wonderful,1  the  Name  of 
Jesus  is  the  Name  which  is  above 
every  name.2  *  O  come,  let  us  wor- 
ship Him. 

3  Hymn. 

r\  JESU,  King  most  wonderful ! 

Thou  Conqueror  renowned  ! 
Thou  sweetness  most  ineffable  ! 
In  Whom  all  joys  are  found  ! 

When  once  Thou  visitest  the  heart, 
Then  truth  begins  to  shine ; 

Then  earthly  vanities  depart ; 
Then  kindles  love  divine. 

O  Jesu,  Light  of  all  below  ! 

Thou  Fount  of  life  and  fire  ! 
Surpassing  all  the  joys  we  know, 

All  that  we  can  desire. 

May  every  heart  confess  Thy  Name, 

And  ever  Thee  adore ; 
And  seeking  Thee,  itself  inflame 

To  seek  Thee  more  and  more. 

Thee  may  our  tongues  for  ever  bless, 

Thee  may  we  love  alone  ; 
And  ever  in  our  lives  express 

The  image  of  Thine  own.     Amen. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  O  LORD  our  Ruler, 
how  excellent  is  Thy  Name  in  all  the 
earth. 


Second  Antiphon.  4  At  the  Name  of 
Jesus,  let  eve.ry  knee  bow,  of  things 
in  heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and 
things  under  the  earth. 

Psalm  XVIII. 
The  heavens  declare,  &c,  {p.  17.) 

Third  Antiphon.  5  Praise  the  LORD 
and  call  upon  His  Name  :  remember 
that  His  Name  is  exalted. 

Psalm  XXIII. 

The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  &c,  {p. 

46.) 

Verse.     6  For  Thy  Name's  sake,  O 
LORD,   pardon  mine  iniquity. 
Answer.     For  it  is  great. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Acts  of 
the  Apostles  (iii.  1.) 

"VT  OW  Peter  and  John  went  up 
together  into  the  temple  at 
the  hour  of  prayer,  being  the  ninth 
hour.7  And  a  certain  man,  lame 
from  his  mother's  womb,  was  carried  ; 
whom  they  laid  daily  at  the  gate  of 
the  temple,  which  is  called  Beautiful, 
to  ask  alms  of  them  that  entered  into 
the  temple.  Who,  seeing  Peter  and 
John  about  to  go  into  the  temple, 
asked  an  alms.  And  Peter,  fastening 
his  eyes  upon  him,  with  John,  said : 
Look  on  us.  And  he  gave  heed  unto 
them,  expecting  to  receive  something 
of  them.  Then  Peter  said :  Silver 
and  gold  have  I  none,  but  such  as 
I  have  give  I  thee  ;  in  the  Name 
of  Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  rise  up 
and  walk.  And  he  took  him  by  the 
right    hand,    and    lifted    him   up,    and 

1  Isa.  ix.  6.  2  phii.  ii.  9. 

a  Except  the  last  verse,  selected  from  a  hymn  by  St  Bernard,  very  slightly  altered  :  translation 
by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 
4  Phil.  ii.  10.  5  Isa.  xii.  4.  «  Ps.  xxiv.  11.  7  I.e.,  None. 


Psalm  VIII,  commencing  with  the 
2nd  verse. 

Who  hast  set,  &c,  {p.  7.) 


SECOND   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


367 


immediately  his  feet  and  soles  re- 
ceived strength.  And  he,  leaping  up, 
stood  and  walked,  and  entered  with 
them  into  the  temple,  walking,  and 
leaping,  and  praising  God. 

First  Responsory. 

Behold,  thou  shalt  conceive,  and 
bring  forth  a  Son,  and  shalt  call  His 
Name  Jesus  ;  for  He  shall  save  His 
people  from  their  sins. 

Verse.  His  Name  was  called  JESUS, 
which  was  so  named  of  the  Angel, 
before  He  was  conceived  in  the  womb. 

Answer.  For  He  shall  save  His 
people  from  their  sins. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  all  the  people  saw  him  walk- 
ing, and  praising  God.  And 
they  knew  that  it  was  he  which  sat 
for  alms  at  the  Beautiful  Gate  of  the 
temple,  and  they  were  filled  with 
wonder  and  amazement  at  that  which 
had  happened  unto  him.  And,  as  he 
held  Peter  and  John,  all  the  people 
ran  together  unto  them  in  the  porch 
that  is  called  Solomon's,  greatly  won- 
dering. And  when  Peter  saw  it,  he 
answered  unto  the  people :  Ye  men 
of  Israel,  why  marvel  ye  at  this  ?  or 
why  look  ye  so  earnestly  on  us,  as 
though  by  our  own  power  or  strength 
we  had  made  this  man  to  walk  ? 
The  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God 
of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob, 
the  God  of  our  fathers,  hath  glorified 
His  Son  Jesus,  Whom  ye  delivered 
up,  and  denied  Him  in  the  presence 
of  Pilate,  when  he  was  determined  to 
let  Him  go.  But  ye  denied  the  Holy 
One,  and  the  Just,  and  desired  a 
murderer  to  be  granted  unto  you ; 
and  killed  the  Author  of  life,  Whom 
God  hath  raised  from  the  dead, 
whereof  we  are  witnesses.      And   His 


Name,  through  faith  in  His  Name, 
hath  made  this  man  strong,  whom 
ye  see  and  know :  yea,  the  faith 
which  is  by  Him  hath  given  him  this 
perfect  soundness  in  the  presence  of 
you  all. 

Second  Responsory. 

1  Blessed  is  Thy  Name,  O  God  of 
our  fathers,  for  in  wrath  Thou  wilt 
remember  mercy.  And  in  the  time 
of  tribulation  Thou  forgivest  the  sins 
of  them  that  call  upon  Thee. 

Verse.  2  And  blessed  be  Thy  glori- 
ous Name  for  ever,  O  Thou  Who  only 
doest  wondrous  things  ! 

Answer.  And  in  the  time  of  tribu- 
lation Thou  forgivest  the  sins  of  them 
that  call  upon  Thee. 


Third  Lesson,     (iv.  5.) 

A  ND  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
"^^  that  their  rulers,  and  elders,  and 
scribes  of  Jerusalem,  and  Annas  the 
high  priest,  and  Caiaphas,  and  John, 
and  Alexander,  and  as  many  as  were 
of  the  priests'  kindred,  were  gathered 
together.  And  when  they  had  set 
them  in  the  midst,  they  asked :  By 
what  power,  or  by  what  name  have 
ye  done  this  ?  Then  Peter,  filled  with 
the  Holy  Ghost,  said  unto  them :  Ye 
rulers  and  elders  of  the  people, 
hearken  :  If  we  this  day  be  examined 
of  the  good  deed  done  to  the  impotent 
man,  by  what  means  he  is  made  whole  ; 
be  it  known  unto  you  all,  and  to  all 
the  people  of  Israel,  that  by  the  Name 
of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ  of  Nazareth, 
Whom  ye  crucified,  Whom  God  raised 
from  the  dead,  even  by  Him  doth  this 
man  stand  here  before  you  whole. 
This 3  is  the  stone  which  was  set  at 
nought  of  you  builders,  which  is  be- 
come the  head  of  the  corner  ;  neither 
is  there  salvation  in  any  other.      For 


1  Tobias  iii.  13. 


2  Ps.  lxxi.  18,  19. 


3  Ps.  cxvii.  22. 


368 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


there  is  no  other  Name  under  heaven 
given  among  men,  whereby  ye  must  be 
saved. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  I  will  praise  Thy  Name  continu- 
ally ;  yea,  I  will  praise  it  with  thanks- 
giving. 

Verse.  2  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice 
in  Thee :  I  will  sing  praise  to  Thy 
Name,   O  Thou  Most  High. 

Answer.  Yea,  I  will  praise  it  with 
thanksgiving. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Yea,  I  will  praise  it  with 
thanksgiving. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  They  shall  be 
mindful  of  Thy  Name,  O  Lord,  unto 
all  generations. 

Psalm  XLIV. 

My  heart  is  overflowing,  &c,  {p.  96.) 

Second  Antiphon.  3  O  magnify  the 
Lord  with  me,  and  let  us  exalt  His 
Name  together. 

Psalm  XL  V. 
God  is  our  refuge,  &c,  {p.  97.) 

Third  Antiphon.  i  All  nations  whom 
Thou  hast  made,  shall  come  and  wor- 
ship before  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  shall 
glorify  Thy  Name. 

Psalm  LXXXVI. 
Her  foundation,  &c,  {p.  144.) 

Verse.  5  For  the  glory  of  Thy  Name, 
deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  forgive  our  sins,  for 
Thy  Name's  sake. 

1  Ecclus.  li.  15.  2  ps- 

4  Ps.  lxxxv.  9.  s  pSt 

7  Cant.  i.  3,  where  spiced,  or  perfumed  oil  {i.e 

8  Ps.  xxxv.  10.  9  Eph.  v.  8. 


Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  6  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of  Clairvaux.] 
( 1  $th  on  the  Song  of  Songs. ) 

TT  is  not  idly  that  the  Holy  Ghost 
likeneth  the  Name  of  the  Bride- 
groom to  oil,  when  He  maketh  the 
Bride  say  to  the  Bridegroom:  "Thy 
Name  is  as  oil  poured  forth."7  Oil 
indeed  giveth  light,  meat,  and  unction. 
It  feedeth  fire,  it  nourisheth  the  flesh, 
it  sootheth  pain  ;  it  is  light,  food,  and 
healing.  Behold,  Thus  also  is  the 
Name  of  the  Bridegroom.  To  preach 
it,  is  to  give  light  ;  to  think  of  it,  is  to 
feed  the  soul  ;  to  call  on  it,  is  to  win 
grace  and  unction.  Let  us  take  it 
point  by  point.  What,  thinkest  thou, 
hath  made  the  light  of  faith  so  suddenly 
and  so  brightly  to  shine  in  the  whole 
world  but  the  preaching  of  the  Name 
of  JESUS  ?  Is  it  not  in  the  light  of 
this  Name  that  God  hath  called  us  into 
His  marvellous  light,  even  that  light 
wherewith  we  being  enlightened,  and 
in  His  light  seeing  light,8  Paul  saith 
truly  of  us  :  "Ye  were  sometimes  dark- 
ness, but  now  -are  ye  light  in  the 
Lord."9 

Fourth  Responsory. 

10  Let  them  that  know  Thy  Name 
put  their  trust  in  Thee  ;  for  Thou, 
LORD,  hast  not  forsaken  them  that 
seek  Thee. 

Verse.  n  Arise,  O  Lord,  help  us, 
and  redeem  us  for  Thy  Name's  sake. 

Answer.  For  Thou,  LORD,  hast  not 
forsaken  them  that  seek  Thee. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

''PHIS  is  the  Name  which  the  Apostle 

was  commanded  to  bear  before 

Gentiles,  and  kings,  and  the  children 

ix.  3.  s  Ps.  xxxiii.  4. 

lxxviii.  9.  «  Aug.  20. 

.,  ointment)  seems  to  be  meant.     So  Gesenius. 
10  Ps.  ix.  11.  «  Ps.  xliii.  26. 


SECOND   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


369 


of  Israel,  the  Name  which  he  bore  as 
a  light  to  enlighten  his  people,  crying 
everywhere  :  1  "  The  night  is  far 
spent,  the  day  is  at  hand  ;  let  us  there- 
fore cast  off  the  works  of  darkness, 
.and  let  us  put  on  the  armour  of  light, 
let  us  walk  honestly  as  in  the  day." 
lie  pointed  out  to  all  that  candle  set 
upon  a  candlestick,  preaching  in  every 
place  JESUS  and  Him  crucified.  How 
did  that  Name  shine  forth  and  dazzle 
every  eye  that  beheld  it,  when  it  came 
like  lightning  out  of  the  mouth  of  Peter 
to  give  bodily  strength  to  the  feet  of 
the  lame  man,  and  to  clear  the  sight 
of  many  a  blind  soul  ?  Cast  he  not 
fire  when  he  said  :  "  In  the  Name  of 
JESUS  Christ  of  Nazareth,  rise  up  and 
walk  "  ? 

Fifth  Responsory. 

2  Let  us  praise  Thy  great  Name, 
for  it  is  terrible  and  holy. 

Verse.  3  Some  trust  in  chariots,  and 
some  in  horses,  but  we  will  call  upon 
the  Name  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

Answer.     For  it  is  terrible  and  holy. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'HTHE  Name  of  Jesus  is  not  a  Name 
of  light  only,  but  it  is  meat  also. 
Dost  thou  ever  call  it  to  mind,  and  re- 
main unstrengthened  ?  Is  there  any- 
thing like  it  to  enrich  the  soul  of  him 
that  thinketh  of  it  ?  What  is  there 
like  it  to  restore  the  fagged  senses,  to 
fortify  strength,  to  give  birth  to  good 
lives  and  pure  affections  ?  The  soul  is 
fed  on  husks  if  that  whereon  it  feedeth 
lack  seasoning  with  this  salt.  If  thou 
writest,  thou  hast  no  meaning  for  me  if 
I  read  not  of  JESUS  there.  If  thou 
preach,  or  dispute,  thou  hast  no  mean- 
ing for  me  if  I  hear  not  of  JESUS  there. 
The  mention  of  JESUS  is  honey  in  the 
mouth,  music  in  the  ear,  and  gladness 


in  the  heart.  It  is  our  healing  too.  Is 
any  sorrowful  among  us  ?  Let  the 
thought  of  Jesus  come  into  his  heart, 
and  spring  to  his  mouth.  Behold, 
when  the  day  of  that  Name  beginneth 
to  break,  every  cloud  will  flee  away, 
and  there  will  be  a  great  calm.  Doth 
any  fall  into  sin  ?  Doth  any  draw 
nigh  to  an  hopeless  death  ?  And  if  he 
but  call  on  the  life  -  giving  Name  of 
JESUS,  will  he  not  draw  the  breath  of  a 
new  life  again  ? 

Sixth  Responsory. 

4  O  Lord,  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. 

Verse.  5  They  shall  walk,  O  Lord, 
in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance  ;  and 
in  Thy  Name  shall  they  rejoice  all  the 
day. 

Answer.  Let  them  also  that  love 
Thy  Name  be  joyful  in  Thee. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Let  them  also  that  love 
Thy  Name  be  joyful  in  Thee. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Sing  unto  the 
Lord,  and  bless  His  Name :  show 
forth  His  salvation  from  day  to  day. 

Psalm  XCV. 

O  sing  unto  the  Lord,  &c.  {p.  148.) 

Second  Antiphon.  6  According  to 
Thy  Name,  O  God,  so  is  Thy  praise 
unto  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  Thy  right 
hand  is  full  of  righteousness. 


1  Rom.  xiii.  12. 
4  Ps.  v.  12. 


2  Ps.  xcviii.  3. 

5  Ps.  lxxxviii.  16,  17. 


3  Ps.  xix.  8. 

6  Ps.  xlvii.  11. 


37o 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Psalm  XCVI. 

The  Lord  reigneth,  &c.,  (p.  149.) 

Third  Antiphon.  1  Sing  unto  God, 
sing  praises  to  His  Name  ;  spread  a 
path  before  Him  That  rideth  upon  the 
heavens  :  the  Lord  is  His  Name. 

Psalm  XCVI  I. 
O  sing  unto  the  Lord,  &c,  {p.  157.) 

Verse.  2  Give  unto  the  LORD  glory 
and  honour. 

Answer.  Give  unto  the  LORD  the 
glory  due  unto  His  Name. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  21.) 

A  T    that   time :    When   eight    days 
were   accomplished  for   the   cir- 
cumcising of  the  Child,  His  Name  was 
called  Jesus.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of 
Clairvaux.]     (1st  on  the  Circumcision.) 

Behold  a  mystery,  great  and  full  of 
wonder !  The  Child  is  circumcised, 
and  His  Name  is  called  JESUS.  Why 
are  these  two  things  thus  mentioned 
together  ?  It  would  seem  that  circum- 
cision should  rather  be  for  the  saved 
than  for  the  Saviour  ;  that  the  Saviour 
ought  rather  to  be  Circumciser  than 
circumcised.  But  behold  here  the 
Mediator  between  God  and  men,  how 
even  from  His  childhood  He  joineth 
the  things  of  the  Highest  to  the  things 
of  the  lowest,  the  things  of  God  to  the 
things  of  men.  He  is  born  of  a 
woman,  but  her  womb  is  made  fruitful 
without  the  loss  of  the  flower  of  her 
virginity.  He  is  wrapped  in  swad- 
dling-bands, but  these  swaddling-bands 

1  Ps.  lxvii.  5. 
3  Ps.  cxiv.  3,  4. 


are  a  theme  for  the  jubilation  of  angels. 
He  is  laid  in  a  manger,  but  a  bright 
star  standeth  in  heaven  over  the  place. 
So  also  in  His  circumcision,  the  cere- 
mony gave  proof  of  the  reality  of  the 
Manhood  which  He  had  taken,  and 
that  Name  which  is  above  every  name 
proclaimed  the  glory  of  His  Blessed 
Majesty.  As  very  son  of  Abraham 
He  underwent  circumcision  ;  He 
assumed  the  Name  of  JESUS  as  very 
Son  of  God. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

3  Sorrow  and  trouble  did  I  find. 
Then  called  I  upon  the  Name  of  the 
Lord. 

Verse.  4  The  Name  of  the  Lord  is 
a  strong  tower  ;  I  trusted  in  Him  and 
I  am  helped. 

Answer.  Then  called  I  upon  the 
Name  of  the  Lord. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

A/I"  Y  JESUS  beareth  not  that  Name 
as  others  have  borne  it  before 
Him,  as  a  vain  and  empty  title.  It  is 
not  in  Him  the  shadow  of  a  great 
Name,  but  the  very  meaning  of  that 
Name.  That  His  Name  was  revealed 
from  heaven,  is  attested  by  the  Evan- 
gelist, where  it  is  written,  "Which 
was  so  named  of  the  Angel  before  He 
was  conceived  in  the  womb."  After 
Jesus  was  born,  men  called  Him 
Jesus,  but  angels  called  Him  Jesus, 
before  He  was  conceived  in  the 
womb.  The  One  Lord  is  the  Saviour 
of  angels  and  of  men  ;  of  men,  since 
His  Incarnation  ;  of  angels,  from  the 
beginning  of  their  creation.  "  His 
Name,"  saith  the  Evangelist,  "  was 
called  JESUS,  which  was  so  named  of 
the  Angel  before  He  was  conceived  in 
the  womb."  In  the  mouth  therefore 
of  two    or    three    witnesses    is    every 

2  Ps.  xxviii.  2. 

4  Prov.  xviii.  10 ;  Ps.  xxvii.  7. 


SECOND   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


371 


word  established ; 1  and  that  word 
whereof  the  Prophet  spoke  as  cut 
short,2  is  set  forth  at  length  in  the 
Gospel — the  Word  made  Flesh. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  3  I  will  wait  on  Thy 
Name.  For  it  is  good  before  Thy 
Saints. 

Verse.  4  To  give  thanks  unto  Thy 
Holy  Name,  and  to  triumph  in  Thy 
praise. 

Answer.  For  it  is  good  before 
Thy  Saints. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  For  it  is  good  before 
Thy    Saints. 


Ninth  Blessing. 

May  the  Gospel's  glorious  word 
Cleansing  to  our  souls  afford. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

( Of  the  Second  Sunday  after  the 
Epiphany. ) 

The    Lesson  is  taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (ii.  1.) 

A  T  that  time  :  There  was  a  mar- 
"^^  riage  in  Cana  of  Galilee,  and 
the  mother  of  Jesus  was  there.  And 
both  Jesus  was  called,  and  His  dis- 
ciples, to  the  marriage.      And  so  on. 

1  Matth.  xviii.  16 ;  Deut.  xix.  15. 

2  The  allusion  is  apparently  to  the  LXX.  version  of  Isa.  x.  22,  which  reads  :  "  For  though 
thy  people  Israel  be  as  the  sand  of  the  sea,  the  remnant  shall  be  saved  ;  for  He  will  finish  the 
word  and  cut  it  short  in  righteousness,  because  a  short  word  will  God,  the  Lord  of  powers, 
make  in  the  whole  world  " — quoted  in  Rom.  ix.  27,  28. 

3  Ps.  Ii.  11.  4  Ps.  cv.  47.  5  1  Tim.  iv.  3.  6  Matth.  xix.  3  et  seq. 

7  A  person  bound  to  the  recitation  of  the  Divine  Office  would  satisfy  the  obligation  by 
reading  to  this  point  only. 

8  Quia  ipsa  esse  uxor  prior  noluit,  quae  fidem  conjugalem  marito  non  servavit.  As  the 
Church  teaches  that  a  marriage  once  validly  contracted  and  consummated  is  indissoluble,  two 
explanations  have  been  given  to  Matth.  xix.  9.  (1)  That  "  porneia  "  is  there  used  synonymously 
with  "  moicheia,"  and  a  separation  a  mensa.  et  toro  is  meant ;  (2)  that  the  case  referred  to  is 
that  given  in  Deut.  xxii.  21. 


Homily  by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (gth  Tract  on  fohn.) 

Even  setting  aside  any  mystical  in- 
terpretation, the  fact  that  the  Lord 
was  pleased  to  be  asked,  and  to  go 
to  a  marriage,  showeth  plainly  enough 
that  He  is  the  Author  and  Blesser  of 
marriage.  There  were  yet  to  be  those 
of  whom  the  Apostle  hath  warned  us 
as  "  forbidding  to  marry  ; "  5  who  say 
that  marriage  is  a  bad  thing  in  itself, 
and  a  work  of  the  devil.  Yet  we  read 
in  the  6  Gospel  that  when  the  Lord 
was  asked,  "Is  it  lawful  for  a  man  to 
put  away  his  wife  for  every  cause  ? " 
He  answered  that  it  was  not  lawful, 
except  it  were  for  fornication.  In 
which  answer  ye  will  remember  that 
He  used  these  words :  "  What  God 
hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put 
asunder." 7  {Eighth  Lesson  of  the 
Sunday.)  They  who  are  well  in- 
structed in  the  Catholic  religion  know 
that  God  is  the  Author  and  Blesser  of 
marriage  ;  and  that,  whereas  joining 
together  in  marriage  is  of  God,  divorce 
is  of  the  devil.  But  it  is  lawful  for  a 
man  to  put  away  his  wife  in  case  of 
fornication,8  for  by  not  keeping  a 
wife's  faith  to  her  husband  she  herself 
hath  first  willed  not  to  be  wife.  They 
also  who  have  made  a  vow  of  their 
virginity  to  God  and  have  thereby 
attained  to  an  higher  degree  of  hon- 
our and  holiness  in  the  Church,  are 
not  unmarried,  for  they  are  a  special 
part  of  the  marriage  of  the  whole 
Church,  which  is  the  Bride  of  Christ. 
(Ninth  Lesson  of  the  Sunday.)     The 


372 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Lord,  being  asked,  went  to  the  mar- 
riage, to  strengthen  the  marriage  tie, 
and  to  shed  light  on  the  hidden  mean- 
ing of  matrimony.  In  that  marriage 
feast  the  Bridegroom  to  whom  it  was 
said,  "  Thou  hast  kept  the  good  wine 
until  now,"  was  a  figure  of  the  Lord 
Christ,  Who  hath  kept  until  now  the 
good  wine,  namely  the  Gospel. 

The  Hymn,   "We  praise   Thee,   O 
God,  &c."  is  said. 


Celestial  sweetness  unalloyed  ! 

Who  eat  Thee  hunger  still, 
Who  drink  of  Thee  still  feel  a  void 

Which  nought  but  Thou  canst  fill ! 

O  my  sweet  Jesus  !  hear  the  sighs 

Which  unto  Thee  I  send ! 
To  Thee  my  inmost  spirit  cries, 

My  being's  hope  and  end  ! 

Stay  with  us,  Lord,  and  with  Thy  light 

Illume  the  soul's  abyss ; 
Scatter  the  darkness  of  our  night 

And  fill  the  world  with  bliss. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  l  Thy  Name  is  as 
oil  *  poured  forth,  therefore  do  the 
virgins  love  Thee. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  Know  ye  that 
the  Lord  He  is  God,  *  and  His 
Name  endure th  for  ever. 

Third  Antiphon.  My  soul  thirst- 
eth  *  for  Thy  Holy  Name,  O  Lord. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  3  Blessed  is  the 
Holy  Name  of  Thy  glory,  and  worthy 
to  be  praised,  and  exalted  above  all 
for  ever. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Young  men  and 
maidens,  *  old  men  and  children, 
praise  the  Name  of  the  LORD,  for  His 
Name  alone  is  exalted. 


O  Jesu  !    Spotless  Virgin  flower ! 

Our  life  and  joy  !    to  Thee 
Be  praise,  beatitude,  and  power, 

Through  all  eternity  !     Amen. 

Verse.  Our  help  is  in  the  Name  ot 
the  Lord. 

Answer.  Who  made  heaven  and 
earth. 

Antiphoti  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
5  He  gave  Himself  to  deliver  His 
people,  and  to  get  Himself  an  ever- 
lasting Name.     Alleluia. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office,  "  O 
God,  Who  hast  appointed,  &c,"  as  at 
Vespers. 


Chapter.      (Phil.  ii.  8.) 

DRETHREN,  Christ  humbled  Him- 
^  self  and  became  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 
Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  ex- 
alted Him,  and  given  Him  a  Name 
which  is  above  every  name,  that  at 
the  Name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should 
bow. 

Hymn.* 

C\  JESUS,  Thou  the  Beauty  art 

Oi  angel  worlds  above  ! 
Thy  Name  is  music  to  the  heart, 
Enchanting  it  with  love  ! 


Commemoration  of  the  Lauds  of  the 
Sunday. 

Antiphon.  There  was  a  marriage 
in  Cana  of  Galilee,  *  and  Jesus  was 
there,  and  Mary  His  mother. 

Verse.  The  Lord  reigneth,  He  is 
clothed  with  majesty. 

Answer.  The  LORD  is  clothed 
with  strength,  and  hath  girded  Him- 
self with  power. 

Prayer  as  at  the  Commemoration  at 
Vespers,  "  Almighty  and  everlasting 
God,  &c." 


i  Cant.  i.  3.  -  Ps.  xcix.  3.  3  Dan.  iii.  52. 

*  Selected  from  a  hymn  by  St  Bernard  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 
B  1  Mace.  vi.  44. 


SECOND   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


373 


PRIME. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  al- 
tered in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.  Thy  Name  is  as  oil, 
&c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory  is  said, 
"  Thou  That  wast  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary." 

Chapter  at  the  end.      (Col.  iii.  17.) 

"WHATSOEVER,    ye    do    in    word 
or  deed,  do  all  in  the  Name  of 
the  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  giving  thanks 
to  God  and  the  Father  by  Him. 

TERCE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  al- 
tered in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.  Know  ye  that  the  Lord 
He  is  God,  &c,  {Second  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

Blessed  be  the  Name  of  the  Lord — 
Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  Blessed  be  the  Name  of 
the  Lord — Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  From  this  time  forth,  and 
for  evermore. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Blessed  be  the  Name  of 
the  LORD — Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Give  unto  the  LORD  glory 
and  honour — Alleluia. 

Answer.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the 
glory  due  unto  His  Name.     Alleluia. 

SEXT. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.    My  soul    thirsteth,   &c, 
{Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 
VOL.  I. 


Chapter.      (Phil.  ii.  10.) 

A  T  the  Name  of  JESUS  let  every 
^^  knee  bow,  of  things  in  heaven, 
and  things  in  earth,  and  things  under 
the  earth  ;  and  let  every  tongue  confess 
that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  in  the 
glory  of  God  the  Father. 

Short  Responsory. 

Give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and 
honour — Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  Give  unto  the  Lord  glory 
and  honour.      Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the 
glory  due  unto  His  Name. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Give  unto  the  Lord 
glory  and  honour — Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  O  magnify  the  Lord  with 
me — Alleluia. 

Answer.  And  let  us  exalt  His 
Name  together — Alleluia. 

NONE. 

The  last  Verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.  Young  men  and  maidens, 
&c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter,  Col.  iii.  1 7,  as  at  the  end  of 
Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

O  magnify  the  LORD  with  me — 
Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  O  magnify  the  LORD 
with  me — Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  And  let  us  exalt  His  Name 
together. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  O  magnify  the  LORD 
with  me — Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

N 


374 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Verse.  Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of 
the  Lord — Alleluia. 

Answer.  Who  made  heaven  and 
earth — Alleluia. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

The  same  as  First  Vespers,  except 
the  following  : 

An  tip  Aon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed- 
Virgin.  Thou  shalt  call  His  Name 
Jesus  :  for  He  shall  save  His  people 
from  their  sins — Alleluia. 

Commemoration  of  the  SUNDAY. 

AntipJwn.  When  the  wine  failed, 
Jesus  commanded  them  to  fill  the 
water-pots  with  water,  and  the  water 
was  made  wine — Alleluia. 

Verse.  Let  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  be 
set  forth. 

Answer.     As  incense  before  Thee. 

Prayer  as  at  the  two  former  Com- 
memorations. 

Note.  It  may  possibly  happen  that 
a  Ninth  Lesson  is  wanted  for  this 
Feast  [for  if  Septuagesima  falls  on 
Second  Sunday  after  Epiphany  the 
Feast  of  the  Most  Holy  Name  is  trans- 
ferred to  fan.  28],  in  which  case  the 
following  is  the 

Ninth  Lesson. 

T  T  is  no  wonder  that  it  should  be  at 
His  circumcision  that  the  Name 
of  Jesus  (which  is,  being  interpreted, 
"  Saviour,")  is  given  to  the  Child  Who 
is  born  unto  us,  for  it  was  then  that 
He  for  the  first  time  shed  that  sinless 
Blood  Which  is  the  mean  whereby 
He  hath  chosen  to  work  out  our  salva- 
tion. It  is  no  matter  for  the  specula- 
tion of  Christians  why  the  Lord  Christ 

1  A  person  bound  to  the  recitation  of  the  Divine  Office  can  fulfil  the  obligation  by  reading 
.the  Lessons  of  Sunday  only. 

2  Written  from  some  city  in  Macedonia,  a  year  after  the  former. 


was  pleased  to  be  circumcised.  He 
was  circumcised  for  the  same  reason 
for  which  He  was  born,  and  for  which 
He  suffered.  Neither  one  nor  the 
other  was  for  Himself,  but  all  for  the 
sake  of  the  elect.  He  was  not  born 
in  sin ;  He  was  not  circumcised  to 
separate  Him  from  sin ;  neither  did 
He  die  for  sins  of  His  own,  but  for 
ours.  "Which  was  so  named  of  the 
Angel  before  He  was  conceived  in  the 
womb."  The  Angel  indeed  gave  Him 
that  title  of  "  Saviour,"  but  not  for  the 
first  time.  Saviour  is  His  Name  from 
everlasting ;  He  hath  it  of  His  own 
proper  nature  to  save.  This  title  He 
hath  in  Himself,  not  by  the  gift  of 
anything  that  He  hath  made,  be  it 
man  or  Angel. 

Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

{First  Lesson  of  Sunday.1) 

Here  beginneth  the  2  Second  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Corinthians  (i.  1.) 

DAUL,  an  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ, 
by  the  will  of  God,  and  Timothy 
our  brother,  unto  the  Church  of  God 
which  is  at  Corinth,  with  all  the  Saints 
which  are  in  all  Achaia.  Grace  be  to 
you  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father, 
and  from  the  Lord  JESUS  Christ. 
Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  JESUS  Christ,  the  Father  of 
mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort, 
Who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribula- 
tion, that  we  also  may  be  able  to  com- 
fort them  which  are  in  any  trouble,  by 
the  comfort  wherewith  we  ourselves 
are   comforted   of   God.     For,  as  the 


SECOND   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


375 


sufferings  of  Christ  abound  in  us,  so 
our  consolation  also  aboundeth  by 
Christ.  {Second  Lesson  of  Sunday.) 
And  whether  we  be  afflicted,  it  is 
for  your  comfort  and  salvation,  or 
whether  we  be  comforted  it  is  for  your 
comfort,  or  whether  we  be  exhorted  it 
is  for  your  exhortation  and  salvation, 
which  is  effectual  to  the  enduring  of 
the  same  sufferings  which  we  also 
suffer,  that  our  hope  of  you  may  be 
steadfast,  knowing  that  as  ye  are 
partakers  of  the  sufferings,  so  shall  ye 
be  also  of  the  consolation.  {Third 
Lesson  of  Sunday.)  For  we  would 
not,  brethren,  have  you  ignorant  of 
our  trouble,  which  came  to  us  in  Asia, 
that  we  were  pressed  out  of  measure 
above  strength,  insomuch  that  we  were 
weary  even  of  life.  But  we  had  the 
answer  of  death  1  in  ourselves,  that  we 
might  not  trust  in  ourselves,  but  in 
God,  Which  raiseth  the  dead ;  Who 
delivered  us  from  so  great  danger, 
and  doth  deliver  ;  in  Whom  we  trust 
that  He  will  yet  deliver  us,  ye  also 
helping  together  by  prayer  for  us  ; 
that  for  the  gift  bestowed  upon  us, 
by  means  of  many  persons,  thanks 
may  be  given  by  many  on  our  behalf. 

First  Responsory. 

2  O  how  great  is  Thy  goodness,  O 
Lord, — which  Thou  hast  laid  up  for 
them  that  fear  Thee  ! 

Verse.  Which  Thou,  O  Lord,  hast 
wrought  for  them  that  trust  in  Thee 
before  the  sons  of  men  ! 

Answer.  Which  Thou  hast  laid  up 
for  them  that  fear  Thee  ! 

Second  Lesson. 

{First  Lesson  of  Monday,  iii.  i.) 

"T^O   we    begin    again    to   commend 

ourselves  ?     Or    need     we     (as 

some  others)  epistles  of  commendation 


to  you,  or  from  you  ?  Ye  are  our 
epistle,  written  in  our  hearts,  known 
and  read  of  all  men  ;  manifestly  de- 
clared to  be  the  epistle  of  Christ, 
ministered  by  us,  and  written,  not  with 
ink,  but  with  the  Spirit  of  the  living 
God  ;  not  in  tables  of  stone,  but  in 
fleshly  tables  of  the  heart. 

Second  Responsory. 

3  O  God,  be  Thou  my  helper. 
Neither  leave  me. 

Verse.  Nor  forsake  me — O  God  of 
my  salvation. 

Answer.     Neither  leave  me. 

Third  Lesson. 

{Second  Lesson  of  Monday.) 

AND  such  trust  have  we  through 
"^^  Christ  to  God-ward  ;  not  that 
we  are  sufficient  of  ourselves  to  think 
anything,  as  of  ourselves  ;  but  our 
sufficiency  is  of  God,  Who  also  hath 
made  us  able  ministers  of  the  New 
Testament,  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the 
Spirit  :  for  the  letter  killeth,  but  the 
Spirit  giveth  life.  But  if  the  ministra- 
tion of  death,  engraven  with  letters 
upon  stones,  was  glorious,  so  that  the 
children  of  Israel  could  not  steadfastly 
behold  the  face  of  Moses,  for  the 
glory  of  his  countenance — which  is 
done  away :  how  shall  not  rather  the 
ministration  of  the  Spirit  be  glorious  ? 
{Third  Lesson  of  Monday.)  For  if 
the  ministration  of  condemnation  be 
glory,  much  more  doth  the  ministra- 
tion of  righteousness  exceed  in  glory. 
For  even  that  which  was  glorious  had 
no  glory  in  this  respect,  by  reason  of 
the  glory  that  excelleth.  For  if  that 
which  is  done  away  is  glorious  ;  much 
more  that  which  remaineth  is  glorious. 
Seeing    then    that    we   have   such    an 


1  "  '  The  presentiment  '—we  felt  that  we  should  die." — Abp.  Kenrick. 

2  Ps.  xxx.  20.  ■•■  Ps.  xxvi.  9. 


376. 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


hope,  we  use  great  confidence  ;  and, 
not  as  Moses,  which  put  a  veil  over 
his  face,  that  the  children  of  Israel 
might  not  steadfastly  look  upon  the 
face  of  that  which  is  done  away.  But 
their  minds  are  blinded.  For  until 
this  day  remaineth  the  same  veil  un- 
taken  away  in  the  reading  of  the  Old 
Testament,  because  it  is  taken  away 
in  Christ. 

Third  Responsory, 

1 1  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times. 
His  praise  shall  continually  be  in  my 
mouth. 

Verse.  My  soul  shall  make  her 
boast  in  the  Lord  ;  the  humble  shall 
hear  thereof  and  be  glad. 

Answer.  His  praise  shall  contin- 
ually be  in  my  mouth. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  His  praise  shall  contin- 
ually be  in  my  mouth. 

Prayer  throughout  the  week,  "  Al- 
mighty and  everlasting  God,"  &c,  (p. 
3650 

Third  Day, 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (v.  1.) 

T^OR  we  know  that  if  our  earthly 
house  of  this  tabernacle  were 
dissolved  we  have  a  building  of  God, 
an  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal 
in  the  heavens.  For  in  this  we  groan, 
earnestly  desiring  to  be  clothed  upon 
with  our  house  which  is  from  heaven  ; 


i  Ps.  xxxiii.  2,  3. 


2  Ps.  xxxviii.  13,  14. 


if  so  be  that,  being  clothed,  we  shall 
not  be  found  naked.  For  we  that 
are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan,  being 
burdened,  not  for  that  we  would  be 
unclothed,  but  clothed  upon,  that 
mortality  might  be  swallowed  up  of 
life. 

First  Responsory. 

2  O  God,  give  ear  unto  my  tears  ; 
hold  not  Thy  peace,  but,  O,  spare 
me  !  For  I  am  a  stranger  with  Thee, 
and  a  sojourner. 

Verse.  3  Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to 
deliver  me  ;  O  LORD,  look  upon  me 
to  help  me. 

Answer.  For  I  am  a  stranger  with 
Thee,  and  a  sojourner. 

Second  Lesson. 

'"THEREFORE  we  are  always  con- 
fident, knowing  that  whilst  we 
are  at  home  in  the  body,  we  are 
absent  from  the  Lord  (for  we  walk  by 
faith,  not  by  sight) :  but  we  are  con- 
fident and  willing  rather  to  be  absent 
from  the  body,  and  to  be  present 
with  the  Lord.  Wherefore  we  labour, 
that,  whether  present  or  absent,  we 
may  please  Him.  For  we  must  all 
appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of 
Christ,  that  every  one  may  receive 
the  things  done  in  his  body,  according 
to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be 
good  or  bad. 


Second  Responsory. 

4  The  Lord  hath  set  my  feet  upon 
a  rock,  and  ordered  my  goings.  And 
He  hath  put  a  new  song  in  my  mouth. 

Verse.  He  heard  my  cry :  He 
brought  me  up  also  out  of  an  horrible 
pit. 

Answer.  And  He  hath  put  a  new 
song  in  my  mouth. 

3  Ps.  xxxix.  14.  *  Ps.  xxxix.  3,  4. 


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377 


Third  Lesson. 

"[/"NOWING  therefore  the  terror  of 
the  Lord,  we  persuade  men  ;  but 
we  are  made  manifest  unto  God.  And 
I  trust  also  are  made  manifest  in  your 
consciences.  We  commend  not  our- 
selves again  unto  you,  but  give  you 
occasion  to  glory  on  our  behalf;  that 
ye  may  have  somewhat  to  answer 
them  which  glory  in  appearance,  and 
not  in  heart.  For  whether  we  be 
beside  ourselves,  it  is  to  God  ;  or 
whether  we  be  sober,  it  is  for  your 
cause.  For  the  love  of  Christ  con- 
strained! us  ;  because  we  thus  judge, 
that  if  one  died  for  all,  then  were  all 
dead :  and  Christ  died  for  all :  that 
they  which  live  should  not  henceforth 
live  unto  themselves,  but  unto  Him 
Which  died  for  them,  and  rose  again. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  I  said :  Lord,  be  merciful  unto 
me.  Heal  my  soul,  for  I  have  sinned 
against  Thee. 

Verse.  Deliver  me  from  all  mine 
iniquities,   O  Lord. 

Answer.  Heal  my  soul,  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. 

Fourth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (vii.  I.) 

TTAVING  therefore  these  promises, 

dearly   beloved,   let   us    cleanse 

ourselves    from    all    filthiness     of    the 


flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness 
in  the  fear  of  God.  Receive  us.  We 
have  wronged  no  man,  we  have  cor- 
rupted no  man,  we  have  defrauded 
no  man.  I  speak  not  this  to  condemn 
you :  for  we  have  said  before  that  ye 
are  in  our  hearts,  to  die  and  live  with 
you. 

First  Responsory. 

Cut  me  not  off  in  the  midst  of  my 
sins.  Nor  keep  Thy  wrath  against 
me  for  my  latter  end. 

Verse.  2  Enter  not  into  judgment 
with  Thy  servant,    O    Lord. 

Answer.  Nor  keep  Thy  wrath 
against  me  for  my  latter  end. 

Second  Lesson. 

C^  REAT  is  my  boldness  towards  you, 
^"*  great  is  my  glorying  of  you  ;  I 
am  filled  with  comfort,  I  am  exceeding 
joyful  in  all  our  tribulation.  For 
when  we  were  come  into  Macedonia, 
our  flesh  had  no  rest,  but  we  were 
troubled  on  every  side  :  without  were 
fightings,  within  were  fears.  Never- 
theless God,  That  comforteth  those 
that  are  cast  down,  comforted  us  by 
the  coming  of  Titus.  And  not  by 
his  coming  only,  but  also  by  the  con- 
solation wherewith  he  was  comforted 
in  you,  when  he  told  us  your  earnest 
desire,  your  mourning,  your  zeal  for 
me :    so  that   I   rejoiced  the  more. 


1   Ps.  xl.  5. 


Second  Responsory. 

3  My  heart  is  ready,  O  God,  my 
heart  is  ready.  I  will  sing  and  give 
praise  to  the  Lord. 

Verse.  Awake  up,  my  glory,  a- 
wake,  psaltery  and  harp  !  I  will  awake 
early. 

Answer.       I    will     sing     and     give 
praise  to  the  Lord. 
2  Ps.  cxlii.  2.  .    .  3  ps,  ivi.  sf  9.. 


378 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Lesson. 

T^OR  though  I  have  made  you  sorry 
with  a  letter,  I  repent  not ;  and, 
if  I  had  repented,  perceiving  that  the 
same  epistle  made  you  sorry,  (though 
it  were  but  for  a  season,)  now  I  re- 
joice :  not  that  ye  were  made  sorry, 
but  that  ye  sorrowed  to  repentance. 
For  ye  were  made  sorry  according  to 
God,  so  that  ye  receive  damage  from 
us  in  nothing.  For  the  sorrow  which 
is  according  to  God  worketh  repen- 
tance to  salvation  not  to  be  repented 
of:  but  the  sorrow  of  the  world 
worketh  death. 


thought  to  be  bold  against  some,, 
which  think  of  us  as  if  we  walked  ac- 
cording to  the  flesh.  For  though  we 
walk  in  the  flesh  we  do  not  war  after 
the  flesh. 


First  Responsory. 

3  In  Thee,  O  God,  do  I  put  my 
trust ;  let  me  never  be  put  to  con- 
fusion, O  Lord  :  deliver  me  in  Thy 
righteousness,  and  cause  me  to  escape. 

Verse.  Incline  Thine  ear  unto  me, 
deliver  me  speedily. 

Answer.     And  cause  me  to  escape. 


Third  Responsory. 

1  Unto  Thee,  O  my  Strength,  will  I 
sing,  for  God  is  my  defence,  the  God 
of  my  mercy. 

Verse.  2  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice 
in  Thee,  I  will  sing  praise  to  Thy 
Name,    O  Thou   Most  High. 

Answer.      The  God  of  my  mercy. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.     The  God  of  my  mercy. 

Fifth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

*  The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (x.   1.) 

"\J  OW  I,  Paul,  myself  beseech  you, 
by  the  meekness  and  gentleness 
of  Christ,  who  in  presence  am  base 
among  you,  but  being  absent  am  bold 
towards  you.  But  I  beseech  you  that 
I  may  not  be  bold  when  I  am  present, 
with  that  confidence  wherewith    I   am 


1  Ps.  lviii.  18. 


2  Ps.  ix. 


Second  Lesson. 

17  OR  the  weapons  of  our  warfare 
are  not  carnal,  but  mighty 
through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of 
strongholds,  casting  down  imagin- 
ations, and  every  high  thing  that  ex- 
alteth  itself  against  the  knowledge  of 
God,  and  bringing  into  captivity  every 
thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ, 
and  having  in  a  readiness  to  revenge 
all  disobedience,  when  your  obedience 
is  fulfilled.  Look  ye  on  things  after 
the  outward  appearance  ?  If  any  man 
trust  to  himself  that  he  is  Christ's,, 
let  him  of  himself  think  this  again, 
that,  as  he  is  Christ's,  even  so  we 
are  Christ's. 


Second  Responsory. 

4  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. 

Verse.  My  lips  shall  be  fain  when 
I  sing  unto  Thee. 

Answer.  Forsake  me  not  when 
my  strength  faileth. 

*  Ps.  lxx.  x,  2.  4  Ps.  Ixx.  8,  9,  23. 


SECOND   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


379 


Third  Lesson. 


"POR  though 

1    more 


I  should  boast  some- 
what more  of  our  authority, 
which  the  Lord  hath  given  us  for  edi- 
fication, and  not  for  your  destruction, 
I  should  not  be  ashamed.  But  that  I 
may  not  seem  as  if  I  would  terrify  you 
by  letters — ("for  his  letters,"  say 
they,  "  are  weighty  and  powerful, 
but  his  bodily  presence  is  weak,  and 
his  speech  contemptible,") — let  such 
an  one  think  this,  that  such  as  we  are 
in  word  by  letters  when  we  are  absent, 
such  will  we  be  also  in  deed  when  we 
are  present.  For  we  dare  not  make 
ourselves  of  the  number,  or  compare 
ourselves  with  some  that  commend 
themselves,  but  measuring  ourselves 
by  ourselves,  and  comparing  ourselves 
to  ourselves. 

Third  Responsory. 

My  lips  shall  be  fain  when  I  sing 
unto  Thee ;  and  my  soul,  which 
Thou,   O  Lord,  hast  redeemed. 

Verse.  My  tongue  shall  also  talk 
of  Thy  righteousness,  all  the  day  long 
of  Thy  praise. 

Answer.  And  my  soul,  which 
Thou,   O   Lord,  hast  redeemed. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  my  soul,  which 
Thou,   O   Lord,  hast  redeemed. 

Sixth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (xii.  i.) 

T  F  it  behoveth  me  to  glory  (but  it  is 

not  expedient)  yet  I  will  come  to 

visions    and    revelations   of  the   Lord. 

1  Ps.  Ixxxv.  12,  13. 


I  know  a  man  in  Christ  above  four- 
teen years  ago,  (whether  in  the  body, 
I  cannot  tell,  or  whether  out  of  the  body, 
I  cannot  tell ;  God  knoweth  ;)  such  an 
one  to  have  been  caught  up  to  the 
third  heaven.  And  I  know  such  a 
man,  (whether  in  the  body,  or  out  of 
the  body,  I  cannot  tell ;  God  know- 
eth ;)  how  that  he  was  caught  up 
into  paradise,  and  heard  unspeakable 
words,  which  it  is  not  lawful  for  man 
to  utter. 

First  Responsory, 

1  I  will  praise  Thee,  O  Lord  my 
God,  with  all  my  heart,  and  I  will 
glorify  Thy  Name  for  evermore.  For 
great  is  Thy  mercy  toward  me. 

Verse.  2  Thou  art  my  God,  and  I 
will  praise  Thee  :  Thou  art  my  God, 
and  I  will  exalt  Thee. 

Answer.  For  great  is  Thy  mercy 
toward  me. 

Second  Lesson. 

f~\  F  such  an  one  will  I  glory :  yet 
^~~^  of  myself  I  will  not  glory,  but 
in  mine  infirmities.  For  though  I 
would  desire  to  glory,  I  shall  not  be  a 
fool :  for  I  will  say  the  truth  :  but  I 
forbear,  lest  any  man  should  think  of 
me  above  that  which  he  seeth  me  to 
be,  or  that  he  heareth  of  me.  And 
lest  I  should  be  exalted  above  meas- 
ure through  the  abundance  of  the 
revelations,  there  was  given  to  me  a 
thorn  in  the  flesh,  the  messenger  of 
Satan  to  buffet  me.  For  this  thing  I 
besought  the  Lord  thrice,  that  it 
might  depart  from  me,  and  He  said 
unto  me :  My  grace  is  sufficient  for 
thee  :  for  My  power  is  made  perfect 
in  weakness. 

Second  Responsory. 

Great,  O  Lord,  is  Thy  mercy  to- 
ward me.  And  Thou  hast  delivered 
my  soul  from  the  lowest  hell. 

2  Ps.  cxvii.  28. 


38o 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Verse.  In  the  day  of  my  trouble  I 
called  upon  thee,  for  Thou  hast  heard 
me. 

Answer.  And  Thou  hast  deliv- 
ered my  soul  from  the  lowest  hell. 

Third  Lesson. 

TV/T  OST  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather 
glory  in  mine  infirmities,  that 
the  power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me. 
Therefore  I  take  pleasure  in  mine  infir- 
mities, in  reproaches,  in  necessities, 
in  persecutions,  in  distresses  for 
Christ's  sake.  For  when  I  am  weak, 
then  am  I  strong — I  am  become  a 
fool ;  ye  have  compelled  me.  For  I 
ought  to  have  been  commended  of 
you :  for  in  nothing  am  I  behind  the 
very  chiefest  Apostles,  though  I  be 
nothing. 

Third  Responsory. 

xThe  Lord  is  my  refuge.  And 
my  God  is  the  stay  of  my  trust. 

Verse.  2  He  delivered  me  from  the 
strongest  of  mine  enemies,  and  the 
Lord  was  my  stay. 

Answer.  And  my  God  is  the  stay 
of  my  trust. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  my  God  is  the  stay 
of  my  trust. 

i§>atur&ap. 

The  Sabbath. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (xiii.  i.) 

T3EHOLD,  this  is  the  third  time  I 
am    coming     to     you.       In    the 
mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  shall 
1  Ps.  xciii.  22. 


every  word  be  established.  I  told 
you  before,  and  foretell  you,  as  pres- 
ent, and  now  as  absent,  to  them 
which  heretofore  have  sinned,  and  to 
all  other,  that,  if  I  come  again,  I  will 
not  spare.  Seek  ye  a  proof  of  Christ 
speaking  in  me,  Which  to  you-ward  is 
not  weak,  but  is  mighty  in  you  ?  For 
though  He  was  crucified  through 
weakness  ;  yet  He  liveth  by  the  power 
of  God.  For  we  also  are  weak  in 
Him,  but  we  shall  live  with  Him  by 
the  power  of  God  toward  you. 

First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Second  Lesson. 

"EXAMINE  yourselves  whether  ye 
be  in  the  faith :  prove  your- 
selves. Know  ye  not  your  own  selves, 
how  that  JESUS  Christ  is  in  you  ?  ex- 
cept ye  be  reprobates.  But  I  trust  ye 
shall  know  that  we  are  not  reprobates. 
Now  I  pray  God  that  ye  do  no  evil ; 
not  that  we  should  appear  approved, 
but  that  ye  should  do  that  which  is 
right :  though  we  be  as  reprobates. 
For  we  can  do  nothing  against  the 
truth,  but  for  the  truth.  For  we  are 
glad  that  we  are  weak,  and  ye  are 
strong.  This  also  we  pray  for,  even 
your  perfection. 

Second  Responsory. 
My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  (p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson. 

THEREFORE  I  write  these  things 
being  absent,  lest,  being  present, 
I  should  use  sharpness,  according  to 
the  power  which  the  Lord  hath  given 
me  to  edification,  and  not  to  destruc- 
tion. Finally,  brethren,  farewell.  Be 
perfect ;  be  of  good  comfort ;  be  of  one 

2  Ps.  xvii.  18. 


THIRD   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


381 


mind ;  live  in  peace,  and  the  God  of 
peace  and  love  shall  be  with  you. 
Greet  one  another  with  an  holy  kiss. 
All  the  saints  salute  you.  The  grace 
of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  and  the  love 
of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  be  with  you  all.     Amen. 

Third  Responsory. 

Unto   Thee,    O   my   Strength,  &c, 
(A  378.) 

VESPERS. 

The  Prayer  is  taken  from  the  Lauds 
of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 


Father,   to   Whom   be   glory  for  ever 
and  ever.     Amen. 

First  Responsory. 

3  O  Lord,  rebuke  me  not  in  Thine 
anger,  neither  chasten  me  in  Thine  hot 
displeasure.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O 
Lord,  for  I  am  weak. 

Verse.  4  Fearfulness  and  trembling 
are  come  upon  me,  and  darkness  hath 
overwhelmed  me. 

Answer.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O 
Lord,  for  I  am  weak. 

Second  Lesson. 

MARVEL  that  ye  are  so  soon  re- 
moved  from  him  that  called  you 
into  the  grace  of  Christ,  unto  another 
Gospel :  which  is  not  another ;  unless 
there  be  some  that  trouble  you,  and 
would  pervert  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 
But  though  we,  or  an  angel  from 
heaven,  preach  any  other  Gospel  unto 
you  than  that  which  we  have  preached 
unto  you,  let  him  be  anathema.  As 
we  said  before,  so  say  I  now  again  :  If 
any  man  preach  any  other  Gospel  unto 
you  than  that  ye  have  received,  let  him 
be  anathema.  For  do  I  now  persuade 
men  or  God  ?  Or  do  I  seek  to  please 
men  ?  If  I  yet  pleased  men,  I  should 
not  be  the  servant  of  Christ. 

Second  Responsory. 

5  O  God,  Which  satest  in  the  throne 
judging  right,  be  Thou  a  refuge  for  the 
poor,  a  refuge  in  times  of  trouble. 
For  Thou  alone  beholdest  mischief  and 
spite. 

Verse.  The  poor  leaveth  himself 
unto  Thee  ;  Thou  wilt  be  the  helper  of 
the  fatherless. 

Answer.  For  Thou  alone  beholdest 
mischief  and  spite. 

1  The  comparatively  recent  Feast  of  the  Holy  Home — Jesus,  Mary,  and  Joseph — for  this  day, 
kept  in  the  dioceses  of  Westminster,  Hexham,  and  Salford,  will  be  found  in  the  Appendix. 
■  Abp.  Kenrick  says,  "  It  was  written  probably  about  the  year  54  of  Christ." 
*  Ps.  vi.  2,  3.  <  Ps.  liv.  6.  .  5  Ps.  ix.  5 ;  x.  14. 

VOL.   I.  N   2 


Cfjtrti  &uri&a|j  after  tfje 
<£ptpfjatt|L 

The  Third  Lord's  Day  after  the 
Epiphany .l 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  2  Epistle  of  the 
Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the  Galatians 
(i-  1.) 

DAUL,  an  Apostle  (not  of  men, 
neither  by  man,  but  by  Jesus 
Christ,  and  God  the  Father,  Who 
raised  Him  from  the  dead)  and  all  the 
brethren  which  are  with  me,  unto  the 
Churches  of  Galatia.  Grace  be  to  you, 
and  peace,  from  God  the  Father,  and 
from  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  Who  gave 
Himself  for  our  sins,  that  He  might 
deliver  us  from  this  present  evil  world, 
according  to  the  will  of  our  God,  and 


382 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Lesson. 

T7OR  I  certify  you,  brethren,  that  the 
Gospel  which  was  preached  of  me 
is  not  after  man  :  for  I  neither  received 
it  of  man,  neither  was  I  taught  it,  but 
by  the  revelation  of  JESUS  Christ.  For 
ye  have  heard  of  my  conversation  in 
times  past  in  the  Jews'  religion,  how 
that  beyond  measure  I  persecuted  the 
Church  of  God,  and  wasted  it,  and  pro- 
fited in  the  Jews'  religion  above  many 
mine  equals  in  mine  own  nation, 
being  more  exceedingly  jealous  of  the 
traditions  of  my  fathers. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  The  Lord  is  at  my  right  hand,  I 
shall  never  be  moved.  Therefore  my 
heart  is  glad,  and  my  tongue  rejoiceth. 

Verse.  The  Lord  is  the  portion  of 
mine  inheritance,  and  of  my  cup. 

Answer.  Therefore  my  heart  is 
glad,  and  my  tongue  rejoiceth. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Therefore  my  heart  is 
glad,  and  my  tongue  rejoiceth. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Exposi- 
tion of  the  Epistle  to  the  Galatians 
by   St   Austin,   Bishop   [of  Hippo.] 

{Preface,  Bk.  iv. ) 

T^HE  reason  of  the  Apostle's  writing 
to  the  Galatians  was  this  :  that 
they  might  understand  that  the  grace 
of  God  had  worked  in  them  that  they 
were  no  longer  under  the  law.  For 
when  the  grace  of  the  Gospel  was 
preached  to  them,  there  had  not  been 
wanting  to  them  some  of  them  of  the 
circumcision,  Christians  indeed  in 
name,   but  who  had    not    yet    appre- 


hended that  great  benefit  of  grace, 
and  desiring  still  to  be  bound  with 
burdens  of  the  law — burdens  which  the 
Lord  God  had  laid,  not  upon  such  as 
serve  righteousness,  but  upon  such  as 
serve  sin,  laying,  that  is  to  say,  upon  the 
unrighteous  a  righteous  law,  whereby 
their  unrighteousness  was  made  mani- 
fest, not  taken  away.  For  there  is  not 
anything  which  taketh  away  sin,  save 
only  the  grace  of  faith  which  worketh 
by  love. 

Fourth  Responsory, 

2  O  Lord,  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 
evermore. 

Verse.  Thou  art  He  That  shalt 
restore  mine  inheritance  unto  me. 

Answer.  Thou  shalt  fill  me  with  joy 
in  Thy  presence,  at  Thy  right  hand 
there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

THESEmen  of  the  circumcision 
would  have  the  Galatians,  who 
were  under  grace,  to  be  under  the 
burdens  of  the  law,  persuading  them 
that  the  Gospel  profited  them  nothing, 
unless  they  should  be  circumcised, 
and  take  on  them  the  other  outward 
observances  of  the  Jews'  religion. 
Whence  the  Galatians  began  to  have 
doubts  of  the  Apostle  Paul,  by  whom 
the  Gospel  had  been  preached  to  them, 
as  one  that  held  not  the  doctrine  of  the 
other  Apostles,  who  compelled  the 
Gentiles  to  come  under  the  law. 


Fifth  Responsory. 

8  I  will  love  Thee,  O  Lord,  my 
strength  ;  the  Lord  is  my  rock,  and 
my  fortress. 


1  Ps.  xv.  9,  5. 


2  Ps.  xv.  10,  5. 


3  Ps.  xvii.  2. 


THIRD   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


383 


Verse.    My  Deliverer,  my  God,  mine 
Helper. 

Answer.   And  my  fortress. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T'HE  same  question  is  discussed 
in  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans, 
but  with  this  difference  :  in  that  case 
the  Apostle  putteth  an  end  to  the 
discussion,  and  stilleth  the  strife 
which  had  arisen  between  the  Jewish 
and  the  Gentile  converts,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  Jews  holding  that 
they  had  earned  the  knowledge  of 
the  Gospel  as  a  reward  for  their 
observance  of  the  law,  and  grudg- 
ing the  same  knowledge  to  the  un- 
circumcised,  as  to  men  who  had 
done  nothing  to  deserve  it ;  and 
the  Gentiles,  on  the  contrary,  main- 
taining that  they  were  superior  to 
the  Jews,  in  that  they  were  not 
the  murderers  of  the  Lord.  Now, 
in  this  Epistle  to  the  Galatians,  the 
Apostle  addresseth  himself  to  those 
who  were  troubled  by  the  authority 
claimed  by  them  who  were  of  the 
circumcision,  and  sought  to  bring 
into  subjection  to  the  law  them  who 
were  of  the  uncircumcision. 


Sixth  Responsory. 

1  The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the 
fulness  thereof — the  world,  and  they 
that  dwell  therein. 

Verse.  For  He  hath  founded  it 
upon  the  seas,  and  established  it  upon 
the  floods. 

Answer.  The  world,  and  they  that 
dwell  therein. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  world,  and  they  that 
dwell  therein. 

1  Ps.  xxiii.  r,  2. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew 
(viii.    1.) 

A  T  that  time :  When  Jesus  was 
come  down  from  the  moun- 
tain, great  multitudes  followed  Him  : 
and,  behold,  there  came  a  leper 
and  worshipped  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. 


Seventh  Responsory. 

2  Unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up 
my  soul.  O  my  God,  I  trust  in  Thee, 
let  me  not  be  ashamed. 

Verse.  O  keep  my  soul  and  deliver 
me. 

Answer.  O  my  God,  I  trust  in 
Thee,  let  me  not  be  ashamed. 

2  Ps.  xxiv.  i,  2,  20. 


384 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

"AND,  behold,  there  came  a  leper, 
'^^  and  worshipped  Him,  saying  : 
— "  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  lan- 
guage. 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  Infini- 
tive Active  and  the  Second  Person 
Singular  Present  Imperative  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  expres- 
sion of  volition,  "  I  will,"  then  the 
command,   "  Be  thou  clean." 

Eighth  Responsory. 

1  One  Seraph  cried  unto  another — 
Holy,  Holy,  Holy  is  the  LORD  God 
of  hosts :  the  whole  earth  is  full  of 
His  glory. 

Verse.  2  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, 

1  Isa.  vi.  3. 


and    to    the    Son,    and    to    the    Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  whole  earth  is  full 
of  His  glory. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  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 
so  often  brought  against  Him,  that  He 
was  unobservant  of  the  law. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

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. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  and  week. 

A  LMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God, 
"^^  mercifully  look  upon  our  infirm- 
ities, and  in  all  our  dangers  and  neces- 

2  1  John  v.  7. 


THIRD   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


385 


sities  stretch  forth  the  right  hand  of 
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. 


VESPERS. 

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. 


Qtlonbap. 

Second  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Galatians  (iii.  1.) 

r\  FOOLISH  Galatians,  who  hath 
^^  bewitched  you,  that  ye  should 
not  obey  the  truth,  before  whose  eyes 
Jesus  Christ  hath  been  evidently  set 
forth,  crucified  among  you  ?  This 
only  would  I  learn  of  you  :  Received 
ye  the  Spirit  by  the  works  of  the 
law,  or  by  the  hearing  of  faith  ? 
Are  ye  so  foolish,  that,  having  be- 
gun in  the  Spirit,  ye  are  now  made 
perfect  by  the  flesh  ?  Have  ye 
suffered  so  many  things  in  vain  ? 
if  it  be  yet  in  vain.  He  therefore 
that  ministereth  to  you  the  Spirit, 
and  worketh  miracles  among  you, 
doeth  He  it  by  the  works  of  the 
law,  or  by  the  hearing  of  faith  ?  As 
it  is  written  :  "  Abraham  believed  God, 
and  it  was  accounted  to  him  for 
righteousness."1 


First  Responsory. 
O  how  great,  &c,  (J>.  375.) 

Second  Lesson. 

jy'NOW  ye  therefore,  that  they 
which  are  of  faith,  the  same 
are  the  children  of  Abraham.  And 
the  Scripture,  foreseeing  that  God 
would  justify  the  heathen  through 
faith,  told  before  unto  Abraham  :  "In 
thee  shall  all  nations  be  blessed."2 
So  then,  they  which  be  of  faith  shall 
be  blessed  with  faithful  Abraham.  For 
as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the 
law,  are  under  the  curse.  For  it  is 
written :  "  Cursed  is  every  one  that 
continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are 
written  in  the  book  of  the  law,  to  do 
them."3 

Second  Responsory. 

0  God,  &c,  (p.  375.) 

Third  Lesson. 

DUT  that  no  man  is  justified  by  the 
law  in  the  sight  of  God  is  evi- 
dent, for  "the  just  liveth  by  faith."4 
And  the  law  is  not  of  faith  ;  but  "  the 
man  that  doeth  them  shall  live  in 
them."5  Christ  hath  redeemed  us 
from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being 
made  a  curse  for  us ;  (for  it  is 
written :  "  Cursed  is  every  one  that 
hangeth  on  a  tree : ") 6  that  the  bless- 
ing of  Abraham  might  come  upon 
the  Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ, 
that  we  might  receive  the  promise 
of  the  Spirit  through  faith. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  will  bless,  &c,  {p.  376.) 


1  Gen.  xv.  6. 
4  Hab.  ii.  4. 


2  Gen.  xii.  3. 
s  Lev.  xviii.  5. 


3  Deut.  xxvii.  26. 
6  Deut.  xxi.  23. 


386 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Galatians  (v.  i.) 

CTAND  fast,  and  be  not  entangled 
again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 
Behold  I,  Paul,  say  unto  you,  that,  if 
ye  be  circumcised,  Christ  shall  profit 
you  nothing.  For  I  testify  again  to 
every  man  that  circumciseth  himself, 
that  he  is  a  debtor  to  do  the  whole  law. 
Christ  is  become  of  no  effect  unto  you, 
whosoever  of  you  are  justified  by  the 
law :  ye  are  fallen  from  grace.  For 
we  in  spirit  by  faith  wait  for  the  hope 
of  righteousness. 

First  Responsory. 
O  God,  give  ear,  &c,  {p.  376.) 

Second  Lesson. 

T70R  in  Christ  JESUS  neither  cir- 
cumcision availeth  anything,  nor 
uncircumcision  ;  but  faith  which  work- 
eth  by  love.  Ye  did  run  well :  who 
did  hinder  you,  that  ye  should  not 
obey  the  truth  ?  This  persuasion 
cometh  not  of  Him  That  calleth  you. 
A  little  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole 
lump.  I  have  confidence  in  you  in 
the  Lord,  that  ye  will  be  none  other- 
wise minded.  But  he  that  troubleth 
you  shall  bear  his  judgment,  whoso- 
ever he  be. 

Second  Responsory. 
The  Lord  hath  set,  &c,  (p.  376.) 


Third  Lesson. 

AND  I,  brethren,  if  I  yet  preach 
*^^  circumcision,  why  do  I  yet  suffer 
persecution  ?  Then  is  the  offence  of 
the  Cross  ceased.  I  would  they  were 
even  cut  off  which  trouble  you.  For, 
brethren,  ye  have  been  called  unto 
liberty :  only  use  not  liberty  for  an 
occasion  to  the  flesh,  but  by  love  serve 
one  another.  For  all  the  law  is  ful- 
filled in  one  word :  "  Thou  shalt  love 
thy  neighbour  as  thyself."1  But  if  ye 
bite  and  devour  one  another,  take  heed 
that  ye  be  not  consumed  one  of  an- 
other. I  say  then :  Walk  in  the 
Spirit,  and  ye  shall  not  fulfil  the  lust 
of  the  flesh.  For  the  flesh  lusteth 
against  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit 
against  the  flesh  :  for  these  are  con- 
trary the  one  to  the  other,  so  that  ye 
do  not  the  things  that  ye  would. 

Third  Responsory. 
I  said,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Fourth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  2  Epistle  of  the 
Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the  Ephe- 
sians  (i.  1.) 

T3AUL,  an  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ, 
by  the  will  of  God,  to  all  the 
Saints  which  are  at  Ephesus,  and  to 
the  faithful  in  Christ  Jesus.  Grace 
be  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Blessed  be  the  God  and 
Father  of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ, 
Who  hath  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual 

1  Lev.  xix.  18. 

2  Abp.  Kenrick  says,  "This  letter  was  written  about  the  year  62,  when  the  Apostle  was,  the 
first  time,  a  prisoner  at  Rome." 


THIRD   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


387 


blessings  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ, 
according  as  He  hath  chosen  us  in 
Him  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world,  that  we  should  be  holy  and 
without  blame  before   Him  in  love. 


ye  were  sealed  with  the  Holy  Spirit  of 
promise,  Which  is  the  earnest  of  our 
inheritance,  until  the  redemption  of 
the  purchased  possession,  unto  the 
praise  of  His  glory. 


First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  {p.  377.) 


Third  Responsory. 
Unto  Thee,  &c,  (p.  378.) 


Second  Lesson. 

V\7"HO  hath  foreordained  us  unto 
the  adoption  of  children  by 
JESUS  Christ  to  Himself,  according  to 
the  good  pleasure  of  His  will,  to  the 
praise  of  the  glory  of  His  grace, 
wherein  He  hath  made  us  acceptable 
in  His  beloved  Son.  In  Whom  we 
have  redemption  through  His  Blood, 
'the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to 
the  riches  of  His  grace,  wherein  He 
hath  abounded  toward  us  in  all  wis- 
dom and  prudence :  that  He  might 
make  known  unto  us  the  mystery  of 
His  will,  according  to  His  good  pleas- 
ure, which  He  hath  purposed  in  Him- 
self, to  gather  together  in  one  all 
things  in  Christ,  both  which  are  in 
heaven,  and  which  are  on  earth,  in 
Him,  in  the  dispensation  of  the  fulness 
•of  times. 

Second  Responsory. 

My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  (p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T  N  Whom  we  also  have  been  called 
to  have  part,  being  predestinated 
according  to  the  purpose  of  Him  Who 
worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of 
His  own  will,  that  we  should  be  to  the 
praise  of  His  glory,  who  have  first 
trusted  in  Christ.  In  Whom  ye  also 
trusted,  after  that  ye  heard  the  word 
•of  truth,  (the  Gospel  of  your  salvation,) 
in  Whom  also,  after  that  ye  believed, 


£0ure&ap. 

Fifth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Ephesians  (iv.   1.) 

T  THEREFORE,  the  prisoner  in  the 
Lord,  beseech  you  that  ye  walk 
worthy  of  the  calling  wherewith  ye  are 
called,  with  all  lowliness  and  meek- 
ness, with  long  -  suffering,  forbearing 
one  another  in  love,  giving  diligence 
to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
bond  of  peace.  There  is  one  body 
and  one  Spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called 
in  one  hope  of  your  calling ;  one 
Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  God 
and  Father  of  all,  Who  is  above  all, 
and  through  all,  and  in  us  all. 

First  Responsory. 
In  Thee,  O  God,  &c,  {p.  378.) 

Second  Lesson. 

DUT  unto  every  one  of  us  is  given 
according  to  the  measure  of  the 
gift  of  Christ.  Wherefore  he  saith  : 
"  When  He  ascended  up  on  high,  He 
led  captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifts 
unto  men."  x  Now  that  He  ascended, 
what  is  it  but  that  He  also  descended 


1  Ps.  lxvii.  19. 


388 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


first  into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth  ? 
He  That  descended  is  the  Same  also 
That  ascended  up  far  above  all  heavens, 
that  He  might  fill  all  things. 

Second  Responsory. 
Let  my  mouth,  &c,  {p.  378.) 


A1 


Third  Lesson. 

ND  He  gave  some,  Apostles  ;  and 
some,  Prophets ;  and  some, 
Evangelists  ;  and  some,  Pastors  and 
Teachers,  for  the  perfecting  of  the 
Saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
for  the  building  up  of  the  body  of 
Christ :  till  we  all  come  into  the  unity 
of  the  faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of 
the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man, 
unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the 
fulness  of  Christ :  that  we  henceforth 
be  no  more  children,  tossed  to  and  fro, 
and  carried  about  with  every  wind  of 
doctrine,  by  the  sleight  of  men,  and 
craftiness,  after  the  wiles  of  error 
whereby  they  lie  in  wait  to  deceive. 
But,  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  may 
we  grow  up  into  Him  in  all  things 
Which  is  the  Head,  even  Christ. 

Third  Responsory. 
My  lips,  &c,  {p.  379.) 

Sixth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Ephesians  (v.  1.) 

DE  ye  therefore  followers  of  God,  as 

dear  children,  and  walk  in  love  ; 

as  Christ  also  hath  loved  us,  and  hath 


given  Himself  for  us,  an  offering  and 
a  sacrifice  to  God  for  a  sweet-smelling 
savour.  But  fornication,  and  all  un- 
cleanness  or  covetousness,  let  it  not  be 
even  named  among  you,  as  becometh 
Saints  ;  neither  filthiness,  nor  foolish 
talking,  or  jesting,  which  are  not  be- 
fitting, but  rather,  giving  of  thanks. 

First  Responsory. 
I  will  praise,  &c,  {p.  379.) 

Second  Lesson. 

~jp  OR  know  ye  and  understand  this  ; 
that  no  whoremonger,  nor  un- 
clean person,  nor  covetous  man,  who 
is  an  idolater,  hath  any  inheritance  in 
the  kingdom  of  Christ  and  of  God. 
Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  empty 
words :  for  because  of  these  things 
cometh  the  wrath  of  God  upon  the 
children  of  disobedience.  Be  not  ye 
therefore  partakers  with  them.  For  ye 
were  sometime  darkness,  but  now  are 
ye  light  in  the  Lord.  Walk  as  chil- 
dren of  light. 

Second  Responsory. 
Great,  O  Lord,  &c,  (p.  379.) 

Third  Lesson. 

"P  OR  the  fruit  of  light  is  in  all  good- 
ness, and  righteousness,  and 
truth ;  proving  what  is  acceptable 
unto  the  Lord.  And  have  no  fellow- 
ship with  the  unfruitful  works  of  dark- 
ness, but  rather  reprove  them.  For 
it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of  those 
things  which  are  done  of  them  in 
secret.  But  all  things  that  are  re- 
proved are  made  manifest  by  the 
light :  for  whatsoever  doth  make 
manifest  is  light.  Wherefore  he 
saith :     "  Awake,    thou    that    sleepest, 


THIRD   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


389 


and  arise  from  the  dead,  and  Christ 
shall  shine  upon  thee."  l 

Third  Responsory. 
The  Lord  is,  &c,  {p.  380.) 

The  Sabbath. 


doing  the  will  of  God  from  the  heart,, 
with  good  will  doing  service  as  to  the 
Lord,  and  not  to  men  :  knowing  that 
whatsoever  good  thing  any  man  doeth, 
the  same  shall  he  receive  of  the  Lord, 
whether  he  be  bond  or  free.  And, 
ye  masters,  do  the  same  things  unto 
them,  forbearing  threatening ;  know- 
ing that  both  their  and  your  Master  is 
in  heaven,  neither  is  there  respect  of 
persons  with  Him. 


MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Ephesians  (vi.  1.) 

/^HILDREN,  obey  your  parents  in 
the  Lord  ;  for  this  is  right. 
"  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother," 
which  is  the  first  commandment  with 
promise,  "that  it  may  be  well  with 
thee,  and  thou  mayest  live  long  on 
the  earth."2  And,  ye  fathers,  pro- 
voke not  your  children  to  wrath,  but 
bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord. 


First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Second  Lesson. 

CERVANTS,  be  obedient  to  them 
that  are  your  masters  according 
to  the  flesh,  with  fear  and  trembling, 
in  singleness  of  your  heart,  as  unto 
Christ ;  not  with  eye-service,  as  men- 
pleasers,  but  as  the  servants  of  Christ, 


Second  Responsory. 
My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson.    • 

T^INALLY,  my  brethren,  be  strong 
in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power 
of  His  might.  Put  on  the  whole  ar- 
mour of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to 
stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  deviL 
For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh  and 
blood,  but  against  principalities  and 
powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  dark- 
ness of  this  world,  against  spiritual 
wickedness  in  high  places.  Where- 
fore take  unto  you  the  whole  armour 
of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  with- 
stand in  the  evil  day,  and,  having 
done  all,   to  stand. 

Third  Responsory. 

Unto  Thee,    O   my   Strength,   &c.r 
{p.  378.) 

VESPERS. 

The  Prayer  is  taken  from  the  Lauds 
of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 


1  The  late  Dr  Neale  believed  this  to  be  a  quotation  from  an  ancient  Christian  hymn. 

2  Exod.  xx.  12  ;  Deuteron.  v.  16. 


39© 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


JFourtij  .Suntjag  after  tije 
(^pipfyang. 

The  Fourth  Lord's  Day  after  the 
Epiphany. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  1  Epistle  of  the 
Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the  Philip- 
pians  (i.  i.) 

TDAUL  and  Timothy,  the  servants  of 
Jesus  Christ,  to  all  the  saints  in 

Christ  JESUS  which  are  at  Philippi, 
with  the  Bishops  and  Deacons.  Grace 
be  unto  you  and  peace,  from  God  our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  JESUS 
Christ.  I  thank  my  God  upon  every 
remembrance  of  you,  always  in  every 
prayer  of  mine  for  you  all  making  re- 
quest with  joy,  for  your  fellowship  in 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  from  the  first 
day  until  now.  Being  confident  of 
this  very  thing,  that  He  Which  hath 
begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  per- 
form it  until  the  day  of  JESUS  Christ. 
Even  as  it  is  meet  for  me  to  think 
this  of  you  all,  because  I  have  you  in 
mine  heart,  inasmuch  as  both  in  my 
bonds,  and  in  the  defence  and  confir- 
mation of  the  Gospel,  ye  all  are  par- 
takers of  my  joy. 

First  Responsory. 

O   Lord,  rebuke  me  not,  &c,  {p. 
38i.) 


Second  Lesson. 


F' 


OR  God  is  my  witness,  how  greatly 
I  long  after  you  all  in  the  bowels 
of  JESUS  Christ.  And  this  I  pray, 
that  your  love  may  abound  yet  more 
and  more  in  knowledge  and  in  all 
judgment :  that  ye  may  approve  things 
that  are  excellent,  that  ye  may  be  sin- 
cere and  without  offence  till  the  day 
of  Christ,  being  filled  with  the  fruits 
of  righteousness  which  are  by  JESUS 
Christ,  unto  the  glory  and  praise  of 
God.  But  I  would  ye  should  under- 
stand, brethren,  that  the  things  which 
happen  unto  me  have  fallen  out  rather 
unto  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel  ; 
so  that  my  bonds  in  Christ  are 
manifest  in  all  the  court  and  in 
all  other  places,  and  many  of  the 
brethren  in  the  Lord,  waxing  con- 
fident by  my  bonds,  are  much  more 
bold  to  speak  the  word  of  God 
without   fear. 


Second  Responsory. 
O  God,  Which  satest,  &c,  {p.  381.) 

Third  Lesson. 

COME  indeed  preach  Christ  even 
of  envy  and  strife ;  and  some 
also  of  goodwill  ;  some  of  love,  know- 
ing that  I  am  set  for  the  defence  of 
the  Gospel,  and  some  preach  Christ 
of  contention,  not  sincerely,  supposing 
to  add  affliction  to  my  bonds.  What 
then  ?  While  Christ  is  preached  any 
way,  whether  in  pretence  or  in  truth, 
I  therein  will  rejoice,  yea,  and  do 
rejoice. 

1  Abp.  Kenrick  says,  "The  faithful  of  Philippi  cherished  at  all  times  a  tender  affection  for  [St 
Paul],-  and  cheerfully  contributed  to  his  wants,  especially  when  he  was  a  prisoner  at  Rome, 
whither  they  sent  their  offerings  by  the  hands  of  Epaphroditus,  who  was  probably  their  Bishop. 
Paul  showed  his  confidence  and  tender  regard  for  them  by  accepting  their  contributions,  which 
he  also  gratefully  acknowledged  in  this  epistle.  .  .  .  The  letter  was  written  in  the  year  62,  and 
forwarded  by  Epaphroditus.  It  is  believed  to  have  been  one  of  the  last  written  during  the 
first  imprisonment  of  the  Apostle  at  Rome,  as  it  indicates  confidence  that  he  would  soon  be 
set  at  liberty.' 


FOURTH   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


391 


W] 


Third  Responsory. 
The  Lord  is  at  my  right  hand,  &c, 

(A  382.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Moral  [Reflections  on  Job]  writ- 
ten by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (iv.  30.) 

rE  refresh  the  body  lest  it  should 
grow  too  weak  and  fail  us  ;  we 
chasten  it  by  abstinence,  lest  it  should 
wax  gross,  and  become  lord  over  us  ; 
we  strengthen  it  with  exercise,  lest  it 
perish  by  the  not  using  ;  and  straight- 
way we  give  it  rest,  lest  it  faint  through 
weariness  ;  we  succour  it  with  raiment, 
lest  the  cold  should  blight  it ;  and  we 
strip  it  of  the  raiment  wherewith  we 
have  clothed  it,  lest  the  heat  should 
afflict  it.  In  all  these  so  many  offices 
what  do  we  but  serve  the  corruptible  ? 
Upon  what  is  all  this  care  spent  but 
upon  that  wherover  hangeth  the  doom 
of  weakness  and  change  ? 

Fourth  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  Thou  hast  shown  me,  &c, 

{p.  382.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"\1  7"ELL  therefore  saith  Paul :  "  For 
the  creature  was  made  subject 
to  vanity,  not  willingly,  but  by  reason 
of  Him  Who  hath  subjected  the  same 
in  hope :  because  the  creature  itself 
also  shall  be  delivered  from  the 
bondage  of  corruption  into  the  glorious 
liberty  of  the  children  of  God."  (Rom. 
viii.  20.)  "The  creature  was  made 
subject  to  vanity,  not  willingly  " — for 
when  man  had  of  his  own  free  will 
abdicated  his  state  of  unchangeable 
blessedness,  the  just  sentence  of  death 
was  passed  upon  him,  and  whether  he 


willed  or  not,  he  became  subject  to  the 
state  of  change  and  corruption.  But 
"the  creature  itself  also  shall  be 
delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corrup- 
tion "  when  it  shall  rise  again  incor- 
ruptible and  be  made  partaker  of  the 
glory  of  the  children  of  God. 

Fifth  Responsory. 
I  will  love  Thee,  &c,  (p.  382.) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

TTERE,  then,  the  elect  are  still 
subject  to  sorrow,  being  yet 
bound  by  the  sentence  of  corruption  ; 
but  when  we  shall  have  put  off  this 
corruptible  we  shall  be  loosed  from 
that  sentence,  and  shall  sorrow  no 
more.  For  though  we  earnestly  desire 
to  appear  before  God,  we  are  still  hin- 
dered by  the  burden  of  this  dying  body. 
Rightly  then  are  we  called  prisoners, 
since  we  are  not  free  to  go  whither  we 
will,  that  is  to  say,  to  God ;  and 
rightly  did  the  prisoner  Paul,  yearning 
after  the  things  which  are  eternal,  and 
still  weighed  down  with  the  burden  of 
this  corruptible,  rightly  did  he  cry  out : 
"  I  have  a  desire  to  depart  and  to  be 
with  Christ."  (Phil.  i.  23.)  He  would 
not  have  felt  this  keenness  if  he  had 
not  felt  himself  bound  down. 

Sixth  Responsory. 
The  earth,  &c,  (p.  383.) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (viii. 

23-) 

A  T  that  time :  When  JESUS  was 
^*-  entered  into  a  ship,  His  disciples 
followed  Him  ;  and,  behold,  there  arose 


392 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


a  great  tempest  in  the  sea,  insomuch 
that  the  ship  was  covered  by  the  waves  : 
but  He  was  asleep.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem.]  (Bk.  i.  Comm.  on  Matth. 
viii.) 

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. 


Seventh  Responsory. 
Unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  &c,  (p.  383.) 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  T^UT  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. 


Eighth  Responsory. 
One  Seraph  cried,  &c,  {p.  384.) 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  T^UT  the  men  marvelled,  saying : 
What  manner  of  man  is  this, 
that  even  the  winds  and  the  sea  obey 
Him  ?  "  It  was  not  His  disciples  that 
marvelled,  but  the  sailors,  and  the 
others  that  were  in  the  ship.  tfr 
however,  any  one  willeth  to  with- 
stand 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 
deserve  to  be  stripped  of  the  title  of 
disciples,  and  to  be  called  simply 
"  the  men." 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  &c,  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

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. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  and  week. 

r\  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  overcome  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. 


FOURTH   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


393 


VESPERS. 


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 ! 


keep     your     hearts 
Christ  Jesus. 


and     minds     in 


Second  Responsory. 
O  God,  &c,  (J.  375-) 


Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Philippians  (iv.  i.) 

^THEREFORE,  my  brethren  dearly 
beloved  and  longed  for,  my  joy 
and  my  crown  ;  so  stand  fast  in  the 
Lord,  my  dearly  beloved.  I  beseech 
Euodia  and  entreat  Syntyche,  that 
they  be  of  the  same  mind  in  the  Lord. 
And  I  entreat  thee  also,  true  yoke- 
fellow,1 help  those  women  which 
laboured  with  me  in  the  Gospel,  with 
Clement 2  also,  and  with  other  my 
fellow-labourers,  whose  names  are  in 
the  book  of  life. 

First  Responsory. 
O  how  great,  &c,  {p.  375.) 

Second  Lesson. 


TDEJOICEinth 
I  say,  Rejoi( 


the  Lord  alway  :  again 
joice.  Let  your  moder- 
ation be  known  unto  all  men  :  for  the 
Lord  is  at  hand.  Be  careful  for 
nothing  ;  but  in  everything  by  prayer 
and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving, 
let  your  requests  be  made  known 
unto  God.  And  may  the  peace  of 
God,  which  passeth  all  understanding, 


Third  Lesson. 

T7INALLY,  brethren,  whatsoever 
things  are  true,  whatsoever 
things  are  honest,  whatsoever  things 
are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  holy, 
whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  what- 
soever things  are  of  good  report,  if 
there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there 
be  any  praise  of  obedience,  think 
on  these  things.  Those  things  which 
ye  have  both  learned,  and  received, 
and  heard,  and  seen  in  me,  do,  and 
the  God  of  peace  shall  be  with  you. 
But  I  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  greatly, 
that  now  at  the  last  your  care  of  me 
hath  flourished  again,  wherein  ye 
were  also  careful :  but  ye  lacked 
opportunity. 

Third  Responsory. 
I  will  bless,  &c,  {p.  376.) 

Third  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  Epistle  of  the 
Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the  3  Colos- 
sians  (i.  1.) 

TJAUL,  an  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ, 

by  the  will  of  God,  and  Timothy 

our  brother,  to  the  saints  and  faithful 

brethren   in  Christ  Jesus,  which  are 


1  A  very  common  opinion  is  that  this  is  the  Bishop,  the  bearer  of  the  letter. 

2  Afterwards  Pope.     Nov.  23. 

3  Abp.  Kenrick  says:  "The  letter  was  written  during  the  imprisonment  of  the  Apostle  at 
Rome,  about  the  year  62." 


394 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


at  Colossae.  Grace  be  unto  you  and 
peace  from  God  our  Father,  and  from 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  We  give 
thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  of  our 
Lord  JESUS  Christ,  praying  always  for 
you,  since  we  heard  of  your  faith  in 
Christ  JESUS,  and  of  the  love  which 
ye  have  to  all  the  Saints,  for  the  hope 
which  is  laid  up  for  you  in  heaven, 
whereof  ye  heard  before  in  the  word 
of  the  truth  of  the  Gospel,  which  is 
come  unto  you,  as  it  is  in  all  the 
world,  and  bringeth  forth  fruit,  and 
waxeth  strong,  as  it  doth  also  in  you, 
since  the  day  ye  heard  of  it,  and  knew 
the  grace  of  God  in  truth ;  as  ye 
also  heard  of  Epaphras  our  dear 
fellow-servant,1  who  is  for  you  a 
faithful  minister  of  Christ  JESUS  ; 
who  also  declareth  unto  us  your 
love  in  the  Spirit. 

First  Responsory. 
O  God,  give  ear,  &c,  (p.  376.) 

Second  Lesson. 

T^OR  this  cause  we  also,  since  the 
day  we  heard  it,  do  not  cease 
to  pray  for  you,  and  to  desire  that  ye 
may  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of 
His  will,  in  all  wisdom  and  spiritual 
understanding ;  that  ye  may  walk 
worthy  of  God,  in  all  pleasing,  being 
fruitful  in  every  good  work,  and  in- 
creasing in  the  knowledge  of  God  ; 
strengthened  with  all  might,  accord- 
ing to  His  glorious  power,  in  all 
patience  and  long  -  suffering,  giving 
thanks  with  joyfulness  unto  the 
Father,  Which  hath  made  us  meet 
to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of 
the   Saints  in  light. 

Second  Responsory. 
The  Lord  hath  set,  &c,  {p.  376.) 


Third  Lesson. 


W 


HO  hath  delivered  us  from  the 
power  of  darkness,  and  hath 
translated  us  into  the  kingdom  of  His 
dear  Son,  in  Whom  we  have  redemp- 
tion through  His  Blood,  even  the 
forgiveness  of  sins  :  Who  is  the  image 
of  the  invisible  God,  the  First-born 
of  every  creature  ;  for  by  Him  were 
all  things  created,  that  are  in  heaven, 
and  that  are  in  earth,  visible  and 
invisible,  whether  they  be  Thrones, 
or  Dominions,  or  Principalities,  or 
Powers ;  all  things  were  created  by 
Him,  and  in  Him,  and  He  is  before 
all,  and  in  Him  all  things  consist. 
And  He  is  the  Head  of  the  body  of 
the  Church  ;  Who  is  the  Beginning, 
the  First-born  from  the  dead. 

Third  Responsory. 
I  said,  &c,  (p.  377.) 

Fourth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Colossians  (iii.  12.) 

"DUT  on,  therefore,  as  the  elect  of 
God,  holy  and  beloved,  bowels 
of  mercy,  kindness,  humbleness,  meek- 
ness, long-suffering :  forbearing  one 
another,  and  forgiving  one  another, 
if  any  man  have  a  quarrel  against 
any  ;  even  as  the  Lord  hath  forgiven 
you,  so  also  do  ye.  And  above  all 
these  things  put  on  charity,  which  is 
the  bond  of  perfectness  ;  and  let  the 
peace  of  Christ  rule  in  your  hearts, 
to  the  which  also  ye  are  called  in  one 
body  ;  and  be  ye  thankful. 


1  Probably  their  Bishop,  (and  first  Apostle. 


FOURTH   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


395 


tinue  in  prayer,  and  watch  in  the  same 
with  thanksgiving. 

Third  Responsory. 
Unto  Thee,  &c,  (p.  378.) 

Fifth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  l  First  Epistle  of 
the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Thessalonians  (i.    1.) 

"DAUL,  and  Silvanus,  and  Timothy, 
unto  the  Church  of  the  Thes- 
salonians, which  is  in  God  the  Father, 
and  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Grace 
be  unto  you  and  peace.  We  give 
thanks  to  God  always  for  you  all, 
making  mention  of  you  in  our  prayers 
without  ceasing,  remembering  the  work 
of  your  faith,  and  labour,  and  love, 
and  patience  of  hope  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  in  the  sight  of  God  and 
our  Father  :  knowing,  brethren  beloved 
of  God,  your  election  ;  for  our  Gospel 
came  not  unto  you  in  word  only,  but 
also  in  power,  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  in  much  fulness,  as  ye  know  what 
manner  of  men  we  were  among  you 
for  your  sake. 

First  Responsory. 
In  Thee,  O  God,  &c,  {p.  378.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  ye  became  followers  of  us, 
"^^  and  of  the  Lord,  receiving  the 
word   in   much   affliction,  with  joy  of 

1  Abp.  Kenrick  says:  "This  letter  is  believed  to  be  the  first  of  [St  Paul's]  epistles.  It 
is  ascribed  to  the  close  of  the  year  51,  or  the  beginning  of  52 ;  though  some  date  it  as  late 
as  the  year  54." 


First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  {p.  577.) 

Second  Lesson. 

r  ET  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in 
you  richly,  in  all  wisdom,  teach- 
ing and  admonishing  one  another  in 
psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual 
songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your 
hearts  to  the  Lord.  Whatsoever  ye  do 
in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  Name 
of  the  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  giving 
thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  by 
Him.  Wives  submit  yourselves  unto 
your  own  husbands,  as  it  is  fit  in 
the  Lord.  Husbands,  love  your  wives, 
and  be  not  bitter  against  them. 
Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all 
things  :  for  this  is  well  pleasing  unto 
the  Lord.  Fathers,  provoke  not  your 
children  to  anger,  lest  they  be  dis- 
couraged. 

Second  Responsory. 
My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson. 

CERVANTS,  obey  in  all  things 
your  masters  according  to  the 
flesh,  not  with  eye-service,  as  men- 
pleasers,  but  in  singleness  of  heart, 
fearing  God.  Whatsoever  ye  do,  do 
it  heartily,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not 
unto  men,  knowing  that  of  the  Lord 
ye  shall  receive  the  reward  of  the 
inheritance.  Serve  the  Lord  Christ. 
For  he  that  doeth  wrong  shall  re- 
ceive for  the  wrong  which  he  hath 
done :  and  there  is  no  respect  of 
persons  with  God.  (iv.  1.)  Masters, 
give  unto  your  servants  that  which 
is  just  and  equal,  knowing  that  ye 
also  have  a  Master  in  heaven.      Con- 


396 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


the  Holy  Ghost,  so  that  ye  were 
ensamples  to  all  that  believe  in  Mace- 
donia and  Achaia.  For  from  you 
sounded  out  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
not  only  in  Macedonia  and  Achaia, 
but  also  in  every  place  your  faith 
to  God  -  ward  is  spread  abroad,  so 
that  we  need  not  to  speak  any- 
thing. For  they  themselves  show 
of  us  what  manner  of  entering  in 
we  had  unto  you ;  and  how  ye 
turned  to  God  from  idols,  to  serve 
the  living  and  true  God,  and  to  wait 
for  His  Son  from  heaven  (Whom 
He  raised  from  the  dead)  even 
JESUS,  Who  hath  delivered  us  from 
the  wrath  to  come. 


Second  Responsory. 
Let  my  mouth,  &c,  {p.  378.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T^OR  yourselves,  brethren,  know  our 
entrance  in  unto  you,  that  it  was 
not  vain  ;  but  even  after  that  we  had 
suffered  before,  and  were  shamefully 
entreated,  as  ye  know,  at  Philippi,1 
we  were  bold  in  our  God  to  speak 
unto  you  the  Gospel  of  God  with 
much  carefulness.  For  our  exhor- 
tation was  not  of  deceit,  nor  of  un- 
cleanness,  nor  in  guile :  but  as  we 
were  approved  of  God  to  be  put  in 
trust  with  the  Gospel,  even  so  we 
speak,  not  as  pleasing  men,  but  God, 
Which  trieth  our  hearts.  For  neither 
at  any  time  used  we  flattering  words, 
as  ye  know,  nor  made  occasion  of 
covetousness — God  is  witness  ;  nor  of 
men  sought  we  glory,  neither  of  you, 
nor  yet  of  others. 


Sixth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Thessalonians  (iv.  1.) 

pURTHERMORE,  then,  we  be- 
seech you,  brethren,  and  exhort 
you  by  the  Lord  JESUS,  that  as  ye 
have  received  of  us  how  ye  ought 
to  walk  and  to  please  God,  so  ye 
would  walk,  that  ye  may  abound 
more  and  more.  For  ye  know  what 
commandments  I  gave  you  by  the 
Lord  Jesus.  For  this  is  the  will  of 
God,  even  your  sanctification  ;  that  ye 
should  abstain  from  fornication,  that 
every  one  of  you  should  know  how 
to  possess  his  vessel  in  sanctification 
and  honour ;  not  in  the  passion  of 
lust,  even  as  the  Gentiles,  which  know 
not  God. 

First  Responsory. 
I  will  praise,  &c,  (p.  379.) 

Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  let  no  man  go  beyond,  nor  de- 
fraud his  brother  in  any  matter, 
because  that  the  Lord  is  the  avenger 
of  all  such,  as  we  have  forewarned 
you,  and  testified.  For  God  hath 
not  called  us  unto  uncleanness,  but 
unto  holiness.  He  therefore  that 
despiseth  [these  commands]  despiseth 
not  man,  but  God ;  Who  hath  also 
given  us   His   Holy  Spirit. 


Third  Responsory. 
My  lips,  &c,  {p.  379.) 


Second  Responsory. 

Great,  O  Lord,  &c,  {p.  379.) 
1  Acts  xvi.  21  et  seg. 


FOURTH  WEEK  AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


397 


Third  Lesson. 

DUT  as  touching  brotherly  love,  ye 
need  not  that  I  write  unto  you : 
for  ye  yourselves  are  taught  of  God 
to  love  one  another.  But  indeed  ye 
do  it  toward  all  the  brethren  which 
are  in  all  Macedonia.  But  we  beseech 
you,  brethren,  that  ye  increase  more 
and  more,  and  that  ye  study  to  be 
quiet,  and  to  do  your  own  business, 
and  to  work  with  your  own  hands, 
as  we  commanded  you ;  and  that  ye 
walk  honestly  toward  them  that  are 
without,  and  covet  no  man's  goods. 

Third  Respo?isory. 
The  Lord  is,  &c,  {p.  380.) 


and  faith,  in  all  your  persecutions 
and  tribulations  that  ye  endure,  as 
a  manifest  token  of  the  righteous 
judgment  of  God,  that  ye  may  be 
counted  worthy  in  the  kingdom  of 
God,   for  which  ye  also  suffer. 

First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  {p.  377-) 


Second  Lesson. 

IDUT  if  it  is  a  righteous  thing  with 
God  to  recompense  tribulation 
to  them  that  trouble  you ;  ye  who 
are  troubled  shall  receive  rest  with  us, 
when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  re- 
vealed from  heaven  with  His  mighty 
angels,  in  flaming  fire,  taking  ven- 
geance on  them  that  know  not  God, 
and  that  obey  not  the  Gospel  of  our 
Lord  JESUS  Christ :  who  shall  be 
punished  with  everlasting  destruction 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and 
from  the  glory  of  His  power,  when  He 
shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  His 
Saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them 
that  believe ;  because  our  testimony 
among  you  is  committed  for  proof 
to  that  day.  Wherefore  also  we  pray 
always  for  you,  that  our  God  would 
make  you  worthy  of  His  calling,  and 
fulfil  all  the  good  pleasure  of  His 
goodness,  and  the  work  of  faith  with 
power,  that  the  name  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  may  be  glorified  in  you, 
and  ye  in  Him,  according  to  the 
grace  of  our  God,  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

Second  Responsory. 

My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  (p.  377-) 

1  Abp.  Kenrick  says:  "The  preceding  letter,  especially  that  portion  of  it  which  referred 
to  the  last  judgment,  (iv.  13  et  seq.)  having  produced  a  deep  impression  on  the  Thessalonians, 
some  one  took  occasion  to  forge  another  in  the  name  of  the  Apostle,  announcing  that  the 
judgment  itself  was  at  hand.  The  report  of  the  terror  which  this  announcement  spread  soon 
reached  St  Paul,  who  "hastened  to  relieve  them  from  their  distressed  state  of  mind,  by  assuring 
them  that  a  great  apostacy  must  first  take  place,  and  the  great  enemy  of  Christ  must  appear, 
before  the  final  judgment  of  mankind.  He  did  not,  however,  fail  to  set  forth  this  event  in  all 
its  terrific  character,  &c." 


The  Sabbath. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  1  Second  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Thessalonians  (i.  1.) 

"DAUL,  and  Silvanus,  and  Timothy, 
unto  the  Church  of  the  Thes- 
salonians in  God  our  Father,  and  in 
the  Lord  JESUS  Christ.  Grace  unto 
you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father, 
and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  We  are 
bound  to  thank  God  always  for  you, 
brethren,  as  it  is  meet,  because  that 
your  faith  groweth  exceedingly,  and 
the  charity  of  every  one  of  you  all 
toward  each  other  aboundeth  :  so  that 
we  ourselves  glory  in  you  in  the 
Churches   of   God,    for    your   patience 


398 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Lesson,      (ii.) 

DUT  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  by 
the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  our  gathering  together 
in  Him,  that  ye  be  not  soon  shaken 
in  mind,  nor  be  troubled,  either  by 
spirit,  or  by  word,  or  by  letter,  as 
sent  by  us,  as  that  the  day  of  the 
Lord  is  at  hand.  Let  no  man  de- 
ceive you  by  any  means :  for  that 
day  shall  not  come  except  there  come 
falling-away  first,  and  that  man  of 
sin  be  revealed,  the  son  of  perdi- 
tion, who  opposeth  and  exalteth  him- 
self above  all  that  is  called  God, 
so  that  he  sitteth  in  the  temple  of 
God,  showing  himself  as  though  he 
were  God. 

Third  Responsory. 

Unto  Thee,    O   my   Strength,   &c, 
(A  378.) 

VESPERS. 

The  Prayer  is  taken  from  the  Lauds 
of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 


JFiftij  ^imfcajj  after  tije 
(fEptpfyanjL 

The  Fifth  Lord's  Day  after  the 
Epiphany. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  First  Epistle  of 
the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  Tim- 
othy,* (i.  i.) 

TJAUL,  an  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ, 

by    the    commandment   of    God 

our    Saviour,    and    Christ    Jesus    our 


hope  —  Unto  Timothy,  my  beloved 
son  in  the  faith — Grace,  mercy,  and 
peace  from  God  the  Father,  and  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord.  As  I  besought  thee 
to  abide  still  at  Ephesus,  when  I 
went  into  Macedonia,  that  thou  might- 
est  charge  some  that  they  teach  no 
other  doctrine,  neither  give  heed  to 
fables,  and  endless  genealogies,  which 
minister  questions,  rather  than  the 
edifying  which   is  of  God   in  faith. 

First  Responsory. 

O   Lord,  rebuke  me   not,  &c.    {p. 

38i.) 

Second  Lesson. 

TVT  OW  the  end  of  the  commandment 
is  charity,  out  of  a  pure  heart, 
and  of  a  good  conscience,  and  of  faith 
unfeigned.  From  which  some  having 
swerved  have  turned  aside  unto  vain 
jangling,  desiring  to  be  teachers  of 
the  law,  understanding  neither  what 
they  say,  nor  whereof  they  affirm. 
But  we  know  that  the  law  is  good, 
if  a  man  use  it  lawfully ;  knowing 
this,  that  the  law  is  not  made  for  a 
righteous  man,  but  for  the  lawless 
and  disobedient,  for  the  ungodly  and 
for  sinners,  for  unholy  and  profane, 
for  murderers  of  fathers  and  murderers 
of  mothers,  for  manslayers,  and  whore- 
mongers, for  them  that  defile  them- 
selves with  mankind,  for  men-stealers, 
for  liars  and  perjurers,  and  if  there 
be  any  other  thing  that  is  contrary 
to  sound  doctrine,  according  to  the 
glorious  Gospel  of  the  blessed  God, 
which  was  committed  to  my  trust. 


O    God, 
38i.) 


Second  Responsory. 

Which    satest,    &c,    (p. 


1  Jan.   24.     "This  letter,"  says  Abp.   Kenrick,  "is  assigned  by  Hug  to   Pentecost  of  the 
year  59,  although  others  more  generally  date  it  as  late  as  64." 


FIFTH    WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


399 


Third  Lesson. 

T  THANK  Him  Who  hath  enabled 
me,  even  our  Lord  the  Christ  of 
God,  for  that  He  counted  me  faithful, 
putting  me  into  the  ministry ;  who 
was  before  a  blasphemer,  and  a  per- 
secutor, and  injurious  ;  but  I  obtained 
the  mercy  of  God,  because  I  did  it 
ignorantly  in  unbelief.  And  the  grace 
of  our  Lord  was  exceeding  abundant 
with  faith  and  love  which  is  in  Christ 
JESUS.  This  is  a  faithful  saying, 
and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Christ  JESUS  came  into  this  world  to 
save  sinners,  of  whom  I  am  chief. 
Howbeit,  for  this  cause  I  obtained 
mercy,  that  in  me,  first,  JESUS  Christ 
might  show  forth  all  long-suffering, 
for  the  teaching  of  them  that  should 
hereafter  believe  on  Him,  to  life 
everlasting. 

Third  Responsory. 
The  Lord  is  at  my  right  hand,  &c, 

(A  382.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
{On  the  words  of  the  Apostles,  8.) 

"  ''"PHIS  is  a  saying  made  for  man,1 
and  worthy  of  all  acceptation, 
that  Christ  JESUS  came  into  this  world 
to  save  sinners."  Listen  to  the  words 
of  the  Gospel :  2 — "  The  Son  of  man  is 
come  to  seek,  and  to  save  that  which 
was  lost."  If  man  had  not  been  lost, 
the  Son  of  man  would  not  have  come. 
Wherefore,  man  had  been  lost ;  God 
came  made  Man,  and  man  was  found  ; 
man  had  perished  by  his  own  free 
will :  God  made  Man  came  by  grace 
which  setteth  free. 

1  This  is  the  reading  of  the  old  Latin  version. 


Fourth  Responsory. 

0  Lord,  Thou  hast  shown  me,  &c.,. 
(P.  382.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T^OST  thou  ask  how  free-will  avail- 
eth  to  evil  ?  Call  to  mind  a 
sinner — Dost  thou  ask  what  God  made 
Man  availeth  to  help  ?  Consider  in 
Him  the  grace  which  setteth  free. 
There  is  no  example  which  so  showeth 
what  availeth  the  free  will  of  man, 
when  it  is  taken  possession  of  by  pride, 
to  use  it  without  God's  help,  of  evil  is 
there  no  greater  and  plainer  example, 
than  the  first  man.  The  first  man 
fell :  and  where  had  he  been  if  the 
second  Man  had  not  come  ?  As  the 
first  was  man,  so  was  the  second  Man,. 
and  therefore  is  this  saying  a  saying. 
made  for  man. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1  will    love   Thee,    O    Lord,   &c, 

{p.  382.) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

1VT  EITHER  is  there  any  example 
which  so  showeth  what  availeth 
the  tenderness  of  the  grace  and  the 
abundance  of  the  All-might  of  God,  as 
the  Man  That  is  the  Mediator  between 
God  and  men,  the  Man  Christ  Jesus. 
For  what  do  we  say,  my  brethren  ?  I 
speak  to  them  that  have  been  bred  up 
in  the  Catholic  Church,  or  who  have 
been  reconciled  to  that  Church.  We 
know  and  hold  that  the  Mediator 
between  God  and  men,  the  Man 
Christ  JESUS,  as  touching  His  Man- 
hood, is  of  the  same  nature  as  we. 
For  our  flesh  is  not  of  one  nature,  and 
His  Flesh  of  another  nature,  neither 
our  soul  of  one  nature  and  His  Soul 
of  another  nature.  He  took  upon 
Himself  the  same  nature  which  He 
had  freely  ordained  to  save. 

2  Matth.  xviii.  11. 


4<X> 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Sixth  Responsory. 

The    earth    is    the    Lord's,    &c. 
<A  383-) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson   is   taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xiii. 

24.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  put  forth  unto 

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.  Evati.  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. 

Seventh  Responsory. 
Unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  &c,  {p.  383.) 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T3UT  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  com- 
mon 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. 

Eighth  Responsory. 
One  Seraph  cried,  &c,  {p.  384.) 

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 
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  believe  the  truth,  but  live 
not  as  they  believe. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  &c,  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

Antiphon  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. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  and  week. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee  to  keep 
^"^  Thy  family  continually  in  godli- 
ness, that  they  who  do  lean  only  upon 


FIFTH   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


40I 


the  hope  of  Thine  heavenly  grace,  may 
evermore  be  defended  by  Thy  mighty 
power.  Through  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ  Thy  Son,  Who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

VESPERS. 

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. 

Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  Timothy  (iii.  1.) 

'T^HIS  is  a  true  saying:  If  a  man 
desire  the  office  of  a  Bishop,  he 
desireth  a  good  work.  A  Bishop  then 
must  be  blameless,  the  husband  of  one 
wife,  sober,,  prudent,  of  good  behaviour, 
modest,  given  to  hospitality,  apt  to 
teach,  not  given  to  wine,  no  striker, 
but  patient ;  not  a  brawler,  not  cove- 
tous ;  one  that  ruleth  well  his  own 
house  ;  having  his  children  in  subjec- 
tion with  all  modesty.  For  if  a  man 
know  not  how  to  rule  his  own  house, 
how  shall  he  take  care  of  the  Church 
of  God  ?  Not  a  novice,  lest  being 
lifted  up  with  pride,  he  fall  into  the 
condemnation  of  the  devil.  Moreover, 
he  must  have  a  good  report  of  them 
which  are  without,  lest  he  fall  into 
reproach,  and  the  snare  of  the  devil. 


Second  Lesson. 

T  IKEWISE  must  the  Deacons  be 
chaste,  not  double-tongued,  not 
given  to  much  wine,  not  greedy  of 
filthy  lucre,  holding  the  mystery  of  the 
faith  in  a  pure  conscience.  And  let 
these  also  first  be  proved ;  then  let 
them  use  the  office  of  a  Deacon,  being 
found  blameless.  Even  so  must  the 
women  1  be  grave,  not  slanderers, 
sober,  faithful  in  all  things.  Let  the 
Deacons  be  the  husbands  of  one  wife  ; 
ruling  their  children  and  their  own 
houses  well.  For  they  that  have  used 
the  office  of  a  Deacon  well,  purchase 
to  themselves  a  good  degree,  and 
great  boldness  in  the  faith,  which  is 
in  Christ  Jesus. 

Second  Respo?isory. 
O  God,  &c,  (/.  375.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T^HESE  things  write  I  unto  thee, 
hoping  to  come  unto  thee  short- 
ly ;  but  if  I  tarry  long,  that  thou 
mayest  know  how  thou  oughtest  to 
behave  thyself  in  the  house  of  God, 
which  is  the  Church  of  the  living 
God,  the  pillar  and  ground  of  the 
truth.  And,  without  controversy, 
great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness, 
which  was  manifest  in  the  flesh, 
justified  in  the  Spirit,  seen  of  Angels, 
preached  unto  the  Gentiles,  believed 
on  in  the  world,  received  up  into 
glory,  (iv.  1.)  But  the  Spirit  speak- 
eth  expressly  that  in  the  latter  times 
some  shall  depart  from  the  faith, 
giving  heed  to  seducing  spirits,  and 
doctrines  of  devils. 


First  Responsory.  Third  Responsory. 

O  how  great,  &c,  {p.  375.)  I  will  bless,  &c,  {p.  376.) 

1  Probably  Deaconesses. 


402 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  l  Second  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to 
Timothy  (i.  i.) 

DAUL,  an  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ, 
by  the  will  of  God,  according  to 
the  promise  of  life  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus,  to  Timothy,  my  dearly  beloved 
son,  grace,  mercy,  and  peace  from 
God  the  Father,  and  Christ  JESUS  our 
Lord.  I  thank  God,  Whom  I  serve 
from  my  forefathers  with  pure  con- 
science, that  without  ceasing  I  have 
remembrance  of  thee  in  my  prayers, 
night  and  day  greatly  desiring  to  see 
thee,  being  mindful  of  thy  tears,  that 
I  may  be  filled  with  joy,  when  I  call 
to  remembrance  the  unfeigned  faith 
that  is  in  thee,  which  dwelt  first  in 
thy  grandmother  Lois,  and  thy  mother 
Eunice"  ;  and  I  am  persuaded  that  in 
thee  also. 

First  Responsory. 
O  God,  give  ear,  &c,  {p.  376.) 

Second  Lesson. 

V^HEREFORE,  I  put  thee  in  re- 
membrance that  thou  stir  up 
the  gift  of  God  which  is  in  thee  by 
the  putting  on  of  my  hands.  For 
God  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of 
fear,  but  of  power,  and  of  love,  and  of 
soberness.  Be  not  thou  therefore 
ashamed  of  the  testimony  of  our  Lord, 
nor  of  me  His  prisoner  :  but  be  thou 
partaker  of  the  afflictions  of  the  Gos- 
pel according  to  the  power  of  God, 
Who    hath    saved    us,    and   called   us 

1  Archbishop  Kenrick  says,  —  "  The  mention  of  the  approaching  consummation  of  [St  Paul's] 
ministry  in  the  last  chapter,  and  some  facts  .  .  .  ,  have  induced  the  general  opinion  that  this 
was  the  last  letter  from  his  pen." 


with  His  holy  calling,  not  according 
to  our  works,  but  according  to  His 
own  purpose  and  grace  which  was 
given  us  in  Christ  JESUS  before  the 
world  began. 

Second  Responsory. 
The  Lord  hath  set,  &c,  {p.  376.) 

Third  Lesson. 

TDUT  it  is  now  made  manifest  by 
the  light  of  our  Saviour  JESUS 
Christ,  Who  hath  abolished  death, 
and  hath  brought  life  and  immortality 
to  light  through  the  Gospel,  where- 
unto  I  am  appointed  a  preacher,  and 
an  Apostle,  and  a  teacher  of  the 
Gentiles.  For  the  which  cause  I  also 
suffer  these  things  ;  nevertheless  I  am 
not  ashamed.  For  I  know  Whom  I 
have  believed,  and  am  persuaded  that 
He  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have 
committed  unto  Him  against  that  day. 
Hold  fast  the  form  of  sound  words 
which  thou  hast  heard  of  me,  in  faith 
and  love  which  is  in  Christ  JESUS. 

Third  Responsory. 
I  said,  &c,  (p.  377.) 

(JOe&neefcap. 

Fourth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  Timothy  (iii.   1.) 

'"PHIS   know   also,    that   in    the  last 

days  perilous  times  shall  come  : 

for  men  shall  be  lovers  of  their  own 


FIFTH   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


403 


selves,  covetous,  boasters,  proud,  blas- 
phemers, disobedient  to  parents,  un- 
thankful, unholy,  without  natural  affec- 
tion, contentious,  false  accusers,  in- 
continent, fierce,  discourteous,  traitors, 
heady,  high  -  minded,  and  lovers  of 
pleasure  more  than  lovers  of  God  ; 
having  a  form  of  godliness,  but  deny- 
ing the  power  thereof.  And  from 
such  turn  away. 

First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Second  Lesson. 

T^OR  of  this  sort  are  they  which 
creep  into  houses,  and  lead 
captive  silly  women  laden  with  sins, 
led  away  with  divers  lusts,  ever 
learning  and  never  able  to  come  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  Now, 
as  Jannes  and  Mambres 1  withstood 
Moses,  so  do  these  also  resist  the 
truth,  men  of  corrupt  minds,  repro- 
bate concerning  the  faith :  but  they 
shall  proceed  no  further ;  for  their 
folly  shall  be  manifest  unto  all  men, 
as  theirs  also  was. 


Second  Responsory. 
My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T3UT  thou  hast  been  a  diligent  fol- 
lower   of  my    doctrine,    manner 
■of    life,    purpose    of    faith,    long-suf- 
fering, charity,  patience,  persecutions, 
afflictions,    which    came    unto    me    at 

1  According  to  Jewish  tradition,  they  were  warlocks,  disciples  of  Balaam,  who  were  called 
in  by  Pharaoh  to  oppose  Moses  in  Egypt,  and  who  afterwards  accompanied  Balaam  when 
he  went  to  curse  Israel.  The  form  ot  their  names  slightly  varies.  Accepted  Greek,  and 
Vatican  Codex.  "Jannes  and  Jambres,"  Midrash  Rabbah,  "Yuchni  and  Mamre","  Jonathan 
ben  Uzziel,   "Yanis  and  Yambris,"  or  "Yamreh." 

2  Acts  xiii.  50 — xiv.  19. 

3  A  Gentile  disciple,  and  (probably)  convert,  of  St  Paul,  by  whom  he  was  made  Bishop  in 
-Crete.     See  Alban  Butler.     Jan.  4. 


Antioch,2  Iconium,  and  Lystra,  what 
persecutions  I  endured ;  but  out  of 
them  all  the  Lord  delivered  me. 
Yea,  and  all  that  will  live  godly  in 
Christ  JESUS  shall  suffer  persecution. 
But  evil  men  and  seducers  shall 
wax  worse  and  worse,  deceiving  and 
being  deceived. 

Third  Responsory. 
Unto  Thee,  &c,  {p.  378.) 

Fifth  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

Here    beginneth    the    Epistle    of  the 
Blessed    Apostle    Paul     to    3  Titus 

(i.  1.) 

TDAUL,  a  servant  of  God,  and  an 
Apostle  of  JESUS  Christ,  accord- 
ing to  the  faith  of  God's  elect,  and  the 
acknowledging  of  the  truth  which  is 
after  godliness,  in  hope  of  eternal  life 
which  God,  That  cannot  lie,  promised 
before  the  world  began,  but  hath  in 
His  own  times  manifested  His  word 
through  preaching,  which  is  com- 
mitted unto  me  according  to  the  com- 
mandment of  God  our  Saviour ;  to 
Titus,  my  beloved  son  after  the  com- 
mon faith  ;  grace  unto  thee,  and  peace, 
from  God  the  Father,  and  JESUS 
Christ  our  Saviour. 

First  Responsory. 
In  Thee,  O  God,  &c,  {p.  378.) 


404 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF   THE   SEASON. 


Second  Lesson. 

T7OR  this  cause  left  I  thee  in  Crete, 
that  thou  shouldest  set  in  order 
the  things  that  are  wanting,  and  or- 
dain Priests  in  every  city,  as  also  I 
have  appointed  thee.  If  any  be 
blameless,  the  husband  of  one  wife, 
having  faithful  children,  not  accused 
of  riot  or  unruly.  For  a  Bishop  must 
be  blameless,  as  the  steward  of  God, 
not  proud,  not  soon  angry,  not  given 
to  wine,  no  striker,  not  given  to  filthy 
lucre ;  but  a  lover  of  hospitality, 
courteous,  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate, 
holding  fast  the  faithful  word  as  he 
hath  been  taught ;  that  he  may  be 
able  by  sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort 
and  to  convince  the  gainsayers. 


Second  Responsory. 
Let  my  mouth,  &c,  (p.  378.) 

Third  Lesson. 

"C7  OR  there  are  also  many  unruly,  vain 
talkers  and  deceivers,  specially 
they  of  the  circumcision ;  whose 
mouths  must  be  stopped ;  who  sub- 
vert whole  houses,  teaching  things 
which  they  ought  not,  for  filthy  lucre's 
sake.  One  of  themselves,  even  a 
prophet  of  their  own,1  said  :  "  The 
Cretans  are  always  liars,  evil  beasts, 
slow  bellies."  This  witness  is  true. 
Wherefore  rebuke  them  sharply,  that 
they  may  be  sound  in  the  faith,  not 
giving  heed  to  Jewish  fables,  and 
commandments  of  men,  that  turn  from 
the  truth.  Unto  the  pure  all  things 
are  pure ;  but  unto  them  that  are  de- 
filed and  unbelieving  is  nothing  pure. 


Sixth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  Titus 

(ii.  15.) 

''"PHESE  things  speak,  and  exhort, 
and  rebuke  with  all  authority. 
Let  no  man  despise  thee.  (iii.  1.) 
Put  them  in  mind  to  be  subject  to 
princes  and  powers,  to  obey  orders, 
to  be  ready  to  every  good  work,  to 
speak  evil  of  no  man,  to  be  no 
brawlers,  but  gentle,  showing  all 
meekness  unto  all  men. 

First  Responsory. 
I  will  praise,  &c,  {p.  379.) 

Second  Lesson. 

T7OR  we  ourselves  also  were  some- 
times foolish,  unbelieving,  de- 
ceived, serving  divers  lusts  and  pleas- 
ures, living  in  malice  and  envy,  hate- 
ful, and  hating  one  another.  But 
after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of 
God  our  Saviour  appeared,  not  by 
works  of  righteousness  which  we  have 
done,  but  according  to  His  mercy  He 
saved  us,  by  the  laver  of  regeneration, 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Which  He  shed  on  us  abundantly 
through  JESUS  Christ  our  Saviour: 
that,  being  justified  by  His  grace,  we 
should  be  made  heirs,  according  to  the 
hope  of  eternal  life. 


Third  Responsory. 
My  lips,  &c,  {p.  379O 


Second  Responsory. 

Great,  O  Lord,  &c,  (/.  379. 
1  Epimenides. 


FIFTH   WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


405 


Third  Lesson. 

'"PHIS  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  these 
things  I  will  that  thou  affirm 
constantly,  that  they  which  have  be- 
lieved in  God  should  be  careful  to 
maintain  good  works.  These  things 
are  good  and  profitable  unto  men. 
But  avoid  foolish  questions,  and  gene- 
alogies, contentions,  and  strivings 
about  the  law  ;  for  they  are  unpro- 
fitable and  vain.  A  man  that  is  an 
heretic  after  the  first  and  second 
admonition  avoid,  knowing  that  he 
that  is  such  is  subverted,  and  sinneth, 
being  condemned  of  his  own  judg- 
ment. 

Third  Responsory. 
The  Lord  is,  &c,  (p.  380.) 


The  Sabbath. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  Epistle  of  the  Bles- 
sed Apostle  Paul  to  Philemon  (1.) 

T)AUL,  a  prisoner  of  JESUS  Christ, 
and  Timothy  our  brother,  unto 
Philemon  our  dearly  beloved  and 
fellow-labourer,  and  to  our  beloved 
sister  Appia,  and  Archippus  our  fellow- 
soldier,  and  to  the  Church  in  thine 
house.  Grace  to  you,  and  peace, 
from  God  our  Father  and  the  Lord 
JESUS  Christ.  I  thank  my  God,  mak- 
ing mention  of  thee  always  in  my 
prayers,  hearing  of  thy  love,  and  faith 
which  thou  hast  toward  the  Lord 
JESUS,  and  toward  all  saints  :  that  the 
communication  of  thy  faith  may  be- 
come evident  by  the  acknowledging  of 
every  good  work  which  is  in  you  in 
Christ  Jesus. 


First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  (p.  377.) 

Second  Lesson. 

T^OR  I  have  had  great  joy  and  con- 
solation in  thy  love,  because  the 
bowels  of  the  saints  are  refreshed  by 
thee,  brother.  Wherefore,  though  I 
might  be  much  bold  in  Christ  to  enjoin 
thee  that  which  is  convenient,  yet  for 
love's  sake  I  rather  beseech  thee,  being 
such  an  one  as  Paul  the  aged,  and 
now  also  a  prisoner  of  JESUS  Christ. 
I  beseech  thee  for  my  son  Onesimus,1 
whom  I  have  begotten  in  my  bonds, 
which  in  time  past  was  to  thee  unpro- 
fitable, but  now  profitable  to  thee,  and 
to  me,  whom  I  have  sent  again  to 
thee. 

Second  Responsory. 
My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T~^HOU  therefore  receive  him  as 
mine  own  bowels  ;  whom  I 
would  have  retained  with  me,  that  in 
thy  stead  he  might  have  ministered 
unto  me  in  the  bonds  of  the  Gospel : 
but  without  thy  mind  would  I  do  noth- 
ing, that  thy  benefit  should  not  be,  as 
it  were,  of  necessity,  but  willingly. 
For  perhaps  he  therefore  departed  for 
a  season  from  thee,  that  thou  shouldest 
receive  him  for  ever  ;  not  now  as  a 
servant,  but,  instead  of  a  servant,  a 
brother  beloved,  specially  to  me  ;  but 
how  much  more  unto  thee,  in  the  flesh, 
and  in  the  Lord  ?  If  thou  count  me 
therefore  a  partner,  receive  him  as 
myself.  If  he  hath  wronged  thee,  or 
oweth  thee  aught,  put  that  on  mine 
account.  I,  Paul,  have  written  it  with 
mine  own  hand. 


1  A  run-away  slave. 


VOL.  I. 


4o6 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE   SEASON. 


Third  Responsory. 
Unto    thee,    O    my    Strength,    &c, 

(A  378.) 

VESPERS. 

The  Prayer  is  taken  from  the  Lands 
of  the  succeeding  Sunday. 


Sixty  Simfcag  after  tfte 
SEpqrfjaniJ- 

The  Sixth  Lord's  Day  after  the 
Epiphany. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  Epistle  of  the 
Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the  Heb- 
rews (i.    1.) 

/^*OD,  Who  at  sundry  times1  and  in 
^-^  divers  manners  spake  in  time 
past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  Prophets, 
hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto 
us  by  His  Son,  Whom  He  hath 
appointed  Heir  of  all  things,  by  Whom 
also  He  made  the  worlds  :  Who,  be- 
ing the  brightness  of  His  glory,  and 
the  express  image  of  His  Substance, 
and  upholding  all  things  by  the  word 
of  His  power,  when  He  had  purged 
our  sins,  sat  down  on  the  right  hand 
of  the  Majesty  on  high  :  being  made 
so  much  better  than  the  angels,  as  He 
hath  by  inheritance  obtained  a  more 
excellent  name  than  they. 


Second  Lesson. 

T^OR  unto  which  of  the  angels  said 
He  at  any  time  :  "  Thou  art  My 
Son,  this  day  have  I  begotten  Thee  ? "  2 
And  again :  "  I  will  be  to  Him  a 
Father,  and  He  shall  be  to  Me  a 
Son  ?  "  3  And  again,  when  He  bring- 
eth  in  the  First-begotten  into  the 
world,  He  saith  :  "  And  let  all  the 
angels  of  God  worship  Him."4  And 
of  the  angels  He  saith  :  "  Who  maketh 
His  angels  spirits,  and  His  ministers  a 
flame  of  fire."5  But  unto  the  Son  He 
saith :  "  Thy  throne,  O  God,  is  for 
ever  and  ever  :  a  sceptre  of  righteous- 
ness is  the  sceptre  of  Thy  kingdom. 
Thou  hast  loved  righteousness  and 
hated  iniquity :  therefore  God,  even 
Thy  God,  hath  anointed  Thee  with  the 
oil  of  gladness  above  Thy  fellows."6 

Second  Responsory. 
O  God,  Which  satest,  &c,  {p.  381.) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND:  "Thou,  Lord,  in  the  begin- 
"^  ning  hast  laid  the  foundation  of 
the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the 
works  of  Thine  hands.  They  shall 
perish,  but  Thou  remainest ;  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."7  But  to  which  of  the 
angels  said  He  at  any  time :  "  Sit 
Thou  at  My  right  hand,  until  I  make 
Thine  enemies  Thy  footstool  ?  "  8  Are 
they  not  all  ministering  spirits,  sent 
forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall 
be  heirs  of  salvation  ? 


O     God, 

(A  381.) 

1  [iro\vntp£>s.  ] 
&  Ps.  ciii.  4. 


First  Responsory. 
rebuke     me     not, 


2  Ps.  ii.  7. 

6  Ps.  xliv.  7,  8. 


Third  Responsory. 

&.c,  The  Lord  is  at  My  right  hand,  &c, 

(P.  382.) 


3  2  Kings  (Sam.)  vii.  14. 
7  Ps.  ci.  25-28. 


*  Ps.  xcvi.  7. 
8  Ps.  cix.  1. 


SIXTH   WEEK   AFTER    EPIPHANY. 


407 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  1  St  Athanasius,  Pope  [of  Alex- 
andria. ]     ( 2  nd  against  the  A  rians. ) 

T  F  the  heretics  had  but  known  the 
person,  the  matter,  and  the  times 
of  the  Apostle  who  spoke,  they  would 
never  have  spoken  of  Godhead  as  if  It 
were  human,  nor  borne  themselves  so 
wickedly,  and  withal  so  foolishly  against 
Christ.  It  will  be  permitted  to  us  to 
return,  and  to  take  again  the  first 
words  of  the  Lesson.  The  Apostle 
then  saith :  "  God,  Who  at  sundry 
times  and  in  divers  manners,  spake  in 
time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the 
Prophets,  hath  in  these  last  days  spoken 
unto  us  by  His  Son " — and  again, 
a  little  farther  on:  "When  the  Son 
had  purged  our  sins,  He  sat  down  on 
the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high  : 
being  made  so  much  better  than  the 
angels  as  He  hath  by  inheritance 
obtained  a  more  excellent  name  than 
they."  The  Apostle  here  expressly 
nameth  the  times  wherein  God  hath 
spoken  unto  us  by  His  Son,  and 
wherein  the  Same  His  Son  hath 
purged  our  sins  ;  for  when  hath  He 
spoken  unto  us  by  His  Son,  when  did 
the  Son  purge  our  sins,  or  when  was 
He  born  a  Man,  but  since  God  spake 
unto  the  Fathers  by  the  Prophets, 
namely,   in  these  last  days  ? 

Fourth  Responsory. 
O  Lord,  Thou  hast  shown  me,  &c, 

(A  382.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

*~pHE  Apostle,  about  to  enter  on  the 
subject  of  the  Word's  human  dis- 
pensation and  the  last  days,  naturally 
mentioneth  first  that  God  had  not  up 
to    those   days   been   silent,    but    had 


spoken  unto  the  fathers  by  the 
Prophets  :  and,  after  the  Prophets  had 
discharged  their  office,  and  the  law  had 
been  given  by  the  ministry  of  angels, 
that  the  Son  also  came  down  unto  us 
to  minister — and  then  he  addeth, 
"  being  made  so  much  better  than  the 
angels,"  to  show  that  as  the  Son 
differeth  from  a  servant,  so  is  the 
ministry  of  the  Son  better  than  the  duty 
and  office  of  servants. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

I  will  love  Thee,  O  Lord,  &c,  {p. 
382.) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T'HE  Apostle,  therefore,  seeing  the 
difference  between  the  new 
ministry  and  the  old,  maketh  very  bold 
in  writing  and  speaking  to  the  Jews. 
For  this  cause,  therefore,  he  doth  not 
compare  the  details  of  the  two  minis- 
tries, and  then  come  to  the  general 
conclusion  that  the  new  was  greater  or 
more  honourable  than  the  old,  (lest  any 
should  understand  that  the  two  minis- 
tries were  of  the  same  kind,  and  that 
the  conclusion  that  the  new  is  better  is 
arrived  at  by  comparing  the  degrees  in 
each  of  things  which  they  had  in 
common,)  but  he  saith  that  the  Son 
"was  made  better,"  to  distinguish  at 
once  and  completely  the  nature  of  the 
Son  from  the  nature  of  things  created. 

Sixth  Responsory. 
The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  &c,  (p. 

383.) 

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 


May  2. 


408 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


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-) 
Therefore  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. 


Seventh  Responsory. 
Unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  &c,  {p.  383.) 

Eighth  Lesson. 

\ \J HO  is  he  that  soweth,  but  our  own 
*  *  mind  and  soul,  which  take  the 
grain  from  preaching,  and  by  nourish- 
ing 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  elo- 
quence, and  their  rounded  sentences, 
and  thou  shalt  see  how  the  grain  of 
the  Gospel,  when  it  is  sown,  is  the 
humblest  of  all  seeds. 


Eighth  Responsory. 
One  Seraph  cried,  &c,  {p.  384.) 


B 


Ninth  Lesson. 

UT  when  the  doctrines  of  men 
grow  up,  there  is  therein  nothing 
piercing,  nothing  healthy,  nothing  life- 
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. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  &c,  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

Antiphoti  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. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  and  week. 

f^RANT  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 


SIXTH    WEEK   AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


409 


Son,  Who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
One  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


VESPERS. 


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. 


confidence,  and  the  glory  of  the  hope, 
firm  unto  the  end.  Wherefore,  as  the 
Holy  Ghost  saith  :  "  To-day  if  ye  will 
hear  His  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts  ; 
as  in  'the  Provocation,'  and  as  in 
the  day  '  of  Temptation '  in  the 
wilderness." 

Second  Responsory. 
O  God,  &c,  (p.  375-) 


Qtlonfcap. 

Second  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews  (iii.  1.) 

VXTHEREFORE,  holy  brethren,  par- 
takers of  the  heavenly  calling, 
consider  the  Apostle  and  High  Priest 
of  our  confession,  even  JESUS  ;  Who  is 
faithful  to  Him  That  hath  appointed 
Him,  as  also  Moses  was  faithful  in  all 
His  house.  For  He  was  counted 
worthy  of  more  glory  than  Moses, 
inasmuch  as  He  Who  hath  builded 
the  house  hath  more  honour  than  the 
house.  For  every  house  is  builded  by 
some  one  ;  but  He  That  hath  made  all 
things,  is  God. 


First  Responsory. 

0  how  great,  &c,  {p.  375.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  Moses  verily  was  faithful  in 
all  His  house,  as  a  servant,  for 
a  testimony  of  those  things  which  were 
to  be  spoken  after :  but  Christ,  as  a 
Son,  over  His  own  house ;  which 
house    we    are,    if  we    hold    fast    the 

1  See  v.  6. 

2  [The  Hebrew  bears  the  translation :  For 
did  not  all  they  that  came  out  of  Egypt  by 


Third  Lesson. 

HPAKE  heed,  brethren,  lest  there  be 
in  any  of  you  an  evil  heart  of 
unbelief,  in  departing  from  the  living 
God  ;  but  exhort  one  another  daily, 
while  it  is  called  "To-day,"  lest  any 
of  you  be  hardened  through  the  de- 
ceitfulness  of  sin.  For  we  are  made 
partakers  of  Christ,  if  we  hold  the 
beginning  of  our  confidence  x  steadfast 
unto  the  end.  While  it  is  said  :  "  To- 
day, if  ye  will  hear  His  voice,  harden 
not  your  hearts,  as  in  '  the  Provoca- 
tion '  " — for  some,  when  they  had  heard, 
did  provoke,  howbeit  not  all  that  came 
out  of  Egypt  by  Moses.2 

Third  Responsory. 
I  will  bless,  &c,  {p.  376.) 

Third  Day. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews  (iv.  1.) 

r    ET  us  therefore  fear,  lest,  a  pro- 

mise   being   left    us   of  entering 

into  His  rest,  any  of  you  should  seem 

to  come  short  of  it.      For  unto  us  was 


who,  when  they  had  heard  did  provoke? 

Moses  ?] 


Nay, 


4io 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


the  Gospel  preached,  as  well  as  unto 
them.  But  the  word  of  hearing  did 
not  profit  them,  not  being  mixed  with 
faith  in  them  that  heard  it.  For  we 
which  have  believed  do  enter  into  rest, 
as  He  said  : — "  Unto  whom  I  sware  in 
My  wrath,  that  they  should  not  enter 
into  My  rest " — although  the  works 
were  finished  from  the  foundation  of 
the  world. 


did  from  His.  Let  us  labour,  there- 
fore, to  enter  into  that  rest,  lest  any 
man  fall  after  the  same  example  of 
unbelief.  For  the  word  of  God  is 
quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than 
any  two-edged  sword,  piercing  even 
to  the  dividing  asunder  of  soul  and 
spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  marrow, 
and  is  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts 
and  intents  of  the  heart. 


First  Responsory. 
O  God,  give  ear,  &c,  {p.  376.) 


Third  Responsory. 
I  said,  &c,  (p.  377.) 


Second  Lesson. 

T7OR  He  spake  in  a  certain  place 
(Gen.  ii.  2)  of  the  seventh  day 
on  this  wise :  "  And  God  did  rest  the 
seventh  day  from  all  His  works."  And 
in  this  place  again  :  "  They  should  not 
enter  into  My  rest."  Seeing,  therefore, 
it  remaineth  that  some  must  enter 
therein,  and  they  to  whom  it  was 
first  preached  entered  not  in,  because 
of  unbelief :  again  He  limiteth  a  certain 
day,  saying  in  David  :  "  To-day  " — 
(after  so  long  a  time,  as  it  is  said 
above) — "  To-day  if  ye  will  hear  His 
voice,  harden  not  your  hearts." 

Second  Responsory. 
The  Lord  hath  set,  &c,  {p.  376.) 


Fourth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews  (vi.  1.) 

HTHEREFORE,  leaving  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  doctrine  of  Christ, 
let  us  go  unto  things  more  perfect, 
not  laying  again  the  foundation  of 
repentance  from  dead  works,  and  of 
faith  toward  God,  of  the  doctrine  of 
baptisms,  and  of  laying  on  of  hands, 
and  of  resurrection  of  the  dead,  and 
of  eternal  judgment.  And  this  will  we 
do,  if  God  permit. 


Third  Lesson. 

T70R  if  Jesus1  had  given  them  rest, 
then  would  he  not  afterward 
have  spoken  of  another  day.  There 
remaineth  therefore  a  rest 2  to  the 
people  of  God.  For  he  that  is 
entered  into  his  rest,  he  also  hath 
ceased  from  his  own  works,  as   God 

1  viz.  Joshua,  or  Josue — the  name  is  the  same  which  is  Graecised,  Latinised,  and  Anglicised 
into  Iesus  or  Jesus. 

2  Relinquitur  sabbatismus;  literally  "the  keeping  of  a  Sabbath;"  Rheims  has,  very 
elegantly,  "a  day  of  rest,"  but  there  is  nothing  about  a  day  in  the  original,  and  the  words 
are  given  in  the  text  in  that  form  in  which  they  have  become  something  like  a  pious 
proverb. 


First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Second  Lesson. 

"C70R  it  is  impossible  for  those  who 

were  once  enlightened,  and  have 

tasted  of  the  heavenly  Gift,  and  were 


SIXTH   WEEK    AFTER   EPIPHANY. 


411 


made  partakers  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  have  tasted  the  good  word  of 
God,  and  the  powers  of  the  world 
to  come,  if  they  shall  fall  away,  to 
renew  them  again  unto  repentance ; 
seeing  they  crucify  to  themselves  the 
Son  of  God  afresh,  and  put  Him  to 
an  open  shame. 

Second  Responsory. 
My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson. 

T7OR  the  earth  which  drinketh  in 
the  rain  that  cometh  oft  upon 
it,  and  bringeth  forth  herbs  meet  for 
them  by  whom  it  is  dressed,  receiveth 
blessing  from  God.  But  that  which 
beareth  thorns  and  briers  is  rejected, 
and  is  nigh  unto  a  curse :  whose  end 
is  to  be  burned.  But,  beloved,  we 
are  persuaded  better  things  of  you, 
and  things  nearer  to  salvation,  though 
we  so  speak.  For  God  is  not  un- 
righteous, to  forget  your  work,  and 
the  love  which  ye  have  showed  in 
His  name,  in  that  ye  have  ministered 
to  the  saints,  and  do  minister. 

Third  Responsory. 
Unto  Thee,  &c,  {p.  378.) 

Fifth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews  (vii.    1.) 

T7OR  this  Melchisedek,  King  of 
Salem,  Priest  of  the  Most  High 
God,  who  met  Abraham  returning 
from  the  slaughter  of  the  kings,  and 
blessed  him  ;  to  whom  also  Abraham 


gave  a  tenth  part  of  all ;  first,  being, 
by  interpretation,  King  of  Righteous- 
ness, and,  after  that,  also  King  of 
Salem,  which  is,  King  of  Peace ; 
without  father,  without  mother,  with- 
out descent,  having  neither  beginning 
of  days  nor  end  of  life,  but  made 
like  unto  the  Son  of  God,  abideth  a 
Priest  continually. 

First  Responsory. 
In  Thee,  O  God,  &c,  (p.  378.) 

Second  Lesson. 

"VT  OW  consider  how  great  this  man 
was,  unto  whom  even  the  Pa- 
triarch Abraham  gave  the  tenth  of  the 
choicest  spoils.  And,  verily,  they  that 
are  of  the  sons  of  Levi,  who  receive 
the  office  of  the  priesthood,  have  a 
commandment  to  take  tithes  of  the 
people  according  to  the  law,  that  is, 
of  their  brethren,  though  they  come 
out  of  the  loins  of  Abraham.  But 
he  whose  descent  is  not  counted  from 
them,  received  tithes  of  Abraham,  and 
blessed  him  that  had  the  promises. 

Second  Responsory. 
Let  my  mouth,  &c,  {p.  378.) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND,  without  all  contradiction,  the 
■^^  less  is  blessed  of  the  greater. 
And  here  men  that  die  receive  tithes  : 
but  there,  he  receiveth  them,  of  whom 
it  is  witnessed  that  he  liveth.  And 
(as  I  may  say)  Levi  also,  who  re- 
ceiveth tithes,  payed  tithes  in  Abra- 
ham ;  for  he  was  yet  in  the  loins  of 
his  father  when  Melchisedek  met  him. 
If  therefore  perfection  were  by  the 
Levitical  priesthood,  (for  under  it  the 
people  received  the  law,)  what  further 
need   was    there    that   another    Priest 


412 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF  THE  SEASON. 


should  rise  after  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedek,  and  not  be  called  after  the 
order  of  Aaron  ?  For  the  priesthood 
being  moved  there  is  made  of  necessity 
a  change  also  of  the  law. 

Third  Responsory. 
My  lips,  &c,  {p.  379.) 

Sixth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews  (xi.  1.) 

"jVT  OW  faith  is  the  substance  of 
things  hoped  for,  the  evidence 
of  things  not  seen.  For  by  it  the 
elders  obtained  a  good  report. 
Through  faith  we  understand  that  the 
worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  of 
God,  so  that  things  which  are  seen 
were  not  made  of  things  which  do 
appear.  By  faith  Abel  offered  unto 
God  a  more  excellent  sacrifice  than 
Cain  :  by  which  he  obtained  witness 
that  he  was  righteous,  God  testifying 
of  his  gifts,  and  by  it  he,  being  dead, 
yet  speaketh. 

First  Responsory. 
I  will  praise,  &c,  {p.  379.) 

Second  Lesson. 

DY  faith  Enoch  was  translated  that 
he  should  not  see  death,  and 
was  not  found,  because  God  had 
translated  him  :  for,  before  his  trans- 
lation, he  had  this  testimony,  that  he 
pleased  God.  But  without  faith  it  is 
impossible  to  please  God.  For  he 
that  cometh  to  God  must  believe  that 


He  is,  and  that  He  is  a  rewarder  of 
them  that  diligently  seek  Him.  By 
faith,  Noah,  being  warned  of  God  of 
things  not  seen  as  yet,  moved  with 
fear,  prepared  an  ark  to  the  saving  of 
his  house,  by  the  which  he  condemned 
the  world,  and  became  heir  of  the 
righteousness  which  is  by  faith. 

Second  Responsory. 
Great,  O  Lord,  &c,  {p.  379.) 

Third  Lesson. 

"DY  faith  he  whose  name  is  called 
Abraham,  obeyed  the  command 
to  go  out  into  a  place  which  he  should 
after  receive  for  an  inheritance,  and 
he  went  out,  not  knowing  whither  he 
went.  By  faith  he  sojourned  in  the 
land  of  promise,  as  in  a  strange  coun- 
try, dwelling  in  tabernacles  with 
Isaac  and  Jacob,  the  heirs  with  him  of 
the  same  promise.  For  he  looked  for 
a  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose 
Builder  and  Maker  is  God.1 

Third  Responsory. 
The  Lord  is,  &c,  {p.  380.) 

The  Sabbath. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews  (xiii.  1.) 

f  ET  brotherly  love  continue  among 
you.  Be  not  forgetful  to  enter- 
tain strangers  :  for  thereby  some  have 
entertained  angels  unawares.  Re- 
member them  that  are  in  bonds,  as 
bound  with   them  ;    and    them    which 


1  The  reader  is  vehemently  urged  to  finish  reading  this  sublime  chapter  for  himself. 


SATURDAY   BEFORE   SEPTUAGESIMA   SUNDAY. 


413 


suffer  adversity,  as  being  yourselves 
also  in  the  body.  Let  marriage  be 
honourable  in  all,  and  the  bed  unde- 
nted. But  whoremongers  and  adulter- 
ers God  will  judge. 

First  Responsory. 
Cut  me  not  off,  &c,  (p.  377.) 

Second  Lesson. 

T  ET  your  conversation  be  without 
covetousness,  and  be  content 
with  such  things  as  ye  have.  For  He 
hath  said  :  I  will  never  leave  thee, 
nor  forsake  thee  :"1  so  that  we  may 
boldly  say :  "  The  LORD  is  mine  helper, 
and  I  will  not  fear  what  man  shall  do 
unto  me." 2  Remember  them  which 
have  the  rule  over  you,  who  have 
spoken  unto  you  the  word  of  God ; 
whose  faith  follow,  considering  the 
end  of  their  conversation,  JESUS 
Christ,  the  Same  yesterday,  and  to- 
day, and  for  ever. 

Second  Responsory. 
My  heart  is  ready,  &c,  {p.  377.) 

Third  Lesson. 

DE  not  carried  about  with  divers 
and  strange  doctrines.  For  it 
is  a  good  thing  that  the  heart  be  es- 
tablished with  grace,  not  with  meats  ; 
which  have  not  profited  them  that 
have  been  occupied  therein.  We 
have  an  Altar,  whereof  they  have  no 
right  to  eat  which  serve  the  taber- 
nacle. For  the  bodies  of  those  beasts 
whose  blood  is  brought  into  the  Sanc- 
tuary by  the  High  Priest  for  sin,  are 
burned  without  the  camp.  Where- 
fore JESUS  also,  that  He  might  sanc- 
tify the  people  with  His  own  Blood, 
suffered  without  the  gate. 


Third  Responsory. 
Unto   Thee,    O   my   Strength,    &c, 

(A  378.) 

Note.  If  there  be  less  than  six 
weeks  between  the  Epiphany  and  Sep- 
tuagesima,  as  many  of  the  foregoing 
weeks  as  may  be  necessary  are  omitted, 
and  the  Office  comtnences  on  the  even- 
ing before  Septuagesima  Sunday  as  im- 
mediately hereafter  given;  but  the 
Antiphons,  Prayers,  and  Homilies  of 
the  omitted  Sundays  are  afterwards 
used  for  the  latter  Sundays  before 
Advent. 

fhcLtuvlcy  Before  ^eptuageeima 

The  Sabbath  before  the  Lord's  Day 
within  Seventy  Days  of  Easter. 

VESPERS. 

The  Chapter  and  Prayer  are  taken 
from  the  Lauds  of  the  next  ?norning. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Lord  said  unto  Adam  :  * 
Of  the  tree  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  garden  thou  shalt  not  eat  :  in  the 
hour  that  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou 
shalt  surely  die. 

At  the  end,  the  words,  "  Bless  we 
the  Lord,"  are  said  thus — 

Verse.  Bless  we  the  Lord — Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  Thanks  be  to  God — 
Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

This  is  the  Farewell  to  the  Alle- 
luia, which  word  is  not  uttered  in 
the  Office  again  till  Easter.  At 
the  Compline  of  this  evening  and 
every  other  Service,  after  the  "  Glory 


1  Josh.  i.  5. 


-  Ps.  cxvii.  6. 


VOL.  I. 


O  2 


414 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


be  to  the  Father,  &c,"  at  the 
beginning,  instead  of  "  Alleluia,"  is 
said  : 

Ceaseless  praise  to  Thee  be  given, 
O  Eternal  King  of  Heaven. 

If  the  Vespers  of  this  evening  be 
of  a  Festival,  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  Saturday,  and  the  Fare- 
well to  the  Alleluia  takes  place  as 
above. 

If  from  Septuagesima  to  Low  Sun- 
day, both  inclusive,  a  Feast  fall  on  a 
Sunday,  it  is  transferred,  or  simpli- 
fied, unless  it  be  a  Double  of  the  First 
Class,  as  the  Patronal  Feast,  or  the 
Anniversary  of  the  Consecration  of  the 
Church  where  the  Service  takes  place, 
to  which  occasions  yield  all  the  Sun- 
days except  the  First  in  Lent,  and 
Passion,  Palm,  Easter,  and  Low 
Sundays.1 


Septuagesima  SuntiasL 

The  Lord's  Day  within  Seventy  Days 
of  Easter. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Let  us  come  before 
the  presence  of  the  Lord  :  *  and  make 
a  joyful  noise  unto  Him  with  Psalms. 

The  Second  half  of  the  First  Verse 
of  the  XCIVth  Psalm,  (Let  us  come, 
&c.,)  is  omitted. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 
First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth  the  Book,  of  Genesis 

(i.  i.) 

T  N   the  beginning   God   created  the 

heavens  and  the  earth.     And  the 

earth  was  without  form  and  void,  and 


darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the 
deep  :  and  the  Spirit  of  God  moved 
upon  the  face  of  the  waters.  And 
God  said :  Let  there  be  light.  And 
there  was  light.  And  God  saw  the 
light,  that  it  was  good  ;  and  God 
divided  the  light  from  the  darkness  ; 
and  God  called  the  light  Day,  and  the 
darkness  He  called  Night :  and  the 
evening  and  the  morning  were  the 
first  day.  And  God  said  :  Let  there 
be  a  firmament  in  the  midst  of  the 
waters,  and  let  it  divide  the  waters 
from  the  waters.  And  God  made  the 
firmament,  and  divided  the  waters 
which  were  under  the  firmament  from 
the  waters  which  were  above  the  fir- 
mament. And  it  was  so.  And  God 
called  the  firmament  Heaven  :  and 
the  evening  and  the  morning  were  the 
second  day. 

First  Responsory. 

In  the  beginning  God  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  wherein  He 
made  man  also,  after  His  own  image 
and  likeness. 

Verse.  2  So  God  formed  man  of 
the  dust  of  the  ground,  and  breathed 
into  his  face  the  breath  of  life. 

Answer.  After  His  own  image  and 
likeness. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  God  said :  Let  the  waters 
under  the  heaven  be  gathered 
together  unto  one  place,  and  let  the 
dry  land  appear.  And  it  was  so. 
And  God  called  the  dry  land,  Earth  ; 
and  the  gathering  together  of  the 
waters  called  He  Seas.  And  God  saw 
that  it  was  good.  And  God  said  ; 
Let  the  earth  bring  forth  the  green 
herb  yielding  seed,  and  the  fruit-tree 
yielding  fruit  after  his  kind,  whose 
seed  is  in  itself,  upon  the  earth.  And 
it    was    so.     And    the    earth    brought 


[Only  Doubles  Major  and  Feasts  of  Doctors  may  be  transferred.] 


Gen.  ii.  7. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


415 


forth  the  green  herb  yielding  seed 
after  his  kind,  and  the  tree  yielding 
fruit,  whose  seed  was  in  itself,  after  his 
kind.  And  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 
And  the  evening  and  the  morning 
were  the  third  day.  And  God  said  : 
Let  there  be  lights  in  the  firmament 
of  the  heaven,  and  let  them  divide  the 
day  from  the  night ;  and  let  them  be 
for  signs,  and  for  seasons,  and  for  days 
and  years  ;  and  let  them  be  for  lights 
in  the  firmament  of  heaven  ;  and  let 
them  give  light  upon  the  earth.  And 
it  was  so.  And  God  made  two  great 
lights,  the  greater  light  to  rule  the 
day  ;  and  the  lesser  light  to  rule  the 
night ;  He  made  the  stars  also.  And 
God  set  them  in  the  firmament  of  the 
heaven,  to  give  light  upon  the  earth, 
and  to  rule  over  the  day  and  over  the 
night,  and  to  divide  the  light  from  the 
darkness.  And  God  saw  that  it  was 
good.  And  the  evening  and  the  morn- 
ing were  the  fourth  day. 

Second  Responsory. 

In  the  beginning  God  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  the  Spirit 
of  God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the 
waters.  \  And  God  saw  everything 
that  He  had  made,  and  it  was  very 
good. 

Verse.  2  Thus  the  heavens  and  the 
earth  were  finished,  and  all  the  hosts 
of  them. 

Answer.  And  God  saw  everything 
that  He  had  made,  and  it  was  very 
good. 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  God  said:  Let  the  waters 
bring  forth  abundantly  the  mov- 
ing creature  that  hath  life,  and  fowl 
that  may  fly  above  the  earth  in  the 
open  firmament  of  heaven.  And  God 
created  great  whales,  and  every  living 
creature  that  moveth,  which  the  waters 

1  Gen.  i.  31. 


brought  forth  abundantly  after  their 
kind,  and  every  winged  fowl  after  his 
kind.  And  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 
And  God  blessed  them,  saying :  Be 
fruitful  and  multiply,  and  fill  the  waters 
in  the  seas,  and  let  fowl  multiply  in 
the  earth.  And  the  evening  and  the 
morning  were  the  fifth  day.  And  God 
said :  Let  the  earth  bring  forth  the 
living  creature  after  his  kind,  cattle 
and  creeping  thing,  and  beast  of  the 
earth  after  his  kind.  And  it  was  so. 
And  God  made  the  beast  of  the  earth 
after  his  kind,  and  cattle,  and  every- 
thing that  creepeth  upon  the  earth 
after  his  kind.  And  God  saw  that  it 
was  good.  And  God  said :  Let  Us 
make  man  after  Our  Own  image  and 
likeness,  and  let  him  have  dominion 
over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the 
fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  the  cattle, 
and  over  all  the  earth,  and  over  every 
creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the 
earth. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  LORD  formed  man  of  the  dust 
of  the  ground,  and  breathed  into  his 
face  the  breath  of  life,  and  man  became 
a  living  soul. 

Verse.  In  the  beginning  God 
created  the  heavens  and  the  earth, 
wherein   He  made  man  also. 

Answer.  And  breathed  into  his 
face  the  breath  of  life,  and  man  be- 
came a  living  soul. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  breathed  into  his 
face  the  breath  of  life,  and  man  be- 
came a  living  soul. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  book  in- 
tituled   "The    Handbook,"    written 

2  Gen.,  ii.  1. 


416 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


by   St   Austin,    Bishop    [of  Hippo.] 
{Chaps,  xxv.,  xxvi.,  xxvii.,  torn.  3.) 

'THE  Lord  threatened  man  with  the 
punishment  of  death,  in  case  he 
sinned.  Thus  did  He  gift  him  with 
free  will,  while  He  yet  kept  His  lord- 
ship over  him,  and  helped  him  with 
the  dread  of  destruction.  And  so  He 
put  him  in  that  happy  garden,  under 
the  very  shadow  of  the  tree  of  life,  in 
that  good  place  from  whence,  had  he 
kept  his  righteousness,  he  might  have 
passed  to  a  better.  But  the  first  man 
sinned,  and  was  banished  from  Eden, 
and  infected  all  his  descendants  with 
the  disease  of  sin,  poisoning  their  very 
root,  and  bringing  upon  all  that  sen- 
tence of  death  and  damnation,  which 
he  had  earned  for  himself.  So  that 
all  that  descend  by  fleshly  generation 
from  Adam,  and  from  the  guilty 
woman,  who  was  the  cause  of  his  sin 
and  the  partaker  of  his  punishment, 
derive  from  them  original  sin  ;  where- 
by they  are  drawn  through  a  way  of 
divers  sins  and  sorrows,  towards  that 
final  ruin  which  they  shall  share  with 
the  rebel  angels  who  are  at  once  their 
corrupters,  their  lords,  and  their 
comrades. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

God  took  the  man  and  put  him  into 
the  garden  of  Eden,  to  dress  it  and  to 
keep  it. 

Verse.  x  And  the  LORD  God  had 
planted  a  garden  aforetime  in  Eden, 
and  there  He  put  the  man  whom  He 
had  formed. 

Answer.  To  dress  it  and  to  keep 
it. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

CO    "by  one  man  sin  entered  into 

the  world,  and  death  by  sin,  (and 

so    death    passed    upon    all    men,)   in 

whom    all    have    sinned."     (Rom.    v. 

1  i.  8. 


12.)  By  the  world  the  Apostle  signi- 
fied! in  this  place  all  mankind.  Thus 
then  hath  the  matter  stood.  The 
damned  mass  of  humanity  lay  in 
misery,  or  rather  wallowed  in  it,  and 
fell  from  bad  to  worse,  till  it  joined 
the  company  of  the  sinning  angels,  and 
both  together  suffered  the  deserved 
punishment  of  their  vile  treason. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

The  Lord  God  said  :  It  is  not  good 
that  the  man  should  be  alone.  Let  Us 
make  an  help  meet  for  him. 

Verse.  But  for  Adam  there  was  not 
found  an  help  meet  for  him  ;  and  God 
said — 

Answer.  Let  Us  make  an  help 
meet  for  him. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

HTO  the  wrath  of  God  appertained 
whatever  sin  man,  through  the 
blind  and  untamed  sting  of  his  flesh, 
willingly  committeth,  and  whatever 
punishment,  declared  and  open,  he 
unwillingly  suffereth.  There  is,  in- 
deed, no  pause  in  that  goodness  of  the 
Creator  whereby  He  giveth  even  to 
the  traitor  angels  life  and  strength, 
(which  if  He  gave  not,  they  would  be 
annihilated,)  and  whereby  He  formeth 
the  seed  of  men,  though  they  come  of 
a  corrupt  and  condemned  stock, 
quickeneth  them,  strengtheneth  and 
fitteth  their  limbs  for  the  changing 
seasons  of  their  life,  extendeth  their 
knowledge  in  divers  places,  and  giveth 
them  whereon  to  live.  It  hath  been 
His  will  rather  to  draw  good  out  of 
evil,  than  to  suffer  that  there  should 
be  no  evil. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

2  The  Lord  caused  a  deep  sleep  to 
fall  upon  Adam,  and  He  took  one  oi 

2  ii.  21-23. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


417 


his  ribs.  And  the  rib  which  the 
Lord  had  taken  from  Adam  made 
He  a  woman,  and  brought  her  unto 
Adam,  to  see  what  he  would  call  her. 
And  he  called  her  name  Woman, 
because  she  was  taken  out  of  Man.1 

Verse.  And  while  he  slept  He  took 
one  of  his  ribs,  and  closed  up  the  flesh 
instead  thereof. 

Answer.  And  the  rib  which  the 
LORD  had  taken  from  Adam  made 
He  a  woman,  and  brought  her  unto 
Adam,  to  see  what  he  would  call  her. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  he  called  her  name 
Woman,  because  she  was  taken  out  of 
Man. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson   is   taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xx.  1.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  spake  this 
"^^  parable  unto  His  Disciples : 
The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a 
man  that  is  an  householder,  which 
went  out  early  in  the  morning  to  hire 
labourers  into  his  vineyard.  And  so 
on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (lgth  on  the  Gospels.) 

We  hear  that  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
is  like  unto  a  man  that  is  an  house- 
holder, which  went  out  early  in  the 
morning,  to  hire  labourers  into  his 
vineyard.  Who  indeed  is  more  justly 
to  be  likened  to  an  householder  than 
our  Maker,  Who  is  the  Head  of  the 
household  of  faith,  bearing  rule  over 
them  whom  He  hath  made,  and  being 
Master  of  His  chosen  ones  in  the  world, 
as  a  Master  over  those  that  are  in  his 


house  ?  He  it  is  That  hath  the 
Church  for  a  vineyard,  a  vineyard  that 
ceaseth  not  to  bring  forth  branches  of 
the  True  Vine,  from  righteous  Abel  to 
the  last  of  the  elect  that  shall  be  born 
in  the  world. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

And  the  Lord  God  had  planted  a 
garden  aforetime  in  Eden,  and  there 
He  put  the  man  whom  He  had  formed. 

Verse.  And  out  of  the  ground  made 
the  Lord  God  to  grow  every  tree  that 
is  pleasant  to  the  sight,  and  good  for 
food,  the  tree  of  life  also  in  the  midst 
of  the  garden. 

Answer.  And  there  He  put  the 
man  whom  He  had  formed. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

'X'HIS  householder,  then,  for  the 
cultivation  of  his  vineyard,  goeth 
out  early  in  the  morning,  and  at  the 
third  hour,  and  the  sixth  hour,  and  the 
ninth  hour,  and  the  eleventh  hour,  to 
hire  labourers  into  his  vineyard.  Thus 
the  Lord,  from  the  beginning  to  the 
end  of  the  world,  ceaseth  not  to  gather 
together  preachers  for  the  instruction 
of  His  faithful  people.  The  early 
morning  of  the  world  was  from  Adam 
until  Noah  ;  the  third  hour  from  Noah 
until  Abraham  ;  the  sixth  hour  from 
Abraham  until  Moses  ;  the  ninth  hour 
from  Moses  until  the  coming  of  the 
Lord ;  the  eleventh  hour  from  the 
coming  of  the  Lord  until  the  end  of  the 
world.  At  this  eleventh  hour  are  sent 
forth  as  preachers  the  Holy  Apostles, 
who  have  received  full  wages,  albeit 
they  be  come  in  late. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

2  Behold,  Adam  is  become  as  One 
of  Us,  to  know  good  and  evil.     See 


1  Virago,  quia  de  Viro.     In  the  Hebrew  it  is  "Isshah"  from  "Ish."    The  Seventy  appear 
to  have  found  it  hopeless,  and  the  Latin  is  clumsy,  but  the  English  does  very  well. 

2  iii.  22. 


418 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


lest  he  take  of  the  tree  of  life  and  live 
for  ever. 

Verse.  Unto  Adam  also  did  the 
Lord  God  make  a  coat  of  skins,  and 
clothed  him,  and  said  : — 

Answer.  See  lest  he  take  of  the 
tree  of  life  and  live  for  ever. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

T^OR  the  cultivation  of  His  vineyard, 
(that  is,  the  instruction  of  His 
people, )  the  Lord  hath  never  ceased  to 
send  into  it  labourers.  First,  by  the 
Fathers,  then,  by  the  Prophets  and 
Teachers  of  the  Law,  and  lastly,  by 
the  Apostles  He  hath  dressed  and 
tended  the  lives  of  His  people,  as  the 
owner  of  a  vineyard  dresseth  and 
tendeth  it  by  means  of  workmen. 
Whoever  in  whatever  degree  joined 
to  a  right  faith  the  teaching  of  right- 
eousness, was  so  far  one  of  God's 
labourers  in  God's  vineyard.  By  the 
labourers  at  early  morning,  and  at  the 
third  hour,  the  sixth  hour,  and  the 
ninth  hour,  may  be  understood  God's 
ancient  people,  the  Hebrews,  who 
strove  to  worship  Him  with  a  right 
faith  in  company  with  His  chosen  ones 
from  the  very  beginning  of  the  world, 
and  thus  continually  laboured  in  His 
vineyard.  And  now,  at  the  eleventh 
hour,  it  is  said  unto  the  Gentiles 
also  :  "Why  stand  ye  here  all  the  day 
idle  ? " 

The  Hy7nn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  &c,  is  not  said  on  this  or  any 
other  Sunday  before  Easter. 

Ninth  Responsory. 

1  The  Lord  said  unto  Cain  :  Where 
is  Abel  thy  brother  ?  Lord,  I  know 
not :  am  I  my  brother's  keeper  ?  And 
He  said  unto  him :  What  hast  thou 
done  ?     Behold,  the  voice  of  thy  brother 

1  iv.  9-11. 


Abel's  blood  crieth  unto  Me  from  the 
ground. 

Verse.  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  upon 
the  earth,  which  hath  opened  her 
mouth  to  receive  thy  brother's  blood 
from  thy  hand. 

Answer.  Behold,  the  voice  of  thy 
brother  Abel's  blood  crieth  unto  Me 
from  the  ground. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Behold,  the  voice  of  thy 
brother  Abel's  blood  crieth  unto  Me 
from  the  ground. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Have  mercy  upon 
me,  *  O  God,  and  cleanse  me  from  my 
sin :  for  against  Thee  only  have  I 
sinned. 

Psalm  L. 

Have  mercy,  &c,  {p.  87.) 

Second  Antiphon.  I  will  praise 
Thee,  *  for  Thou  hast  heard  me. 

Psalm  CXVII. 
O  give  thanks  unto  the  LORD,  &c, 

{p-  37.) 

Third  Antiphon.  O  God,  Thou  art 
my  God,  *  early  will  I  seek  Thee, 
because  Thou  hast  been  my  help. 

Psalms  LXII.  and  LXVI. 

O  God,  Thou  art,  &c,  {p.  23.) 

Fourth  Antiphon.  2  Blessed  art 
Thou,  *  O  our  God,  in  the  firmament 
of  heaven,  and  worthy  to  be  praised 
above  all  for  ever. 

The  Song  of  the  Three  Holy  Children. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Praise  ye  the  LORD 
*  from  the  heavens. 

2  Dan.  iii.  56. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


419 


Psalms  CXLVIIL,  CXLIX.,  and  CL. 
Praise  ye,  &c,  {pp.  25,  26.) 

Chapter.     (1  Cor.  ix.  24.) 

DRETHREN,  know  ye  not  that  they 
W  which  run  in  a  race  run  all,,  but 
one  receiveth  the  prize  ?  So  run  that 
ye  may  obtain. 

Verse.  Lord,  Thou  hast  been  our 
refuge. 

Answer.      In  all  generations. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  :  The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  like  unto  a  man  that  is  an 
householder,  *  which  went  out  early  in 
the  morning  to  hire  labourers  into  his 
vineyard. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  and  week. 

r\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee  favour- 
^-^  ably  to  hear  the  prayers  of  Thy 
people ;  that  we,  who  are  justly 
punished  for  our  offences,  may  be 
mercifully  delivered  by  Thy  goodness, 
for  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. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  And  when  he  had 
agreed  *  with  the  labourers  for  a 
penny  }-  a  day,  he  sent  them  into  his 
vineyard. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Go  ye  also  *  into  my 
vineyard,  and  whatsoever  is  right,  that 
will  I  give  you. 


SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Why  stand  ye  here  *  all 
the  day  idle  ?  They  answered  and 
said  unto  him  :  Because  no  man  hath 
hired  us. 

Chapter.      (1  Cor.  ix.  25.) 

AND  every  man  that  striveth  for  the 
*"^  mastery  is  temperate  in  all  things. 
Now  they  do  it  to  obtain  a  corruptible 
crown,  but  we  an  incorruptible. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  The  Lord  of  the  vine- 
yard saith  :  *  Call  the  labourers,  and 
give  them  their  hire. 

Chapter.      (1  Cor.  x.  4.) 

T^OR  they  drank  of  that  spiritual 
-*■  rock  that  followed  them :  and  that 
rock  was  Christ.  But  with  many  of 
them  God  was  not  well  pleased. 

VESPERS. 

Chapter  as  at  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  householder  saith  unto 
his  labourers  :  *  Why  stand  ye  here 
all  the  day  idle  ?  But  they  answered 
and  said  :  Because  no  man  hath  hired 
us.  Go  ye  also  into  my  vineyard, 
and  whatsoever  is  right,  that  will  I 
give  you. 

Qttonfcag. 

Second  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (i.  27.) 

CO  God  created  man  in  His  Own 
*^  image ;  in  the  image  of  God 
created    He   him:    male    and    female 


The  Chapter  is  taken  from  Lauds. 

1  Greek,  denarion.     Its  value  was  nearly  a  shilling. 


420 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


created  He  them.  And  God  blessed 
them,  and  said  unto  them  :  Be  fruitful, 
and  multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth, 
and  subdue  it  ;  and  have  dominion 
over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the 
fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  every  living 
thing  that  moveth  upon  the  earth. 
And  God  said :  Behold,  I  have  given 
you  every  herb  bearing  seed  which  is 
upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  every 
tree  in  the  which  is  the  fruit  of  a  tree 
yielding  seed,  to  you  it  shall  be  for 
meat.  And  to  every  beast  of  the 
earth,  and  to  every  fowl  of  the  air,  and 
to  every  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the 
earth  wherein  there  is  life,  [I  have 
given  it]  for  meat.  And  it  was  so. 
And  God  saw  everything  that  He  had 
made,  and  it  was  very  good.  And  the 
evening  and  the  morning  were  the 
Sixth  Day. 

First  Responsory. 

1  When  the  Lord  walked  in  the 
garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day,  He 
called,  and  said :  Adam,  where  art 
thou  ?  Lord,  I  heard  Thy  voice,  and 
I  hid  myself. 

Verse.  I  heard  Thy  voice  in  the 
garden,  and  I  was  afraid,  because  I 
was  naked. 

Answer.     And  I  hid  myself. 

Second  Lesson. 

'T'HUS  the  heavens  and  the  earth 
were  finished,  and  all  the  host 
of  them.  And  on  the  seventh  day  God 
ended  His  work  which  He  had  made  ; 
and  He  rested  on  the  seventh  day  from 
all  His  work  which  He  had  made. 
And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day 
and  sanctified  it,  because  that  in 
it  He  had  rested  from  all  His  work, 
which  He  created  and  made.  These 
are  the  generations  of  the  heavens 
and    of    the    earth,    when    they    were 


created,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord 
God  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth, 
and  every  plant  of  the  field  before  it 
sprung  up  in  the  earth,  and  every 
herb  of  the  field  before  it  grew  :  for 
the  Lord  God  had  not  caused  it  to 
rain  upon  the  earth,  and  there  was 
not  a  man  to  till  the  ground ;  but 
there  rose  up  a  spring 2  from  the 
earth  and  watered  the  whole  face  of 
the  ground. 

Second  Responsory. 

3  The  Lord  said  unto  Adam ;  In 
the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat 
bread  ;  when  thou  tillest  the  ground 
it  shall  not  henceforth  yield  unto  thee 
her  fruits.  Thorns  also  and  thistles 
shall  it  bring  forth  to  thee. 

Verse.  Because  thou  hast  heark- 
ened unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and 
hast  eaten  of  the  tree  which  I  com- 
manded thee,  saying  :  Thou  shalt  not 
eat  of  it, — cursed  is  the  ground  whereon 
thou  shalt  labour. 

Answer.  Thorns  also  and  thistles 
shall  it  bring  forth  to  thee. 


Third  Lesson. 

CO  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of 
*^  the  dust  of  the  ground,  and 
breathed  into  his  face  the  breath  of 
life,  and  man  became  a  living  soul. 
And  the  Lord  God  had  planted  a 
garden  aforetime  in  Eden,  and  there 
He  put  the  man  whom  He  had  formed. 
And  out  of  the  ground  made  the  Lord 
God  to  grow  every  tree  that  is  pleasant 
to  the  sight,  and  good  for  food  :  the 
tree  of  life  also  in  the  midst  of  the 
garden,  and  the  tree  of  knowledge  of 
good  and  evil.  And  a  river  went  out 
of  Eden  to  water  the  garden,  and  from 
thence  it  was  parted,  and  became  into 
four  heads. 


1  iii.  8-io. 


2  Hebrew,  "a  mist." 


in.  19 ;  iv.  12. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


421 


Third  Responsory. 

The  LORD  formed  man,  &c,  {p. 
415.) 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  These  last  have  wrought  but 
one  hour,  *  and  thou  hast  made  them 
equal  unto  us,  which  have  borne  the 
burden  and  heat  of  the  day. 

Third  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (ii.  1  5.) 

CO  the  Lord  God  took  the  man 
and  put  him  into  the  garden  of 
Eden,  to  dress  it  and  to  keep  it ; 
and  He  commanded  him,  saying :  Of 
every  tree  of  the  garden  thou  mayest 
freely  eat ;  but  of  the  tree  of  the 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt 
not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that 
thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely 
die.  And  the  Lord  God  said :  It  is 
not  good  that  the  man  should  be 
alone  ;  let  Us  make  him  an  help  meet 
for  him. 

First  Responsory. 
God  took  the  man,  &c,  {p.  416.) 

Second  Lesson. 

CO  out  of  the  ground  the  LORD  God 
formed  every  beast  of  the  field, 
and  every  fowl  of  the  air,  and  brought 
them  unto  Adam,  to  see  what  he  would 
call  them.  And  whatsoever  Adam 
called  every  living  creature,  that  was 
the  name  thereof.  And  Adam  gave 
names  to  all  cattle,  and  to  every  fowl 
of  the  air,  and  to  every  beast  of  the 
field.  But  for  Adam  there  was  not 
found  an  help  meet  for  him. 


Second  Responsory. 
The  Lord  God  said,  &c,  {p.  416.) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  the  Lord  God  caused  a  deep 
"^  sleep  to  fall  upon  Adam.  And 
while  he  slept,  He  took  one  of  his 
ribs,  and  closed  up  the  flesh  instead 
thereof.  And  the  rib  which  the  Lord 
God  had  taken  from  Adam  made  He  a 
woman,  and  brought  her  unto  Adam. 
And  Adam  said  :  This  is  now  bone  of 
my  bones,  and  flesh  of  my  flesh  :  she 
shall  be  called  Woman,  because  she 
was  taken  out  of  Man.  Therefore 
shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his 
mother ;  and  shall  cleave  unto  his 
wife ;  and  they  twain  shall  be  one 
flesh. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord  caused,  &c,  (p.  416.) 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  And  the  householder  said  :  * 
Friend,  I  do  thee  no  wrong :  didst 
not  thou  agree  with  me  for  a  penny  ? 
Take  that  is  thine,  and  go  thy  way. 

Fourth  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (iii.  1.) 

"V[  OW  the  serpent  was  more  subtle 
than  any  beast  of  the  field  which 
the  Lord  God  had  made.  And  he 
said  unto  the  woman  :  Why  hath  God 
said  ye  shall  not  eat  of  every  tree  of 
the  garden  ?  And  the  woman  said 
unto  the  serpent :  We  may  eat  of  the 
fruit  of  the  trees  of  the  garden  ;   but 


422 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  which  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  garden,  God  hath  said  : 
Ye  shall  not  eat  of  it,  neither  shall  ye 
touch  it,  lest  ye  die.  And  the  serpent 
said  unto  the  woman :  Ye  shall  not 
surely  die.  For  God  doth  know  that 
in  the  day  ye  eat  thereof,  then  your 
eyes  shall  be  opened,  and  ye  shall  be 
as  gods,  knowing  good  and  evil.  And 
the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good 
for  food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to 
the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  : 
and  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and 
did  eat,  and  gave  also  unto  her  hus- 
band with  her,  and  he  did  eat.  And 
the  eyes  of  them  both  were  opened. 

First  Responsory. 
And  the  Lord  God,  &c,  {p.  417.) 


Lord  God  said  unto  the  Woman : 
Wherefore  hast  thou  done  this  ?  And 
she  said :  The  serpent  beguiled  me, 
and   I  did  eat. 

Second  Responsory. 

Behold,     Adam     is     become,     &c, 
{p.   417-) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the 
serpent :  Because  thou  hast  done 
this,  thou  art  cursed  above  all  cattle, 
and  above  every  beast  of  the  field  ; 
upon  thy  belly  shalt  thou  go,  and  dust 
shalt  thou  eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life. 
I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and 
the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and 
her  seed  ;  she  l  shall  bruise  thy  head, 
and  thou  shalt  bruise  her  heel.  And 
unto  the  woman  he  said  :  I  will  greatly 
multiply  thy  sorrows  and  thy  concep- 
tion :  in  sorrow  shalt  thou  bring  forth 
children,  and  thou  shalt  be  in  the 
power  of  thy  husband,  and  he  shall 
rule  over  thee.  And  unto  Adam  He 
said :  Because  thou  hast  hearkened 
unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and  hast 
eaten  of  the  tree  of  which  I  com- 
manded thee,  saying :  Thou  shalt  not 
eat  of  it — cursed  is  the  ground  whereon 
thou  shalt  labour  ;  in  sorrow  shalt  thou 
eat  of  it  all  the  days  of  thy  life.  Thorns 
also  and  thistles  shall  it  bring  forth  to 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  eat  the  herb  of 
the  field.  In  the  sweat  of  thy  face 
shalt  thou  eat  bread,  till  thou  return 
unto  the  ground  ;  for  out  of  it  wast 
thou  taken  ;  for  dust  thou  art,  and 
unto  dust  thou  shalt  return.  And 
Adam  called  his  wife's  name  Eve,* 
because  she  was  the  mother  of  all 
living. 

1  Ipsa.  Abp.  Kenrick  remarks  that  two  MSS.  examined  by  Kennicott  read  as  the  Vulgate, 
and  that  in  the  very  ancient  style  of  the  Pentateuch  the  gender  of  the  Pronoun  (without  points) 
is  common.  "  The  verb,  however,  is  masculine,  and  the  text  is  applied  by  St  Irenasus  to  Christ 
as  '  the  Seed  predestined  to  trample  under  foot  the  seed  of  the  serpent.' "  See  also  the  Breviary 
itself,  on  March  25.  (Fourth  Lesson.)  [Scholars  now  agree  that  the  "ipsa"  of  the  Vulgate 
here  is  a  scribal  error,  and  that  the  passage  refers  to  Christ.] 

2  Chavah  =  Life. 


Second  Lesson. 

AND  when  they  knew  that  they 
were  naked,  they  sewed  fig- 
leaves  together,  and  made  themselves 
aprons.  And  they  heard  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  God  walking  in  the 
garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day ;  and 
Adam  and  his  wife  hid  themselves 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God 
amidst  the  trees  of  the  garden.  And 
the  Lord  God  called  unto  Adam,  and 
said  unto  him  :  Where  art  thou  ?  And 
he  said :  I  heard  Thy  voice  in  the 
garden,  and  I  was  afraid,  because  I 
was  naked,  and  I  hid  myself.  And 
He  said :  Who  told  thee  that  thou 
wast  naked  ?  Hast  thou  eaten  of  the 
tree  whereof  I  commanded  thee  that 
thou  shouldest  not  eat  ?  And  Adam 
said  :  The  woman,  whom  Thou  gavest 
me  to  be  with  me,  she  gave  me  of 
the   tree,   and    I    did    eat.      And   the 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


423 


Third  Responsory. 

The    Lord    said   unto    Cain, 
(A  418.) 

VESPERS. 


&C, 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Take  that  thine  is,  *  and  go 
thy  way ;  for  I  am  good,  saith  the 
Lord. 

t£#urefca£. 

Fifth  Day. 
MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (iv.  1.) 

AND  Adam  knew  his  wife,  and  she 
"^^  conceived,  and  bare  Cain,  and 
said  :  I  have  gotten  a  man  from  God.1 
And  she  again  bare  his  brother  Abel 
— and  Abel  was  a  keeper  of  sheep, 
but  Cain  was  a  tiller  of  the  ground. 
And  in  process  of  time  it  came  to  pass 
that  Cain  brought  of  the  fruit  of  the 
ground  an  offering  unto  the  LORD. 
And  Abel,  he  also  brought  of  the 
firstlings  of  his  flock,  and  of  the  fat 
thereof.  And  the  Lord  had  respect 
to  Abel,  and  to  his  offering.  But 
unto  Cain  and  to  his  offering  He  had 
not  respect :  and  Cain  was  very  wroth, 
and  his  countenance  fell.  And  the 
LORD  said  unto  him  :  Why  art  thou 
wroth  ?  and  why  is  thy  countenance 
fallen  ?  If  thou  doest  well  shalt  thou 
not  be  accepted  ?  and  if  thou  doest 
not  well,  doth  not  sin  lie  at  the  door  ? 2 
But  the  desire  thereof  is  under  thee, 
and  thou  hast  control  over  it. 


First  Responsory. 

In   the   beginning,   &c,   {First  Re- 
sponsory oil  Sunday,  p.   414.) 

Second  Lesso?i. 

AND  Cain  said  unto  Abel  his 
"^  brother  ;  Let  us  go  forth  abroad. 
And  when  they  were  in  the  field,  Cain 
rose  up  against  Abel  his  brother,  and 
slew  him.  And  the  LORD  said  unto 
Cain :  Where  is  Abel  thy  brother  ? 
And  he  said  :  I  know  not ;  am  I  my 
brother's  keeper  ?  And  He  said  unto 
him  :  What  hast  thou  done  ?  The 
voice  of  thy  brother's  blood  crieth 
unto  Me  from  the  ground.  Now, 
therefore,  cursed  shalt  thou  be  upon 
the  earth,  which  hath  opened  her 
mouth  to  receive  thy  brother's  blood 
from  thy  hand.  When  thou  tillest 
the  ground  it  shall  not  henceforth 
yield  unto  thee  her  fruits  :  a  fugitive 
and  a  vagabond  shalt  thou  be  on 
the  earth. 

Second  Responsory. 

In  the  beginning,  &c,  {Second  Re- 
sponsory on  Sunday,  p.  415-) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  Cain  said  unto  the  Lord: 
*^^  My  sin  is  too  great  for  me  to 
gain  pardon  thereof.3  Behold,  Thou 
hast  driven  me  out  this  day  from  the 
face  of  the  earth,  and  from  Thy  face 
shall  I  be  hid,  and  I  shall  be  a  fugi- 
tive and  a  vagabond  in  the  earth. 
Every  one   therefore   that  findeth   me 


1  The  name. 

2  Like  a  beast  of  prey  lying  in  wait.  (Gesenius.)  The  Targum  of  Jonathan  ben  Uzziel  on 
the  whole  passage  is :  "If  thou  doest  thy  work  well,  will  not  thy  guilt  be  forgiven  thee?  But  if 
thou  doest  not  thy  work  well  in  this  world,  thy  sin  is  retained  unto  the  day  of  the  great 
judgment,  and  at  the  doors  of  thy  heart  lieth  thy  sin.  And  into  thy  hand  have  I  delivered  the 
power  over  evil  passion,  and  unto  thee  shall  be  the  inclination  thereof,  that  thou  mayest 
have  authority  over  it,  to  become  righteous,  or  to  sin."     (Etheridge's  translation,  I.  170.) 

3  The  Jerusalem  Targum  softens  the  hopelessness  of  this  exclamation.  "My  sins  are  greater 
than  can  be  borne.  Nevertheless  there  is  power  before  Thee  to  absolve  and  forgive  me." 
(Etheridge's  translation,  I.  172.) 


424 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF  THE  SEASON. 


shall  slay  me.  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  him:  It  shall  not  be  so:  but 
whosoever  slayeth  Cain,  vengeance 
shall  be  taken  on  him  sevenfold. 
And  the  Lord  set  a  mark  upon  Cain, 
lest  any  finding  him  should  kill  him. 
And  Cain  went  out  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord,  and  dwelt  a  vagabond 
in  the  land  on  the  East  of  Eden. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord  formed  man,  &c,  (p. 
4I5-) 

At  the  beginning  of  the  Mar  tyro  logy, 
is  said, 

On  the  morrow  we  commemorate 
the  prayer  of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ 
at  the  foot  of  the  Mount  of  Olives. 

Office  in  Memory  of  the  Prayer  of  our 
Lord  JESUS  Christ  in  the  Garden 
of  Gethsemane. 

Greater  Double. 

All  as  on  Sundays,  except  the  follow- 
ing. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 

Ps.  cxvi.  O  praise  the  LORD,  &c, 

{p.    186.) 

Hymn.1 

CEE  the  Eternal  Word  descending 

From  the  throne  of  bliss  supreme, 
Love-constrained,  His  way  now  wending 
Adam's  children  to  redeem. 

Pitying  the  world's  disaster, 

Yearning  to  repair  its  fall, 
Prone  upon  the  earth,  our  Master 

Prays  for  pardon  for  us  all. 


O  what  anguish,  what  affliction 

Hemmed  Him  round  on  every  side. 

Who  shall  tell  His  dereliction  ! 

While  His  suppliant  accents  cried — 

"  O  My  Father  !     O  My  Father  ! 

Let  this  Chalice  pass  away — 
Yet  not  My  will,  Thy  will  rather 

Be  accomplished  this  day — " 

'Neath  that  load  of  anguish  sinking 
Drops  of  Blood  stood  on  His  Brow — 

Wondering  earth  in  silence  drinking 
One  by  one  the  Drops  that  flow. 

But  an  angel  swiftly  gliding 
Comes  from  heaven  to  His  aid ; 

And  that  Form  the  Godhead  hiding 
Comfort  seeks  from  those  He  made. 

To  the  Father  praise  be  given — 

Praise  the  Son,  Whose  Name  is  greater 

Than  all  names  beneath  the  heaven, — 
Praise  the  Spirit,  every  creature.     Amen. 

Verse.  2  My  soul  is  exceeding  sor- 
rowful, 

Answer.     Even  unto  death. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  He  kneeled  down,  and 
prayed,  saying :  Father,  if  Thou  be 
willing,  remove  this  cup  from  Me  ; 
nevertheless,  not  My  will,  but  Thine, 
be  done. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Christ  JESUS  Who 
prayed  at  the  foot  of  the  Mount 
of  Olives,  *  Him,  O  come,  let  us 
worship  ! 

Hymn  Jrom  Vespers. 


FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  4  Before  thou 
prayest,  prepare  thy  soul,  and  be 
not  as  one  that  tempteth  God. 


1  Hymn  from  the  Proprium  of  the  arch-diocese  of  Freiburg,  translation  by  the   Rev.  Dr 
Wallace.  *  Matth.  xxvi.  38.  8  Luke  xxii.  41,  42.  *  Ecclus.  xviii.  23. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


425 


Ps.  xvi.  Hear  my  right,  O  LORD, 
&c,  (p.    13.) 

Second  Antiphon.  l  Let  nothing- 
hinder  thee  to  pray  always,  and  de- 
fer not  until  death  to  be  justified. 

Ps.  xxiv.  Unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  &c, 

(A  46.) 

Third  Antiphon.  2  All  things  what- 
soever ye  shall  ask  in  prayer,  believ- 
ing, ye  shall  receive. 

Ps.  cxli.  I  cried  unto  the  LORD, 
&c,   {p.   200.) 

Verse.  My  soul  is  exceeding  sor- 
rowful, 

Answer.     Even  unto  death. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Tobias  (xii.  8-13.) 

"DRAYER  is  good  with  fasting,  and 
to  lay  up  alms  rather  than  to  lay 
up  stores  of  gold.  For  alms  doth  de- 
liver 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.  There- 
fore 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. 

First  Responsory. 

3  In  everything  give  thanks.  Pray 
without  ceasing. 

Verse.       For    this    is    the    will    of 


1  Ecclus.  xviii.  22. 


2  Matth.  xxi.  22. 


God  in  Christ  JESUS  concerning  you 
all. 

Answer.     Pray  without  ceasing. 

Second  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  James  (v. 
16.) 

"DRAY  one  for  another,  that  ye  may 
be  healed,  for  the  fervent  prayer 
of  a  righteous  man  availeth  much. 
Elias  was  a  man  subject  to  like 
passions  as  we  are,  and  he  prayed 
earnestly  that  it  might  not  rain  upon 
the  earth,  and  it  rained  not  by  the 
space  of  three  years  and  six  months. 
And  he  prayed  again,  and  the  heaven 
gave  rain,  and  the  earth  brought  forth 
her  fruit.  Brethren,  if  any  of  you  do 
err  from  the  truth,  and  one  convert 
him,  let  him  know  that  he  which  con- 
verted! a  sinner  from  the  error  of  his 
way  shall  save  his  soul  from  death, 
and  shall  hide  a  multitude  of  sins. 

Second  Responsory. 

When  4  ye  stand  praying,  forgive, 
if  ye  have  aught  against  any. 

Verse.  That  your  Father  also  Who 
is  in  heaven  may  forgive  you  your 
trespasses. 

Answer.  Forgive,  if  ye  have  aught 
against  any. 

Third  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Hebrews  (v.  5.) 

Christ  glorified  not  Himself  to  be 
made  an  High  Priest,  but  He  That 
said  unto  Him  :  "  Thou  art  My  Son, 
to-day  have  I  begotten  Thee."  (Ps. 
ii.  7.)  As  He  saith  also  in  another 
place  :    "  Thou  art  a   Priest  for  ever, 

3  1  Thess.  v.  17,  18.  4  Mark  xi.  25. 


426 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


after  the  order  of  Melchisedek." 
(Ps.  cix.  4.)  Who,  in  the  days 
of  His  flesh,  when  He  had  offered 
up  prayers  and  supplications,  with 
strong  crying  and  tears,  unto  Him 
That  was  able  to  save  Him  from 
death,  was  heard,  in  that  He  feared.1 
And  though  He  was  the  Son  of  God, 
yet  learned  He  obedience  by  the 
things  which  He  suffered ;  and  be- 
ing made  perfect,  He  is  become  the 
Author  of  Eternal  Salvation  unto  all 
them  that  obey  Him — called  of  God 
an  High  Priest  after  the  order  of 
Melchisedek. 

Third  Responsory. 

2  The  LORD  hath  heard  my  sup- 
plication ;  the  LORD  hath  received 
my  prayer. 

Verse.  3  I  cried  with  my  whole 
heart ;  hear  me,  O  Lord  ! 

Answer.  The  Lord  hath  received 
my  prayer. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  hath  received 
my  prayer. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  4  When  ye  pray 
ye  shall  not  be  as  the  hypocrites 
are  ;  for  they  love  to  pray  standing 
in  the  synagogues  and  in  the  corners 
of  the  streets,  that  they  may  be  seen 
of  men. 

Ps.  xlii.  Judge  me,  O  God,  &c, 
(P-    105.) 

Second  Antiphon.  5  But  thou, 
when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy 
closet,  and,  when  thou  hast  shut 
the  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  Who 
is  in  secret. 


Ps.  liv.  Give  ear  to  my  prayer, 
&c,   (p.    109.) 

Third  Antiphori.  °  And  it  came 
to  pass  in  those  days,  that  Jesus 
went  out  into  a  mountain  to  pray, 
and  continued  all  night  in  prayer 
to  God. 

Ps.  cxx.  I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes, 
&c,   {p.    186.) 

Verse.  7  O  My  Father,  if  it  be 
possible, — 

Answer.  Let  this  cup  pass  from 
Me! 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Treatise 
upon  the  Lord's  Prayer  written  by 
the  Holy  Martyr  Cyprian,  Bishop  [of 
Carthage.  ]     ( On  the  Lords  Prayer. ) 

HP  HE  Lord  hath  indeed  taught  us  to 
pray,  not  by  words  only,  but  also 
by  deeds.  He  Himself  prayed  often- 
times, and  right  earnestly,  and  showed 
us  by  the  witness  of  His  Own  example 
what  we  are  behoven  to  do  ;  as  it  is 
written:  "And  He  withdrew  Himself 
into  the  wilderness,  and  prayed." 
(Luke  v.  16.)  And  again:  "And  it 
came  to  pass  in  those  days  that  Jesus 
went  out  into  a  mountain  to  pray,  and 
continued  all  night  in  prayer  to  God." 
(Luke  vi.  12.)  If  He  prayed  Who 
was  without  sin,  how  much  more  are 
sinners  beholden  to  pray  ?  And  if  He 
remained  sleepless  all  night  in  unceas- 
ing prayer,  how  much  more  ought  we 
to  watch  by  night  in  common  prayer  ? 
The  Lord  prayed  and  besought,  but 
not  for  Himself — for  what  had  the 
Innocent  One  to  ask  for  for  Himself? 
But  it  was  for  us  sinners  that  He 
prayed,  as  Himself  declareth  when  He 
saith  unto  Peter :  "  Simon,  Simon, 
behold,  Satan  hath  desired  to  have 
you,   that   he  may  sift  you  as  wheat  ; 


1  Or,  "on  account  of  His  reverent  submission."  2  Ps.  vi.  10. 

3  Ps.  cxviii.  145.         *.  Matth.  vi.  5.         5  Ibid.,  6.         6  Luke  vi.  12.         7  Matth.  xxvi.  39. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


427 


but  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy 
faith  fail  not."  (Luke  xxii.  31,  32.) 
And  a  little  while  after,  He  prayed  to 
the  Father  for  all,  saying  :  "  Neither 
pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them 
also  which  shall  believe  on  Me  through 
their  word,  that  they  all  may  be  one  ; 
as  Thou,  Father,  art  in  Me,  and  I  in 
Thee  ;  that  they  also  may  be  one  in 
Us."     (John  xvii.  20,  21.) 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Simon,  Simon,  behold,  Satan  hath 
desired  to  have  you,  that  he  may  sift 
you  as  wheat ;  but  I  have  prayed  for 
thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not. 

Verse.  And  when  thou  art  con- 
verted strengthen  thy  brethren. 

Answer.  I  have  prayed  for  thee, 
that  thy  faith  fail  not. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Com- 
mentary upon  the  Epistle  to  the 
Hebrews,  written  by  St  Anselm, 
Archbishop  [of  Canterbury.]     (v.) 

LIE  offered  up  prayers  like  a  true 
High  Priest.  That  He  prayed 
we  read  oftentimes  in  the  Gospel, 
especially  in  that  according  to  Luke, 
who  draweth  Him  in  His  Priestly 
character.  But  even  as  all  things 
which  He  did  in  the  Flesh,  His  prayers 
and  supplications  were  for  men. 
Through  all  His  life  He  prayed  to 
the  Father  touching  the  Resurrection 
of  His  Own  Flesh,  and  our  salvation, 
and  at  the  last  moment  before  He 
suffered,  He  offered  up  supplications, 
that  is,  prayers  most  beseeching  and 
most  vehement,  with  the  utmost  passion 
and  tenderness  of  His  Heart,  when, 
"being  in  an  agony  He  prayed  more 
earnestly,  and  His  Sweat  was  as  it 
were  great  drops  of  Blood  falling  down 
to    the     ground."       (Luke    xxii.    44.) 

1  Ecclus.  xxxv.  21. 


These  prayers  and  supplications  He 
offered  up  unto  the  Father,  Who  met 
Him  half-way  by  hearing  Him.  He 
offered  them  up  unto  Him  That  was 
able  to  save  Him  from  death,  that 
is,  to  raise  Him  up  again  —  unto 
Him  of  Whom  He  knew  that  He 
was  able  to  save  Him,  that  is,  to 
make  Him  so  that  He  could  die  no 
more  and  suffer  no  more,  by  deliver- 
ing Him  from  death,  so  that  His 
Soul  was  not  left  in  hell,  neither  did 
His  Flesh  see  corruption  in  the 
grave.     (Ps.  xv.    10.) 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1  The  prayer  of  the  humble  pierceth 
the  clouds,  and  till  it  come  nigh,  he  will 
not  be  comforted. 

Verse.  And  will  not  depart  till  the 
Most  High  shall  behold. 

Answer.  And  till  it  come  nigh,  he 
will  not  be  comforted. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

AND  these  prayers  and  supplications 
"^^  He  offered  up  with  strong  crying, 
that  is,  with  the  keenest  and  liveliest 
yearning  of  godly  desire,  as  when, 
being  in  an  agony,  He  prayed  more 
earnestly,  and  even  with  tears,  for  in 
that  lengthened  prayer  we  must  believe 
that  He  shed  Tears  as  well  as  those 
drops  of  Blood  which  trickled  down 
His  Body  in  the  place  of  sweat.  And 
He  was  heard,  for  in  rising  again,  He 
received  that  for  which  He  had  asked. 
He  was  heard,  that  is,  He  in  especial 
was  heard  in  a  sense  of  thoroughness 
in  which  no  other  hath  ever  been 
heard,  since,  after  the  throes  of  the 
struggle  were  over,  the  Father  exalted 
Him  above  everything  created.  More- 
over, He  was  heard  on  account  of 
reverent  submission,2  which  meaneth 
either  that  He  was  heard  because  as 

2  Apo  tes  eulabeias. 


428 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


the  Son  of  God  reverent  submission 
was  due  to  His  wishes,  or  else  that  He 
was  heard  because  of  His  reverent 
submission  to  the  Will  of  God,  in  that 
He  feared  and  honoured  the  Father 
above  all.  Or  again,  we  may  under- 
stand that  He  was  heard,  because  His 
reverent  submission  merited  that  He 
should  be  heard.  The  out-pouring  of 
His  Blood  may  in  itself  be  called  a 
strong  cry,  wherein  He  was  heard  on 
account  of  His  reverent  submission  to 
such  suffering.  His  reverent  sub- 
mission in  that  case  lay  in  this,  that 
having  never  done  any  evil,  He  was 
willing  to  suffer,  simply  out  of  love. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

1  Let  now  Thine  ears  be  attentive 
and  Thine  eyes  open,  to  hearken  unto 
the  prayer  of  Thy  servant. 

Verse.  Which  I  pray  before  Thee 
this  day,  night  and  day. 

Answer.  To  hearken  unto  the 
prayer  of  Thy  servant. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  To  hearken  unto  the 
prayer  of  Thy  servant. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  -  Trouble  and 
anguish  have  taken  hold  on  me  :  Thy 
commandments  are  my  delight. 

Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,  {p.  5.) 

Second  Antiphon.  3  I  looked  for 
some  to  take  pity  on  me,  and  there  was 
none  ;  and  for  comforters,  but  I  found 
none. 

Ps.  xii.  How  long  wilt  Thou  forget, 
&c,  (p.  9.) 


unto  the  dust ;  quicken  Thou  me  ac- 
cording to  Thy  word. 

Ps.  lxxxvii.  O  Lord  God  of  my 
salvation,  &c,  {p.  145.) 

Verse.  4  Watch  and  pray, 
Answer.     That    ye    enter  not    into 
temptation. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xxii.  39.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  came  out,  and 
went,  as   He  was  wont,   to  the 
Mount   of  Olives ;   and    His   disciples 
also  followed  Him.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]     (Bk.  x.  Comm.  on  Luke  xxii.) 

"  Remove  this  cup  from  Me  " — the 
Man  shrank  from  death,  the  God  re- 
mained unshaken  in  the  counsel  of  His 
Own  Will.  We  must  needs  die  to  this 
world  that  we  may  rise  again  to  God, 
that  in  accordance  with  God's  sentence, 
the  law  of  the  curse  may  work  itself 
out  by  our  return  to  the  dust  of  the 
earth  from  whence  we  are  taken. 

"Not  My  will,  but  Thine  be  done." 
In  these  words  our  Lord  signifieth  by 
"  My  will  "  His  human  will,  and  by  the 
Father's  will,  His  Own  Divine  Will. 
The  wills  of  men  are  temporal,  but  the 
Will  of  God  is  eternal.  There  is  not 
one  Will  of  the  Father,  and  another 
Will  of  the  Son.  There  is  but  one 
Will,  where  there  is  but  one  God. 
Learn,  nevertheless,  from  the  ensample 
of  Christ,  to  be  resigned  to  God's  Will, 
and  not  to  choose  that  which  best 
pleaseth  thyself,  but  that  which  thou 
knowest  will  best  please  God. 

Seventh  Responsory. 
3  I  am  come  into  the  depth  of  the 


Third  Antiphon.     2  My  soul  cleaveth      sea,  and  the  flood  overfloweth  me. 


1  2  Ezra  (Nehem.),  i.  6. 
3  Ps.  lxviii.  21,  3,  1. 


2  Ps.  cxviii.  143,  25. 
4  Matth.  xxvi.  41. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


429 


Verse.  Save  me,  O  God,  for  the 
waters  are  come  in  unto  my  soul. 

Answer.  And  the  flood  overfloweth 
me. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

/~PHEN,  let  us  consider  the  special 
meaning  of  His  different  expres- 
sions. "  My  Soul  is  exceeding  sorrow- 
ful, even  unto  death."  (Matth.  xxvi. 
38.)  So  also  elsewhere  He  saith : 
"Now  is  My  Soul  troubled."  (John 
xii.  27.)  It  was  not  He  Who  had 
taken  the  Manhood  unto  God  Who  was 
troubled,  but  the  Manhood  Which  He 
had  so  taken.  The  soul  of  man  is 
able  to  be  moved  by  divers  feelings, 
but  not  so  God.  "  The  Spirit  indeed 
is  willing,  but  the  Flesh  is  weak."1 
(Matth.  xxvi.  41.)  That  which  was 
exceeding  sorrowful  was  not  Himself 
but  His  Soul.  The  Eternal  Wisdom 
was  not  sorrowful,  the  Divine  Being 
was  not  sorrowful,  but  the  human  Soul 
of  Jesus  was  sorrowful.  He  had  taken 
into  the  Godhead  a  Soul,  but  a  Soul  of 
the  same  nature  as  mine.2  I  am  not 
deceived  into  thinking  that  it  was  one 
thing,  when  it  seemed  another.  Sor- 
rowful He  seemed  to  be,  and  sorrowful 
He  was — not  at  the  thought  of  His 
Own  sufferings,  but  of  our  sins. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

3  Let  my  prayer  come  before  Thee  : 
incline  Thine  ear  unto  my  cry. 

Verse.  For  my  soul  is  full  of 
troubles,  and  my  life  draweth  nigh 
unto  the  grave. 

Answer.  Incline  Thine  ear  unto 
my  cry. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Incline  Thine  ear  unto 
my  cry. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

THEN  He  saith  :  "  I  will  smite  the 
shepherd,  and  the  sheep  of  the 
flock  shall  be  scattered  abroad." 
(Matth.  xxvi.  31.)  He  was  sorrowful 
because  He  was  leaving  us  orphans. 
But  how  resolutely  He  was  giving 
Himself  up  to  die  is  sufficiently  clear 
by  what  followed,  when  He  went  to 
meet  those  that  sought  Him,  when  He 
calmed  the  agitated,  when  He  nerved 
the  timid,  when  He  received  the  traitor 
himself  with  the  condescension  of  a 
kiss.  Neither  is  it  other  than  the 
truth  to  say  that  He  was  sorrowful  for 
their  sakes  who  were  hunting  Him 
down,  since  He  knew  what  a  punish- 
ment they  were  to  undergo  for  that 
unutterable  crime.  And  because  of 
all  these  things  He  said :  "  Let  this 
cup  pass  from  Me  !  "  It  was  not  that 
the  Divine  Son  of  the  Divine  Being 
was  afraid  to  die,  but  He  would  not 
that  even  wicked  men  should  perish  on 
His  account. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS.4 

First  Afitipho7i.  Jesus  cometh 
with  His  disciples  unto  a  place  called 
Gethsemane,  and  saith  unto  them  :  Sit 
ye  here  while  I  go  and  pray*yonder. 

Second  Antiphon.  And  He  took 
with  Him  Peter  and  the  two  sons  of 
Zebedee,  and  began  to  be  sorrowful 
and  very  heavy. 

Third  Antiphon.  Then  saith  He 
unto  them :  My  soul  is  exceeding 
sorrowful,  even  unto  death  ;  tarry  ye 
here,  and  watch  with  Me. 

Fourth  Antipho?i.  And  He  went  a 
little  farther,  and  fell  on  His  Face, 
and   prayed,    saying :    O    My    Father ! 


1  St  Ambrose  seems  to  understand  these  words  as  spoken  by  our  Lord  concerning  Himself. 

2  Suscepit  animam  meam,  suscepit  corpus  meum. 

3  Ps.  lxxxvii.  3,  4.  *  Antiphons  from  Matth.  xxvi.  36-39,  42. 


430 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from 
Me! 

Fifth  Antiphon.  O  My  Father ! 
if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away  from 
Me,  except  I  drink  it,  Thy  Will  be 
done  ! 

Chapter.      (Matth.  xxvi.  40.) 

JESUS  cometh  unto  the  disciples, 
and  findeth  them  asleep,  and 
saith  unto  Peter  :  What !  could  ye  not 
watch  with  Me  one  hour  ?  Watch 
and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temp- 
tation. 

Hymn.1 

"PROM  high  heaven  the  Mediator, 

Whom  the  Prophets  sang  of  yore, 
Conies  to  heal  our  fallen  nature, 
Zion's  daughters  !  weep  no  more. 

For  the  ill  which  Eden  wrought  us, 

When  our  parents  went  astray, 
Olivet  to  life  hath  brought  us, 

Where  our  Lord  doth  watch  and  pray. 

The  Redeemer  of  His  nation, 
Such  the  love  which  filled  His  Breast, 

Hastens  to  make  expiation 

For  the  world  by  sin  oppressed. 

Now  the  Father's  anger  ceases, 
And  the  Hand  up-raised  to  smite, 

All  those  threatening  shafts  releases, 
Destined  on  our  souls  to  light. 

Thus  the  snares  of  hell  are  broken  ; 

Heaven's  gates  are  open  wide, 
Where  eternal  joys  unspoken 

Welcome  those  for  whom  He  died. 

To  the  Father  praise  be  given  ! 

Praise  the  Son,  Whose  Name  is  greater 
Than  all  names  beneath  the  heaven, 

Praise  the  Spirit,  every  creature.     Amen. 

Verse.     2  Lord,  teach  us  to  pray. 
Answer.     After  this  manner  there- 
fore pray  ye. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 

1  Another  hymn  from  the  Proprium  of  the 
Dr  Wallace. 


Being  in  an  agony  He  prayed  more 
earnestly,  and  His  Sweat  was  as  it 
were  great  drops  of  Blood  falling  down 
to  the  ground. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

C\  LORD  JESUS  Christ,  Who  in  the 
^^^  garden  didst  both  by  Thy  word 
and  by  Thine  ensample  teach  us  to 
pray  that  we  enter  not  into  temptation, 
mercifully  grant  that  we  may  ever  be 
so  instant  in  prayer,  that  we  may 
worthily  gain  the  comfortable  fruits 
thereof.  Who  livest  and  reignest  with 
God  the  Father,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

PRIME. 

Ati  tip/ton.       Jesus    cometh,    &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Ps.  liii.  (p.  36)  and  the  two  sections 
of  cxvm.  (p.  38). 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Matth.  v.  44.) 

T3RAY   for   them   which   despitefully 
use  you  and  persecute  you,  that 
ye  may  be  the  children  of  your  Father, 
Who  is  in  heaven. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.     And  He  took  with  Him, 
&c,  (Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

My  Soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful. 
Answer.      My  Soul  is  exceeding  sor- 
rowful, 

Verse.     Even  unto  death. 
Answer.      Exceeding  sorrowful. 
Verse.      Glory    be    to    the    Father, 

arch-diocese  of  Freiburg,  translation  by  the  Rev. 
2  Luke  xi.  1  ;  Matth.  vi.  9. 


SEPTUAGESIMA. 


431 


and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  My  Soul  is  exceeding  sor- 
rowful. 

Verse.  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  pos- 
sible— 

Answer.  Let  this  cup  pass  from 
Me! 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Then  saith  He  unto 
them,  &c,  ( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Luke  xxi.  36.) 

'\X7\ATCH  ye  therefore  and  pray 
always,  that  ye  may  be  ac- 
counted worthy  to  escape  all  these 
things  that  shall  come  to  pass,  and  to 
stand  before  the  Son  of  Man. 

Short  Responsory. 

O  My  Father  !  if  it  be  possible. 

Answer.  O  My  Father !  if  it  be 
possible — 

Verse.     Let  this  cup  pass  from  Me  ! 

Answer.      If  it  be  possible. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  O  my  Father !  if  it  be 
possible. 

Verse.     Watch  and  pray, 

Answer.  That  ye  enter  not  into 
temptation. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  O  My  Father !  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

Watch  and  pray. 
Answer.     Watch  and  pray, 
Verse.       That    ye    enter    not    into 
temptation. 


Answer.     And  pray. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.     Watch  and  pray. 

Verse.      His  Sweat 

Answer.  Was  as  it  were  great 
drops  of  Blood. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 
Ps.  cxv.  I  believed,  &c,  (p.  185.) 

Hymn  from  first  Vespers. 

Verse.      His  Sweat 
Answer.       Was    as    it    were    great 
drops  of  Blood. 

Antiphon  at  the  So  fig  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  l  Behold,  the  hour  is  at  hand, 
and  the  Son  of  Man  is  betrayed  into 
the  hands  of  sinners. 

The  Sabbath. 

MATTINS. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (v.  15.) 

AND  Mahalaleel  lived  sixty  and  five 
■^^  years,  and  begat  Jared.  And 
Mahalaleel  lived,  after  he  begat  Jared, 
eight  hundred  and  thirty  years,  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters.  And  all 
the  days  of  Mahalaleel  were  eight 
hundred  and  ninety-five  years  ;  and  he 
died.  And  Jared  lived  an  hundred 
sixty  and  two  years,  and  he  begat 
Enoch.       And    Jared    lived    after   he 


1  Matth.  xxvi.  45. 


432 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


begat  Enoch  eight  hundred  years,  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters.  And  all 
the  days  of  Jared  were  nine  hundred 
and  sixty  and  two  years  ;  and  he  died. 
And  Enoch  lived  sixty  and  five  years, 
and  begat  Methuselah. 

First  Responsory. 

And  the   Lord   God  had   planted, 
&c,  (p.  417.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  Enoch  walked  with  God: 
and  he  lived,  after  he  begat 
Methuselah,  three  hundred  years,  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters.  And  all 
the  days  of  Enoch  were  three  hun- 
dred sixty  and  five  years.  And  he 
walked  with  God ;  and  he  was  seen 
no  more,  for  God  took  him.  And 
Methuselah  lived  an  hundred,  eighty 
and  seven  years,  and  begat  Lamech. 
And  Methuselah  lived,  after  he  begat 
Lamech,  seven  hundred  eighty  and  two 
years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters. 
And  all  the  days  of  Methuselah  were 
nine  hundred  sixty  and  nine  years ; 
and  he  died. 


Second  Responsory. 

Behold,  Adam  is  become,  &c,  {p. 
4I7-) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  Lamech  lived  an  hundred 
eighty  and  two  years,  and  begat 
a  son,  and  he  called  his  name  Noah,1 
saying :  This  same  shall  comfort  us 
concerning  our  work  and  toil  of  our 
hands  upon  the  ground  which  the 
Lord  hath  cursed.  And  Lamech 
lived,  after  he  begat  Noah,  five 
hundred  ninety  and  five  years,  and 
begat     sons     and     daughters.        And 


all  the  days  of  Lamech  were  seven 
hundred  seventy  and  seven  years  ; 
and  he  died. 


Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord  said  unto  Cain,  &c,  /. 
418.) 

VESPERS. 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  Lauds  of 
the  following  morning. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Lord  said  unto  Noah  :  * 
The  end  of  all  flesh  is  come  before 
Me :  make  thee  an  ark  of  planed 
timber,  that  seed  of  all  flesh  may  be 
saved  therein. 


^exagestma  SunUag. 

The  Lord's  Day  within  Sixty  Days 
of  Easter. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory    and    omission     in    Ps. 
XCIV.  as  on  last  Sunday. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (v.  31.) 

AND  when  Noah  was  five  hundred 
years  old  he  begat  Shem,  Ham, 
and  Japheth.  (vi.  1.)  And  it  came 
to  pass,  when  men  began  to  multi- 
ply on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and 
daughters  were  born  unto  them,  that 
the  sons  of  God 2  saw  the  daughters 
of    men     that     they    were    fair,     and 


1  I.e.,  "rest,"  or  "comfort." 

3  Targums — "the  sons  of  the  mighty,"  and  Samaritan,  "sons  of  the  rulers." 


SEXAGESIMA. 


433 


they  took  them  wives  of  all  which 
they  chose.  And  God  said :  l  My 
spirit  shall  not  always  continue  in 
man,  for  that  he  also  is  flesh :  and 
his  days  shall  be  an  hundred  and 
twenty  years.  And  there  were  giants 
in  the  earth  in  those  days.  For 
after  that  the  sons  of  God  came  in 
unto  the  daughters  of  men,  and  they 
bare  children  to  them,  the  same 
became  mighty  men,  which  were  of 
old,  men  of  renown. 

First  Responsory. 

2  The  Lord  said  unto  Noah :  The 
end  of  all  flesh  is  come  before  Me  ; 
for  the  earth  is  filled  with  violence 
through  them.  And  I  will  destroy 
them  with  the  earth. 

Verse.  Make  thee  an  ark  of 
planed  timber,  rooms  shalt  thou  make 
in  it. 

Answer.  And  I  will  destroy  them 
with  the  earth. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  God  saw  that  the  wickedness 
-^  of  man  was  great  in  the  earth, 
and  that  every  thought  of  his  heart 
was  only  evil  continually,  and  it  re- 
pented Him  that  He  had  made  man 
on  the  earth.  And  it  grieved  Him  at 
the  heart ;  and  He  said  :  I  will  destroy 
man,  whom  I  have  created,  from  the 
face  of  the  earth ;  both  man  and 
beast,  and  the  creeping  thing,  and 
the  fowls  of  the  air  :  for  it  repenteth 
Me  that  I  have  made  them.  But 
Noah  found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord. 

Second  Responsory. 

Noah  was  a  just  man  and  perfect ; 
he  walked    with   God.      According   to 

i  Targum  of  Onkelos :  ' '  This  evil  generation  shall  not  stand  before  Me  for  ever,  because 
they  are  flesh  and  their  works  are  evil."  Jonathan  ben  Uzziel :  "Have  I  not  imparted  My 
Holy  Spirit  to  them,  that  they  may  work  good  works?  And,  behold,  their  works  are  wicked. 
Behold,  I  will  give  them  a  prolongment  of  120  years,  that  they  may  work  repentance,  and  not 
perish."  2  vi.  13. 


all  that  God  commanded  him,  so 
did  he. 

Verse.  He  made  him  an  ark,  that 
a  seed  of  every  sort  might  be  saved 
alive. 

Answer.  According  to  all  that  God 
commanded  him,  so  did  he. 

Third  Lesson. 

HPHESE  are  the  generations  of 
Noah :  Noah  was  a  just  man, 
and  perfect  in  his  generations  ;  he 
walked  with  God.  And  he  begat 
three  sons,  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japhet. 
The  earth  also  was  corrupt  before 
God,  and  was  filled  with  violence. 
And  when  God  looked  upon  the  earth 
and  beheld  how  it  was  corrupt,  (for  all 
flesh  had  corrupted  his  way  upon  the 
earth,)  He  said  unto  Noah:  The  end 
of  all  flesh  is  come  before  Me  :  the 
earth  is  filled  with  violence  through 
them,  and  I  will  destroy  them  with 
the  earth.  Make  thee  an  ark  of  planed 
timber  :  rooms  shalt  thou  make  in  the 
ark,  and  shalt  pitch  it  within  and  with- 
out with  pitch.  And  this  is  the  fashion 
thou  shalt  make  it  of:  the  length  of 
the  ark  shall  be  three  hundred  cubits, 
the  breadth  of  it  fifty  cubits,  and  the 
height  of  it  thirty  cubits. 

Third  Responsory. 

Forty  days  and  forty  nights  were  the 
heavens  opened  ;  and  there  went  into 
the  ark  two  and  two  of  all  flesh  wherein 
is  the  breath  of  life.  And  the  Lord 
shut  them  in. 

Verse.  In  the  self-same  day  entered 
Noah  into  the  ark,  and  his  sons,  and 
his  wife,  and  the  wives  of  his  sons. 

Answer.  And  the  LORD  shut 
them  in. 


434 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  the  LORD  shut 
them  in. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
upon  Noah's  Ark  by  St  Ambrose, 
Bishop  [of  Milan.]     {Chap,  iv.) 

\X/"E  read  that  the  Lord  was  angry. 
It  is  in  the  thoughts,  that  is  to 
say,  in  the  knowledge  of  God,  that 
man  being  put  on  earth  and  weighted 
with  the  body  cannot  1  be  without  sin, 
for  earth  is  the  home  of  temptations, 
and  the  flesh  is  a  bait  for  corruption. 
Yet  man  had  a  reasonable  soul,  and 
his  soul  had  power  to  control  his 
body  ;  and,  being  so  made,  he  made 
no  struggle  to  keep  himself  from  fall- 
ing into  that  from  whence  he  would 
not  return.  God's  thoughts  are  not 
as  man's  thoughts  ;  in  Him  there  is 
no  such  thing  as  change  of  mind,  no 
such  thing  as  to  be  angry  and  then 
cool  down  again.  These  things  are 
written  that  we  may  know  the  bitter- 
ness of  our  sins,  whereby  we  have 
earned  the  Divine  wrath.  To  such 
a  degree  had  iniquity  grown  that  God, 
Who  by  His  nature  cannot  be  moved 
by  anger,  or  hatred,  or  any  passion 
whatsoever,  is  represented  as  provoked 
to  anger. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

2  Noah  builded  an  Altar  unto  the 
LORD,  and  offered  burnt  offerings  on 
the  Altar ;  and  the  LORD  smelled 
a  sweet  savour,  and  blessed  Noah, 
and  said :  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply, 
and  replenish  the  earth. 

Verse.  Behold,  I  establish  My 
covenant  with  you,  and  with  your  seed 
after  you. 

1  Esse  non  possit,  i.e.,  since  the  Fall. 


Answer.  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply, 
and  replenish  the  earth. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

AND  God  threatened  that  He  would 
destroy  man.  He  said  :  "  I  will 
destroy  man,  whom  I  have  created, 
from  the  face  of  the  earth  ;  both  man 
and  beast,  and  the  creeping  thing,  and 
the  fowls  of  the  air."  What  harm  had 
the  animals  done  ?  For  man's  use 
had  they  been  created,  and,  when  man 
was  wiped  away,  they  were  of  use  no 
longer.  And  there  is  an  higher  reason. 
Man  is  a  living  soul,  capable  of  reason, 
who  may  be  described  as  a  living 
animal,  subject  to  death,  and  endowed 
with  reason.  When  then  the  highest 
animal  is  gone,  why  should  the  lower 
branches  remain  ?  Why  should  any- 
thing be  saved  alive,  when  righteous- 
ness, the  basis  of  salvation,  is  to  be  no 
more  ? 

Fifth  Responsory. 

The  Lord  said  unto  Noah  :  3  I  do 
set  My  bow  in  the  clouds  of  heaven : 
and  I  will  remember  My  covenant 
which  is  between  Me  and  you. 

Verse.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass, 
when  I  bring  a  cloud  over  the  heaven, 
that  My  bow  shall  be  seen  in  the 
cloud. 

Answer.  And  I  will  remember  My 
covenant  which  is  between  Me  and 
you. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

DUT  more  effectually  to  condemn 
the  rest  of  men,  and  to  manifest 
the  goodness  of  God,  it  is  written  that 
Noah  found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord.  Here  we  learn  also  that  the 
sin  of  his  neighbour  casteth  no  shadow 
on  the  righteous,  when  he  is  kept  as  a 
stock  from  whence  the  whole  race  are 
to  spring.      He  is  praised,  not  because 


2  viii.  20 ;  ix.  i,  9. 


u.  13,  14. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


435 


he  was  of  a  noble  race,  but  because  he 
was  a  just  man  and  perfect.  The 
stock  of  a  just  man  yieldeth  men  of 
just  souls  ;  for  virtues,  like  blood,  are 
hereditary.  Among  men  are  some 
families  illustrious  for  honourable  pedi- 
grees, and  so  there  are  also  races  of 
souls  whose  comeliness  is  the  lustre  of 
virtues. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

By  Myself  have  I  sworn,  saith  the 
Lord.  I  will  not  again  bring  the 
waters  of  the  flood  upon  the  earth  :  I 
will  remember  My  covenant.  And  the 
waters  shall  become  no  more  a  flood 
to  destroy  all  flesh. 

Verse.  I  do  set  My  bow  in  the 
clouds,  and  it  shall  be  for  a  token  of 
a  covenant  between  Me  and  the  earth. 

Answer.  And  the  waters  shall  no 
more  become  a  flood  to  destroy  all 
flesh. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  the  waters  shall  no 
more  become  a  flood  to  destroy  all 
flesh. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson   is   taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (viii.  4.) 

A  T  that  time  :   When  much  people 

were  gathered  together,  and  were 

come  to  Jesus  out  of  every  city,  He 

spake  by  a  parable  :  A  sower  went  out 

to  sow  his  seed.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (1  $th  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  the  passage 
from  the  Holy  Gospel  which  ye  have 
just  heard,  needeth  not  so  much  that  I 
should  explain  it,  as  that  I  should  seek 


to  enforce  its  lesson.  The  Truth  Him- 
self hath  explained  it,  and,  after  that, 
it  beseemeth  not  man's  frailty  to  fritter 
away  His  exposition  by  any  further 
comment.  But  there  is,  in  that  very 
explanation  by  the  Lord,  somewhat, 
which  it  behoveth  us  well  to  weigh. 
If  it  were  but  we  who  bade  you  believe 
that  by  the  seed  is  signified  the  word  ; 
by  the  field,  the  world  ;  by  the  birds, 
the  devils  ;  and  by  the  thorns,  riches 
— ye  would  perchance  doubt  of  the 
truth  of  our  explanation.  Therefore 
the  Lord  Himself  hath  vouchsafed  to 
give  this  explanation,  and  that,  not  for 
this  parable  only,  but  that  ye  may 
know  in  what  manner  to  interpret 
others,  whereof  He  hath  not  given  the 
meaning. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

1  God  blessed  Noah  and  his  sons, 
and  said  unto  them  :  Be  fruitful,  and 
multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth. 

Verse.  Behold,  I  establish  My  cov- 
enant with  you,  and  with  your  seed 
after  you. 

Answer.  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply, 
and  replenish  the  earth. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"DEGINNING  His  explanation,  the 
Lord  saith  that  He  speaketh  in 
parables.  Hereby  He  doth  certify  us, 
when  our  weakness  would  unveil  to 
you  the  hidden  meaning  of  His  words. 
If  I  spake  of  myself,  who  would  believe 
me  when  I  say  that  riches  are  thorns  ? 
Thorns  prick,  but  riches  lull  to  rest. 
And  yet  riches  are  indeed  thorns,  for 
the  anxiety  they  bring  is  a  ceaseless 
pricking  to  the  minds  of  their  owners, 
and,  if  they  lead  into  sin,  they  are 
thorns  which  bloodily  tear  the  soul. 
But  we  understand  from  another  Evan- 
gelist   (Matth.   xiii.    22)    that    in    this 


ix.  7,  9. 


436 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


place  the  Lord  speaketh,  not  of  riches 
themselves,  but  of  the  deceitfulness  of 
riches. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

Behold,  I  establish  My  covenant 
with  you,  and  with  your  seed  after  you. 
Neither  shall  there  any  more  be  a  flood 
to  destroy  the  earth. 

Verse.  I  do  set  My  bow  in  the 
clouds,  and  it  shall  be  for  a  token  of  a 
covenant  between  Me  and  the  earth. 

Answer.  Neither  shall  there  any 
more  be  a  flood  to  destroy  the  earth. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

HP  HOSE  riches  are  deceitful  riches, 
which  can  be  ours  only  for  a 
little  while  ;  those  riches  are  deceitful 
riches,  which  cannot  relieve  the  poverty 
of  our  souls.  They  are  the  only  true 
riches,  which  make  us  rich  in  virtues. 
If  then,  dearly  beloved  brethren,  ye 
seek  to  be  rich,  earnestly  desire  the 
true  riches.  If  ye  would  be  truly 
honourable,  strive  after  the  kingdom 
of  heaven.  If  ye  love  the  bravery  of 
titles,  hasten  to  have  your  names 
written  down  at  Court  above,  where 
Angels  are.  Take  to  heart  the  Lord's 
words  which  your  ear  heareth.  The 
food  of  the  soul  is  the  word  of  God  : 
when  the  stomach  is  sick  it  throweth 
up  again  the  food  which  is  put  into  it, 
and  so  is  the  soul  sick  when  a  man 
heareth  and  digesteth  not  in  his 
memory  the  Word  of  God.  And  if 
any  man  cannot  keep  his  food,  that 
man's  life  is  in  desperate  case. 


Him  out  of  every  city,  He  spake  by  a 
parable  :  A  sower  went  out  to  sow  his 
seed. 

Verse.  And,  as  he  sowed,  some  fell 
on  good  ground,  and  sprang  up,  and 
bare  fruit  an  hundred-fold. 

Answer.  A  sower  went  out  to  sow 
his  seed. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  A  sower  went  out  to  sow 
his  seed. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Have  mercy  upon 
me,  O  God,  *  after  Thy  great  mercy.1 

Psalm  L. 

Have  mercy,  &c,  but  beginning  with 
the  words,  "After  Thy  great  mercy," 
(A  87.) 

Second  Antiphon.  If  the  Lord  be 
my  Saviour  *  I  will  not  fear  what  man 
can  do  unto  me. 

Psalm  CXVII. 
O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  &c, 

(A  37.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Within  the  veil  2 
I  cried  betimes  :  *  O  God,  Thou  art 
my  God,  early  will  I  seek  Thee. 


Psalms  LXII.  and  LXVI. 
O    God,    Thou    art    my    God, 

(A  23.) 


Fourth    A?itiphon. 
*  to  the  Lord 


Let    us 
our  God. 


&c. 


sing 


praises 
The  Song  of  t tie  Three  Holy  Children. 
Fifth  Antiphon.     Praise  God  with 


Ninth  Responsory. 

When  much   people  were  gathered 
together  to  Jesus,  and  were  come  to 

1  In  the  Latin  the  order  of  verse  3  is  reversed  in  the  Antiphon,  ("After  Thy  great  mercy, 
have  mercy,"  &c.,)  and  the  Psalm  consequently  begins  as  usual. 

2  The  allusion  is  perhaps  to  the  ancient  custom  of  hanging  a  curtain  before  the  chancel, 
between  Septuagesima  and  Easter.  It  is  still  so  done,  at  least  in  Sicily,  but  the  translator 
does  not  think  it  is  anywhere  practised  in  Rome.  Formerly  it  seems  to  have  been  nearly 
co-extensive  with  Latin  Christianity.     Cf.,  however,  verse  8. 

[Lenten  vails  are  still  used  in  Spain.] 


SEXAGESIMA. 


437 


the  timbrel  and  dance  ;  *  praise  Him 
with  stringed  instruments  and  organs. 

Psalms  CXLVIIL,  CXL/X.,  and  CL. 
Praise  ye,  &c,  (pp.  25,  26.) 

Chapter.     (2  Cor.  xi.  19.) 

T3RETHREN,  ye  suffer  fools  gladly, 
seeing  ye  yourselves  are  wise : 
for  ye  suffer  if  a  man  bring  you  into 
bondage,  if  a  man  devour  you,  if  a 
man  take  of  you,  if  a  man  exalt 
himself,  if  a  man  smite  you  on  the 
face. 

Verse  and  Answer  as  last  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
When  much  people  were  gathered  to- 
gether to  Jesus,  *  and  were  come 
to  Him  out  of  every  city,  He  spake 
by  a  parable ;  a  sower  went  out  to 
sow  his  seed. 


good    heart,    bring    forth    fruit    with 
patience. 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

A?itiphon.  Some  seed  fell  on  good 
ground,  *  and  bare  fruit,  some  an  hun- 
dred-fold, and  some  sixty-fold. 

Chapter.     (2  Cor.  xi.  25.) 

'T'HRICE  was  I  beaten  with  rods, 
once  was  I  stoned,  thrice  I 
suffered  shipwreck,  a  night  and  a 
day  have  I  been  in  the  deep  of 
the  sea. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  If  then,  dearly  beloved 
brethren,  ye  seek  to  be  rich,  *  ear- 
nestly desire  the  true  riches. 

Chapter.      (2  Cor.  xii.  19.) 

lV/r  OST  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather 
glory  in  my  infirmities,  that  the 


Prayer  throughout  the  day  and  week.        power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me. 


f~\  GOD,  Who  seest  that  we  put 
^^^  not  our  trust  in  anything  that 
we  do,  mercifully  grant  that  through 
the  protection  of  the  Teacher  of  the 
Gentiles  1  we  may  be  defended  against 
all  adversity.  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. 

PRIME. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  JESUS  said  to  His  disciples  : 
*  Unto  you  it  is  given  to  know  the 
mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  but 
to  others  in  parables. 

QTlon&ap. 

Second  Day. 

Antiphon.     Some  seed  fell  on  good  First  Lesson. 

ground,  *  and  bare  fruit  with  patience.      The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 

Genesis  (vii.  1.) 

XHE  Lord  said  unto  Noah  :   Come 
thou  and  all  thy  house  into  the 
word    of    God    *    in    an    honest    and      ark  ;  for  thee  have  I  seen  righteous  be- 

1  This  is  on  account  of  the  "Station"  at  Rome  being  on  this  day  at  St-Paul's-without- 
the-walls,  for  which  reason  also  (apparently)  has  been  chosen  the  long  Epistle  at  Mass, 
from  2  Cor. 

VOL.  I.  P 


TERCE. 


Antiphon.     They    which    keep    the 


433 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


fore  Me  in  this  generation.  Of  every 
clean  beast  thou  shalt  take  to  thee  by 
sevens,  the  male  and  the  female  ;  and 
of  beasts  that  are  not  clean  by  two, 
the  male  and  the  female.  Of  fowls 
also  of  the  air  by  sevens,  the  male 
and  the  female,  to  keep  seed  alive 
upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth.  For 
yet  seven  days  and  I  will  cause  it 
to  rain  upon  the  earth  forty  days 
and  forty  nights,  and  every  living 
substance  that  1  have  made  will  I 
destroy  from  off  the  face  of  the 
earth. 

First  Responsory. 

In  the  self-same  day  entered  Noah 
into  the  ark,  and  his  sons,  and  his  wife 
and  the  wives  of  his  sons. 

Verse.  Every  living  substance  was 
destroyed  from  the  earth,  and  Noah 
only  remained  alive,  and  they  that 
were  with  him  in  the  ark. 

Answer.  His  wife,  and  the  wives 
of  his  sons. 


Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  Noah  did  according  unto  all 
■^^  that  the  Lord  had  commanded 
him.  (10.)  And  it  came  to  pass 
after  seven  days  that  the  waters  of 
the,  flood  overflowed  the  earth.  In 
the  six-hundredth  year  of  Noah's  life, 
in  the  second  month,  the  seventeenth 
day  of  the  month,  the  same  day  were 
all  the  fountains  of  the  great  deep 
broken  up,  and  the  water  -  spouts  of 
heaven  were  loosed ;  and  the  rain 
was  upon  the  earth  forty  days  and 
forty  nights. 


Second  Responsory. 

1  The     Lord     remembered     Noah, 
and    made   a   wind   to   pass   over   the 


earth,  and  the  waters  assuaged, 
and  the  rain  from  heaven  was  re- 
strained. 

Verse.  And  the  waters  returned 
from  off  the  earth  continually,  and 
after  the  end  of  the  hundred  and 
fifty  days  the  waters  were  abated. 

Answer.  And  the  rain  from  heaven 
was  restrained. 


Third  Lesson. 

T  N  the  self-same  day  entered  Noah, 
and  Shem,  and  Ham,  and  Japhet, 
his  sons,  his  wife,  and  the  three  wives 
of  his  sons  with  them,  into  the  ark  ; 
they,  and  every  beast  after  his  kind, 
and  all  the  cattle  after  their  kind, 
and  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth  after  his  kind,  and 
every  fowl  after  his  kind.  [And  they 
went  in  unto  Noah  into  the  ark, 
two  and  two  of  all  flesh,  wherein 
was  the  breath  of  life.  And  they 
went  in,  male  and  female,  of  all 
flesh,  as  God  had  commanded  him  : 
and  the  Lord  shut  him  in.]  And 
the  flood  was  forty  days  upon  the 
earth,  and  the  waters  increased,  and 
bare  up  the  ark,  and  it  was  lift  up 
above  the  earth. 


Third  Responsory. 

Forty  days  and  forty  nights  were 
the  heavens  opened,  and  there  went 
into  the  ark  of  all  flesh  wherein  is 
the  breath  of  life.  And  the  Lord 
shut  them  in. 

Verse.  In  the  self-same  day  en- 
tered Noah  into  the  ark,  and  his 
sons,  and  his  wife,  and  the  wives 
of  his  sons. 

Answer.  And  the  Lord  shut  them 
in. 

Verse.       Glory   be    to    the    Father, 


1  viii.  i. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


439 


and    to    the    Son,    and    to    the    Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.     And  the  LORD  shut  them 


VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  If  ye  would  be  truly  honour- 
able, *  strive  after  our  Fatherland 
which  is  in  heaven. 


Third  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (viii.  i.) 

AND  God  remembered  Noah,  and 
every  living  thing,  and  all  the 
cattle,  that  was  with  him  in  the  ark, 
and  He  made  a  wind  to  pass  over 
the  earth,  and  the  waters  assuaged. 
The  fountains  also  of  the  deep,  and 
the  water  -  spouts  of  heaven  were 
stopped,  and  the  rain  from  heaven 
was  restrained.  And  the  waters  re- 
turned from  off  the  earth  continually, 
and  after  the  end  of  the  hundred 
and  fifty  days,  the  waters  were  abated. 
And  the  ark  rested  in  the  seventh 
month,  on  the  twenty-seventh  day  of 
the  month,  upon  the  mountains  of 
Armenia. 

First  Responsory. 
Noah  builded,  &c,  {p.  434.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  waters  decreased  continu- 
ally until  the  tenth  month :    in 
the  tenth  month,  on  the  first  day  of 


the  month,  were  the  tops  of  the 
mountains  seen.  And  it  came  to 
pass  at  the  end  of  forty  days,  that 
Noah  opened  the  window  of  the  ark 
which  he  had  made,  and  he  sent 
forth  a  raven  ;  which  went  forth,  to 
and  fro,  until  the  waters  were  dried 
up  from  off  the  earth.  Also  he  sent 
forth  a  dove  after  him,  to  see  if  the 
waters  were  abated  from  off  the  face 
of  the  ground.  But  the  dove  found 
no  rest  for  the  sole  of  her  foot,  and 
she  returned  unto  him  into  the  ark. 

Second  Responsory. 
The  Lord  said,  &c,  {p.  434.) 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  he  stayed  yet  another  seven 
days,  and  again  he  sent  forth 
the  dove  out  of  the  ark.  And  she 
came  in  to  him  in  the  evening,  and 
she  bare  in  her  mouth  an  olive-branch 
with  green  leaves.  So  Noah  knew 
that  the  waters  were  abated  from  off 
the  earth.  And  he  stayed  yet  another 
seven  days,  and  sent  forth  the  dove, 
which  returned  not  again  unto  him 
any  more.  And  it  came  to  pass  in 
the  six-hundredth-and-first  year,1  in  the 
first  month,  the  first  day  of  the  mdlth, 
the  waters  were  dried  up  from  off  the 
earth. 

Third  Responsory. 

By  Myself,  &c,  (p.  435.) 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  seed  is  the  word  of 
God,  *  and  the  Sower  is  Christ ;  if 
any  man  find  Him,  he  shall  never 
be  moved. 


1  Of  his  age. 


440 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Fourth  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (viii.  15.) 

A  ND  God  spake  unto  Noah,  saying  : 
-•  Go  forth  of  the  ark,  thou,  and 
thy  wife,  and  thy  sons,  and  thy  sons' 
wives  with  thee.  Bring  forth  with 
thee  every  living  thing  that  is  with 
thee,  of  all  flesh,  both  of  fowl,  and  of 
cattle,  and  of  every  creeping  thing  that 
creepeth  upon  the  earth,  and  go  ye 
upon  the  earth  ;  be  fruitful  and  multi- 
ply upon  it.  And  Noah  went  forth, 
and  his  sons,  and  his  wife,  and  his 
sons'  wives  with  him  ;  every  beast  and 
cattle,  and  whatsoever  creepeth  upon 
the  earth  after  their  kinds,  went  forth 
out  of  the  ark. 

First  Responsory. 
God  blessed,  &c,  (p.  435.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  Noah  builded  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord,  and  took  of  every 
clean  beast,  and  of  every  clean  fowl, 
anqfcoffered  burnt-offerings  on  the  altar. 
And  the  Lord  smelled  a  sweet  savour, 
and  said  :  I  will  not  again  curse  the 
ground  any  more  for  man's  sake  :  for 
the  imagination  of  man's  heart  and  his 
thoughts  are  prone  to  evil  from  his 
youth.  Neither  will  I  again  smite 
any  more  every  thing  living,  as  I  have 
done.  While,  the  earth  remaineth, 
seed-time,  and  harvest,  and  cold  and 
heat,  and  summer  and  winter,  and  day 
and  night,  shall  not  cease. 

Second  Responsory. 
Behold,  I  establish,  &c,  (J>.  436.) 


Third  Lesson,      (ix.  1.) 

A  ND  God  blessed  Noah  and  his 
sons,  and  said  unto  them :  Be 
fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the 
earth.  And  the  fear  of  you  and  the 
dread  of  you  shall  be  upon  every  beast 
of  the  earth,  and  upon  every  fowl  of 
the  air,  upon  all  that  moveth  upon  the 
earth  :  all  the  fishes  of  the  sea,  into 
your  hand  are  they  delivered.  Every 
moving  thing  that  liveth  shall  be  meat 
for  you  ;  even  as  the  green  herb,  have 
I  given  you  all  things  ;  but  flesh  with 
the  blood  thereof  shall  ye  not  eat. 
For  your  blood  of  your  lives  will  I 
require  at  the  hand  of  every  beast, 
and  at  the  hand  of  man  ;  at  the  hand 
of  every  man's  brother  will  I  require 
the  life  of  man.  Whoso  sheddeth 
man's  blood,  his  blood  shall  be  shed  ; 
for  in  the  image  of  God  made  He 
man. 

Third  Responsory. 

In  the  self-same  day,  &c,  {p.  438) 
with  this  addition  : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  His  wife,  and  the  wives 
of  his  sons. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  But  that  on  the  good  ground 
*  are  they  which  in  an  honest  and 
good  heart  bring  forth  fruit  with 
patience. 


Note.  If  any  of  the  three  Antiphons 
given  for  the  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
on  the  three  last  days  are  omitted,  and 
the  Office  on  the  next  day  ( Thursday)  is 
of  the  Week-day,  then  the  Antiphon  at 
the  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  on  that 
day  will  be  tfte  last  of  those  which  have 
been  omitted. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


44I 


Fifth  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (ix.  12.) 

AND  God  said  :  This  is  the  token 
"^^  of  the  covenant  which  I  make 
between  Me  and  you,  and  every  living 
creature  that  is  with  you,  for  perpetual 
generations  :  I  do  set  My  bow  in  the 
clouds,  and  it  shall  be  for  a  token  of  a 
covenant  between  Me  and  the  earth. 
And,  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  I 
bring  a  cloud  over  the  heaven,  that  My 
bow  shall  be  seen  in  the  cloud  ;  and  I 
will  remember  My  covenant  which  is 
between  Me  and  you,  and  every  living 
soul  that  quickeneth  flesh,  and  the 
waters  shall  no  more  become  a  flood 
to  destroy  all  flesh. 

First  Responsory. 
The  Lord  said,  &c,  (p.  433.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  Noah  began  to  be  an  husband- 
man, and  he  planted  a  vineyard. 
And  he  drank  of  the  wine,  and  was 
drunken  ;  and  he  was  uncovered  within 
his  tent.  And  Ham,  the  father  of  Ca- 
naan, saw  the  nakedness  of  his  father, 
and  told  his  two  brothers  without. 
And  Shem  and  Japhet  took  a  garment 
on  their  shoulders,  and  went  back- 
ward, and  covered  the  nakedness  of 
their  father  ;  and  their  faces  were  back- 
ward, and  they  saw  not  their  father's 
nakedness. 

Second  Rcsponsory. 
Noah  was  a  just  man,  &c,  (p.  433.) 

VOL.   I. 


Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  Noah  awoke  from  his  wine, 
"^■^  and  knew  what  his  younger  son 
had  done  to  him,  and  he  said :  Cursed 
be  Canaan,  a  servant  of  servants  shall 
he  be  unto  his  brethren.  And  he 
said :  Blessed  be  the  LORD  God  of 
Shem ;  let  Canaan  be  his  servant. 
May  God  enlarge  Japhet,  and  let  him 
dwell  in  the  tents  of  Shem,  and  let 
Canaan  be.  his  servant.  And  Noah 
lived  after  the  flood  three  hundred  and 
fifty  years.  And  all  his  days  were 
nine  hundred  and  fifty  years,  and  he 
died. 

Third  Responsory. 
Forty  days,  &c,  (J>.  433.) 

PRIME. 

At  the  beginning  oj  the  Martyrology 
is  said, 

On  the  morrow  we  commemorate 
the  sufferings  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

jrifcag. 

Sixth  Day. 

Office  in  Memory  of  the  Sufferings  of 
our  Lord  JESUS  Christ. 

Greater  Doicble. 

All  as  on  Sundays,  except  the  follow- 
ing. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

First  Antiphon.  I  will  take  the  cup 
of  salvation,  and  call  upon  the  Name 
of  the  Lord. 

Ps.  cxv.      I  believed,  &c,  {p.  185.) 

Second  Antiphon.  With  them  that 
hate  peace  I  was  peaceable.  When  I 
spoke  unto  them  they  fought  against 
me  without  a  cause. 

P  2 


442 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Ps.  cxix.  In  my  distress,  &c,  {p. 
186.) 

Third  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  preserve 
me  from  the  evil  man. 

Ps.  cxxxix.  Deliver  me,  &c,  (p. 
198.) 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Keep  me  from 
the  snare  which  they  have  laid  for  me, 
and  the  gins  of  the  workers  of  iniquity. 

Ps.   cxl.     Lord,   I  cry  unto  Thee, 

&c,   (p.   199.) 

Fifth  Antiphon.  I  looked  on  my 
right  hand  and  beheld,  but  there  was 
no  man  that  would  know  me. 

Ps.  cxli.     I   cried  unto  the  Lord, 

&c,  {p.   200.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Hymn} 

TDLOOD  is  the  price  of  heaven; 

All  sin  that  price  exceeds ; 
O  come  to  be  forgiven, 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 
Bleeds  ! 


Beneath  the  thorny  crown 
The  crimson  fountain  speeds ; 
See  how  it  trickles  down, 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds  ! 

Bearing  the  fatal  wood 

His  band  of  Saints  He  leads, 

Marking  the  way  with  Blood 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 

Bleeds  ! 

On  Calvary  His  shame 

With  Blood  still  intercedes  ; 

His  open  Wounds  proclaim — 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 

Bleeds ! 

He  hangs  upon  the  tree, 

Hangs  there  for  my  misdeeds : 

He  sheds  His  Blood  for  me ; 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds ! 

Bleeds  ! 

Ah  me  !   His  Soul  is  fled  ; 
Yet  still  for  my  great  needs 
He  bleeds  when  He  is  dead  ; 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds  ! 


Under  the  olive  boughs, 

Falling  like  ruby  beads, 

The  Blood  drops  from  His  Brows, 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 

Bleeds ! 


His  Blood  is  flowing  still ; 
My  thirsty  soul  It  feeds ; 
He  lets  me  drink  my  fill ; 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 
Bleeds  ! 


While  the  fierce  scourges  fall, 

The  Precious  Blood  still  pleads ; 

In  front  of  Pilate's  hall 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds ! 

Bleeds  ! 


O  sweet !  O  precious  Blood ! 

What  love,  what  love  it  breeds  ! 

Ransom,  Reward,  and  Food, 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 

Bleeds ! 


1  The  two  beautiful  and  popular  Hymns  by  the  late  Dr  Faber  which  are  here  inserted  at 
Vespers  and  Mattins  are  not  translations  of  the  Hymns  Mcerentes  oculi  and  Aspice,  infami, 
but,  whether  the  ideas  were  suggested  by  the  Latin  or  whether  it  be  an  accidental  coin- 
cidence, they  agree  with  the  sense  of  the  Latin  so  closely,  that  they  might  fairly  be  called 
Paraphrases  or  imitations,  and  this  consideration  induces  the  Translator  to  insert  them. 
Absolute  translations  have  been  executed  by  the  late  Rev.  E.  Caswall  and  the  Rev.  Dr 
Wallace.     Rev.  E.  Caswall's  will  be  found  in  an  appendix  to  this  volume. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


443 


Verse.  1  He  was  offered  up  because 
He  willed  it. 

Answer.  And  with  His  stripes  we 
are  healed. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  2  O  all  ye  that  pass  by  !  be- 
hold, and  see  if  there  be  any  sorrow 
like  unto  my  sorrow. 

Prayer  as  at  the  following  Lauds. 

At  Compline  the  last  verse  of  the 
Hymn  is  said  thus : 

Lord  Jesu,  slain  for  us,  to  Thee 

Eternal  praise  be  given, 
With  Father,  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 

Here  as  it  is  in  heaven. 


Death  came,  and  Jesus  meekly  bowed ; 

His  failing  Eyes  He  strove  to  guide 
With  mindful  love  to  Mary's  face  ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

O  break,  O  break,  hard  heart  of  mine  ! 

Thy  weak  self-love  and  guilty  pride 
His  Pilate  and  His  Judas  were ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

Come,  take  thy  stand  beneath  the  Cross, 
And  let  the  Blood  from  out  that  Side 

Fall  gently  on  thee,  drop  by  drop : 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

A  broken  heart,  a  fount  of  tears, 
Ask,  and  it  will  not  be  denied ; 

A  broken  heart  love's  cradle  is ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 


Invitatory. 
was  crucified, 
us  worship. 


MATTINS. 

Christ  our   King   Who 
*  Him — O  come  ! — let 


Hymn 


f~\  COME  and  mourn  with  me  awhile  ! 

See,  Mary  calls  us  to  her  side ; 
O  come,  and  let  us  mourn  with  her ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,   is  crucified  ! 

Have  we  no  tears  to  shed  for  Him, 
While  soldiers  scoff  and  Jews  deride? 

Ah  !  look  how  patiently  He  hangs ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

How  fast  His  Hands,   His  Feet  are  nailed  ; 

His  blessed  Tongue  with  thirst  is  tied  ; 
His  failing  Eyes  are  dim  with  Blood ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

His  Mother  cannot  reach  His  Face  ; 

She  stands  in  helplessness  beside ; 
Her  heart  is  martyred  with  her  Son's ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

Seven  times  He  spoke,  seven  words  of  love, 
And  all  three  hours  His  silence  cried 

For  mercy  on  the  souls  of  men  : 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

1  Isa.  liii.  7,  5. 

3  By  Dr  Faber  as  before  ;  two 


O  love  of  God  !   O  sin  of  man  ! 

In  this  dread  act  your  strength  is  tried  ; 
And  victory  remains  with  love ; 

For  He,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  kings  of  the 
earth  set  themselves,  and  the  rulers 
take  counsel  together  against  the  LORD 
and  against  His  Anointed. 

Ps.   ii.     Why  do  the  heathen,  &c, 

(A  4-) 

Second  Antiphon.  They  be  increased 
that  trouble  me  ;  many  are  they  that 
rise  up  against  me. 

Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,  (p.  5.) 

Third  Antiphon.  They  part  my 
garments  among  them  ;  and  cast  lots 
upon  my  vesture. 

Ps.  xxi.      My   God,    My   God,    &c, 

{p.   48.) 

2  Lam.  i.  12. 
verses  are  omitted. 


444 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Verse.  He  was  offered  up  because 
He  willed  it. 

Answer.  And  with  His  stripes  we 
are  healed. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (v.  8.) 

/^OD  commendeth  His  love  toward 
us,  in  that,  while  we  were  yet 
sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Much 
more  then,  being  now  justified  by  His 
Blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath 
through  Him.  For  if,  when  we  were 
enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God 
by  the  death  of  His  Son,  much  more, 
being  reconciled,  shall  we  be  saved  by 
His  life.  And  not  only  so,  but  we 
also  joy  in  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  by  Whom  we  have  now 
received  the  atonement.  (17.)  For 
if  by  one  man's  offence,  death  reigned 
by  one,  much  more  they  which  receive 
abundance  of  grace,  and  bounty,  and 
righteousness,  shall  reign  in  life  through 
Jesus  Christ. 

First  Responsory. 

1 1  had  planted  thee  a  noble  vine, 
saith  the  Lord,  and  thou  hast  brought 
forth  unto  Me  grapes  exceeding  bitter, 
for  thou  hast  made  ready  a  Cross  for 
thy  Saviour. 

Verse.  2  O  My  people,  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  made  ready 
a  Cross  for  thy  Saviour. 

Second  Lesson. 

'"THEREFORE,  as  by  the  offence  of 

one  judgment  came  upon  all  men 

to  condemnation,  even  so,  by  the  right- 

:  Cf.  Jer.  ii.  2t. 


eousness  of  One,  [the  gift]  came  upon 
all  men  unto  justification  of  life.  For 
as  by  one  man's  disobedience  many 
were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  obedi- 
ence of  One  shall  many  be  made 
righteous.  Then,  the  law  entered  that 
the  offence  might  abound  ;  but  where 
sin  abounded  grace  did  much  more 
abound,  that,  as  sin  hath  reigned  unto 
death  even  so  might  grace  reign, 
through  righteousness,  unto  eternal 
life,  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


Second  Responsory. 

I  brought  thee  forth  out  of  Egypt ; 
behind  thee  I  caused  Pharaoh  to  drown 
in  the  Red  Sea,  and  before  thee  I 
went  in  the  pillar  of  the  cloud.  And 
thou  didst  betray  Me  unto  the  chief 
Priests,  and  lead  Me  unto  the  judg- 
ment-hall of  Pilate. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  betray 
Me  unto  the  chief  Priests,  and  lead 
Me  unto  the  judgment-hall  of  Pilate. 


Third  Lesson,      (vi.) 

Vy'HAT  shall  we  say  then  ?  Shall 
we  continue  in  sin,  that  grace 
may  abound  ?  God  forbid  ;  how  shall 
we,  that  are  dead  to  sin,  live  any  longer 
therein  ?  Know  ye  not  that  so  many 
of  us  as  were  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ 
were  baptized  into  his  death  ?  For 
we  are  buried  with  Him  by  baptism 
into  death,  that,  like  as  Christ  was 
raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory 
of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  may 
walk  in  newness  of  life.  For  if  we 
have  been  planted  together  in  the  like- 
ness of  His  death,  we  shall  be  also  in 
the  likeness  of  His  resurrection  ;  know- 

-  Micah  vi.  3. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


445 


ing  this,  that  our  old  man  is  crucified 
with  Him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might 
be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should 
not  serve  sin.  For  he  that  is  dead  is 
freed  from  sin.  Now,  if  we  be  dead 
with  Christ,  we  believe  that  we  shall 
also  live  with   Him. 


Third  Responsory. 

I  scourged  Egypt  in  her  first-born 
for  thy  sake,  and  thou  when  thou  hadst 
scourged  Me,  didst  deliver  Me  [to  be 
crucified,]  Me,  Who  as  a  lamb  before 
his  shearer,  was  dumb,  and  opened 
not  My  Mouth.1 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou,  when  thou 
hadst  scourged  Me,  didst  deliver  Me 
[to  be  crucified]. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Me,  Who,  as  a  lamb  be- 
fore his  shearer,  was  dumb,  and  opened 
not  My  Mouth. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Mine  enemies 
speak  evil  of  me  :  When  shall  he  die, 
and  his  name  perish  ? 

Ps.  xl.  Blessed  is  he  that  consider- 
ed!, &c,  (p.  94.) 

Second  Antiphon.  Strangers  are 
risen  up  against  me,  and  oppressors 
seek  after  my  soul. 

Ps.  liii.      Save  me,  O  God,  by  Thy 

Name,  &c,  {p.  36.) 

Third  Antiphon.       Mine    enemies 


tread  me  down  all  the  day  long ;  all 
their  thoughts  are  against  me  for 
evil. 

Ps.  lv.      Be  merciful  unto  me,  &c, 

(p.  no.) 

Verse.  2  God  spared  not  His  Own 
Son. 

Answer.  But  delivered  Him  up  for 
us  all. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
(41^  on  the  Passion.) 

T\  EARLY  beloved  brethren,  the 
awful  solemnity  of  the  Lord's 
sufferings  is  proclaimed  unto  us  even 
by  the  circumstances  of  the  day  itself 
whereon  they  took  place,  that  day 
whereon  the  dumb  elements  were 
dumb  no  longer.  Let  the  light  of 
faith  make  the  tongues  of  men  tell 
of  that  agony,  whereon  the  silence  of 
darkness  was  eloquent.  Our  Lord 
was  weighing  out  upon  the  transom 
of  the  Cross,  as  upon  the  transom  of 
a  balance,  the  price  of  our  salvation, 
and  by  the  payment  of  one  death  He 
Who  had  made  all,  bought  all,  and 
became  the  Restorer  of  all.  For  let 
us  have  no  hesitation  in  believing  that 
He  bought  the  whole  world,  when  He 
paid  more  than  the  whole  world  was 
worth,  since  the  inestimable  value  of 
the  price  paid  infinitely  exceeded  the 
value  of  the  object  redeemed.  One 
scale  was  weighted  against  the  other, 
but  when  it  was  done,  they  hung  not 
evenly.3  He  Who  had  no  sins  of 
His  Own,  by  His  merits  took  away 
the  sins  of  others.  This  victim  of 
goodness  alone  fell,  that  He  might 
lift    up    others,    and    since    He    alone 


1  Isa.  liii.  7.  2  Rom.  viii.  32. 

3  Inter  redemptum  et  redimentem  dispensatio  fuit,  compensatio  non  fuit. 


446 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


owed  nothing,  He  alone  was  able  to 
spend  His  superabundance  in  charity 
for  debtors. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

I  smote  the  kings  of  Canaan  for  thy 
sake,  and  gave  thee  a  kingly  sceptre, 
and  thou  didst  put  on  Mine  Head  a 
crown  of  thorns,  and  smite  Me  upon 
the  Head  with  a  reed. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  put  on 
Mine  Head  a  crown  of  thorns,  and 
smite  Me  upon  the  Head  with  a 
reed. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

AND  now  judge  from  this,  if  He 
hath  paid  for  us  so  high  a  price, 
what  interest  He  will  have  from  us. 
On  this  day  [on  which  He  suffered] 
the  words  of  the  prophet  were  fulfilled  : 
"  I  gave  my  back  to  the  smiters,  and 
my  cheeks  to  them  that  plucked  off 
the  hair,  I  hid  not  my  face  from 
shame  and  spitting."  (Isa.  1.  6.)  He 
took  our  evil,  that  He  might  give  us 
His  good.  From  the  extent  to  which 
He  loved  man  after  his  fall,  we  may 
understand  how  He  was  pleased  to 
love  him  before  he  sinned.  When  thou 
seest  what  was  the  worth  of  thy  ran- 
som, let  it  make  thee  feel  some  shame 
for  sin.  Behold  the  Holy  One  scourged 
for  the  sake  of  a  sinner,  the  Eternal 
Wisdom  mocked  for  the  sake  of  a 
fool,  the  Truth  murdered  for  the  sake 
of  a  liar,  the  Righteous  One  condemned 
for  the  sake  of  a  criminal,  the  Merciful 
One  tortured  for  the  sake  of  the  cruel, 
the  Harmless  One  filled  with  bitterness 
for  the  sake  of  a  wretch,  the  Gentle 
One  given  gall  to  drink,  the  Innocent 
One  doomed  for  the  sake  of  the  guilty, 
Life  dying  for  the  sake  of  the  dead. 


Fifth  Responsory. 

I  led  thee  through  the  wilderness 
for  forty  years,  and  gave  thee  manna 
to  eat,  and  thou  didst  buffet  Me  and 
scourge  Me. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  buffet  Me 
and  scourge  Me. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

CENSELESS  nature  shuddered  at 
the  sin  of  man.  The  rebel  work 
of  His  hands  would  not  acknowledge 
Him,  but  the  quaking  earth  bore  wit- 
ness that  He  was  Lord  of  the  world, 
and  the  shrinking  sun  confessed  that 
He  was  the  King  of  heaven.  His 
[natural]  Body  was  clad  in  a  purple 
robe,  for  the  blood  of  His  martyrs  is 
the  stately  robe  of  His  [mystical  body 
the]  Church.  The  crown  upon  His 
Head  was  a  crown  of  thorns,  for  the 
sharp  prickles  of  our  sins,  by  the  re- 
mission whereof  He  claimeth  the 
glorious  title  of  Redeemer,  are  likened 
unto  thorns  and  thistles.  (Gen.  iii. 
1 8.)  And  now  let  us  try  to  treat 
Him  otherwise  than  He  was  treated 
then,  to  treat  Him  so  that  the  lives  of 
His  members  may  form  a  crown  for 
Him.  Upon  the  Cross  He  saith  :  "  I 
thirst,"  (John  xix.  28,)  that  thirst  was 
for  unbelieving  souls  to  believe  in 
Him ;  but  on  the  contrary  they  put 
to  His  mouth  the  astringent  vinegar 
of  deadly  sin,  whereinto  they  have 
turned  by  malice  the  wine  of  wisdom 
given  unto  them  by  God.  The  veil 
of  the  Temple  was  rent  in  twain,  for 
the  Synagogue  lost  her  crown,  the  old 
rites  were  abolished,  and  the  fact  of 
one  Church  for  all  humanity  stood  re- 
vealed. The  graves  were  opened,  for 
death  rightly  lost  her  rights. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


447 


Sixth  Responsory. 

I  lifted  thee  up  with  a  strong  hand, 
and  thou  didst  lift  Me  up  upon  the 
gibbet  of  the  Cross,  and  thereon  I 
stretched  forth  My  hands  unto  an 
unbelieving  and  gainsaying  people.1 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have 
I  wearied  thee  ?  Testify  against 
Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  lift  Me 
up  upon  the  gibbet  of  the  Cross. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  thereon  I  stretched 
forth  My  hands  unto  an  unbelieving 
and  gainsaying  people. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  As  for  the  sons 
of  men,  their  teeth  are  spears  and 
arrows,  and  their  tongue  a  sharp 
sword. 

Ps.  lvi.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  &c, 
(J>.  no.) 

Second  Antiphon.  They  bend  their 
bow,  even  bitter  words,  that  they  may 
shoot  in  secret  at  the  perfect. 

Ps.    lxiii.        Hear    my    voice,    &c, 

(A    1 1 4-) 

Third  Antiphon.  I  am  as  a  man 
that  hath  no  strength,  lying  nerveless 
among  the  dead. 

Ps.  lxxxvii.  O  LORD  God  of  my 
salvation,  &c,   {p.    145.) 

Verse.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death, 

Answer.  Even  the  death  of  the 
Cross. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The    Lesson    is   taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (xix.  28.) 

A  T  that  time  :  JESUS,  knowing  that 
^~^  all  things  were  now  accom- 
plished, that  the  Scripture  might  be 
fulfilled,   said  :    I   thirst.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  John  Chrysostom,  Pa- 
triarch of  Constantinople.  {On  John, 
84.) 

"JESUS,  knowing  that  all  things 
were  now  accomplished,  said  :  I  thirst" 
— even  in  this  one  word 2  making  a 
fulfilment  of  Scripture.  And  now  see 
here  the  spite  of  those  that  were  there ; 
we,  although  we  had  countless  enemies, 
who  had  grievously  assailed  us,  if  we 
saw  them  at  the  point  of  death,  would 
be  touched  with  some  feeling  of  com- 
passion. But  those  beings  were  no- 
wise touched,  but  rather  excited  ;  they 
cracked  their  jests  upon  Him,  "  and 
they  filled  a  sponge  with  vinegar,  and 
put  it  upon  hyssop,  and  put  it  to  His 
Mouth  "  —  this  was  why  the  hyssop 
was  added,  because  to  give  them  a 
draught  of  hyssop  is  a  way  to  put  to 
death  felons.  Seest  thou  in  what  a 
calm  of  unruffled  strength  He  went 
through  all  this  ?  And  then  "  When 
Jesus  therefore  had  received  the 
vinegar,  He  said  :  It  is  finished. 
And  He  bowed  His  Head  and  gave 
up  the  ghost." 


Seventh  Responsory. 

I  gave  thee  to  drink  out  of  the 
rock  the  waters  of  salvation,  and  thou 
didst  give  Me  gall  and  vinegar  to 
drink. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?   and  wherein  have 


1  Rom.  x.  21. 


Dipso. 


448 


THE   PROPER.  OFFICE  OF   THE   SEASON. 


I     wearied     thee  ?       Testify     against 
Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  give  Me 
gall  and  vinegar  to  drink. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T  T  commonly  is  after  death  the  head 
falleth,  but  here  the  Head  fell  be- 
fore death,  whereby  the  Evangelist 
showeth  that  He  was  [exalted  as] 
Lord  above  [the  nature]  of  all  others. 
The  Jews  had  now  swallowed  the 
camel,  and  proceeded  to  strain  out 
the  gnat  ;  having  accomplished  the 
great  murder,  they  discussed  a  point 
about  the  honouring  of  a  day.  "  Be- 
cause it  was  the  Preparation  (para- 
skcue,)  that  the  bodies  should  not 
remain  upon  the  Cross  on  the  Sab- 
bath-Day, the  Jews  besought  Pilate 
that  their  legs  might  be  broken,  and 
that  they  might  be  taken  away." 
Seest  thou  the  force  of  the  truth  ? 
What  they  did  fulfilled  a  prophecy, 
for  thereby  was  another  made  clear. 
"  Then  came  the  soldiers,  and  brake 
the  legs  of  the  first,  and  of  the  other 
which  was  crucified  with  Him,  but 
when  they  came  to  JESUS,  and  saw 
that  He  was  dead  already,  they  brake 
not  His  legs,  but  one  of  the  soldiers 
with  a  spear  pierced  His  Side."  Will- 
ing, with  a  vile  and  iniquitous  willing- 
ness to  do  the  Jews  a  pleasure,  that 
man  outraged  his  Redeemer  even  in 
death. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

I  opened  the  Red  Sea  before  thee, 
and  thou  didst  open  with  a  spear  the 
Side  of  thy  Saviour,  Who  redeemed 
the  world  by  His   Blood. 

Verse.  O  My  people !  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein 
have  I  wearied  thee  ?  Testify  against 
Me. 


Answer.  And  thou  didst  open 
with  a  spear  the  Side  of  thy 
Saviour. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Who  redeemed  the  world 
by  His  Blood. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

T3UT  rest  Thou  still,  O  Thou  Whom 
my  soul  loveth  !  they  thought  to 
do  it  wickedly,  but  they  did  service  to 
the  truth.  "  For  these  things  were 
done,  that  the  Scripture  should  be  ful- 
filled :  '  Not  a  Bone  of  Him  shall  be 
broken,'  and,  again,  another  Scripture 
saith  :  '  They  shall  look  on  Him  Whom 
they  pierced.' "  Nor  was  it  done  for 
this  alone,  but  it  was  afterward  a  mean 
to  faith  for  Thomas  and  them  that  were 
with  him.  And,  yet  again,  another 
great  mystery  was  here  established, 
for  "forthwith  came  thereout  Blood 
and  Water."  Not  idly  nor  perchance 
sprang  forth  that  twofold  Fountain,  for 
the  Church,  like  her  great  Head, 
"  came  by  Water  and  Blood ;  not 
by  Water  only,  but  by  Water  and 
Blood."  (I  John  v.  6.)  What  this 
meaneth  the  baptized  do  know,  for 
they  have  been  born  again  of  water, 
and  fed  on  Flesh  and  Blood.  Hence 
come  the  Sacraments,  so  that  as  often 
as  thou  drinkest  of  that  wondrous  Cup, 
thou  dost  as  good  as  suck  out  of  the 
opened  Side. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  1  All  the  day  long 
have  I  been  plagued,  *  and  chastened 
every  morning. 


1  Ps.  lxxii.  14. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


449 


Second  Antiphon.  l  I  gat  me  to 
the  mountain  of  myrrh,  *  and  to 
the  hill  of  frankincense  ;  I  was  brought 
as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  I  was 
dumb,  and  opened  not  my  mouth. 

Third  Antiphon.  2  They  pierced 
my  hands  and  my  feet ;  *  they  have 
told  all  my  bones. 

Fourth  Atttiphon.  3  I  looked  for 
comforters  and  I  found  none  ;  *  they 
gave  me  also  gall  for  meat,  and  in 
my  thirst  they  gave  me  vinegar  to 
drink. 

Fifth  Atttiphon.  When  JESUS  had 
received  the  vinegar,  *  He  said :  It  is 
finished — and  He  bowed  His  Head, 
and  gave  up  the  ghost. 


Earth  hears,  and  to  its  base 

Rocks  wildly  to  and  fro ; 

Tombs  burst ;  seas,  rivers,  mountains  quake 

The  vail  is  rent  in  two. 

The  sun  withdraws  his  light ; 
The  midday  heavens  grow  pale  ; 
The  moon,  the  stars,  the  universe 
Their  Maker's  death  bewail. 

Shall  man  alone  be  mute? 

Come,  youth  and  hoary  hairs, 

Come,  rich  and  poor,  come,  all  mankind, 

And  bathe  those  Feet  in  tears. 

Come,  fall  before  His  Cross, 
Who  shed  for  us  His  Blood  ! 
Who  died,  the  Victim  of  pure  love, 
To  make  us  sons  of  God. 


Chapter.      (Phil.  ii.  5.) 

TDRETHREN,  let  this  mind  be  in 
you,  which  was  also  in  Christ 
Jesus,  Who,  being  in  the  form  of 
God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be 
equal  with  God  ;  but  emptied  Him- 
self, and  took  upon  Him  the  form 
of  a  servant,  and  was  found  in  the 
likeness  of  men.  He  humbled  Him- 
self and  became  obedient  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  Cross. 


Hymn.^ 

Q'ERWHELMED  in  depth  of  woe, 

Upon  the  tree  of  scorn 
Hangs  the  Redeemer  of  mankind 
With  racking  anguish  torn. 

See  how  the  nails  those  Hands 

And  Feet  so  tender  rend  ; 

See  down  His  Face,  and  Neck,  and  Breast 

His  Sacred  Blood  descend  ! 

Hark  !   with  what  awful  cry 

His  Spirit  takes  Its  flight, 

That  cry,  it  pierced  His  Mother's  heart 

And  whelmed  her  soul  in  night. 

1  Cant.  iv.  6;  Isa.  liii.  7.  2  Ps 

4  Another  hymn  from  the  Proprium  of  the 
Rev.  E.  Caswall. 


Jesu,  all  praise  to  Thee, 

Our  joy  and  endless  rest ; 

Be  Thou  our  Guide  while  pilgrims  here, 

Our  Crown  amid  the  blest.     Amen. 

Verse.  He  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions. 

Answer.  He  was  bruised  for  our 
iniquities. 

Antiphon  at  the  So  fig  of Zacharias. 
But  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  and 
saw  that  He  was  dead  already,  they 
brake  not  His  Legs,  but  one  of  the 
soldiers  with  a  spear  pierced  His  Side, 
and  forthwith  came  thereout  Blood 
and  Water. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

A  LMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God, 
■^*~  Who  didst  send  our  Saviour  to 
take  upon  Him  our  flesh,  and  to  en- 
dure the  Cross,  that  all  mankind 
should  follow  the  example  of  His  great 
humility,  mercifully  grant  that  we  who 

,  xxi.  17,  18.  3  Ps.  lxviii.  21,  22. 

arch-diocese  of  Freiburg,  translation  by  the  late 


450 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


worship  in  memory  of  His  Sufferings, 
may  worthily  both  follow  the  example 
of  His  Patience  and  also  be  made  par- 
takers of  His  resurrection.  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. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.      All  the  day  long,  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  said 
thus  : 

Lord  Jesus,  slain  for  us,  to  Thee 

Eternal  praise  be  given, 
With  Father,  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 

Here  as  it  is  in  Heaven. 


Chapter  at  the  end.      (Isa.  liii.  8.) 

"\X/'HO  shall  declare  His  generation  ? 
For  He  was  cut  off  out  of  the 
land  of  the  living :  for  the  trans- 
gression of  my  people  did  I  smite 
Him. 

Instead  of  Verse,  "  Thou  That  sit- 
test,  &c,"  is  said: 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  pleased 
to  suffer  for  us. 


TERCE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  said 
thus  : 

Jesu,  our  Sacrifice,  to  Thee, 

To  Father,  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 

Be  praise,  and  thanks,  and  glory  given, 

By  men  on  earth,  by  Saints  in  heaven. 

Antiphon.      I  gat  me,  &c,  {Second 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 


Short  Responsory. 

He  was  offered  up  because  He 
willed  it. 

Answer.  He  was  offered  up  be- 
cause He  willed  it. 

Verse.  And  with  His  stripes  we 
are  healed. 

Answer.     Because  He  willed  it. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  He  was  offered  up  be- 
cause  He  willed  it. 

Verse.  God  spared  not  His  own 
Son. 

Answer.  But  delivered  Him  up  for 
us  all. 

SEXT. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  said 
thus  : 

Lord  JESU,  Who  for  us  didst  die, 
To  Father,  Thee,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
Be  praise  below,  as  praise  on  high, 
On  earth,  as  'mid  the  Angelic  host. 

Antiphon.  They  pierced,  &C.j 
{Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (Zech.  xiii.  6.) 

\\ 7"HAT  are  these  wounds  in  thine 
hands?     Then  he  shall  answer: 
Those  with  which   I   was  wounded  in 
the  house  of  my  friends. 

Short  Responsory. 

God  spared  not  His  Own  Son. 

Answer.  God  spared  not  His  Own 
Son. 

Verse.  But  delivered  Him  up  for 
us  all. 

Answer.      His  Own  Son. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 


SEXAGESIMA. 


451 


Answer.  God  spared  not  his  Own 
Son. 

Verse.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death, 

Answer.  Even  the  death  of  the 
Cross. 

NONE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  as  at 
Compline. 

Antiphon.  When  JESUS,  &c,  {Fifth 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prinic. 


Short  Responsory. 

He  became  obedient  unto  death. 

Answer.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death, 

Verse.  Even  the  death  of  the 
Cross. 

Answer.      Unto  death. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death. 

Verse.  He  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions. 

Answer.  He  was  bruised  for  our 
iniquities. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  \  Joseph  took  down  the  Body 
of  JESUS,  and  wrapt  It  in  linen,  and 
laid  It  in  a  sepulchre  that  was  hewn  in 
stone.  In  that  day  there  was  a  great 
mourning,  and  the  women  sitting  over 
against  the  sepulchre,  mourned,  as  one 
mourneth  for  the  death  of  the  first- 
born.2 

Verse  at  Compline  as  before. 

The  Sabbath. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (xi.  10.) 

T^  HESE  are  the  generations  of  Shem. 
Shem  was  an  hundred  years  old, 
and  begat  Arphaxad,  two  years  after 
the  flood.  And  Shem  lived,  after  he 
begat  Arphaxad,  five  hundred  years, 
and  begat  sons  and  daughters.  And 
Arphaxad  lived  five  hundred  and  thirty 
years,  and  begat  Salah  ;  and  Arphaxad 
lived,  after  he  begat  Salah,  three  hun- 
dred and  three  years,3  and  begat  sons 
and  daughters.  And  Salah  lived  thirty 
years,  and  begat  Eber.  And  Salah 
lived  after  he  begat  Eber  four  hundred 
and  three  years,  and  begat  sons  and 
daughters. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

All  as  the  First,  except  the  follow- 
ing. 

Verse.  He  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions. 

Answer.  He  was  bruised  for  our 
iniquities. 


First  Responsory. 
God  blessed,  &c,  {p.  435.) 

Second  Lesso?i. 

AND  Eber  lived  four -and -thirty 
■^^  years,  and  begat  Peleg.  And 
Eber  lived  after  he  begat  Peleg,  four 


1  Cf.  Luke  xxiii.  53  ;  Matth.  xxvii.  60  ;  Zech.  xii.  io,  11. 

2  There  is  almost  invariably  some  commemoration,  because,  even  if  there  be  no  feast  on 
the  Friday,  or  Saturday,  the  Votive  Office  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  is  obligatory  in 
England  on  the  Saturday.  3  Present  Hebrew  text,  403.     Targums,  430. 


452 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


hundred  and  thirty  years,  and  begat 
sons  and  daughters.  And  Peleg  lived 
thirty  years,  and  begat  Reii.  And 
Peleg  lived,  after  he  begat  Reii,  two 
hundred  and  nine  years,  and  begat 
sons  and  daughters.  And  Reii  lived 
two-and-thirty  years,  and  begat  Serug. 
And  Reii  lived,  after  he  begat  Serug, 
two  hundred  and  seven  years,  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters.  And  Serug 
lived  thirty  years,  and  begat  Nahor. 
And  Serug  lived,  after  he  begat  Nahor, 
two  hundred  years,  and  begat  sons 
and  daughters. 


VESPERS. 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  the  suc- 
ceeding Lands. 

Hymn,  Verse,  and  Answer,  as  on  p. 
204. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Abraham,  the  Captain  and 
Father  of  our  faith,  *  offered  up  a 
burnt-offering  on  the  altar  instead  of 
his  son.1 


Second  Responsory. 
Behold,  I  establish,  &c,  (p.  436-) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  Nahor  lived  nine-and-twenty 
-'-*■  years,  and  begat  Terah.  And 
Nahor  lived,  after  he  begat  Terah,  an 
hundred  and  nineteen  years,  and  begat 
sons  and  daughters.  And  Terah  lived 
seventy  years,  and  begat  Abram,  and 
Nahor,  and  Haran.  These  are  the 
generations  of  Terah :  Terah  begat 
Abram,  Nahor,  and  Haran.  And 
Haran  begat  Lot.  And  Haran  died 
before  his  father  Terah  in  the  land  of 
his  nativity  in  Ur  of  the  Chaldees. 
And  Abraham  and  Nahor  took  them 
wives  ;  the  name  of  Abram's  wife  was 
Sarai ;  and  the  name  of  Nahor's  wife 

Melcha,  the  daughter  of  Haran  the 
father    of   Melcha    and    the   father  of 

Iscah.  But  Sarai  was  barren  and 
had  no  children. 

Third  Responsory. 

In  the  self-same  day,  &c,  (p.  438), 
(with  the  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father," 

&c.) 


©utnquagestma  Suntum 

The  Lord's  Day  within  Fifty  Days  of 
Easter. 


MATTINS. 

Lnvitatory  and  omission   in  Psalm 
XCIV.   as  on  Septuagesima  Sunday. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (xii.  I.) 

XT  OW  the  LORD  said  unto  Abram  : 
"*■  Get  thee  out  of  thy  country  and 

from  thy  kindred,  and  from  thy  father's 
house,  and  go  into  a  land  that  I  will 
show  thee  :  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a 
great  nation,  and  I  will  bless  thee  and 
make  thy  name  great,  and  thou  shalt 
be  blessed.  I  will  bless  them  that 
bless  thee,  and  curse  him  that  curseth 
thee  ;  and  in  thee  shall  all  families  of 
the  earth  be  blessed.  So  Abram  de- 
parted, as  the  LORD  had  spoken  unto 
him  ;  and  Lot  went  with  him.  And 
Abram  was  seventy  and  five  years  old 


1  Gen.  xxii.  13. 


QUINQUAGESIMA. 


453 


when  he  departed  out  of  Haran.  And 
he  took  Sarai  his  wife,  and  Lot  his 
brother's  son,  and  all  their  substance 
that  they  had  gathered,  and  the  souls 
that  they  had  gotten  in  Haran  ;  and 
they  went  forth  to  go  into  the  land  of 
Canaan.  And  when  they  were  come 
thither,  Abram  passed  through  the 
land  unto  the  place  of  Shechem,  unto 
"  the  noble  vale."  l  And  the  Canaan- 
ite  was  then  in  the  land 

First  Responsory. 

The  Lord  spake  unto  Abram,  say- 
ing :  Get  thee  out  of  thy  country,  and 
from  thy  kindred,  and  go  unto  the 
land  that  I  will  show  thee  :  and  I  will 
make  of  thee  a  great  nation. 

Verse.  I  will  surely  bless  thee  and 
make  thy  name  great,  and  thou  shalt 
be  blessed. 

Answer.  And  I  will  make  of  thee 
a  great  nation. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
*^^  Abram  and  said  unto  him  :  Unto 
thy  seed  will  I  give  this  land.  And 
there  builded  he  an  altar  unto  the 
Lord,  Who  appeared  unto  him.  And 
he  removed  from  thence  unto  a  moun- 
tain on  the  east  of  Bethel,2  and  pitched 
his  tent  there,  having  Bethel  on  the 
west,  and  Hai  on  the  east.  And  there 
he  builded  an  altar  unto  the  LORD, 
and  called  upon  His  Name.  And 
Abram  journeyed,  going  on  still  to- 
ward the  south.  And  there  was  a 
famine  in  the  land,  and  Abram  went 
down  into  Egypt,  to  sojourn  there  :  for 
the  famine  was  grievous  in  the  land. 
And    it    came   to   pass   when   he   was 


come  near  to  enter  into  Egypt,  that  he 
said  unto  Sarai  his  wife  :  I  know  that 
thou  art  a  fair  woman  to  look  upon, 
and  that  when  the  Egyptians  see  thee, 
they  will  say :  This  is  his  wife  ;  and 
they  will  kill  me,  but  they  will  save 
thee  alive.  Say,  therefore,  I  pray 
thee,  that  thou  art  my  sister  :  that  it 
may  be  well  with  me  for  thy  sake,  and 
my  soul  shall  live  because  of  thee. 


Second  Responsory. 

3  Abraham  stood  by  the  oak  of 
Mamre,  and  he  saw  three  men  coming 
up  by  the  path.  He  saw  three,  and 
worshipped  One. 

Verse.  Behold,  Sarah  thy  wife  shall 
bear  thee  a  son,  and  thou  shalt  call 
his  name   Isaac. 

Answer.  He  saw  three,  and  wor- 
shipped One. 


Third  Lesson. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when 
Abram  was  come  into  Egypt, 
the  Egyptians  beheld  the  woman  that 
she  was  very  fair.  The  princes  also 
told  Pharaoh,  and  commended  her 
before  him  ;  and  the  woman  was  taken 
into  Pharaoh's  house.  And  they  en- 
treated Abram  well  for  her  sake.  And 
he  had  sheep,  and  oxen,  and  he-asses, 
and  men-servants,  and  maid-servants, 
and  she-asses,  and  camels.  And  the 
LORD  plagued  Pharaoh  and  his  house 
with  great  plagues,  because  of  Sarai, 
Abram's  wife.  And  Pharaoh  called 
Abram,  and  said  unto  him  :  What  is 
this  that  thou  hast  done  unto  me  ? 
Why  didst  thou  not  tell  me  that  she 
was  thy  wife  ?     Why  saidst  thou  that 


1  The  meaning  of  both  words  seems  uncertain.  Abp.  Kenrick,  "The  turpentine  tree  of 
Moreh."  LXX.,  "the  lofty  oak."  Onkelos,  "the  plain  of  Moreh,"  (so  also  the  Protestant 
version.)  Jonathan-ben-Uzziel,  "the  plain  which  had  been  showed."  Jerusalem  Targum, 
"the  plain  (or,  valley)  of  vision."    And  so  on. 

2  Afterwards  so  called  by  Jacob,  xxviii.  19.  3  xviii.  1,  2 ;  xvii.  19. 


454 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


she  was  thy  sister,  so  that  I  might  take 
her  to  me  to  wife  ?  Now,  therefore, 
behold  thy  wife,  take  her  and  go  thy 
way. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  The  Lord  did  tempt  Abraham,  and 
said  unto  him :  Take  thy  son  Isaac 
whom  thou  lovest,  and  offer  him  there 
for  a  burnt-offering  upon  one  of  the 
mountains  which   I  will  tell  thee  of. 

Verse.  And  when  the  Lord  called 
him,  he  answered  :  Behold,  here  I  am. 
And  the  Lord  said  unto  him  : 

Answer.  Take  thy  son  Isaac  whom 
thou  lovest,  and  offer  him  there  for  a 
burnt-offering  upon  one  of  the  moun- 
tains which  I  will  tell  thee  of. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Take  thy  son  Isaac  whom 
thou  lovest,  and  offer  him  there  for  a 
burnt-offering  upon  one  of  the  moun- 
tains which  I  will  tell  thee  of. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
upon  the  Patriarch  Abraham  written 
by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of  Milan.] 
{Bk.  i.  2.) 

A  BRAHAM  was  truly  a  great  man, 
illustrious  as  an  example  of 
many  virtues  ;  one  the  like  of  whom 
the  day-dreams  of  Philosophy  have  not 
been  able  to  produce.  That  which 
she  imagineth  is  less  than  that  which 
he  did  ;  his  simple  truth  and  faith 
were  something  grander  than  her  lying 
rounded  periods.  Let  us  then  con- 
sider what  this  man's  loyalty  was. 
For  that  virtue  is  first  to  be  taken 
which  was  the  source  of  all  the  others, 


and  thus  this  was  the  first  which  God 
called  for  from  him,  when  He  said:  "Get 
thee  out  of  thy  country,  and  from  thy 
kindred,  and  from  thy  father's  house." 
It  would  have  been  enough  to  have 
said,  "  Get  thee  out  of  thy  country," 
for  there  were  his  kindred,  and  there 
his  father's  house. 


Fourth  Responsory. 

2  The  Angel  of  the  LORD  called 
unto  Abraham  and  said :  Lay  not 
thine  hand  upon  the  lad  ;  for  now  I 
know  that  thou  fearest  God. 

Verse.  And  Abraham  stretched 
forth  his  hand  to  slay  his  son  ;  and, 
behold,  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  called 
unto  him  out  of  heaven,  and  said  : — 

Answer.  Lay  not  thy  hand  upon 
the  lad  ;  for  now  I  know  that  thou 
fearest   God. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

TDUT  He  gave  the  details  of  his 
sacrifice  one  by  one,  that  He 
might  see  whether  he  loved  Him,  lest 
also  he  should  begin  rashly,  or  should 
seek  to  evade  the  heavenly  command- 
ment. But  as  the  whole  of  the  precept 
was  plainly  set  forth,  lest  anything 
should  be  unconsidered,  so  also  were 
the  rewards  set  forth,  lest  the  burden 
should  seem  hopeless.  He  was  tried 
as  one  that  is  strong,  he  was  roused  as 
one  that  is  true,  he  was  called  as  one 
that  is  righteous ;  and  he  departed 
loyally  as  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto 
him.  And  Lot  went  forth  with  him. 
That  saying  of  the  Seven  Wise  Men  of 
Greece  is  much  spoken  of — "  Follow 
God."  But  this  did  Abraham  before 
the  Seven  Wise  Men  were  thought  of; 
he  followed  God,  and  went  out  of  his 
own  land. 


xxu.  ir,  io. 


QUINQUAGESIMA. 


455 


Fifth  Responsory. 

1  The  Angel  of  the  Lord  called 
unto  Abraham  out  of  heaven  the  second 
time,  and  said  :  I  will  bless  thee,  and 
I  will  multiply  thy  seed  as  the  stars  of 
the  heaven. 

Verse.  Thy  seed  shall  possess  the 
gate  of  his  enemies,  and  in  thy  seed 
shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be 
blessed. 

Answer.  And  I  will  multiply  thy 
seed  as  the  stars  of  the  heaven. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

DUT,  forasmuch  as  Abraham  had 
before  had  another  country, 
namely,  the  land  of  the  Chaldees, 
whence  went  forth  Terah  the  father  of 
Abraham,  and  came  unto  Haran,  and 
forasmuch  as  he  to  whom  it  had  been 
said,  "  Get  thee  out  from  thy  kindred," 
took  Lot,  his  brother's  son,  with  him, 
let  us  consider  whether  this  "  Get  thee 
out  of  thy  country " 2  signifieth  not 
"  get  thee  out  of  this  earthly  dwelling," 
namely,  our  body,  from  which  Paul 
came  forth,  who  said,  "  Our  convers- 
ation is  in  heaven."     (Phil.  iii.  20.) 


Sixth  Responsory. 

3  O  God  of  my  master  Abraham, 
prosper  my  way  which  I  go ;  that  I 
may  return  again  in  safety  unto  the 
house  of  my  master. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  I  pray  Thee,  be 
merciful  unto  Thy  servant — 

Answer.  That  I  may  return  again 
in  safety  unto  the  house  of  my  master. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 


Answer.  That  I  may  return 
again  in  safety  unto  the  house  of 
my  master. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xviii. 
3i.) 

A  T  that  time  :  JESUS  took  unto  Him 
the  twelve,  and  said  unto  them  : 
Behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  and  all 
things  that  are  written  by  the  Prophets 
concerning  the  Son  of  man  shall  be  ac- 
complished.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (2nd  on  the  Gospels.) 

Our  Redeemer,  foreseeing  that  the 
minds  of  His  disciples  would  be 
troubled  by  His  suffering,  told  them 
long  before  both  of  the  pains  of  that 
suffering,  and  of  the  glory  of  His 
rising  again,  to  the  end  that,  when 
they  should  see  Him  die  as  He  had 
prophesied,  they  might  not  doubt  that 
He  was  likewise  to  rise  again.  But, 
since  His  disciples  were  yet  carnal,  and 
could  not  receive  the  words  telling  of 
this  mystery,  He  wrought  a  miracle 
before  them.  A  blind  man  received 
his  sight  before  their  eyes,  that  if  they 
could  not  receive  heavenly  things  by 
words,  they  might  be  persuaded  of 
heavenly  things  by  deeds. 


Seventh  Responsory. 

4  I  came  this  day  unto  the  well,  and 
I    besought    the    Lord,   and    said :    O 


i  xxn.  15,  17,  18. 

2  There  appears  in  this  obscure  passage  to  be  some  play  on  the  word  "  terra,"  which  stands 
for  a  country  as  well  as  for  earth  or  soil.  Hence,  "  Exi  de  terra  tua"  might  be  translated 
"Get  thee  of  thy  earth."  3  xxiv.  12.  4  xxiv.  42-44. 


456 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Lord  God  of  Abraham,  Thou  hast 
prospered  my  way. 

Verse.  Therefore  the  virgin  to 
whom  I  shall  say :  Give  me  water  of 
thy  pitcher  to  drink ;  and  she  shall 
say  to  me :  Drink,  my  lord,  and  I 
will  give  thy  camels  drink  also ;  let 
the  same  be  the  woman  whom  the 
LORD  hath  appointed  out  for  my 
master's   son. 

Answer.  O  Lord  God  of  Abraham, 
Thou  hast  prospered  my  way. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T)UT,  dearly  beloved  brethren,  we 
must  so  take  the  miracles  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour,  as  believing  both 
that  they  were  actually  wrought,  and 
that  they  have  some  mystic  interpreta- 
tion for  our  instruction.  For  in  His 
works,  power  speaketh  one  thing  and 
mystery  again  another.  Behold  here, 
for  instance.  We  know  not  histori- 
cally who  this  blind  man  was,  but  we 
do  know  of  what  he  was  mystically  the 
figure.  Mankind  is  blind,  driven  out 
from  Eden  in  the  persons  of  his  first 
parents,  knowing  not  the  light  of 
heaven,  and  suffering  the  darkness  of 
condemnation.  But,      nevertheless, 

through  the  coming  of  his  Redeemer, 
he  is  enlightened,  so  that  now  he  seeth 
by  hope  already  the  gladness  of  in- 
ward light,  and  walketh  by  good  works 
in  the  path  of  life. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

1  The  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
Abram,  saying  :  Fear  not,  Abram  :  I 
am  thy  shield,  and  thy  exceeding  great 
reward. 

Verse.  For  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God 
That  brought  thee  out  of  Ur  of  the 
Chaldees. 


Answer.  Fear  not,  Abram  :  I 
am  thy  shield,  and  thy  exceeding 
great  reward. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

\A/E  must  note  that  as  Jesus  drew 
to  Jericho  a  blind  man  re- 
ceived his  sight.  Now,  this  name 
Jericho,  being  interpreted,  signifieth 
"  the  city  of  the  moon  : "  and  in 
Holy  Scripture  the  moon  is  used  as 
a  figure  of  our  imperfect  flesh,  of 
whose  gradual  corruption  her  monthly 
waning  is  a  type.  As,  therefore, 
our  Maker  draweth  nigh  to  Jericho, 
a  blind  man  receiveth  his  sight. 
While  the  Godhead  taketh.  into  itself 
our  weak  manhood,  man  receiveth 
again  the  light  which  he  had  lost. 
By  God's  suffering  in  the  Manhood, 
man  is  raised  up  toward  God.  This 
blind  man  is  also  well  described  as 
sitting  by  the  wayside  begging :  for 
the  Truth  saith :  "  I  am  the  Way.'' 
(John  xiv.   6.) 


Ninth  Responsory. 

A  S  the  Lord  passed  by,  a  certain 
*^^  blind  man  sat  by  the  way-side, 
and  cried  unto  Him.  And  the  Lord 
asked  him,  saying :  What  wilt  thou 
that  I  shall  do  unto  thee  ?  Lord,  that 
I  may  receive  my  sight. 

Verse.  And  JESUS  stood,  and  com- 
manded him  to  be  brought  unto  Him  ; 
and  when  he  was  come  near,  He  asked 
him,  saying  : 

Answer.  What  wilt  thou  that  I 
shall  do  unto  thee  ? 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Lord,  that  I  may  receive 
my  sight. 


XV.  i,  7. 


QUINQUAGESIMA. 


457 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  accord- 
ing to  the  multitude  of  Thy  tender 
mercies,  *  blot  out  my  transgressions. 

Psalm  L. 

Have  mercy,  &c,  (p.  87.) 

Second  Antiphon.  Thou  art  my 
God,  *  and  I  will  praise  Thee  :  Thou 
art  my  God,  and  I  will  exalt  Thee. 

Psalm  CXVII. 

O  give  thanks,  &c,  {p.  37.) 

Third  Antiphon.  O  God,  early 
will  I  seek  Thee,  *  to  see  Thy 
power. 

Psalms  LXII.  and  LXVI. 

O  God,  Thou  art  my  ^od,  &c,  {p. 

23-) 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Sing  praises,  * 
and  exalt  Him  above  all  for  ever. 

The  Song  of  the  Three  Holy  Children. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Praise  ye  the 
Lord  *  from  the  heavens,  all  His 
angels. 

Psalms  CXLVIIL,  CXL/X.,  and  CL. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  &c,  {pp.  25, 

26.) 

Chapter.     (1  Cor.  xiii.  1.) 

gRETHREN,  though  I  speak  with 
the  tongues  of  men  and  of 
Angels,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am 
become  as  sounding  brass  or  a  tink- 
ling cymbal. 

Verse  and  Answer  as  on  Septua- 
gesima  Sunday. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  *  and 
all  things  that  are  written  by  the 
Prophets  concerning  the  Son  of  man 
shall  be  accomplished  :  for  He  shall  be 
delivered  unto  the  Gentiles,  and  shall 
be  mocked  and  spitted  on  ;  and  they 
shall  scourge  Him,  and  put  Him  to 
death,  and  the  third  day  He  shall  rise 
again. 


Prayer  throughout  the  day. 

r~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  merci- 
^^^  fully  to  hear  our  prayers,  that 
we,  being  loosed  from  all  chains  of  our 
sins,  may  by  Thee  be  defended  against 
all  adversity.  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. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.  As  Jesus  went  on  His 
way,  *  as  He  was  come  nigh  unto 
Jericho,  a  certain  blind  man  cried  unto 
Him,  that  he  might  worthily  receive 
his  sight. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  As  the  Lord  passed  by, 
*  a  certain  blind  man  cried  unto 
Him  :  Thou  Son  of  David,  have  mercy 
on  me. 


Chapter  from  Lauds. 


SEXT. 

Antiphon.  And  they  that  went  be- 
fore rebuked  him,  *  that  he  should 
hold  his  peace :  but  he  cried  so  much 
the  more  :  Thou  Son  of  David,  have 
mercy  on  me ! 


458 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


Chapter,     (i  Cor.  xiii.  8.) 

/""*  H  ARITY  never  faileth ;  but  whether 
there  be  prophecies,  they  shall 
fail  ;  whether  there  be  tongues,  they 
shall  cease ;  whether  there  be  know- 
ledge, it  shall  vanish  away.  For  we 
know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part. 


NONE. 

Antiphon.  The  blind  man  cried  on 
the  Lord  *  so  much  the  more,  to  give 
him  light. 


silver.  And  he  went  on  his  journeys 
from  the  South  even  to  Bethel,  unto 
the  place  where  his  tent  had  been  at 
the  beginning,  between  Bethel  and 
Hai,  unto  the  place  of  the  Altar  which 
he  had  made  at  the  first :  and  there  he 
called  on  the  Name  of  the  Lord.  And 
Lot  also,  which  was  with  Abram,  had 
flocks,  and  herds,  and  tents.  And  the 
land  was  not  able  to  bear  them,  that 
they  might  dwell  together :  for  their 
substance  was  great,  so  that  they  could 
not  dwell  together. 


Chapter,     (i  Cor.  xiii.  13.) 

AND  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  cha- 
rity, these  three :  but  the  great- 
est of  these  is  charity. 


VESPERS. 
Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  And  Jesus  stood,  *  and  com- 
manded the  blind  man  to  be  brought 
unto  Him,  and  He  asked  him,  saying : 
What  wilt  thou  that  I  shall  do  unto 
thee  ?  Lord,  that  I  may  receive  my 
sight.  And  JESUS  said  unto  him  :  Re- 
ceive thy  sight :  thy  faith  hath  saved 
thee.  And  immediately  he  received 
his  sight,  and  followed  Him,  glorifying 
God. 

QUonfcap. 

Second  Day. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (xiii.  I.) 

A  ND  Abram  went  up  out  of  Egypt, 
"^^  he,  and  his  wife,  and  all  that  he 
had,  and  Lot  with  him,  into  the  South. 
And  he  was  very  rich  in  gold  and  in 


First  Responsory. 

Abram  removed  his  tent,  and  came, 
and  dwelt  by  the  vale  *  of  Mamre  ;  and 
built  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord. 

Verse.  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
him  :  Lift  up  thine  eyes,  and  look  ;  all 
the  land  which  thou  seest,  to  thee  will 
I  give  it,  and  to  thy  seed  for  ever. 

Answer.  And  built  there  an  altar 
unto  the  Lord. 


Second  Lesson. 

'"THEREFORE  there  was  a  strife 
between  the  herdmen  of  Abram's 
cattle,  and  the  herdmen  of  Lot's  cattle. 
And  the  Canaanite  and  the  Perizzite 
dwelled  then  in  the  land.  Abram 
therefore  said  unto  Lot :  Let  there  be 
no  strife,  I  pray  thee,  between  me  and 
thee,  and  between  my  herdmen  and 
thy  herdmen ;  for  we  be  brethren. 
Behold,  the  whole  land  is  before  thee  ; 
separate  thyself,  I  pray  thee,  from  me. 
If  thou  wilt  take  the  left  hand,  then  I 
will  go  to  the  right :  if  thou  depart  to 
the  right  hand,  then  I  will  go  to  the 
left.  And  Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and 
beheld  all  the  plain  of  Jordan,  that  it 
was  well  watered  everywhere,  before 
the  Lord  destroyed  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah,   even    as   the   garden    of   the 


1  Some,  instead  of  "vale "or  "plain,"  read  "oak"  or  "terebinth-tree." 


QUINQUAGESIMA. 


459 


Lord,  and  like  the  land  of  Egypt,  as 
thou  comest  unto  Zoar.  Then  Lot 
chose  him  all  the  plain  of  Jordan,  and 
journeyed  eastward. 

Second  Responsory. 

1  Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was 
counted  unto  him  for  righteousness. 
And  therefore  he  became  the  friend  of 
God. 

Verse.  For  he  was  righteous  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,  and  walked  in  His 
ways. 

Answer.  And  therefore  he  became 
the  friend  of  God. 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  they  separated  themselves, 
^^  brother  from  brother.  Abram 
dwelled  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and 
Lot  dwelled  in  the  cities  of  the  plain 
of  Jordan,  and  abode  in  Sodom.  But 
the  men  of  Sodom  were  very  wicked, 
and  sinners  before  the  Lord  exceed- 
ingly. And  the  Lord  said  unto 
Abram,  after  that  Lot  was  separated 
from  him  :  Lift  up  now  thine  eyes,  and 
look  from  the  place  where  thou  art, 
Northward  and  Southward,  and  East- 
ward and  Westward :  all  the  land 
which  thou  seest,  to  thee  will  I  give 
it,  and  to  thy  seed  for  ever.  And 
I  will  make  thy  seed  as  the  dust 
of  the  earth. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord  did  tempt,  &c,  {p.  454.) 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  as  on 
Sunday. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  And  they,  &c,  {Antiphon  at 
Sext  on  Sunday,  p.  456.) 


Third  Day  in  the  Week  within 
Fifty  Days  of  Easter. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (xiv.  8.) 

AND  there  went  out  the  king  of 
Sodom,  and  the  king  of  Gomor- 
rah, and  the  king  of  Admah,  and  the 
king  of  Zeboiim,  and  the  king  of  Belah, 
(the  same  is  Zoar:)  and  they  joined 
battle  with  them  in  the  vale  of  the 
woods,  with  Chedorlaomer,  the  king 
of  Elam,  and  with  Tidal  king  of 
nations,  and  Amraphel  king  of  Shinar, 
and  Arioch  king  of  Ellasar  ;  four  kings 
with  five.  And  the  vale  of  the  woods 
was  full  of  slime-pits.  And  the  kings 
of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  fled  and  fell 
there  :  and  they  that  remained  fled  to 
the  mountain.  And  they  took  all  the 
goods  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and 
all  their  victuals,  and  went  their  way ; 
and  they  took  Lot,  Abram's  brother's 
son,  who  dwelt  in  Sodom,  and  his 
goods. 

First  Responsory. 

The  Angel  of  the   Lord,   {Fourth 
Responsory  on  Sunday,  p.  454.) 

Second  Lesson. 

AND,  behold,  there  came  one  that 
had  escaped,  and  told  Abram 
the  Hebrew,  for  he  dwelt  in  the  vale 
of  Mamre  the  Amorite,  brother  of 
Eshcol,  and  brother  of  Aner  ;  for  these 
were  confederate  with  Abram.  And 
when  Abram  heard  that  his  brother 
Lot  was  taken  captive,  he  armed  his 
trained  servants,  born  in  his  house, 
three  hundred  and  eighteen,  and  pur- 
sued them  unto  Dan.  And  he  divided 
his  comrades,  and  warred  against  them 


1  Gen.  xv.  6. 


460 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SEASON. 


by  night,  and  smote  them,  and  pur- 
sued them  unto  Hobah,  which  is  on 
the  left  hand  of  Damascus.  And  he 
brought  back  all  the  goods,  and  his 
brother  Lot,  and  his  goods  ;  and  the 
women  also  and  the  people. 

Second  Responsory. 

The  Angel  of  the  Lord,  &c,  {Fifth 
Responsory  on  Sunday,  p.  455.) 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  the  king  of  Sodom  went  out 
"^^  to  meet  him,  (after  his  return 
from  the  slaughter  of  Chedorlaomer, 
and  of  the  kings  that  were  with  him,) 
in  the  valley  of  Shaveh,  which  is  the 
King's  Dale.  And  Melchizedek  King 
of  Salem  brought  forth  bread  and  wine, 
(for  he   was   the   Priest   of  the    Most 


High  God,)  and  blessed  him,  and 
said  :  Blessed  be  Abram  of  the  Most 
High  God,  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 
and  blessed  be  the  Most  High  God, 
Which  hath  delivered  thine  enemies 
into  thy  hand.  And  he  gave  him 
tithes  of  all. 


Third  Responsory.  . 

O  God  of  my  master,  &c,  {p.  455.) 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  as  on 
Sunday. 

VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Thou  Son  of  David,  *  have 
mercy  on  me.  .  What  wilt  thou  that  I 
shall  do  unto  thee  ?  Lord,  that  I  may 
receive  my  sight. 


©fje  Common  of  faints* 

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. 


3L  Apostles'  !£*)*$♦ 


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.) 

AT  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/^  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.  1. 


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. 

'"THEREFORE  the  command- 
J-  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  pur  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 

Q 


462 


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  Lands  and  during  the  day. 

GRANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
Almighty  God,  that  the 
worshipful  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. 

The  Long  Preces  are  said  at  Lauds 
and  Prime,  and  the  corresponding 
short  ones  at  Terce,  Sext,  and  None, 
kneeling. 


3BL   d?or  Apostles  an&  lEbattgeltet** 


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.  x  Their  sound  is  gone  out 
through  all  the  earth. 

1  Ps.  xviii.  5. 


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. 


463 


Hymn,1 

T^HE  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  rilled  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.] 

"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  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  Psirt  of  an  hymn  by  St  Ambrose,  or  by  one  of  the  Ambrosian  school;  slightly  altered; 
translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 

"-  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." 


464 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


*  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  1  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. 

0  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. 


465 


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. 

'Ihird  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.  ] 

IV /T INE  heart  is  overflowing  with 
*■  *  -*-  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. 


466 


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.) 

LET  a  man  so  account  of  us  as  of 
4  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. 


2  John  xii.  36. 


3  Matth.  xi.  29. 


FOR   APOSTLES   AND   EVANGELISTS. 


467 


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. ] 

f~\  CLAP  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.] 

TJ  EAR  my  cry,  O  God  :  *  attend 


n. 


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. 


468 


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.] 

HEAR  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.  1Thou  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.]     (30th  on  the  Gospels.} 

IT  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.  (1  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. 


469 


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.  3When  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. 

\  fERILY,  if  we  ask  of  the  dam- 
*  sel  that  kept  the  door,  she 
will  tell  us  what  was  the  measure 
of  weakness  and  of  strength  in  that 
Shepherd4  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.  II,  12,  3  Luke  yi.  22. 

4  St  Peter,  buried  in  the  Vatican  Basilica,   where   this  sermon  seems  to  have  been 
preached. 

VOL.  I.  Q  2 


470 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Verse.  *  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. 

Note  that  between  Septuagesima  and 
Easter  the  word  "  Alleluia  "  in  the  fol- 
lowing Antiphons  is  omitted. 

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.)] 

T  JNTO  Thee,  O  God,  will  we 
^  give  thanks  :  *  we  will  give 
thanks  and  call  upon  Thy  name. 

We  will  declare  Thy  wondrous 
works  :  *  when  1  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. 

1  Apoc.  vii.  14,  cf.  9. 

5  Aromatic  herbs,  &c,   were  mixed  with 
Smith's  Diet,  of  the  Bible,— Wine. 


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.] 

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  trembled. 

The  hills  melted  like  wax  at 
the   presence   of    the   Lord,    *   at 

2  SLH. 
wine  to  make  it  more  intoxicating.      See 


FOR   APOSTLES   AND   EVANGELISTS. 


471 


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.] 

*T^HE  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.  x  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.) 

A  T  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  sufficeth  not  to  forsake  only, 


1  Ps.  cxxxviii.  17. 


472 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


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. 
18.)  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. 

Anszver.  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.  »  Heb.  xi.  33. 


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. 

"  TN    the   regeneration,   when   the 

-■•      Son  of  Man  shall  sit  in  the 

throne  of  His  glory,  and  when  the 

dead  shall  rise  again  from  corruption 


FOR   APOSTLES   AND   EVANGELISTS. 


473 


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. 

DY  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.  1This  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.  x  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.) 

ORETHREN,  now  ye  are  no 
-*-^  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. 


Hymn.* 

TVT  OW  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 


474 


THE  COMMON   OF  SAINTS. 


:    Verse.     1  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.) 

HP  HE  Apostles  departed  from  the 
*■  presence  of  the  council,  re- 
joicing that  they  were  counted 
worthy  to  suffer  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.  lxiii.  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  Atitiphon  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. 


475 


Verse.  Their  power  is  waxen 
right  strong. 

Atiswer.     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. 

Answer.  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,  (/. 

176.) 

Second  Antipho?i.  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."] 

T    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. 

0  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 ; 


476 


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  CXXXVIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  direction,  the  meaning  of  which 
is  not  now  certain.] 

OLORD,  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,  and  Verse  and  An- 
swer from  Lauds. 


FOR   APOSTLES   AND   EVANGELISTS. 


477 


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. 

T  F  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. 


©tfjer  SUssons  for  rjje  jjtasts 
of  tjje  Apostles. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ex- 
position of  the  Eighty-sixth  Psalm 
by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 

"  TJER  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- 


Sixth  Lesson. 

THEREFORE  is  it  said  that 
there  shall  be  twelve  thrones, 
because  from  all  quarters  shall  there 
come  men  to  be  judged  ;  even  as  it  is 


1  A  sort  of  quotation  from   or  allusion  to  Apoc.   xxi.   14,  but  there  the  Prophets  are 
not  mentioned. 

2  Apoc.  xxi.   12,  says  that  on  the  gates  were  written  the  names  of  the  twelve  tribes 
of  Israel. 


478 


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.) 

A  T  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. 


479 


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. 

Nitith  Lesson. 

MOREOVER,  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  much  more 
things  that  pertain  to  this  life?" 
But  it  behoveth  us  to  know  that 
every  one  who  hath  forsaken  all 
and  followed  Christ,  as  did  the 
Apostles,  shall  also  come  with  Him 
to  judgment,  even  as  every  man 
shall  stand  at  His  judgment  seat. 
And  the  Scriptures  use  often  to 
signify  all  by  this  number  twelve ; 
by  the  twelve  thrones  of  the  Apostles 
are  signified  the  thrones  of  all  them 
that  shall  judge ;  and  by  the  twelve 
tribes  of  Israel,  the  whole  number 
of  them  that  shall  be  judged. 


©tfjer  ^Lessons  for  tfje  jFeasts 
of  ^Bbangeltsts. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 


First  Lesson. 


Here   beginneth    the    Book   of  the 
Prophet  Ezekiel  (i.  i.) 

A  ND  it  came  to  pass  in  the 
-*~~*-  thirtieth  year,  in  the  fourth 
month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the 
month,  as  I  was  among  the  captives 
by   the    river    of   Chebar,    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. 


Second  Lesson. 

ALSO  in  the  midst  thereof  the 
likeness  of  four  living  creat- 
ures ;  and  this  was  their  appear- 
ance, 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. 

Third  Lesson. 

AS  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 


480 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


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. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ex- 
position of  the  Book  of  the 
Prophet  Ezekiel  by  Pope  St 
Gregory  [the  Great.]  {Horn.  3, 
Bk.  i.) 

r  I  ^HE  Prophet  writeth  very  min- 
■*•  utely  touching  the  four  holy 
living  creatures,  whom  he  saw  in 
the  spirit  as  being  to  come.  He 
saith  :  "  Every  one  had  four  faces, 
and  every  one  had  four  wings." 
What  signifieth  the  face  save  like- 
ness whereby  we  are  known  ?  or 
wings,  save  the  power  to  fly  ?  since 
it  is  by  the  face  that  man  is  known 
from  man,  and  by  their  wings  that 
the  birds'  bodies  are  carried  up  into 
the  air.  So  the  face  pertaineth  to 
certitude,1  and  the  wings  to  con- 
templation. With  certitude  we  are 
known  of  God  Almighty,  Who  saith  : 
"I  am  the  Good  Shepherd,  and 
know  My  sheep,  and  am  known 
of  Mine."  (John  x.  14.)  And 
again  :  "  I  know  whom  I  have 
chosen."  (xiii.  18.)  And  by  con- 
templation, whereby  we  rise  above 
ourselves,  we  as  it  were  fly  heaven- 
wards. 

1  Text, 


Fifth  Lesson. 

EVERY  one  had  four  faces" 
— four  faces,  that  is,  and 
one  body.  If  thou  seek  to  know 
what  Matthew  teacheth  concerning 
the  Incarnation  of  the  Lord,  he 
teacheth  no  other  doctrine  than 
teacheth  Mark,  or  Luke,  or  John. 
If  thou  seek  to  know  what  John 
teacheth,  it  is  beyond  all  doubt 
that  his  doctrine  is  the  doctrine  of 
Matthew,  and  Mark,  and  Luke.  If 
thou  ask  concerning  Mark,  he  hath 
that  which  hath  Matthew,  and  John, 
and  Luke.  If  thou  wilt  know  of 
Luke,  know  that  he  teacheth  as 
doth  Matthew,  and  Mark,  and  John. 
Therefore  every  one  hath  four  faces, 
for  God  knoweth  and  seeth  in  them 
but  one  faith,  which  thou  mayest 
see  in  each  and  in  all. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

"AND  every  one  had  four  wings." 
^*-  For  they  do  all  with  one 
accord  preach  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Son  of  Almighty  God  : 
toward  Whose  Godhead  lifting  up 
the  eyes  of  their  mind,  they  do  lift 
the  wings  of  contemplation,  and  do 
fly.  In  the  Evangelists,  the  face 
pertaineth  to  the  Lord's  Manhood, 
and  the  wings  to  His  Godhead : 
for  they  turn  their  face  toward  Him 
Whom  they  see  in  bodily  shape : 
but  when  they  say  that  He  is,  as 
touching  His  Godhead,  Incompre- 
hensible, and  Incorporeal,  the  wings 
of  their  contemplation  do,  in  a 
manner,  carry  them  in  flight  heaven- 
ward. Because,  then,  they  have 
all  one  faith  in  the  Incarnation, 
and  all  equally  look  by  contempla- 
adfidem. 


FOR   APOSTLES   AND   EVANGELISTS. 


481 


tion  toward  the  Godhead :  it  is 
well  written  of  them,  "  Every  one 
had  four  faces,  and  every  one  had 
four  wings." 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 


Seventh  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the 
Holy  Gospel  according  to  Luke 
(x.  1.) 

AT  that  time:  The  Lord  ap- 
pointed other  seventy  -  two 
also,  and  sent  them  two  and  two 
before  His  face  into  every  city  and 
place,  whither  He  Himself  would 
come.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory 
[the  Great]     (17th  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  doth  sometimes 
admonish  us  by  words,  and  some- 
times by  works.  Yea,  His  very 
works  do  themselves  teach  us  :  for 
that  which  He  doth  silently  His 
example  still  moveth  us  to  copy. 
Behold  how  He  sendeth  forth  His 
disciples  to  preach  by  two  and  two  : 
since  there  are  two  commandments 
to  love,  that  is,  a  commandment  to 
love  God,  and  a  commandment  to 
love  our  neighbour :  and  where 
there  are  not  two,  the  one,  being 
alone,  hath  not  whereon  to  do  the 
Lord's  commandment.  And  no 
man  can  properly  be  said  to  love 
himself:  for  love  tendeth  outward 
toward  our  neighbour,  if  it  be  the 
love  whereto  the  Gospel  doth 
oblige  us. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

BEHOLD,  the  Lord  sendeth 
forth  His  disciples  to  preach 
by  two  and  two  :  and  thus  doing, 
He  doth  silently  teach  us  that  who- 
soever loveth  not  his  neighbour, 
such  an  one  it  behoveth  not  to  take 
upon  him  the  office  of  a  preacher. 
Well  also  is  it  said  that  He  sent 
them  before  His  face  into  every 
city  and  place  whither  He  Himself 
would  come.  The  Lord  followeth 
His  preachers  :  first  cometh  preach- 
ing, and  then  the  Lord  Himself 
cometh  to  the  house  of  our  mind, 
whither  the  word  of  exhortation 
hath  come  before  :  and  so  cometh 
the  truth  into  our  mind. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

^THEREFORE  to  preachers  saith 
-*■  Isaiah  :  "  Prepare  ye  the  way 
of  the  Lord,  make  straight  an  high- 
way for  our  God."  (xl.  3.)  And 
again  the  Psalmist  saith  :  "  Spread 
a  path  before  Him  That  rideth  upon 
the  West."  (lxvii.  4.)  The  Lord 
rideth  upon  the  West ;  above  that 
from  which  in  death  He  veiled  His 
glory  hath  He  royally  exalted  that 
glory  that  excelleth,  even  the  glory 
of  His  rising  again.  He  rideth  upon 
the  West,  Who,  being  risen  again 
from  the  dead,  is  throned  high  above 
the  death  to  which  He  bowed.  Be- 
fore Him,  therefore,  That  rideth 
upon  the  West,  we  spread  a  path, 
when  we  set  forth  His  glory  before 
the  eyes  of  your  mind,  to  the  end 
that  He  Himself  may  come  after, 
and  Himself  enlighten  the  same  your 
minds  by  His  presence  and  His  love. 


482 


THE  COMMON   OF  SAINTS. 


55&   dfor  &mt$  of  <&nt  Jttat*t]n\ 


Everything   as  on   Sundays,   except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

Anliphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 

O  praise  the  Lord,  &c,  (Ps.  cxvi., 
p.  1 86.) 

Hymn} 

OGOD,  of  Thy  soldiers 
the  Portion  and  Crown, 
Spare  Thy  people,  who  hymn 
the  Praise  of  the  Blest ; 
Earth's  bitter  joys, 

its  lures  and  its  frown, 
He  scanned  them  and  scorned, 
and  so  is  at  rest. 

Thy  Martyr,  he  ran 

all  valiantly  o'er 
An  highway  of  blood 

for  the  prize  Thou  hast  given. 
We  kneel  at  Thy  feet 

and  meekly  implore, 
That  our  pardon  may  wait 

on  his  triumph  in  heaven. 

Honour  and  praise 

To  the  Father  and  Son 

And  the  Spirit  be  done 
Now  and  always.     Amen. 

Verse.  2  Thou  hast  crowned  him 
with  glory  and  honour,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  madest  him  to 
have  dominion  over  the  works  of 
Thy  hands. 

Afitiphon  at  the  Song  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  3This  man  is 
holy,  *  for  he  hath  striven  for  the 

1  Abridged  from  an  hymn  of  the  Ambrosian 

2  Ps.  viii.  7. 

3  Ecclus.  iv.  33 ;  I  Mace.  ii.  62  ;  Matth.  vii 


law  of  his  God  even  unto  death,  and 
hath  not  feared  for  the  words  of  the 
ungodly :  for  he  had  his  foundation 
upon  a  strong  rock. 


MATTINS. 


Invitatory.  The  Lord  He  is  the 
King  of  the  Martyrs.  *  O  come,  let 
us  worship  Him  ! 

Hym?i  as  at  First  Vespers. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Only  three  Psalms  are  said. 

First  Antiphon.  His  delight  * 
was  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  day 
and  night. 

Ps.  i.  Blessed  is  the  man,  &c, 
(/•  4.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
set  him  *  upon  His  holy  hill,  to 
declare  His  decree. 

Ps.  ii.  Why  do  the  heathen, 
&c,  {p.  4.) 

Third  Antiphon.  I  cried  unto 
the  Lord  *  with  my  voice,  and 
He  heard  me  out  of  His  holy 
hill. 

Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,  (/.  5.) 

Verse.  Thou  hast  crowned  him 
with  glory  and  honour,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  madest  him  to 
have  dominion  over  the  works  of 
Thy  hands. 

school ;  translation  by  Cardinal  Newman. 
25- 


FOR   ONE   MARTYR. 


483 


The  following  Lessons  are  not  read 
if  other  Lessons  are  assigned  instead, 
{either  special,  or  from  Scripture  ac- 
cording to  the  Season,)  or  if  the  Martyr 
whose  Feast  is  being  kept  was  not  a 
Bishop.  In  the  latter  case,  failing 
other  Lessons,  are  read  those  from 
Rom.  viir.  12,  given  on  p.  499. 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Acts 
of  the  Apostles  (xx.  17.) 

FROM  Miletus  Paul  sent  to  Eph- 
esus,  and  called  the  elders  of 
the  Church.  And  when  they  were 
come  to  him,  he  said  unto  them  : 
Ye  know,  from  the  first  day  that  I 
came  into  Asia,  after  what  manner  I 
have  been  with  you  at  all  seasons, 
serving  the  Lord  with  all  humility 
of  mind,  and  with  many  tears,  and 
temptations,  which  befell  me  by  the 
lying-in -wait  of  the  Jews  :  how  I 
kept  back  nothing  that  was  profit- 
able unto  you,  but  have  showed 
you,  and  have  taught  you  publicly, 
and  from  house  to  house,  testifying 
both  to  the  Jews  and  also  to  the 
Gentiles,  repentance  toward  God, 
and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  And  now,  behold,  I  go 
bound  in  the  spirit  unto  Jerusalem, 
not  knowing  the  things  that  shall 
befall  me  there ;  save  that  the  Holy 
Ghost  witnesseth  in  every  city, 
saying  that  bonds  and  afflictions 
abide  me  at  Jerusalem.  But  none 
of  these  things  move  me,  neither 
count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myself: 
so  that  I  might  finish  my  course 
with  joy,  and  the  ministry  which  I 
have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
to  testify  the  Gospel  of  the  grace 
of  God. 


First  Responsory. 

This  man  is  holy,  for  he  hath 
striven  for  the  law  of  his  God  even 
unto  death,  and  hath  not  feared  for 
the  words  of  the  ungodly ;  for  he 
had  his  foundation  upon  a  strong 
rock. 

Verse.  2  This  is  he  which  loved 
not  his  life  in  this  world,  and  is 
come  unto  an  everlasting  kingdom. 

Answer.  For  he  had  his  found- 
ation upon  a  strong  rock. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  now,  behold,  I  know  that 
ye  all,  among  whom  I  have 
gone  preaching  the  kingdom  of  God, 
shall  see  my  face  no  more.  Where- 
fore I  take  you  to  record  this  day, 
that  I  am  pure  from  the  blood  of  all 
men.  For  I  have  not  shunned  to 
declare  unto  you  all  the  counsel  of 
God.  Take  heed  unto  yourselves, 
and  to  all  the  flock,  over  the  which 
the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you 
Bishops  to  shepherd  the  Church  of 
God,  which  He  hath  purchased  with 
His  Own  Blood.  I  know  this,  that 
after  my  departing  shall  grievous 
wolves  enter  in  among  you,  not 
sparing  the  flock ;  also  of  your  own 
selves  shall  men  arise,  speaking  per- 
verse things,  to  draw  away  disciples 
after  them.  Therefore  watch,  and 
remember  that,  by  the  space  of  three 
years,  I  ceased  not  to  warn  every 
one  of  you  night  and  day  with  tears. 

Second  Responsory. 

2  The  righteous  shall  grow  as  the 
lily ;  yea,  he  shall  flourish  in  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 

Verse.     3  Those   that  be  planted 


1  Cf.  John  xii.  25. 


2  Hos.  xiv.  6;  Isa.  xvii.  n,  &c. 


3  Ps.  xci.  14. 


484 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  shall 
flourish  in  the  courts  of  the  house 
of  our  God. 

Answer.  Yea,  he  shall  flourish 
in  the  presence  of  the  Lord  for 
ever. 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  now  I  commend  you  to 
-£*-  God,  and  to  the  word  of  His 
grace,  Which  is  able  to  build  you 
up,  and  to  give  you  an  inheritance 
among  all  them  which  are  sanctified. 
I  have  coveted  no  man's  silver,  or 
gold,  or  apparel,  as  ye  yourselves 
know :  for  these  hands  have  minis- 
tered unto  my  necessities,  and  to 
them  that  were  with  me.  I  have 
showed  you  all  things,  how  that  so 
labouring  ye  ought  to  support  the 
weak,  and  to  remember  the  words 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  He  said  : 
It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to 
receive.  And  when  he  had  thus 
spoken,  he  kneeled  down,  and 
prayed  with  them  all.  And  they 
all  wept  sore,  and  fell  on  Paul's 
neck,  and  kissed  him,  sorrowing 
most  of  all  for  the  words  which  he 
spake,  that  they  should  see  his  face 
no  more.  And  they  accompanied 
him  unto  the  ship. 

Third  Responsory. 

This  is  he  which  knew  righteous- 
ness, and  saw  great  wonders,  and 
made  his  prayer  unto  the  Most 
High ;  and  he  is  numbered  among 
the  Saints. 

Verse.  This  is  he  which  loved 
not  his  life  in  this  world,  and  is 
come  unto  an  everlasting  kingdom. 

Answer.  And  he  is  numbered 
among  the  Saints. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  he  is  numbered 
among  the  Saints. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  O  ye  sons  of 
men,  *  know  that  the  Lord  hath 
set  apart  him  that  is  holy  for  Him- 
self. 

Psalm  IV. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  direction  of  (now)  uncertain 
meaning.  ] 

V\THEN  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. 

0  ye  sons  of  men,  how  long 
will  ye  be  dull  of  heart?  *  Why 
will  ye  love  vanity,  and  seek  after 
leasing  ? x 

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.1 

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. 

1  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace, 

*  and  sleep, 


SLH. 


FOR   ONE   MARTYR. 


485 


For  Thou,  Lord,  only  *  makest 
me  to  dwell  in  safety. 

Second  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  Thou 
hast  compassed  him  *  with  Thy 
favour  as  with  a  shield. 

Psalm  V. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  superscription.] 

f~^  IVE  ear  unto  my  words,  O 
^-J  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  multitude 
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. 

0  Lord,  Thou  hast  compassed  us 
*  with  Thy  favour  as  with  a  shield. 

Third  Antiphon.  Thou  hast 
crowned  him  *  with  glory  and 
honour  in  all  the  earth. 

Psalm  VIII. 

[Intituled  "  A  Psalm  of  David."  It  has 
also  a  title  which  seems  to  show  that  it  was 
a  song  for  the  vintage.] 

f~\  LORD,  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. 


1  This  verse  was  quoted  by  our  Lord,  concerning  those  who  cried  Hosannah  on  Palm 
Sunday,  Matt.  xxi.  16. 


486 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


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. 

O  Lord,  our  Lord,  *  how  excel- 
lent is  Thy  Name  in  all  the  earth  ! 

Verse.     O  Lord,  Thou  hast  set  a 
crown  of  precious  stones — 
Answer.     Upon  his  head. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (44//^  on  the  Saints.) 

THE  illustrious  day  whereon 
the  blessed  Martyr  N.  (here 
insert  his  name)  conquered,  doth 
this  day  come  round  to  us  again  : 
and  as  the  Church  doth  rejoice  with 
him  in  his  glory,  so  doth  she  set 
before  us  his  footsteps  to  be  fol- 
lowed. For  if  we  suffer,  we  shall 
also  reign  with  him.  In  his  glorious 
battle  we  have  two  things  chiefly  to 
consider :  the  hardened  cruelty  of 
the  tormentor,  and  the  unconquered 
patience  of  the  Martyr  :  the  cruelty 
of  the  tormentor,  that  we  may  abhor 
it ;  the  patience  of  the  Martyr,  that 
we  may  imitate  it.  Hear  what  the 
'  Psalmist  saith,  complaining  against 
sin  :  "  Fret  not  thyself  because  of 
the  evil-doers,  for  they  shall  soon 
dry  up  like  the  grass."  (xxxvi.  1.) 
But  touching  the  patience  which  is 
to  be  shown  against  the  evil-doers, 
hear  the  word  wherewith  the  Apos- 
tle moveth  us  :  "  Ye  have  need  of 
patience,  that  ye  may  receive  the 
promise."     (Heb.  x.  36.) 


Fourth  Responsory. 

1  The  Lord  made  him  honourable, 
and  defended  him  from  his  enemies, 
and  kept  him  safe  from  those  that 
lay  in  wait  for  him,  and  gave  him 
perpetual  glory. 

Verse.  He  went  down  with  him  in- 
to the  pit,  and  left  him  not  in  bonds. 

Ansiver.  And  gave  him  perpetual 
glory. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

SO  the  patience  of  the  blessed 
Martyr  was  crowned,  and  the 
unchastened  spite  of  the  tormentor 
is  given  over  to  everlasting  torture. 
Christ's  glorious  champion  looked 
for  this  during  his  battle,  and  shrank 
not  from  prison.  Like  his  Head,  he 
bore  reproach,  underwent  mocking, 
and  feared  not  for  scourges  :  and  as 
many  sufferings  as  for  Christ's  sake 
he  bore  before  he  died,  so  many 
offerings  did  he  make  unto  Him  of 
himself.  He  had  drunk  in  the 
Apostles'  word  and  kept  it  deep  in 
him  :  "  The  sufferings  of  this  pres- 
ent time  are  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  glory  which  shall  be 
revealed  in  us,"  (Rom.  viii.  18,) 
"for  our  light  affliction  which  is 
but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us 
a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory."  (2  Cor.  iv.  17.) 
Being  lifted  up  above  earthly  things 
by  the  love  of  this  promise,  and 
tasting  beforehand  the  sweetness  of 
the  heavenly  peace,  he  was  unspeak- 
ably moved,  and  said  with  the 
Psalmist :  "  What  have  I  in  heaven, 
and  what  is  there  upon  earth  that  I 
desire  beside  Thee  ?  My  flesh  and 
my  heart  faileth  :  Thou  art  the  God 
of  my  heart,  and  God  is  my  portion 
for  ever."     (lxxii.  26.) 


1  Wisd.  x.  11-14,  substituting  "Lord"  for  "Wisdom." 


FOR   ONE   MARTYR. 


487 


Fifth  Responsory. 

1 0  Lord,  Thou  hast  given  him 
his  heart's  desire,  and  hast  not  with- 
holden  the  request  of  his  lips. 

Verse.  For  Thou  hast  prevented 
him  with  the  blessings  of  sweetness  : 
Thou  hast  set  a  crown  of  precious 
stones  upon  his  head. 

Answer.  And  hast  not  withholden 
the  request  of  his  lips. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T^OR  he  considered,  as  far  as  man's 
A  weakness  is  able,  through  this 
darkness,  to  fix  the  eyes  of  his  mind 
upon  the  eternal  things,  what  is  the 
gladness  of  the  city  above :  and 
being  not  able  to  tell  it,  he  cried 
out  wondering :  "  What  have  I  in 
heaven?"  As  though  he  would 
have  said  :  "  It  passeth  my  strength, 
it  passeth  the  power  of  my  utterance, 
it  goeth  beyond  the  reach  of  my 
understanding,  what  is  that  beauty, 
what  is  that  glory,  what  is  that 
exaltation,  wherein,  when  He  hath 
hidden  us  from  the  troubling  of 
men,  in  the  secret  of  His  presence, 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  shall  change 
our  vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fash- 
ioned like  unto  His  glorious  Body ! " 
(Ps.  xxx.  21,  Phil.  iii.  21.)  In  sight 
of  this  perfect  liberty  he  shrank  from 
no  danger,  and  quailed  before  no 
suffering  :  and  if  he  could  have  died 
a  thousand  times,  he  would  not  have 
thought  himself  to  have  bought  it  at 
a  price  high  enough. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

2  The  Lord  hath  put  on  him  a 
robe  of  honour,  and  put  about  his 
head  a  crown  of  joy. 

1  Ps.  xx.  2,  3. 


Verse.  With  the  bread  of  life  and 
understanding  hath  the  Lord  fed 
him,  and  given  him  the  water  of 
health  and  wisdom  to  drink. 

Answer.  And  put  about  his  head 
a  crown  of  joy. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  put  about  his  head 
a  crown  of  joy. 

THIRD  NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  righteous 
Lord  *  loveth  righteousness  :  His 
countenance  doth  behold  upright- 
ness. 

Psalm  X. 

[Intituled  "Of  David."  There  is  also  a 
superscription  perhaps  musical,  but  now  of 
uncertain  meaning.] 

T  N  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  lov- 
eth iniquity  hateth  his  own  soul. 

Upon  the  wicked  He  shall  rain 
snares  :  *  fire,  and  brimstone,  and 
an  horrible  tempest,  this  shall  be 
the  portion  of  their  cup. 

For   the    righteous    Lord    loveth 

Altered  from  Ecclus.  vi.  32  ;  xv.  3. 


488 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


righteousness :  *  His  countenance 
doth  behold  uprightness. 

Second  Antiphon.  He  shall  dwell 
*  in  Thy  tabernacle,  He  shall  rest 
upon  Thy  holy  hill. 

Psalm  XIV. 
[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."] 

T  ORD,  who  shall  abide  in  Thy 
-■— '  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. 

Third  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  Thou 
hast  set  a  crown  *  of  precious  stones 
upon  his  head. 

Psalm  XX. 

[This  Psalm  also  bears  the  same  title  as 
the  xviiilh.] 

THE    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 

1  SLH. 


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  per- 
form. 

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. 

Verse.  2  His  glory  is  great  in 
Thy  salvation. 

Answer.  Honour  and  great  ma- 
jesty shalt  Thou  lay  upon  him. 

2  Ps.  xx.  4. 


FOR   ONE    MARTYR, 


489 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xiv. 
26.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
■l**  the  multitudes  :  If  any.  man 
come  to  Me,  and  hate  not  his  fa- 
ther, and  mother,  and  wife,  and 
children,  and  brethren,  and  sisters, 
yea,  and  his  own  life  also,  he  cannot 
be  My  disciple.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]  (37/^  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  if  we 
consider  what  and  how  great  things 
are  promised  unto  us  in  heaven,  all 
things  which  are  upon  earth  grow 
poor  to  our  mind.  For  when  this 
world's  goods  are  reckoned  against 
the  gladness  above,  they  are  found 
to  be  a  clog  rather  than  an  help. 
This  present  life  being  compared  to 
life  eternal,  ought  rather  to  be  called 
death  than  life.  For  what  is  the 
daily  failing  of  our  corruption  but, 
as  it  were,  a  creeping  death  ?  But 
what  tongue  is  there  that  can  tell,  or 
what  understanding  that  can  com- 
prehend how  great  is  the  rejoicing 
in  the  city  above,  where  they  have 
part  with  the  choirs  of  Angels,  where 
they  stand  with  the  most  blessed 
spirits  before  the  glory  of  the 
Creator,  where  they  see  the  face  of 
God  present,  where  they  behold  the 
Incomprehensible  Light,  where  they 
have  no  fear  of  death,  and  where 
they  rejoice  eternally  incorruptible  ? 

Seventh  Responsory. 

1 A  crown  of  gold  upon  his 
head,  wherein  is  engraved  Holiness, 


an    ornament    of    honour,    a    costly 
work. 

Verse.  For  Thou  hast  prevented 
him  with  the  blessings  of  sweetness, 
Thou  hast  set  a  crown  of  precious 
stones  upon  his  bead. 

Answer.  Wherein  is  engraved 
Holiness,  an  ornament  of  honour, 
a  costly  work. 

Eighth  Blessing. 

He  whose  feast-day  we  are  keeping 
Be  our  Advocate  with  God. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

\  1LT  HEN  we  hear  these  things 
*  *  our  hearts  burn  within  us ; 
and  we  long  to  be  already  there, 
where  we  hope  to  rejoice  for  ever. 
But  we  cannot  attain  unto  great 
rewards,  save  through  great  labour. 
Therefore  saith  the  excellent  preach- 
er Paul :  "  He  is  not  crowned,  ex- 
cept he  strive  lawfully."  (2  Tim.  ii. 
5.)  The  greatness  of  the  reward 
doth  delight  our  mind ;  let  not  the 
throes  of  the  struggle  dishearten  us. 
Therefore  the  Truth  saith  unto  every 
one  that  cometh  unto  Him  :  "  If  any 
man  come  to  Me,  and  hate  not  his 
father  and  mother,  and  wife,  and 
children,  and  brethren,  and  sisters, 
yea,  and  his  own  life  also,  he  cannot 
be  My  disciple." 

Eighth  Responsory. 

This  is  a  Martyr  indeed,  who 
shed  his  blood  for  Christ's  Name's 
sake ;  who  feared  not  for  the  threats 
of  judges,  nor  sought  to  be  great  with 
the  glory  of  this  world,  but  pressed 
on  unto  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Verse.     2The    Lord   guided    the 


1  Altered  from  Ecclus.  xlv.  14. 

2  Wisd.  x.  10,  again  substituting  "the  Lord"  for  "Wisdom." 


490 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


righteous  in  right  paths,  and  showed 
him  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Anszver.  Who  feared  not  for  the 
threats  of  judges,  nor  sought  to  be 
great  with  the  glory  of  this  world, 
but  pressed  on  unto  the  kingdom 
of  heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Who  feared  not  for  the 
threats  of  judges,  nor  sought  to  be 
great  with  the  glory  of  this  world, 
but  pressed  on  unto  the  kingdom 
of  heaven. 

Upon  a  few  occasions,  instead  of  the 
above,  the  following  is  the  Eighth  Re- 
sponsory. 

1 0  Lord,  Thou  hast  prevented 
him  with  the  blessings  of  sweet- 
ness ;  Thou  hast  set  a  crown  of 
precious  stones  upon  his  head. 

Verse.  He  asked  life  of  Thee, 
and  Thou  gavest  him  length  of  days 
for  ever  and  ever. 

Answer.  Thou  hast  set  a  crown 
of  precious  stones  upon  his  head. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Anszver.  Thou  hast  set  a  crown 
of  precious  stones  upon  his  head. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

BUT  it  may  be  asked  how  we 
are  commanded  in  one  place 
to  hate  our  parents,  and  them  that 
are  near  us  in  the  flesh,  and  in  an- 
other place  to  love  even  our  enemies. 
And,  verily,  the  Truth  hath  said, 
as  touching  a  wife :  "  What  God 
hath  joined   together,   let  not  man 

1  Ts.  xx.  4. 
3  John  viii.  12. 


put  asunder."  (Matth.  xix.  6.)  And 
Paul  saith  :  "  Husbands,  love  your 
wives,  even  as  Christ  also  loved  the 
Church."  (Eph.  v.  25.)  Behold, 
the  disciple  commandeth  a  man 
to  love  his  wife,  and  the  Master 
saith :  "  If  any  man  hate  not  his 
wife,  he  cannot  be  My  disciple." 
Doth  the  judge,  then,  order  one 
proclamation,  and  the  crier  make 
another?  or  can  the  man  both  love 
and  hate  ?  If  we  consider  well  the 
force  of  the  commandment,  we  shall 
be  able  in  wisdom  to  do  both. 
Let  us  love  wife,  and  kindred,  and 
neighbour,  as  touching  their  near- 
ness in  the  flesh ;  but  as  touching 
the  way  of  God,  if  they  withstand 
us  therein,  let  us  not  know  them, 
but  hate  them  and  flee  from 
them. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,   is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  2  Whosoever 
shall  confess  Me  *  before  men, 
him  will  I  confess  also  before  My 
Father. 

Second  Antiphon.  3  He  that  fol- 
loweth  Me  *  walketh  not  in  dark- 
ness, but  shall  have  the  light  of 
life,  saith  the  Lord. 

Third  Antiphon.  4  If  any  man 
serve  Me,  *  let  him  follow  Me ;  and 
where  I  am,  there  shall  also  My 
servant  be. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  4  If  any  man 
serve  Me,  *  him  will  My  Father, 
Who  is  in  heaven,   honour. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  4  Father,  I  will 
*  that  where  I  am,  there  shall  also 
My  servant  be. 

2  Matth.  x.  32. 

4  John  xii.  25,  26 ;  xvii.  24. 


FOR   ONE   MARTYR. 


491 


Chapter.     (James  i.  12.) 

"DLESSED  is  the  man  that  en- 
-L'  dureth  temptation  :  for,  when 
he  is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the 
crown  of  life,  which  God  hath 
promised  to  them  that  love  Him. 

Hymn.1 

TV/TARTYR  of  unconquer'd  might, 
•'■*■*■     Follower  of  th'  Incarnate  Son  ! 
Who,  victorious  in  the  fight, 
Hast  celestial  glory  won  ; 

By  the  virtue  of  thy  prayer, 

Let  no  evil  hover  nigh  ; 
Sin's  contagion  drive  afar  ; 

Waken  drowsy  lethargy. 

Loosen'd  from  the  fleshly  chain 
Which  detain'd  thee  here  of  old, 

Loose  us  from  the  bonds  of  sin, 
From  the  fetters  of  the  world. 

Glory  to  the  Father  be  : 

Glory  to  th'  Incarnate  Son  ; 
Glory,  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee, 

While  eternal  ages  run.     Amen. 

Verse.  2  The  righteous  shall 
flourish  like  the  palm-tree. 

Answer.  He  shall  grow  like  a 
cedar  in  Lebanon. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
3  He  that  hateth  his  life  *  in  this 
world,  shall  keep  it  unto  life  eternal. 

If  the  Prayer  is  not  special  there  is 
said  one  of  the  following,  which  is  also 
used  throughout  the  whole  Office  of  the 
Saint. 

1 .  Prayer  for  one  Martyr,  who  was  a 
Bishop. 

A/T  ERCIFULLY  consider  our 
^*-  weakness,  O  Almighty  God, 
and  whereas  by  the  burden  of 
our  sins  we  are  sore  let  and  hin- 

1  Author  unknown  (tenth  to  thirteenth  cen 
the  Rev.  E.   Caswall. 

2  Ps.  xci.  13. 


dered,  may  it  please  Thee,  that 
the  prayers  of  Thy  blessed  and 
glorious  Martyr  and  Bishop  (here 
insert  his  name)  may  shield  us. 
Through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
Thy  Son,  Who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

2.  Another  Prayer  for  the  same. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  year  by  year  dost 
^-S  gladden  us  by  the  solemn 
feast-day  of  Thy  blessed  Martyr 
and  Bishop,  {here  insert  his  name,) 
mercifully  grant  that  we  who  keep 
his  birthday,  may  ever  feel  the 
joyful  effects  of  his  protection. 
Through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
Thy  Son,  Who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

3.  Prayer  for  a  Martyr  not  a  Bishop. 

/^RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
^-*"  Almighty  God,  that  we  who 
keep  the  birthday  of  Thy  blessed 
Martyr,  {here  insert  his  name,) 
may  be  so  holpen  by  his  prayers, 
that  we  may  ever  grow  more  and 
more  in  love  toward  Thy  holy 
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. 

4.  Another  for  the  same. 

GRACIOUSLY  hear  us,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  O  Almighty  God, 
and,  at  the  petition  of  Thy  blessed 

tury) ;  hymn  slightly  altered  ;  translation  by 

3  John  xii.  25,  26  ;  xvii.  24. 


492 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Martyr,  {here  insert  his  name,)  be 
mercifully  pleased  to  deliver  us 
from  all  things  which  may  hurt 
our  bodies,  and  from  all  evil 
thoughts  which  may  defile  our 
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. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Whosoever,  &c,  {First 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Ecclus.  xxxix.  6.) 

'T^HE    righteous    hath    given    his 
■*■       heart    to  resort  early  to  the 
Lord  That  made  him,  and  will  pray 
before  the  Most  High. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  He  that  followeth  Me, 
&c,  {Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

Thou  hast  crowned  him  with 
glory  and  honour,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  Thou  hast  crowned  him 
with  glory  and  honour,  O  Lord. 

Verse.  And  madest  him  to  have 
dominion  over  the  works  of  Thy 
hands. 

Answer.  With  glory  and  hon- 
our, O  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Ansiver.  Thou  hast  crowned  him 
with  glory  and  honour,  O  Lord. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  Thou  hast  set 
a  crown  of  precious  stones — 

Answer.     Upon  his  head, 


SEXT. 

Antiphon.  If  any  man  serve  Me, 
&c,  {Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xv.  3.) 

VyiTH   the    bread    of   life    and 

*  *  understanding  hath  the 
Lord  our  God  fed  him,  and  given 
him  the  water  of  health  and  wisdom 
to  drink. 

Short  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  Thou  hast  set  a  crown 
of  precious  stones — 

Answer.  O  Lord,  Thou  hast  set 
a  crown  of  precious  stones — 

Verse.     Upon  his  head. 

Answer.  A  crown  of  precious 
stones. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  O  Lord,  Thou  hast  set 
a  crown  of  precious  stones — 

Verse.  His  glory  is  great  in  Thy 
salvation. 

Answer.  Honour  and  great  ma- 
jesty shalt  Thou  lay  upon  him. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Father,  I  will,  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

His  glory  is  great  in  Thy  salva- 
tion. 

Answer.  His  glory  is  great  in 
Thy  salvation. 

Verse.  Honour  and  great  majesty 
shalt  Thou  lay  upon  him. 

Answer.     In  Thy  salvation. 


FOR   ONE   MARTYR. 


493 


Verse.  The  righteous  shall  flour- 
ish like  the  palm-tree. 

Ansiuer.  He  shall  grow  like  a 
cedar  in  Lebanon. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Verse  and  An- 
swer, and  Prayer  from  Lands. 

Psalm  CXV. 

[In  the  Hebrew  this  Psalm  is  a  continua- 
tion of  the  last.  The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX. 
prefix  "Alleluia."] 

T  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. 

0  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  ! 

Hymn  as  at  First  Vespers. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  x  If  any  man  will 
come  after  Me,  *  let  him  deny  him- 
self, and  take  up  his  cross,  and 
follow  Me. 


©tfjer  Wessons  for  JJtasts  of 
©ne  JHartsr. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ex- 
position of  the  hundred -and - 
eighteenth  Psalm  by  St  Ambrose, 
Bishop  [of  Milan.]    (21st  Serjnon.) 

"  "ORINCES  have  persecuted  me 
-*•  without  a  cause ;  but  my 
heart  standeth  in  awe  of  Thy  word." 
These  are  rightly  the  words  of  a 
martyr,  who  beareth  unjustly  the 
torments  of  the  persecutors,  who 
hath  robbed  no  man,  who  hath 
violently  oppressed  no  man,  who 
hath  shed  the  blood  of  no  man, 
who  hath  imagined  to  defile  the 
bed  of  no  man,  who  is  debtor  to 
the  laws  in  nothing,  and  who  is 
punished  more  grievously  than  if  he 
were  a  robber  :  who  speaketh  right- 
eousness, and  there  is  none  that 
will  hear :  who  speaketh  salvation, 
and  all  men  fight  against  him  :  who 
is  able  to  say  :  "  When  I  spoke  unto 
them,  they  fought  against  me  with- 
out a  cause."  (Ps.  cxix.  7.)  They 
fight  against  him  without  a  cause, 
who  can  lay  no  sin  to  his  charge  ; 
they  fight  against  him  as  an  evil- 
doer, who  is  by  their  own  acknow- 
ledgment righteous :  they  fight 
against  him  as  a  warlock,  who  glor- 
ieth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and 
who  doeth  all  things  well  because  he 
doeth  all  things  for  God's  sake. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

'~~PHEY  fight  against  him  in  vain 
*■       who   is    accused    of   ungodli- 
ness   among    the   ungodly  and   the 


1  Matth.  xvi.  24. 


VOL.  I. 


494 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


unfaithful,  because  he  teacheth 
Faith.  Verily,  him  that  is  fought 
against  without  a  cause  it  behoveth 
to  be  strong  and  patient.  Where- 
fore then  saith  he :  "  My  heart 
standeth  in  awe  of  Thy  word  ? " 
Awe  is  the  mark  of  the  weak,  the 
timid,  and  the  fearful.  But  there 
is  also  a  weakness  unto  salvation, 
there  is  a  fear  which  is  an  holy  fear. 
"  O  fear  the  Lord,  all  ye  His  Saints." 
(Ps.  xxxiii.  i  o.)  And  again :  "  Blessed 
is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord." 
(Ps.  cxi.  i.)  And  wherefore  is  he 
blessed  ?  because  he  "  delighteth 
greatly  in  His  commandments." 

Sixth  Lesson. 

^PHINK,  then,  how  the  martyr 
-*■  standeth  between  two  dangers. 
On  the  one  hand  the  wild  beasts, 
roaring  for  his  blood,  do  indeed 
strike  terror  ;  he  heareth  the  hissing 
of  the  plates  of  white-hot  metal,  and 
seeth  surging  up  the  flames  of  the 
fiery  furnace ;  behind  him  is  the 
clanking  of  fetters,  and  beside  him 
the  executioner,  stained  with  fresh 
blood ;  think  of  him  there,  face  to 
face  with  the  apparatus  of  death — 
but  think  again — of  what  thinketh 
he?  Of  the  Law  of  God,  of  the 
everlasting  fire,  of  the  eternal  flames, 
wherein  the  unbelieving  shall  burn 
for  ever,  of  that  torture  whereof  the 
agony  is  for  ever  new.  And  then 
indeed  his  heart  faileth  for  fear,  lest 
by  giving  way  under  torment  here, 
he  should  give  himself  up  to  ever- 
lasting torment  hereafter :  then  in- 
deed he  trembleth,  when  Faith 
maketh  to  glitter  before  his  eyes 
the  awful  sword  of  the  judgment  to 
come.  And  in  this,  the  faithful 
trembling    of  the   true-hearted,   are 


there  not  both  unshaken  hope  of 
the  eternal  things,  and  awe  of  the 
things  of  God  ? 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew 
(xvi.   24.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
^*-  His  disciples :  If  any  man 
will  come  after  Me,  let  him  deny 
himself,  and  take  up  his  cross,  and 
follow  Me.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (32nd  on  the  Gospels.) 

Our  Lord  and  Redeemer  came 
into  the  world  a  new  Man,  and  gave 
the  world  new  commandments.  For 
against  the  ways  of  our  old  life, 
brought  and  bred  up  in  sin,  He  set 
the  contrast  of  His  new  life.  It  was 
the  old  way,  according  to  the  know- 
ledge of  the  carnal  man,  for  every 
man  to  keep  his  own  goods,  and,  if 
he  were  able  to  do  it,  to  take  his 
neighbour's  goods  also,  and,  if  he 
were  not  able  to  take  them,  at  least 
to  lust  after  them.  But  the  Heavenly 
Physician  hath  medicines  wherewith 
to  meet  all  the  diseases  of  sin.  For, 
even,  as  by  the  art  of  the  physician, 
things  hot  are  healed  by  things  cold, 
and  things  cold  by  things  hot,  so 
doth  our  Lord  set  against  sin  holi- 
ness, ordaining  for  the  lecherous 
purity,  for  the  miserly  munificence, 
for  the  hot-tempered  meekness,  and 
for  the  proud  lowliness. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

SO  the  Lord,  when  He  would  give 
a     new    commandment    unto 
them    that    came    to    Him,    said : 


FOR   ONE    MARTYR. 


495 


*'  Whosoever  he  be  of  you  that  for- 
saketh  not  all  that  he  hath,  he 
cannot  be  My  disciple,"  (Luke  xiv. 
33,)  —  as  though  He  had  said 
openly :  "  All  ye  that  according  to 
the  old  man  lust  after  your  neigh- 
bour's goods,  must,  according  to 
the  zeal  of  the  new  man,  give 
away  even  that  which  is  your  own." 
But  let  us  hear  again  what  He 
saith  in  this  place :  "  If  any  man 
will  come  after  Me,  let  him  deny 
himself."  First  He  saith  that  we 
must  deny  to  ourselves  that  which 
is  our  own,  and  now  that  we 
must  even  deny  ourselves  to  our- 
selves. Perchance  it  is  not  hard 
for  a  man  to  give  up  that  which 
is  his  own,  but  it  is  exceeding 
hard  to  give  up  himself.  To  deny 
himself  his  possessions  is  little : 
but  to  deny  himself  himself  is  a 
denial  exceeding  great. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

YET  when  we#come  unto  Him 
the  Lord  will  have  us  deny 
to  ourselves  even  ourselves,  since 
as  many  of  us  as  are  entered  into 
the  battle  of  faith,  are  entered  into 
a  contention  against  evil  spirits. 
But  the  evil  spirits  have  nothing  of 
their  own  in  this  world,  and  there- 
fore must  we  wrestle  with  them, 
naked  with  naked.  For  if  he  that 
is  clothed,  wrestle  with  him  that  is 
naked,  he  faileth  swiftly,  because 
he  hath  whereon  he  that  is  naked 
taketh  hold.  And  what  are  all 
things  earthly  but  things  where- 
with the  soul  is  clothed  upon? 
whosoever  therefore  will  wrestle 
with  Satan,  let  him  cast  away 
his  clothes,  lest  he  be  thereby 
endangered. 


Again  other  Lessons  for  the  Third 
Nocturn. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (x. 
26.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto 
■£*■  His  disciples  :  There  is  no- 
thing covered,  that  shall  not  be 
revealed,  and  hid,  that  shall  not 
be  known.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Hilary,  Bishop 
[of  Poitiers.]  (Comm.  on  Matth. 
Chap.  10.) 

The  Lord  pointeth  to  the  day  of 
judgment,  that  day  wherein  the 
hidden  counsels  of  the  hearts  shall 
be  made  manifest,  and  those  things 
which  are  dark  now  shall  be  the 
subject  of  all  men's  knowledge. 
Therefore  He  warneth  us  not  to 
fear  threats,  nor  persuasions,  nor 
the  power  of  such  as  fight  against 
us  j  since  in  the  day  of  judgment 
it  will  be  manifest  that  all  these 
things  are  null  and  void.  "And 
what  I  tell  you  in  darkness,  that 
speak  ye  in  light ;  and  what  ye 
hear  in  the  ear,  that  preach  ye 
upon  the  house-tops."  We  read 
not  that  the  Lord's  use  was  to 
speak  by  night,  or  to  tell  His 
doctrine  in  darkness,  but  that  to 
the  carnal  all  His  words  were 
darkness,  and  to  the  unbelieving 
all  His  discourse  night. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

THEREFORE  willeth  He  that 
that  which  He  hath  spoken, 
should  be  freely  proclaimed  in  faith 
and  in  confession.     Therefore  com- 


496 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


mandeth  He  that  that  which  He 
hath  told  in  darkness  shall  be 
spoken  in  light,  and  that  that 
which  He  hath  made  to  be  heard 
in  the  ear  should  be  preached 
upon  the  house-tops,  that  is,  with 
loud  and  high  words.  For  it  be- 
hoveth  us  ever  to  make  God 
known,  and  to  speak  in  the  light 
of  Apostolic  preaching  the  dark 
things  of  the  Gospel  message,  hav- 
ing no  fear  of  them  which  have 
power  over  bodies,  but  none  over 
our  souls,  but  rather  fearing  God, 
Which  is  able  to  destroy  both  body 
and  soul  in  hell. 


jFor  Simple  jFcasts  of  ©ne 
fHartgr, 

The  Office  is  as  on  a  Semi-double, 
with  the  following  exceptions. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

The  Office  is  of  the  Week-day,  till  the 
Chapter  exclusive. 

The  Office  of  the  Saint  begins  with 
the  Chapter,  which,  as  also  the  Hymn, 
Verse  and  Answer,  Antiphon  at  the 
Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  Prayer 
are  all  as  given,  (p.  482.)  The  Com- 
mon Commemorations  are  said  or  not 
according  to  the  season . 

At  Compline  are  said  Preces. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

"  T^EAR  not  them  which  kill  the 
-*■  body."  Therefore  we  need 
fear  nothing  which  may  chance  to 
our  bodies,  nor  sorrow  because  of 
the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  when, 
according  to  the  laws  of  our  nature 
and  that  from  whence  we  are 
taken,  we  are  unclothed  upon,  and 
become  a  pure  spirit.  And,  since 
it  behoveth  us  who  are  rooted 
in  such  a  doctrine,  freely  and  con- 
stantly to  confess  God,  even  were 
it  only  because  of  the  alternative 
whereby  we  are  bound,  He  saith 
further :  "  Whosoever  shall  confess 
Me  before  men,  him  will  I  con- 
fess also  before  My  Father,  Which 
is  in  heaven.  But  whosoever  shall 
deny  Me  before  men,  him  will 
I  also  deny  before  My  Father, 
Which  is  in  heaven."  Such  wit- 
nesses as  He  hath  seen  us  to  have 
been  here  to  His  name  before 
men,  such  a  Witness  shall  we 
find  Him  to  be  hereafter  to  our 
names  before  His  Father  Which 
is  in  heaven. 


MATTINS. 

The  Invitatory  and  Hyimi  are  as 
just  given. 

Then  follow  the  Week-day  Psalms, 
with  their  own  Antiphon s. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

Verse.  Thou  hast  crowned  him 
with  glory  and  honour,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And,  madest  him  to 
have  dominion  over  the  works  of 
Thy  hands. 

Absolution. 
Graciously  hear,  &c. 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

Verse.     O  Lord,  Thou  hast  set  a 
crown  of  precious  stones — 
Answer.     Upon  his  head. 

Absolution. 
May  His  loving-kindness,  &c. 

On  Wednesdays. 

Verse.  His  glory  is  great  in  Thy 
salvation. 


FOR   ONE    MARTYR. 


497 


Answer,  Honour  and  great  ma- 
jesty shalt  Thou  lay  upon  him. 

Absolutio7i, 
May  the  Almighty,  &c. 

First  Blessing. 

May  His  blessing  be  upon  us, 
Who  doth  live  and  reign  for  ever. 

First  Lesson  from  Scripture  accord- 
ing to  the  Season,  being  either  the  first 
part,  or,  if  the  Saint  have  two  Lessons, 
the  whole  read  as  one,  at  will. 

First  Responsory. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

This  man  is  holy,  &c,  {First  Re- 
sponsory in  the  preceding  Office.) 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

The  Lord  made  him  honourable, 
&c,  {Fourth  Responsory  in  the  pre- 
ceding Office.) 

On  Wednesdays. 

A  crown  of  gold,  &c.,  {Seventh  Re- 
sponsory in  the  preceding  Office.) 

Second  Blessing. 

He  whose  feast-day  we  are  keep- 
ing 

Be  our  Advocate  with  God. 

Second  Lesson  is  the  first  of  the  Le- 
gend of  the  Saint,  if  there  be  two;  if 
not,  it  is  the  second  from  Scripture,  to 
which  the  third  may  be  added  at  will. 

Second  Responsory. 
On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 
The   righteous    shall    grow,    &c, 


{Second  Responsory  in  the  preceding 
Office ;)   with  this  addition  : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Yea,  he  shall  flourish  in 
the  presence  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

O  Lord,  Thou  hast  given  him, 
&c,  {Fifth  Responsory  in  the  preceding 
Office  ;)  with  this  addition  : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  hast  not  with- 
holden  the  request  of  his  lips. 

On  Wednesdays. 

This  is  a  martyr  indeed,  &c. 
Or,  O  Lord,  Thou  hast  prevented, 
&c,  {Eighth  Responsory  in  the  pre- 
ceding Office.) 

Third  Blessing. 

May  He  That  is  the  Angels' 
King 

To  that  high  realm  His  people 
bring. 

Third  Lesson  is  the  whole  or  the  sec- 
ond part  of  the  Legend  of  the  Saint,  if 
there  is  one,  or  else  the  special  Lesson 
assigned. 

Then  the  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee, 
O  God,  &c,"  (s  said,  and  so  end  Mat- 
tins. 

■  The  rest  of  the  Office  is  as  on  a  Semi- 
double,  as  just  given;  it  ends  at  None, 
inclusive;  Preces  are  said  at  Prime, 
and  the  Common  Commemorations  ar& 
made  at  Lauds  or  not,  according  to 
season. 


ar£ 
the 


498 


THE  COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


TV.  ifor  #ta$t*  of  Jttang  Jftartgrs- 

Everything  as  on    Sundays,   except  Answer.     And   shout  for  joy,  all 

what  is  otherwise  given  here.  ye  that  are  upright  in  heart. 


FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Pray erfrojn 
Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 

O  praise  the  Lord,  &c.,  (Ps.  cxvi., 
p.  1 86.) 

Hymn.1 

rTHE  triumphs  of  the  martyred  saints 
*-       The  joyous  lay  demand, 
The  heart  delights  in  song  to  dwell 

On  that  victorious  band  : 
Those  whom  the  senseless  world  ab- 
horred, 
Who  cast  the  world  aside, 
Deemed    fruitless,    worthless,   for   the 
sake 
Of  Christ,  their  Lord  and  Guide. 

For  Thee  they  braved  the  tyrant's  rage, 

The  scourge's  cruel  smart : 
The    wild    beast's   claw    their  bodies 
tore, 

But  vanquished  not  the  heart : 
Like  lambs  before  the  sword  they  fell, 

Nor  cry  nor  plaint  expressed  : 
For  patience  kept  the  conscious  mind, 

And  armed  the  fearless  breast. 

What  tongue  can  tell  Thy  crown  pre- 
pared 

To  wreathe  the  martyr's  head  ? 
What  voice  Thy  robe  of  white  to  clothe 

His  limbs  with  torture  red  ? 
Vouchsafe  us,  Lord,  if  such  Thy  will, 

Clear  skies  and  seasons  calm  : 
If  not,  the  martyr's  cross  to  bear, 

And  win  the  martyr's  palm.     Amen. 

Verse.     2Be  glad    in  the  Lord, 
»nd  rejoice,  ye  righteous. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  For  theirs  is  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  who  loved  not  their  lives 
in  this  world,  and  have  attained 
unto  the  reward  of  the  kingdom, 
and  have  washed  their  robes  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Lord,  He  is  the 
King  of  the  Martyrs.  *  O  come, 
let  us  worship  Him  ! 


Hymn.* 

NOW,  comrades,  sing  we  the  strife 
and  the  victory, 
Sing  we  the  triumph,  the  joy,  and  the 
majesty, 
Fain  be  our  lips  when  the  theme  for 
their  utterance 
Tells  of  martyrdom  glorified. 

Wisdom  was  theirs  which  was  reckoned 
as  foolishness, 
Lost  on  a  world  which  esteemed  their 
end  honourless 
While  in  the  might  of  Thy  Spirit  they 
followed  Thee, 
Jesus,  heaven's  eternal  King. 

Courage  was  theirs  which  no  mocking 
nor  threatening 
Daunted,  nor  all   the  inventions  of 
cruelty 
Broke,   when   the   conquerors,   strong 
under  agony, 
Crushed  the  power  of  the  torturer. 


1  Author  unknown  (sixth  to  ninth  century) ;  hymn  altered  at  some  places 
by  the  late  Dr  Mant. 

2  Ps.  xxxi.  II.  3  Cf.  Matth.  v.  io  ;  John  xii.  25  ;  Apoc.  vii.  14. 

4  The  original  is  a  hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  perhaps  by  St  Ambrose  himself. 


translation 


FOR    MANY    MARTYRS. 


499 


Mute  as  the  lamb  that  is  led  to  the 
slaughtering 
Died  they,  no  cry  and  no  violence 
uttering  : 
Peace  in  their  hearts  from  the  peace 
of  eternity 
Only  witnessing  all  was  well. 

Glory  is  theirs  and  unspeakable  happi- 
ness, 
Bright  with  the  light  of  unaltering 
blessedness, 
Stored  up  in  heaven  for  such  as  have 
died  for  Thee 
By  our  minds  inconceivable. 

Praise  be  to  Thee,  their  faith's  Author 
and  Finisher, 
Only-begotten  with  Him  Who  beget- 
teth  Thee, 
And  to  the  Spirit,  Who,  with  Thee,  co- 
equally 
Reigns  eternally  magnified.     Amen. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Only  three  Psalms  are  said. 

First  Antiphon.  By  the  rivers  of 
water  *  hath  the  Lord  planted  the 
vineyard l  of  the  righteous,  and  in 
His  Law  do  they  meditate  day  and 
night. 

Ps.  i.  Blessed  is  the  man,  &c, 
(A  4-) 

Second  Antiphon.  2As  gold  in 
the  furnace  *  hath  the  Lord  tried  His 
chosen  ones,  and  received  them  for 
ever  as  a  burnt-offering. 

Ps.  ii.  Why  do  the  heathen,  &c, 
(A  4-) 

Third  Antiphon.  2  Though  the 
elect  be  punished  *  in  the  sight  of 
men,  yet  is  their  hope  full  of  immor- 
tality for  ever. 

1  Cf.  Isa.  v.  7.  2  Wisd.  iii.  6,  4. 

3  In  Apoc.  xxi.  4,  from  which  this  beautiful  Responsory  is  taken,  the  words  are,  "  And 
there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  &c."  The  mention  of  "  death  "  seems  to  be 
omitted  because  the  Church  will  not  apply  that  word  to  the  glorious  transit  of  her  Martyrs, 
which  she  habitually  styles  their  "natalitia,"  or  Birthday  Festival. 


Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,  (/.  5.) 

Verse.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and 
rejoice,  ye  righteous. 

Answer.  And  shout  for  joy,  all 
ye  that  are  upright  in  heart. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  Blessed  Paul  the  Apostle  to 
the  Romans  (viii.    12.) 

"DRETHREN,  we  are  debtors,  not 
*-*  to  the  flesh,  to  live  after  the 
flesh.  For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh, 
ye  shall  die  :  but  if  ye  through  the 
Spirit  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  the 
body,  ye  shall  live.  For  as  many 
as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they 
are  the  sons  of  God.  For  ye  have 
not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage 
again  to  fear,  but  ye  have  received 
the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we 
cry  :  Abba !  (Father.)  For  the  Spirit 
Itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God. 
And  if  children,  then  heirs  5  heirs  of 
God,  and  joint-heirs  with  Christ;  if 
so  be  that  we  suffer  with  Him,  that 
we  may  be  also  glorified  together. 
For  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of 
this  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be 
compared  with  the  glory  which  shall 
be  revealed  in  us.  For  the  earnest 
expectation  of  the  creature  waiteth 
for  the  manifestation  of  the  sons  of 
God. 

First  Responsory. 

God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears 
from  the  eyes  of  His  Saints,  and 
there    shall    be    no    more    3  sorrow, 


5oo 


THE   COMMON   OF  SAINTS. 


nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be 
any  more  pain ;  for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away. 

Verse.  They  shall  hunger  no 
more,  neither  thirst  any  more, 
neither  shall  the  sun  light  on 
them,  nor  any  heat. 

Answer.  For  the  former  things 
are  passed  away. 

Second  Lesson.     (28.) 

A  ND  we  know  that  all  things 
*~**  work  together  for  good  to 
them  that  love  God,  to  them  who 
are  called  to  be  Saints,  according 
to  His  purpose.  For  whom  He  did 
foreknow,  He  also  did  predestinate 
to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of 
His  Son,  that  He  might  be  the 
First-born  among  many  brethren. 
Moreover,  whom  He  did  predes- 
tinate, them  He  also  called :  and 
whom  He  called,  them  He  also 
justified  :  and  whom  He  justified, 
them  He  also  glorified.  What  then 
shall  we  say  to  these  things?  If 
God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against 
us  ?  He  That  spared  not  His  own 
Son,  but  delivered  Him  up  for  us 
all,  how  shall  He  not  with  Him  also 
freely  give  us  all  things  ?  Who  shall 
lay  anything  to  the  charge  of  God's 
elect?  It  is  God  That  justifieth. 
Who  is  He  that  condemneth?  It 
is  Christ  Jesus,  That  died,  yea, 
rather,  That  is  risen  again,  Who  is 
even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  Who 
also  maketh  intercession  for  us. 

Second  Responsory. 

These  men  are  holy,  who  have 
gloriously  shed  their  blood  for  the 
Lord's  sake,  yea,  who  loved  Christ  in 

1  Ps.  xliii.  22. 


their  lives,  and  were  made  like  unto 
Him  in  their  flesh,  and  therefore  they 
have  earned  crowns  of  victory. 

Verse.  One  spirit,  and  one  faith 
was  in  them. 

Answer.  And  therefore  they 
have  earned  crowns  of  victory. 

Third  Lesson. 

\  AT  HO  then  shall  separate  us 
*  *  from  the  love  of  Christ  ? 
Shall  tribulation,  or  distress,  or 
famine,  or  nakedness,  or  peril,  or 
persecution,  or  sword  ?  As  it  is 
written  :  For  Thy  sake  we  are  killed 
all  the  day  long,  we  are  accounted 
as  sheep  for  the  slaughter.1  Nay, 
in  all  these  things  we  are  more  than 
conquerors,  through  Him  That  loved 
us.  For  I  am  persuaded  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  Prin- 
cipalities, nor  Powers,  nor  things 
present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor 
might,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor 
any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to 
separate  us  from  the  love  of  God, 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

Third  Responsory. 

They  gave  their  bodies  for  God's 
sake  to  death ;  and  gained  the  ever- 
lasting crown. 

Verse.  2  These  are  they  which 
came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and 
have  washed  their  robes  in  the 
Blood  of  the  Lamb. 

Answer.  And  gained  the  ever- 
lasting crown. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  gained  the  ever- 
lasting crown. 

2  Apoc.  vii.  14. 


FOR   MANY   MARTYRS. 


50I 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  1 1  will  give 
unto  My  Saints  a  place  *  in  the 
kingdom  of  My  Father,  every  one 
by  his  own  name,  saith  the  Lord. 

Psalm  XIV. 
[Intituled  "  A  Psalm  of  David."] 

LORD,  who  shall  abide  in  Thy 
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. 

Second  Antiphon.  To  the  Saints 
that  are  in  the  earth  *  Thou  hast 
made  all  my  counsels  admirable. 

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.] 

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  evermore. 

Third  Antiphon.  2  The  Saints 
that  wait  upon  the  Lord  *  shall 
renew  their  strength ;  they  shall 
mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles, 
they  shall  fly  and  not  faint. 

Psalm  XXIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."  The 
Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  add  "for  the  first 
day  of  the  week."] 

n^  HE  earth  is  the  Lord's  and  the 
-*■       fulness  thereof;  *  the  world, 
and  they  that  dwell  therein. 


1  Cf.  John  xiv.  2, 


2  Isa..xl.  31. 


VOL.  I. 


R  2 


502 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


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  neighbour. 

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 

Verse.  2  Let  the  righteous  rejoice 
before  God. 

Answer.  Yea,  let  them  exceed- 
ingly rejoice. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]   (47//*  on  the  Saints.) 

DEARLY  beloved  brethren,  as 
often  as  we  keep  the  Feasts 
of  the  holy  Martyrs,  we  look  to 
obtain  of  the  Lord,  by  their  inter- 


cession, such  good  things  in  this  life 
that  thereby  we,  following  them,  may 
gain  better  in  that  which  is  to  come. 
For  they  only  do  truly  keep  Holiday 
on  the  Feasts  of  the  Martyrs,  who 
follow  after  the  Martyrs'  example. 
These  Feasts  of  the  Martyrs  are  the 
Martyrs'  preaching,  whereby  to  stir 
us  up  to  imitate  what  we  are  not 
loath  to  honour. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

3  Thy  Saints,  O  Lord,  have  passed 
a  wonderful  way,  serving  Thy  com- 
mandments, that  they  might  be 
found  without  hurt  in  the  midst 
of  the  mighty  waters.  Dry  land 
appeared,  and,  out  of  the  Red  Sea, 
a  way  without  impediment. 

Verse.  4  He  smote  the  rock,  and 
the  waters  gushed  out,  and  the 
streams  overflowed. 

Answer.  Dry  land  appeared,  and, 
out  of  the  Red  Sea,  a  way  without 
impediment. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

OUT  we,  who  would  fain  rejoice 
*-*  with  the  Saints,  would  fain 
not  share  with  them  the  persecu- 
tion of  the  world.  Whosoever  will 
not  take  ensample  of  the  holy  Mar- 
tyrs, as  far  as  lieth  in  him,  such 
an  one  cannot  attain  unto  their 
blessedness.  '  Thus  preacheth  the 
Apostle  Paul,  when  he  saith  :  "  As 
ye  are  partakers  of  the  sufferings, 
so  shall  ye  be  also  of  the  consola- 
tion." (2  Cor.  i.  7.)  Yea,  the  Lord 
Himself  saith  in  the  Gospel :  "  If 
the  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that 
it  hated  Me  before  it  hated  you." 
(John  xv.  18.)     He  will  not  be  of 


SLH. 


2  Ps.  Ixvii.  4. 


3  Wisd.  xix.  5-7  ;  Neh.  ix.  11. 


4  Ps.  lxxvii.  20. 


FOR   MANY   MARTYRS. 


503 


the  body,  who  will  not  be  hated 
with  the  Head. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

The  Saints  of  God  shrank  not 
from  the  stripes  of  the  executioners, 
but  died  for  Christ's  Name's  sake ; 
that  they  might  be  made  joint-heirs 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

Verse.  They  gave  their  bodies 
for  God's  sake  to   death. 

Answer.  That  they  might  be 
made  joint-heirs  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

OUT  some  man  will  say:  "And 
*-*  who  is  he  that  can  tread  in 
the  footsteps  of  the  blessed  Mar- 
tyrs ? "  To  such  an  one  I  answer 
that,  by  the  Lord's  help,  we  are 
able,  if  we  so  will,  to  tread  in  the 
footsteps,  not  of  the  blessed  Mar- 
tyrs only,  but  even  of  the  same 
Lord  Himself.  Hearken,  not  to 
me,  but  to  the  same  Lord,  Who 
crieth  unto  all  men :  "  Learn  of 
Me,  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in 
heart."  (Matth.  xi.  29.)  Hear 
also  with  what  words  the  Apostle 
Peter  warneth  us:  "Christ  suffered 
for  us,  leaving  us  an  example, 
that  we  should  follow  His  steps." 
(1   Pet.  ii.   21.) 

Sixth  Responsory. 

1  As  gold  in  the  furnace  hath  the 
Lord  tried  His  chosen  ones,  and 
received  them  as  a  burnt  -  offering, 
and  yet  a  while,  and  they  shall  be 
regarded ;  for  the  grace  of  God,  and 
His  peace,  are  with  His  chosen. 

Verse.  They  that  put  their  trust 
in  Him  shall  understand  the  truth  : 


and  such  as  be  faithful  in  love  shall 
abide  with  Him. 

Answer.  For  the  grace  of  God, 
and  His  peace,  are  with  His  chosen. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  For  the  grace  of  God, 
and  His  peace,  are  with  His  chosen. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  2  The  righteous 
live  *  for  evermore ;  their  reward 
also  is  with  the  Lord. 

Psalm  XXXII. 

[The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  ascribe  this 
psalm  "to  David."] 

O  EJOICE  in  the  Lord,  O  ye 
-^^  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  ea'rth  fear  the  Lord  : 
*  let  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world 
stand  in  awe  of  Him. 


1  Wisd.  iii.  6-9. 


2  Wisd.  v.  16. 


504 


THE  COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


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. 

Second  Antiphon.  They  gave  up 
their  bodies  unto  death  *  rather 
than  serve  idols  :  and  therefore  have 
they  crowns  on  their  heads  and 
palms  in  their  hands.1 


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.  io  : 
"  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.] 

T  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. 

0  magnify  the  Lord  with  me  :  * 
and  let  us  exalt  His  Name  to- 
gether. 

1  sought  the  Lord,  and  He  heard 
me,  *  and  delivered  me  from  all  my 
distress. 

Draw  near  unto  Him,  and  be 
lightened,  *  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 


1  Apoc.  vii.  9. 


FOR    MANY   MARTYRS. 


505 


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  hun- 
ger: *  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. 

Third  Antiphon.  Behold,  how 
great  with  God  is  the  reward  *  of 
His    Saints : 1  yea,    they   who    died 


for  Christ's  sake  shall  live  for  ever 
and  ever. 

Ps.  xlv.  God  is  our  refuge,  &c, 
(A  97-) 

Verse.  The  righteous  live  for 
evermore. 

Ansiuer.  Their  reward  also  is 
with  the  Lord. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the 
Holy  Gospel  according  to  Luke 
(xxi.   9.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
•**•  His  disciples  :  When  ye  shall 
hear  of  wars  and  commotions,  be 
not  terrified :  for  these  things  must 
first  come  to  pass ;  but  the  end  is 
not  by  and  by.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (35^  on  the  Gospels.} 

Our  Lord  and  Redeemer  will- 
eth  us  to  know  what  shall  be  the 
signs  that  the  end  of  the  world  is 
at  hand,  to  the  end  that  ye  may  be 
the  less  terrified,  when  that  com- 
eth  whereof  ye  have  already  had 
warning.  Darts  strike  less  which 
are  seen  coming :  and  the  plagues 
of  the  earth  will  be  to  us  more 
bearable,  if  we  are  harnessed 
against  them  with  the  shield  of 
foreknowledge.  Behold,  how  He 
saith :  "  When  ye  shall  hear  of 
wars  and  commotions  be  not  ter- 
rified :  for  these  things  must  first 
come  to  pass  j  but  the  end  is  not 
by  and  by."  It  behoveth  us  to 
ponder  these  words  of  our  Re- 
deemer, wherein  He  warneth  us  of 
suffering,    from  without,    and    from 


1  Matth.  v.  12. 


506 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


within.  Wars  are  the  work  of  a 
foreign  enemy,  commotions  of  the 
citizens.  Therefore,  that  He  may 
let  us  know  that  we  shall  be  troubled 
from  within  and  from  without,  He 
showeth  that  our  wrestling  shall  be 
in  part  against  strangers,  and  in  part 
against  our  brethren. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

Because  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  laws  of  their  fathers, 
the  Saints  of  God  abode  in  brotherly 
love,  for  one  spirit  and  one  faith 
was  ever  in  them. 

Verse.  x  Behold  how  good  and 
how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity. 

Answer.  For  one  spirit  and  one 
faith  was  ever  in  them. 

Eighth  Blessing. 

They  whose  feast-day  we  are 
keeping 

Be  our  Advocates  with  God. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

BUT,  when  these  woes  come,  the 
end  is  not  by  and  by.  And 
He  saith  further :  "  Nation  shall 
,  rise  against  nation,  and  kingdom 
against  kingdom ;  and  great  earth- 
quakes shall  be  in  divers  places, 
and  pestilences,  and  famines,  and 
fearful  sights  and  great  signs  shall 
there  be  from  heaven."  Before  the 
last  tribulation  cometh,  shall  come 
many  other  tribulations :  and,  by 
the  many  woes  which  shall  come 
first,  shall  be  foreshadowed  the  ever- 
lasting woe  which  shall  come  in  the 
end.  And  therefore,  after  wars  and 
commotions,  the  end  is  not  yet  by 


and  by :  many  woes  must  come 
first,  to  give  warning  of  the  woe  that 
hath  no  end. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O  ye  My  Saints,  who,  being  in 
the  flesh,  didst  have  striving  —  I 
will  render  unto  you  a  reward  of 
your  labours.2 

Verse.  3  Come,  ye  blessed  of  My 
Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  ! 

Answer.  I  will  render  unto  you 
a  reward  of  your  labours. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  I  will  render  unto  you 
a  reward  of  your  labours. 

On  the  Feasts  of  Martyrs  who  were 
brothers  the  following  is  the  Second  or 
Eighth  Responsory. 

Theirs  is  a  brotherhood  indeed, 
whose  tie  no  storms  availed  to 
sever :  together  they  followed  the 
Lord  in  the  shedding  of  their 
blood.  Together  they  set  at  nought 
the  Royal  Palace ;  together  they 
attained  unto  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

Verse.  Behold  how  good  and 
how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity. 

Answer.  Together  they  set  at 
nought  the  Royal  Palace ;  together 
they  attained  unto  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Together  they  set  at 
nought  the  Royal  Palace  ;  together 
they  attained  unto  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 


1  Ps.  cxxxii.  I. 


2  Wisd.  x.  17. 


3  Matth.  xxv.  34. 


FOR   MANY   MARTYRS. 


507 


Third  Antiphon.  *  The  bodies 
of  the  Saints  are  buried  in  peace,  * 
and  their  name  liveth  for  evermore. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  O  all  ye  Mar- 
tyrs of  the  Lord,  bless  ye  the  Lord 

*  for  ever. 
Fifth  Antiphon.     O   ye   Martyrs, 

*  praise  ye  the  Lord  from  the 
heavens,  praise  Him  with  the  dance 
—[Alleluia.] 

Note  that  between  Septuagesima  and 
Easter  this  last  word  "Alleluia"  is 
omitted. 

The  Chapter.     (Wisd.  iii.  1.) 

HP  HE  souls  of  the  righteous  are 
*-  in  the  hand  of  God,  and  the 
torment  of  death  shall  not  touch 
them.  In  the  sight  of  the  unwise 
they  seemed  to  die :  but  they  are  in 
peace. 

Hymn  for  many  Martyrs? 

OTHOU,   the    Martyrs'    glorious 
King, 
Of  Confessors  the  crown  and  prize  ; 
Who  dost  to  joys  celestial  bring 

Those  who  the  joys  of  earth  despise  ! 

By  all  the  praise  Thy  Saints  have  won ; 

By  all  their  pains  in  days  gone  by  ; 
By  all  the  deeds  which  they  have  done  ; 

Hear  Thou  Thy  suppliant  people's 
cry. 

Thou  dost  amid  Thy  Martyrs  fight ; 

Thy  Confessors  Thou  dost  forgive  ; 
May  we  find  mercy  in  Thy  sight, 

And  in  Thy  sacred  presence  live. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 
And  to  His  sole-begotten  Son  ; 

And  glory,  Holy  Ghost,  to  Thee  ! 
While  everlasting  ages  run.     Amen. 

Verse.  3Let  the  Saints  be  joy- 
ful in  glory. 

1  Ecclus.  xliv.  14. 

2  The  original  hymn,  written  between  the  tenth  and  thirteenth  centuries,  is  slightly 
altered  in  the  Breviary.  3  Ps.  cxlix.  5. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

BUT,  forasmuch  as  the  signs  and 
troubles  whereof  the  Lord 
speaketh  are  so  manifold,  we  must 
needs  shortly  consider  each  :  for,  of 
necessity,  we  must  suffer  some 
things  from  heaven,  some  from  the 
earth,  some  from  the  powers  of 
nature,  and  some  from  men.  For 
where  He  saith  :  "  Nation  shall  rise 
against  nation  " — He  speaketh  con- 
cerning the  troubling  of  men : 
where :  "  great  earthquakes  shall 
be  in  divers  places  "  —  concerning 
wrath  from  above:  where:  "and 
pestilences  " — concerning  the  frailty 
of  the  body  :  where  :  "  and  famines  " 
— concerning  the  barrenness  of  the 
earth  :  where  :  "  fearful  signs  from 
heaven,"  and  tempests — concerning 
commotions  of  the  air.  As,  then, 
all  things  shall  have  an  end,  so,  be- 
fore the  end,  shall  all  things  be 
troubled  :  and  we  who  have  sinned 
and  come  short  in  all  things,  shall 
in  all  things  be  afflicted,  that  it  may 
be  fulfilled  that  is  written  :  "  and 
the  world  shall  fight  with  Him 
against  the  unwise."    (Wisd.  v.  21.) 

The  Hymn,  "We   praise   Thee,   O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  O  how  many 
torments  have  all  the  Saints  suf- 
fered, *  that  they  might  attain 
safely  unto  the  palm  of  martyrdom  ! 
Second  Antiphon.  The  Saints 
have  attained  unto  the  kingdom,  * 
with  palms  in  their  hands ;  they 
have  earned  crowns  of  Majesty 
from  the  Lord's  hand. 


508 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


Answer.  Let  them  sing  aloud 
upon  their  beds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  Even  the  very  hairs  of  your  head 
are  all  numbered  :  *  fear  not  there- 
fore; ye  are  of  more  value  than 
many  sparrows. 

If  the  Prayer  is  not  special  there  is 
said  one  of  the  following,  tvhich  is  also 
used  throughout  the  whole  Office  of  the 
Saints. 

Prayer  for  many  Martyrs,  who  were 
Bishops. 

r\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  that 
^-^  the  feast  of  Thy  blessed  Mar- 
tyrs and  Bishops  (here  insert  their 
names)  may  keep  us,  and  their 
worshipful  prayers  commend  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. 
Ame?i. 

Prayer  for  many  Martyrs,  not  Bishops. 

f~\  GOD,  by  Whose  mercy  we 
^S  here  keep  the  birthday  of 
Thy  holy  Martyrs,  (here  insert  their 
names,)  grant  us  hereafter  to  rejoice 
in  their  blessed  company  for  all 
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. 

A?iother  for  the  same. 

f~\  God,  Who,  year  by  year,  dost 
^-^  gladden  us  by  the  solemn 
feast-day  of  Thy  holy  Martyrs, 
(here  insert  their  names,)  mercifully 
grant,  that  we  who  rejoice  because 

1  Luke  xii.  7. 


of  their  worthy  deeds,  may  be  also 
stirred  up  to  follow  after  their  ex- 
ample. 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.     Atnen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  O  how  many  torments, 
&c,  (First  A?itiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (VVisd.  iii.  7.) 

'T^HE  righteous  shall  shine,  and 
-*•  run  to  and  fro  like  sparks 
among  the  stubble.  They  shall 
judge  the  nations,  and  have  do- 
minion over  the  people,  and  their 
Lord  shall  reign  for  ever. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  The  Saints  have  at- 
tained, &c,  (Second  Antiphon  at 
Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

2  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  re- 
joice, ye  righteous. 

Answer.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord, 
and  rejoice,  ye  righteous. 

Verse.  And  shout  for  joy,  all 
ye  that  are  upright  in  heart. 

Answer.  And  rejoice,  ye  right- 
eous. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord, 
and  rejoice,  ye  righteous. 

Verse.  Let  the  righteous  rejoice 
before  God. 

Answer.  Yea,  let  them  exceed- 
ingly rejoice. 

2  Ps.  xxxi.  II. 


FOR   MANY   MARTYRS. 


509 


SEXT. 

Antiphoti.  The  bodies  of  the 
Saints,  &c,  {Third  Antiphon  at 
Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Wisd.  x.  17.) 

THE  Lord  hath  rendered  to  the 
Saints  a  reward  of  their  la- 
bours, and  guided  them  in  a  mar- 
vellous way :  and  was  unto  them 
for  a  cover  by  day,  and  a  light  of 
stars  in  the  night  season. 

Short  Responsory. 

Let  the  righteous  rejoice  before 
God. 

Answer.  Let  the  righteous  re- 
joice before  God. 

Verse.  Yea,  let  them  exceed- 
ingly rejoice. 

Answer.     Before  God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Let  the  righteous  re- 
joice before  God. 

Verse.  The  righteous  live  for 
evermore. 

Anstver.  Their  reward  also  is 
with  the  Lord. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  O  ye  Martyrs,  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  righteous  live  for  evermore. 

Answer.  The  righteous  live  for 
evermore. 

Verse.  Their  reward  also  is  with 
the  Lord. 

Answer.     For  evermore. 

1  Heb.  xi.  33. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  righteous  live  for 
evermore. 

Verse.  Let  the  Saints  be  joyful 
in  glory. 

Answer.  Let  them  sing  aloud 
upon  their  beds. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

First  Antiphon.  These  men  are 
holy,  *  for  they  have  given  up  their 
bodies  unto  death  for  the  sake  of 
the  covenant  of  their  God,  and  have 
washed  their  robes  in  the  Blood  of 
the  Lamb. 

Second  Antiphon.  1  The  Saints 
through  faith  subdued  kingdoms, 
*  wrought  righteousness,  obtained 
promises. 

Third  Antiphon.  2  The  youth  of 
the  Saints  shall  be  renewed  *  like 
the  eagle's  :  they  shall  grow  as  the 
lily  in  the  city  of  the  Lord. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  God  shall  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  the  eyes  of  His 
Saints :  *  and  there  shall  be  no  more 
sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither  shall  there 
be  any  more  pain ;  for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  In  the  heavenly 
kingdoms,  *  there  is  the  dwelling  of 
the  Saints :  there  shall  be  their  rest 
for  ever  and  ever. 

Psalm  CXV. 

[In  the  Hebrew  this  Psalm  is  a  continua- 
tion of  the  last.  The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX. 
prefix  "Alleluia."] 

T  BELIEVED,  therefore  have  I 
A  spoken :  *  but  I  was  greatly 
afflicted. 

I  said  in  my  haste  :  *  All  men 
are  liars. 
2  Ps.  cii.  5  ;  lxxi.  16  ;  Isa.  xxxv.  1. 


5io 


THE  COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


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. 

0  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.] 

Chapter,  and  Verse  and  Answer  from 
Lauds. 

Hymn  from  First  Vespers. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  In  heaven  do  rejoice  the 
souls  of  the  Saints  *  who  have  fol- 
lowed the  steps  of  Christ ;  and 
because  they  shed  their  blood  for 
the  love  of  Christ,  therefore  shall 
they  be  made  glad  for  ever  with 
Christ. 


©tijcr  Hessons  for  tfje  Jtasts 
of  fHano  fHartorg. 


SECOND    N0CTURN. 
Fourth  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.] 
(ist  on  the  Martyrs.      Tom.  iii.) 


T^VERY  man  knoweth  how,  by 
*-*  the  good  Providence  of  God, 
the  divers  glories  of  His  Martyrs  are 
held  in  such  esteem  by  His  people, 
that  the  same  His  Saints  in  all  places 
receive  worthy  honour,  and  before 
us  is  set,  by  the  favour  of  Christ,  the 
noble  ensample  of  their  courage : 
thus  are  we  stirred  up  to  consider, 
on  the  occasion  of  these  Holidays, 
how  great  glory  doth  abide  them  in- 
heaven,  whose  birthdays  are  thus 
kept  upon  earth  :  thereby,  also,  we 
are  roused  to  strive  to  be  like  them, 
brave,  godly,  and  true  :  so  that,  in 
the  strength  of  Christ,  we,  like  them, 
may  wrestle  with,  and  conquer  our 
enemy,  and,  when  we  have  gained 
the  same  victory  that  they  gained, 
may  with  them  at  last  be  glorified  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T7OR  what  man  is  there  willing  to 
■*•  share  their  reward,  that  if  he 
do  not  first  lay  hold  on  their  stead- 
fastness, follow  after  the  ensample  of 
their  faith,  and  imitate  their  brave 
patience,  can  either  seek  or  find 
their  glory  by  likeness  to  their  lives  ? 
But  whosoever  doth  so  follow  them, 
let  him  not  doubt  but  that,  though 
in  very  deed  he  gain  not  the  crown 
of  martyrdom,  he  is  yet  able  by  good 
works  to  make  himself  meet  there- 
for. For  we  have  a  most  merciful 
God,  Which  either  giveth  Martyrdom 
unto  such  as  be  willing,  or,  without 
Martyrdom,  doth  make  them  joint 
heirs  with  the  Saints  in  the  kingdom 
of  God. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T^OR  even  as  afflictions  unman 
*■  the  ungodly,  so  do  trials 
harden  the  righteous.      Even   thus 


FOR   MANY  MARTYRS. 


511 


did  the  Saints  strive  against  sin ; 
but  the  work  braced  their  muscles, 
and  in  death  they  were  more  than 
conquerors.  Of  such  as  run  in  a 
race,  no  man  saith  that  they  are 
strong,  unless  they  run,  and  none 
can  be  crowned,  unless  he  conquer. 
No  soldier  prevaileth  against  his 
enemy,  unless  he  fight ;  or  winneth 
the  Emperor's  favour,  unless  he  have 
warred.  Christian !  the  needful  arms 
are  thine !  In  thy  hands  are  the 
strong  weapons,  wherewith  thou  canst 
conquer  the  enemy ! 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (vi.  17.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  came  down 
^~*-  from  the  mountain,  and  stood 
in  the  plain,  and  the  company  of  His 
disciples,  and  a  great  multitude  of 
people  out  of  all  Judea,  and  Jeru- 
salem, and  from  the  sea  coast  of 
Tyre  and  Sidon.       And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop 
[of  Milan.]     (Bk.  v.  on  Luke  vi.) 

Mark  well  how  Jesus  goeth  up- 
ward with  His  disciples,  and  down- 
ward to  the  multitude.  How  should 
the  multitude  behold  Christ,  save  in 
a  lower  place  ?  Such  go  not  up  to 
the  things  which  are  above ;  such 
attain  not  to  the  things  which  are 
high.  And  when  Jesus  cometh 
down,  He  findeth  such  as  are 
diseased  :  for  such  like  go  not  up 
to  the  heights.     Hence  also  Matthew 

1  The  latter  half  of  this  Lesson,  from  the  words  "  It  is  written,"  &c,  is  one  of  the  most 
difficult  passages  in  the  Breviary,  and  seems  to  require  a  short  note,  especially  as  it  is  so 
often  recited  in  the  Church  Service.  (1.)  "For  the  octave"  is  meant  as  a  translation  of 
the  Hebrew  words  "  Alhashsh'minith,"  found  in  the  superscription  of  Pss.  vi.  and  xi. 
The  real  meaning  of  these  words  seems  to  have  been  lost  for  at  least  two  thousand  years, 


saith  that  there  were  there  "  all 
sick  people,"  (iv.  23.)  Of  these 
every  man  had  need  of  healing, 
that,  when  he  had  received  strength, 
by  and  by,  he  might  go  up  into  the 
mountain.  And  therefore,  being 
Himself  come  down,  He  healeth 
them  in  the  plain,  that  is  to  say,  He 
calleth  them  away  from  their  lust, 
and  freeth  them  of  their  blindness. 
He  cometh  down  to  our  wounds,  to 
the  end  that  by  a  certain  use  of 
His  nature,  and  by  the  abundance 
thereof,  He  might  make  us  joint- 
heirs  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  OLESSED  be  ye  poor,  for 
-L'  your's  is  the  kingdom  of 
God."  Saint  Luke  giveth  us  but 
four  of  the  Lord's  Beatitudes,  and 
Saint  Matthew  eight :  but  in  those 
eight  are  contained  these  four,  and 
in  these  four  those  eight.  For  in 
these  four  are  embraced  the  cardinal 
virtues  :  and  in  those  eight  they  are 
set  forth  in  a  number  full  of  mystery. 
It  is  written  at  the  head  of  more 
than  one  of  the  Psalms  that  they 
are  "  for  the  octave,"  and  thou  hast 
received  the  commandment :  "  Give 
a  portion  to  seven,  and  also  to 
eight " — to  seven  or  eight  what  ? 
Perchance  degrees  of  blessedness. 
For  as  this  eighth  [Beatitude]  doth 
name  the  most  glorious  realization 
of  our  hope  —  ["the  kingdom  of 
Heaven "] — so  doth  it  also  name 
the  most  royal  exertion  of  our 
strength — ["  blessed  are  they  which 
are  persecuted."] s 


512 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

BUT  let  us  first  consider  the  fuller 
of  the  forms  of  these  Beati- 
tudes. "  Blessed  be  ye  poor,  for 
your's  is  the  kingdom  of  God." 
Both  of  the  Evangelists  give  to  this 
Beatitude  the  first  place.  Yea, 
surely,  for  poorness,  at  least  in 
spirit,  is  the  first  in  order,  the 
mother,  and  procreatrix  of  virtues ; 
since  he  that  setteth  no  store  by 
temporal  things,  winneth  toward 
eternal  things ;  neither  is  any  man 
able  to  gain  the  kingdom  of  heaven, 
on  whom  the  love  of  this  present 
world  doth  so  press,  that  he  cannot 
rid  himself  thereof. 

Another  Homily. 

Seventh  Lesson. 
0 
The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 

Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xii.  i.) 

AT  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
His  disciples  :  Beware  of  the 
leaven  of  the  Pharisees,  which  is 
hypocrisy.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  the  Venerable  Bede, 
Priest  [at  Jarrow  and  Doctor  of  the 
Church.]    {Bk.  iv.  on  Luke,  Cap.  Hi.) 


Touching  this  leaven  the  Apostle 
warneth  us  :  "  Therefore  let  us  keep 
the  feast,  not  with  old  leaven, 
neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice 
and  wickedness,  but  with  the  un- 
leavened bread  of  sincerity  and 
truth."  (i  Cor.  v.  8.)  For  even 
as  a  little  leaven  doth  infect  the 
whole  lump  wherein  it  is  put,  and 
the  savour  thereof  doth  spread  all 
abroad  therein,  so  doth  hypocrisy, 
when  once  it  hath  tainted  the  soul, 
drive  out  from  it  all  sincerity  and 
truth.  The  meaning,  therefore,  of 
this  passage  is  this  :  "  Beware,  lest 
ye  be  as  the  hypocrites,  for  yet  a 
little  while,  and  all  men  shall  see 
that  ye  are  good,  and  they  are  evil." 

Eighth  Lesson. 

AS  touching  what  followeth : 
"  For  there  is  nothing  co- 
vered that  shall  not  be  revealed, 
neither  hid,  that  shall  not  be 
known.  Therefore,  whatsoever  ye 
have  spoken  in  darkness  shall  be 
heard  in  the  light."  These  words 
are  true,  not  only  as  concerning 
the  world  which  is  to  come,  where- 
in the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall 
be  made  manifest,  but  even  as  con- 
cerning   this    present   world,    since 


and  conjectures  on  the  subject  have  exercised  the  various  ingenuity  of  the  learned,  who  are 
widely  disagreed.  It  is,  however,  a  pretty  general  idea  that  the  phrase  is  a  technical 
musical  direction,  and  has  something  to  do  with  the  number  8.  Gesenius  believes  it  to 
correspond  to  the  Italian  "  basso,"  and  to  imply  a  composition  intended  for  men's  voices. 
(2.)  Eccles.  xi.  begins  thus  :  "Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters,  for  thou  shalt  find  it  after 
many  days.  Give  a  portion  to  seven,  and  also  to  eight  ;  for  thou  knowest  not  what  evil 
shall  be  upon  the  earth."  This  latter  verse  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Dale,  in  his  profound  trans- 
lation and  Commentary  upon  Ecclesiastes,  renders,  "Give  a  share  all  round,  and  to  some 
one  else  beside,  for  thou  dost  not  know  what  sort  of  mischief  shall  be  in  the  earth,"  and 
he  says,  "It  is  equivalent  to  our  'everybody  and  some  one  else.'"  The  whole  would  seem 
to  be  an  exhortation  to  almsgiving  full  even  to  abundance  :  seven,  as  the  "  perfect"  number, 
being  chosen  to  imply  a  full  number  generally.  Cf.  Job  v.  19  ;  Micah  v.  5  ;  Matth.  xviii. 
22.  (3.)  benedictionibus.  Sicut  enim  spei  nostra;  octava  perfectio  est,  ita  octava  summa 
virtutum  est."  The  translator  confesses  to  great  uncertainty  as  to  the  meaning,  but,  upon 
full  and  repeated  consideration,  at  the  interval  of  years,  he  is  inclined  to  think  that 
"  octava"  agrees  with  "benedictio"  understood,  and  that  the  paraphrase  in  the  text  is  the 
most  probable  sense. 


FOR   MANY   MARTYRS. 


513 


now  that  which  the  Apostles  spake 
and  suffered  in  the  darkness  of 
persecution,  and  the  gloom  of  dun- 
geons, is,  since  that  the  Church  is 
glorified,  told  of  them  for  a  me- 
morial of  them,  wherever  their  acts 
are  read  throughout  the  whole 
world.  "  Be  not  afraid  of  them 
that  kill  the  body,"  for  they  that 
persecute  the  righteous,  when  they 
have  killed  the  body,  "after  that, 
have  no  more  that  they  can  do." 
Truly,  it  is  a  childish  folly  which 
maketh  such  men  to  cast  the  dead 
limbs  of  the  martyrs  to  birds  and 
beasts,  while  yet  they  have  no 
strength  to  withstand  the  Almight  of 
God,  whereby  He  will  surely  quicken 
the  same  limbs  and  raise  them  up 
again. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

OF  persecutors  there  are  two 
kinds :  first,  of  such  as  do 
openly  rage  in  cruelty  against  us ; 
and,  secondly,  of  such  as  do  seek, 
by  cunning  wiliness  and  lying,  to 
beguile  us.  Against  both  these 
the  Saviour  willeth  to  guard  and 
strengthen  us,  in  one  place  warning 
us  to  be  not  afraid  of  them  that 
kill  the  body,  and,  in  another  place, 
to  beware  of  the  leaven  of  the 
Pharisees  :  since,  when  we  are  dead, 
neither  the  cruelty  of  the  one  class, 
nor  the  falsehood  of  the  other,  will 
be  able  any  more  to  touch  us. 
"Are  not  five  sparrows  sold  for 
two  farthings?"  If  God,  saith  the 
Lord,  if  God  cannot  forget  the  least 
of  the  works  of  His  hands  that 
hath  life,  the  little  birds  that  fly 
hither  and  thither  in  the  air,  if  He 
cannot  forget  them,  wherefore  should 
ye,  who  are  made  in  the  image  and 
likeness   of  your  Maker,   wherefore 


should  ye  be  afraid  of  them  that  kill 
the  body?  He  that  is  the  careful 
Lord  of  the  beasts,  which  think  not, 
how  much  more  shall  He  be  careful 
of  man  which  hath  a  reasonable  soul? 


jFor  Simple  jjtasts  of  JEang 
JSartgrs. 

The  Office  is  as  on  a  Semi-double,  with 
the  following  exceptions. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

The  Office  is  of  the  Week-day,  till  the 
Chapter,  exclusive. 

The  Office  of  the  Saints  begins  with 
the  Chapter,  which,  as  also  the  Hymn, 
Verse  and  Answer,  Antiphon  at  the 
Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  Prayer 
are  all  as  just  given,  {p.  498.)  The 
Common  Commemorations  are  said  or 
not  according  to  the  season. 

At  Compline  are  said  Preces. 

MATTINS. 

The  Invitatory  and  Hymn  are  as  just 
given. 

Then  follow  the  Week-day  Psalms, 
with  their  own  Antiphons. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

Verse.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and 
rejoice,  ye  righteous. 

Answer.  And  shout  for  joy,  all 
ye  that  are  upright  in  heart. 

Absolution. 
Graciously  hear,  &c. 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

Verse.  Let  the  righteous  rejoice 
in  the  presence  of  God. 

Answer.  Yea,  let  them  be  exceed- 
ing glad. 


5H 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Absolution. 
May  His  loving-kindness,  &c. 

On  Wednesdays. 

Verse.  The  righteous  live  for 
evermore. 

Answer.  Their  reward  also  is 
with  the  Lord. 

Absolution. 
May  the  Almighty,  &c. 

First  Blessing. 

May  His  blessing  be  upon  us, 
Who  doth  live  and  reign  for  ever. 

First  Lesson  from  Scripture,  accord- 
ing to  the  Season,  being  either  the  first 
part,  or,  if  the  Saints  have  two  Lessons, 
the  whole  read  as  one,  at  will. 

First  Responsory. 
On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

God  shall  wipe  away,  &c.,  {First 
Responsory  in  the  preceding  Office.) 


Second  Responsory. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

These  men  are  holy,  &c.,  (Second 
Responsory  in  the  preceding  Office?) 
with  the  following  addition  : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  therefore  they  have 
earned  crowns  of  victory. 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

The  Saints  of  God  shrank  not, 
&c,  (Fifth  Responsory  in  the  preced- 
ing Office?)  with  the  following  addi- 
tion : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  That  they  might  be 
made  joint-heirs  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

On  Wednesdays. 

O  ye,  My  Saints,  &c,  (Eighth 
Responsory  in  the  preceding  Office.) 


On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

Thy  Saints,  O  Lord,  &c,  (Fourth 
Responsory  in  the  preceding  Office.) 

On  Wednesdays. 

Because  of  the  covenant,  &c, 
(Seventh  Responsory  in  the  preceding 
Office.) 

Second  Blessing. 

They  whos.e  feast  -  day  we  are 
keeping, 

Be  our  Advocates  with  God. 

Second  Lesson  is  the  First  of  the  Le- 
gend of  the  Saint,  if  there  be  two;  if 
not,  it  is  the  Second  from  Scripture,  to 
which  the  Third  may  be  added,  at  will. 


Third  Blessing. 

May  He  That  is  the  Angels'  King, 
To   that  high   realm   His   people 
bring. 

Third  Lesson  is  the  whole  or  the 
Second  part  of  the  Legend  of  the  Saints, 
if  there  is  one,  or  else  the  special  Lesson 
assigned. 

Then  the  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee, 
O  God,"  &c,  is  said,  and  so  end 
Mattins. 

The  rest  of  the  Office  is  as  on  a  Semi- 
double,  as  just  given ;  it  ends  at  None, 
inclusive;  Preces  are  said  at  Prime, 
and  the  Common  Commemorations  are 
made  at  Lauds  or  not,  according  to  the 
season. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP   AND   CONFESSOR. 


515 


V.  dPor  dfeasts  of  one  23tef)op  an&  ®onfie$gor* 


Everything  as    on   Sundays,   except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 

O  praise  the  Lord,  &c,  (Ps.  cxvi., 
/.  186.) 

Hytrin.1 

1. 

SAFE    now    for    ever,   Jesu's    true 
Confessor, 
Whose  happy  festal  here  His  people 
keep, 
Doth   of   his   labours   for  his   mighty 
Blesser, 
Rich  harvest  reap. 

2. 

Gentle  was  he,  wise,  pure,  and  lowly- 
hearted, 
Sober    and    modest,    ever    foe     to 
strife, 
While  in  his  frame  there  flowed  as  yet 
unparted 
Currents  of  life. 


Ofttimes  hath  He  Whose  face  he  sees 
in  heaven, 
Being  entreated  for   His    servant's 
sake, 
To  us  on  earth-  the  same  for  healer 
given 
Sick  whole  to  make. 


Wherefore  our  choir,  in  thankfulness 
adoring, 
Lifteth  its  voice  with  melody  of  laud, 
While  he  on  high  for  us  his  prayer  is 
pouring 
Unto  his  God. 


5- 

Glory  and  honour,  virtue  and  salvation 
Be  unto   Him,   Who,  in  His  might 
divine, 

Ruleth  supremely  over  all  creation, 
One  and  yet  Trine.     Amen. 

Verse.  2  The  Lord  loved  him 
and  beautified  him. 

Answer.  He  clothed  him  with 
a  robe  of  glory. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  O  thou  Priest  and  Bishop, 
*  thou  worker  of  mighty  works, 
thou  good  shepherd  over  God's 
people,  pray  for  us  unto  the  Lord. 

For  Doctors. 

O  right  excellent  Teacher,  Light 
of  the  Holy  Church,  N.  (here  insert 
his  name)  blessed  lover  of  the 
Divine  Law,  pray  for  us  to  the 
Son  of  God. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Lord,  He  is 
the  King  of  the  Confessors.  *  O 
come,  let  us  worship  Him. 

Hymn  as  at  First  Vespers. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Only  three  Psalms  are  said. 

First  Antiphon.  Blessed  is  the 
man  *  that  doth  meditate  in  the 
law  of  the  Lord :  his  delight  is 
therein  day  and  night,  and  what- 
soever he  doeth  shall  prosper. 


1  Hymn  of  the  Middle  Ages,  after  the  manner  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  but  very  much 
altered  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  Dr  Littledale,  except  the  first  verse,  and  the  third. 

2  Ecclus.  xlv.  9. 


5i6 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


Ps.  i.  Blessed  is  the  man,  &c, 
{P-  4.) 

Second  Antiphon.  Blessed  and 
holy  is  he  *  that  putteth  his  trust 
in  the  Lord,  that  declareth  the 
decree  of  the  Lord,  and  is  set 
upon  His  holy  hill. 

Ps.  ii.  Why  do  the  heathen, 
&c.,  {p.  4.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Thou,  O  Lord, 
art  my  glory,  *  Thou  art  a  shield 
for  me  :  Thou  art  the  Lifter-up  of 
mine  head,  and  Thou  hast  heard 
me  out  of  Thy  holy  hill. 

Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,  [p.  5.) 

Verse.  The  Lord  loved  him  and 
beautified  him. 

Answer.  He  clothed  him  with 
a  robe  of  glory. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the 
First  Epistle  of  the  Blessed 
Apostle  Paul  to  Timothy  (iii.  1.) 

THIS  is  a  true  saying :  If  a  man 
desire  the  office  of  a  Bishop, 
he  desireth  a  good  work.  A  Bishop, 
then,  must  be  blameless,  the  hus- 
band of  one  wife,  sober,  prudent, 
of  good  behaviour,  modest,  given 
to  hospitality,  apt  to  teach,  not  given 
to  wine,  no  striker,  but  patient ; 
not  a  brawler,  not  covetous ;  one 
that  ruleth  well  his  own  house,  hav- 
ing his  children  in  subjection  with 
all  gravity.  For  if  a  man  know  not 
how  to  rule  his  own  house,  how 
shall  he  take  care  of  the  church  of 
God?  Not  a  novice,  lest,  being 
lifted  up  with  pride,  he  fall  into 
the    condemnation     of    the    devil. 

1  Matth.  xxv.  21,  20. 


Moreover,  he  must  have  a  good 
report  of  them  which  are  without, 
lest  he  fall  into  reproach,  and  the 
snare  of  the  devil. 

First  Responsory. 

1  Well  done,  thou  good  and  faith- 
ful servant,  thou  hast  been  faith- 
ful over  a  few  things.  I  will  make 
thee  ruler  over  many  things ;  en- 
ter thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord. 

Verse.  Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto 
me  five  talents;  behold,  I  have  gained 
beside  them  five  talents  more. 

Answer.  Enter  thou  into  the 
joy  of  thy  Lord. 

Second  Lesson. 

The    Lesson    is     taken    from    the 
Epistle  to  Titus  (i.  7.) 

FOR  a  Bishop  must  be  blame- 
less, as  the  steward  of  God  : 
not  proud,  not  soon  angry,  not  given 
to  wine,  no  striker,  not  given  to  filthy 
lucre :  but  a  lover  of  hospitality, 
courteous,  sober,  just,  holy,  tem- 
perate, holding  fast  the  faithful  word, 
as  he  hath  been  taught :  that  he  may 
be  able  by  sound  doctrine  both  to  ex- 
hort and  to  convince  the  gainsayers. 
For  there  are  many  unruly,  vain 
talkers,  and  deceivers,  specially  they 
of  the  circumcision,  whose  mouths 
must  be  stopped :  who  subvert 
whole  houses,  teaching  things  which 
they  ought  not,  for  filthy  lucre's 
sake. 

Second  Responsory. 

2  Behold  an  high  priest,  who  in 
his  days  pleased  God :  therefore 
the  Lord  assured  him  by  an  oath 
that  He  would  multiply  his  seed 
among  His  people. 


2  Ecclus.  xliv.  16,  22,  25. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP  AND   CONFESSOR. 


517 


Verse.  He  hath  made  him  a 
blessing  unto  all  nations,  and  hath 
established  His  covenant  upon  his 
head. 

Answer,  Therefore  the  Lord  as- 
sured him  by  an  oath  that  He 
would  multiply  his  seed  among  His 
people. 

Third  Lesson,     (ii.  1.) 

OUT  speak  thou  the  things 
-^  which  become  sound  doc- 
trine :  that  the  aged  men  be  sober, 
chaste,  temperate,  sound  in  faith, 
in  charity,  in  patience.  The  aged 
women  likewise,  that  they  be  in 
behaviour  as  becometh  holiness, 
not  false  accusers,  not  given  to 
much  wine,  teachers  of  good  things  ; 
that  they  may  teach  the  young 
women  to  be  sober,  to  love  their 
husbands,  to  love  their  children,  to 
be  discreet,  chaste,  sober,  keepers 
at  home,  good,  obedient  to  their 
own  husbands,  that  the  word  of 
God  be  not  blasphemed.  Young 
men  likewise  exhort  to  be  sober- 
minded.  In  all  things  show  thy- 
self a  pattern  of  good  works,  in 
doctrine,  in  uncorruptness,  in  gravity, 
sound  speech,  that  cannot  be  con- 
demned :  that  he  that  is  of  the 
contrary  part  may  be  ashamed,  hav- 
ing no  evil  thing  to  say  of  us. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  The  Lord  hath  sworn  and  will 
not  repent  :  Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedek. 

Verse.  The  Lord  said  unto  my 
Lord  :  Sit  Thou  at  My  right  hand. 

Answer.  Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedek. 

1  Ps.  cix.  5,  1. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedek. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.     When  His  holy 

one  called,  *  the  Lord  heard  him, 

yea,  the  Lord  heard  him,  and  gave 
him  peace. 

Psalm  IV. 

[Intituled  "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  direction  of  (now)  uncertain 
meaning.] 

Vy  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. 

0  ye  sons  of  men,  how  long 
will  ye  be  dull  of  heart  ?  *  Why 
will  ye  love  vanity,  and  seek  after 
leasing  ?  2 

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. 

1  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace, 

*  and  sleep, 

2  SLH. 


5i8 


THE  COMMON   OF  SAINTS. 


For  Thou,  Lord,  only  *  makest 
me  to  dwell  in  safety. 

Second  Antiphon.  Let  all  those 
that  put  their  trust  in  Thee  rejoice, 

0  Lord,  for  Thou  hast  blessed  the 
righteous ;  *  Thou  hast  compassed 
him  with  Thy  favour  as  with  a 
shield. 

Psalm  V. 

[Intituled  "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  superscription.] 

r~*  IVE  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  :  * 

1  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. 

0  Lord,  Thou  hast  compassed 
us  *  with  Thy  favour  as  with  a 
shield. 

Third  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  our 
Ruler,  *  how  excellent  is  Thy 
Name  in  all  the  earth  !  Who  hast 
crowned  Thine  holy  one  with  glory 
and  honour,  and  madest  him  to 
have  dominion  over  the  works  of 
Thy  hands. 

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 : 


1  This  verse  was  quoted  by  our  Lord,  concerning  those  who  cried  Hosannah  on  Palm 
Sunday,  Matthew  xxi.  16. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP   AND   CONFESSOR. 


519 


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. 

O  Lord,  our  Lord,  *  how  ex- 
cellent is  Thy  Name  in  all  the 
earth ! 

Verse.  x  The  Lord  hath  chosen 
him  for  a  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Answer.  To  offer  up  unto  Him 
the  sacrifice  of  praise. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Maximus,  Bishop  [of 
Turin.]  (59^  Horn.,  being  the 
2nd  on  St  Eusebius  of  Vercelli.) 

TT  is  idle  to  strive  to  add  anything 
■*■  to  the  praise  of  our  holy  and 
most  blessed  Father  N.,  {here  insert 
the  name  of  the  Saint  whose  Feast  is 
being  kept,)  whose  Feast  is  this  day 
kept.  The  beauty  of  his  life  ought 
not  to  be  the  subject  of  panegyrics, 
so  much  as  the  object  of  imitation. 
The  Scripture  saith  :  "  A  wise  son 
is  the  glory  of  his  father,"2 — truly 
then  will  he  be  honoured  by  such 
as,  by  doing  after  his  en  sample, 
show  themselves  to  be  his  children 


— "  for  in  Christ  Jesus  hath  he 
begotten  us  through  the  Gospel." 
(1   Cor.  iv.    15.) 

Fourth  Responsory. 

3 1  have  found  David  My  servant, 
with  My  holy  oil  have  I  anointed 
him;  for  My  hand  shall  help 
him. 

Verse.  The  enemy  shall  prevail 
nothing  against  him,  nor  the  son  of 
wickedness  afflict  him. 

Answer.  For  My  hand  shall 
help  him. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

VVTHATSOEVER,  therefore,  of 
*  *  virtue  and  grace  there  may 
be  in  this  holy  people,  all  the  bright 
streams  thereof  do  flow  from  him,  as 
from  a  most  clear  fountain.  By  his 
manly  chastity,  by  his  sternly  noble 
temperance,  by  the  graceful  courtesy 
which  marked  him,  he  drew  all  men's 
love  to  God  :  and  by  his  eminent 
ministry  in  his  Bishoprick  he  hath 
left  behind  him  in  his  disciples, 
many  heirs  of  his  priesthood. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

3 1  have  laid  help  upon  one  that 
is  mighty,  and  have  exalted  one 
chosen  out  of  My  people ;  for  My 
hand  shall  help  him. 

Verse.  I  have  found  David  My 
servant,  with  My  holy  oil  have  I 
anointed  him. 

Answer.  For  My  hand  shall 
help  him. 


1  Cf.  Ecclus.  xlv.  20. 

2  There  does  not  appear  to  be  any  such  passage  in   Scripture.     Prov.  x.    I  is  some- 
thing like  it. 

3  Ps.  lxxxviii.  21,  20. 


520 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

TT  is  very  meet  and  right  that 
*~  upon  this  day,  which  is  made 
a  joyful  day  for  us  because  it  is  the 
day  whereon  our  blessed  Father  N., 
{here  insert  his  name,)  passed  away 
to  heaven,  I  say  it  is  very  meet  and 
right  that  on  this  day  we  should 
sing  that  verse  of  the  Psalms  :  "  The 
righteous  shall  be  in  everlasting  re- 
membrance." (cxi.  7.)  His  memory 
is  rightly  honoured  among  men  who 
is  at  this  present  making  glad  among 
Angels.  The  word  of  God  saith  : 
"  Judge  none  blessed  before  his 
death,"  (Ecclus.  xi.  30,)  as  though 
it  were  said,  "  Judge  him  blessed 
when  life  is  ended,  praise  him  when 
he  is  made  perfect."  For  there  are 
two  main  reasons  why  it  is  better  to 
praise  a  dead  man  than  a  living, 
since,  if  thou  call  him  holy  and 
worthy  after  his  death,  thou  dost  it 
when  neither  canst  thou  be  cor- 
rupted by  being  a  flatterer,  nor  he 
by  being  flattered. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

This  is  he  which  wrought  great 
wonders  before  God,  and  the  whole 
earth  is  full  of  his  teaching.  l  May 
he  pray  for  all  people,  that  their 
sins  may  be  forgiven  unto  them  ! 

Verse.  This  is  he  which  loved  not 
his  life  in  this  world,  and  hath  at- 
tained unto  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Ansiver.  May  he  pray  for  all 
people,  that  their  sins  may  be  for- 
given unto  them ! 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  May  he  pray  for  all 
people,  that  their  sins  may  be  for- 
given unto  them  ! 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Lord,  this  Thy 
Saint  *  shall  dwell  in  Thy  taber- 
nacle, and  this  that  hath  worked 
righteousness  shall  abide  upon  Thy 
holy  hill. 

Psalm  XIV. 
[Intituled  "  A  Psalm  of  David."] 

T  ORD,  who  shall  abide  in  Thy 
-*-'  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. 

Second  Antiphon.     He  asked  life 

of  Thee,  *  and  Thou,  O  Lord,  gavest 

it :    honour  and  great  majesty  hast 

Thou  laid  upon    him  :    Thou   hast 

set  a  crown  of  precious  stones  upon 

his  head. 

Psalm  XX. 

[This  Psalm  also  bears  the  same  title  as 
the  xviiith.] 

THE  king  shall  joy  in  Thy 
strength,  O  Lord  :  *  and  in 
Thy  salvation  how  greatly  shall  he 
rejoice ! 


1  Cf.  2  Mace.  xv.  14. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP   AND   CONFESSOR. 


521 


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. 

Third  Antiphon.      He    shall    re- 
ceive *  a  blessing  from  the  Lord, 
and    mercy   from    the    God   of   his 
1  SLH. 


salvation  :  for  this  is  the  generation 
of  them  that  seek  the  Lord. 

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  therein. 

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  neighbour. 

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 

Verse.  2Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever. 

Answer.  After  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedek. 

2  Ps.  cix.  5. 


522 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew 
(xxv.    14.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  spake  unto 
-**-  His  disciples  this  parable  :  A 
man,  travelling  into  a  far  country, 
called  his  own  servants,  and  deliv- 
ered unto  them  his  goods.  And 
so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (gth  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  this  Les- 
son from  the  Holy  Gospel  moveth  us 
to  take  good  heed  lest  we,  who  are 
seen  in  this  world  to  have  received 
more  than  others,  should  thereby 
bring  ourselves  into  greater  condem- 
nation from  the  Maker  of  this  world. 
To  whom  much  is  given,  of  the 
same  is  much  required.  Therefore, 
let  him  that  receiveth  much,  strive 
to  be  all  the  more  lowly,  and  all 
the  more  ready  to  do  God  service, 
for  his  very  gifts'  sake,  knowing  that 
he  will  be  obliged  to  give  account 
thereof.  Behold,  a  man,  travelling 
into  a  far  country,  calleth  his  own 
servants,  and  delivereth  unto  them 
talents,  to  the  end  that  they  may 
trade  therewith.  After  a  long  time, 
the  lord  of  those  servants  cometh, 
and  reckoneth  with  them,  and  to 
them  that  have  done  well  He  ren- 
dereth  a  reward  of  their  labours, 
but  that  servant  which  was  care- 
less of  his  master's  work  He  con- 
demneth. 

Seventh  Responsory . 

The  Lord  loved  him  and  beauti- 
fied him  ;    He  clothed  him  with  a 

1  1  Thess.  v.  8. 


robe  of  glory,  and  crowned  him  at 
the  gates  of  Paradise. 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  put  on 
him  the  breast-plate  of  faith,1  and 
hath  adorned  him. 

Answer.  And  crowned  him  at 
the  gates  of  Paradise. 

Eighth  Blessing. 

He  whose  feast-day  we  are  keep- 
ing 

Be  our  Advocate  with  God. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

\X  THAT  other,  then,  is  that  man 
*  *  travelling  into  a  far  country 
but  our  Redeemer,  Who  is  gone  up 
from  us  into  heaven  in  that  Flesh 
Which  He  had  taken  into  Himself? 
For  the  earth  is  the  home  of  the 
Flesh,  Which  travelleth  into  a  far 
country — when  our  Redeemer  giveth 
It  a  place  in  heaven.  But  that  man 
travelling  into  a  far  country  de- 
livered unto  his  servants  his  goods  ; 
and  so  doth  our  Redeemer  give 
spiritual  gifts  unto  His  faithful 
people.  "  And  unto  one  he  gave 
five  talents,  to  another  two,  and  to 
another  one."  There  are  five 
bodily  senses ;  that  is,  sight,  hear- 
ing, taste,  smell,  and  touch.  By 
the  five  talents  therefore  are  sig- 
nified the  five  senses,  that  is,  out- 
ward knowledge.  By  the  two,  wit 
and  work.  And  by  the  figure  of 
the  one  talent,  understanding,  which 
is  alone. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

2  Let  your  loins  be  girded  about, 
and  your  lights  burning,  and  ye 
yourselves  like  unto  men  that  wait 

2  Luke  xii.  35,  36. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP   AND   CONFESSOR. 


523 


for  their  lord,  when  he  will  return 
from  the  wedding. 

Verse.  l  Watch  therefore,  for  ye 
know  not  what  hour  your  Lord  doth 
come. 

Answer.  And  ye  yourselves  like 
unto  men  that  wait  for  their  lord, 
when  he  will  return  from  the  wed- 
ding. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  ye  yourselves  like 
unto  men  that  wait  for  their  lord, 
when  he  will  return  from  the  wed- 
ding. 

Eighth  Rcsponsory  for  Doctors, 

2  In  the  midst  of  the  congregation 
did  the  Lord  open  his  mouth.  And 
filled  him  with  the  spirit  of  wisdom 
and  understanding. 

Verse.  He  made  him  rich  with 
joy  and  gladness. 

Answer.  And  filled  him  with 
the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  under- 
standing. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  filled  him  with 
the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  under- 
standing. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  so  he  that  had  received 
■^*-  five  talents,  gained  other 
five  talents  "  —  for  some  there  be 
who,  while  yet  they  are  not  able 
to  go  on  unto  things  inward  and 
mystic,  do  yet  so  desire  our  Father- 
land which  is  above,  that  they  teach 
well  all  whom  they  can,  and  of 
those  very  outward  things  which 
they     have     received     make     gain 

1  Matth.  xxiv.  42.  2  Ecclus.  xv.  5, 


double.  These  are  they  which 
keep  themselves  clean  from  the 
unruly  motions  of  the  flesh,  and 
from  the  lust  of  the  world,  and 
from  the  delight  of  things  which 
are  seen,  and,  by  their  preaching, 
keep  other  men  also  clean  from  all 
these  things.  And  some  there  are 
who  receive,  as  their  two  talents, 
the  power  to  think  and  the  power 
to  work.  These  are  they  which 
inwardly  understand  dark  things, 
and  outwardly  work  wonders.  And 
these,  since  they  preach  unto  others, 
both  through  their  understanding 
and  their  works,  gain,  as  it  were, 
double,  for  the  talents  which  they 
have  received. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise   Thee,   O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  3  Behold  an  high 
priest,  *  who  in  his  days  pleased 
God,  and  was  found  righteous. 

Second  Antiphon.  3  None  was 
found  like  unto  him,  *  to  keep  the 
Law  of  the  Most  High. 

Third  Antiphon.  3  Therefore  the 
Lord  assured  him  *  by  an  oath  that 
He  would  multiply  his  seed  among 
His  people. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  O  all  ye 
Priests  of  God,  *  bless  ye  the 
Lord :  O  all  ye  servants  of  the 
Lord,  sing  praises  unto  our  God. 
Alleluia. 

This  last  word,  "  Alleluia,  is  omitted 
between  Septuagesima  and  Easter. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Good  and  faith- 
ful servant,  *  enter  thou  into  the 
joy  of  thy  Lord. 

6.  3  Ecclus.  xliv.  16,  17,  20,  22. 


524 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xliv.  17.) 

J3EHOLD  an  high  priest,  who  in 
-■-'  his  days  pleased  God,  and 
was  found  righteous,  and  in  the 
time  of  wrath  he  made  a  propitia- 
tion. 

Hymn} 

TESU,  the  world's  Redeemer,  hear  ! 
J      Thy  Bishops'  fadeless  crown,  draw 

near  ! 
Accept  with  gentler  love  to-day 
The  prayers  and  praises  that  we  pay  ! 

The  day  that  crowned  with  deathless 

fame 
This  meek  Confessor  of  Thy  Name, 
Whose  yearly  feast,  in  solemn  state, 
Thy  faithful  people  celebrate. 

The  world,  and  all  its  boasted  good, 
As  vain  and  passing,  he  eschewed  ; 
And  therefore,  with  Angelic  bands, 
In  endless  joys  for  ever  stands. 

Grant  then  that  we,  O  gracious  God, 
May  follow  in  the  steps  he  trod  ; 
And  freed  from  ev'ry  stain  of  sin, 
As  he  hath  won,  may  also  win. 

To  Thee,  O  Christ,  our  loving  King, 
All  glory,  praise,  and  thanks  we  bring  : 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete.     Amen. 

Verse.  8  The  Lord  guided  the 
just  in  right  paths. 

Answer.  And  showed  him  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful 
servant;  *  thou  hast  been  faithful 
over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee 
ruler  over  many  things,  saith  the 
Lord. 

If  the  Prayer  is  not  special,  there  is 
said  one  of  the  following,  which  is  also 
used  throughout  the  whole  Office  of  the 
Saint. 


Prayer. 

/^RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
^-Jr  Almighty  God,  that  the  wor- 
shipful Feast  of  Thy  blessed  Con- 
fessor and  Bishop  N.,  {here  insert 
his  name,)  may  avail  us  to  the  in- 
crease both  of  godliness  toward 
Thee,  and  healthfulness  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. 


Another  Prayer. 

IT  EAR,  O  Lord,  we  beseech 
-*■  *-  Thee,  the  prayers  which  we 
offer  Thee  on  this  the  solemn 
Feast-day  of  Thy  blessed  Confessor 
and  Bishop  N.,  (here  insert  his  name,) 
and,  for  the  sake  of  him  who  so 
nobly  served  Thee,  forgive  us  our 
trespasses.  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. 

For  Doctors. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  didst  give  unto 
^-s  Thy  people  Thy  blessed  ser- 
vant N.,  (here  insert  his  name,)  to 
feed  them  with  the  bread  of  eternal 
life,  grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that 
even  as  on  earth  he  showed  unto  us 
Thy  lively  word,  so  in  heaven  we 
may  worthily  be  holpen  by  the 
succour  of  his  prayers  to  Thee  on 
our  behalf.  Through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  Who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity 


1  Author  unknown  ;  hymn  of  the  tenth  to  thirteenth  centuries,  with  alterations ;  trans- 
lation by  J.  D.  Chambers,  Esq.  '-  Wisd.  x,  10. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP   AND   CONFESSOR. 


525 


of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

The  same  Prayer  throughout  the  day. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  an  high  priest, 
&c.,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Ecclus.  xlv.  19.) 

r  I  ^O  execute  the  office  of  the 
-*■  Priesthood,  and  to  be  hon- 
oured for  His  Name's  sake,  and  to 
offer  to  Him  the  incense  which  He 
had  chosen,  for  a  sweet  savour. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  None  was  found,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  Lord  loved  him,  and  beauti- 
fied him. 

Answer.  The  Lord  loved  him, 
and  beautified  him. 

Verse.  He  clothed  him  with  a 
robe  of  glory. 

Answer.     And  beautified  him. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  loved  him, 
and  beautified  him. 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  chosen 
him  for  a  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Atiszver.  To  offer  up  unto  Him 
the  sacrifice  of  praise. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.     Therefore  the    Lord, 
&c,  {Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 
vol.  1. 


Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xliv.  20.) 

NONE  was  found  like  unto  him, 
to  keep  the  Law  of  the  Most 
High ;  therefore  the  Lord  assured 
him  by  an  oath,  that  He  would  mul- 
tiply his  seed  among  His  people. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  Lord  hath  chosen  him  for  a 
Priest  unto  Himself. 

Answer.  The  Lord  hath  chosen 
him  for  a  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Verse.  To  offer  up  unto  Him 
the  sacrifice  of  praise. 

Answer.     A  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Anszver.  The  Lord  hath  chosen 
him  for  a  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Verse.     Thou  art  a  Priest  for  ever. 

Answer.  After  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedek. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Good  and  faithful, 
&c,   {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

Thou  art  a  Priest  for  ever. 

Answer.  Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever. 

Verse.  After  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedek. 

Answer.     For  ever. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever. 

Verse.  The  Lord  guided  the 
just  in  right  paths. 

Answer.  And  showed  him  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

s 


526 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 


Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Verse  and 
Answer  from  Lauds. 

Hymn  from  First  Vespers. 

Last  Psalm. 

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.)] 

LORD,   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  foot- 
prints. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  into  Thy  rest,  * 
Thou  and  the  ark  of  Thine  holi- 
ness. 

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 

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.) 


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  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Lord  loved  him  *  and 
beautified  him  ;  He  clothed  him 
with  a  robe  of  glory,  and  crowned 
him  at  the  gates  of  Paradise. 

But  if  the  Saint  were  a  Pope,  the 
following  is  said  instead  : 

Being  made  the  Chief  Bishop,  * 
he  dreaded  not  earthly  things,  but 
pressed  on  gloriously  unto  the  king- 
dom of  heaven. 

For  Doctors. 

O  right  excellent  Teacher,  Light 
of  the  Holy  Church,  N.  {here  insert 
his  name)  blessed  lover  of  the  Divine 
Law,  pray  for  us  to  the  Son  of  God. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP  AND  CONFESSOR. 


527 


<©tfter  Wessons  for  jfcasts  of 
<©ne  iStsfjop  ano  Confessor, 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Maximus,  Bishop 
[of  Turin.]  (59/^  Homily,  being 
the  2nd  on  St  Eusebius  of  Vercelli.) 

OUR  Blessed  Father  N.,  (here 
^S  insert  the  name  of  the  Saint 
whose  Feast  is  being  kept,)  is  safe 
now,  and  we  may  safely  praise  his 
great  deeds.  He  that  kept  such  a 
manful  hand  upon  the  tiller  of  faith, 
hath  now  cast  the  anchor  of  hope 
in  moorings  of  great  calm,  and 
brought  his  ship,  heavy  laden  with 
heavenly  riches  and  everlasting  mer- 
chandise, safe  into  the  haven  where 
he  would  be.  Thus  fareth  it  now 
with  him  who  never  fainted,  but 
for  so  long  time  held  up  ever  the 
shield  of  the  fear  of  God  against  all 
that  did  beset  him.  What  was  his 
whole  life  but  one  long  fight  against 
an  enemy  that  never  slept  ? 

Fifth  Lesson. 

f~\  HOW  many  blinded  souls 
^-^  there  were,  that  had  wan- 
dered away  from  the  path  of  the 
Truth,  and  were  hanging  from  the 
edge  of  the  precipice  over  the  pit, 
when  he  gave  them  sight  again,  and 
opened  their  eyes  that  they  might 
see  Christ !  How  many  deaf  ears 
were  there,  stopped  up  with  unbelief 
and  condemnation,  when  he  opened 
them  to  hear  that  voice  of  com- 
mandment that  speaketh  from 
heaven,  and  gave  them  that  precious 
hearing  that  heareth  God  calling  us 


to  be  forgiven,  so  that  they  obeyed, 
and  answered  !  How  many  wounded 
spirits  were  there,  to  whom  his 
tongue,  persuading  them  and  pray- 
ing for  them  like  the  tongue  of  an 
angel,  brought  health  again  ! 

Sixth  Lesson. 

f~\  HOW  God  wrought  in  him 
^-^  to  cleanse  and  pardon,  by 
discipline  and  exhortation,  many  a 
stricken  soul,  long  distempered,  and, 
as  it  seemed,  incurably  foul  with 
sin,  covered  all  over  with  virulent 
leprosy !  How  many  souls  there 
were,  dwelling  in  living  bodies,  but 
dead,  and  crushed  and  buried  under 
the  sense  of  sin,  whom  he  quick- 
ened again  for  God,  by  calling  them 
to  amendment  as  to  light,  souls 
dead  to  God,  in  which  that  great 
follower  of  his  Lord  killed  sin  by 
the  same  Lord's  life-giving  death. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew 
(xxiv.  42.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto 
^~*-  His  disciples :  Watch,  for  ye 
know  not  what  hour  your  Lord  doth 
come.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Hilary,  Bishop  [of 
Poitiers.]  (Comment,  on  Matth. 
chap.  26.) 

To  the  end  that  we  may  know  that 
our  ignorance  of  that  day  whereof 
no  man  knoweth  is  not  without  use, 
the  Lord  moveth  us  to  watch  for 
the  coming  of  the  thief,  to  be  ever 
instant  in  prayer,  and  ever  busy  in 


528 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


such  works  as  He  commandeth. 
He  showeth  how  that  the  devil  is 
that  thief  who  watcheth  ever  how 
he  may  spoil  our  goods,  breaking 
into  the  house  of  our  body;  that, 
while  we  are  dwelling  therein  care- 
less and  heavy  with  sleep,  he  may 
dig  through  our  walls  with  the  arms 
of  his  craft  and  temptations.  Us, 
therefore,  it  behoveth  to  be  ready, 
who  have  ever  our  ignorance  con- 
cerning that  day  to  be  unto  us  a 
reason  of  watchfulness. 

Eighth  Lesson.     {Chap.  27.) 

"VXTHO  then  is  a  faithful  and 
*  *  wise  servant,  whom  his 
Lord  hath  made  ruler  over  His 
household?"  Although  the  Lord 
doth  move  us  all  in  common  to 
weary  not  in  carefulness  and  watch- 
ing, He  layeth  more  especially  upon 
the  rulers  of  His  people,  that  is, 
the  Bishops,  this  duty,  to  look  al- 
ways for  His  coming.  For  such  an 
one  is  that  faithful  and  wise  servant, 
made  ruler  over  his  Lord's  house- 
hold, who  ever  seeketh  such  things 
as  be  convenient  and  useful  for  the 
people  unto  him  committed.  Such 
an  one,  if  he  hear  this  word,  and  do 
that  which  he  is  commanded,  that 
is,  if  he  strengthen  by  seasonable  and 
sound  doctrine  such  things  as  be 
weak,  if  he  bind  together  that  which 
is  sundered,  if  he  make  straight 
again  what  is  become  crooked,  and 
give  to  the  household  the  lively 
Word  which  is  able  to  feed  them 
unto  life  eternal,  if  such  an  one  do 
thus,  and  meanwhile  the  hour  which 
he  knoweth  not  come  upon  him, 
he  shall  obtain  glory  of  the  Lord, 
as  a  faithful  steward  and  an  useful 
overseer :    that    is,    he    shall    have 


glory  with  God,  for  in  all  things  he 
shall  have  of  that  which  is  best. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

OUT  if  that  servant  despise  the 
*-*  longsuffering  of  God,  Which 
waiteth  to  give  salvation  unto  all 
men,  and  begin  to  wax  wanton 
against  his  fellow  -  servants,  and  to 
give  himself  over  to  the  evil  and 
the  vices  of  this  present  world, 
having  all  his  care  for  the  worship 
of  his  belly :  the  Lord  of  that  ser- 
vant shall  come  in  a  day  when  he 
looketh  not  for  Him,  and  shall  cut 
him  off  from  the  goods  wherewith 
he  was  entrusted,  and  appoint  him 
his  portion  with  the  hypocrites,  in 
everlasting  punishment,  because  he 
hath  disobeyed  the  commandments, 
because  he  hath  minded  the  things 
of  this  present  world,  because  he 
hath  lived  the  life  of  an  heathen, 
because  being  unmindful  of  the 
judgment  to  come,  he  hath  afflicted 
with  hunger,  and  thirst,  and  stripes, 
the  flock  committed  to  his  care. 


If  it  should  be  that  several  Bishops 
and  Confessors  are  to  be  honoured  by 
one  Feast,  the  Office  is  the  same  as  that 
just  given,  except  as  follows  : 

1 .  In  the  Common  Prayer  the  words 
"Thy  Blessed  Confessor  and  Bishop 
N."  are  altered  into  "  Thy  blessed  Con- 
fessors and  Bishops  N.  and  N." 

2.  In  the  Sermons  by  St  Maximus  of 
Turin  everything  said  of  the  Saint  in 
the  Singular  Number  is  altered  into  the 
Plural.  For  example:  "Our  Blessed 
Fathers  N.  and  N.  are  safe  now, 
and  we  may  safely  praise  their  great 
deeds.  They  that  kept  such  manful 
hands  upon  the  tiller,  &c.  &c.  &c." 

3.  The  following  Lessons  may  be  read 
in  the  First  Nocturn. 


FOR   ONE   BISHOP   AND   CONFESSOR. 


529 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Ecclesiasticus  (xliv.  1.) 

TET  us  now  praise  famous  men, 
■*— *  and  our  fathers  that  begat  us. 
The  Lord  hath  wrought  great  glory 
by  them  through  His  great  power 
from  the  beginning.  Such  as  did 
bear  rule  in  their  kingdoms,  men 
renowned  for  their  power  and  their 
understanding,  showing  forth  among 
the  Prophets  the  dignity  of  Prophets, 
and  still  ruling  over  the  people  that 
now  is,  and  by  the  strength  of 
wisdom  instructing  the  people  in 
most  holy  words.  Such  as  by  their 
skill  sought  out  musical  tunes,  and 
published  canticles  of  the  Scriptures. 

Second  Lesson. 

A /TEN  rich  in  virtue,  studying 
^*-*-  comeliness,  living  at  peace 
in  their  houses.  All  these  were 
honoured  in  their  generations,  and 
were  the  glory  of  their  times.  They 
that  were  born  of  them  have  left  a 
name  behind  them,  that  their  praises 
might  be  reported.  And  some  there 
be  which  have  no  memorial ;  who 
are  perished  as  though  they  had 
never  been ;  who  also  were  born  as 
though  they  had  not  been  born,  and 
their  children  after  them. 

Third  Lesson. 

OUT  these  were  merciful  men, 
-L'  whose  righteousness  hath  not 
been  forgotten :  with  their  seed 
shall  continually  remain  a  good 
inheritance,  their  children  have  an 
holy  heritage  :  their  seed  also  abideth 
firm  in  the  covenant,  and  their 
children  for  their  sakes  remain  for 


ever.  Their  seed,  and  their  glory, 
shall  not  be  blotted  out.  Their 
bodies  are  buried  in  peace,  but  their 
name  liveth  for  evermore.  Let  the 
people  tell  of  their  wisdom,  and  the 
congregation  show  forth  their  praise. 


jFor   a  Simple   jfcast   of   a 
Btsjjop  artti  Confessor* 

The  Office  is  as  on  a  Semi-double, 
with  the  following  exceptions. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

The  Office  is  of  the  Week-day,  till  the 
Chapter,  exclusive.  The  Office  of  the 
Saint  begins  with  the  Chapter,  which, 
as  also  tfie  Hymn,  Verse  and  Answer, 
Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  and  Prayer  are  all  as  just  given, 
{p.  515  et  seq.)  The  Common  Comme- 
morations are  said  or  not  according  to 
the  season. 

A  t  Compline  are  said  Preces. 

MATTINS. 

The  Invitatory  and  Hymn  are  as  just 
given. 

Then  follow  the  Week-day  Psalms, 
with  their  own  Antiphons. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

Verse.  The  Lord  loved  him  and 
beautified  him. 

Answer.  He  clothed  him  with 
a  robe  of  glory. 

Absolution. 
Graciously  hear,  &c. 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  chosen  him 
for  a  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Answer.  To  offer  up  unto  Him 
the  sacrifice  of  praise. 


53Q 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


Absolution. 
May  His  loving-kindness,  &c. 

On  Wednesdays. 

Verse.  Thou  art  a  Priest  for 
ever. 

Answer.  After  the  order  of 
Melchisedek. 

Absolution. 
May  the  Almighty,  &c. 

First  Blessing. 

May  His  blessing  be  upon  us, 
Who  doth  live  and  reign  for  ever. 

First  Lesson  from  Scripture,  accord- 
ing to  the  Season,  being  either  the  first 
part,  or,  if  the  Saint  have  two  Lessons, 
the  whole  read  as  one,  at  will. 

First  Responsory. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

Well  done,  &c,  {First  Responsory 
in  the  preceding  Office.) 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

I  have  found  David,  &c.,  {Fourth 
Responsory  in  the  preceding  Office?) 

On  Wednesdays. 

The  Lord  loved  him,  &c,  {Seventh 
Responsory  in  the  precedifig  Office?) 

Second  Blessing. 

They  whose  feast-day  we  are  keep- 
ing, 

Be  our  Advocates  with  God. 

Second  Lesson  is  the  First  of  the 
Legend  of  the  Saint,  if  there  be  two;  if 
not,  it  is  the  Second  from  Scripture,  to 
which  the  Third  may  be  added  at  will. 


Second  Responsory. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

Behold  an  high  priest,  &c., 
{Second  Responsoty  in  the  preceding 
Office,)  with  this  addition  : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Therefore  the  Lord 
assured  him  by  an  oath  that  He 
would  multiply  his  seed  among  His 
people. 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

I  have  laid  help,  &c.,  {Fifth 
Responsory  in  the  preceding  Office?) 
with  the  following  addition  : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  For  My  hand  shall 
help  him. 

On  Wednesdays. 

Let  your  loins,  &c.,  {Eighth  Re- 
sponsory in  the  preceding  Office.) 

Third  Blessing. 

May  He  That  is  the  Angels' 
King, 

To  that  high  realm  His  people 
bring. 

Third  Lesson  is  the  whole  or  the 
second  part  of  the  Legend  of  the  Saint, 
if  there  be  one,  or  else  the  special  Lesson 
assigned. 

Then  the  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said,  and  so  end  Matti/is. 

The  rest  of  the  Office  is  as  on  a  Semi- 
double,  as  Just  given  j  it  ends  at  None, 
inclusive;  Preces  are  said  at  Prime,  and 
the  Common  Commemorations  are  made 
at  Lauds  or  not,  according  to  the  season. 


FOR  A   CONFESSOR   NOT   A   BISHOP. 


531 


V$.  d?or  &mt&  of  a  Gtonfmot  not  a  Msfiop* 


Everything  as  on    Sundays,   except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 

O    praise    the    Lord,    &c,    (Ps. 
cxvi.,  p.  186.) 

Hymn.     This  is  the  day,  &c,  or, 


CAFE  now  for  ever,  Jesu's  true  Con- 
**-*     fessor, 
Whose  happy  festal  here  His  people 
keep, 
Doth   of  his   labours  for  his    mighty 
Blesser, 
Rich  harvest  reap. 


Gentle  was  he,  wise,  pure,  and  lowly- 
hearted, 
Sober  and  modest,  ever  foe  to  strife, 
While  in  his  frame  there  flowed  as  yet 
unparted 
Currents  of  life. 


Ofttimes  hath  He  Whose  face  he  sees 
in  heaven, 
Being  entreated    for   His    servant's 
sake, 
To  us  on  earth  the  same  for  healer 
given 
Sick  whole  to  make. 


Wherefore  our  choir,  in  thankfulness 
adoring, 
Lifteth  its  voice  with  melody  of  laud, 
While  he  on  high  for  us  his  prayer  is 
pouring, 
Unto  his  God. 


5- 
Glory  and  honour,  virtue  and  salvation 
Be  unto  Him,  Who,  in   His  might 
divine, 
Ruleth  supremely  over  all  creation, 
One  and  yet  Trine.    Amen. 

Verse.  The  Lord  loved  him  and 
beautified  him. 

Answer.  He  clothed  him  with 
a  robe  of  glory. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  l  I  will  liken  him 
unto  a  wise  man,  *  which  built  his 
house  upon  a  rock. 

For  Doctors. 

O  right  excellent  Teacher,  Light 
of  the  Holy  Church,  N.  {here  insert 
his  name)  blessed  lover  of  the 
Divine  Law,  pray  for  us  to  the  Son 
of  God. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Lord,  He  is 
the  King  of  the  Confessors.  *  O 
come,   let    us   worship    Him. 

Hymn  as  at  First  Vespers. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Only  three  Psalms  are  said. 

First  Antiphon.  Blessed  is  the 
man  *  that  doth  meditate  in  the 
law  of  the  Lord :  his  delight  is 
therein  day  and  night,  and  what- 
soever he  doeth  shall  prosper. 

Ps.  i.  Blessed  is  the  man,  &c, 
(A  4.) 


1  Matth.  vii.  24. 


532 


THE  COMMON   OF  SAINTS. 


Second  Antiphon.  Blessed  and 
holy  is  he  *  that  putteth  his  trust 
in  the  Lord,  that  declareth  the 
decree  of  the  Lord,  and  is  set 
upon  His  holy  hill. 

Ps.  ii.  Why  do  the  heathen,  &c, 
(A  4.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Thou,  O  Lord, 
art  my  glory,  *  Thou  art  a  shield 
for  me :  Thou  art  the  Lifter-up  of 
mine  head,  and  Thou  hast  heard 
me  out  of  Thy  holy  hill. 

Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,  (p.  5.) 

Verse.  The  Lord  loved  him  and 
beautified  him. 

Answer.  He  clothed  him  with 
a  robe  of  glory. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Wisdom  (iv.  7.) 

^P HOUGH  the  righteous  be  pre- 
-*-  vented  with  death,  yet  shall 
he  be  in  rest.  For  honourable  age 
is  not  that  which  standeth  in  length 
of  time,  nor  that  is  measured  by 
number  of  years :  but  wisdom  is 
the  grey  hair  unto  men,  and  an 
unspotted  life  is  old  age.  He 
pleased  God,  and  was  beloved  of 
Him,  so  that  living  among  sinners, 
he  was  translated.  He  was  taken 
away  speedily,  lest  that  wickedness 
should  alter  his  understanding,  or 
deceit  beguile  his  soul.  For  the 
bewitching  of  naughtiness  doth  ob- 
scure things  that  are  honest,  and 
the  wandering  of  concupiscence 
doth  undermine  the  simple  mind. 
He,  being  made  perfect  in  a  short 
time,  fulfilled  a  long  time :   for  his 


soul  pleased  the  Lord :  therefore 
hasted  He  to  take  him  away  from 
among  the  wicked. 


First  Responsory. 

Well  done,  thou  good  and  faith- 
ful servant,  thou  hast  been  faith- 
ful over  a  few  things,  I  will  make 
thee  ruler  over  many  things ;  en- 
ter thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord. 

Verse.  Lord,  Thou  deliveredst 
unto  me  five  talents ;  behold,  I 
have  gained  beside  them  five  talents 
more. 

Answer.  Enter  thou  into  the 
joy  of  thy  Lord. 


Second  Lesson. 

r  I  ^HIS  the  people  saw,  and  under- 
-■-  stood  it  not,  neither  laid  they 
this  up  in  their  minds,  that  the 
grace  of  God  and  His  mercy  are 
with  His  Saints,  and  that  He  hath 
respect  unto  His  chosen.  Thus  the 
righteous  that  is  dead  doth  condemn 
the  ungodly  which  are  living,  and 
youth  that  is  soon  perfected,  the 
many  years  of  the  unrighteous.  For 
they  shall  see  the  end  of  the  wise, 
and  shall  not  understand  what  God 
in  His  counsel  hath  decreed  of  him, 
and  to  what  end  the  Lord  hath  set 
him  in  safety.  They  shall  see  him 
and  despise  him :  but  the  Lord 
shall  laugh  them  to  scorn.  And 
they  shall  thereafter  fall  without 
honour,  and  be  a  reproach  among 
the  dead  for  evermore :  for  when 
they  are  puffed  up,  He  shall  rend 
them,  and  they  shall  be  speechless, 
and  He  shall  shake  them  from  the 
foundation,  and  they  shall  be  utterly 
laid  waste. 


FOR   A   CONFESSOR    NOT   A   BISHOP. 


533 


Second  Respo7isory. 

1  The  righteous  shall  grow  as  the 
lily ;  yea,  he  shall  flourish  in  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 

Verse.  2  Those  that  be  planted 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  shall 
flourish  in  the  courts  of  the  house 
of  our  God. 

Answer.  Yea,  he  shall  flourish 
in  the  presence  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  they  shall  be  in  sorrow,  and 
their  memorial  shall  perish. 
When  they  cast  up  the  accounts  of 
their  sins  they  shall  come  with  fear, 
and  their  own  iniquities  shall  con- 
vince them  to  their  face,  (v.)  Then 
shall  the  righteous  stand  in  great 
boldness  before  the  face  of  such  as 
have  afflicted  them,  and  made  no 
account  of  their  labours.  When 
they  see  it,  they  shall  be  troubled 
with  terrible  fear,  and  shall  be  amazed 
at  the  strangeness  of  their  salvation, 
and  they,  repenting  and  groaning  for 
anguish  of  spirit,  shall  say  within 
themselves  :  These  were  they  whom 
we  had  sometimes  in  derision,  and 
a  proverb  of  reproach.  We  fools  ac- 
counted their  life  madness,  and  their 
end  to  be  without  honour.  Behold, 
how  they  are  numbered  among  the 
children  of  God,  and  their  lot  is 
among  the  Saints. 

Third  Responsory. 

This  is  he  which  knew  righteous- 
ness, and  saw  great  wonders,  and 
made  his  prayer  unto  the  Most 
High ;  and  he  is  numbered  among 
the  Saints. 

Verse.     This  is  he  which  loved  not 


his  life  in  this  world,  and  is  come 
unto  an  everlasting  kingdom. 

Answer.  And  he  is  numbered 
among  the  Saints. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  he  is  numbered 
among  the  Saints. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  When  His  holy 
one  called,  *  the  Lord  heard  him ; 
yea,  the  Lord  heard  him,  and  gave 
him  peace. 

Psalm  IV. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  direction  of  (now)  uncertain 
meaning.] 

WHEN  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  ?  3 

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.3 

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, 


1  Hos.  xiv.  6  ; 

Isa.  xvii.  II,  &c. 

2  Ps.  xci.  14. 

3  SLH 

VOL.  I. 

S  2 

534 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


More  than  in  the  time  that  their 
corn,  and  wine,  and  oil  *  increased. 
I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace, 

*  and  sleep, 

For  Thou,  Lord,  only  *  makest 
me  to  dwell  in  safety. 

Second  Antiphon.  Let  all  those 
that  put  their  trust  in  Thee  rejoice, 

0  Lord,  for  Thou  hast  blessed  the 
righteous ;  *  Thou  hast  compassed 
him  with  Thy  favour  as  with  a 
shield. 

Psalm  V. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  superscription.] 

f~^  IVE  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  :  * 

1  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. 

0  Lord,  Thou  hast  compassed 
us  *  with  Thy  favour  as  with  a 
shield. 

Third  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  our 
Ruler,  *  how  excellent  is  Thy  Name 
in  all  the  earth  !  Who  hast  crowned 
Thine  holy  one  with  glory  and  hon- 
our, and  madest  him  to  have  domin- 
ion over  the  works  of  Thy  hands. 

Psalm  VIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."  It  has 
also  a  title  which  seems  to  show  that  it  was 
a  song  for  the  vintage.] 

r~\  LORD,  our  Lord,  *  how  ex- 
^~J  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, 


1  This  verse  was  quoted  by  our  Lord,  concerning  those  who  cried  Hosannah  on  Palm 
Sunday,  Matthew  xxi.  16. 


FOR   A   CONFESSOR   NOT   A   BISHOP, 


535 


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. 

O  Lord,  our  Lord,  *  how  ex- 
cellent is  Thy  Name  in  all  the 
earth  ! 

Verse.  l  The  mouth  of  the  right- 
eous speaketh  wisdom. 

Answer.  And  his  tongue  talketh 
judgment. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.] 
{On  St  Fhilogonius,  Tom.  iii.) 

"  I  ^HE  blessed  N.,  (here  insert  the 
■*■  name  of  the  Saint  whose  Feast 
is  being  kept,)  whose  Feast  we  are 
this  day  keeping,  doth  justly  call  on 
our  tongue  to  tell  what  great  deeds 
he  wrought.  To-day  did  that  blessed 
servant  of  God  pass  into  that  higher 
life,  which  is  a  life  of  peace,  a  life 
where  there  is  no  trouble.  To-day 
his  ship  reached  that  harbour  where- 
after wreck  is  to  be  dreaded  no  more. 
He  hath  felt  trouble  and  anguish  of 
spirit  for  the  last  time.     And  where- 


fore marvel  we  that  that  place  is  one 
where  the  mind  is  vexed  no  more, 
when  we  remember  that  Paul  saith 
even  to  men  living  here  in  this  life 
— "  Rejoice  evermore,  pray  without 
ceasing"?  (i  Thess.  v.  16,  17.) 

Fourth  Responsory. 

2  The  Lord  made  him  honourable, 
and  defended  him  from  his  enemies, 
and  kept  him  safe  from  those  that 
lay  in  wait  for  him,  and  gave  him 
perpetual  glory. 

Verse.  He  went  down  with  him 
into  the  pit,  and  left  him  not  in 
bonds. 

Answer.  And  gave  him  perpetual 
glory. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T_T  ERE  there  are  sicknesses,  here 
-■-  -*-  there  are  strivings,  here  there 
are  untimely  deaths,  here  there  are 
lies,  here  there  are  jealousies,  here 
there  are  troubles,  here  there  is 
anger,  here  there  are  lustings,  here 
there  are  pit-falls  unnumbered,  here 
there  are  daily  cares,  here  one  evil 
followeth  after  another,  and  all  bring 
vexation.  And  yet  Paul  hath  it  that 
even  here  a  man  may  rejoice  ever- 
more, if  he  will  but  raise  his  head 
above  the  flood  of  earthly  things, 
and  order  his  life  aright.  How  much 
better  shall  we  fare  when  we  have 
passed  away  from  all  these  things, 
and  all  these  things  are  taken  away 
from  us,  when  we  shall  have  no  ill- 
health,  nor  disease,  nor  matter 
wherein  to  sin,  when  that  hard 
thing,  right  of  property,  shall  exist 
no  more,  whereby  all  unrighteousness 
cometh  into  this  life,  and  strifes  un- 
numbered are  begotten. 


1  Ps.  xxxvi.  30. 


a  Wisd.  x.  11-14,  substituting  "Lord  "  for  "Wisdom." 


536 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Fifth  Responsory. 

The  Lord  loved  him  and  beauti- 
fied him  :  He  clothed  him  with  a 
robe  of  glory,  and  crowned  him  at 
the  gates  of  Paradise. 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  put  on 
him  the  breast-plate  of  faith,1  and 
hath  adorned  him. 

Answer.  And  crowned  him  at 
the  gates  of  Paradise. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

TN  this  verily  do  I  most  chiefly 
■*■  rejoice,  for  the  happiness  of 
that  holy  servant  of  God,  in  that, 
being  taken  away  hence,  and  having 
found  here  no  abiding  city,  he  is 
become  a  citizen  of  that  other  city, 
which  is  the  city  of  the  living  God  : 
from  the  Church  here  he  is  gone, 
but  he  is  come  unto  the  Church  of 
the  first-born,  which  are  written  in 
heaven,  (Heb.  xii.  22,  23);  he  keep- 
eth  holiday  with  us  no  more,  but  he 
is  passed  to  where  he  holdeth  high 
festival  with  Angels.  And  what  be 
that  city,  and  that  Church,  and  that 
festival  above,  Paul  biddeth  us 
know,  saying :  "  Ye  are  come  unto 
the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heav- 
enly Jerusalem,  and  unto  the  Church 
of  the  first-born  which  are  written  in 
heaven,  and  to  an  innumerable  com- 
pany of  Angels." 

Sixth  Responsory. 

2  This  is  he  which  did  according 
unto  all  that  God  commanded  him  ; 
and  God  said  unto  him :  Enter 
thou  into  My  rest ;  for  thee  have  I 
seen  righteous  before  Me  among  all 
people. 

Verse.     This  is  he  which   loved 


not  his  life  in  this  world,  and  is 
come  unto  an  everlasting  kingdom. 

Answer.  For  thee  have  I  seen 
righteous  before  Me  among  all 
people. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  For  thee  have  I  seen 
righteous  before  Me  among  all 
people. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Lord,  this  Thy 
Saint  *  shall  dwell  in  Thy  taber- 
nacle, and  this  that  hath  worked 
righteousness  shall  abide  upon  Thy 
holy  hill. 

Psalm  XIV. 
[Intituled  "  A  Psalm  of  David."] 

T  ORD,  who  shall  abide  in  Thy 
-^  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. 

Second  Antiphon.  He  asked  life 
of    Thee,    *    and   Thou,    O    Lord, 


1  1  Thess.  v.  8. 


2  Cf.  Gen.  vii.  5,  1  ;  Ps.  xciv.  11  ;  Heb.  iv.  II. 


FOR   A   CONFESSOR   NOT   A   BISHOP. 


537 


gavest  it :  honour  and  great  ma- 
jesty hast  Thou  laid  upon  him  : 
Thou  hast  set  a  crown  of  precious 
stones  upon  his  head. 

Psalm  XX. 

[This  Psalm  also  bears  the  same  title  as 
the  xviiith.] 

HTHE  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  per- 
form. 

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. 

Third  Antiphon.  He  shall  re- 
ceive *  a  blessing  from  the  Lord, 
and  mercy  from  the  God  of  his  sal- 
vation :  for  this  is  the  generation 
of  them  that  seek  the  Lord. 

Psalm  XXIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."  The 
Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  add  "for  the  first 
day  of  the  week."] 

'"PHE  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 


SLH. 


538 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


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 

Verse.  2The  law  of  his  God  is 
in  his  heart. 

Answer.  None  of  his  steps  shall 
slide. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xii. 
35-) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
^*  His  disciples  :  Let  your  loins 
be  girded  about,  and  your  lights 
burning.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great]     (13M  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  the 
words  of  the  Holy  Gospel,  which 
have  just  been  read,  lie  open  be- 
fore you,  and,  lest  their  very  plain- 
ness should  make  them  seem  to 
some  to  be  hard,  we  will  go  through 
them  with  such  shortness  as  that 
neither  may  they  which  understand 
not  remain  unenlightened,  nor  they 
which  understand  be  wearied.  The 
Lord  saith :  "  Let  your  loins  be 
girded  about."  Now,  we  gird  our 
loins  about,  when  by  continency  we 
master  the  lustful  inclination  of  the 
flesh.  But,  forasmuch  as  it  sufficeth 
not  for  a  man  to  abstain  from  evil 

1  SLH. 


deeds,  if  he  strive  not  to  join  thereto 
the  earnest  doing  of  good  works,  it 
is  immediately  added :  "  And  your 
lights  burning."  Our  lights  burn 
when,  by  good  works,  we  give  bright 
example  to  our  neighbour  ;  concern- 
ing which  works  the  Lord  saith : 
"  Let  your  light  so  shine  before 
men,  that  they  may  see  your  good 
works,  and  glorify  your  Father  Which 
is  in  heaven."     (Matth.  v.  16.) 

Seventh  Responsory. 

This  is  he  which  wrought  great 
wonders  before  God,  and  praised 
the  Lord  with  all  his  heart.  May 
he  pray  for  all  people,  that  their 
sins  may  be  forgiven  unto  them  ! 

Verse.  Behold  a  man  without 
blame,  a  worshipper  of  God  in 
truth,  keeping  himself  clean  from 
every  evil  work,  and  abiding  still 
in  his  innocency. 

Answer.  May  he  pray  for  all 
people,  that  their  sins  may  be  for- 
given unto  them ! 

Eighth  Blessing. 

He  whose  feast-day  we  are  keeping 
Be  our  Advocate  with  God. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

TTERE,  then,  are  two  command- 
*  -*-  ments,  to  gird  our  loins 
about,  and  to  keep  our  lights  burn- 
ing— the  cleanness  of  purity  in  our 
body,  and  the  light  of  the  truth  in 
our  works.  Whoso  hath  the  one 
and  not  the  other,  pleaseth  not 
thereby  our  Redeemer ;  that  is,  he 
pleaseth  Him  not  which  doth  good 
works,  but  bridleth  not  himself  from 
the    pollutions    of  lust,    neither    he 

2  Ps.  xxx vi.  31. 


FOR   A  CONFESSOR   NOT   A   BISHOP. 


539 


which  is  eminent  in  chastity,  but 
exerciseth  not  himself  in  good 
works.  Neither  is  chastity  a  great 
thing  without  good  works,  nor  good 
works  anything  without  chastity. 
And  if  any  man  do  both,  it  remain- 
eth  that  he  must  look  by  hope 
toward  our  Fatherland  above,  and 
not  have  for  his  reason  wherethrough 
he  turneth  himself  away  from  vice, 
the  love  of  honour  in  this  present 
world. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

Let  your  loins  be  girded  about, 
and  your  lights  burning,  and  ye 
yourselves  like  unto  men  that  wait 
for  their  lord,  when  he  will  return 
from  the  wedding. 

Verse.  Watch,  therefore,  for  ye 
know  not  what  hour  your  Lord  doth 
come. 

Answer.  And  ye  yourselves  like 
unto  men  that  wait  for  their  lord, 
when  he  will  return  from  the  wed- 
ding. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  ye  yourselves  like 
unto  men  that  wait  for  their  lord, 
when  he  will  return  from  the  wed- 
ding. 

Eighth  Resp07isory  for  Doctors. 

In  the  midst  of  the  congregation 
did  the  Lord  open  his  mouth.  And 
filled  him  with  the  spirit  of  wisdom 
and  understanding. 

Verse.  He  made  him  rich  with 
joy  and  gladness. 

Answer.  And  filled  him  with  the 
spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 


Anszver.  And  filled  him  with  the 
spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  ye  yourselves  like  unto 
*~*-  men  that  wait  for  their  lord, 
when  he  will  return  from  the  wed- 
ding :  that,  when  he  cometh  and 
knocketh,  they  may  open  unto  him 
immediately."  The  Lord  cometh 
at  the  hour  of  judgment :  He 
knocketh  when,  by  the  pains  of 
sickness,  He  biddeth  us  know  that 
death  is  nigh.  To  Him  open  we 
immediately,  if  we  receive  Him  in 
love.  Whoso  feareth  to  leave  this 
body,  will  not  open  to  the  Judge 
when  He  knocketh,  for  he  dreadeth 
to  see  that  Judge,  Whom  he  know- 
eth  that  he  hath  despised.  But 
whosoever  knoweth  that  his  hope 
and  works  are  built  upon  a  good 
foundation,  when  he  heareth  the 
Judge  knock,  openeth  to  Him  im- 
mediately, for  to  such  an  one  that 
coming  is  blessed, — yea,  when  the 
hour  of  death  is  at  hand,  such  an 
one  haileth  with  gladness  a  glorious 
reward. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  1  Lord,  Thou 
deliveredst  unto  me  five  talents  :  * 
behold,  I  have  gained  beside  them 
five  talents  more. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  Well  done, 
thou  good  servant,  *  thou  hast 
been  faithful  in  a  very  little,  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord. 

Third  Antiphon.  3  A  faithful  and 
wise  servant  *  whom  his  Lord  hath 
made  ruler  over  His  household. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  i  Blessed  is 
that    servant    *    whom    his    Lord, 


1  Matth.  xxv.  20. 
3  Matth.  xxiv.  45. 


2  Matth.  xxv.  21  ;  Luke  xix.  17. 

4  Matth.  xxiv.  46 ;  Luke  xii.  36,  37  ;  Apoc.  iii.  20. 


54Q 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


when  He  cometh  and  knocketh 
at  the  door,  shall  find  watching. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  1Thou  good  and 
faithful  servant,  *  enter  thou  into 
the  joy  of  thy  Lord. 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxxi.  8.) 

"DLESSED  is  the  man  that  is 
*-*  found  without  blemish,  and 
hath  not  gone  after  gold,  neither 
hath  put  his  trust  in  riches,  nor  in 
treasure.  Who  is  he,  and  we  will 
call  him  blessed?  For  wonderful 
things  hath  he  done  in  his  life. 

Hymn? 

T  ESUS  !  Eternal  Truth  sublime  ! 
J      Through  endless  years  the  Same ! 
Thou  Crown  of  those  who  through  all 
time 
Confess  Thy  Holy  Name  ! 

Thy    suppliant    people,    through     the 
prayer 

Of  Thy  blest  Saint,  forgive  ; 
For  his  dear  sake  Thy  wrath  forbear, 

And  bid  our  spirits  live. 

Again  returns  the  sacred  day 
With  heavenly  glory  bright, 

Which  saw  him  go  upon  his  way 
Into  the  realms  of  light. 

All  objects  of  our  vain  desire, 

All  earthly  joys  and  gains, 
To  him  were  but  as  filthy  mire  ; 

And  now  with  Thee  he  reigns. 

Thee,  JESUS,  his  all-gracious  Lord, 

Confessing  to  the  last, 
He  trod  beneath  him  Satan's  fraud, 

And  stood  for  ever  fast. 

In  holy  deeds  of  faith  and  love, 

In  fastings  and  in  prayers, 
His  days  were  spent ;  and  now  above 

Thy  heavenly  Feast  he  shares. 


Then  for  his  sake  Thy  wrath  lay  by, 
And  hear  us  while  we  pray  ; 

And  pardon  us,  O  Thou  Most  High  ! 
On  this  his  festal  day. 

All  glory  to  the  Father  be, 

And  Sole  Incarnate  Son  ; 
Praise,  Holy  Paraclete,  to  Thee, 

While  endless  ages  run.     Amen. 

Verse.  The  Lord  guided  the  just 
in  right  paths. 

Answer.  And  showed  him  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacha- 
rias.  Well  done,  thou  good  and 
faithful  servant ;  *  thou  hast  been 
faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will 
make  thee  ruler  over  many  things  : 
enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord. 

Prayer. 

f~\  GOD,  Who,  year  by  year,  dost 
^-*  gladden  us  by  the  solemn 
Feast-day  of  Thy  blessed  Confessor 
{here  insert  his  name,)  mercifully 
grant  unto  all  who  keep  his  birth- 
day, grace  to  follow  after  the  pattern 
of  his  godly  conversation.  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. 

Another  Prayer. 

f~\  LORD,  mercifully  hear  the 
^-^  supplications  which  we  offer 
unto  Thee  on  this  the  solemn 
Feast-day  of  Thy  blessed  Confes- 
sor {here  insert  his  name,)  and,  for- 
asmuch as  we  put  no  trust  in  our 
own  righteousness,  grant  that  we 
may  be  holpen  by  his  prayers  who 
walked  with  Thee.      Through    our 


1  Matth.  xxv.  21  ;  Luke  xix.  17. 

2  Hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  slightly  altered  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 


FOR   A   CONFESSOR    NOT   A   BISHOP. 


541 


Lord  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  Who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in 
the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

For  Doctors. 

OGod,  Who  didst  give  unto 
Thy  people  Thy  blessed  ser- 
vant N.  {here  insert  his  name)  to 
feed  them  with  the  bread  of  eternal 
life,  grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that 
even  as  on  earth  he  showed  unto  us 
Thy  lively  word,  so  in  heaven  we 
may  worthily  be  holpen  by  the  suc- 
cour of  his  prayers  to  Thee  on  our 
behalf.  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. 

The  same  Prayer  throughout  the  day. 


Antiphon.      Lord,   Thou   deliver- 
edst,  &c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds?) 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Wisdom  x.  io.) 

HP  HE  Lord  guided  the  just  in 
-■-  right  paths,  showed  him  the 
kingdom  of  God,  and  gave  him 
knowledge  of  holy  things,  made  him 
rich  in  his  travails,  and  multiplied 
the  fruit  of  his  labours. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.     Well  done,  &c,  {Sec- 
ond Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Laudsi 

Short  Responsory. 

The  Lord  loved  him,  and  beauti- 
fied him. 


Answer.  The  Lord  loved  him, 
and  beautified  him. 

Verse.  He  clothed  him  with  a 
robe  of  glory. 

Answer.     And  beautified  him. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  loved  him, 
and  beautified  him. 

Verse.  The  mouth  of  the  right- 
eous speaketh  wisdom. 

Anszver.  And  his  tongue  talketh 
judgment. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  A  faithful  and  wise 
servant,  *  &c,  {Third  Antiphon  at 
Lauds?) 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxxix.  6.) 

THE  righteous  giveth  his  heart 
to  resort  early  to  the  Lord 
that  made  him,  and  will  pray  be- 
fore the  Most  High. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  mouth  of  the  righteous 
speaketh  wisdom. 

Answer.  The  mouth  of  the 
righteous  speaketh  wisdom. 

Verse.  And  his  tongue  talketh 
judgment. 

Answer.  The  righteous  speaketh 
wisdom. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  mouth  of  the 
righteous  speaketh  wisdom. 

Verse.  The  law  of  his  God  is 
in  his  heart. 

Answer.  None  of  his  steps  shall 
slide. 


542 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


NONE. 

Atitiphoti.  Thou  good  and  faith- 
ful servant,  &c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at 
Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  law  of  his  God  is  in  his 
heart. 

Answer.  The  law  of  his  God  is 
in  his  heart. 

Verse.  None  of  his  steps  shall 
slide. 

Answer.     In  his  heart. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  law  of  his  God  is 
in  his  heart. 

Verse.  The  Lord  guideth  the  just 
in  right  paths. 

Answer.  And  showed  him  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Same  as  at  First  Vespers,  except  the 
Jolloiving. 

Verse  and  Answer  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  1  Lo,  a  servant  of 
God  who  esteemed  but  little  things 
earthly. 

And  by  word  and  work  laid  him 
up  treasure  in  heaven. 

For  Doctors. 

O  right  excellent  Teacher,  Light 
of  the  Holy  Church,  N.  [here  insert 
his  name)  blessed  lover  of  the  Divine 
Law,  pray  for  us  to  the  Son  of  God. 


©tfjer  Cessans  for  leasts  of 
a  Confessor  not  a  Btsfyop. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 


First  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Ecclesiasticus  (xxxi.  8.) 

BLESSED  is  the  man  that  is 
found  without  blemish,  and 
hath  not  gone  after  gold,  neither 
hath  put  his  trust  in  riches  nor  in 
treasure.  Who  is  he,  and  we  will 
call  him  blessed  ?  For  wonderful 
things  hath  he  done  in  his  life. 
Whoso  hath  been  tried  thereby, 
and  found  perfect,  the  same  shall 
have  glory  for  ever ;  who  might 
offend,  and  hath  not  offended ;  or 
done  evil,  and  hath  not  done  it. 
His  goods  are  established  in  the 
Lord,  and  all  the  congregation  of 
the  Saints  shall  declare  his  alms. 

Second  Lesson,     (xxxii.  18.) 

WHOSO  feareth  the  Lord  will 
receive  His  discipline :  and 
they  that  seek  Him  early  shall  find 
His  blessing.  He  that  seeketh  the 
law  shall  be  filled  therewith :  but 
the  hypocrites  shall  be  offended 
thereat.  They  that  fear  the  Lord 
shall  find  righteous  judgment,  and 
shall  kindle  justice  as  a  light.  (28.) 
He  that  believeth  God  taketh  heed 
to  the  commandments  :  and  he  that 
trusteth  in  Him  shall  fare  never  the 
worse,  (xxxiii.  1.)  There  shall  no 
evil  happen  unto  him  that  feareth 
the  Lord :  but  in  temptation  God 
will  keep  him,  and  deliver  him  from 
evil.  A  wise  man  hateth  not  the 
commandments      and      judgments, 


1  An  elegiac  couplet. 


FOR   A  CONFESSOR   NOT  A  BISHOP. 


543 


neither  is  he  tossed  to  and  fro 
therein  as  a  ship  in  a  storm.  A 
man  of  understanding  trusteth  in 
the  law  of  God,  and  the  law  is 
faithful  unto  him. 

Third  Lesson,     (xxxiv.  14.) 

T^HE  spirit  of  those  that  fear  God 
1  is  precious,  and  is  blessed  in 
His  sight.  For  their  hope  is  in 
Him  that  saveth  them,  and  the  eyes 
of  God  are  upon  them  that  love 
Him.  Whoso  feareth  the  Lord 
shall  fear  nothing,  nor  be  afraid, 
for  He  is  his  hope.  Blessed  is  the 
soul  of  him  that  feareth  the  Lord. 
To  Whom  doth  he  look  ?  And 
Who  is  his  strength  ?  The  eyes  of 
the  Lord  are  upon  them  that  fear 
Him,  He  is  their  mighty  protection, 
and  strong  stay ;  a  defence  from 
heat,  and  a  cover  from  the  sun  at 
noon,  a  preservation  from  stumbling, 
and  an  help  from  falling.  He  rais- 
eth  up  the  soul,  and  lighteneth  the 
eyes ;  He  giveth  health,  and  life, 
and  blessing. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Moral  [Reflectionjs  upon  Job, 
written  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]  (Bk.  x.  Chap.  xvi.  on 
Job  xii.) 

'  I  AHE  simplicity  of  the  righteous 
-*-  is  made  a  subject  of  derision. 
The  wisdom  of  this  world  hideth  our 
true  feelings  by  artifice,  and  useth 
language  to  conceal  our  thoughts ; 
this  is  the  wisdom  which  demon- 
strated! the  truth  of  falsehood,  and 
showeth  the  falsehood  of  the  truth. 


This  kind  of  shrewdness  the  young 
acquire  by  practice,  and  children  pay 
for  the  learning  it.  Those  who  are 
good  at  this  look  down  upon  their 
neighbours ;  those  who  are  bad  at 
it  are  humble  and  timid,  and  wonder 
at  it  in  others ;  they  regard  this 
astuteness  too,  wrong  though  it  be, 
with  wistful  admiration,  under  soft- 
ened epithets.  Unstraightforward- 
ness  is  called  good  breeding.  The 
principles  of  the  world  teach  those 
who  entertain  them,  to  try  and  rise 
to  distinction,  and  when  they  have 
attained  the  bubble  of  glory  which 
is  so  soon  to  pass  away,  to  feel  it 
sweet  to  have  at  their  feet  them 
on  whom  they  may  wreak  rich 
revenge.  These  principles  teach 
a  man,  as  long  as  he  is  strong 
enough,  to  give  way  to  nobody 
else,  and,  if  he  hath  no  chance  by 
force,  to  try  and  attain  his  object 
by  diplomacy. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

'T^HE  wisdom  of  the  righteous  is 
'  ^  the  contrary  of  all  this.  They 
seek  to  avoid  deception,  to  give  their 
thoughts  a  clear  expression  in  their 
words,  to  love  the  truth  because  it  is 
the  truth,  to  avoid  falsehood,  and 
rather  to  suffer  than  to  inflict  evil. 
Such  are  they  who  seek  not  to  avenge 
themselves  for  wrong,  and  deem  it 
gain  to  be  despised  for  the  truth's 
sake.  This  their  simplicity  is  made 
a  subject  of  derision,  for  such  as  are 
wise  in  this  world  believe  the  purity 
of  their  virtue  to  be  simple  foolery. 
Whatsoever  is  done  innocently,  they 
consider  without  doubt  stupid.  Such 
works  as  the  truth  approveth  are 
idiotic,  when  tried  by  carnal  stand- 
ards   of  wisdom.       After   all,   what 


544 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


stupider  thing  is  there  in  this  world 
than  to  express  our  real  thoughts  in 
our  words,  to  keep  nothing  quiet  by 
skilful  tact,  to  repay  no  injuries,  to 
pray  for  them  which  curse  us,  to  seek 
poverty,  to  give  up  property,  to  strive 
not  with  such  as  take  from  us,  to 
turn  the  other  cheek  to  the  smiter  ? 

Sixth  Lesson.     (C/i.  xvii.) 

"  A  LAMP  despised  in  the 
-**■  thoughts  of  the  rich,  is 
ready  for  the  time  appointed." 
(Job  xii.  5.) 1  It  often  happeneth 
that  one  of  the  elect,  who  is  on  his 
way  to  be  happy  for  ever,  is  crushed 
down  here  by  repeated  misfortunes. 
He  reposeth  in  no  luxury  of  posses- 
sions, no  distinction  marketh  him  as 
honourable  among  men,  no  admir- 
ing followers  court  him,  no  rich 
dress  maketh  comely  his  bodily 
appearance.  Everybody  seeth  in 
him  a  person  to  be  looked  down 
upon,  and  his  reputation  is  that  of 
one  unworthy  of  the  world's  favour. 
And  yet,  that  is  a  man  who,  to  the 
eyes  of  the  Judge  Who  seeth  in' 
secret,  is  glorious  through  virtue, 
whose  life  is  radiant  with  worth. 
He  disliketh  to  be  honoured,  and 
doth  not  refuse  to  meet  with  con- 
tempt. He  bringeth  abstinence  to 
bear  on  his  body,  and  his  luxury  is 
spiritual  richness  in  love.  He  trieth 
to  keep  his  feelings  patient,  and 
when  he  hath  to  stand  up  for  right- 
eousness' sake,  is  glad  to  be  despised. 
He  feeleth  from  his  heart  for  the 
afflicted,  and  the  prosperity  of  the 
godly  giveth  him  as  much  pleasure 
as  if  it  were  his  own.  He  is  care- 
ful inwardly  to  digest    the   food   of 


the  Holy  Word.  When  he  is  in- 
quired of,  he  doth  not  know  how 
to  give  a  double  answer. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xii.  32.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
^*-  His  disciples  :  Fear  not,  little 
flock,  for  it  is  your  Father's  good 
pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  the  Venerable  Bede, 
Priest  [at  Jarrow  and  Doctor  of  the 
Church.]  {Bk.  iv.  Ch.  54  on  Luke 
xii.) 

The  elect  are  called  a  little  flock, 
perchance  because  the  reprobate  are 
far  more  in  number  than  they,  but, 
more  probably,  because  they  love  to 
be  lowly,  since  it  is  God's  will  that 
however  much  His  Church  should 
grow  in  numbers,  she  should  grow 
with  lowliness  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world,  and  should  enter  lowly 
into  that  kingdom  which  is  hers  by 
His  promise.  That  kingdom  He 
promiseth  to  her  here,  when  He 
biddeth  her  to  seek  only  the  king- 
dom of  God,  and,  to  comfort  her  in 
her  travail,  He  doth  so  sweetly  and 
so  graciously  say  that  her  Father  will 
give  it  to  her. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  OELL   that    ye    have    and    give 

^     alms."     Fear  not,  He  saith, 

lest,  while  ye  fight  for  the  kingdom 

of  God,  ye  should  lack  such  things 

1  I.e. ,  the  just  man  seems  to  shine  now  but  dimly,  but  at  the  same  time  he  shall  shine 
in  splendour. — Abp.  Kenrick. 


FOR   A   CONFESSOR   NOT   A   BISHOP. 


545 


as  are  needful  for  this  life,  nay  rather, 
sell  even  that  which  ye  have,  and 
give  alms.  This  doth,  whosoever 
for  the  Lord's  sake  leaveth  all  that 
he  hath,  and  then  worketh  with  his 
hands,  that  so  he  may  have  to  eat, 
and  withal  to  give  alms.  In  this 
doth  the  Apostle  boast  himself,  say- 
ing :  "  I  have  coveted  no  man's 
silver,  or  gold,  or  apparel,  as  ye 
yourselves  know :  for  these  hands 
have  ministered  unto  my  necessities, 
and  to  them  that  were  with  me.  I 
have  showed  you  all  things,  how 
that  so  labouring  ye  ought  to  support 
the  weak."     (Acts  xx.  33,  34,  35.) 

Ninth  Lesson. 

u  pROVIDE  yourselves  bags 
*  which  wax  not  old" — that 
is  to  say,  by  almsgiving,  the  reward 
thereof  remaineth  for  ever.  Never- 
theless, we  must  not  think  here  that 
this  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
Saints  to  keep  money  for  their  own 
use,  and  for  helping  of  the  poor. 
The  Lord  Himself,  to  Whom  Angels 
ministered,  had  a  bag,  and  kept 
therein  that  which  the  faithful  people 
gave  unto  Him  (John  xii.  6,)  to  re- 
lieve therewith  the  need  of  His 
disciples,  and  other  poor  folk.  But 
we  are  commanded  not  to  serve 
God  for  gain,  nor  to  work  unright- 
eousness for  fear  of  poverty. 


Number  is  altered  into  the  Plural.  For 
example:  "The  blessed  N.  and  N., 
whose  Feast  we  are  this  day  keeping, 
do  justly  call,  &c,  &c." 


If  it  should  be  that  several  Confessors 
not  Bishops  are  to  be  honoured  by  one 
Feast,  the  Office  is  the  same  as  that  just 
given,  except  the  following : 

1.  In  the  Common  Prayer  the  words 
"  Thy  blessed  Confessor  N."  are  altered 
into  "Thy  blessed  Confessors  N.  and 
N.,"  and  the  word  "  his"  into  "  their." 

2.  In  the  Sermon  by  St  John  Chry- 
sostom  everything  said,  in  the  Singular 


For  A  b bats  the  Office  is  as  above,  ex- 
cept the  following: 

Prayer. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  that 
^~s  the  prayers  of  Thy  blessed 
Abbat  N.  (here  insert  his  name)  may 
commend  us  unto  Thee,  and  that 
what  for  our  own  worthiness  we 
cannot  obtain,  Thou  mayest  grant 
us  through  his  help.  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. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xix.  27,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Jerome  upon  the  same, 
(A  47I-) 

Other  Lessons. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xi. 

A  T  that  time  Jesus  answered 
**»  and  said  :  I  thank  Thee,  O 
Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
because  Thou  hast  hid  these  things 
from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and 
hast  revealed  them  unto  babes. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]  (10th  Sermon  on  the  Words 
of  the  Lord.) 

"  Come  unto  Me,  all  ye  that  la- 
bour ! "     And  wherefore  labour  we 


546 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


all,  but  because  we  are  frail,  sickly, 
dying  creatures,  burdened  with 
earthen  vessels  which  distress  us? 
But  if  these  fleshly  vessels  be  dis- 
tressful, let  the  open  expanse  of  love 
be  free  and  wide.  "  Come  unto 
Me,  all  ye  that  labour  !  " — and  why  ? 
That  we  may  labour  no  more.  His 
promise  is  an  instant  promise,  for 
He  calleth  such  as  are  labouring. 
Perchance  they  will  ask  Him  what 
shall  be  their  reward?  "And  I," 
saith  He,  "will  give  you  rest.  Take 
My  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of 
Me  " — not  how  to  make  the  world, 
not  how  to  create  all  things  visible 
and  invisible,  not  to  work  wonders 
in  the  earth,  nor  to  raise  the  dead 
—  but  —  "for  I  am  meek  and 
lowly  in  heart." 

Eighth  Lesson. 

WILT  thou  be  great?  Begin 
by  being  little.  Dost  thou 
think  to  raise  up  a  lofty  building? 
Then  lay  the  foundations  thereof 
in  lowliness.  The  greater  soever, 
and  the  more  massy,  be  that  which 
any  man  thinketh  to  build,  so  much 
the  deeper  doth  he  dig  his  founda- 
tion. And  when  the  house  is  built, 
it  towereth  heavenward ;  but  he 
which  layeth  the  foundation  goeth 
down  into  the  earth.  The  build- 
ing, therefore,  is  low  before  it  is 
high,  and,  after  it  is  low,  it  riseth 
high  to  the  roof. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

WHAT  is  the  roof  of  the  house 
on  which  we  labour  ?  Whither 
do  its  spires  rise  ?  I  answer  you  at 
once ;  to  the  presence  of  God.  You 
see  how  high  it  is,  yea,  what  it  is 
to  see  God.     He   that  will,  under- 


standeth  what  I  say,  and  he 
heareth.  What  is  promised  you  is 
to  see  God,  God,  the  True,  God, 
the  Supreme.  Blessed  is  he  who 
seeth  Him  by  Whom  he  is  seen. 
Such  as  worship  false  gods  see 
them  easily,  but  they  see  them  who 
have  eyes  and  see  not.  But  unto 
us  it  is  promised  that  we  shall  see 
that  God  Who  liveth  and  seeth. 
(Gen.   xvi.    14.) 

Other  Lessons. 

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.]  {For  St  Benedict's  Birth- 
day.) 

In  the  judgment  to  come,  the 
elect  will  be  in  two  classes.  One 
class  are  they  who  have  forsaken  all, 
and  followed  the  Lord  :  and  these 
shall  judge  along  with  Him.  The 
other  class  are  they  who  have  not 
equally  forsaken  all  that  they  had, 
but  who  have  been  careful  daily  to 
give  alms  of  their  goods  to  the  poor 
of  Christ :  these  shall  be  the  sub- 
jects of  judgment,  and  these  are 
they  who  shall  then  hear  these 
words:  "Come,  ye  blessed  of  My 
Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  pre- 
pared for  you  from  the  foundation 
of  the  world :  for  I  was  an  hun- 
gered, and  ye  gave  Me  meat :  I  was 


FOR   DOCTORS   OF   THE   CHURCH. 


547 


thirsty,    and    ye    gave     Me    drink." 
(Matth.  xxv.   34,   35.) 

Eighth  Lesson, 

OF  the  reprobate  also  we  gather, 
from  the  words  of  the  Lord, 
that  there  will  be  two  classes.  One 
class  are  they  who,  being  made  par- 
takers in  the  mystery  of  Christian 
faith,  have  neglected  to  show  their 
faith  by  their  works  :  these  are  they 
to  whom  it  will  be  said  at  the  judg- 
ment :  "  Depart  from  Me,  ye  cursed, 
into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for 
the  devil  and  his  angels :  for  I  was 
an-hungered,  and  ye  gave  Me  no 
meat."  (41.)  The  other  class  are 
they  who  either  have  never  received 
the  faith  and  mysteries  of  Christ, 
or  who,  having  received,  have  apos- 
tatised, and  abandoned  it :  and 
touching  these  it  is  said :  "  But  he 
that  believeth  not  is  condemned  al- 
ready, because  he  hath  not  believed 
in  the  name  of  the  only-begotten 
Son  of  God."     (John  iii.   18.) 


Ninth  Lesson. 

A  ND  now  that  we  have  touched 
^*-  for  a  moment,  with  fear  and 
just  dread,  upon  these  things,  let  us 
rather  turn  our  hearing  to  the  right 
joyful  promises  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour.  Let  us  look  what  His  so 
great,  beautiful,  and  fatherly  love 
will  give  to  such  as  follow  Him ; 
not  the  reward  of  life  everlasting 
only,  but  gifts  exceeding  precious 
in  this  life  also.  "Every  one," 
saith  He,  "  that  hath  forsaken 
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."  For 
every  one  that  shall  forsake  earthly 
affections  and  goods,  to  go  and  be 
Christ's  disciple,  the  further  he 
goeth  on  in  Christ's  love,  the  more 
shall  he  find  who  will  rejoice  to 
give  him  a  place  in  their  hearts, 
and  to  minister  to  him  of  their 
substance. 


YTM.  dfor  lioctovg  of  t&e  <Bf)Uxtf). 


The  Office  is  that  of  a  Bishop  and 
Confessor,  or  of  a  Confessor  not  a 
Bishop,  (pp.  515  and  531)  according  as 
the  particular  Doctor  was  a  Bishop  or 
not,  with  the  differences  marked  in  those 
two  Offices,  and  the  following. 

Lessons. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Ecclesiasticus  (xxxix.  1.) 

HE  that  is  wise  will  seek  out  the 
wisdom    of    all    the    antient, 
and  be  occupied  in  prophecies.     He 


will  keep  the  sayings  of  the  renowned 
men,  and  where  subtil  parables  are, 
he  will  be  there  also.  He  will  seek 
out  the  secrets  of  grave  sentences, 
and  be  conversant  in  dark  parables. 
He  will  serve  among  great  men,  and 
appear  before  princes.  He  will 
travel  through  strange  countries,  for 
he  will  try  the  good  and  the  evil 
among  men. 

Second  Lesson. 

TIE  will  give  his  heart  to  resort 
-*■  *■  early  to  the  Lord  that  made 
him,  and  will  pray  before  the  most 


548 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


High.  He  will  open  his  mouth  in 
prayer,  and  make  supplication  for 
his  sins.  If  the  great  Lord  will, 
He  will  fill  him  with  the  spirit  of 
understanding,  and  he  shall  make 
the  utterances  of  his  wisdom  to 
distil  as  the  rain,  and  shall  give 
thanks  unto  the  Lord  in  his  prayer. 
He  shall  direct  his  counsel  and 
knowledge,  and  in  His  secrets 
shall  he  meditate. 

Third  Lesson. 

HE  shall  show  forth  that  which 
he  hath  learnt,  and  shall 
glory  in  the  law  of  the  covenant  of 
the  Lord.  Many  shall  commend 
his  understanding,  and  it  shall  not 
be  blotted  out  for  ever.  His  me- 
morial shall  not  depart  away,  and 
his  name  shall  live  from  generation 
to  generation.  Nations  shall  show 
forth  his  wisdom,  and  the  Church 
shall  declare  his  praise. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Moral  [Reflectionjs  on  Job, 
written  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (Bk.  ix.  ch.  vi.) 

1  TN  the  Book  of  Job  (ix.  9),  it  is 
*■  written  that  it  is  God  "  which 
maketh  Arcturus,  Orion,  and  Hy- 
ades." Now  if  by  the  constellation 
Orion  be  mystically  signified  the 
spiritual  constellation  of  the  holy 
Martyrs,  whom  can  we  understand 
to  be  named  after  them  under  the 
title  of  the  Hyades,  but  the  Doctors 

1  The  first  and  part  of  the  second  sentence  is  here  inserted  for  the  sake  of  the  sense. 

-  Quamobrem  prohibits  sunt  stellae  pluviarum.  This  would  appear  to  have  been  a 
copyist's  blunder  in  St  Gregory's  Bible  for  "  Quamobrem  prohibits  sunt  stillce  pluviarum 
— Therefore  the  X3.\n-drops  have  been  withholden." — Jer.  iii.  3. 


of  the  Holy  Church?  When  the 
glorious  constellation  of  the  Martyrs 
had  set,  and  the  light  of  the  faith 
grew  stronger,  then  appeared  the 
constellation  of  the  Doctors  in  the 
firmament  of  the  Church,  even  in 
that  spring-time  when  the  winter  of 
unbelief  was  past,  and  the  Sun  of 
truth  rose  higher  to  shine  on  the 
hearts  of  His  faithful  ones.  The 
storms  of  persecution  were  gone,  and 
the  long  nights  of  unbelief  were 
over ;  then  rose  the  Doctors  to  shine 
on  the  Church,  when  the  spring- 
time of  belief  promised  her  a 
brighter  year. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

IT  beseemeth  well  that  the  holy 
Doctors  be  figured  by  Hyades, 
for  these  stars  are  so  styled  from  the 
Greek  word  "  hyetos,"  and  "  hyetos  " 
signifieth  rain.  The  Hyades  are 
therefore  named  after  rain,  because 
when  they  rise  they  undoubtedly 
bring  rain.  Well,  then,  do  we  apply 
the  name  of  the  Hyades  to  those 
who,  when  they  rise  to  shine  in  the 
firmament  of  the  universal  Church, 
make  the  rain  of  holy  preaching  to 
fall  upon  the  parched  ground  of 
man's  heart.  For  if  the  word  of 
preaching  had  not  been  as  rain, 
then  had  Moses  never  said :  "  My 
doctrine  shall  drop  as  the  rain," 
(Deut.  xxxii.  2,)  nor  had  the  Truth 
said  by  Isaiah :  "  I  will  also  com- 
mand the  clouds  that  they  rain  no 
rain  upon  it,"  (v.  6,)  nor  yet  these 
words  which  we  have  just  quoted  : 
"  Therefore  the  rain-stars  have  been 
withholden." 2 


FOR   DOCTORS   OF   THE  CHURCH. 


549 


Sixth  Lesson. 

A  T  the  same  time  that  the  Hy- 
-^*-  ades  come  bringing  rain,  the 
sun  daily  riseth  higher  in  the  heavens : 
thus  do  we,  seeing  the  learning  of 
the  Doctors,  and  having  our  minds 
saturated  with  the  rain  of  preaching, 
grow  warmer  in  faith.  And  when 
the  hot  heavens  shine  fiery  over  her, 
the  wet  earth  tendeth  to  harvest  : 
thus  do  we,  when  the  fire  of  holy 
learning  burneth  bright  in  our  heart, 
tend  to  bring  forth  the  fruit  of 
good  works.  When,  day  by  day, 
we  learn  more  of  the  knowledge  of 
heavenly  things,  a  spring-time  of 
inward  light  is  opening  within  us, 
a  new  Sun  is  irradiating  our  mind, 
and,  as  we  know  Him  better  by  the 
words  of  His  Teachers,  He  doth 
daily  Himself  shine  the  more  therein. 
As  the  end  of  the  world  groweth 
nearer,  the  knowledge  of  things 
heavenly  will  grow  greater,  and  con- 
tinue to  develop  with  time. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (v. 

I3-) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto 
^*-  His  disciples :  Ye  are  the 
salt  of  the  earth ;  but  if  the  salt 
have  lost  his  savour,  wherewith  shall 
it  be  salted  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Austin,  Bishop 
[of  Hippo.]  (Bk.  i.  on  the  Lord's 
Sermon  on  the  Mount,  ch.  vi. 
torn.   4.) 

The  Lord  showeth  how  that  such 
men  are  to  be  esteemed  but  fools  as 
do    so    run    after    things    temporal, 


either  through  lust  for  abundance 
thereof,  or  through  dread  of  lack  of 
the  same,  as  to  lose  those  things 
which  are  eternal,  and  which,  as 
men  cannot  give  them,  so  likewise 
neither  can  they  take  them  away. 
If,  therefore,  the  salt  have  lost  his 
savour,  wherewith  shall  it  be  salted  ? 
This  is  as  much  as  to  say :  Ye  are 
they  by  whom  the  stale  mass  of 
mankind  is  to  be  sweetened ;  if  ye, 
therefore,  through  shrinking  from 
the  trials  of  persecutions,  which  en- 
dure but  for  a  moment,  do  your- 
selves cast  away  that  kingdom  which 
is  everlasting,  who  will  there  be  to 
correct  your  backsliding,  seeing  that 
ye  be  they,  and  none  other,  whom 
God  hath  chosen  to  correct  the 
backslidings  of  all  others  ? 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  TT  is  thenceforth  good  for 
*~  nothing,  but  to  be  cast  out, 
and  to  be  trodden  under  foot  of 
men."  He  that  suffereth  persecu- 
tion is  not  thus  trodden  under  foot 
of  men ;  he  that  in  good  sooth  is 
trodden  under  foot  of  men,  is  he 
which,  through  fear  of  persecution, 
hath  lost  his  savour.  No  man  can 
be  trodden  upon,  unless  he  be  be- 
neath him  which  treadeth  upon  him  ; 
but  he  cannot  be  beneath  his  tor- 
mentor, who,  suffer  he  how  grievously 
soever  in  his  body  upon  earth,  hath 
still  his  heart  in  heaven. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

YE  are  the  light  of  the  world." 
They  whom  the  Lord  hath, 
just  above,  called  the  salt  of  the 
earth,  the  same  doth  He  now  call 
the   light    of    the   world.       By    the 


55o 


THE  COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


earth,  whereof  they  were  said  to 
be  the  salt,  we  have  not  understood 
to  be  signified  that  earth  whereupon 
we  walk  with  our  bodily  feet,  but 
the  men  which  dwell  upon  the  earth, 
or  sinners,  for  the  sweetening  and 
correction  of  whose  stinking  corrup- 
tion the  Lord  hath  sent  His  Apostles, 
as  it  were,  as  so  much  salt.  And  so 
here  also,  by  the  world  we  are  to 
understand,  not  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  but  the  men  which  are  in  the 
world,  or  which  love  the  world  for 
the  enlightening  of  whom  the  Apos- 
tles have  been  sent. 

"A  city  that  is  set  on  an  hill 
cannot  be  hid" — that  is,  set  upon 
the  heights  of  the  same  plain  and 
great  righteousness,  whereof  the 
mountain  upon  the  which  the  Lord 
taught  was  itself  a  figure. 


Another  Homily  for  the  Third 
Nocturn. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (v. 
i3.) 

AT  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
His  disciples :  Ye  are  the 
salt  of  the  earth.  But  if  the  salt 
have  lost  his  savour,  wherewith  shall 
it  be  salted  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Hilary,  Bishop  [of 
Poitiers.]     {Comment,  on  Matth.  v.) 

"Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth. 
But  if  the  salt  have  lost  his  savour, 
wherewith  shall  it  be  salted  ?  It  is 
thenceforth  good  for  nothing,  but  to 
be  cast  out,  and  to  be  trodden  under 
foot  of  men."  There  is,  I  take  it, 
no  such  thing  as  salt  of  the  earth. 


How,  then,  can  the  Apostles  be 
called  the  salt  of  the  earth?  But 
the  true  meaning  of  these  words 
will  be  made  plain,  when  we  con- 
sider the  duty  of  Apostles,  and  the 
nature  of  salt  itself.  Now,  salt  is  a 
compound  of  the  elements  of  water 
and  fire,  out  of  the  which  two  things 
in  salt  there  is  made  one. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

'"PHIS  thing,  therefore,  thus  made 
^  to  serve  in  divers  ways  the 
use  of  men,  doth  keep  from  corrup- 
tion bodies  whereon  it  is  sprinkled, 
and  doth  readily  yield  to  all  the 
senses  the  perception  of  its  inborn 
savour.  And  thus  are  the  Apostles, 
seeing  that  they  are  the  preachers  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  in  a 
certain  sense  the  sowers  of  the 
seed  of  life  everlasting,  since  that 
Word  of  God  which  they  scatter 
hath  power  to  make  this  mortal 
put  on  immortality.  Meetly  then 
are  they  called  salt,  the  savour  of 
whose  teaching  doth  keep  sweet 
the  receiver  thereof  even  unto 
life  everlasting. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

BUT  the  nature  of  salt  is  to  be 
ever  the  same,  and  unchang- 
ing, and,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
nature  of  man  hath  this  weakness, 
to  be  changeable.  He  only  is  blessed 
who  hath  continued  even  unto  the 
end  in  all  the  works  which  God 
hath  commanded.  Therefore  doth 
the  Lord  warn  them  whom  He 
calleth  the  salt  of  the  earth,  that 
they  are  behoven  to  remain  strong 
in  that  strength  which  He  hath 
given     unto    them,    lest,    becoming 


FOR   DOCTORS   OF   THE   CHURCH. 


551 


themselves  savourless,  they  should 
be  impotent  to  season  others ;  losing 
the  freshness  of  their  own  saltness, 
be  unable  to  stop  the  corruption 
round  about  them ;  and  so  the 
Church  cast  them  out  of  her  but- 
tery, and  they  and  those  that  they 
should  have  salted,  be  together 
trodden  under  foot  of  such  as 
enter  in. 


A  Third  Homily  for  the  Third 
Nocturn. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (v. 

13.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto 
■f**  His  disciples :  Ye  are  the 
salt  of  the  earth.  But  if  the  salt 
have  lost  his  savour,  wherewith  shall 
it  be  salted  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.]  (15M 
on  Matth.) 

Consider  how  that  the  Lord  saith  : 
"  Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth,"  by 
the  which  figure  He  showeth  what  a 
necessary  of  life  is  the  Gospel.  By 
this  figure,  He  hath  us  to  know  that 
they  unto  whom  He  spake  have  an 
account  to  render,  not  of  their 
own  life  only,  but  for  the  whole 
world.  Not  unto  two  cities,  saith 
the  Lord,  nor  unto  ten,  nor 
unto  twenty,  nor  unto  one  people, 
as  I  sent  the  Prophets,  send  I  you. 
But  I  send  you  unto  every  land  and 
sea,  even  unto  the  whole  world,  lying 
groaning,  as  it  is,  under  the  burden 
of  divers  sins. 


Eighth  Lesson, 

THESE  words,  "  Ye  are  the  salt 
of  the  earth,"  show  unto  us 
the  whole  nature  of  man  as  savour- 
less and  stinking  with  the  strong 
corruption  of  sin.  And  therefore 
demandeth  He  of  His  Apostles  such 
qualities  as  are  most  needful  and 
useful  to  the  furthering  the  salvation 
of  many.  He  that  is  gentle  and 
lowly,  tender  and  just,  shutteth  not 
up  all  these  good  things  in  his  own 
heart,  but  openeth  these  bright  foun- 
tains that  they  may  gush  forth  for 
the  use  of  his  neighbour.  He  whose 
heart  is  pure,  and  who  seeketh  peace, 
suffering  persecution  for  the  truth's 
sake,  doth  still  lead  a  life  for  the 
good  of  the  commonwealth. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

THINK  not,  saith  the  Lord, 
that  the  struggle  is  easy 
whereunto  ye  shall  be  led,  neither 
shall  your  reckoning  be  of  light 
matters.  Ye  are  the  salt  of  the 
earth.  Have  ye  then  salted  that 
which  is  corrupted?  Nay,  for  it  is 
impossible  that  that  which  is  once 
corrupted  can  be  made  sound  again 
by  the  rubbing  it  with  salt.  This 
it  is  not  asked  of  them  to  do.  But 
their  work  is  to  sprinkle  with  salt, 
and  to  keep  fresh  thereafter,  such 
things  as  the  Lord  hath  given  over 
into  their  charge,  and  which  He 
Himself  hath  made  new,  and  freed 
from  all  taint,  before  giving  them. 
To  make  sound  after  the  cor- 
ruption of  sin,  is  the  work  of 
Christ's  power  alone ;  to  preserve 
from  falling  away  again,  is  the 
duty  and  the  toil  commanded  to 
the  Apostles. 


552 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


VM$.  dFor  &mt&  of  tfie  mmrt  Virgin  Jttarjv 


All  as  on  Sundays,  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

Ps.  cix.  The  Lord  said,  &c,  (J>. 
176.) 

Ps.  cxii.  Praise  the  Lord,  O  ye 
His  servants,  &c.,  (/.  178.) 

Psalm  CXXI. 

[Intituled  "  A  Song  of  Degrees,  of  David."] 

r  WAS  glad  when  they  said  unto 
-*-  me  :  *  Let  us  go  into  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 

Our  feet  have  been  wont  to 
stand  *  within  thy  gates,  O  Jerusa- 
lem ! 

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  Jerusa- 
lem :  *  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. 


Psalm  CXXVI. 

[Intituled  "A  Song  of  Degrees,  of  Solo- 
mon." The  LXX.  omits  the  ascription  to 
Solomon.] 

"PXCEPT  the  Lord  build  the 
■*— '  house,  *  they  labour  in  vain 
that  build  it : 

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. 

Psalm  CXLVII. 

[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- 


1  It  is  now  usual  to  insert  this  Common  Office  into  Breviaries,  but  it  is  placed  last  of 
all,  after  the  Office  for  the  Consecration  of  Churches. 


FOR   FEASTS   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY. 


553 


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.] 

Hymn. 1 

IT  AIL,  thou  "  Star-of-Ocean,"  2 
■*-  ■*■      Portal  of  the  sky, 
Ever- Virgin  Mother 

Of  the  Lord  Most  High  ! 

Oh,  by  Gabriel's  AVE 

Uttered  long  ago, 
EVA's  name  reversing,3 

'Stablish  peace  below ! 

Break  the  captive's  fetters — 
Light  on  blindness  pour- 
All  our  ills  expelling, 
Every  bliss  implore — 

Show  thyself  a  Mother — 

Offer  Him  our  sighs, 
Who,  for  us  Incarnate, 

Did  not  thee  despise. 

Virgin  of  all  virgins  ! 

To  thy  shelter  take  us — 
Gentlest  of  the  gentle  ! 

Chaste  and  gentle  make  us. 


Still  as  on  we  journey, 
Help  our  weak  endeavour, 

Till  with  thee  and  Jesus, 
We  rejoice  for  ever. 

Through  the  highest  heaven 
To  the  Almighty  Three, 

Father,  Son,  and  Spirit, 

One  same  glory  be.     Amen. 

Verse.  Holy  Virgin,  my  praise 
by  thee  accepted  be. 

Answer.  Give  me  strength  a- 
gainst  thine  enemies. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  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 
intercession  for  all  women  vowed 
to  God ;  may  all  that  are  keeping 
this  thine  holy  Feast-day  feel  the 
might  of  thine  assistance. 

The  words,  "Are  keeping  this  thine 
holy  Feast-day,"  are  very  often  altered 
on  the  different  Festivals,  which  alter- 
ations will  be  found  in  their  own 
places. 

At  Compline  the  last  verse  of  the 
Hymn  is  altered  in  honour  of  the  In- 
carnation. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Holy  Virgin  Mary, 
*  Mother  of  God,  pray  for  us. 

Hymn.4 

THE  God  Whom  earth,  and  sea,  and 
sky 
Adore,  and  laud,  and  magnify, 
Who  o'er  their  threefold  fabric  reigns, 
The  Virgin's  spotless  womb  contains. 


1  Authorship  and  date  unsettled  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 

2  Apparently  meant  for  a  translation  of  MRYM.     See  note  in  the  Office  of  her  name, 
between  September  8  and  September  9. 

3  I.e.,  Eva,  written  backwards,  reads  Ave  (Hail).     This  quaint  conceit  is  clearer  in  the 
translation  than  in  the  Latin. 

4  From  an  hymn  ascribed  to  Venantius  Fortunatus ;  translation  by  the  late  Rev.  Dr  Neale. 


554 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


The  God,  Whose  will  by  moon  and  sun, 
And  all  things  in  due  course  is  done, 
Is  borne  upon  a  maiden's  breast, 
By  fullest  heavenly  grace  possessed. 

How  blest  that  Mother  in  whose  shrine 

That  great  Artificer  Divine, 

Whose  hand  contains  the  earth    and 

sky, 
Vouchsafed,  as  in  His  ark,  to  lie  ! 

Blest,  in  the  message  Gabriel  brought ; 
Blest,  by  the  work  the  Spirit  wrought  ; 
From  whom  the  great  Desire  of  earth 
Took  human  Flesh  and  human  birth. 

All  honour,  laud,  and  glory  be, 
O  Jesu,  Virgin-born,  to  Thee  ! 
All  glory,  as  is  ever  meet, 
To  Father  and  to  Paraclete.     Amen. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Only  three  Psalms  are  said. 

First  Antiphon.  l  Blessed  art 
thou  among  women,  *  and  blessed 
is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb. 

Psalm  VIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."  It  has 
also  a  title  which  seems  to  show  that  it  was 
a  song  for  the  vintage.  ] 

f~~\  LORD,  our  Lord,  *  how  ex- 
^S  cellent  is  Thy  Name  in  all 
the  earth ! 

For  Thy  glory  is  exalted  *  above 
the  heavens. 

2  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. 

O  Lord,  our  Lord,  *  how  excel- 
lent is  Thy  Name  in  all  the  earth  ! 

Second  Antiphon.  3  O  Holy  Mo- 
ther of  God,  *  thou  hast  yielded  a 
pleasant  odour  like  the  best  myrrh. 

Psalm  XVIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  the 
same  further  obscure  superscription,  as  in 
Pss.  xii.  and  xiii.] 

'T^HE   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  : 4  *  which  is  as  a  bridegroom 
coming  out  of  his  chamber. 


1  Luke  i.  42. 

2  This  verse  was  quoted  by  our  Lord,  concerning  those  who  cried  Hosannah  on  Palm 
Sunday,  Matthew  xxi.  16.  3  Ecclus.  xxiv.  20. 

4  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  01 
celestial  counterpart  of  the  tabernacle,  which  was  the  centre  of  the  Divine  authority  as 


FOR   FEASTS   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY. 


555 


again  and  again  before  this  maiden's 
bed  *  the  tender  idylls  of  the  play. 

Psalm  XXIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."  The 
Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  add  "for  the  first 
day  of  the  week."] 

'T^HE    earth    is    the   Lqrd's    and 

*       the    fulness    thereof;    *    the 

world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein. 

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  neighbour. 

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 

revealed  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." 
1  SLH. 


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: 

*  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 ! 

Third  Antiphon.       Sing    for    us 


556 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

First  Lesson. 

■  The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Pro- 
verbs of  Solomon  (viii.  12.) 

WISDOM,  dwell  with  prudence, 
-■-  y  and  find  out  knowledge  of 
witty  inventions.  The  fear  of  the 
Lord  is  to  hate  evil ;  pride,  and 
arrogancy,  and  the  evil  way,  and  the 
double  mouth,  do  I  hate.  Counsel 
is  mine,  and  sound  wisdom ;  under- 
standing is  mine ;  mine  is  strength. 
By  me  kings  reign  and  princes 
decree  justice.  By  me  princes  rule, 
and  nobles  command  righteousness. 
I  love  them  that  love  me,  and  those 
that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me. 

First  Respo?isory. 

O  how  holy  and  how  spotless 
is  thy  virginity !  I  am  too  dull 
to  praise  thee ;  for  thou  hast 
borne  in  thy  breast  Him  Whom 
the  heavens  cannot  contain. 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women,  and  blessed  is  the  fruit  of 
thy  womb. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  borne  in 
thy  breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens 
cannot  contain. 

Second  Lesson. 

RICHES  and  honour  are  with 
me,  yea,  durable  riches  and 
righteousness.  My  fruit  is  better 
than  gold  and  precious  stones,  and 
my  revenue  than  choice  silver.  I 
walk  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  in 


the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judgment ; 
that  I  may  cause  those  that  love 
me  to  inherit  substance,  and  that  I 
may  fill  their  treasures.  The  Lord 
possessed  me  in  the  beginning  of 
His  ways,  before  His  works  of  old. 
I  was  set  up  from  everlasting,  or 
ever  the  earth  was.  When  there 
were  no  depths,  I  was  already  con- 
ceived ;  when  there  were  no  foun- 
tains abounding  with  water,  before 
the  mountains  were  settled  in  their 
strength,  before  the  hills,  was  I 
brought  forth. 

Second  Responsory. 

Rejoice  with  me,  all  ye  that  love 
the  Lord,  for  while  I  was  yet  a  little 
one,  I  pleased  the  Most  High. 
And  I  have  brought  forth  from  my 
bowels  God  and  man. 

Verse.  x  All  generations  shall 
call  me  blessed,  since  the  Lord 
hath  regarded  the  lowliness  of  His 
handmaiden. 

Atmver.  And  I  have  brought 
forth  from  my  bowels  God  and 
man. 

Third  Lesson.     (34.) 

"DLESSED  is  the  man  that  hear- 
*-*  eth  me,  watching  daily  at  my 
gates,  and  waiting  at  the  posts  of 
my  doors.  Whoso  findeth  me  find- 
eth  life,  and  shall  obtain  salvation 
from  the  Lord  ;  but  he  that  sinneth 
against  me  wrongeth  his  own  soul. 
All  they  that  hate  me  love  death, 
(ix.  1.)  Wisdom  hath  builded  her 
house ;  she  hath  hewn  out  her  seven 
pillars.  She  hath  killed  her  beasts ; 
she  hath  mingled  her  wine :  she 
hath  also  furnished  her  table.  She 
hath  sent  forth  her  maidens  unto 
the   citadel,  and  unto  the  walls   of 


1  Luke  i.  48. 


FOR   FEASTS   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY. 


557 


the  city,  to  cry  out :  Whoso  is 
simple,  let  him  come  unto  me. 
And  unto  them  that  want  under- 
standing, she  saith :  Come,  eat  of 
my  bread,  and  drink  of  the  wine 
which  I  have  mingled. 

Third  Responsory. 

Blessed  art  thou,  O  Virgin  Mary, 
who  hast  carried  the  Lord,  the 
Maker  of  the  world.  Thou  hast 
borne  Him  Who  created  thee,  and 
thou  abidest  a  virgin  for  ever. 

Verse.  Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace. 
The  Lord  is  with  thee. 

Answer.  Thou  hast  borne  Him 
Who  created  thee,  and  thou  abidest 
a  virgin  for  ever. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Thou  hast  borne  Him 
Who  created  thee,  and  thou  abidest 
a  virgin  for  ever. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  In  thy  comeli- 
ness and  thy  beauty,  *  go  forward, 
fare  prosperously,  and  reign. 

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.] 

"]\  j\  INE  heart  is  overflowing  with 
•*■'-*-  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, 


1  So  are  these  words  translated  in  Heb.  i.  8,  g. 

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. 

VOL.  I.  T 


558 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


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. 

Second  Antiphon.  God  shall  give 
her  the  help  of  His  countenance ; 
*  God  is  in  the  midst  of  her,  she 
shall  not  be  moved. 

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,  II).] 

GOD  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 
and  be  troubled ;  *  though  the 
mountains  shake  with  the  swelling 
thereof x 


[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 

Third  Antiphon.  O  Holy  Mo- 
ther of  God :  *  all  we  who  dwell 
in  thee  are  in  gladness. 

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.] 

ITER  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  ! 1 


1  SLH. 


FOR   FEASTS   OF   THE   ELESSED   VIRGIN    MARY. 


559 


I  will  make  mention  of  Rahab x 
and  Babylon  *  that  know  me. 

Behold  the  "Strangers,"2  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  ?  3 

The  Lord  shall  make  count, 
when  He  writeth  up  the  people  [and 
the  princes,] 4  *  of  all  that  are  in 
her.5 

All  they  that  dwell  in  thee  *  are 
in  gladness. 

Verse.  God  shall  give  her  the 
help  of  His  countenance. 

Answer.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.] 
{Found  in  Metaphrastes.) 

XHE  Son  of  God  chose  for  His 
■*■  Mother  not  a  woman  of 
wealth,  not  a  woman  of  substance, 
but  that  blessed  maiden  whose  soul 
was  bright  with  grace.  It  was  be- 
cause Blessed  Mary  had  preserved  a 
superhuman  chastity,  that  she  con- 
ceived the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  her 
womb.  Let  us  then  fly  to  the  most 
holy  maiden,  who  is  Mother  of  God, 
that  we  may  gain  the  help  of  her 
patronage.  Yea,  all  ye  that  be 
virgins,    whosoever    ye    be,    run    to 

1  That  is  "the  Insolent  One,"  namely,  Egypt.  2  I.e.,  the  Philistines. 

3  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. 

4  Displaced  from  the  beginning  of  the  next  verse. 

5  SLH.  6  I.e.,  Wisdom.     Ecclus.  xxiv.  17,  20. 
7  Cant.  viii.  5  ;  vi.  10,  4,  8. 


the  Mother  of  the  Lord.  She  will 
keep  for  you  by  her  protection  your 
most  beautiful,  your  most  precious, 
and  your  most  enduring  possession. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

6 1  was  exalted  like  a  cedar  in 
Lebanon,  and  as  a  cypress -tree 
upon  Mount  Zion.  Like  the  best 
myrrh  I  yielded  a  pleasant  odour. 

Verse.  Like  cinnamon  and  sweet 
balsam. 

Anszver.  I  yielded  a  pleasant 
odour. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

\  EERILY,  dearly  beloved  bre- 
*  thren,  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary  was  a  great  wonder.  What 
thing  greater  or  more  famous  than 
she,  hath  ever  at  any  time  been 
found,  or  can  be  found  ?  She  alone 
is  greater  than  heaven  and  earth. 
What  thing  holier  than  she  hath 
been,  or  can  be  found?  Neither 
Prophets,  nor  Apostles,  nor  Martyrs, 
nor  Patriarchs,  nor  Angels,  nor 
Thrones,  nor  Lordships,  nor  Sera- 
phim, nor  Cherubim,  nor  any  other 
creature,  visible  or  invisible,  can  be 
found  that  is  greater  or  more  ex- 
cellent than  she.  She  is  at  once  the 
hand-maid  and  the  parent  of  God, 
at  once  virgin  and  mother. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

7  Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  like 
the  sun  ?  This,  comely  as  Jerusa- 
lem?    The  daughters  of  Zion   saw 


56o 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


her,    and    called    her    blessed ;    the     jewels,     He     greatly    desired     her 


queens  also,  and  they  praised  her. 

Verse.  l  And  about  her  it  was 
as  the  flower  of  roses  in  the 
spring  of  the  year,  and  lilies  of 
the  valleys. 

Answer.  The  daughters  of  Zion 
saw  her  and  called  her  blessed ; 
the  queens  also,  and  they  praised 
her. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

SHE  is  the  Mother  of  Him  Who 
was  begotten  of  the  Father 
before  all  ages,  and  Who  is  acknow- 
ledged by  Angels  and  men  to  be 
Lord  of  all.  Wouldst  thou  know 
how  much  nobler  is  this  virgin  than 
any  of  the  heavenly  powers  ?  They 
stand  before  Him  with  fear  and 
trembling,  veiling  their  faces  with 
their  wings,  but  she  offereth  human- 
ity to  Him  to  Whom  she  gave  birth. 
Through  her  we  obtain  the  remis- 
sion of  sins.  Hail,  then,  O  Mother ! 
heaven  !  damsel !  maiden  !  throne  ! 
adornment,  and  glory,  and  found- 
ation, of  our  Church  !  cease  not  to 
pray  for  us  to  thy  Son  and  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ !  that  through 
thee  we  may  find  mercy  in  the  day 
of  judgment,  and  may  be  able  to 
obtain  those  good  things  which  God 
hath  prepared  for  them  that  love 
Him,  by  the  grace  and  goodness  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  to  Whom, 
with  the  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  ascribed  all  glory,  and 
honour,  and  power,  now,  and  for 
ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

When  the  Lord  beheld  the  daugh- 
ter of  Jerusalem  adorned  with   her 


beauty ;  and  when  the  daughters 
of  Zion  saw  her,  they  cried  out 
that  she  was  most  blessed,  saying : 
Thy  name  is  as  ointment  poured 
forth. 

Verse.  Upon  thy  right  hand 
did  stand  the  Queen  in  a  vesture 
of  gold  wrought  about  with  divers 
colours. 

Anstver.  And  when  the  daugh- 
ters of  Zion  saw  her,  they  cried 
out  that  she  was  most  blessed. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Saying,  Thy  name  is  as 
ointment  poured  forth. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Joy  to  thee,  * 
O  Virgin  Mary,  thou  hast  trampled 
down  all  the  heresies  in  the  whole 
world. 

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.] 

OSING  unto  the  Lord  a  new 
song :    sing  unto  the   Lord, 
all  the  earth. 

Sing  unto  the  Lord,  and  bless 
His  Name :  *  show  forth  His  sal- 
vation from  day  to  day. 

Declare  His  glory  among  the 
heathen,  *  His  wonders  among  all 
people. 


1  Ecclus.  1.  8. 


FOR   FEASTS   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY. 


56l 


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 

Second  Antiphon.  Holy  Virgin, 
my  praise  by  thee  accepted  be ;  * 
give  me  strength  against  thine 
enemies. 


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.] 

HP  HE  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  deliver- 
eth  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
wicked. 


1  In  1  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. 


562 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


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  during  most  of 
the  year.  After  thy  delivery  thou 
still  remainest  a  virgin  *  undented  ; 
Mother  of  God,  pray  for  us. 

Third  Atitiphon,  during  Advent. 
The  angel  of  the  Lord  announced 
unto  Mary,  *  and  she  conceived 
of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


Psalm  XC VI  I. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm."     The  Vulgate  and 
the  LXX.  ascribe  it  to  David.] 

f~\  SING  unto  the  Lord  a  new 
^-^  song :  *  for  He  hath  done 
marvellous  things. 

His  right  hand,  and  His  holy  arm, 

*  hath  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- 
fore the  Lord.  *  For  He  cometh 
to  judge  the  earth  : 

With  righteousness  shall  He  judge 
the  world,  *  and  the  people  with 
equity. 

Verse.  God  hath  chosen  her  and 
fore-chosen  her. 

Answer.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The"  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xi. 
27.) 

A  T  that  time :  as  Jesus  spake 
^*-  unto  the  multitudes,  a  cer- 
tain woman  of  the  company  lifted 
up  her  voice  and  said  unto  Him  : 
Blessed  is  the  womb  that  bare 
Thee.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  the  Venerable  Bede, 
Priest  [at  Jarrow  and  Doctor  of 
the  Church.]  (Bk.  iv.  ch.  49  on 
Ltike  xi.) 

It  is  plain  that  this  was  a  woman 
of  great  earnestness  and  faith. 
The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  were 
at  once  tempting  and  blaspheming 
the  Lord,  but  this  woman  so  clearly 
grasped  His  Incarnation,  and  so 
bravely  confessed  the  same,  that  she 
confounded  both  the  lies  of  the 
great  men  who  were  present,  and 
the  faithlessness  of  the  heretics  who 
were  yet  to  come.  Even  as  the 
Jews  then,  blaspheming  the  works 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  denied  the  very 
Son  of  God  Who  is  of  one  sub- 
stance with  the  Father,  so  after- 
wards did  the  heretics,  by  denying 
that     Mary    always    a    Virgin    did, 


FOR   FEASTS   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY. 


563 


under  the  operation  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  supply  flesh  to  the  Only- 
begotten  One  of  God,  when  He 
was  about  being  born  in  an  human 
Body,  even  so,  I  say,  did  the  her- 
etics deny  that  the  Son  of  Man 
should  be  called  a  true  Son,  Who 
is  of  one  substance *  with  His 
Mother. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

O  Holy  Virgin  Mary,  happy  in- 
deed art  thou,  and  right  worthy 
of  all  praise,  for  out  of  thee  rose 
the  Sun  of  righteousness,  even 
Christ  our  God. 

Verse.  Pray  for  the  people, 
plead  for  the  clergy,  make  inter- 
cession for  all  women  vowed  to 
God.  May  all  that  are  keeping 
this  thine  holy  Feast-day  feel  the 
might  of  thine  assistance. 

Answer.  For  out  of  thee  rose 
the  Sun  of  righteousness,  even 
Christ  our  God. 

Eighth  Blessing. 

She  whose  feast-day  we  are  keep- 
ing- 
Mary,  blessed  Maid  of  maidens, 
Be  our  advocate  with  God. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

BUT  if  we  shall  say  that  the 
Flesh,  Wherewith  the  Son  of 
God  was  born  in  the  flesh,  was 
something  outside  2  of  the  flesh  of 
the  Virgin  His  Mother,  without 
reason  should  we  bless  the  womb 
that  bare  Him,  and  the  paps 
which  He  hath  sucked.  But  the 
Apostle     saith :    "  God    sent     forth 


His  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law,"  (Gal.  iv.  4,)  and 
they  are  not  to  be  listened  to  who 
read  this  passage :  "  Born  of  a 
woman,  made  under  the  law."  He 
was  made  of  a  woman,  for  He 
was  conceived  in  a  virgin's  womb, 
and  took  His  Flesh,  not  from  no- 
thing, not  from  elsewhere,  but  from 
the  flesh  of  His  Mother.  Other- 
wise, and  if  He  had  not  been 
sprung  of  a  woman,  He  could  not 
with  truth  be  called  the  Son  of 
man.  Let  us  therefore,  denying 
the  doctrine  of  Eutyches,  lift  up 
our  voice,  along  with  the  Uni- 
versal Church,  whereof  that  woman 
was  a  figure,  let  us  lift  up  our 
heart  as  well  as  our  voice  from  the 
company,  and  say  unto  the  Saviour : 
"  Blessed  is  the  womb  that  bare 
Thee,  and  the  paps  which  Thou 
hast  sucked  !  "  Blessed  Mother  !  of 
whom  one 3  hath  said  : 

Thou  art  His  Mother  Who  reigns  o'er 
earth  and  o'er  heaven  for  ever. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

All  generations  shall  call  me 
blessed.  For  He  That  is  Mighty, 
even  the  Lord,  hath  done  to  me 
great  things ;  and  Holy  is  His 
Name. 

Verse.  And  His  mercy  is  on 
them  that  fear  Him,  from  gener- 
ation to  generation. 

Answer.  He  That  is  Mighty, 
even  the  Lord,  hath  done  to  me 
great  things,  and  Holy  is  His 
Name. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 


1  Verum  consubstantialemque  matri  filium. 

3  The  poet  Sedulius— an  Irishman,  of  the  fifth  century. 


2  Extranea. 


564 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


Answer.  He  That  is  Mighty, 
even  the  Lord,  hath  done  to  me 
great  things,  and  Holy  is  His 
Name. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  \7"EA,  rather,  blessed  are  they 
.  i  that  hear  the  Word  of  God 
and  keep  it."  How  nobly  doth 
the  Saviour  say  "Yea"  to  the 
woman's  blessing,  declaring  also 
that  not  only  is  she  blessed  who 
was  meet  to  give  bodily  birth  to 
the  Word  of  God,  but  that  all  they 
who  spiritually  conceive  the  same 
Word  by  the  hearing  of  faith,  and, 
by  keeping  it  through  good  works, 
bring  it  forth  and,  as  it  were,  care- 
fully nurse  it,  in  their  own  hearts, 
and  in  the  hearts  of  their  neigh- 
bours, are  also  blessed.  Yea,  and 
that  the  very  Mother  of  God  her- 
self was  blessed  in  being  for  a  while 
the  handmaid  of  the  Word  of  God 
made  Flesh,  but  that  she  was  much 
more  blessed  in  this,  that  through 
her  love  she  keepeth  Him  for 
ever. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  While  the  King 
sitteth  at  his  table,  *  my  spikenard 
sendeth  forth  the  smell  thereof. 

Second  Antiphon.  !  His  left  hand 
is  under  my  head,  *  and  his  right 
hand  doth  embrace  me. 

Third  Antiphon.  2 1  am  black 
but  comely,  *  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerusalem.       Therefore     the    King 


hath  loved  me,  and  brought  me 
into  his  chamber. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  3  Lo  !  the  win- 
ter is  past,  *  the  rain  is  over  and 
gone.  Rise  up,  my  love,  and  come 
away. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  O  Holy  Mother 
of  God  !  thou  art  become  beautiful  * 
and  gentle  in  thy  gladness. 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  14.) 

4  T    WAS  created  from  the  begin- 
**      ning,  before    the   world ;  and 
I  shall  never  fail.     In  the  holy  taber- 
nacle I  served  before  him. 

Hymn.b 

r\  GLORIOUS  Virgin,  ever  blest, 
^-^     All  daughters  of  mankind  above, 
Who  gavest  nurture  from  thy  breast 
To  God,  with  pure  maternal  love. 

What  we  had  lost  through  sinful  Eve 
The   Blossom  sprung  from  thee  re- 
stores, 

And,  granting  bliss  to  souls  that  grieve, 
Unbars  the  everlasting  doors. 

O  Gate,  through  which  hath  passed  the 
King! 
O  Hall,  whence  light  shone  through 
the  gloom  ! 
The  ransomed  nations  praise  and  sing 
The  Offspring  of  thy  virgin  womb. 

Praise  from  mankind  and  heaven's  host, 
To  Jesus  of  a  Virgin  sprung, 

To  Father  and  to  Holy  Ghost, 

Be  equal  glory  ever  sung.     Amen. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacha- 
rias.     6  O   Mary !  Blessed  art  thou 

3  Cant.  ii.  II,  10. 


1  Cant.  ii.  6.  2  Cant.  i.  5,  4. 

4  The  speaker  in  these  Little  Chapters  is  Wisdom. 

5  From  the  hymn  beginning   "The   God  Whom  earth,"  &c. ,   ascribed  to  Venantius 
Fortunatus ;   translation  by  the  Rev.   Dr.   Littledale.  6  Luke  i.  45. 


FOR   FEASTS   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY. 


565 


that  hast  believed,  *  for  there  shall 
be  a  performance  of  those  things 
which  were  told  thee  from  the 
Lord.     Alleluia. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office,  if  there 
be  none  special. 

GRANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
Lord  God,  unto  all  Thy  ser- 
vants, that  they  may  remain  con- 
tinually in  the  enjoyment  of  sound- 
ness both  of  mind  and  body,  and 
by  the  glorious  intercession  of  the 
Blessed  Mary,  always  a  Virgin,  may 
be  delivered  from  present  sadness, 
and  enter  into  the  joy  of  Thine 
eternal  gladness.  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. 


PRIME. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.  While  the  King,  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory  instead  of 
the  Verse,  "Thou  that  sittest,  &c,"  is 
said  : 

Verse.  Thou  that  wast  born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary. 


Chapter  at  the  end.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  19.) 


T  N  the  broad  ways  I  gave  a  sweet 
-*-  smell  like  cinnamon  and  aro- 
matic balm ;  I  yielded  a  pleasant 
odour  like  the  best  myrrh. 

1  I.e.,  the  Jews 
VOL.  I. 


TERCE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.  His  left  hand,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

In  thy  comeliness  and  in  thy 
beauty. 

Answer.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
in  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  Go  forward,  fare  prosper- 
ously, and  reign. 

Answer.     In  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
in  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  God  shall  help  her  with 
His  countenance. 

Answer.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hy?nn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.  I  am  black,  &c, 
{Third  Antiphott  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  15.) 

A  ND  so  I  was  established  in 
-**■  Zion,  and  likewise  in  the 
holy  city  was  I  given  to  rest,  and 
in  Jerusalem  was  my  power.  And 
I  took  root  among  the  honourable 
people,1  even  in  the  portion  of  my 
God  as   His  own   inheritance,   and 


t  2 


5^6 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


mine   abiding    was    in    the    full  as- 
sembly of  the  Saints. 

Short  Responsory. 

God  shall  help  her  with  His 
countenance. 

Answer.  God  shall  help  her 
with  His  countenance. 

Verse.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Answer.  With  His  counten- 
ance. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  God  shall  help  her 
with  His  countenance. 

Verse.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Answer.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

NONE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Antiphon.  O  Holy  Mother,  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

God  hath  chosen  her,  and  fore- 
chosen  her. 

Answer.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

Answer.     And  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 


Answer.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

The  same  as  the  First,  except  the  fol- 
lowing: 

Verse.  Holy  Virgin,  my  praise 
by  thee  accepted  be. 

Answer.  Give  me  strength  against 
thine  enemies. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  All  generations  shall  call 
me  blessed,  *  for  God  hath  regarded 
the  lowliness  of  His  hand-maiden. 

At  Compline  the  last  verse  of  the 
Hymn  is  altered  in  honour  of  the 
Incarnation. 


Note.  The  above-mentioned  altera- 
tions of  the  last  verses  of  the  Hymns 
at  Compline,  Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  None, 
and  Compline,  and  in  the  Verse  in  the 
Short  Responsory  at  Prime,  are  made 
every  day  within  the  Octaves  of  the 
Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  that 
even  when  the  Office  of  the  day  is  not 
of  her. 


Here  follows  in  the  original  the  Office 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  as  a  Sim  fie  for 
Saturdays,  but  it  is  here  omitted,  as 
ufon  all  Saturdays  upon  which  it  could 
occur  the  Votive  Office  of  the  Immacu- 
late Conception  is  obligatory  in  Eng- 
land upon  all  persons  bound  to  the 
recitation  of  the  Divine  Office. 


FOR   VIRGINS. 


567 


Whether  one  or  many,  Martyr  or  not  Martyr. 


All  as  on  Sundays,  except  the  fol-  Hy7nn} 

lowing. 

The  Psalms  are  the  same  as  in  the  1. 

Office  for  Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,       ^  H I L D  of  the  Virgin   Maker  of  Thv 
except  the  Third  Psalm  of  the  Second      \_,     m other  ' 


Nocturn,    which    is    Psalm    XL  VI I., 
"  Great  is  the  Lord,  &c,"  {p.  98). 


FIRST    VESPERS. 


Antiphons,     Chapter, 
Prayer  from  Lauds. 


Hymn,    and 


For  One  Virgin. 

Verse.  1  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Come,  Bride  of  Christ,  and 
take  the  everlasting  crown  *  which 
the  Lord  hath  prepared  for  thee. 

For  Many  Virgins. 

Verse.  2  After  her  shall  virgins 
be  brought  unto  the  King. 

Answer.  Her  fellows  shall  be 
brought  unto  thee. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3Trim  your  lamps,  O  ye 
wise  virgins !  *  Behold  the  Bride- 
groom cometh  !  Go  ye  out  to  meet 
Him  ! 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Lord  He  is  the 
King  of  the  Virgins.  *  O  come, 
let  us  worship  Him ! 


Virgin-engendered,  of  the  Virgin  Son, 
Virgin  is  she  of  whom  we  sing  another 
Victory  won. 

If  the  Saint  be  not  a  Martyr  the  2nd 
and  yd  verses  are  omitted. 


Double  the  palm  of  triumph  which  she 
beareth, 
Strove  she  to  vanquish  woman's  fear 
of  death  : 
Quelled  now  the  hand  of  death  and  hell 
appeareth 

Her  feet  beneath. 


Death  won  no  conquest,  nor  the  thou- 
sand terrors, 
Kindred   of  death — fierce   torments 
bravely  borne : 
Gave  she  her  blood  :   that  blood  the 
radiance  mirrors 

Of  life's  new  morn. 


When  she  pleads  for  us,  at  her  sweet 
petition, 
That  we  may  sing  with  conscience 
pure  of  sin, 
From  debt  of  guilt  O  grant  us  Thy  re- 
mission 

And  peace  within. 


Glory  to   Thee,  O    Father,   Son,   and 
Spirit, 
Glory  co-equal  on  the  throne  on  high, 
Equal  in  power,  in  unity  of  merit, 
Eternally.     Amen. 


1  Ps.  xliv.  5,  6.  2  Ps.  xliv.  15.  3  Matth.  xxv.  6,  7. 

4  Author  unknown,  hymn  somewhat  altered  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  G.  Moultrie. 


568 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  x  O  how  lovely 
and  glorious  *  is  the  generation  of 
the  chaste ! 

Second  Antiphon.  Sing  for  us 
again  and  again  before  this  maiden's 
bed  *  the  tender  idylls  of  the  play.2 

Third  Antiphon.    3  Return,  return, 

0  Shulammith !     *  Return,  return, 
that  we  may  look  upon  thee. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty — 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle 
Paul  to  the  Corinthians  (vii.  25.) 

CONCERNING  virgins  I  have 
no  commandment  of  the  Lord : 
yet  I  give  my  judgment,  as  one  that 
hath  obtained  mercy  of  the  Lord,  to 
be  faithful.  I  suppose,  therefore, 
that  this  is  good  for  the  present  need, 
that  it  is  good  for  a  man  so  to  be. 
Art  thou  bound  unto  a  wife?  Seek 
not  to  be  loosed.  Art  thou  loosed 
from  a  wife  ?  Seek  not  a  wife.  But 
and  if  thou  marry,  thou  hast  not 
sinned.  And  if  a  virgin  marry,  she 
hath  not  sinned.  Nevertheless,  such 
shall  have  trouble  in  the  flesh.     But 

1  spare  you.     But  this  I  say,  breth- 


ren :  The  time  is  short — it  remain- 
eth  that  both  they  that  have  wives 
be  as  though  they  had  none ;  and 
they  that  weep,  as  though  they  wept 
not ;  and  they  that  rejoice,  as  though 
they  rejoiced  not ;  and  they  that 
buy,  as  though  they  possessed  not ; 
and  they  that  use  this  world,  as  not 
abusing  it.  For  the  fashion  of  this 
world  passeth  away. 

First  Responsory  for  a  Virgin  and 
Martyr. 

Come,  Bride  of  Christ,  and 
take  the  everlasting  crown,  which 
the  Lord  hath  prepared  for  thee, 
even  for  thee  who  for  the  love  of 
Him  hast  shed  thy  blood,  and  art 
entered  with  Angels  into  His  gar- 
den.4 

Verse.  Come,  O  My  chosen  one, 
and  I  will  establish  My  throne  in 
thee,  for  the  King  hath  greatly 
desired  thy  beauty.5 

Answer.  And  thou  art  entered 
with  Angels  into  His  garden.4 

First  Responsory  for  a  Virgin  not  a 
Martyr. 

Come,  O  My  chosen  one,  and  I 
will  establish  My  throne  in  thee, 
for  the  King  hath  greatly  desired 
thy  beauty. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty,  go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign.5 


1  Wisd.  iv.  1. 

2  Drama.  The  Song  of  Solomon  (the  form  of  which  is  dramatic,)  seems  to  be  the  play 
referred  to. 

3  Cant.  vi.  13.  The  translation  follows  the  Hebrew  and  Latin  as  to  the  proper  name. 
The  Breviary  text  has  "Sunamitis,"  which  seems  to  be  either  a  misprint  or  a  conjectural 
emendation,  founded  on  the  belief  that  the  name  is  a  local  designation  from  the  town  of 
Shunem  (cf.  3  (1)  Kings  i.  3,  &c.)  But  this  town,  teste  Eusebio,  was  also  called  "  Sulem," 
and  is  now  known  as  "Solam."  However,  the  most  common  view  has  been  that  the 
name  is  a  feminine  form  of  Solomon,  (cf.  in  English,  John  and  Jane,  Francis  and  Frances, 
&c.)  Vide  Gesenius  sub  vocibus.  It  is  found  in  the  New  Testament,  under  the  form  of 
"Salome."     Mark  xv.  40,  xvi.  1. 

*  Latin:  paradisus.  6  Ps.  xliv.  12,  5,  3. 


FOR   VIRGINS. 


569 


Answer.  For  the  King  hath 
greatly  desired  thy  beauty. 

Second  Lesson. 

DUT  I  would  have  you  without 
-L'  carefulness.  He  that  is  un- 
married careth  for  the  things  that 
belong  to  the  Lord,  how  he  may 
please  God.  But  he  that  is  mar- 
ried careth  for  the  things  that 
are  of  the  world,  how  he  may 
please  his  wife,  and  he  is  divided. 
The  unmarried  woman,  and  the 
virgin  careth  for  the  things  of  the 
Lord,  that  she  may  be  holy  both 
in  body  and  in  spirit.  But  she 
that  is  married  careth  for  the  things 
of  the  world,  how  she  may  please 
her  husband.  And  this  I  speak 
for  your  own  profit  :  not  that  I 
would  cast  a  snare  upon  you,  but 
for  that  which  is  seemly,  and  which 
giveth  occasion  to  attend  upon  the 
Lord  without  distraction. 

Second  Responsory. 

1  Grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips ; 
therefore  God  hath  blessed  thee 
for  ever. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty,  go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Answer.  God  hath  blessed  thee 
for  ever. 

Third  Lesson. 

T  F  any  man  think  that  he  behav- 
*  eth  himself  unseemly  toward 
his  virgin,  if  she  pass  the  flower 
of  her  age,  and  need  so  require, 
let  him  do  what  he  will — he  sin- 
neth  not,  and  if  she  marry.  Never- 
theless, he  that  standeth  steadfast 
in   his    heart,    having  no  necessity, 

1  Ps.  xliv.  12,  5,  3. 


but  hath  power  over  his  own  will, 
and  hath  so  decreed  in  his  heart, 
that  he  will  keep  his  virgin,  doeth 
well.  So  then,  he  that  giveth  his 
virgin  in  marriage  doeth  well;  and 
he  that  giveth  her  not,  doeth  better. 
The  wife  is  bound  by  law  as  long 
as  her  husband  liveth.  But  if  her 
husband  have  fallen  asleep,  she  is 
free ;  she  may  marry  whom  she 
will — only,  in  the  Lord.  But  she 
will  be  happier  if  she  so  abide, 
after  my  judgment  —  and  I  also 
think  that  I  have  the  Spirit  of 
God. 

Third  Responsory. 

In  thy  comeliness  and  thy  beauty, 
go  forward,  fare  prosperously,  and 
reign. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips,  therefore  God  hath  blessed 
thee  for  ever. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  In  thy  come- 
liness and  thy  beauty,  *  go  for- 
ward, fare  prosperously,  and* reign. 

Second  Antiphon,  God  shall  help 
her  with  His  countenance ;  *  God 
is  in  the<  midst  of  her;  she  shall 
not  be  moved. 

Third  Antiphon.  2  Many  waters 
cannot  *  quench  love. 

Verse.  God  shall  help  her  with 
His  countenance. 

Answer.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her ;  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

2  Cant.  viii.  7. 


57Q 


THE  COMMON   OF  SAINTS. 


Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Ambrose,  Bishop 
[of  Milan.]     (Bk.  i.  on  Virgins?) 

PHIS  day  is  a  maiden's  Birth- 
-*•  day.  The  love  of  virginity 
provoketh  us  to  say  somewhat 
touching  maidenhood,  lest,  if  we 
pass  thereby,  we  should  seem  to 
cast  a  slur  on  that  which  was  her 
chief  strength.  Virginity  is  not 
to  be  praised  because  it  is  a  grace 
which  is  poured  forth  in  Martyrs, 
but  because  it  is  a  grace  which 
maketh  Martyrs.  But  what  un- 
derstanding of  man  can  rightly 
grasp  this  excellency  which  riseth 
above  the  laws  of  nature  herself? 
What  natural  voice  can  pourtray 
a  thing  which  is  supernaturally 
noble?  It  is  a  reflection  on  earth 
of  a  glory  whose  home  is  in  heaven. 
And  it  is  but  that  which  we  may 
justly  look  for,  when  we  see  her 
who  hath  her  Husband  in  heaven, 
live  a  life  whose  model  is  the  life 
of  heaven. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Because  of  truth,  and  meekness, 
and  righteousness ;  and  thy  right 
hand  shall  lead  thee  wonderfully. 

VeAe.  In  thy  comeliness,  and 
thy  beauty,  go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Answer.  And  thy  right  hand 
shall  lead  thee  wonderfully. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

FT  was  maidenhood  that  pierced 
^  beyond  the  clouds,  the  atmos- 
phere,   the    Angels,    and    the  stars, 


and  came  upon  the  Word  of  God 
in  the  very  bosom  of  the  Father, 
and  sucked  Him  into  her  heart. 
For  who,  that  hath  once  found  such 
blessedness,  would  leave  it  again  ? 
"For  thy  name  is  as  ointment 
poured  forth,  therefore  do  the  virgins 
love  thee,"  and  draw  thee  after 
them.  (Cant.  i.  3.)  Lastly,  it  is 
not  I,  but  the  Lord  by  Whom  it 
is  said  that  they  which  neither  marry 
nor  are  given  in  marriage  are  as  the 
angels  of  God  in  heaven.  (Matth. 
xxii.  30.)  Let  no  man  therefore 
marvel  that  they  which  be  married 
unto  the  Lord  of  angels  should  be 
likened  themselves  to  angels.  • 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1Thou  hast  loved  righteousness, 
and  hated  iniquity;  therefore  God, 
thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with 
the  oil  of  gladness. 

Verse.  Because  of  truth,  and 
meekness,  and  righteousness. 

Answer.  Therefore  God,  thy 
God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the 
oil  of  gladness. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

V\  /"HO  would  deny  that  this  is  a 
*  *  life  which  hath  come  down 
from  heaven,  seeing  it  is  a  life 
whereof  it  is  not  easy  to  find  an 
ensample  before  God  came  down  to 
dwell  in  a  Body  of  clay?  Then 
was  it  a  virgin  which  conceived  Him 
in  her  womb,  and  the  Word  was 
made  Flesh,  that  Flesh  might  be 
made  God.  Some  will  say :  Con- 
cerning Elias  also,  we  find  not  that 
he  shared  in  the  lusting  after  a 
bodily  coming-together.     Yea;  and 


1  Ps.  xliv.  9. 


FOR  VIRGINS. 


571 


therefore  it  is  that  he  was  carried 
up  in  a  fiery  chariot  into  heaven ; 
therefore  is  it  that  he  is  seen  with 
the  Lord  amid  all  the  glory  of  the 
Transfiguration ;  therefore  it  is  that 
he  is  to  come  as  a  Forerunner  of 
the  Lord's  coming  again. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

After  her  shall  virgins  be  brought 
unto  the  King,  her  fellows  shall  be 
brought  unto  thee  with  gladness  and 
rejoicing. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and  thy 
beauty,  go  forward,  fare  prosperous- 
ly, and  reign. 

Answer.  They  shall  be  brought 
unto  thee  with  gladness  and  re- 
joicing. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  They  shall  be  brought 
unto  thee  with  gladness  and  re- 
joicing. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  x  I  am  black  but 
comely,  *  O  ye  daughters  of  Jeru- 
salem ;  therefore  hath  the  King  loved 
me,  and  brought  me  into  his  cham- 
ber. 

Second  Antiphon.  l  Draw  me 
after  thee ;  *  we  will  run  after  the 
savour  of  thy  good  ointments ;  thy 
name  is  as  oil  poured  forth. 

Third  Antiphon.  Come,  Bride  of 
Christ,  *  and  take  the  everlasting 
crown  which  the  Lord  hath  prepared 
for  thee. 

Verse.  God  hath  chosen  her,  and 
fore-chosen  her. 

Answer.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew 
(xxv.  1.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  to  His 
-*"*-  disciples :  The  Kingdom  of 
heaven  shall  be  likened  unto  ten 
virgins,  which  took  their  lamps,  and 
went  forth  to  meet  the  Bridegroom 
and  the  Bride.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     {\2th  on  the  Gospels.} 

Dearly  beloved  brethren ;  often- 
times do  I  warn  you  to  fly  corrupt 
conversation,  and  to  keep  yourselves 
unspotted  from  the  world.  But  the 
portion  which  is  this  day  read  from 
the  Holy  Gospel  doth  oblige  me  to 
say  that  even  to  these  good  things 
which  ye  do,  ye  must  needs  take 
all  careful  heed.  Look  ye  well  to 
it,  that,  when  ye  work  righteousness, 
ye  do  it  not  as  seeking  the  praise 
and  admiration  of  men,  for  if  the 
lust  of  praise  do  once  creep  in,  that 
which  seemeth  so  fair  without,  loseth 
its  reward  within.  Behold  how  the 
Redeemer  speaketh  of  these  ten  vir- 
gins. He  calleth  them  all  virgins,  yet 
entered  not  all  of  them  into  the  door 
of  blessedness,  for  there  were  some 
of  them  who  sought  outwardly  the 
honour  of  virginity,  but  would  take 
no  oil  within  their  vessels  with  their 
lamps. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

This  is  one  of  those  wise  virgins, 
whom  the  Lord  found  watching,  for 
when  she  took  her  lamp,  she  took 
oil  with  her.  And  when  the  Lord 
came,  she  went  in  with  him  to  the 
marriage. 


1  Cant.  i.  5,  4. 


572 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Verse.  At  midnight  there  was  a 
cry  made  :  Behold  !  the  Bridegroom 
cometh  !  go  ye  out  to  meet  him  ! 

Answer.  And  when  the  Lord 
came,  she  went  in  with  Him  to  the 
marriage. 

Eighth  Blessing. 

She  {or  they)  whose  feast-day  we 
are  keeping, 

Be  our  Advocate  (or  Advocates) 
with  God. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

13  UT,  first  of  all,  it  is  for  us  to 
*~*  ask  :  What  is  the  kingdom  of 
Heaven?  And  wherefore  shall  the 
same  be  likened  unto  ten  virgins, 
whereof,  albeit  five  were  wise,  yet 
five  were  foolish  ?  For  if  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  be  such  that  there 
shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it  any- 
thing that  defileth,  neither  whatso- 
ever worketh  abomination,  or  maketh 
a  lie,  (Apoc.  xxi.  27,)  how  can  it  be 
like  unto  five  virgins  which  were 
foolish?  But  we  must  know  that, 
in  the  word  of  God,  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  doth  oftentimes  signify  the 
Church  as  she  now  is,  touching  the 
which  the  Lord  saith  in  another 
place  :  "  The  Son  of  Man  shall  send 
forth  His  Angels,  and  they  shall 
gather  out  of  His  kingdom  all  things 
that  offend."  (Matth.  xiii.  41.)  In 
that  kingdom  of  Blessedness,  where- 
in peace  shall  have  her  perfect  reign, 
there  shall  be  nothing  found  that 
offendeth  for  the  angels  to  gather 
out. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

At  midnight  there  was  a  cry 
made :  Behold !  the  Bridegroom 
cometh !  go  ye  out  to  meet  him ! 

Verse.  Trim  your  lamps,  O  ye 
wise  virgins. 


Answer.  Behold !  the  Bridegroom 
cometh  !  go  ye  out  to  meet  him  ! 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Behold !  the  Bridegroom 
cometh  !  go  ye  out  to  meet  him  ! 

Ninth  Lesson. 

1 1  ^HE  body  of  every  man  doth 
-*-  consist  of  five  senses,  and  five 
being  doubled,  is  ten.  Forasmuch, 
therefore,  as  the  whole  body  of  the 
faithful  doth  consist  of  two  sexes, 
the  Holy  Church  is  likened  unto 
ten  virgins.  And  forasmuch  as  in 
the  Church  the  good  are  for  the 
present  mingled  with  the  bad,  and 
the  reprobate  with  the  elect,  it  is 
rightly  said  that,  of  the  ten  virgins, 
five  are  wise  and  five  are  foolish. 
There  are  many  who  have  self-con- 
trol, which  do  keep  themselves  from 
lusting  after  things  outward,  whose 
hope  beareth  them  to  things  inward, 
who  chastise  the  flesh,  who  long 
with  intense  home-sickness  for  their 
Fatherland  which  is  in  heaven,  who 
seek  an  eternal  reward,  and  who  will 
not  to  receive  for  their  labours  the 
praise  of  men.  These  are  they  who 
reckon  their  glory,  not  in  the  mouths 
of  men,  but  in  the  testimony  of  their 
own  conscience.  And  many  there 
be  likewise  who  afflict  the  body  by 
self-control,  and  yet  who  seek  for 
their    self  -  control    applause    from 


The  Hymn,  "We    praise    Thee,   O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  This  is  one  of 
the  wise  virgins,  *  one  chosen  out 
of  the  number  of  the  careful. 


FOR  VIRGINS. 


573 


Second  Antiphon.  This  is  one  of 
the  wise  virgins,  *  whom  the  Lord 
found  watching. 

Third  Antiphon.  x  This  is  one 
which  hath  not  known  the  sinful 
bed,  *  she  shall  have  fruit  in  the 
visitation  of  holy  souls. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Come,  O  my 
chosen  one,  *  and  I  will  establish 
My  throne  in  thee. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  She  is  beautiful 
*  among  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem. 

Chapter.     (2  Cor.  x.  17.) 

"DRETHREN,  he  that  glorieth, 
-^  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord. 
For  not  he  that  commendeth  him- 
self is  approved,  but  whom  the 
Lord  commendeth. 


Hymn.'1 

JESU,  the  Virgin's  Crown,  do  Thou 
Accept  us,  as  in  prayer  we  bow  ; 
Born  of  that  Virgin,  whom  alone 
The  Mother  and  the  Maid  we  own. 


For  One  Virgin. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 


For  tnany  Virgins. 

Verse.  After  her  shall  virgins  be 
brought  unto  the  King. 

Answer.  Her  fellows  shall  be 
brought  unto  thee. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
For  one  Virgin.  3  The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  like  unto  a  merchantman 
*  seeking  goodly  pearls,  who,  when 
he  had  found  one  pearl  of  great 
price,  went  and  sold  all  that  he  had, 
and  bought  it. 

For  many  Virgins.  Trim  your 
lamps,  O  ye  wise  virgins  !  *  Behold  ! 
the  Bridegroom  cometh !  go  ye  out 
to  meet  him  ! 


Amongst  the  lilies  Thou  dost  feed, 
With  Virgin  choirs  accompanied  ; 
With  glory  decked,  the  spotless  brides 
Whose  bridal  gifts  Thy  love  provides. 

They,  wheresoe'er  Thy  footsteps  bend, 
With  hymns  and  praises  still  attend  ; 
In  blessed  troops  they  follow  Thee, 
With  dance,  and  song,  and  melody. 

We  pray  Thee  therefore  to  bestow 
Upon  our  senses  here  below, 
Thy  grace,  that  so  we  may  endure 
From  taint  of  all  corruption  pure. 

All  laud  to  God  the  Father  be  : 
All  laud,  Eternal  Son,  to  Thee  : 
All  laud,  as  is  for  ever  meet, 
To  God  the  Holy  Paraclete.     Amen. 


Prayer  for  a  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

f~~\  GOD,  Who,  amidst  the  won- 
^-J  drous  work  of  Thy  Divine 
power,  dost  make  even  weak  women 
to  be  more  than  conquerors  in  the 
uplifting  of  their  testimony,  merci- 
fully grant  unto  all  us  which  do  keep 
the  Birthday  of  Thy  blessed  hand- 
maiden and  witness  N.  {here  mention 
her  name)  grace  to  follow  her  steps 
to  Thee-ward.  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. 


1  Wisd.  iii.  13. 

2  Hymn  of  the  Ambrosian  school,  somewhat  altered  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  Dr  Neale. 

3  Matth.  xiii.  45,  46. 


574 


THE  COMMON   OF  SAINTS. 


Another  Prayer  for  a  Virgin  and 
Martyr. 

r\  LORD,  we  pray  Thee  that  Thy 
^-*  blessed  handmaiden  and  wit- 
ness N.,  {here  mention  her  name,) 
in  whom  Thou  hast  ever  been 
well  pleased,  because  of  her  worthy 
maidenhood  and  her  mighty  show- 
ing-forth  of  Thy  power,  may  entreat 
Thy  pardon  on  our  behalf.  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. 

Prayer  for  a  Virgin  not  a  Martyr. 

/GRACIOUSLY  hear  us,  O  God 
^— ^  of  our  salvation,  and  grant 
that  as  the  Birthday  of  Thy  blessed 
handmaiden  N.  (here  mention  her 
name)  doth  make  us  happier,  so  the 
fruit  of  her  godly  earnestness  may 
make  us  better.  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. 

Prayer  for  many  Virgins,  Martyrs. 

f~*  RANT  unto  us,  we  beseech 
^-*  Thee,  O  Lord,  our  God,  that 
we  may  ever  call  to  mind,  with  all 
worship  and  thanksgiving,  the  vic- 
tory of  Thy  holy  Virgin  Martyrs 
NN.,  (here  mention  their  names,)  and 
although  we  know  that  our  mind 
cannot  comprehend  Thee  Who  art 
this  day  their  exceeding  great  re- 
ward, give  us  always  the  grace  hum- 
bly to  worship  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. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.  This  is  one,  &c, 
(First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  at  the  end. 

For  a  Virgin  and  Martyr.    (Ecclus. 
li.  13.) 

OLORD  my  God,  Thou  hast 
lifted  up  my  dwelling  on 
earth ;  and  I  prayed  for  deliver- 
ance from  death — I  called  upon 
the  Lord,  the  Father  of  my  Lord, 
that  He  would  not  leave  me  in 
the  days  of  my  trouble,  and  in 
the  time  of  the  proud,  when  there 
was  no  help. 

For  a  Virgin  not  a  Martyr.     (Wisd. 
iv.  1.) 

OHOW  lovely  and  glorious  is 
the  generation  of  the  chaste  ! 
For  the  memorial  thereof  is  im- 
mortal, because  it  is  known  with 
God  and  with  men. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  This  is  one,  &c, 
(Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

In  thy  comeliness  and  in  thy 
beauty. 

Answer.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
in  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Answer.     In  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
in  thy  beauty. 


FOR  VIRGINS. 


575 


Verse.  God  shall  help  her  with 
His  countenance. 

Answer.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 
SEXT. 

Antiphon.  This  is  one,  &c, 
{Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (2  Cor.  xi.  2.) 

T^OR  I  am  jealous  over  you 
*■  with  godly  jealousy.  For  I 
have  espoused  you  to  one  hus- 
band, that  I  may  present  you  as 
a  chaste  virgin  to  Christ. 

Short  Responsory. 

God  shall  help  her  with  His 
countenance. 

Answer.  God  shall  help  her 
with  His   countenance. 

Verse.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Answer.     With  His  countenance. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  God  shall  help  her 
with  His  countenance. 

Verse.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Answer.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 
NONE. 

Antiphon.  She  is  beautiful,  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 


Short  Responsory. 

God  hath  chosen  her,  and  fore- 
chosen  her. 

Answer.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

Answer.     And  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

All  as  First,  except  the  following. 

For  one  Virgin. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 


<&tf)tt  lUggottg  for 
Purging* 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Ecclesiasticus  (li.  1.) 

WILL  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  and 
**  King,  and  Praise  Thee,  O  God 
my  Saviour.      I  will  give  praise  unto 


576 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Thy  Name;  for  Thou  hast  been 
mine  Helper  and  Defender,  and 
hast  preserved  my  body  from  des- 
truction, and  from  the  snare  of 
the  slanderous  tongue,  and  from 
the  lips  that  forge  lies,  and  hast 
been  mine  Helper  against  mine 
adversaries.  And  hast  delivered 
me,  according  to  the  multitude  of 
the  mercies  of  Thy  Name,  from 
them  that  roared  against  me,  and 
that  were  ready  to  devour  me  :  out 
of  the  hands  of  such  as  sought  after 
my  life,  and  from  the  gates  of  trouble 
that  were  open  all  around  me ; 
from  the  choking  of  the  fire  that 
compassed  me,  so  that  when  I 
stood  in  the  midst  of  the  flame  I 
was  not  scorched  :  from  the  depth 
of  the  belly  of  hell,  from  an  unclean 
tongue,  and  from  lying  words,  and 
from  an  unjust  king,  and  from  an 
unrighteous  tongue. 

Second  Lesson. 

1\/TY  soul  shall  praise  the  Lord 
-L'i-  even  unto  death,  for  my  life 
was  near  to  the  hell  beneath.  They 
compassed  me  on  every  side,  and 
there  was  no  man  to  help  me.  I 
looked  for  the  succour  of  men,  but 
there  was  none.  Then  thought  I 
upon  Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  and  upon 
Thine  acts  of  old ;  how  Thou  de- 
liverest  such  as  wait  for  Thee,  O 
Lord,  and  savest  them  out  of  the 
hands  of  the  people. 

Third  Lesson. 

THOU  hast  lifted  up  my  dwell- 
ing on  earth,  and  I  prayed 
for  deliverance  from  death.  I  called 
upon  the  Lord,  the  Father  of  my 
Lord,  that  He  would  not  leave  me 


in  the  days  of  my  trouble,  and  in 
the  time  of  the  proud,  when  there 
was  no  help.  I  will  praise  Thy 
Name  continually,  and  will  sing 
praise  with  thanksgiving;  for  that 
my  prayer  was  heard.  For  Thou 
savedst  me  from  destruction,  and 
deliveredst  me  from  the  evil  time. 
Therefore  will  I  give  thanks,  and 
praise  Thee,  and  bless  the  Name 
of  the  Lord. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  the  holy  Martyr  Cyprian,  Bishop 
[of  Carthage,]  concerning  the  rules 
and  clothing  of  Virgins.     (2.) 

AM  now  to  address  myself  to 
*  virgins,  and  as  their  condition 
is  one  of  such  glorious  exaltation,  I 
am  the  more  behoven  to  be  careful. 
This  mass  of  consecrated  virginity 
is  the  flower  upon  the  plant  of  the 
Church.  It  is  the  charm  and  love- 
liness of  spiritual  grace.  It  is  a 
generation  of  gladness.  It  is  a 
work  of  praise  and  honour,  un- 
touched and  uncorrupted.  It  is  the 
image  of  God  reflecting  the  holiness 
of  the  Lord.  It  is  the  brightest 
portion  of  the  flock  of  Christ.  It 
is  the  joy  of  our  holy  Mother  the 
Church,  and  the  rich  blossom  of  her 
glorious  fruitfulness,  and  every  addi- 
tion to  the  number  of  her  virgins 
is  an  increase  of  her  gladness.  To 
these  I  speak,  them  I  exhort,  more 
in  tenderness  than  in  authority. 
Not  that  I,  who  am  so  worthless, 
and  little,  and  feel  so  keenly  the 
lowliness  of  mine  own  estate,  would 
speak   as   finding  any   fault    to    re- 


FOR  VIRGINS. 


577 


prove,  but  because  when  I  feel  the 
tenderest  care,  I  feel  the  most 
nervous  dread  of  any  troubling  by 
the  wicked  one. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T^HIS  is  not  an  unreasonable 
*~  care,  nor  a  groundless  dread, 
which  looketh  to  the  way  of  salva- 
tion and  keepeth  the  life-giving  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord,  to  the  end 
that  they,  who  have  consecrated 
themselves  to  Christ,  who  have 
turned  their  back  for  ever  upon 
the  pleasure  of  the  flesh,  who  have 
vowed  themselves  God's  own  in 
body  as  well  as  in  mind,  may  finish 
the  work  for  which  so  vast  a  reward 
awaiteth  them  j  that  they  may  desire 
no  more  to  seem  fair  and  pleasing 
in  any  eyes  but  those  of  the  Lord, 
from  Whose  hand  they  look  to  re- 
ceive the  wage  of  their  continence, 
as  He  Himself  hath  said  :  "  All  men 
cannot  receive  this  saying,  save  they 
to  whom  it  is  given.  For  there  are 
some  eunuchs  which  were  so  born 
from  their  mother's  womb ;  and 
there  are  some  eunuchs  which  were 
made  eunuchs  of  men  ;  and  there 
be  eunuchs  which  have  made  them- 
selves eunuchs  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven's  sake.  He  that  is  able  to 
receive  it,  let  him  receive  it." 
(Matth.  xix.   n,   12.) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  ND  yet  again,  the  voice  of  an 
-^*-  Angel  hath  proclaimed  what 
is  the  reward  of  continence.  "  These 
are  they  which  were  not  defiled  with 
women  ;  for  they  are  virgins.  These 
are  they  which  follow  the  Lamb 
whithersoever  He  goeth."      (Apoc. 


xiv.  4.)  Neither  is  it  to  man  only 
that  the  Lord  hath  promised  this 
glorious  reward  for  virginity.  He 
passeth  not  by  women,  but,  since 
the  woman  is  made  out  of  the  man, 
and  taken  and  formed  from  him, 
God  in  His  Holy  Scriptures  useth 
mostly  to  address  Himself  to  the 
race  in  the  form  wherein  He  origin- 
ally created  it,  for  they  are  twain 
in  one  flesh,  and  when  mankind  is 
spoken  of,  womankind  also  is  signi- 
fied. But  if  continence  be  a  follow- 
ing of  Christ,  and  virginity  have  her 
aim  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  what 
concern  have  such  with  earthly 
finery,  or  with  self-adorning,  where- 
by, while  they  seek  to  please  men, 
they  offend  God  ? 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew 
(xix.   3.) 

A  T  that  time  :  the  Pharisees  came 
^*-  unto  Jesus,  tempting  Him 
and  saying  unto  Him :  Is  it  lawful 
for  a  man  to  put  away  his  wife  for 
any  cause  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  of  [Constantinople.]  (63?*/ 
on  Matthew.) 

Seeing  that  directly  to  exhort  them 
unto  virginity  was  well-nigh  more 
than  they  could  bear,  our  Lord 
seeketh  to  draw  them  to  the  desire 
thereof,  taking  occasion  by  the  need- 
fulness of  a  law  against  divorce. 
Then  He  showeth  that  virginity  is 
possible,  saying :  "  There  are  some 
eunuchs  which  were  so  born  from 
their  mother's  womb ;  and  there  are 


578 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


some  eunuchs  which  were  made 
eunuchs  of  men ;  and  there  be 
eunuchs  which  have  made  them- 
selves eunuchs  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven's  sake."  In  these  words  He 
persuadeth  them  indirectly  to  choose 
virginity,  while  He  teacheth  them 
that  such  a  gift  is  not  so  good  as 
to  be  impossible. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

r  I AHIS  His  doctrine  He  establish- 
-■■  eth  somewhat  thus.  Suppos- 
ing that  thou  hadst  been  born  a 
eunuch  by  nature,  or  hadst  been 
made  a  eunuch  by  the  cruelty  of 
men,  so  that  thou  hadst  no  sexual 
enjoyment,  and  hadst  no  credit  for 
having  none,  what  wouldest  thou 
do  ?  Give  God  thanks  therefore, 
that  thou  dost,  for  a  reward  and  a 
crown,  what  such  others  suffer  with 
no  reward  and  no  crown — yea,  and 
that,  rather  a  lighter  burden  than 
the  same,  and  that  not  only  because 
thou  hast  the  joy  of  hope,  and  of 
knowing  that  thou  doest  well,  but 
also  because  thou  art  not  so  bat- 
tered by  storms  of  desire  as  they 
are. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

V\THEN,  therefore,  He  had 
*  *  spoken  of  such  as  are  eu- 
nuchs by  nature,  or  by  mutilation, 
and  are  eunuchs  vainly  and  use- 
lessly, unless  they  also  bridle  their 
thoughts,  and  of  such  as  deny  them- 
selves for  the  kingdom  of  heaven's 
sake,  He  added :  "  He  that  is  able 
to  receive  it,  let  him  receive  it," 
that  He  might  make  them  the 
readier  by  showing  the  very  sternness 
of  the  work,  and,  in  His  unspeakable 
goodness,    He    would    not    include 


any  such  precept  within  the  re- 
quirements of  the  law,  and,  by  say- 
ing this,  showeth  it  to  be  the  more 
possible,  that  He  might  increase 
the  desire  of  freely  choosing  it. 


Simple  <©te  for  Utrrjtns. 

The  Office  is  as  on  a  Semi-double, 
with  the  following  exceptions. 


FIRST    VESPERS. 

The  Office  is  of  the  Week-day,  till  the 
Cliapter  exclusive. 

The  Office  of  the  Saint  or  Saints  be- 
gins with  the  Chapter,  which,  as  also 
the  Hymn,  Verse  and  Answer,  Anti- 
phon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
and  Prayer,  are  all  as  just  given. 

At  Compline  are  said  Preces. 


MATTINS. 

The  Invitatory  and  Hymn  arc  as 
just  given. 

Then  follow  the  Week-day  Psalms, 
with  their  own  Antiphon. 

On  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

On  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

Verse.  God  shall  give  her  the 
help  of  His  countenance. 

Answer.  God  is  in  the  midst 
of  her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

For  Wednesdays. 

Verse.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 


FOR  VIRGINS. 


579 


Answer.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

First  Blessing. 

May  His  blessing  be  upon  us, 
Who  doth  live  and  reign  for  ever. 

First  Lesson  from  Scripture  accord- 
ing to  the  Season,  being  either  the  first 
part,  or,  if  the  Saint  or  Saints  have  two 
Lessons,  the  whole  read  as  one,  at  will. 

First  Responsory. 

On  Monday  and  Thursday. 

Come,  Bride  of  Christ,  &c.  Or, 
Come,  O  My  chosen  one,  &c, 
{p.   568.) 

On  Tuesday  and  Friday. 

Because  of  truth  and  meekness, 
&c.,  (/.   570.) 

On  Wednesday. 

This  is  one  of  those  wise  virgins, 
&c,  (/>.  571.) 

Second  Blessing. 

She  (or  they)  whose  feast-day  we 
are  keeping, 

Be  our  Advocate  {or  Advocates) 
with  God. 

Second  Lesson  is  the  first  of  the 
Legend  of  the  Saint  or  Saints,  if  there 
be  two ;  if  not,  it  is  the  second  from 
Scripture,  to  which  the  third  may  be 
added  at  will. 


Second  Responsory. 
On  Monday  and  Thursday. 

Grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips,  &c, 
(j>.  569,)  with  this  addition: 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer. 
for  ever. 


God  hath  blessed  thee 


On  Tuesday  and  Friday. 

Thou  hast  loved  righteousness, 
&c,   (p.   570,)  with  this  addition: 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Therefore  God,  thy 
God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the 
oil  of  gladness. 

On  Wednesday. 
At  midnight,  &c,  (j>.  572.) 

Third  Blessing. 

May  He  That  is  the  angels'  King 
To   that  high  realm   His   people 
bring. 

Third  Lesson,  the  whole  or  second 
part  of  the  Lesson  of  the  Feast. 

Then  the  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said,  and  so  end  Mattins. 

The  rest  as  on  a  Semi- double,  as 
just  given;  it  ends  at  None,  inclusive  ; 
Preces  are  said  at  Prime,  and  the 
Common  Commetnorations  are  made  at 
Lauds  or  not,  accordiftg  to  the  Week- 
day. 


58o 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


X,  dfor  $olg  Women, 

Whether  One  or  Many,  Martyr  or  not  Martyr,  but  not  Virgin. 


All  as  on  Sundays,  except  the  follow- 
ing. 

The  Psalms  are  the  same  as  in  the 
Office  for  Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
except  the  Third  Psalm  of  the  Second 
Nocturn,  which  is  Psalm  XLVIL, 
"  Great  is  the  Lord,  &c,"  {p.  98.) 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Hymn,  and 
Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  *The  kingdom  of  heaven 
is  like  unto  a  merchantman,  seeking 
goodly  pearls ;  *  who,  when  he  had 
found  one  pearl  of  great  price,  gave 
up  all  that  he  had  and  bought  it. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  For  the  confession 
of  Blessed  N.  *  {here  insert  her 
name),  let  us  praise  our  God. 

Hymn. 

WHEN  she  pleads  for  us,  at  her 
sweet  petition, 
That  we  may  sing  with  conscience  pure 

of  sin, 
From  debt  of  guilt,  O  grant  us  Thy 
remission 

And  peace  within. 

Glory  to   Thee,   O   Father,  Son,   and 

Spirit, 
Glory  co-equal  on  the  throne  on  high  ! 
Equal  in  power,  in  unity  of  merit 
Eternally !    Amen. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  O  how  lovely 
and  glorious  is  the  generation  *  of 
the  chaste. 

Second  Antiphon.  His  left  hand 
is  under  my  head,  *  and  his  right 
hand  doth  embrace  me. 

Third  Antiphon.  Return,  return, 
O  Shulammith,  *  return,  return,  that 
we  may  look  upon  thee. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and  thy 
beauty. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Lessons  for  a  Martyr  from  Ecclus.  li.  I, 
(A  575-) 

For  a  Woman  not  a  Martyr. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Pro- 
verbs of  Solomon  (xxxi.  10.) 

"I  \  THO  can  find  a  virtuous  wo- 
"  *  man  ?  For  her  price  is  far 
above  the  rarest  merchandise.  The 
heart  of  her  husband  doth  safely 
trust  in  her,  so  that  he  shall  have 
no  need  of  spoil.  She  will  do  him 
good  and  not  evil,  all  the  days  of 
her  life.  She  seeketh  wool  and  flax, 
and  worketh  wisely  with  her  hands. 
She  is  like  the  merchant's  ship,  she 
bringeth  her  food  from  afar;  she 
riseth  also,  while  it  is  yet  night,  and 
giveth  meat  to  her  household,  and  a 
portion  to  her  maidens.     She  con- 


1  Matth.  xiii.  45,  46. 


FOR   HOLY   WOMEN. 


58l 


sidereth  a  field,  and  buyeth  it ;  with 
the  fruit  of  her  hands  she  planteth 
a  vineyard.  She  girdeth  her  loins 
with  strength,  and  strengtheneth  her 
arms. 

First  Responsory. 

Come,  O  My  chosen  one,  and  I 
will  establish  My  throne  in  thee,  for 
the  King  hath  greatly  desired  thy 
beauty. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty,  go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Answer.  For  the  King  hath 
greatly  desired  thy  beauty. 

Second  Lesson. 

SHE  tasteth  and  perceiveth  that 
her  merchandise  is  good.  Her 
candle  goeth  not  out  by  night.  She 
layeth  her  hands  to  hard  work,  and 
her  fingers  hold  the  distaff.  She 
spreadeth  out  her  hands  to  the  poor, 
yea,  she  reacheth  forth  her  hands  to 
the  needy.  She  is  not  afraid  of  the 
cold  of  snow  for  her  household,  for 
all  her  servants  are  clothed  with 
double  garments.  She  maketh  for 
herself  coverings  of  tapestry  :  her 
clothing  is  fine  linen  and  purple. 
Her  husband  is  known  in  the  gates, 
when  he  sitteth  among  the  elders 
of  the  land.  She  maketh  linen  and 
selleth  it,  and  delivereth  girdles  unto 
the  Canaanite.1 

Second  Responsory. 

Grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips ; 
therefore  God  hath  blessed  thee  for 
ever. 

Verse.       In    thy   comeliness   and 

1  Used  by  the  Jews  for  an  itinerant  trader,  much  as  we  call  a  tramp  an  Egyptian  (vulg. 
Gipsy.) 


thy  beauty,  go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Ansiver.  God  hath  blessed  thee 
for  ever. 

Third  Lesson. 

CTRENGTH  and  honour  are  her 
^  clothing ;  and  she  will  laugh 
in  the  latter  day.  She  openeth  her 
mouth  with  wisdom,  and  in  her 
tongue  is  the  law  of  kindness.  She 
looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her 
household,  and  eateth  not  the  bread 
of  idleness.  Her  children  arise  up, 
and  call  her  blessed ;  her  husband, 
and  he  praiseth  her.  Many  daugh- 
ters have  gotten  riches,  but  thou 
excellest  them  all.  Favour  is  de- 
ceitful, and  beauty  is  vain  :  a  woman 
that  feareth  the  Lord,  she  shall  be 
praised.  Give  her  of  the  fruit  of 
her  hands,  and  let  her  own  works 
praise  her  in  the  gates. 

Third  Responsory. 

In  thy  comeliness  and  thy  beauty, 
go  forward,  fare  prosperously,  and 
reign. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips,  therefore  God  hath  blessed  thee 
for  ever. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  In  thy  comeli- 
ness and  thy  beauty,  *  go  forward, 
fare  prosperously,  and  reign. 


582 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Second  Antiphon.  God  shall  help 
her  with  His  countenance  :  *  God  is 
in  the  midst  of  her ;  she  shall  not 
be  moved. 

Third  Antiphon.  Many  waters 
cannot  *  quench  love. 

Verse.  God  shall  help  her  with 
His  countenance. 

Answer.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her :  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
upon  Widows  by  St  Ambrose, 
Bishop  [of  Milan.]  (Near  the 
end.) 

BEHOLD  the  field  of  the 
-*•  Church,  that  the  same  is  a 
fruitful  field,  somewhile  smiling  with 
the  brightness  of  virginity,  some- 
while  golden  with  the  ripe  harvest 
of  widowhood,  somewhile  rich  with 
the  crop  of  marriage.  These  things 
be  diverse,  but  they  be  the  fruits  of 
the  same  field.  There  are  not  so 
many  choice  lilies  as  stalks  of 
bearded  grain,  ears  for  the  harvest, 
and  there  are  more  places  in  the 
soil  fitted  once  to  receive  seed  than 
there  are  places  which,  when  they 
have  yielded  a  crop,  are  fitted  again 
to  be  ploughed.  Good,  then,  is 
widowhood,  which  the  judgment  of 
an  Apostle  hath  so  often  commend- 
ed, widowhood,  which  is  the  teacher 
of  faith  and  of  purity. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Because  of  truth,  and  meekness, 
and  righteousness ;  and  thy  right 
hand  shall  lead  thee  wonderfully. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
thy  beauty,  go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 


Answer.  And  thy  right  hand 
shall  lead  thee  wonderfully. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

^THEREFORE,  they  who  worship 
-*■  adultery  and  uncleanness  in 
their  gods  made  celibacy  and  widow- 
hood punishable.  They  who  lusted 
after  abominations,  taxed  self-con- 
trol. The  pretence  was  the  desire 
of  fruitfulness,  but  the  aim  was  to 
abolish  virginity,  the  resolution  of 
chastity.  When  a  soldier  hath  served 
his  time  he  layeth  down  his  arms, 
leaveth  his  trade,  and  retireth  bim 
to  his  own  lands,  that  as  well  him- 
self may  rest  after  the  toils  of  life, 
as  that  the  hope  of  rest  to  come 
may  make  others  the  more  ready  to 
undergo  work.  So  also  the  aged 
labourer  leaveth  it  for  others  to 
guide  the  handle  of  the  plough,  and 
withdraweth  from  the  weariness  of 
his  younger  days'  labour  to  essay  the 
task  of  an  old  man's  thoughtful  super- 
vision. It  is  easier  to  prune  vines, 
than  to  stamp  them  out,  to  check  the 
first  wild  outburst  of  their  vigour,  and 
to  curtail  the  wantonness  of  their 
young  growth,  so  teaching,  even  by 
the  ensample  of  the  vineyard,  that 
chastity,  which  keepeth  itself  within 
the  bearing  of  but  a  few  children. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

Thou  hast  loved  righteousness, 
and  hated  iniquity ;  therefore  God, 
thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the 
oil  of  gladness. 

Verse.  Because  of  truth,  and 
meekness,  and  righteousness. 

Answer.  Therefore  God,  thy  God, 
hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of 
gladness. 


FOR   HOLY   WOMEN. 


583 


Sixth  Lesson. 

IKE  to  these  is  a  widow,  a 
-*— '  veteran  retiring  to  rest  upon 
the  earned  rewards  of  her  chastity, 
and  who,  albeit  she  layeth  down  the 
arms  of  wifehood,  still  ruleth  the 
order  of  all  her  household ;  albeit 
she  be  at  rest  from  bearing  burdens, 
she  is  careful  in  the  marriage  of  her 
youngers,  and  with  the  wisdom  of 
age  chooseth  what  study  is  the  most 
useful,  what  fruit  is  the  richest,  what 
wedlock  is  the  meetest.  And  so, 
if  the  government  of  the  field  be 
given  more  to  the  elder  than  to  the 
younger,  wherefore  shouldest  thou 
hold  that  a  wife  is  more  useful 
than  a  widow?  But  if  they  which 
persecuted  the  faith  persecuted  also 
widowhood,  then,  surely,  in  the  eyes 
of  them  which  hold  the  faith,  must 
widowhood  be  looked  upon  as  a 
reward,  rather  than  shrunk  from  as 
a  punishment. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

Favour  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is 
vain  :  a  woman  that  feareth  God  she 
shall  be  praised. 

Verse.  Give  her  of  the  fruit  of 
her  hands,  and  let  her  own  works 
praise  her  in  the  gates. 

Answer.  A  woman  that  feareth 
God,  she  shall  be  praised. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  A  woman  that  feareth 
God,  she  shall  be  praised. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  I  am  black  but 
comely,  *  O  ye  daughters  of  Jeru- 
salem ;    therefore    hath    the    King 


loved  me,  and  brought  me  into  His 
chamber. 

Second  Antiphon.  Draw  me  after 
thee  :  *  we  will  run  after  the  savour 
of  thy  good  ointments,  thy  name  is 
as  oil  poured  forth. 

Third  Antiphon.  Come,  Bride  of 
Christ,  *  and  take  the  everlasting 
crown,  which  the  Lord  hath  prepared 
for  thee. 

Verse.  God  hath  chosen  her,  and 
fore-chosen  her. 

Answer.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  Tabernacle. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xiii. 
44-) 

AT  that  time :  Jesus  spake  unto 
His  disciples  this  parable : 
The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
treasure  hid  in  a  field.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (nth  on  the  Gospels?) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  is  likened  unto  the 
things  of  earth,  to  the  end  that  by 
the  mean  of  things  which  we  know, 
our  mind  may  rise  to  the  contem- 
plation of  the  things  which  we 
know  not ;  by  the  ensample  of 
things  which  are  seen,  may  fix  her 
gaze  on  things  which  are  not  seen  ; 
by  the  touch  of  things  which  she 
useth,  may  be  warmed  towards  the 
things  which  she  useth  not ;  by 
things  which  she  knoweth  and  lov- 
eth,  to  love  also  the  things  which 
she  knoweth  not.  For,  behold, 
"  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened 
unto    treasure    hid   in    a   field,    the 


584 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


which  when  a  man  hath  found,  he 
hideth,  and,  for  joy  thereof,  goeth 
and  selleth  all  that  he  hath  and 
buyeth  that  field." 

Seventh  Responsory. 

She  openeth  her  mouth  with  wis- 
dom, and  in  her  tongue  is  the  law  of 
kindness.  She  looketh  well  to  the 
ways  of  her  household,  and  eateth 
not  the  bread  of  idleness. 

Verse.  She  tasteth  and  perceiv- 
eth  that  her  merchandise  is  good. 
Her  candle  goeth  not  out  by  night. 

Answer.  And  she  eateth  not  the 
bread  of  idleness. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

AND  herein  we  must  remark  that 
the    treasure,    when    once    it 
hath  been  found,  is  hidden  to  keep 
it    safe.        He    who    keepeth     not 
hidden  from  the  praises  of  men  his 
eager  striving  heavenwards,  doth  not 
enough  to  keep  the  same  safe  from 
the  attacks  of  evil  spirits.     In  this 
life  we  are,  as  it  were,  on  the  way 
home,  and  the  road  is  beset  by  evil 
spirits,  as  it  were,  by  highwaymen. 
He,  therefore,  inviteth  robbery  who 
carrieth  his  treasure  glaringly.     This 
I  say,  not  that  our  neighbour  should 
not  see  our  good  works — since  it  is 
written :    "  Let  your  light  so   shine 
before  men  that  they  may  see  your 
good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father 
Which    is    in    heaven "    (Matth.    v. 
1 6) — but  that  we  should  not  seek, 
by  what  we  do,  to  gain  the  praise 
of    men.       Let   the    outward    work 
agree  with  the  inward  thought,  that 
by  our  good  works  we  may  give  an 
ensample  to  our  neighbour,  and  still, 


by  our  intention,  directed  only  to 
the  pleasing  God,  we  may  also  have 
liefer  that  our  works  were  secret. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

1  The  kingdom  of  this  world  and 
all  the  beauty  of  life  I  have  es- 
teemed as  nothing,  for  the  excel- 
lency of  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ 
my  Lord,  Whom,  having  seen,  I 
loved ;  Whom,  having  believed,  I 
longed  after. 

Verse.  My  heart  is  overflowing 
with  a  good  matter ;  I  speak  of  my 
works  unto  the  King. 

Answer.  Whom,  having  seen,  I 
loved ;  Whom,  having  believed,  I 
longed  after. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Whom,  having  seen,  I 
loved ;  Whom,  having  believed,  I 
longed  after. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

THE  treasure  is  the  desire  for 
heaven  ;  the  field  wherein  it 
is  hidden  is  the  earnest  observance 
wherewith  this  desire  is  surrounded. 
Whosoever  turneth  his  back  upon 
the  enjoyments  of  the  flesh,  and  by 
earnest  striving  heavenward,  putteth 
all  earthly  lusts  under  the  feet  of 
discipline,  so  that  he  smileth  back 
no  more  when  the  flesh  smileth  at 
him,  and  shuddereth  no  more  at 
anything  that  can  only  kill  the  body 
— whosoever  doth  thus,  hath  sold  all 
that  he  had,  and  bought  that  field. 

The  Hymn,  "We    praise    Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 


1  Cf.  Phil.  iii.  8. 


FOR    HOLY   WOMEN. 


585 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  l  While  the  king 
*  sitteth  at  his  table,  my  spikenard 
sendeth  forth  the  smell  thereof. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  We  will  run 
after  thee,  *  in  the  savour  of  thy 
good  ointments.  The  virgins  love 
them  exceedingly. 

Third  Antiphon.  2  Lo !  the 
winter  is  past,  *  the  rain  is  over 
and  gone.  Rise  up,  my  love,  and 
come  away. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Come,  O  My 
chosen  one,  *  and  I  will  establish 
My  throne  in  thee.     Alleluia. 

Omit  this  Alleluia  between  Septua- 
gesima  and  Easter. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  She  is  beauti- 
ful *  among  the  daughters  of  Jer- 
usalem. 

Chapter  for  a  Martyr.     (Ecclus.  li.  1.) 

I"  WILL  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  and 
-■■  King,  and  praise  Thee,  O  God 
my  Saviour.  I  will  give  praise  un- 
to Thy  Name,  for  Thou  hast  been 
my  Helper  and  Defender,  and  hast 
preserved  my  body  from  destruction. 

Chapter  for  a  Woman  neither  Virgin 
nor  Martyr.     (Prov.  xxxi.  10.) 

TAT" HO  can  find  a  virtuous  wo- 
*  ^  man  ?  For  her  price  is  far 
above  the  rarest  merchandise.  The 
heart  of  her  husband  doth  safely 
trust  in  her,  so  that  he  shall  have 
no  need  of  spoil. 

Hymn? 

I"  AUD  we  the  Saint  most  sweet 
-1— '     Shining  in  glory  blest, 
Who  bore  a  hero's  noble  heart 
Within  a  woman's  breast. 


Pierced  with  the  love  of  Christ 
The  world's  false  love  she  fled  : 
And  Heavenward  with  might  and  main 
Upon  her  journey  sped. 

With  fasts  she  pined  the  flesh, 
But  on  sweet  food  of  prayer 
Feasted  her  spirit  pure  ;  and  now 
Doth  joys  eternal  share. 

O  Christ  our  King  and  God  ! 
Thou  strength  of  all  the  strong  ! 
To  Whom  alone  all  holy  deeds, 
And  all  great  works  belong  ; 

For  her  deep  plaints  on  high, 
To  us  propitious  be  ; 
And  in  the  glorious  Trinity 
Glory  eterne  to  Thee.     Amen. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacha- 
rias.  Give  her  of  the  fruit  of  her 
hands,  *  and  let  her  own  works 
praise  her  in  the  gates. 

Prayer  as  for  Virgins. 

/GRACIOUSLY  hear  us,  O  God 
^~*  of  our  salvation,  and  grant 
that  as  the  Birthday  of  Thy  blessed 
handmaid  N.  {here  mention  her  name) 
doth  make  us  happier,  so  the  fruit 
of  her  godly  earnestness  may  make 
us  better.  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. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.     While  the  king,    &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds?) 


1  Cant.  i.  II.  2  Cant.  i.  3,  2 ;  ii.  11,  10. 

3  Hymn  by  Cardinal  Silvius  Antonianus  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 


586 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Chapter  at  the  cud. 
For  a  Martyr.     (Ecclus.  li.  8. ) 

MY  soul  shall  praise  the  Lord 
even  unto  death,  for  Thou, 
O  Lord  our  God,  deliverest  such 
as  wait  for  Thee,  and  savest  them 
out  of  trouble. 

For  a  Woman  neither  Virgin  nor 
Martyr.     (Prov.  xxxi.  29.) 

MANY  daughters  have  gotten 
riches,  but  thou  excellest 
them  all.  Favour  is  deceitful  and 
beauty  is  vain  ;  a  woman  that  feareth 
the  Lord,  she  shall  be  praised. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  We  will  run,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

In  thy  comeliness  and  in  thy 
beauty. 

Answer.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
in  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  Go  forward,  fare  pros- 
perously, and  reign. 

Answer.     In  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  In  thy  comeliness  and 
in  thy  beauty. 

Verse.  God  shall  help  her  with 
His  countenance. 

Answer.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Lo  !  the  winter  is  past, 
&c,  {Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 


Chapter  for  a  Martyr.     (Ecclus.  li.  4.) 

'  I AHOU  hast  delivered  me,  ac- 
-*-  cording  to  the  multitude  of 
the  mercies  of  Thy  Name,  from 
them  that  roared  against  me,  and 
that  were  ready  to  devour  me, 
out  of  the  hands  of  such  as  sought 
after  my  life,  and  from  the  gates 
of  trouble  that  were^  open  all 
around  me. 


Chapter  for  a  Woman  neither  Virgin 
nor  Martyr.  ■  (Prov.  xxxi.  10.) 

SHE  spreadeth  out  her  hand  to 
the  poor,  yea,  she  reacheth 
forth  her  hands  to  the  needy.  She 
is  not  afraid  of  the  cold  of  snow 
for  her  household. 


Short  Responsory. 

God  shall  help  her  with  His 
countenance. 

Answer.  God  shall  help  her 
with  His  countenance. 

Verse.  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her,  she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Answer.     With  His  countenance. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  God  shall  help  her 
with    His    countenance. 

Verse.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen   her. 

Answer.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

NONE. 

She  is  beautiful,  &c,  {Fifth  Anti- 
phon at  Lauds?) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 


FOR   HOLY  WOMEN. 


587 


Short  Responsory. 

God  hath  chosen  her,  and  fore- 
chosen  her. 

Answer.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  He  hath  made  her  to 
dwell  in  His  tabernacle. 

Answer.     And  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  God  hath  chosen  her, 
and  fore-chosen  her. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Hymn,  and  Verse 
and  Answer  from  Lauds. 

Psalms  as  at  First  Vespers. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  She  spreadeth  out 
her  hand  to  the  poor,  *  yea,  she 
reacheth  forth  her  hands  to  the 
needy,  and  eateth  not  the  bread  of 
idleness. 


©tfjer  lessens  for  tfje  .Secotto 
tectum  for  a  JHartpreo 
SEomatt  not  a  Utrgttt. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.] 
(6"jth  on  divers  places  in  the  New 
Testament.} 

'"PHE    commemorations  which    I 

*       love  and  welcome  the  most  are 

the  commemorations  of  the  Martyrs, 


and,  while  I  love  and  welcome  them 
all,  more  especially  do  I  do  so 
when  the  wrestling  set  before  us  is 
the  wrestling  of  a  woman.  The 
weaker  the  vessel,  the  stronger  the 
grace,  the  greater  the  spoils,  the 
clearer  the  victory;  and  that,  not 
because  the  sex  of  the  wrestler  is 
frail,  but  because  the  enemy  is  now 
conquered  by  her  through  whom 
he  once  conquered. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

F>  Y  a  woman  he  overcame,  by  a 
*-f  woman  he  is  overcome.  'A 
woman  was  once  his  weapon ;  a 
woman  is  now  become  the  instru- 
ment of  his  defeat ;  he  findeth  that 
the  weak  vessel  cannot  be  broken. 
The  first  woman  sinned  and  died ; 
this  one  died  rather  than  sin.  The 
first,  under  the  delusion  of  a  lying 
promise,  (Gen.  iii.  4,)  broke  the 
law  of  God ;  this  one  chose  rather 
to  keep  covenant  with  her  Bene- 
factor, than  to  keep  this  present  life. 
What  excuse  for  softness  and  sloth 
can  men  any  longer  hope  to  make  ? 
or  what  forgiveness,  when  women 
bear  themselves  so  bravely  and  man- 
fully, and  gird  themselves  up  so  nobly 
for  the  wrestling  of  godliness  ? 


Sixth  Lesson. 


S 


HE  had  a  weak  body,  and  a 
sex  which  is  exposed  to  hurt ; 
but  grace  came,  and  made  nothing 
of  these  frailties.  Nothing  is  stronger 
than  one  in  whose  mind  the  fear  of 
God  is  firmly  and  wilfully  rooted. 
The  enemy  may  threaten  fire,  or 
iron,  or  beasts,  or  anything  else,  but 
such  an  one  taketh  them  all  for 
matters  not  worth  consideration. 
And  thus  did  this  blessed  woman  do. 


588 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


X3L  ifor  tf)e  lirtftcattott  of  a  Gfyuvtf). 


All  as  on  Sundays  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

AntiphonSy  Chapter,  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 

Praise   the    Lord,    O   Jerusalem, 
&c,  (Ps.  cxlvii.,/.  203.) 

Hymn.1 

"DLESSED  City,  heavenly  Salem, 
■*-*  Vision  dear  of  peace  and  love, 
Who,  of  living  stones  upbuilded, 

Art  the  joy  of  Heaven  above, 
And,  with  angel  cohorts  circled, 

As  a  Bride  to  earth  dost  move  ! 

From  celestial  realms  descending, 

Bridal  glory  round  her  shed, 
To  His  Presence,  decked  with  jewels, 

By  her  Lord  shall  she  be  led  : 
All  her  streets,  and  all  her  bulwarks, 

Of  pure  gold  are  fashioned. 

Bright  with  pearls  her  portal  glitters  ; 

It  is  open  evermore  ; 
And,  by  virtue  of  His  merits, 

Thither  faithful  souls  may  soar, 
Who  for  Christ's  dear  Name,  in  this 
world 

Pain  and  tribulation  bore. 

Many  a  blow  and  biting  sculpture 

Polished  well  those  stones  elect, 
In  their  places  now  compacted 

By  the  Heavenly  Architect, 
Who  therewith  hath  willed  for  ever 

That  His  Palace  should  be  decked. 

Laud  and  honour  to  the  Father, 

Laud  and  honour  to  the  Son  ; 
Laud  and  honour  to  the  Spirit ; 

Ever  Three  and  ever  One  : 
Consubstantial,  Co-eternal, 

While  unending  ages  run.     Amen. 

1  Mediaeval  hymn,  author  unknown.     Dr  Neale's  translation  from  the  original  text,  with 
one  line  altered. 
'2  Ps.  xlv.  5  ;  Jer.  vii.  10 ;  3  Kings  viii.  29,  &c.  3  Ps.  xcii.  5. 

4  Gen.  xxviii.  21,  22.  8  Ex.  xvii.  15. 


Verse.  This  is  the  house  of  God, 
stoutly  builded. 

A?iswer.  Well  founded  upon  a 
sure  rock. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  2  The  Most  High  hath  hal- 
lowed His  Tabernacle.  *  For  this 
is  the  House  of  God,  whereon  His 
Name  shall  be  called,  whereof  it  is 
written  :  My  Name  shall  be  there, 
saith  the  Lord. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  3  Holiness  becometh 
the  house  of  God.  *  In  her  let 
us  worship  her  Bridegroom,  even 
Christ. 

Hymn  from  Vespers. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Lift  up  your 
gates,  O  ye  princes,  *  and  be  ye  lift 
up,  ye  everlasting  doors. 

Ps.  xxiii.  The  earth  is  the 
Lord's,  &c.,  (p.  46.) 

Second  Antiphon.  4The  Lord 
shall  be  my  God,  *  and  this  stone 
shall  be  called  God's  house. 

Ps.  xlv.  God  is  our  refuge,  &c., 
(J>-  97-) 

Third  Antiphon.  5  Moses  built 
an  altar  *  unto  the  Lord  God. 

Ps.  xlvii.  Great  is  the  Lord, 
&c,  {p.  98.) 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION   OF   A   CHURCH. 


589 


Verse.    Holiness  becometh  Thine 
house,  O  Lord, — 
Answer.     For  ever. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Book  of  Paralipomena  (vii.  1.) 

"XT  OW  when  Solomon  had  made 
^  ^  an  end  of  praying,  the  fire 
came  down  from  heaven,  and  con- 
sumed the  burnt-offerings  and  the 
sacrifices ;  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
filled  the  house.  And  the  Priests 
could  not  enter  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  because  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  had  filled  the  Lord's  house. 
And  when  all  the  children  of  Israel 
saw  how  the  fire  came  down,  and 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  upon  the 
house,  they  bowed  themselves  with 
their  faces  to  the  ground  upon 
the  pavement,  and  worshipped  and 
praised  the  Lord,  [saying :]  For 
He  is  good ;  for  His  mercy  en- 
dureth  for  ever !  Then  the  King 
and  all  the  people  offered  sacri- 
fices before  the  Lord.  And  King 
Solomon  offered  a  sacrifice  of 
twenty  -  and  -  two  thousand  oxen, 
and  an  hundred  and  twenty 
thousand  sheep.  So  the  King 
and  all  the  people  dedicated  the 
house  of  God. 

First  Responsory. 

When  the  Temple  was  dedi- 
cated the  people  sang  praise,  and 
sweet  in  their  mouths  was  the 
sound. 

Verse.  xThe  Lord's  house  is  es- 
tablished in  the  top  of  the  moun- 
tains ;  and  all  nations  shall  flow 
unto  it. 


1  Isa.  ii.  2. 


Answer.  And  sweet  in  their 
mouths  was  the  sound. 

Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  the  Priests  waited  on  their 
-**-  offices  ;  the  Levites  also  with 
instruments  of  music  of  the  Lord, 
which  David  the  King  had  made 
to  praise  the  Lord — "  Because  His 
mercy  endureth  for  ever" — singing 
David's  hymns  by  their  ministry. 
And  the  Priests  sounded  trumpets 
before  them,  and  all  Israel  stood. 
Moreover,  Solomon  hallowed  the 
middle  of  the  Court  that  was  before 
the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  for  there 
he  offered  burnt-offerings  and  the 
fat  of  the  peace-offerings,  because 
the  brazen  altar  which  Solomon  had 
made  was  not  able  to  receive  the 
burnt-offerings  and  the  meat-offerings 
and  the  fat.  Also  at  the  same  time 
Solomon  kept  the  Feast  seven  days 
and  all  Israel  with  him,  a  very  great 
congregation,  from  the  entering  in 
of  Hamath  unto  the  River  of  Egypt. 
And  in  the  eighth  day  he  made  a 
solemn  assembly  j  for  they  kept  the 
dedication  of  the  altar  seven  days, 
and  the  Feast  seven  days. 

Second  Responsory. 

The  Lord's  house  is  established 
in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and 
exalted  above  the  hills,  and  all 
nations  shall  flow  unto  it,  and  shall 
say  :  Glory  be  to  Thee,  O  Lord  ! 

Verse.  2  They  shall  doubtless 
come  again  with  rejoicing,  bring- 
ing their  sheaves  with  them. 

Answer.  And  all  nations  shall 
flow  unto  it,  and  shall  say :  Glory 
be  to  Thee,  O  Lord! 

2  Ps.  cxxv.  6. 


VOL.  I. 


590 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Third  Lesson. 

THUS  Solomon  finished  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
King's  house,  and  all  that  came 
into  Solomon's  heart  to  make  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  in 
his  own  house,  he  prosperously 
effected.  And  the  Lord  appeared 
to  him  by  night,  and  said  unto 
him :  I  have  heard  thy  prayer, 
and  have  chosen  this  place  to  My- 
self for  an  house  of  sacrifice.  If 
I  shut  up  heaven  that  there  be 
no  rain,  or  if  I  command  the  locusts 
to  devour  the  land,  or  if  I  send 
pestilence  among  My  people ;  if 
My  people,  upon  whom  My  Name 
is  called,  shall  pray,  and  seek  My 
face,  and  turn  from  their  wicked 
ways,  then  will  I  hear  from  heaven, 
and  will  forgive  their  sin,  and  will 
heal  their  land.  Now  Mine  eyes 
shall  be  open  and  Mine  ears  attent 
unto  the  prayer  that  is  made  in 
this  place.  For  now  have  I  chosen 
and  sanctified  this  place,  that  My 
Name  may  be  there  for  ever,  and 
Mine  eyes  and  Mine  heart  shall 
be  there  perpetually. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  O  Lord,  bless  this  house  which 
I  have  built  unto  Thy  Name. 
Whosoever  shall  come  unto  this 
place  and  pray,  then  hear  Thou 
from  the  excellent  throne  of  Thy 
glory. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  if  Thy  people 
turn  and  pray  toward  Thy  sanc- 
tuary. 

Answer.  Hear  Thou  from  the 
excellent  throne  of  Thy  glory. 

Verse.     Glory  be   to  the  Father, 


and    to  the  Son,   and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Ansiver.  Hear  Thou  from  the 
excellent  throne  of  Thy  glory. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  This  is  none 
other  but  the  house  of  God,  and 
this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Ps.  lxxxiii.  How  lovely  are  Thy 
tabernacles,  &c,  (p.  142.) 

Second  Antiphon.  2  Jacob  beheld 
a  ladder  set  up  on  the  earth,  and 
the  top  of  it  reached  to  heaven, 
and  the  angels  of  God  descending 
on  it.  And  he  said :  Surely  this 
place  is  holy. 

Ps.  lxxxvi.  Her  foundation,  &c, 
(p.  144.) 

Third  Antiphon.  2  Jacob  set  up 
the  stone  for  a  pillar,  and  poured 
oil  upon  the  top  of  it. 

Ps.  lxxxvii.  O  Lord  God  of  my 
salvation,  (p.  145.) 

Verse.     3  My  house — 

Answer.  Shall  be  called  the 
house  of  prayer. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the 
Sermons  of  St  Austin,  Bishop 
[of  Hippo.]  (252nd  for  the 
Season.} 

DEARLY  beloved  brethren,  as 
often  as  we  keep  the  Dedi- 
cation -  Feast  of  some  Altar  or 
Church,  if  we  think  faithfully  and 
carefully,  and  live  holily  and  right- 
eously, that  which  is  done  in  temples 
made  with  hands,  is  done  in  our 
soul  by  a  spiritual  building.  He 
lied    not   who    said:    "The  temple 


1  Founded  on  Solomon's  Prayer  at  the  Dedication  of  the  Temple. 

2  Gen.  xxviii.  17,  12,  18.  3  Mark  xi.  17. 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION    OF   A   CHURCH. 


591 


of  God  is  holy;  which  temple  ye 
are"  (i  Cor.  iii.  17,)  and  again: 
"  Know  ye  not  that  your  body  is 
the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  Which 
is  in  you,"  (vi.  19.)  And  therefore, 
dearly  beloved  brethren,  since  by 
the  grace  of  God,  without  any  fore- 
going deserts  of  our  own,  we  have 
been  made  meet  to  become  the 
Temple  of  God,  let  us  work  as 
hard  as  we  can,  with  His  help, 
that  our  Lord  may  not  find  in  His 
Temple,  that  is,  in  us,  anything  to 
offend  the  eyes  of  His  Majesty. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

1  If  they  pray  toward  this  place, 
forgive  the  sin  of  Thy  people,  O 
God,  and  teach  them  the  good  way 
wherein  they  should  walk,  and 
manifest  forth  Thy  glory  in  this 
place. 

Verse.  2  Give  ear,  O  Shepherd  of 
Israel,  Thou  that  leadest  Joseph 
like  a  flock,  Thou  that  sittest  upon 
the  Cherubim. 

Answer.  Forgive  the  sin  of  Thy 
people,  O  God,  and  teach  them 
the  good  way  wherein  they  should 
walk,  and  manifest  forth  Thy  glory 
in  this  place. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

ET  the  Tabernacle  of  our 
■1— '  heart  be  swept  clean  of  vices 
and  filled  with  virtues.  Let  it  be 
locked  to  the  devil,  and  thrown 
open  to  Christ.  Yea,  let  us  so 
work,  that  we  may  be  able  to  open 
the  door  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
with  the  key  of  good  works.  For 
even  as  evil  works  are  so  many 
bolts  and  bars  to  close  against  us 
the    entrance   into   life,    so  beyond 


doubt  are  good  works  the  key  there- 
to. And  therefore,  dearly  beloved 
brethren,  let  each  one  look  into  his 
own  conscience,  and  when  he  findeth 
the  wounds  of  guilt  there,  let  him 
first  strive  by  prayers,  fasting,  or 
almsdeeds  to  purge  his  conscience, 
and  so  let  him  dare  to  take  the 
Eucharist. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

How  dreadful  is  this  place ! 
Surely  this  is  none  other  but  the 
house  of  God,  and  this  is  the  gate 
of  heaven. 

Verse.  This  is  the  house  of 
God,  stoutly  builded,  well  founded 
upon  a  sure  rock. 

Answer.  Surely  this  is  none 
other  but  the  house  of  God,  and 
this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

"T^OR  if  he  acknowledge  his  ini- 
-■■  quity,  and  withdraw  himself 
from  the  Altar  of  God,  he  will 
soon  attain  unto  the  mercy  of  the 
pardon  of  God,  for,  as  he  that 
exalted  himself  shall  be  abased, 
so  shall  he  that  humbleth  himself 
be  exalted.  (Luke  xiv.  n.)  He 
who,  as  I  have  said,  acknowledg- 
ing his  iniquity,  withdraweth  him- 
self through  lowliness  from  the 
Altar  of  the  Church,  till  he  have 
mended  his  life,  need  have  but 
little  fear  that  he  will  be  excom- 
municated from  the  eternal  marriage- 
supper  in  heaven. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

Jacob  rose  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing,  and    set    up    the    stone  for   a 


1  Founded  on  Solomon's  prayer  at  the  Dedication  of  the  Temple. 


2  Ps.  lxxix.  1. 


592 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


pillar,  and  poured  oil  upon  the  top 
of  it,  and  vowed  a  vow  unto  the 
Lord.  Surely  this  place  is  holy,  and 
I  knew  it  not. 

Verse.  And  Jacob  awaked  out 
of  his  sleep,  and  he  said  : 

Answer.  Surely  this  place  is  holy, 
and  I  knew  it  not. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Surely  this  place  is  holy, 
and  I  knew  it  not. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  He  that  dwell- 
eth  in  the  help  of  the  Most  High 
*  shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of 
the  God  of  heaven. 

If  the  Office  be  Semi  -  double 
the  Psalm  begins  with  the  words 
"  Shall  abide  under  the  shadow  ; "  if 
Double,  with,  "He  will  say  to  the 
Lord." 

Ps.  xc.  He  that  dwelleth,  &c, 
{p.  207.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Temple 
of  the  Lord  is  holy.  *  The  same 
is  God's  workmanship  and  God's 
building. 

Ps.  xcv.  O  sing  unto  the  Lord, 
&c,  (p.  148.) 

Third  Antiphon.  x  Blessed  be  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  *  from  His  [holy] 
place.     Alleluia. 

Ps.  xcviii.  The  Lord  reigneth, 
&c,  (p.  158.) 

Verse.  This  is  the  house  of  God, 
stoutly  builded. 

Answer.  Well  founded  upon  a 
sure  rock. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xix.  1.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  entered 
"**•  and  passed  through  Jericho. 
And,  behold,  there  was  a  man 
named  Zacchaeus,  which  was  the 
chief  among  the  publicans,  and  he 
was  rich.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop 
[of  Milan.]     {Bk.  viii.  on  Luke.) 

Zacchaeus  was  little  of  stature,  that 
is,  he  was  not  raised  aloft  among 
men  by  nobility  of  birth,  and,  like 
the  most  of  the  world,  he  possessed 
few  merits.  When  he  heard  that 
the  Lord  and  Saviour,  Who  had 
come  unto  His  Own,  and  Whom 
His  Own  had  not  received,  (John  i. 
1 1,)  was  coming,  he  desired  to  see 
Him.  But  the  sight  of  Jesus  is 
not  easy ;  to  any  on  the  earth  it  is 
impossible.  And  since  Zacchgeus 
had  neither  the  Prophets,  nor  yet 
the  Law,  as  a  gracious  help  to  his 
nature,  he  climbed  up  into  a  syca- 
more tree,  raising  his  feet  above  the 
vanity  of  the  Jews,  and  straightening 
the  crooked  branches  of  his  former 
life,  and  therefore  he  received  Jesus 
to  lodge  within  his  house. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

My  house  shall  be  called  the 
house'  of  prayer,  saith  the  Lord. 
2  Therein,  he  that  asketh,  receiveth  ; 
he  that  seeketh,  findeth ;  and  to  him 
that  knocketh,  it  shall  be  opened. 

Verse.  3Ask,  and  ye  shall  re- 
ceive ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find. 

Answer.  And  to  him  that  knock- 
eth, it  shall  be  opened. 


1  Ezek.  iii.  12. 


2  Luke  xi.  9,  10. 


3  John  xvi.  24 ;  Matth.  vii.  7. 


FOR  THE   DEDICATION    OF  A   CHURCH. 


593 


Eighth  Lesson. 

HE  did  well  to  climb  up  into  a 
tree,  that  a  good  tree  might 
bring  forth  good  fruits,  (Matth.  vii. 
17,)  and  that  the  slip  of  the  wild 
olive,  grafted,  contrary  to  nature, 
into  the  good  olive,  might  bring 
forth  the  fruits  of  the  law.  (Rom. 
xi.  17,  24.)  For  the  root  is  holy, 
however  unprofitable  the  branches. 
Their  barren  beauty  hath  now  been 
overshadowed  by  the  belief  of  the 
Gentiles  in  the  Resurrection,  as  by 
a  material  upgrowth.  Zacchaeus, 
then,  was  in  the  sycamore  tree,  and 
the  blind  man  by  the  way-side, 
(xviii.  35.)  For  the  one,  Jesus  stood 
waiting  to  show  mercy,  and  asked 
him  before  He  healed  him,  what  he 
would  that  He  should  do  for  him ; 
being  unbidden  of  the  other,  He 
bade  Himself  to  be  his  Guest, 
knowing  how  rich  was  the  reward 
of  receiving  Him.  Nevertheless, 
albeit  He  had  heard  no  words  of 
invitation,  yet  had  He  seen  how 
his  heart  went. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

1  All  thy  walls  are  of  stones  most 
precious.  The  towers  of  Jerusalem 
shall  be  built  up  with  jewels. 

Verse.  The  gates  of  Jerusalem 
shall  be  built  up  with  the  sapphire 
stone,  and  the  emerald,  and  all  her 
walls  round  about  with  stones  most 
precious. 

Ansiver.  The  towers  of  Jerusa- 
lem shall  be  built  up  with  jewels. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  towers  of  Jerusa- 
lem shall  be  built  up  with  jewels. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

OUT  lest  we  should  seem  haughti- 
*-*  ly  to  pass  by  the  poor  blind 
man,  and  to  hurry  on  to  the  rich 
one,  let  us  stand  waiting  for  him, 
as  the  Lord  stood  and  waited ;  let 
us  ask  of  him,  as  Christ  asked  of 
him.  Let  us  ask,  because  we  are 
ignorant ;  Christ  asked,  because  He 
knew.  Let  us  ask,  that  we  may 
know  whence  he  received  his  cure ; 
Christ  asked,  that  all  of  us  may 
know  from  one  ensample  where- 
through we  are  to  earn  a  sight  of 
the  Lord.  Christ  asked,  that  we 
might  believe  that  none,  save  they 
that  confess  Him,  can  be  saved. 

The  Hymn,   "We   praise   Thee,   O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Holiness  be- 
cometh  Thine  house,  *  O  Lord, 
for  ever. 

Second  Antiphon.  My  house  * 
shall  be  called  the  house  of  prayer. 

Third  Antiphon.  This  is  the 
Lord's  house  *  stoutly  builded,  well 
founded  upon  a  sure  rock. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  The  Lord's 
house  is  well  founded  *  upon  a 
sure  rock. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  All  thy  walls 
are  of  stones  most  precious,  *  and 
the  towers  of  Jerusalem  shall  be 
built  up  with  jewels. 

Chapter.     (Apoc.  xxii.  2.) 

I  SAW  the  holy  city,  New  Jeru- 
salem, coming  down  from  God 
out  of  heaven,  prepared  as  a  Bride 
adorned  for  her  husband. 


1  Cf.  Tobias  xiii.  21,  and  Apoc.  xxi.  18-20. 


594 


THE  COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


Hymn} 

/^HRIST  is  made  the  sure  Found- 
^     ation, 

And  the  precious  Corner-Stone, 
Who,  the  two  walls  underlying, 

Bound  in  each,  binds  both  in  one  : 
Holy  Zion's  Help  for  ever, 

And  her  Confidence  Alone. 

All  that  dedicated  City, 

Dearly  loved  by  God  on  high, 

In  exultant  jubilation 
Pours  perpetual  melody  ; 

God  the  One,  and  God  the  Trinal, 
Singing  everlastingly. 

To  this  Temple,  where  we  call  Thee, 
Come,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  to-day  ! 

With  Thy  wonted  loving-kindness 
Hear  Thy  people  as  they  pray  ; 

And  Thy  fullest  benediction 
Shed  within  its  walls  for  aye. 

Here  vouchsafed  to  all  Thy  servants 
That  they  supplicate  to  gain  : 

Here  to  have  and  hold  for  ever 
Those  good  things  their  prayers  ob- 
tain ; 

And  hereafter  in  Thy  glory, 

With  Thy  blessed  ones  to  reign. 

Laud  and  honour  to  the  Father ; 

Laud  and  honour  to  the  Son  ; 
Laud  and  honour  to  the  Spirit ; 

Ever  Three  and  ever  One  : 
Consubstantial,  Co-eternal, 

While  unending  ages  run.     Amen. 

Verse.  This  is  the  Lord's  house, 
stoutly  builded — 

Answer.  Well  founded  upon  a 
sure  rock. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Zacchseus,  make  haste  and  come 
down,  for  to-day  I  must  abide  at  thy 
house.  *  And  he  made  haste  and  came 
down,  and  received  Him  joyfully  into 
his  house.  This  day  is  salvation  come 
from  God  to  this  house.    ,  Alleluia. 

Between  Septuagesima  and  Easier 
omit  "Alleluia." 

1  Dr  Neale,  with  two  lines  altered — an 
Hymns,  p.  22.) 


Prayer. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  dost  every  year 
^~S  bring  round  unto  us  again 
the  day  whereon  this  Thine  holy 
temple  was  hallowed,  and  bringest 
us  again  in  soundness  of  body  and 
mind  to  be  present  at  Thine  holy 
worship,  graciously  hear  the  suppli- 
cations of  Thy  people,  and  grant 
that  whosoever  shall  come  into 
this  Thine  house  to  ask  good  at 
Thine  hand,  may  be  rejoiced  in 
the  obtaining  of  all  his  request. 
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. 

On  the  actual  day  on  which  the 
Church  is  dedicated,  and  also  when  the 
Dedication  Feasts  of  two  Churches  come 
together,  for  the  other  Prayer,  is  used 
the  following. 

S~\  GOD,  Who  invisibly  contain- 
^-^  est  all  things,  and  yet  art 
pleased  for  the  salvation  of  men  to 
show  forth  visible  signs  of  Thy 
power,  fill  this  house  with  the  glory 
of  Thine  indwelling  power ;  and 
grant  that  all  who  gather  themselves 
together  to  pray  in  this  place,  may 
receive  the  good  comfort  of  Thine 
help  in  every  tribulation  where- 
in they  cry  unto  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. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.       Holiness    becometh, 
&c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

alteration  applauded  by  himself.      (Mediaeval 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION    OF   A   CHURCH. 


595 


Chapter  at  the  end.    (Apoc.  xxi.  4.) 

AND  God  shall  wipe  away  all 
•**-  tears  from  their  eyes,  and 
there  shall  be  no  more  death, 
neither  sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither 
shall  there  be  any  more  pain ;  for 
the  former  things  are  passed  away. 
And  He  That  sat  upon  the  throne 
said :  Behold,  I  make  all  things 
new. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  My  house,  &c.,  {Se- 
cond Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

Holiness  becometh  Thine  house, 
O  Lord. 

Answer.  Holiness  becometh 
Thine  house,  O  Lord — - 

Verse.     For  ever. 

Answer.     O  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Holiness  becometh 
Thine  house,  O  Lord. 

Verse.  This  place  is  holy,  where- 
in the  Priest  prayeth. 

Answer.  For  the  pardon  of  the 
transgressions  and  offences  of  the 
people. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  This  is  the  Lord's 
house,  &c,  {Third  Antiphon  at 
Lauds!) 

Chapter.     (Apoc.  xxi.  3.) 

ANDI  heard  a  great  voice  out  of 
■^*-  the  throne,  saying :  Behold, 
the  tabernacle  of  God  is  with  men, 
and  He  will  dwell  with  them.     And 


they  shall  be  His  people ;  and  God 
Himself  shall  be  with  them,  and  be 
their  God. 

Short  Responsory. 

This  place  is  holy,  wherein  the 
Priest  prayeth. 

Answer.  This  place  is  holy, 
wherein  the  Priest  prayeth — 

Verse.  For  the  pardon  of  the 
transgressions  and  offences  of  the 
people. 

Answer.     The  Priest  prayeth. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  This  place  is  holy, 
wherein  the  Priest  prayeth. 

Verse.  This  is  the  Lord's  house, 
stoutly  builded — 

Answer.  Well  founded  upon  a 
sure  rock. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  All  thy  walls,  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

This  is  the  Lord's  house,  stoutly 
builded. 

Answer.  This  is  the  Lord's 
house,  stoutly  builded — 

Verse.  Well  founded  upon  a 
sure  rock. 

Answer.     Stoutly  builded. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  This  is  the  Lord's 
house,   stoutly  builded. 

Verse.  The  Lord's  house  is 
well   founded — 

Answer.     Upon  a  sure  rock. 


596 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer  from 
Lauds. 

Last  Psalm. 

Praise  the  Lord,  O  Jerusalem, 
&c.,  (Ps.  cxlvii.,/.  203.) 

Hymn.  Blessed  city,  heavenly 
Salem,  &c,  (First  Vespers.) 

Verse.  Holiness  becometh  Thine 
house,  O  Lord — 

Answer.     For  ever. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  How  dreadful  is 
this  place.  *  Surely  this  is  none 
other  but  the  house  of  God,  and 
this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 


All  as  ott  the  Feast,  except  that  the 
Antiphons  are  not  doubled,  and  the 
following. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the 
Treatise  upon  the  Psalms,  written 
by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
(On  Ps.  cxxi.) 

ERUSALEM  is  builded  as  a 
city."  Brethren,  when  David 
said  that,  Jerusalem  was  no  longer 
in  building,  but  already  builded. 
He  speaketh  then  of  some  city  which 


"J 


is  even  now  being  built,  and  which 
I  know  not,  whereunto  do  run  in 
faith,  the  living  stones,  concerning 
whom  Peter  saith  (I.  ii.  5):  "Ye 
also,  as  lively  stones,  are  built  up 
a  spiritual  house,"  that  is,  an  holy 
temple  unto  God.  But  what 
meaneth  he  by  the  words,  "  Ye  al- 
so, as  lively  stones,  are  built  up "  ? 
If  thou  believest,  thou  livest ;  but 
if  thou  believest,  then  art  thou  be- 
come a  temple  of  God ;  as  indeed 
the  Apostle  Paul  hath  it:  "The 
temple  of  God  is  holy,  which  temple 
ye  are."     (1  Cor.  iii.  17.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

""PHE  city  then  is  still  in  building.1 
**  Stones  are  being  hewn  out  of 
the  mountains  by  the  hands  of  them 
that  preach  the  truth,  and  are  be- 
ing cut  square,  that  they  may  be 
fitted  into  the  everlasting  walls. 
Many  stones  are  still  in  the  hands 
of  the  workman,  and  they  must  not 
fall  out  of  his  hands  if  they  would 
be  meet  stones,  and  make  part  of 
the  masonry  of  the  temple.  This 
is  that  Jerusalem  which  is  builded  as 
a  city,  and  her  foundation  is  Christ. 
So  saith  the  Apostle  Paul :  "  Other 
foundation  can  no  man  lay  than 
that  is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ." 
(1  Cor.  iii.  n.) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'"FHERE  the  foundation  is  first 
-*-  laid  in  the  earth,  then  the 
walls  are  builded  up  thereon,  and 
the  weight  of  the  walls  presseth 
downward,  for  the  foundation  is  be- 
neath them.  But  if  our  foundation 
be  in  heaven,  then  must  we  be  so 


1  The  next  two  sentences  seem  to  be  quoted,  or  at  least  taken  from  the  Shepherd  of 
Hermas. 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION    OF   A   CHURCH. 


597 


builded  as  to  press,  not  downward, 
but  upward.  This  great  Church 
which  ye  behold  with  your  bodily 
eyes  was  builded  up  by  bodies, 
and  because  bodies  builded  it  up, 
they  laid  the  foundations  thereof 
beneath.  But  we  who  are  builded 
up  a  spiritual  house,  have  our  found- 
ation above  us.  Thitherward  let  us 
run,  that  we  may  be  built  in,  for 
it  is  of  Jerusalem  that  it  is  said  : 
"  Our  feet  have  been  wont  to  stand 
within  thy  gates,  O  Jerusalem  !  " 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xix.  i.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  entered  and 
^_*-  passed  through  Jericho.  And, 
behold,  there  was  a  man  named 
Zacchasus,  which  was  the  chief 
among  the  publicans,  and  he  was 
rich.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop 
[of  Milan.]     (Bk.  viii.  on  Luke.) 

(xviii.  43.)  "And  immediately 
[the  blind  man]  received  his  sight, 
and  followed  Him,  glorifying  God." 
He  could  not  have  received  his  sight 
but  by  following  Christ,  by  glorify- 
ing God,  and  by  turning  away  from 
the  world.  But  now  let  us  turn  to 
speak  words  of  kindness  to  the  rich. 
We  are  fain,  if  we  can,  to  heal  all 
men,  and  we  would  give  no  offence 
to  the  rich ;  and  they  would  have 
ground  of  righteous  offence  if  we 
applied  to  them  roughly  and  untruly 
that  which  is  said  about  a  camel 
passing  through  the  eye  of  a  needle, 


or  if  we  passed  them  by  too  quickly, 
as  represented  in  Zacchasus. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T^HE  rich  should  learn  that  there 
A  is  nothing  wrong  in  possess- 
ing wealth ;  the  wrong  is  in  those 
who  possess  wealth  without  knowing 
how  to  use  it.  Riches  are  indeed 
a  stumbling-block  to  the  wicked,  but 
to  the  good  they  are  a  means  of 
grace.  Zacchaeus  was  rich,  and  he 
was  one  of  Christ's  chosen  ones ; 
but  when  he  gave  the  half  of  his 
goods  to  the  poor,  and  restored 
four-fold  anything  which  he  had 
taken  from  any  man  by  false  ac- 
cusation (for  simple  restoration  is 
not  enough,  neither  doth  one  who 
keepeth  possession  of  ill-gotten  gains, 
really  give  gifts,  in  that  which  he 
giveth,  since  it  is  not  his  plunder, 
but  gifts  out  of  that  which  is  his 
own,  that  are  asked  for,)  [when 
Zacchaeus,  I  say,  did  these  things,] 
he  received  manifold  recompense. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

TT  is  well  mentioned  that  he  was 
-*-  the  chief  among  the  publicans. 
Who  need  give  up  hope,  when  he 
seeth  one  that  had  acquired  wealth 
by  false  accusation  attain  unto 
salvation  ? 

"  And  he  was  rich."  Know  that 
all  rich  men  are  not  misers. 

"  He  was  little  of  stature."  The 
Scripture  saith  nothing  of  any  man's 
stature,  save  of  that  of  Zacchseus.1 
And  wherefore  ?  Perchance  his 
littleness  of  stature  was  spiritual, 
being  a  mental  dwarfing  through  sin, 
or  a  childishness  in  faith.     He  had 


1  However,  Deut.  iii.  11  ;  1  Kings  (Sam.)  x.  23,  &c. 


VOL.  I. 


U  2 


598 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


not  yet  promised  to  make  restitution; 
he  had  not  yet  seen  Christ ;  and  he 
is  well  called  little.  Whereas  John 
was  called  great,  (Luke  i.  15,)  John, 
who  saw  Christ,  and  the  Spirit  like 
a  dove  descending  and  abiding  on 
Him,  as  he  himself  "bare  record, 
saying :  I  saw  the  Spirit  descending 
from  heaven  like  a  dove,  and  It 
abode  on  Him."     (John  i.  32.) 


£0tt*  ©ap  witfyin  tU  <Oct*n. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  that  the 
Antiphons  are  not  doubled,  and  the 
following. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (256th  for  the  Season.) 

*T^HE  reason  of  the  present  gather- 
-*-  ing  is  the  dedication  of  an 
house  of  prayer.  That  house  is  the 
house  of  our  prayers,  but  the  house 
of  God  is  ourselves.  If  we  are  the 
house  of  God,  we  are  being  built 
in  this  world,  that  we  may  be  con- 
secrated at  the  end  of  this  world. 
The  time  of  building  is  the  time  of 
work  ;  the  time  of  consecration  is 
the  time  of  holiday -keeping.  Thus 
it  was  with  this  building ;  while  it 
was  yet  being  put  together,  there 
was  toil;  now  that  the  believers 
in    Christ  are  gathered   together   in 


it,  there  is  rejoicing.  Believing  is, 
as  it  were,  the  hewing  of  timbers 
from  the  forests,  and  stones  from 
the  mountains.  Catechising  and 
baptizing  are  the  shaping  and  squar- 
ing and  polishing  of  the  stones  by 
the  hands  of  the  workmen.  And 
still  they  make  not  an  house  for 
the  Lord,  until  they  be  mortared 
together  with  charity. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"\T  ONE  of  these  beams  and  stones 
■^  ^  could  have  entered  into  this 
building,  unless  they  had  been 
meetly  joined  together,  unless  they 
had  been  coupled  in  agreement  one 
with  another,  and  united,  as  it  were, 
in  the  embrace  of  love.  When  thou 
seest  in  any  house  that  the  beams 
and  stones  are  well  joined  together, 
thou  enterest  therein  boldly,  fearing 
not  that  it  will  fall  upon  thee.  So 
also,  when  the  Lord  Christ  was  fain 
to  enter  [into  His  spiritual  temple, 
the  Church,]  and  to  dwell  in  us, 
He  said,  as  it  were  to  build  us : 
"A  new  commandment  I  give  unto 
you,  that  ye  love  one  another." 
(John  xiii.  34.)  "  A  new  command- 
ment I  give  unto  you " — ye  have 
hitherto  been  old ;  ye  made  Me  no 
house ;  ye  lay  in  your  ruins.  That 
ye  may  rise,  therefore,  from  your 
ruins,  love  one  another. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

^THINK  then,  my  kind  friends,1 
*-  that  according  to  what  hath 
been  foretold  and  promised,  this 
house  is  being  builded  throughout 
the  whole  world.  When  the  Jews 
returned  from  the  captivity,  and  the 
house  of  God  was  builded  up  again, 


1  Charitas  vestra. 


FOR    THE   DEDICATION    OF    A    CHURCH. 


599 


it  was  said  in  a  song  extracted  from 
an  older  psalm :  "  Sing  unto  the 
Lord  a  new  song;  sing  unto  the 
Lord,  all  the  earth." J  That  which 
the  Psalm  calleth  a  new  song,  the 
Lord  calleth  a  new  commandment. 
For  wherefore  should  we  sing  a  new 
song  unless  it  were  to  tell  of  a  new 
love  ?    Since  singing  is  lovers'  wont — 

41  Love  upon  the  singer's  tongue 
Prompts  the  measure  that  is  sung."  2 

Let  us  love,  and  love  unselfishly ; 
for  we  love  the  Lord,  and  better 
than  He  there  is  nothing ;  let  us 
love  Him  for  His  own  sake,  and 
ourselves  in  Him,  as  for  Him. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xix.  i.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  entered,  and 
-**•  passed  through  Jericho.  And, 
behold,  there  was  a  man  named 
Zacchseus,  which  was  the  chief 
among  the  publicans.  And  he  was 
rich.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop 
[of  Milan.]     {Bk.  viii.  on  Luke.) 

["He  sought  to  see  Jesus  .  .  . 
and  could  not,  for  the  press."]  What 
is  this  press  but  the  brute  herd,  which 
cannot  perceive  the  crown  of  wis- 
dom ?  Therefore,  as  long  as 
Zacchseus  remained  in  the  herd,  he 
could    not    see    Christ.     When    he 


"For  the  Lord 

way."      This    is 

signifying    that 


riseth  above  the  herd,  then  he  seeth 
Him ;  that  is  to  say,  when  he  had 
got  over  the  stupidity  of  the  common 
people,  he  gained  a  view  of  Him 
Whom  he  desired, 
was  to  pass  that 
beautifully  added  - 
He  was  about  to  pass,  either  where 
the  sycamore-tree  stood,  or  where 
Zacchseus  was  to  believe  in  Him — 
thereby  at  once  affording  a  mystic 
type  and  conferring  a  grace.  For 
thus  had  He  come,  to  pass  by  way 
of  the  Jews  unto  the  Gentiles. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  when  Jesus  came  to  the 
^~*-  place,  He  looked  up  and 
saw  him."  For  now  was  Zacchseus 
climbed  up  on  high  amid  the  blossom 
of  good  works,  as  in  the  boughs  of 
a  fruitful  tree.  And  here,  since  we 
have  begun  to  take  mystic  inter- 
pretations, we  may  remark  how  de- 
lightful a  fruit  to  a  believer's  taste 
is  the  cheerful  rest  of  the  Lord's 
Day.  See  also,  how  that  Zacchseus 
in  the  sycamore  was  like  a  young 
fig  of  the  new  season,  in  whom,  as 
in  other  things,  was  fulfilled  that 
which  is  written :  "  The  fig-tree 
putteth  forth  her  green  figs."  (Cant, 
ii.  13.) 

Ninth  Lesson. 

CHRIST  came  for  this,  that  trees 
might  bring  forth,  not  fruit, 
but  men.  We  have  read  elsewhere  : 
"  When  thou  wast  under  the  fig-tree, 
I  saw  thee."    (John  i.  48.)    Nathaniel 


1  Ps.  xcv.  In  the  LXX.  this  Psalm  is  intituled  "  An  Ode  of  David,  when  the  house  was 
built  up  after  the  captivity."  It  is  really  by  David,  as  appears  from  1  Par.  (Chron.)  xvi., 
and  was  composed  by  him  as  part  of  a  Psalm  for  the  occasion  of  the  Ark's  arrival  at 
Jerusalem,  whence  it  seems  (according  to  the  LXX.)  to  have  been  extracted,  and  used 
as  suitable  to  the  occasion  to  which  they  refer  it. 

2  Vox  hujus  cantoris 
Fervor  est  sancti  amoris. 


6oo 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


was  under  the  tree,  that  is,  above 
the  root ;  for  the  root  is  holy,  and 
he  was  a  righteous  man.  Neverthe- 
less, Nathaniel  was  still  underneath 
the  tree,  for  he  was  under  the  law ; 
but,  Zacchaeus  had  gone  up  the  tree, 
for  he  was  above  the  law  ;  Nathaniel 
was  Christ's  privy  defender,  but 
Zacchaeus  was  His  open  preacher. 
Nathaniel  was  still  seeking  Christ 
out  of  the  law,  but  Zacchaeus  had 
gone  above  the  law,  by  giving  up 
his  goods  in  order  to  follow  the 
Lord. 


$oiurf0  ©Ag  witfyin  ffle  Octavt. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  that  the 
Antiphons  are  not  doubled,  and  the 
following. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (256M  on  the  Season.) 

CONSIDER  that  passage  in  the 
"Song  of  rejoicing  at  the 
opening  of  the  house  of  David," l 
which  we  have  just  sung  amid  the 
wrecks  of  the  masons'  sheds  :  "  Thou 
hast  put  off  my  sackcloth."  That 
referreth  to  the  wrecks ;  but  what 
to  the  new  building  ?  "  And  girded 
me  with  gladness."  Here  is  the 
utterance  for  the  opening  of  the 
house :  "  To  the  end  that  my  glory 
may   sing   praise    to    Thee."      And 


who  is  the  speaker?  Tell  it  from 
his  own  words.  Were  I  to  explain 
it,  I  should  only  make  it  darker, 
therefore  I  will  but  repeat  his  own 
words,  and  at  the  sound  of  his  speech 
ye  shall  know  him  forthwith,  that 
ye  may  love  him  for  his  address. 
Who  is  he  that  can  say  :  "  O  Lord, 
Thou  hast  brought  up  My  soul 
from   the  grave  "  ? 

Fifth  Lesson. 

WHO  is  He  Whose  soul  hath 
already  been  brought  up  from 
the  grave,  but  He  in  Whose  mouth 
are  put  elsewhere  the  words,  "  Thou 
wilt  not  leave  My  soul  in  hell "  ? 
This  Psalm  is  intituled  "  a  Song  of 
rejoicing  at  the  opening  of  the  house 
of  David,"  and  the  first  thing  spoken 
of  therein  is  deliverance,  as  it  is 
said :  "  I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord, 
for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up,  and 
hast  not  made  my  foes  to  rejoice 
over  me."  Consider  that  by  these 
foes  are  meant  the  Jews,  who 
thought  that  they  had  slain  Christ, 
overcome  in  Him  their  enemy,  and 
destroyed  Him  as  they  might  a  man 
mortal  like  other  men. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

BUT  He  rose  again  the  third  day, 
and  His  utterance  is  :  "I 
will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord,  for  Thou 
hast  lifted  Me  up  " — in  connection 
with  which,  consider  the  saying  of 
the  Apostle :  "  God  hath  highly 
exalted  Him."  (Phil.  ii.  9.)  "And 
hast  not  made  My  foes  to  rejoice 
over  Me."  They  rejoiced  indeed 
over  the  death  of  Christ,  but  at  His 
Resurrection,  Ascension,  and  preach- 
ing, some  of  them  were  cut  to  the 


1  Ps.  xxix.  from  which  all  the  texts  quoted  are  taken,  except  those  marked  otherwise. 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION    OF   A   CHURCH. 


60 1 


heart.  When  He  was  preached,  the 
faithful  testimony  of  His  Apostles 
cut  some  of  them  to  the  heart, 
and  some  were  converted,  and 
some  were  hardened,  and  some  were 
confounded,  but  none  rejoiced. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

AT  that  time  :  Jesus  entered  and 
passed  through  Jericho.  And 
behold,  there  was  a  man  named 
Zacchaeus,  which  was  the  chief 
among  the  publicans,  and  he  was 
rich.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great,]   (Bk.  xxviii.   of  Moral  {Re- 
flections on  Job\  ch.  27.) 

If  we  would  be  truly  wise,  and 
behold  wisdom  herself,  we  must 
humbly  acknowledge  ourselves  to  be 
fools.  Let  us  cast  away  harmful 
wisdom,  and  learn  praiseworthy  folly. 
For  this  reason  indeed  is  it  written  : 
"  God  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things 
of  the  world,  to  confound  the  wise." 
(1  Cor.  i.  27.)  And  again  it  is 
said :  "  If  any  man  among  you 
seemeth  to  be  wise  in  this  world, 
let  him  become  a  fool,  that  he  may 
be  wise."  (iii.  18.)  And  unto  this 
doth  the  very  Gospel  bear  witness, 
wherein  it  is  said  that  Zacchaeus 
"sought  to  see  Jesus,  Who  He 
was ;  and  could  not  for  the  press, 
because  he  was  little  of  stature. 
And  he  ran  before,  and  climbed 
up  into  a  sycamore  tree  to  see  Him ; 
for  He  was  to  pass  that  way."  For 
this  name  Sycamore,  being  inter- 
preted, signifieth  the  "  Foolish  Fig."  x 


Eighth  Lesson. 

LITTLE  Zacchaeus  therefore  ac- 
cepted the  humiliation  of  hav- 
ing recourse  to  the  sycamore — and 
saw  the  Lord.  They  who  humbly 
choose  to  be  fools  in  the  estimation 
of  the  world,  have  a  deep  insight 
into  the  wisdom  of  God.  The  press 
standeth  in  our  way,  on  account 
of  our  little  stature,  when  we  are 
fain  to  see  the  Lord ;  for  the  toil- 
some din  of  worldly  business  tor- 
menteth  our  weak  minds,  so  as  to 
hinder  our  perceiving  the  light  of 
the  truth.  But  we  climb  up  wisely 
into  the  sycamore  tree,  if  we  willingly 
give  up  our  minds  to  that  folly  which 
God  giveth  unto  us.  What  can  be 
more  utter  folly  (in  this  world)  than 
not  to  seek  for  that  we  have  lost,  to 
leave  that  whereof  we  have  been 
robbed  in  the  hands  of  our  de- 
spoilers,  to  take  no  revenge  for 
wrongs  which  have  been  done  us, 
yea,  even  to  offer  to  him  that  taketh 
away  our  cloak,  our  coat  also,  and 
be  patient? 

Ninth  Lesson. 

THE  Lord  biddeth  us,  as  it  were, 
to  climb  up  into  the  syca- 
more, where  He  saith :  "  Of  him 
that  taketh  away  thy  goods,  ask 
them  not  again."  (Luke  vi.  30.) 
And  again  :  "  Whosoever  shall  smite 
thee  on  thy  right  cheek,  turn  to  him 
the  other  also."  (Matth.  v.  39.) 
From  the  boughs  of  this  sycamore 
tree,  the  Lord  is  seen  passing  by. 
He  may  indeed,  as  yet,  not  be  seen 
face  to  Face,  but  by  this  wise  folly 
the  inward  eye  may  see  the  Wisdom 


1  Sukamoros— which  St  Gregory  seems  to  have  derived  from  sukos,  a  fig,  and  moros, 
(pr.  mzvros,)  a  fool,  but  the  derivation  now  generally  accepted  is  sukos,  a  fig,  and  moros, 
a  mulberry,  as  a  plant  combining  certain  characteristic  features  of  both  trees. 


602 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


of  God,  as  it  were,  passing  by,  even 
that  Wisdom  Which  they  that  are 
wise  in  their  own  conceit  cannot 
see.  They  are  mixed  up  in  the 
overbearing  press  of  their  own  im- 
aginations, and  have  not  yet  found 
the  sycamore  tree  whereinto  to  climb 
up,  if  they  would  see  the  Lord. 


fifrfl  ©ap  witfyin  ffle  Octave. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  that  the 
Antiphons  are  not  doubled,  and  the  fol- 
lowing. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (256th  for  the  Season.) 

"  nPHOU  hast  not  made  my  foes 
-■■  to  rejoice  over  me."  (Ps. 
xxix.  2.)  Now-a-days,  when  Churches 
are  filled  with  believers,  do  we 
imagine  that  this  maketh  the  Jews 
to  rejoice  ?  Churches  are  built,  con- 
secrated, and  filled  ;  wherefore  should 
they  rejoice  ?  Not  only  do  they  not 
rejoice,  but  they  are  put  to  con- 
fusion ;  and  the  words  are  fulfilled 
which  are  written :  "I  will  extol 
Thee,  O  Lord,  for  Thou  hast  lifted 
me  up,  and  hast  not  made  my  foes 
to  rejoice  over  me  " — Thou  hast  not 
made  them  to  rejoice  over  Me,  for 
even  if  they  turn  and  believe  in 
Me,  Thou  wilt  make  them  to  re- 
joice,   not    over    Me,    but    in    Me. 


Lest  we  should  make  overlong  our 
exposition  of  our  song,  let  us  take 
another  point.  How  saith  Christ : 
"  Thou  hast  put  off  My  sackcloth, 
and  girded  Me  with  gladness"? 
His  sackcloth  was  the  likeness  of 
sinful  flesh. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T^HINK  not  lightly  thereof,  be- 
*  cause  He  calleth  it  His  sack- 
cloth ;  the  price  of  thy  redemption 
was  wrapped  up  in  it.  "  Thou  hast 
put  off  My  sackcloth."  Let  us  turn 
aside  to  look  more  closely  at  this 
sackcloth — "  Thou  hast  put  off  My 
sackcloth."  The  sackcloth  was  put 
off  when  He  suffered.  How  saith 
He,  therefore,  unto  God  the  Father, 
"  Thou  hast  put  off  My  sackcloth  "  ? 
Wilt  thou  hear  how  it  is  that  He 
saith  unto  the  Father,  "Thou 
hast  put  off  My  sackcloth "  ?  It 
is  because  God  "spared  not  His 
Own  Son,  but  delivered  Him  up 
for  us  all."  (Rom.  viii.  32.)  By 
means  of  the  Jews,  who  knew  not 
what  they  did,  He  did  that  where- 
by they  that  knew  should  be  re- 
deemed, and  they  that  gainsaid 
should  be  put  to  confusion.  They 
know  not  what  good  their  evil  deed 
hath  done  for  us.  The  sackcloth 
was  hung  up,  amid  the  rejoicings 
of  the  ungodly  —  the  persecutor 
rent  it  with  his  spear,  and  the  Re- 
deemer caused  our  price  to  spring 
forth. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

ET  Christ  the  Redeemer  sing, 
-*— '  let  Judas  that  sold  Him  groan, 
and  the  Jews  that  bought  Him 
blush.  Judas  sold  Him,  and  the 
Jews  bought  Him,  and  both  buyer 
and  seller  in  the  wicked  bargain  are 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION   OF  A   CHURCH. 


603 


condemned,  both  alike  have  cast 
themselves  away.  Let  our  Head 
therefore  speak  concerning  His  slain 
Body,  His  hallowed  Body — let  Him 
speak,  and  let  us  listen.  "  'Thou,'" 
saith  He,  " '  hast  put  off  My  sack- 
cloth, and  girded  Me  with  gladness  ' 
— Thou  hast  put  off  My  mortality, 
and  hast  girded  Me  with  immortality 
and  incorruption — '  to  the  end  that 
My  glory  may  sing  praise  unto  Thee, 
and  not  be  silent.' "  What  meaneth 
this,  "and  not  be  silent"?  "No 
more  shall  the  lance  pierce  Me, 
and  I  hang  silent  under  the  blow." 
For  "  Christ  being  raised  from 
the  dead,  dieth  no  more ;  death 
hath  no  more  dominion  over  Him." 
(Rom.  vi.  9.) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xix.  1.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  entered  and 
^*-  passed  through  Jericho.  And, 
behold,  there  was  a  man  named 
Zacchseus,  which  was  the  chief 
among  the  publicans.  And  he  was 
rich.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  the  Venerable  Bede, 
Priest  [at  Jarrow,  and  Doctor  of  the 
Church.]  (Bk.  v.  ch.  77  on  Luke 
xix.) 

"  The  things  which  are  impossible 
with  men,  are  possible  with  God." 
(xviii.  27.)  For  behold  the  camel, 
when  he  hath  laid  aside  his  load, 
passeth  through  the  eye  of  a  needle, 
that  is  to  say,  the  rich  man  and  the 
publican,  when  he  putteth  off  from 
him  the  burden  of  his  riches,  and 
despiseth  to   be  wealthy  by  unjust 


means,  entereth  into  the  strait  gate 
and  narrow  way  which  leadeth  unto 
life.  He  that  with  earnest  faith 
desired  to  see  the  Saviour,  helped 
the  defect  of  his  natural  stature  by 
climbing  up  into  a  tree,  and  thereby 
he  earned  what  he  longed  for,  but 
dared  not  to  ask,  even  the  blessed- 
ness of  having  the  Lord  to  abide 
as  a  guest  at  his  house. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

^7  ACCH^EUS,  whose  name,  being 
*-^  interpreted,  signifieth  "Justi- 
fied," is  a  type  of  such  from  among 
the  Gentiles  as  believe.  The  more 
they  be  harassed  by  the  cares  of 
this  world,  the  more  they  be  weighed 
down  by  the  sense  of  sin,  the  hum- 
bler is  their  prayer.  "  But,"  [saith 
the  Apostle  Paul  unto  such,]  "ye  are 
washed, —  but,  ye  are  sanctified, — 
but,  ye  are  justified,  in  the  Name  of 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of 
our  God."  (1  Cor.  vi.  11.)  Such 
desired  to  see  the  Saviour  as  He 
entered  into  Jericho,  but  could  not 
for  the  press,  for,  albeit  wishful  for 
that  grace  of  faith  which  the  Saviour 
brought  into  the  world,  the  long-used 
habit  of  sin  stood  in  the  way  of  the 
desire. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  I  AHE  press  of  evil  habits  which 
*-  rebuked  the  blind  man,  that 
he  should  hold  his  peace,  and  not 
cry  for  light,  the  same  press  hind- 
ered the  publican  from  seeing  Jesus. 
But  even  as  the  blind  man  over- 
came them  by  crying  so  much  the 
more,  so  must  he  that  is  little  of 
stature  needs  get  above  the  obstruc- 
tion of  the  harmful  crowd,  by  seek- 
ing an  higher  place,  ascending  from 
the  earth,  and  betaking  him  up  into 


604 


THE   COMMON   OF   SAINTS. 


the  tree,  that  is,  the  Cross.  And 
the  Cross  is  a  Sycamore,  (a  tree 
with  leaves  somewhat  like  to  those 
of  a  mulberry,  but  higher,  whence 
also  it  is  called  by  the  Latins 
"Celsa,"  that  is,  the  High  tree,) 
for  the  name  "  Sycamore "  signifi- 
ed, being  interpreted,  the  "  Foolish 
Fig,"  and  thus  is  the  Cross,  which 
feedeth  us  with  figs  them  that  be- 
lieve, but  is  mocked  at  as  foolish- 
ness by  them  that  believe  not. 


^t;rf0  ©ap  within  tU  Ott&vt. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  that  the 
Antiphons  are  not  doubled,  and  the  fol- 
lowing. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Austin,  Bishop 
[of  Hippo.]  (256th  for  the 
Season.) 

""THEREFORE,  while  I  joyfully 
-*■  gaze  upon  the  new  walls  of 
this  holy  Church,  which  we  this  day 
hallow  unto  the  name  of  God,  I  find 
that  I  owe  high  praise  to  our  God, 
and  to  you,  my  holy  brethren,  a 
suitable  discourse  upon  the  building 
of  the  house  of  God.  But  my  dis- 
course will  only  be  suitable  if  it 
contain  for  your  spiritual  up-build- 
ing,1   that    which,     God     inwardly 


building,  may  avail  toward  your 
souls'  health.  That  building  which 
we  behold  with  our  bodily  eyes, 
wrought  in  these  walls,  must  be  re- 
flected spiritually  in  our  minds,  and 
that  finish  which  we  see  in  stone 
and  wood,  it  must  be  the  work  of 
God's  grace  to  finish  within  our 
own  bodies. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

TN  the  first  place,  therefore,  let  us 
-*-  give  thanks  unto  our  Lord 
God,  from  Whom  cometh  down 
every  good  gift  and  every  perfect 
gift.  (James  i.  17.)  Let  us  with  all 
the  cheerfulness  of  our  hearts  praise 
Him  for  having  put  it  into  the 
thoughts  of  His  faithful  ones  to 
raise  unto  Him  this  house  of  prayer, 
stirred  up  their  love  and  given  them 
help,  breathed  the  will  into  them 
when  they  as  yet  had  it  not,  and 
then  enabled  them  to  carry  out 
their  will.  "For  it  is  God  Which 
worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and 
to  do  of  His  good  pleasure." 
(Phil.  ii.  13.)  And  thus  it  is  He 
Himself  Who  hath  begun,  and 
hath  finished. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  ND  forasmuch  as  He  never 
^*-  suffereth  good  works  to  lie 
unrewarded  in  His  sight,  He  will 
give  a  reward  meet  for  so  great  a 
work  to  those  His  faithful  ones,  unto 
whose  labours  He  hath  already  given 
His  helpful  blessing.  And  yet  have 
we  more  thanks  to  give  unto  our 
Lord  God.  For  this  Church,  which 
He  hath  caused  to  be  builded  unto 
His    Name,    He    hath    made    more 


1  This  sentence  contains  an  untranslateable  play  upon  the  word  "edification." 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION    OF   A   CHURCH. 


605 


honourable  with  the  reliques  of  His 
holy  Martyrs. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (xix.  1.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  entered  and 
-*"*-  passed  through  Jericho.  And, 
behold,  there  was  a  man  named 
Zacchaeus,  which  was  the  chief 
among  the  publicans.  And  he  was 
rich.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  the  Venerable  Bede, 
Priest  [at  Jarrow,  and  Doctor  of  the 
Church.]  {Bk.  v.  ch.  77,  on  Luke 
xix.) 

"And  when  Jesus  came  to  the 
place,  He  looked  up,  and  saw  him." 
The  Saviour,  passing  through  Je- 
richo, came  to  the  place  whither 
Zacchaeus  had  already  run  before, 
and  climbed  up  into  a  sycamore- 
tree.  Thus  did  He  send  through- 
out the  world  the  preachers  of  His 
Word,  in  whom  Himself  did  indeed 
speak  and  go,  and  so  came  unto 
those  who  were  already  high  up- 
lifted by  believing  in  His  sufferings, 
and  fain  to  be  blessed  with  the  full 
revelation  of  His  Godhead.  "  He 
looked  up,  and  saw  him  " — for  the 
eyes  of  His  choice  were  toward  one 
whom  the  grace  of  faith  had  raised 
above  earthly  desires,  and  who  stood 
aloft  above  the  unbelieving  multi- 
tudes. "  To  look  on "  signifieth 
with  God  to  choose  or  to  love ; 
whence  it  is  said  :  "  The  eyes  of  the 
Lord  are  upon  the  righteous."  (Ps. 
xxxiii.  16.)  Even  we  also  hasten  to 
look  at  things  which  we  love,  while 
we  turn  our  eyes  away  from  what  is 
loathesome  to  us. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

JESUS  therefore  looked  on  one 
that  was  fain  to  look  on  Him, 
chose  one  that  chose  Him,  and 
loved  one  that  loved  Him.  This 
progress,  namely,  to  go  on,  by  be- 
lieving in  the  Lord's  Incarnation,  to 
an  acknowledgment  of  His  God- 
head, is,  as  it  were,  to  climb  up 
into  a  sycamore-tree  to  catch  a  sight 
of  Jesus'  Face ;  this  progress,  I  say, 
the  excellent  Teacher  [Paul]  point- 
eth  at,  when  he  saith :  "  I  deter- 
mined not  to  know  anything  among 
you,  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  Him 
Crucified."  (1  Cor.  ii.  2.)  And 
again  in  rebuking  certain  he  saith  : 
"  Ye  are  become  such  as  have  need 
of  milk,  and  not  of  strong  meat," 
(Heb.  v.  12) — herein  signifying  by 
milk  the  weakness  of  the  dispensa- 
tion in  time,  and  by  strong  meat, 
the  sublimity  of  the  everlasting 
glory. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  [Jesus]  said  unto  him : 
■£**  Zacchaeus,  make  haste  and 
come  down,  for  to-day  I  must  abide 
at  thine  house.  And  he  made 
haste,  and  came  down,  and  received 
Him  joyfully."  The  Lord  abode 
awhile  in  the  house  of  the  chief  of 
the  Pharisees — that  is  to  say,  He 
taught  in  the  synagogue  of  the  Jews  ; 
but  since  they  spake  against  Him 
with  envenomed  tongues,  because 
He  washed  not  His  hands  before 
He  sat  down  to  eat,  because  He 
healed  on  the  Sabbath  Day,  because 
He  received  publicans  and  sinners, 
because  He  rebuked  their  greed,  and 
did  other  things  worthy  of  God,  He 
was  wearied  by  their  wickedness, 
and  turned  away  and  left  them,  say- 
ing :    "  Behold,   your  house    is    left 


6o6 


THE    COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


unto  you  desolate."  (Matth.  xxiii. 
38.)  But  to-day  He  must  abide  in 
the  house  of  little  Zacchaeus — that 
is  to  say,  He  must  rest,  while  the 
beams  of  the  new  light  are  bright, 
in  the  lowly  hearts  of  the  believing 
nations. 


§tnnt§  ©ap  within  t$t  <Dct<wt. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  that  the 
Antiphons  are  not  doubled,  and  the  fol- 
lowing. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  John  Chrysostom, 
Patriarch  [of  Constantinople.] 
{Horn.  33  on  Matth.  ix.) 

HP  HE  Church  is  the  common 
-*-  house  of  all.  Hereinto  ye 
first  do  enter,  and  then  we,  keeping 
the  form  of  the  disciples ;  and  there- 
fore, so  soon  as  we  be  come  in,  that 
we  may  follow  the  rule  given  to 
them,  (Luke  x.  5,)  we  greet  you  all 
with  the  salutation  of  "  Peace."  Let 
no  one  then  be  drowsy,  let  no  one 
keep  his  mind  occupied  with  worldly 
business,  when  the  Priests  are  come 
in  for  the  sermon.  The  punishment 
for  doing  so  is  no  light  one.  I  had 
a  thousand  times  rather  be  left  alone 
in  one  of  your  own  houses,  when  I 
come  to  visit  you,  than  that  ye 
should  not  listen   unto  me  when  I 


am  preaching  here.  This  would  vex 
me  more  than  that,  for  this  is  more 
your  house  than  that. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T^OR  this  is  the  house  wherein 
-*-  our  greatest  treasures  and  our 
hopes  are  laid  up.  What  is  there 
here  that  is  not  great  and  wonder- 
ful? The  Table  here  is  the  most 
precious  and  glorious  of  tables.  The 
lamp  here  is  the  most  precious  and 
glorious  of  lamps,  as  they  know  who 
have  in  faith  been  anointed  with  oil 
therefrom,  and  been  healed  of  sick- 
ness.1 The  Ambry  2  here  is  far  the 
best  and  the  most  needful,  for  there- 
in is  laid  up,  not  raiment,  but  mercy 
— albeit  they  be  few  that  take  It. 
The  bed  here  is  the  noblest  of  beds, 
for  what  can  be  better  than  that 
pillow  whereon  resteth  the  written 
Word  of  God  ?  3 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  ND  in  good  sooth,  if  we  were 
-^*-  all  at  one,  we  should  have 
none  other  house  than  this.  And 
that  I  utter  not  herein  an  hard 
saying,  witness  those  three  thousand 
and  five  thousand  who  had  but  one 
house  and  one  table  and  one  mind. 
"The  multitude  of  them  that  be- 
lieved," saith  [the  author  of  the  Acts 
of  the  Apostles]  "  were  of  one  heart 
and  of  one  soul"  (iv.  32.)  But 
since  we  are  far  from  such  perfection 
as  their's,  and  are  parted  in  divers 
houses,  let  us  strive  to  be  like  them, 
at  least  when  we  come  together  here. 
For  albeit  in   other  things   we    are 


1  The  oil  used  for  Extreme  Unction  is,   in  the  Greek  rite,  taken  from  the  lamp  that 
burns  before  the  picture  of  our  Lord. 

2  Area,  no  doubt  the  Tabernacle. 

3  In  Greek  Churches  a  copy  of  the  Gospels  is  kept  lying  on  the  altar. 


FOR   THE   DEDICATION    OF   A   CHURCH. 


607 


poor  and  needy,  do  ye  at  the 
least  welcome  us  kindly  when  we 
come  in  hither  among  you ;  and 
when  I  say,  "  Peace  be  unto  you," 
do  ye  answer,  not  with  your  voices 
only  but  with  your  hearts,  "And 
with  thy  spirit." 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the 
Holy  Gospel  according  to  Luke 
(xix.    1.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  entered  and 
-^*-  passed  through  Jericho.  And, 
behold,  there  was  a  man  named 
Zacchseus,  which  was  the  chief 
among  the  publicans.  And  he  was 
rich.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  the  Venerable  Bede, 
Priest  [at  Jarrow,  and  Doctor  of 
the  Church.]  {Continuation  of  the 
last.) 

"  And  when  they  saw  it,  they  all 
murmured,  saying,  That  He  was 
gone  to  be  guest  with  a  man  that 
is  a  sinner."  It  is  clear  that  the 
Jews  have  always  hated  that  the 
Gentiles  should  be  saved.  It  is 
written  :  "  And  the  next  Sabbath- 
Day  came  almost  the  whole  city 
together,  to  hear  the  word  of  God. 
But  when  the  Jews  saw  the  multi- 
tudes, they  were  filled  with  envy, 
and  spake  against  those  things  which 
were  spoken  by  Paul."  (Acts  xiii. 
44.)  And  elsewhere  it  is  told  how 
that  even  the  faithful  brethren  con- 
tended with  the  Prince  of  the 
Apostles,  "saying,  Thou  wentest  in 
to  men  uncircumcised,  and  didst  eat 
with  them."     (xi.  3.) 


Eighth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  Zacchseus  stood,  and  said 
^*-  unto  the  Lord  :  Behold, 
Lord,  the  half  of  my  goods  I  give 
to  the  poor ;  and  if  I  have  taken 
anything  from  any  man  by  false 
accusation  I  restore  him  four-fold." 
While  others  were  blaming  the 
sinner,  Zacchseus  himself  stood,  that 
is,  continued  in  that  truth  of  faith 
wherein  he  had  begun,  and  showed 
himself  to  be  not  only  a  sinner  con- 
verted, but  even  to  have  taken  a 
place  among  the  perfect.  "  If,"  saith 
the  Lord,  "thou  wilt  be  perfect,  go 
and  sell  that  thou  hast,  and  give  to 
the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  treasure 
in  heaven."  (Matth.  xix.  21.)  If  a 
man  before  his  conversion  have  lived 
blamelessly,  after  his  conversion  he 
can  give  to  the  poor  all  that  he 
hath — 

Ninth  Lesson. 

DUT  if  he  have  had  any  unjust 
*~*  dealings,  he  is  bound  first  of 
all,  according  to  law,  to  make  resti- 
tution, and  not  till  afterwards  must 
he  give  to  the  poor  that  which  re- 
maineth  unto  him.  And  thus  will  it 
become  true  of  him  also,  when  he 
keepeth  nothing  for  himself,  but  hath 
dispersed  and  hath  given  to  the  poor, 
that  "  his  righteousness  endureth  for 
ever."  (Ps.  cxi.  9.)  And  this  is 
that  wise  folly,  which  the  publican 
gathered  from  his  sycamore-tree,  like 
life-giving  fruit,  namely,  to  make  res- 
titution of  that  which  he  had  robbed, 
to  give  away  that  which  was  his  own, 
to  hold  cheap  the  things  which  are 
seen,  to  be  fain  even  to  die  for  the 
things  which  are  not  seen,  to  deny 
himself,  and  to  will  to  follow  in  the 
steps  of  that  Lord  upon  Whom 
thitherto  he  had  not  looked. 


6o8 


THE   COMMON    OF   SAINTS. 


Ocf<we;©a£  of  tU  ©eoicafion. 

Double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  Pope  St  Felix  IV.1 
{On  Consecration,  dist.  i.  ch.  2.) 

WE  read  that  Moses,  by  the 
command  of  the  Lord, 
made  and  hallowed  a  tabernacle, 
with  the  table  and  altar,  and  other 
vessels  and  furniture  thereof,  for  the 
worship  of  God ;  and  we  know  that 
he  hallowed  the  same,  not  only  by 
prayers  to  God,  but  by  anointing 
them,  at  the  command  of  the  Lord, 
with  holy  oil.  How  these  things 
were  done,  and  how  none  others  but 
Priests  anointed  with  holy  ointment, 
and  arrayed  before  the  Lord  in  holy 
garments,  and  Levites,  handled,  car- 
ried, set  up,  and  put  in  order  these 
holy  things,  all  this  is  to  be  found 
written  in  the  Law  of  the  Lord, 
among  the  ordinances  which  Moses 
wrote  down  at  the  command  of  the 
Lord. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

IN  the  Books  of  Kings  we  read 
how  David,  the  most  godly  of 
princes,  made  more  splendid  the 
worship  of  God,  and  was  fain  to 
build  a  temple  unto  the  Lord,  but 
was  withheld,  because  of  the  quantity 


of  blood  which  he  had  shed,  and 
only  gathered  together  treasures  for 
that  end ;  and  how  Solomon  his 
son,  at  the  command  and  with  the 
help  of  God,  did  that  which  his 
father  had  desired  to  do,  and  hal- 
lowed the  temple  and  the  altar  and 
the  other  things  pertaining  to  the 
worship  of  God.  "And  at  that  time 
Solomon  held  a  Feast,  and  all  Israel 
with  him,  a  great  congregation,  from 
the  entering  in  of  Hamath  unto  the 
River  of  Egypt,  before  the  Lord 
our  God  seven  days  and  seven  days, 
even  fourteen  days,  and  on  the 
eighth  day  he  sent  the  people  away." 
(3  Kings  viii.  65,  66.) 

Sixth  Lesson.     (Ch.  17.) 

THE  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of 
Churches  and  Priests  is  to  be 
kept  year  by  year,  as  the  Lord  Him- 
self hath  given  us  an  ensample,  that 
we  should  follow  His  steps,  by  com- 
ing with  the  rest  of  the  people  to 
keep  the  Feast  of  the  Dedication  of 
the  Temple ;  as  it  is  written  :  "  It 
was  at  Jerusalem  the  Feast  of  the 
Dedication,  and  it  was  winter.  And 
Jesus  walked  in  the  temple  in 
Solomon's  Porch."  (John  x.  22, 
23.)  That  these  Dedication-Feasts 
are  to  be  kept  for  eight  days,  ye  will 
find  in  the  Third  Book  of  Kings, 
after  the  account  of  the  Dedication 
of  the  Temple. 

In  the  Third  Nocturn  are  read  the 
Lessons  from  the  first  day  omitted  with- 
in the  Octave. 


a.d.  526-30. 


Elje  proper  £>ffice  of  tije  faints. 


November  30. 

JFeast  of  &t  Slirtrrefo,  Apostle. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Apostles,  {p.  462,)  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  1  One  of  the  two  which  fol- 
lowed the  Lord  was  Andrew,  *  Simon 
Peter's  brother.     Alleluia. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Willibrord,  then  of  the  Week-day  if 
in  Advent. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  2  The  Lord  saw 
Peter  and  Andrew,  *  and  He  called 
them. 

Second  Antiphon.  Follow  Me,  and 
I  will  make  you  fishers  of  men,  *  saith 
the  Lord. 

Third  A?itiphon.  And  they  left 
their  nets,  *  and  followed  the  Lord 
their  Saviour. 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (x.  4.) 

r^HRIST  is  the  end  of  the  law  for 
righteousness  to  every  one  that 
believeth.  For  Moses  describeth  the 
righteousness  which  is  of  the  law, 
that  the  man  which  .  doeth  these 
things  shall  live  thereby.3  But  the 
righteousness  which  is  of  faith 
speaketh  on  this  wise  : 4  Say  not  in 
thine  heart,  Who  shall  ascend  into 
heaven  ?  that  is,  to  bring  Christ 
down  from  above :  or,  Who  shall 
descend  into  the  deep  ?  that  is,  to 
bring  up  Christ  again  from  the  dead. 
But  what  saith  the  Scripture  ?  The 
word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy 
mouth,  and  in  thy  heart :  that  is, 
the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach  : 
that  if  thou  shalt  confess  with  thy 
mouth  the  Lord  JESUS,  and  shalt 
believe  in  thine  heart  that  God  hath 
raised  Him  from  the  dead,  thou  shalt 
be  saved. 

First  Responsory. 

5  The  Lord,  walking  by  the  Sea  of 
Galilee,  saw  Peter  and  Andrew  cast- 
ing their  nets  into  the  sea,  and  He 
called  them  saying :  Follow  Me,  and 
I  will  make  you  fishers  of  men. 


1  John  i.  40. 

4  Deut.  xxx.  11,  12,  14. 


2  Matth.  iv.  18-20. 
s  Matth.  iv.  18,  19. 


3  Lev.  xviii.  5. 


6io 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Verse.  For  they  were  fishers,  and 
He  saith  unto  them— 

Answer.  Follow  Me,  and  I  will 
make  you  fishers  of  men. 

Second  Lesson. 

"P^OR  with  the  heart  man  believeth 
unto  righteousness,  and  with  the 
mouth  confession  is  made  unto  salva- 
tion. For  the  Scripture  saith  :  l  Who- 
soever believeth  on  Him  shall  not  be 
ashamed.  For  there  is  no  difference 
between  the  Jew  and  the  Greek  ;  for 
the  same  Lord  over  all  is  rich  unto 
all  that  call  upon  Him.  For  whoso- 
ever shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord  shall  be  saved.  2  How  then 
shall  they  call  on  Him  in  Whom  they 
have  not  believed  ?  And  how  shall 
they  believe  in  Him  of  Whom  they 
have  not  heard  ?  And  how  shall 
they  hear  without  a  preacher  ?  And 
how  shall  they  preach,  except  they 
be  sent  ?  As  it  is  written :  3  How 
beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  that 
preach  the  Gospel  of  peace,  and  bring 
glad  tidings  of  good  things  ! 

Second  Responsory. 

As  soon  as  the  blessed  Andrew 
heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  calling 
him,  he  left  his  nets,  by  the  exercise 
and  use  whereof  he  lived,  and  fol- 
lowed Him  Who  giveth  life  ever- 
lasting. 

Verse.  Thisis  that  disciple  who  for 
the  love  of  Christ  hung  upon  the  cross, 
and  suffered  for  the  law  of  his  God. 

Answer.  And  followed  Him  Who 
giveth  life  everlasting. 

Third  Lesson. 

TDUT  they  have  not  all  obeyed  the 

Gospel.    For  Isaias  saith  :  4Lord, 

who   hath  believed   our  report  ?      So 


then  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and 
hearing  by  the  word  of  Christ.  But 
I  say :  Have  they  not  heard  ?  Yes 
verily,  their  sound  went  into  all  the 
earth,  and  their  words  unto  the  ends 
of  the  world.5  But  I  say  :  Did  not 
Israel  know  ?  First  Moses  saith  :  6  I 
will  provoke  you  to  jealousy  by  them 
that  are  no  people  :  and  by  a  foolish 
nation  I  will  anger  you.  But  Isaias 
is  very  bold,  and  saith  :  "  I  was  found 
of  them  that  sought  Me  not :  I  was 
made  manifest  unto  them  that  asked 
not  after  Me.  But  to  Israel  He 
saith  :  All  day  long  I  have  stretched 
forth  My  hands  unto  a  disobedient 
and  gainsaying  people. 

Third  Responsory. 

Andrew  the  good  teacher,  the 
friend  of  God,  was  led  to  the  cross, 
and  when  he  saw  it  afar  off,  he 
said:  God  bless  thee,  O  cross, — 
be  welcome  to  the  follower  of  Him 
That  hung  on  thee,  even  my  Master 
Christ. 

Verse.  God  bless  thee,  O  cross, 
— thou  art  hallowed  by  the  Body  of 
Christ ;  His  Members  make  thee 
goodly  as   with   pearls. 

Answer.  Be  welcome  to  the  fol- 
lower of  Him  That  hung  on  thee, 
even   my   Master   Christ. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Be  welcome  to  the  fol- 
lower of  Him  That  hung  on  thee, 
even   my   Master   Christ. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Whom  the  Lord 
called  to  be  His  Apostle,  *  when  he 
was  by  the  sea,  him  also  He  counted 
worthy  to  be  His  martyr.      Alleluia. 

Second  Antiphon.     Andrew  was  to 


1  Isa.  xlix.  23. 
8  Ps.  xviii.  5. 


2  Joel  ii.  32. 

6  Deut.  xxxii.  21. 


3  Isa.  Hi.  7. 
7  Isa.  lxv.  1,  2. 


4  Isa.  liii.  1. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    NOVEMBER. 


6ll 


the  Lord  as  a  sweet  savour,  *  which 
He  loved  exceedingly. 

Third  Antiphon.  The  blessed 
Andrew  hung  alive  upon  the  cross  for 
two  days  *  for  Christ's  Name's  sake, 
and,  all  the  while,  he  taught  the 
people. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

XHE  Apostle  Andrew  was  born  at 
Bethsaida,  a  town  of  Galilee, 
and  was  the  brother  of  Peter.  He 
was  a  disciple  of  John  the  Baptist, 
and  heard  him  say  of  Christ,  "  Behold 
the  Lamb  of  God,"  (John  i.  35-37,  40,) 
whereupon  he  immediately  followed 
Jesus,  bringing  his  brother  also  with 
him.  Some  while  after,  they  were 
both  fishing  in  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  and 
the  Lord  Christ,  going  by,  called  them 
both,  before  any  other  of  the  Apostles, 
in  the  words,  "  Follow  Me,  and  I  will 
make  you  fishers  of  men."  They 
made  no  delay,  but  left  their  nets,  and 
followed  Him.  (Matth.  iv.  18-20.) 
After  the  death  and  Resurrection  of 
Christ,  Andrew  was  allotted  Scythia 
as  the  province  of  his  preaching,  and, 
after  labouring  there,  he  went  through 
Epirus  and  Thrace,  where  he  turned 
vast  multitudes  to  Christ  by  his  teach- 
ing and  miracles.  Finally  he  went  to 
Patras  in  Achaia,  and  there  also  he 
brought  many  to  the  knowledge  of 
Gospel  truth.  /Egeas  the  Pro-consul 
resisted  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel, 
and  the  Apostle  freely  rebuked  him, 
bidding  him  know  that  while  he  held 
"himself  a  judge  of  his  fellow  men,  he 
was  himself  hindered  by  devils  from 
knowing  Christ  our  God,  the  Judge 
-of  all. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

The  man  of  God  was  led  to  be 
•crucified,  and  the  people  cried  with  a 
loud  voice,  saying :  The  innocent 
blood  of  this  just  person  is  condemned 
without  a  cause. 


Verse.  And  when  they  led  him  out 
to  crucify  him,  all  the  people  ran  to- 
gether and  cried,  saying  : 

Answer.  The  innocent  blood  of 
this  just  person  is  condemned  without 
a  cause. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

'"F'HEN  /Egeas,  being  angry,  an- 
swered  him,  "  Boast  no  more  of 
this  thy  Christ.  He  spake  words  even 
such  as  thine,  but  they  availed  Him 
not,  and  He  was  crucified  by  the  Jews." 
Whereto  Andrew  boldly  answered  that 
Christ  had  given  Himself  up  to  die  for 
man's  salvation ;  but  the  Pro-consul 
blasphemously  interrupted  him,  and 
bade  him  look  to  himself,  and  sacri- 
fice to  the  gods.  Then  said  Andrew, 
"  We  have  an  altar,  whereon  day  by 
day  I  offer  up  to  God,  the  Almighty, 
the  One,  and  the  True,  not  the  flesh 
of  bulls  nor  the  blood  of  goats,  but  a 
Lamb  without  spot :  and  when  all  they 
that  believe  have  eaten  of  the  Flesh 
Thereof,  the  Lamb  That  was  slain 
abideth  whole  and  liveth."  Then 
^Egeas  being  filled  with  wrath,  bound 
the  Apostle  in  prison.  Now,  the 
people  would  have  delivered  him,  but 
he  himself  calmed  the  multitude,  and 
earnestly  besought  them  not  to  take 
away  from  him  the  crown  of  martyr- 
dom, for  which  he  longed  and  which 
was  now  drawing  near. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

O  precious  cross,  which  the  Mem- 
bers of  my  Lord  have  made  so  fair 
and  goodly,  welcome  me  from  among 
men,  and  join  me  again  to  my  Master, 
that,  as  by  thee  He  redeemed  me,  so 
by  thee  also  He  may  take  me  unto 
Himself. 

Verse.  The  blessed  Andrew 
stretched  forth  his  hands  to  heaven 
and  prayed,  saying :  Precious  cross, 
be  my  salvation, — 


612 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Answer.  That,  as  by  thee  He  re- 
deemed me,  so  by  thee  also  He  may 
take  me  unto  Himself. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

COME  short  while  after,  he  was 
brought  before  the  judgment-seat, 
where  he  extolled  the  mystery  of  the 
cross,  and  rebuked  vEgeas  for  his  un- 
godliness. Then  yEgeas  could  bear 
with  him  no  longer,  but  commanded 
him  to  be  crucified,  in  imitation  of 
Christ.  Andrew,  then,  was  led  to  the 
place  of  martyrdom,  and,  as  soon  as 
he  came  in  sight  of  the  cross,  he  cried 
out,  "  O  precious  cross,  which  the 
Members  of  my  Lord  have  made  so 
goodly,  how  long  have  I  desired  thee  ! 
how  warmly  have  I  loved  thee !  how 
constantly  have  I  sought  thee  !  And, 
now  that  thou  art  come  to  me,  how  is 
my  soul  drawn  to  thee  !  Welcome 
me  from  among  men,  and  join  me 
again  to  my  Master,  that  as  by  thee 
He  redeemed  me,  so  by  thee  also  He 
may  take  me  unto  Himself."  So  he 
was  fastened  to  the  cross,  whereon  he 
hung  living  for  two  days,  during  which 
time  he  ceased  not  to  preach  the  faith 
of  Christ,  and,  finally,  passed  into  the 
Presence  of  Him  the  likeness  of  Whose 
death  he  had  loved  so  well.  All  the 
above  particulars  of  his  last  sufferings 
were  written  by  the  Priests  and 
Deacons  of  Achaia,  who  bear  witness 
to  them  of  their  own  knowledge. 
Under  the  Emperor  Constantine  the 
bones  of  the  Apostle  were  first  taken 
to  Constantinople,  whence  they  were 
afterwards  1  brought  to  Amalfi.  In  the 
Pontificate  of  Pope  Pius  II.  his  head 
was  carried  to  Rome,  where  it  is  kept 
in  the  Basilica  of  St  Peter. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

2  All  day  long  I  have  stretched  forth 
my  hands  upon  the  cross  unto  a  diso- 

1  By  the  Crusaders,  a.d.  1210. 


bedient  and  gainsaying  people,  which 
walketh  in  a  way  that  is  not  good,  but 
after  their  own  sins. 

Verse.  3  The  Lord  God  to  Whom 
vengeance  belongeth,  the  God  to 
Whom  vengeance  belongeth,  hath 
shown  Himself:  lift  up  Thyself,  Thou 
Judge  of  the  earth,  render  a  reward  to 
the  proud. 

Answer.  Which  walketh  in  a  way 
that  is  not  good,  but  after  their  own 
sins. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Which  walketh  in  a  way 
that  is  not  good,  but  after  their  own 
sins. 

THIRD  NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Suffer  not  Thy  ser- 
vant, O  Lord,  to  be  parted  from  Thee: 
*  the  hour  is  come  to  lay  my  body  in 
the  earth,  and  for  Thee  to  bid  me 
come  unto  Thyself. 

Second  Antiphon.  But  Andrew  be- 
sought the  people  *  not  to  hinder  his 
passion. 

Third  Antiphon.  Welcome  me  from 
among  men  and  join  me  again  to  my 
Master ;  *  that,  as  by  thee  He  re- 
deemed me,  so  by  thee  also  He  may 
take  me  unto  Himself. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is   taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel   according   to   Matthew  (iv. 


A  T   that   time :  Jesus,    walking  by 

the    Sea    of    Galilee,    saw    two 

brethren,    Simon     called     Peter,     and 

Andrew  his  brother,  casting  a  net  into 

the  sea.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by   Pope   St    Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (5//*  on  the  Gospels.) 


Isa.  lxv.  2. 


3  Ps.  xciii.  1. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    NOVEMBER. 


613 


Dearly  beloved  brethren,  ye  hear 
how  that  Peter  and  Andrew,  having 
once  heard  the  Lord  call  them,  left 
their  nets,  and  followed  their  Saviour. 
As  yet  they  had  seen  none  of  His 
miracles,  as  yet  they  had  received  no 
promise  of  their  exceeding  and  eternal 
reward  ;  nevertheless,  at  one  word  of 
the  Lord  they  forgot  all  those  things 
which  they  seemed  to  have.  We  have 
seen  many  of  His  miracles  ;  we  have 
received  many  of  His  gracious  chasten- 
ings  ;  many  times  hath  He  warned  us 
of  the  wrath  to  come — and  yet  Christ 
calleth  and  we  do  not  follow. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

The  holy  Andrew  lifted  up  his  eyes 
to  heaven,  and  prayed,  and  cried  with 
a  loud  voice,  and  said :  Thou  art  my 
God,  Whom  I  have  seen  ;  suffer  not 
the  unjust  judge  to  take  me  down 
from  the  cross  ;  for  now  I  know  what 
the  power  of  Thy  holy  Cross  is. 

Verse.  Thou  art  Christ  my  Master, 
Whom  I  have  loved,  Whom  I  have 
known,  Whom  I  have  confessed  :  in 
this  thing  hear  me. 

Answer.  For  now  I  know  what 
the  power  of  Thy  holy  Cross  is. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T_T  E  who  calleth  us  to  be  converted 
is  now  enthroned  in  heaven;  He 
hath  broken  a  the  necks  of  the  Gentiles 
to  the  yoke  of  the  faith,  He  hath  laid 
low  the  glory  of  the  world,  and  the 
wrecks  thereof,  falling  ever  more  and 
more  to  decay,  do  preach  unto  us  that 
the  coming  of  that  day  when  He  is  to 
be  revealed  as  our  Judge  is  drawing 
nigh :  and  yet,  so  stubborn  is  our  mind, 
that  we  will  not  yet  freely  abandon 
that  which,  will  we,  nill  we,  we  lose 
day  by  day.  Dearly  beloved  brethren, 
what  shall  we  answer  at  His  Judg- 
ment-seat,   we  whom   no   lessons   can 


persuade,  and  no  stripes  can  break  of 
the  love  of  this  present  world  ? 

Eighth  Responsory. 

When  Andrew  saw  the  cross  he 
cried,  saying :  How  wonderful  art 
thou,  O  cross !  O  cross,  how  love- 
able  art  thou !  O  cross,  thy  bright 
beams  enlighten  the  darkness  of  the 
whole  world  !  Welcome  a  follower 
of  JESUS,  that,  as  by  thee  He  died 
to  redeem  me,  so  by  thee  also  He 
may  take  me  unto  Himself. 

Verse.  O  precious  cross,  which 
the  Members  of  my  Lord  have  made 
so  fair  and  goodly, — 

Answer.  Welcome  a  follower  of 
Jesus,  that,  as  by  thee  He  died  to 
redeem  me,  so  by  thee  also  He  may 
take  me  unto  Himself. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Welcome  a  follower  of 
Jesus,  that,  as  by  thee  He  died  to 
redeem  me,  so  by  thee  also  He  may 
take  me  unto  Himself. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

COME  one  perchance  will  ask  in 
his  heart,  what  Peter  or  Andrew- 
had  to  lose  by  obeying  the  call  of 
the  Lord  ?  Dearly  beloved  brethren, 
we  must  consider  here  rather  the  in- 
tention than  the  loss  incurred  by  this 
obedience.  He  that  keepeth  nothing 
for  himself,  giveth  up  much  ;  he  that 
sacrificeth  his  all,  sacrificeth  what  is 
to  him  a  great  deal.  Beyond  doubt, 
we  cling  to  whatever  we  have,  and 
what  we  have  least,  that  we  desire 
most.  Peter  and  Andrew  therefore 
gave  up  much  when  they  gave  up 
even  the  desire  of  possessing  any- 
thing. 

The  Hymn,   "We  praise   Thee,   O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 


1  Or  "bent" — subdidit. 


614 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  God  bless  thee, 
precious  cross,  *  be  welcome  to  the 
follower  of  Him  That  hung  on  thee, 
even  my  Master  Christ. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  blessed 
Andrew  prayed  and  said  :  *  O  Lord, 
King  of  everlasting  glory,  receive  me 
hanging  on  this  gallows. 

Third  Antiphon.  Andrew  was  the 
servant  of  Christ,  *  a  worthy  Apostle 
of  God,  the  brother  of  Peter,  and 
likened  to  Christ  and  to  Peter  in  his 
death. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Christ's  dear 
handmaid  Maximilla  took  the  body 
*  of  the  Apostle  and  buried  it  with 
spices   in  an  honourable  place. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  Thou 
hast  caused  them  that  persecuted  the 
just  to  be  swallowed  up  in  hell,  *  but 
to  the  just  Thou  hast  Thyself  shown 
the  way  on  the  tree  of  the  cross. 

Chapter.     (Rom.  x.  10.) 

"DRETHREN,  with  the  heart  man 
believeth  unto  righteousness, 
and  with  the  mouth  confession  is 
made  unto  salvation.  For  the  Scrip- 
ture saith :  Whosoever  believeth  on 
Him,  shall  not  be  ashamed. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Spare  unto  us  this  just  man,  release 
unto  us  this  holy  one  :  *  slay  not  the 
friend  of  God,  who  is  just,  courteous, 
and  godly. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  LORD,  we  humbly  beseech  Thy 
^-"^  Majesty,  that  even  as  Thou 
didst  give  Thy  blessed  Apostle  An- 
drew to  Thy  Church  to  be  a  teacher 
and  a  ■  ruler  on  earth,  so,  now  that 
he  is  with  Thee,  he  may  continually 
make  intercession  for  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. 

If  in  Advent  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  Week-day. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  God  bless  thee,  &c, 
(First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  confessor  Felix  de  Valois, 
of  whom  mention  is  made  upon  the 
4th  day  of  November. 

Upon  the  same  first  day  of  Decem- 
ber, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

The  Prophet  Nahum,  who  sleepeth 
in  Begabar. 

At  Rome,  [about  the  year  283,]  the 
holy  martyrs  the  Priest  Diodorus,  and 
the  Deacon  Marianus  with  many  others, 
who  gained  the  glory  of  martyrdom  by 
command  of  the  Emperor  Numerian. 

There  likewise  the  holy  martyrs 
Lucius,  Rogatus,  Cassian,  and  Candida. 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  martyr 
Ansanus,  who  confessed  Christ  at 
Rome,  under  the  Emperor  Diocletian, 
and  was  cast  into  prison  ;  then  was 
brought  to  Sienna  in  Tuscany,  where 
he  was  beheaded,  and  so  finished  the 
course  of  his  testimony,  [about  the  year 

304-] 

At  Ameria,  in  Umbria,  under  the 
same  Diocletian,  the  holy  martyr 
Olympias  ;  he  was  a  man  of  consular 
rank,  who  had  been  converted  by 
blessed  Firmina,  and  died  upon  the 
rack,  [about  the  year  284.] 

At  Arbela,  in  Persia,  the  holy  martyr 
Ananias. 

At  Narni,  the  holy  martyr  Proculus, 
Bishop  [of  that  see,]  who,  after  many 
good  works,  was  beheaded  by  order 
of  Totila,   King  of  the  Goths. 

At  the  city  of  Casala,  the  holy 
martyr  Evasius,  Bishop  [of  that  see.] 

At   Milan,    holy  Castritian,    Bishop 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


6l5 


[of  that  see,]  who  gained  great  praise 
for  his  worthy  acts  and  his  godly  and 
pious  conduct  of  affairs  during  the  most 
troublous  times  of  the  Church. 

At  Brescia,  holy  Ursicinus,  Bishop 
[of  that  see.] 

At  Noyon,  [in,  probably,  the  year 
659,]  holy  Eloy,  Bishop  [of  that  see,] 
whose  marvellous  life  is  commended 
by  the  number  of  signs  wrought  through 
him. 

At  Verdun,  [in  the  year  591,]  holy 
Ageric,  Bishop  [of  that  see.] 

On  the  same  day,  holy  Natalia, 
the  wife  of  the  blessed  martyr  Had- 
rian ;  she  ministered  for  a  long  time 
to  the  holy  martyrs  who  were  kept 
in  prison  at  Nicomedia  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian,  and  after  their 
battle  was  over  went  to  Constanti- 
nople, where  she  fell  asleep  in  peace. 

Chapter  at  the  end.      (Rom.  x.  16.) 

T7OR  Isaias  saith :  Lord,  who  hath 
believed  our  report  ?  So  then 
faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing 
by  the  word  of  Christ.  But  I  say : 
Have  they  not  heard  ?  Yes  verily, 
their  sound  went  into  all  the  earth, 
and  their  words  unto  the  ends  of  the 
world. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  The  blessed  Andrew, 
&c,   {Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds. ,) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 
SEXT. 

Ajttiphon.  Andrew  was  the  ser- 
vant, &c,  (Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (Rom.  x.  12.) 

T7OR  there  is  no  difference  between 
the  Jew  and  the  Greek :  for 
the  same  Lord  over  all  is  rich  unto 
all  that  call  upon  Him.  For  who- 
soever shall  call  upon  the  name  of 
the    Lord  shall   be   saved. 


NONE. 


Antiphon.  O  Lord,  Thou  hast 
caused,  &c,  (Fifth  Antiphon  at 
Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,     Chapter,    and    Prayer 
fro7ti  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  When  the  blessed  Andrew 
came  to  the  place  where  the  cross 
was  made  ready,  he  cried  and  said : 
O  precious  cross,  *  of  a  long  time 
have  I  desired  thee,  and,  now  that 
thou  art  made  ready  for  me,  my 
soul  is  drawn  to  thee,  and  I  come 
to  thee  in  peace  and  gladness  ;  thou 
also  oughtest  to  welcome  me  with 
joy,  for  I  am  the  disciple  of  Him 
Who  hung  on  thee. 

A   Cotnmemoration  is  made  of  the 
following. 

Prayer  from  his  Office. 
Lf  in  Advent,  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  Week-day. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    DECEMBER. 
December  i. 

£>t  jjtitx  tie  Falots,  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  (p.  531,)  ex- 
cept the  following. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

(~\  GOD,  Who  by  a  sign  from  heaven 
^  didst  call  Thy  blessed  Confessor 
Felix  out  of  the  desert  to  become  a 


6i6 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


redeemer  of  bondsmen,  grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  unto  his  prayers,  that 
Thy  grace  may  deliver  us  from  the 
bondage  of  sin,  and  bring  us  home 
unto  our  very  fatherland,  which  is  in 
heaven.  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. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

TUT  EW  de  Valois,  who  afterwards 
took  the  name  of  Felix,  was  born 
[in  the  year  1 127]  of  the  same  family 
of  the  de  Valois  which  in  after  times 
became  Kingly.  From  his  earliest 
childhood  he  gave  tokens,  especially  by 
his  pity  toward  the  poor,  of  the  holiness 
of  his  coming  life.  When  he  was  still 
a  little  lad  he  distributed  money  to  the 
poor  with  his  own  hand,  with  the 
seriousness  of  an  old  man.  When  he 
was  a  little  bigger  he  used  to  send 
them  dishes  from  the  table,  and  took 
especial  delight  in  treating  poor 
children  with  the  most  toothsome  of  the 
sweetmeats.  As  a  boy  he  took  clothes 
off  his  own  back  more  than  once,  to 
cover  the  naked.  He  begged  and 
obtained  from  his  uncle  Theobald, 
Earl  of  Champagne  and  Blois,  the  life 
of  a  felon  condemned  to  death,  fore- 
telling to  him  that  this  blackguard 
cut-throat  would  yet  become  a  man  of 
most  holy  life — which  did  indeed  come 
to  pass  as  he  had  said. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

A  FTER  a  praiseworthy  boyhood,  he 
"^^  began  to  think  of  withdrawing 
from  the  world  in  order  to  be  alone 


with  heavenly  thoughts.  But  he  first 
wished  to  take  orders,  to  the  end  that 
he  might  clear  himself  of  all  expecta- 
tion of  succeeding  to  the  crown,  to 
which,  in  consequence  of  the  Salic 
Law,  he  was  somewhat  near.  He  be- 
came a  Priest,  and  said  his  first  Mass 
with  deep  devotion.  Then,  in  a  little 
while,  he  withdrew  himself  into  the 
wilderness,  where  he  lived  in  extreme 
abstinence,  fed  by  heavenly  grace. 
Thither,  by  the  inspiration  of  God, 
came  the  holy  Doctor  John  de  la  Mata 
of  Paris,  and  found  him,  and  they  led 
an  holy  life  together  for  several  years, 
until  they  were  both  warned  of  an 
Angel  to  go  to  Rome  and  seek  a  special 
Rule  of  life  from  the  Pope.  Pope 
Innocent  III.  while  he  was  solemnly 
celebrating  the  Liturgy  [on  the  28th 
day  of  January,  1 1 98,]  received  in  a 
vision  the  revelation  of  the  Order  and 
Institute  for  the  redemption  of  bonds- 
men, and  he  forthwith  clad  Felix  and 
John  in  white  garments  marked  with  a 
cross  of  red  and  blue,  made  after  the 
likeness  of  the  raiment  wherein  the 
Angel  had  appeared.  This  Pope  also 
willed  that  the  new  Order  should  bear, 
as  well  as  the  habit  of  three  colours, 
the  name  of  the  Most  Holy  Trinity. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

Air  HEN  they  had  received  the  con- 
firmation of  their  rule  from 
Pope  Innocent,  John  and  Felix  en- 
larged the  first  house  of  their  Order, 
which  they  had  built  a  little  while  be- 
fore at  Cerfroi,  in  the  dicecese  of 
Meaux,  in  France.  There  Felix 
wonderfully  devoted  himself  to  the 
promotion  of  Regular  Observance  and 
of  the  Institute  for  the  redemption 
of  bondsmen,  and  thence  he  busily 
spread  the  same  by  sending  forth 
his  disciples  into  other  provinces. 
Here  it  was  that  he  received  an  ex- 
traordinary favour  from  the  blessed 
Maiden-Mother.     On  the  night  of  the 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


617 


Nativity  of  the  Mother  of  God,  the 
brethren  lay  all  asleep,  and  by  the 
Providence  of  God  woke  not  to  say 
Mattins.  But  Felix  was  watching,  as 
his  custom  was,  and  came  betimes 
into  the  Choir.  There  he  found  the 
Blessed  Virgin  in  the  midst  of  the 
Choir,  clad  in  raiment  marked  with 
the  Cross  of  his  Order,  the  Cross  of 
red  and  blue  ;  and  with  her  a  company 
of  the  heavenly  host  in  like  garments. 
And  Felix  was  mingled  among  them. 
And  the  Mother  of  God  began  to  sing, 
and  they  all  sang  with  her  and  praised 
God  ;  and  Felix  sang  with  them  ;  and 
so  they  finished  the  Office.  So  now 
that  he  seemed  to  have  been  already 
called  away  from  glorifying  God  on 
earth,  to  glorify  Him  in  heaven,  an 
Angel  told  Felix  that  the  hour  of  his 
death  was  at  hand.  When  therefore 
he  had  exhorted  his  children  to  be 
tender  to  the  poor  and  to  slaves,  he 
gave  up  his  soul  to  God  [upon  the  4th 
day  of  November]  in  the  year  of 
Christ  1 2 1 2,  in  the  time  of  the  same 
Pope  Innocent  III.,  being  four-score- 
and-five  years  old,  and  full  of  good 
works. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xii.  32,  with  the 
Homily  of  the  Venerable  Bede,  {p.  544.) 

If  in  Advent  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  Week-day  at  Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  2nd  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  [about  the  year  363,] 
the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Bibiana, 
who  under  the  profane  Emperor 
Julian  was  for  Christ's  sake  flogged 
to  death  with  scourges  loaded  with 
lead. 

There  likewise,  the  holy  martyrs  the 
Priest  Eusebius,  the  Deacon  Marcellus, 


Hippolytus,  Maximus,  Adria,  Paulina, 
Neo,  Mary,  Martana,  and  Aurelia, 
who  suffered  martyrdom  under  the 
judge  Secundian,  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Valerian,  [in  the 
year  256.] 

Likewise  at  Rome,  [at  the  end  of 
the  2nd  century,]  the  holy  martyr  Pon- 
tian  and  four  others. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Severus, 
Securus,  Januarius,  and  Victorinus, 
who  were  there  crowned  with  martyr- 
dom, [about  the  year  of  Christ  300.] 

At  Aquileia,  [about  the  year  409,] 
the  holy  Confessor  Chromatius,  Bishop 
[of  that  see.] 

At  Imola,  [in  the  year  450,]  holy 
Peter,  Bishop  of  Ravenna,  styled 
Chrysologus,  [or  him  of  the  golden 
words,]  famous  for  his  teaching  and 
holiness,  whose  feast  we  keep  upon  the 
4th  day  of  this  present  month. 

At  Verona,  [in  the  sixth  century,] 
the  holy  confessor  Lupus,  Bishop  [of 
that  see.] 

At  Edessa,  [about  the  year  468,] 
holy  Nonnus,  Bishop  [first  of  that  see, 
and  afterwards  of  Heliopolis  in  Syria,] 
through  whose  prayers  Pelagia  the 
penitent  was  converted  to  Christ. 

At  Troas,  in  Phrygia,  holy  Bishop 
Silvanus,  famous  for  miracles. 

At  Brescia,  holy  Bishop  Evasius. 

At  Second  Vespers  a  Commemoration 
is  made  of  the  following. 
Prayer  from  her  Office. 
If  in  Advent,  of  the  Week-day. 

December  2. 

Ejje  fMg  Virgin  anti  JEartgr 
Btfnana, 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  One 
Virgin  and  Martyr,  {p.  567,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


6i8 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  the  Giver  of  all  good  gifts, 
who  unto  the  lily  of  pure  maiden- 
hood in  the  hand  of  Thy  servant  Bibi- 
ana,  didst  join  the  palm  of  a  glorious 
martyrdom,  grant  us,  we  beseech  Thee, 
at  her  pleading,  that  our  hearts  and 
minds  being  joined  to  Thee  by  Thy 
love,  we  may  escape  all  dangers  which 
do  presently  beset  us,  and  finally 
attain  unto  Thine  everlasting  joy. 
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. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from    Scripture,   according 
to  the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 
Fourth  Lesson. 

"DIB  I  AN  A  was  a  Roman  maiden, 
distinguished  on  account  of  the 
nobility  of  her  family,  but  now  far 
more  distinguished  for  her  confession 
of  Christ.  In  the  reign  of  the  foul 
tyrant,  Julian  the  Apostate,  her  father 
Flavian,  although  he  was  an  ex-Prae- 
fect,  was  branded  as  a  slave  and  ban- 
ished to  Acquapendente,  not  far  from 
Rome,  where  he  soon  died  a  martyr 
for  his  faith.  His  wife,  Dafrosa,  and 
his  two  daughters,  Bibiana  and  De- 
metria,  were  first  imprisoned  in  their 
own  house,  with  the  idea  of  starving 
them  to  death  ;  but  the  mother  was 
afterwards  taken  outside  the  city  and 
beheaded.  Bibiana  and  her  sister 
Demetria,  after  the  death  of  their 
holy  parents,  were  stripped  of  all 
they  had  in  the  world.  Apronianus, 
Praetor  of  the  city,  who  hankered 
after  their  property,  continued  to  per- 


secute them,  but  although  they  were 
destitute  of  all  human  support,  God, 
Who  giveth  bread  to  the  hungry, 
fed  them,  and  kept  them  in  health, 
life,  and  strength,  to  the  wonder  of 
their  enemies. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

A  PRONIANUS  then  attacked  them, 
to  make  them  worship  the  gods 
of  the  Gentiles,  and  promised  them 
the  restoration  of  their  property,  the 
favour  of  the  Emperor,  and  a  great 
marriage  for  each  of  them,  if  they 
would  give  way,  and,  on  the  other 
hand,  imprisonment,  stripes,  and 
death.  But  neither  promises  nor 
threats  availed,  for  they  remained 
firm  in  the  faith,  being  resolved 
rather  to  die  than  to  pollute  them- 
selves by  doing  according  to  the 
deeds  of  the  heathen ;  and,  as  for 
the  iniquity  of  the  Praetor,  they 
loathed  it  continually.  At  length 
the  strength  of  Demetria  gave  way, 
and  she  fell  down  suddenly,  and  died 
in  the  Lord,  before  the  eyes  of  her 
sister  Bibiana.  Then  Bibiana  was 
put  into  the  hands  of  an  artful  woman 
named  Rufina,  to  seduce  her  if  pos- 
sible ;  but  she  had  known  the  law  of 
Christ  from  her  childhood,  and  kept  the 
lily  of  her  purity  undefiled,  triumph- 
ing over  the  efforts  of  that  vile  per- 
son, and  disappointing  the  lust  of  the 
Praetor. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T^HEN,  when  Rufina  saw  that  her 
false  words  availed  not,  she  took 
to  blows,  and  scourged  Bibiana  daily, 
but  the  saint  was  not  staggered  in  her 
holy  resolution.  At  last  the  Praetor* 
mad  with  baffled  lust,  when  he  found 
his  labour  was  thrown  away,  ordered 
his  lictors  to  strip  her  naked,  hang 
her  up  by  the  hands  to  a  pillar,  and 
flog  her  to  death  with  whips  weighted 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    DECEMBER. 


619 


with  lead.1  When  all  was  over,  her 
sacred  body  was  thrown  out  for  the 
dogs  to  eat.  It  lay  two  days  in  the 
Forum  Tauri,  but  the  animals  would 
not  touch  it ;  and,  at  last,  a  Priest, 
named  John,  took  it,  and  buried  it  by 
night  beside  the  graves  of  her  mother 
and  sister,  near  the  Licinian  Palace. 
This  is  the  place  where  there  is  still  a 
church,  dedicated  in  the  name  of  St 
Bibiana.  When  this  church  was  being 
restored  by  Urban  VIII.,  the  bodies  of 
these  three  holy  women,  Bibiana,  De- 
metria,  and  Dafrosa,  were  found,  and 
were  re-buried  under  the  High  Altar. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xiii.  44,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory  (J>.  583.) 

At  Lauds,  in  Advent,  a  Commemor- 
ation is  made  of  the  Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  3rd  day  of  December  is 
commemorated  the  birth  into  the 
better  life — 

In  the  island  of  San-Chan,  in  the 
Canton  River,  in  China,  holy  Francis 
Xavier  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  Apostle 
of  the  Indies,  illustrious  for  the  con- 
version of  the  Gentiles,  for  gifts  and 
miracles,  who  died,  [in  the  year  1552,] 
full  of  good  works  and  labours,  upon 
this  present  2nd  day  of  December,  but 
his  feast  is  kept  upon  the  morrow  by 
order  ot  Alexander  VII. 

In  Judea,  the  holy  prophet  Zephan- 
iah,  [in  the  seventh  century  B.C.  He 
is  the  ninth  of  the  twelve  minor 
prophets.] 

Upon  the  same  3rd  day  of  Decem- 
ber, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  the  Tri- 
bune Claudius,  his  wife  Hilaria,  their 
sons  Jason  and  Marus,  and  seventy 
soldiers.       The    Emperor    Numerian 


commanded  a  great  stone  to  be  tied 
to  Claudius  and  that  he  should  be 
cast  into  the  river  ;  the  soldiers  and 
the  sons  of  Claudius  he  also  caused 
to  be  put  to  death.  The  blessed 
Hilaria  buried  the  bodies  of  her  sons, 
and  was  praying  at  their  grave  soon 
after,  when  she  was  seized  by  the 
heathen,  and  departed  hence  to  be 
ever  with  the  Lord,  [about  the  year 
257-] 

At  Tangier,  in  Morocco,  [in  the 
year  398,]  the  holy  martyr  Cassian. 
He  had  of  a  long  time  discharged 
the  office  of  a  public  clerk  when  the 
thought  came  to  him  from  heaven 
that  it  was  an  accursed  thing  to 
serve  for  the  slaughter  of  Christians  ; 
he  resigned  his  office  therefore,  and 
under  the  public  profession  of  a  Christ- 
ian he  earned  the  victory  of  martyrdom, 
[in  the  year  398.] 

Likewise  in  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs 
Claudius,  Crispin,  Magina,  John,  and 
Stephen. 

In  Hungary,  the  holy  martyr 
Agricola. 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyrs 
Ambicus,  Victor,  and  Julius. 

At  Milan,  [about  the  year  318,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Mirocles,  Bishop  [of 
that  see,]  of  whom  mention  is  made 
by  holy  Ambrose. 

In  England,  holy  Brian,  first  Bishop 
of  Dorchester,  [he  was  a  Priest  of 
Rome  about  the  year  650,  whose  feast 
we  keep  upon  the  5th  day  of  this 
present  month  of  December.] 

At  Chur,  in  Switzerland,  holy  Lucius, 
King  of  the  Britons  [of  Morganweg,] 
who  was  the  first  British  prince  to  re- 
ceive the  faith  of  Christ,  in  the  time  of 
Pope  Eleutherus,  [about  the  year  182.] 
At  Sienna,  in  Tuscany,  the  holy 
Hermit  Galgan,  [of  the  order  of  St 
Benedict.  He  lived  on  a  mountain 
called  Siepi,  and  died  in  the  year 
1181.] 


1  In  the  year  363. 


620 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


December  3. 

St  jjrancis  Xaoter,  Confessor , 

Double. 

Allfro7n  the  Common  Office  of  a  Con- 
fessor not  a  Bishop,  {p.  531,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  wast  pleased  to  make 
^^^  the  preaching  and  miracles  of 
the  blessed  Francis  an  instrument  to 
gather  in  the  people  of  the  Indies  into 
Thy  Church,  mercifully  grant  that  we 
who  venerate  the  glorious  memory  of 
his  worthy  deeds,  may  also  have  the 
grace  to  follow  the  pattern  of  his 
virtues.  Through  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ  Thy  Son,  Who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

At  First  Vespers  Commemorations 
are  made  of  St  Bibiana,  and  of  the 
Week-day. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture,  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T^RANCIS  was  of  noble  family,  and 
was  born  in  the  castle  of  Xavier, 
in  the  dicecese  of  Pampeluna,  [in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  1506.]  He  was  a 
companion  of  St  Ignatius  at  Paris,  and 
one  of  his  earliest  disciples.  Under 
his  teaching,  he  learnt  to  become  so 


wrapt  in  the  contemplation  of  divine 
things,  that  he  was  sometimes  lifted  in 
ecstasy  off  the  ground,  which  happened 
to  him  several  times  when  he  was 
saying  Mass  in  public  before  large 
congregations.  He  earned  these  re- 
freshments of  the  soul  by  the  sharpest 
punishment  of  the  body.  He  gave  up 
the  use  not  only  of  meat  and  wine,  but 
also  of  wheaten  bread  ;  he  lived  on 
the  vilest  food,  and  ate  only  once 
every  two  or  three  days.  He  used  an 
iron  scourge  till  his  blood  ran  freely  ; 
he  shortened  the  hours  of  his  rest,  and 
lay  only  on  the  ground. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

THE  hardness  and  holiness  of  his 
life  had  made  him  meet  to  be 
called  to  be  an  Apostle,  and  when 
John  III.,  King  of  Portugal,  asked 
Pope  Paul  III.  to  send  to  the  Indies 
some  members  of  the  then  new  Society 
of  Jesus,  the  Pontiff,  by  the  advice  of 
St  Ignatius,  sent  Francis  to  enter  on 
that  vast  field  of  labour  with  the 
powers  of  Apostolic  Nuncio.  He 
arrived  [in  India  on  the  6th  day  of 
May,  in  the  year  1542.]  When  he 
began  his  work,  it  seemed  as  though 
God  Himself  taught  him  the  many 
and  difficult  languages  of  the  natives. 
It  even  happened  that  when  he 
preached  in  one  language  to  a  mixed 
congregation  of  different  nationalities, 
each  one  heard  him  in  his  own  tongue 
wherein  he  was  born.1  He  travelled 
over  countless  districts,  always  walk- 
ing, and  often  bare-footed.  He  intro- 
duced the  faith  into  Japan,  and  six 
other  countries.  In  India  he  turned 
many  hundred  thousands  to  Christ, 
and  regenerated  many  chiefs  and 
kings  in  the  holy  font.  And  not- 
withstanding that  he  was  doing  all 
these    great    things    for    God's    ser- 


1  Cf.  Acts  ii.  8. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


621 


vice,  so  deep  was  his  lowliness  that 
when  he  wrote  to  St  Ignatius,  the 
General  of  the  Society,  he  did  so 
on  his  knees. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

^*OD  was  pleased  to  support  his 
zeal  for  spreading  the  Gospel 
with  many  and  great  miracles.  He 
gave  sight  to  a  blind  man.  On  one 
occasion  the  supply  of  fresh  water 
failed  when  he  was  at  sea,  and  five 
hundred  sailors  were  in  danger  of 
perishing  by  thirst,  but  the  servant  of 
God,  by  the  sign  of  the  Cross,  turned 
salt  water  into  fresh,  and  they  used  it 
for  a  considerable  time.  Some  of  this 
water  was  also  carried  into  different 
countries,  and  a  great  number  of  sick 
persons  were  instantaneously  cured  by 
it.  He  called  several  dead  men  to 
life,  among  whom  was  one  who  had 
been  buried  the  day  before,  and  who 
was  disinterred  by  command  of  the 
saint ;  and  likewise  two  others  who 
were  being  carried  to  the  grave,  and 
whom  he  took  by  the  hand  and  re- 
stored living  to  their  parents.  He 
had  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  and  fore- 
told many  things,  remote  both  in  place 
and  time.  Utterly  worn  out  with  his 
labours,  he  died  full  of  good  works  in 
the  island  of  San-Chan  in  the  Canton 
River,  [upon  the  2nd  day  of  December, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1552.]  His 
body  was  buried  in  quick  lime,  and, 
being  again  taken  up,  was  again  buried 
in  the  same,  but  at  the  end  of  many 
months  it  was  found  entirely  incorrupt, 
and  sweet,  and,  when  cut,  blood  flowed 
freely  from  it.  From  China  it  was 
carried  to  Malacca,  and,  as  soon  as  it 
reached  that  place,  a  plague,  which 
was  raging  there,  ceased.  At  length, 
when  he  had  become  famous  through- 
out the  whole  world  for  new  and 
wonderful  miracles,  Gregory  XV.  added 
his  name  to  the  list  of  the  Saints. 
VOL.  1. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 


Seventh  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Mark  (xvi. 
*5-) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto  His 
disciples :    Go   ye    into   all    the 
world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every 
creature.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (29th  on  the  Gospels.) 

By  the  words  "  every  creature  "  we 
may  understand  every  tribe  of  the  Gen- 
tiles. Of  aforetime  it  had  been  said, 
"  Go  not  into  the  way  of  the  Gentiles," 
(Matth.  x.  5,)  but  now,  "Preach  the 
Gospel  to  every  creature,"  that,  since 
the  Jews  had  proudly  rejected  the 
preaching  of  the  Apostles,  that  might 
become  our  gain  which  was  the  seal 
of  their  condemnation.  But  when  the 
Eternal  Truth  sendeth  forth  His  dis- 
ciples to  preach,  what  doth  He  but 
scatter  seed  over  the  field  of  the  world  ? 
He  scattereth  abroad  a  few  grains  for 
seed,  that  He  may  afterward  reap  an 
abundant  harvest  in  our  faith. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

HP  HE  great  harvest  of  faithful  souls 
throughout  the  whole  world 
would  never  have  sprung  up,  if  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  had  not  first  scattered 
those  chosen  grains  of  preachers  over 
the  reasonable  soil  of  men's  minds. 
Then  is  written,  "  He  that  believeth 
and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved :  but  he 
that  believeth  not,  shall  be  damned." 
Now,  perchance,  thou  sayest  in  thine 
heart :  I  believe,  and  therefore  I  shall 
be  saved.  True,  if  to  thy  faith  thou 
dost  add  works.  He  only  hath  a  living 
faith  whose  life  doth  not  give  the  lie 
to  his  profession.      It  is  of  this  that 

x 


622 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF  THE  SAINTS. 


Paul  speaketh,  where  he  saith  of 
certain  vain  believers,  "  They  profess 
that  they  know  God ;  but  in  works 
they  deny  Him."     (Tit.  i.  16.) 


Ninth  Lesson. 

"  AND  these  signs  shall  follow  them 
■'*■  that  believe  :  In  My  name  they 
shall  cast  out  devils,  they  shall  speak 
with  new  tongues,  they  shall  take  up 
serpents  ;  and  if  they  drink  any  deadly 
thing,  it  shall  not  hurt  them ;  they 
shall  lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and  they 
shall  recover." 

My  brethren,  these  signs  do  not 
follow  us.  Do  we,  then,  not  believe  ? 
Nay.  The  truth  is,  these  things  were 
needful  when  the  Church  was  youug. 
That  she  might  grow  by  the  increase 
of  the  faithful,  she  needed  to  be 
nourished  with  miracles.  So  we, 
when  we  plant  a  young  tree,  con- 
tinually water  and  tend  it,  till  we 
see  that  it  hath  taken  firm  root  in 
the  earth :  but  when  once  it  hath 
taken  firm  root,  it  can  grow  of  itself. 
Hence  Paul  saith  of  tongues  : 
"Tongues  are  for  a  sign,  not  to 
them  that  believe,  but  to  them  that 
believe  not."     (i  Cor.  xiv.  22.) 

At  Lauds-  is  made  a  Commemoration 
of  the  Week-day. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast  of 
the  holy  Confessor  Peter  Chrysologus, 
Archbishop  of  Ravenna,  [in  the  year 
450,]  of  whom  mention  is  made  upon 
the  2nd  day  of  this  present  month  of 
December. 

Upon  the  same  4th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Nicomedia,  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Maximin,  the  holy 
Virgin  and  martyr  Barbara.     After  a 


cruel  and  wasting  imprisonment  she 
endured  burning  with  torches,  the  cut- 
ting off  of  her  breasts,  and  other 
torments,  and  finished  her  testimony 
by  the  sword,  [in  the  year  235.] 

At  Constantinople,  [in  the  year 
780,]  the  holy  martyr  Theophanes 
and  his  Companions. 

In  Pontus,  [about  the  year  330,]  the 
blessed  Confessor  Meletius,  Bishop  [of 
Sebastopol.]  He  was  a  man  of  ex- 
traordinary learning,  but  this  gift  was 
outshone  in  him  by  the  mightiness  of 
his  soul  and  the  straightforwardness 
of  his  life. 

At  Bologna,  holy  Felix,  Bishop  [of 
that  see,]  who  had  erstwhile  been  a 
Deacon  of  the  church  of  Milan  under 
holy  Ambrose. 

In  England,  holy  Osmund,  Bishop, 
[in  the  year  1078,  of  Salisbury,]  whose 
feast  we  keep  upon  the  17th  day  of 
July,  which  is  the  day  of  the  trans- 
lation of  his  sacred  body.  [He  was 
Count  of  Seez  in  Normandy,  and, 
following  William  the  Conqueror,  was 
made  Count  of  Dorset  and  Lord  High 
Chancellor  of  England.  He  died  in 
1099,  and  was  canonised  by  Pope 
Calixtus   III.,  in  the  year   M58-] 

At  Cologne,  [in  the  year  1075,] 
holy  Annon,   Bishop  [of  that  see.] 

In  Mesopotamia,  [about  the  year 
449,]  holy  Maruthas,  Bishop  of  Tagrit, 
who  raised  up  again  the  churches 
of  God  in  Persia  which  had  been 
cast  down  in  the  persecution  under 
King  Isdegerd  ;  he  was  famous  for 
many  miracles,  and  achieved  honour 
even  among  his  enemies.  [Several 
of  his  works  are  extant.  Tagrit  is 
now  Miafarakin.] 

At  Parma,  [in  the  year  11 33,]  holy 
Bernard,  Cardinal-bishop  of  that  city, 
of  the  Congregation  of  the  Order  of 
St  Benedict,  called  that  of  Vallom- 
brosa. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following,  from 
the  Chapter,  inclusive. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    DECEMBER. 


623 


December  4. 

St  $eter  ^ijrgsologus,  ^rcij= 
oisijop  [of  Eabenna,]  Con= 
feasor,  attti  ©octor  of  tije 
Cfjurrfj, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  by  a  sign  from  heaven 
^^  didst  mark  out  the  blessed  Peter 
Chrysologus,  the  excellent  Teacher, 
to  be  a  ruler  and  instructor  of  souls, 
grant,  we  pray  Thee,  that  even  as 
Thou  didst  give  him  to  be  a  teacher 
of  Thy  lively  truth  on  earth,  so,  now 
that  he  is  with  Thee,  we  may  worthily 
have  him  continually  to  make  inter- 
cession for  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. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

The  first  verse  of  the  Hymn  is 
altered. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.    O  right  excellent  Teacher,  &c. 

Commemorations  of  St  Francis  Xa- 
vier,  of  the  Week-day,  and  of  the  holy 
Virgin  and  Martyr  Barbara.  Her 
Commemoration  is  taken  from  the 
Co?n?non  Office  for  one  Virgin  and 
Martyr,  (p.  567,)  with  the  Prayer, 
"  O  God,  Who  amidst  the  wondrous 
works  of  Thy  Divine  power,  &c. 

MATTINS. 

The  first  verse  of  the  hymn  is 
altered. 


FIRST   NOCTURN. 


Lessotis  from  1  Tim.  iii.  I,  as  in  the 
Common  Office,  {p.  516.) 


SECOND  NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

OETER,  called  in  Greek  "  Chryso- 
logos,"  or,  "  of  the  golden  words," 
on  account  of  his  wonderful  eloquence, 
was  born  of  respectable  parents  at 
Imola,  near  Ravenna.  He  displayed 
a  very  early  leaning  to  godliness,  and 
became  a  disciple  of  Cornelius  of 
Rome,  Bishop  of  Imola.  This  Pre- 
late, having  experience  of  his  learning 
and  holiness  of  life,  soon  ordained  him 
Deacon.  On  the  death  of  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Ravenna,  the  people  of  that 
place  elected  a  successor,  and  sent 
him,  according  to  custom,  to  Rome,  to 
be  confirmed  in  his  appointment  by 
Pope  Sixtus  III.  The  Archbishop 
elect  accordingly  set  forth,  along  with 
the  ambassadors  of  the  people  of 
Ravenna  and  Cornelius,  Bishop  of 
Imola,  attended  by  Peter  the  Deacon. 
While  they  were  yet  on  the  way,  the 
holy  Apostle  Peter  and  Apollinaris  the 
Martyr  appeared  to  the  Supreme 
Pontiff  in  a  dream,  leading  a  young 
man  between  them,  whom  they  com- 
manded him  to  make  Archbishop. 
As  soon  as  the  embassy  arrived  at 
Rome  the  Pope  knew  in  Peter  the 
young  man  of  his  dream,  chosen  of 
God  to  the  Archbishopric.  Where- 
fore he  set  aside  him  that  the  people 
of  Ravenna  had  presented,  and  pre- 
ferred Peter  to  that  Metropolitan 
Church,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord, 
433.  The  ambassadors  of  the  people 
of  Ravenna  took  it  ill,  till  they  heard 
the  vision  :  then  they  gave  them- 
selves up  to  the  will  of  God,  and 
received  the  new  Archbishop  with 
great  reverence. 


624 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

pETER  being  against  his  will  con- 
secrated Archbishop,  arrived   at 
Ravenna,  where  he  was  received  with 
great  joy  by  the  Emperor  Valentinian, 
the    Empress-Mother    Galla    Placidia, 
and    all    the    people.      And    this    one 
thing  he  asked  of  them,  that,  as  he, 
for  the  saving  of  their  souls,  had  not 
refused  to  bear  the   heavy  weight  of 
the     Archbishopric,     so     they    would 
strive  to  follow  his  warnings,  and  live 
in    submission     to    the    law    of   God. 
He  took  the  bodies  of  the  two  Saints, 
namely,     Barbatian     the     Priest,    and 
German,  Bishop  of  Auxerre,  and  caused 
them  to  be  embalmed  with  rich  oint- 
ments and  honourably  buried,  and  he 
kept   the   cowl  and  haircloth  shirt  of 
German  for  a  legacy  for  himself.     At 
Classis,  three  miles  from  Ravenna,  he 
built  a  Baptistery  of  extraordinary  size, 
and    several    splendid     churches,     in 
honour  of  the  blessed  Apostle  Andrew 
and    other    Saints.       He    preached    a 
most  severe  sermon  against  the  acting 
and  dancing  of  guisards  1  about  New 
Year  time,  in  which  discourse  he  said 
among  other  things,  "  He  that  jesteth 
with  the  devil  will  never  rejoice  with 
Christ."     By  command  of  Pope  Leo  I. 
he  addressed  an  Epistle  to  the  Council  of 
Chalcedon  against  the  heretic  Eutyches. 
He  also  confuted  Eutyches  himself  in 
another  letter,  which  is  likewise  pub- 
lished in  the  new  editions  of  the  Acts 
of  the  Council,  and  is  matter  of  Church 
History. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

^yHEN  he  preached  in  public  his 
vehemence  was  such  that  he 
sometimes  became  speechless  from 
excitement.  This  happened  to  him 
once  when  he  was  preaching  on  the 
subject  of  the  woman  who  had  an 
issue  of  blood.  (Matth.  ix.  20-22.) 
The    congregation    on     this    occasion 

1  Homines 


were  so   wrought  up,  that  they   filled 
the  whole  place  with  tears,  cries,  and 
prayers,  and  Peter  afterwards  thanked 
God,  Who  had   turned  his  failure  to 
the    profit   of  their   souls.     When   he 
had  ruled  the  Church  of  Ravenna  in 
holiness  for  about  eighteen  years,  God 
gave  him  knowledge  that  the  end  of 
his   labours   was  at  hand,  and  he  re- 
turned to  his  home  at   Imola,  to  die. 
When    he    arrived    at   Imola,    he    en- 
tered the  church   of  St  Cassian,    and 
offered  upon  the  High  Altar  a  great 
circlet  of  gold,  set  with  stones  of  great 
price,    a   golden   chalice   and   a   silver 
paten.       Water    poured    out   of  these 
vessels  hath  often  healed  hydrophobia 
and   fevers.      Some  of  the   people  of 
Ravenna  had  followed  the  Archbishop, 
but   he  now   dismissed   them,    with   a 
charge  to  use  great  prudence  in  their 
choice  of  his  successor.     Then  he  fell 
to  prayer,  that  God  would  mercifully 
receive    his    spirit,    asking    the    same 
likewise  for  the  sake  of  his  patron  St 
Cassian,   and   so  he  passed   in   peace 
to  a  better  life,  on  a  2nd  of  December, 
about  the  year  of  our  Lord  450.      His 
holy  body  was  buried,  amid  the  sorrow 
and  veneration  of  the  whole  city,  hard 
by  the  remains  of  St  Cassian,  where 
it  lieth  even  to  this  day,  guarded  with 
great    reverence.     One    arm    was   cut 
off  and  sent  to  Ravenna,  where  it  is 
preserved    in    the    Ursian  Church,    in 
a  reliquary  of  gold  and  precious  stones. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  v.  13,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Austin  upon  the  same, 
iP-  549-) 

Eighth  Responsory. 

In  the  midst  of  the  congregation, 
&c->  (/>•  539-) 

At  Lauds  are  made  Commemorations 
of  the  Week-day  and  of  St  Barbara. 
personati. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    DECEMBER. 


625 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  in  England 
the  feast  of  the  holy  Confessor  Brian, 
first  Bishop  of  Dorchester,  of  whom 
mention  is  made  upon  the  3rd  day  of 
this  present  month  of  December. 

Upon  the  same  5  th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Mutalasque,  in  Cappadocia,  the 
holy  Saba,  Abbat  [in  Palestine  in  the 
year  531,]  who  shone  in  Palestine  as  a 
marvellous  ensample  of  holiness,  and 
toiled  manfully  for  the  Catholic  faith 
against  those  that  impugned  the  holy 
Council  of  Chalcedon,  [held  in  the  year 

45i-] 

At  Thebeste,  in  Africa,  holy  Crispina, 
[of  Thagara,]  a  woman  of  very  high 
rank,  who  refused  to  sacrifice  to  idols, 
in  the  days  of  the  Emperors  Diocletian 
and  Maximian,  and  was  therefore  be- 
headed by  command  of  the  Pro-consul 
Anolinus,  [in  the  year  304.]  Holy 
Augustin  doth  oftentimes  speak  in 
her  praise. 

At  Thagara,  in  Africa,  the  holy 
martyrs  Julius,  Potamia,  Crispin, 
Felix,   Gratus,  and  seven  others. 

At  Nice,  upon  the  river  Var,  holy 
Bassus,  Bishop  [of  that  see,  in  the 
third  century.]  In  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperors  Decius  and  Valer- 
ian the  President  Perennius  caused 
him  for  Christ's  faith's  sake  to  be 
racked,  burnt  with  plates  of  white- 
hot  metal,  beaten  with  cudgels  and 
loaded  scourges,  cast  into  the  fire, 
and  when  he  came  out  therefrom  un- 
harmed, to  be  pierced  with  two  nails, 
and  so  he  achieved  an  illustrious 
martyrdom. 

At  Pavia,  the  holy  martyr  Dalmatius, 
Bishop  [of  that  see,]  who  suffered  in 
the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Maximian,   [in  the  year  304.] 

At  Pentinia,  in  the  Abruzzi,  the  holy 
martyr    Pelinus,    Bishop    of   Brindisi. 


In  the  days  of  the  Emperor  Julian 
the  Apostate  a  temple  of  Mars  fell 
down  in  answer  to  his  prayer,  where- 
fore the  heathen  priests  beat  him 
direfully,  and  he  earned  the  crown  of 
martyrdom  by  eighty  -  five  wounds, 
[about  the  year  362.] 

Likewise,  [in  the  sixth  century,] 
the  holy  martyr  Anastasius,  whose 
desire  for  martyrdom  caused  him  to 
show  himself  of  his  own  will  to  the 
persecutors. 

At  Trier  (Treves),  [about  the  year 
566,]  holy  Nicetius,  Bishop  [of  that 
see,]  a  man  of  wonderful  holiness. 
[Two  of  his  works  are  still  extant.] 

At  Polybotus,  in  Asia,  holy  John, 
called  the  Wonder-worker,  Bishop  [of 
that  see  in  the  time  of  the  Emperor 
Leo  the  I  saurian.] 

Vespers  are  of  the  following  from 
the  Chapter,  inclusive. 

December  5. 

&t  Brian,  Btsijop  [of  ©or. 
rfjesterj  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
the  following. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  {p.  524.) 

first  vespers. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
preceding. 

Antiphon,  "  O  right  excellent 
teacher,  &c,"  and  Prayer  from  his 
Office. 

Then  of  the  Week-day,  and  then  of 
St  Saba,1   Abbat,  from    the   Common 


1  Born  at  Mutalasca,  in  Cappadocia,  in  the  year  439.      Died  at  the  Monastery  now  called 
from  him  at  Mar  Saba,  between  Jerusalem  and  the  Dead  Sea,  December  5,  532. 


626 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Office,    {p.    531,)    with    the    Prayer, 
"O    Lord,    we    beseech    Thee,    &c," 

(A   545-) 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson.    {From  Bede,  iii.  7,  and 
the  Saxon  Chronicle.} 

T  N  the  year  of  Christ  634,  the  West 
Saxons,  under  their  King  Cyne- 
gils,  received  the  Faith,  the  Word  of 
God  being  preached  among  them  by 
the  Bishop  Brian,  who  had  come  into 
Britain  at  the  persuasion  of  Pope 
Honorius.  He  made  a  personal  pro- 
mise to  this  Pope  that  he  would  go 
into  far  parts  of  England,  where  no 
teacher  had  yet  reached,  and  there 
sow  the  seed  of  our  holy  Faith.  The 
Pope  therefore  commanded  Asterius, 
Bishop  of  Genoa,  to  consecrate  him  a 
Bishop. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"\17~HEN  Brian  came  to  Britain,  the 
first  place  he  went  to  was  the 
country  of  the  West  Saxons,  whom  he 
found  steeped  in  idolatry.  Among 
them  therefore  he  deemed  it  better  to 
abide,  than  to  go  further  in  search  of 
subjects  for  his  preaching.  He  con- 
verted and  baptized  the  King  and  his 
people,  and  Cynegils  afterwards  re- 
ceived from  the  font  the  most  holy 
Oswald,  King  of  the  Northumbrians, 
whose  daughter  he  was  about  to  take 
in  marriage,  and  thus,  by  a  beautiful 
coincidence,  became  first  his  god-father 
and  then  his  son-in-law. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T^HESE  two  Kings  joined  in  giving 

to  Brian  the  city  of  Dorchester, 

to  be  his  See,  and  thence,  after  build- 


ing and  hallowing  Churches,  and  call- 
ing many  people  to  God  by  holy 
labour,  he  passed  away  to  be  for  ever 
with  the  Lord,  [about  the  year  650.] 
At  Dorchester  he  was  buried,  but  after 
many  years,  Bishop  Hedda  removed 
his  body  to  Winchester,  where  it  was 
honourably  laid  in  the  Church  of  the 
Holy  Apostles  Peter  and  Paul. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  1 4,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  (p.  522.) 

At  Lauds,  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  Week-day,  and  then  of  St 
Saba,  with  the  Prayer  as  before. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  6th  day  of  December,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Myra,  which  is  the  chief  city  of 
Lycia,  [in  the  year  324,]  the  holy 
Confessor  Nicolas,  Bishop  [of  that 
see,]  of  whom  among  many  other 
signs  and  wonders  it  is  recorded  that 
when  the  Emperor  Constantine  had 
condemned  certain  persons  to  death 
and  these  called  upon  Nicolas,  who 
was  alive,  and  afar  off,  he  appeared 
unto  the  Emperor,  and  bent  him  to 
mercy  by  exhortation  and  threats. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  women  Dionysia, 
Dativa,  and  Leontia,  and  the  monk 
Tertius,  the  physician  ^Emilian,  Boni- 
face, and  three  others,  who  in  the 
Vandal  persecution  under  the  Arian 
King  Hunneric  were  tormented  in 
most  grievous  and  manifold  ways  for 
their  defence  of  the  Catholic  faith,  and 
so  earned  a  place  among  Confessors  of 
Christ,  [in  the  year  484.] 

At  the  same  time  and  place,  the 
holy  martyr  Majoricus,  the  son  of 
holy  Dionysia.  He  was  but  a  little 
lad  and  was  in  fear  of  the  torments, 
but  by  the  looks  and  words  of  his 
mother,  he  was  so  strengthened  that 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


627 


he  became  mightier  than  them  all, 
and  died  under  the  torture ;  his 
mother  took  his  body  to  her  heart, 
and  buried  it  in  their  home,  and 
was  used  to  pray  instantly  at  his 
grave. 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  priest 
Polychronius,  who  was  saying  Mass  in 
the  time  of  the  Emperor  Constantius, 
when  the  Arians  attacked  him  and 
slew  him,  [fourth  century.] 

At  Granada,  in  Spain,  the  blessed 
martyr  Peter  Paschasius,  Bishop  of 
Jaen,  of  the  order  of  blessed  Mary  of 
Ransom  for  the  redemption  of  captives, 
[in  the  year  1300.] 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Virgin  Asella, 
who,  as  writeth  blessed  Jerome, 
was  blessed  from  her  mother's 
womb,  and  passed  her  life  in  fast- 
ings and  prayers  unto  a  good  old 
age.  [Born  about  334  and  died 
about  410.] 

Vespers  from  the  following  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 

December  6. 

&t  Nicolas,  ^rrfjoisijop  [of 
JEpraJ  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  of  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  5I5>)  ex~ 
cept  what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who  hast  made  the  blessed 
^-^  Bishop  Nicolas  famous  by  count- 
less signs  and  wonders,  deliver  us, 
we  beseech  Thee,  for  his  sake  and  by 
his  prayers,  from  the  everlasting  fires 
of  hell.  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. 


First  Vespers,  as  regards  St  Nicolas, 
begin  with  the  Chapter. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Brian.  Prayer  as  in  his  Office,  and 
then  of  the   Week-Day. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST  NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

"M"  I  COLAS  was  born  at  the  famous 
city  of  Patara  in  Lycia.  His 
parents  obtained  him  from  God  by 
prayer,  and  the  holiness  of  his  life 
was  marked  even  from  the  cradle. 
When  he  was  at  the  breast  he  never 
would  suck  more  than  once  on  Wed- 
nesdays and  Fridays,  and  that  always 
after  sunset,  though  he  sucked  freely 
on  other  days.  This  custom  of  fast- 
ing he  never  broke  through  during 
his  whole  life.  While  he  was  still 
a  young  man  he  lost  both  his  father 
and  mother,  after  which  he  gave  his 
whole  property  away  to  the  poor. 
One  particular  example  is  given  of 
his  Christian  charity.  There  was  a 
certain  needy  man  in  the  city  who 
had  three  marriageable  daughters, 
for  whom  he  could  not  get  husbands, 
and  so  thought  to  make  them  harlots. 
When  Nicolas  heard  of  it,  he  went 
to  the  house  by  night  and  threw  in 
by  the  window  such  a  sum  of  money 
as  made  a  dowry  for  one  of  them. 
This  he  did  a  second  and  a  third 
time,  and  thus  by  his  charity  they 
were  honourably  given  in  marriage. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

~\K  /"HEN  he  had  given  himself  en- 
tirely to   God  he  set  forth  for 
Palestine,  that  he  might  see  the  Holy 


628 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF  THE   SAINTS. 


Places,  and  worship  therein.  Dur- 
ing this  pilgrimage  he  embarked 
once  on  board  a  ship  when  the  sky 
was  clear  and  the  sea  calm,  but  he 
foretold  a  great  storm,  which  after- 
wards arose  and  raged  until  the  sailors 
were  afraid ;  and  then  the  saint  by 
prayer  stilled  the  tempest.  After  he 
had  returned  home,  and  his  holy  life 
was  known  to  all  men,  God  bade  him 
go  to  Myra,  which  is  the  chief  city 
of  Lycia,  at  a  time  when  the  Bishop 
had  just  died  and  the  Bishops  of  the 
Province  were  called  together  to  choose 
a  successor.  While  they  deliberated, 
they  received  a  warning  from  heaven 
to  choose  that  Nicolas  who  should 
first  come  into  the  church  in  the 
morning.  In  obedience  to  that  warn- 
ing, Nicolas  was  seized  at  the  door 
of  the  church,  and  with  universal  con- 
sent consecrated  Archbishop.  In  his 
great  office  he  was  an  unceasing  model 
of  purity,  as  he  had  always  been,  of 
gravity,  of  regularity  in  prayer,  of 
watching,  of  abstinence,  of  charity, 
of  hospitality,  of  meekness  in  exhorta- 
tion, and  of  sternness  in  rebuke. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

XT  E  was  the  comforter  of  widows 
and  orphans  by  money,  by  ad- 
vice, and  by  labour.  He  was  the 
deliverer  of  the  oppressed,  so  mightily, 
that  it  is  related  that  the  Emperor 
Constantine  once  unjustly  condemned 
three  Tribunes  to  death,  and  these 
unhappy  men  called  upon  Nicolas, 
though  living  and  absent,  to  save 
them,  who  yet  appeared  in  a  vision 
to  the  Emperor,  and  forced  him  by 
threats  to  set  them  free.  When  the 
Emperors  Diocletian  and  Maximian 
published  their  edict  against  Chris- 
tianity, Nicolas  did  not  cease  to 
preach  the  truth  at  Myra,  wherefore 
he  was  seized  by  the  soldiers  of  the 


Emperors,  carried  away  from  his 
See,  and  thrown  into  prison,  where 
he  remained  until  the  accession  of 
Constantine.  This  Prince  set  him 
free,  and  he  returned  to  Myra.  He 
betook  himself  to  the  first  Council  of 
Nice,  where  he  was  one  of  the  318 
Bishops  who  condemned  the  heresy 
of  Arius.  He  returned  thence  to  his 
Bishopric,  and,  not  long  after,  be- 
came aware  of  the  approach  of  death. 
When  his  last  moment  was  come, 
he  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and, 
when  he  saw  the  Angels  coming  to 
meet  him,  he  began  to  recite  the 
thirtieth  Psalm,  "  In  Thee,  O  Lord, 
do  I  put  my  trust,"  and  when  he 
had  said,  "  Into  Thy  hands  I  com- 
mend my  spirit,"  he  passed  to  the 
heavenly  Fatherland.1  His  body  was 
finally  removed  to  Bari  in  Apulia, 
where  it  is  kept  with  great  fame  and 
honour. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  1 4,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  522.) 

At  Lauds  is  made  a  Commemora- 
tion of  the   Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  the  eve  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin   Mary. 

On  the  same  day  is  kept  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  Ambrose,  Arch- 
bishop of  Milan,  and  Doctor  of  the 
universal  Church,  the  which  is  adorned 
by  his  holiness  and  teaching.  [His 
birth  into  the  better  life,  in  the  year 
397,  is  recorded  upon  the  4th  day 
of  April.  The  7th  day  of  December 
is  the  day  of  his  ordination  to  the 
Bishopric   of  Milan.] 

Upon  the  same  7th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Alexandria,   the   blessed   soldier 


1  In  the  year  342  ? 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


629 


Agatho.  During  the  persecution  un- 
der the  Emperor  Decius,  there  were 
some  that  would  make  mock  of  the 
bodies  of  the  martyrs,  and  Agatho 
forbade  them,  whereupon  straightway 
a  cry  of  the  whole  mob  was  got  up 
against  him,  he  was  brought  before 
the  judge,  and  as  he  stood  firm  in 
the  confession  of  Christ  he  was  be- 
headed,  [about  the  year   250.] 

At  Antioch,  the  holy  martyrs  Poly- 
carp  and  Theodore. 

At  Tebourba,  in  Africa,  the  holy 
martyr  Servus,  who  in  the  Vandal 
persecution  under  the  Arian  king 
Hunneric,  was  long  cudgelled,  re- 
peatedly jerked  up  with  pulleys  and 
dropped  upon  flints,  and  scraped  with 
sharp  stones,  and  by  this  torment 
gained  the  palm  of  martyrdom,  [in 
the   year  384.] 

At  Chieti,  in  the  kingdom  of  Naples, 
[in  the  ninth  century,]  the  holy  Con- 
fessor Urban,  Bishop  of  [that  see.] 

At  Saintes,  in  Gaul,  [about  the 
year  400,]  the  holy  Abbat  Martin,  at 
whose  grave  by  the  power  of  God 
famous  miracles  are  oftentimes  wrought. 
[He  was  the  founder  and  first  Abbat  of 
the  Monastery  of  Sanjon.] 

At  Meaux,  [in  the  year  657,]  the 
holy  Virgin  Fara  [de  Champigny, 
Abbess  of  Faremoutier,  in  the  diocese 
of  Meaux.] 

Vespers  of  the  following,  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 

December  7. 

£t  ^morose,  Bisijop  [of  Jfti- 
latt,]  Confessor  ano  ©octor 
of  tfje  (Efjurdj, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  of  one 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  ex- 
cept what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

VOL.   I. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office.  O 
God,  Who  didst  give  unto  Thy 
people,  &c. 


FIRST    VESPERS. 

The  first  verse  of  the  Hymn  is 
altered. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  O  right  excellent  Teacher, 
&c. 

Commemoration  of  St  Nicolas,  and 
of  the  Week-day. 

MATTINS. 

The  first  verse  of  the  Hymn  is 
altered. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  1  Tim.  iii.  1,  as  in 
the  Common  Office,  {p.   516.) 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

A  MBROSE,  Bishop  of  Milan,  was 
the  son  of  another  Ambrose,  a 
Roman  citizen,  and  was  born  when 
his  father  was  Prefect  of  Gaul,  [about 
the  year  of  our  Lord  340.]  A  swarm 
of  bees  settled  upon  his  face  when  he 
was  in  his  cradle,  which  was  con- 
sidered an  omen  of  his  future  elo- 
quence. He  received  a  liberal  edu- 
cation at  Rome.  He  was  afterwards, 
under  the  Prefect  Probus,  made 
governor  of  Liguria  and  ^Emilia, 
and  so  came  with  authority  to  Milan. 
Auxentius,  an  Arian,  who  had  been 
intruded  into  the  Bishoprick  of  Milan, 
happening  to  die,  the  most  violent 
disputes  arose  about  the  choice  of 
a  successor.  Ambrose  came  to  the 
church  in  his  official  capacity,  and 
urged  upon  the  contending  factions, 
in  a  long  and  powerful  speech,  the 
necessity  of  keeping  the  public  peace  ; 
X  2 


630 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


whereupon  a  child  suddenly  cried  out, 
"Ambrose,  Bishop,"  and  the  whole 
assembly  took  it  up,  and  unanimously 
called  for  his  election. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

A  MBROSE  refused,  and  would  not 
yield  to  their  prayers,  where- 
upon they  carried  their  petition  to 
the  Emperor  Valentinian.  It  was 
very  pleasing  to  this  Prince  that 
those  he  had  appointed  as  judges 
should  be  chosen  Bishops,  as  also 
to  the  Prefect  Probus,  who  had,  as 
it  were  prophetically,  said  to  him 
when  he  appointed  him,  "  Go  and 
govern  them  more  like  a  Bishop 
than  a  Judge."  When  the  will  of 
the  Emperor  was  added  to  the  de- 
sire of  the  people,  Ambrose  yielded, 
and  received  Baptism,  (for  hitherto 
he  was  only  a  Catechumen,)  Con- 
firmation, and  Communion,  and  then 
the  several  Orders  on  successive  days, 
till  on  the  eighth  day,  which  was  the 
7th  of  December,  [in  the  year  374,] 
the  weight  of  the  Episcopate  was 
laid  upon  his  shoulders.  Being 
made  Bishop,  he  showed  himself  a 
stout  upholder  of  the  Catholic  faith, 
and  the  discipline  of  the  Church, 
and  turned  to  the  truth  great  num- 
bers of  Arians  and  other  heretics, 
and,  among  them,  he  begat  in  Christ 
Jesus  that  burning  and  shining  light 
of  the  Church,  Austin. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  FTER  the  murder  of  the  Emperor 
Gratian,  [in  383,]  Ambrose  was 
sent  as  an  ambassador  to  Maximus, 
by  whom  he  had  been  slain,  and,  as 
he  refused  to  repent,  the  Bishop  re- 
nounced his  communion.  After  the 
massacre  which  the  Emperor  Theodo- 
sius  had  commanded  at  Thessalonica, 
[in   390,]   he   refused   to   permit   that 


Prince  to  enter  a  church.  The 
Emperor  pleaded  that  he  was  no 
worse  than  David,  who  had  been 
guilty  of  adultery  and  murder,  to 
which  Ambrose  answered  him,  "As 
thou  hast  followed  him  in  his  sin, 
follow  him  also  in  his  repentance." 
Then  Theodosius  humbly  did  public 
penance  laid  upon  him  by  the  Bishop. 
At  length  the  Saint  was  worn  out  with 
his  continual  labour  and  care  for  the 
Church,  (for  the  which  also  he  com- 
posed many  excellent  books,)  and  fore- 
told that  the  day  of  his  death  was  at 
hand,  though  he  had  not  then  fallen 
into  his  last  sickness.  As  he  lay 
dying,  Honoratus,  Bishop  of  Vercelli, 
heard  a  voice  from  God  three  times 
crying  to  him  that  the  hour  of 
Ambrose's  departure  was  come,  where- 
upon he  went  to  him  quickly,  and 
gave  him  the  sacred  Body  of  our 
Lord.  When  he  had  received  It, 
the  Saint,  still  praying,  with  his 
hands  stretched  out  in  the  form  of 
a  cross,  gave  his  spirit  to  God, 
upon  the  4th  day  of  April,  in  the 
year  of  Christ,   397. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  v.  13,  with  the 
Hotnily  of  St  Austin,  (p.  549.) 

Eighth  Responsory. 

In  the  midst  of  the  congregation, 
&c.,  (p.  539.) 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  glorious  Mary,  Mother  of 
God,  and  always  a  Virgin,  whom 
the  supreme  Pontiff  Pius  IX.  did 
upon  this  day  solemnly  define  to 
have    been    by    a    singular    gift    of 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


631 


God  preserved  unstained  by  original 
sin. 

Upon  the  same  8th  day  of  De- 
cember, were  born  into  the  better 
life — 

At  Rome,  the  blessed  Pope  Euty- 
chian,  who  with  his  own  hands  buried 
in  divers  places  three  hundred  and 
forty  -  two  martyrs,  whose  fellow  he 
himself  afterwards  became,  being 
crowned  with  martyrdom  under  the 
Emperor  Numerian  and  buried  in 
the  cemetery  of  Callistus.  [He  suc- 
ceeded Felix  I.  (269-274);  after  five 
days'  interregnum  he  became  Pope  on 
Jan.  3,  275,  and  died  on  Dec.  8,  283.] 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyr 
Macarius.  Under  the  Emperor  Decius 
the  judge  dealt  with  him  in  many 
words  to  persuade  him  to  deny  Christ, 
but  as  he  only  professed  his  faith  the 
more  constantly  he  was  burnt  alive,  [in 
the  year  250.] 

At  Treves,  holy   Eucharius,   a   dis- 


ciple of  the  blessed  Apostle  Peter,  and 
the  first  Bishop  of  that  city. 

In  Cyprus,  the  holy  Bishop  So- 
phronius,  who  was  a  wonderful  pro- 
tector of  little  children,  orphans,  and 
widows,  and  an  helper  of  all  the  poor 
and  depressed. 

In  the  monastery  of  Lisieux,  the 
holy  Abbat  Romaric,  who  was  the  first 
man  in  the  court  of  King  Theodobert, 
but  gave  up  the  world,  and  became 
the  first  in  monastic  observance.  [He 
was  a  monk  of  Luxeuil.  He  founded 
the  Abbey  of  Remiremont,  of  which 
he  became  second  Abbat  in  the  year 
627,  and  died  on  Dec.  8,  653.] 

At  Constantinople,  the  holy  Hermit 
Patapius,  famous  for  his  graces  and 
miracles. 

At  Verona,  is  commemorated  the 
ordination  of  holy  Zeno,  Bishop  [of 
that  see  in  the  fourth  century.] 

Vespers  of  the  following. 


December  8. 


immaculate  ©onctptton  of  tfie  Me#0i& 
Virgin  Jfflarg* 

Double  of  the  First  Class,  with  an  Octave. 


All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
.Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  {p.  552,) 
■except  what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


Commemoration  of  St  Ambrose, 
{Antiphon,  "O  right  excellent,  &c.,") 
and  of  the  Week-day. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Verse  and  An- 
swer, and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  All  generations  shall  call  me 
blessed,  *  for  He  That  is  mighty  hath 
done  to  me  great  things.     Alleluia. 

This  word  "Alleluia"  is  omitted  in 
Septuagesima  and  Sexagesima  Weeks. 


COMPLINE. 


The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 


MATTINS. 


Invitatory.  Let  us  keep  the  Feast  of 
the  stainless  Conception  of  the  Virgin 
Mary:  *  let  us  worship  Christ,  her  Son, 
and  her  Lord  and  ours. 


632 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF    THE   SAINTS. 


Hymn. l 

"DLEST  Guardian  of  all  virgin  souls! 

Portal  of  bliss  to  man  forgiven  ! 
Pure  Mother  of  Almighty  God  ! 
Thou  hope  of  earth,  and  joy  of  Heaven  ! 

Fair  Lily,  found  among  the  thorns  ! 

Most  beauteous  Dove  with  wings  of  gold ! 
Rod  from  whose  tender  root  upsprang 

That  healing  Flower  long  since  foretold  ! 

Thou  Tower,  against  the  dragon  proof! 

Thou  Star,  to  storm -toss'd  voyagers  dear ! 
Our  course  lies  o'er  a  treacherous  deep; 

Thine  be  the  light  by  which  we  steer. 

Scatter'the  mists  that  round  us  hang, 
Keep  far  the  fatal  shoals  away ; 

And  while  through  darkling  waves  we  sweep, 
Open  a  path  to  life  and  day. 

O  Jesu,  born  of  Virgin  bright ! 

Immortal  glory  be  to  Thee ; 
Praise  to  the  Father  infinite, 

And  Holy  Ghost  eternally.     Amen. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  how  ex- 
cellent is  Thy  Name  *  in  all  the  earth, 
Who  hast  made  Thee  a  worthy  taber- 
nacle in  the  Virgin  Mary. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
set  *  His  tabernacle  in  the  sun. 

Third  Antiphon.  Even  in  her  Con- 
ception *  did  Mary  receive  a  blessing 
from  the  Lord,  and  mercy  from  the 
God  of  her  salvation. 

Verse.  2  It  is  Almighty  God  That 
girdeth  me  with  strength. 

Answer.  And  maketh  my  way  per- 
fect. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (iii.  i.) 

THE  serpent  was  more  subtle  than 

■*•       any  beast  of  the  field  which  the 

Lord  God  had  made.     And  he  said 

1  Translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 
*  Rom.  v.  12 ;  Luke  i.  30. 


unto  the  woman,  Why  hath  God  said, 
Ye  shall  not  eat  of  every  tree  of  the 
garden  ?  And  the  woman  said  unto 
the  serpent,  We  may  eat  of  the  fruit 
of  the  trees  of  the  garden  ;  but  of 
the  fruit  of  the  tree  which  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  garden,  God  hath  said, 
Ye  shall  not  eat  of  it,  neither  shall 
ye  touch  it,  lest  ye  die.  And  the 
serpent  said  unto  the  woman  :  Ye 
shall  not  surely  die.  For  God  doth 
know  that  in  the  day  ye  eat  thereof, 
then  your  eyes  shall  be  opened  : 
and  ye  shall  be  as  gods,  knowing 
good  and  evil. 


First  Responsory. 

8  By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the 
world,  in  whom  all  have  sinned.  Fear 
not,  Mary,  for  thou  hast  found  grace 
with  God. 

Verse.  4The  Lord  hath  delivered 
thy  soul  from  death,  yea,  the  Lord  was 
thy  stay. 

Answer.  Fear  not,  Mary,  for  thou 
hast  found  grace  with  God. 


Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree 
was  good  for  food,  and  that  it 
was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to 
be  desired  :  and  she  took  of  the  fruit 
thereof,  and  did  eat,  and  gave  also 
unto  her  husband  with  her,  and  he  did 
eat.  And  the  eyes  of  them  both  were 
opened  ;  and  they  knew  that  they  were 
naked,  and  they  sewed  fig-leaves  to- 
gether and  made  themselves  aprons. 
And  they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
God  walking  in  the  garden  in  the  cool 
of  the  day ;  and  Adam  and  his  wife 
hid  themselves  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  God,  amidst  the  trees  of 
the  garden. 

2  Ps.  xvii.  33. 

*  Cf.  Ps.  lv.  13,  xvii.  21. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


633 


Second  Responsory. 

1  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  be  de- 
sirous of  me,  and  I  will  declare  what 
God  hath  done  for  my  soul. 

Verse.  2  As  the  Lord  liveth,  by  me 
He  hath  fulfilled  His  mercy. 

Answer.  And  I  will  declare  what 
God  hath  done  for  my  soul. 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  the  Lord  God  called  unto 
Adam,  and  said  unto  him : 
Where  art  thou  ?  And  he  said :  I 
heard  Thy  voice  in  the  garden  :  and  I 
was  afraid,  because  I  was  naked,  and 
I  hid  myself.  And  He  said :  Who 
told  thee  that  thou  wast  naked  ?  Hast 
thou  eaten  of  the  tree  whereof  I  com- 
manded thee  that  thou  shouldest  not 
eat  ?  And  Adam  said :  The  woman 
whom  Thou  gavest  me  to  be  with  me, 
she  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat. 
And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the 
woman :  Wherefore  hast  thou  done 
this  ?  And  she  said  :  The  serpent 
beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat.  And  the 
Lord  God  said  unto  the  serpent :  Be- 
cause thou  hast  done  this,  thou  art 
cursed  above  all  cattle,  and  above 
every  beast  of  the  field  ;  upon  thy 
belly  shalt  thou  go,  and  dust  shalt 
thou  eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life  :  I  will 
put  enmity  between  thee  and  the  wo- 
man, and  between  thy  seed  and  her 
seed  :  she  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and 
thou  shalt  bruise  her  heel. 

Third  Responsory. 

3  My  beloved  is  white  like  snow  in 
Lebanon,  her  lips  drop  as  the  honey- 
comb. Honey  and  milk  are  under  her 
tongue. 

Verse.  Come  from  Lebanon,  My 
Spouse,  thou  shalt  be  crowned  with  a 
crown  of  grace. 


Answer.  Honey  and  milk  are  under 
her  tongue. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Honey  and  milk  are  under 
her  tongue. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Grace  is  poured 
into  her  Conception,  *  and  she  is 
fairer  than  the  daughters  of  men. 

Second  Antiphon.  God  hath  holpen 
her  right  early,  *  the  Most  High  hath 
hallowed  His  tabernacle. 

Third  Antiphon.  Glorious  things 
are  spoken  of  thee,  O  City  of  God ;  * 
the  Lord  hath  laid  thy  foundation  in 
the  holy  mountains. 

Verse.  4  By  this  I  know  that  Thou 
favourest  me. 

Answer.  Because  mine  enemy  can- 
not triumph  over  me. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at  Bethlehem.5] 
( On  the  Assumption. ) 

VIW'HO  and  what  was  the  blessed 
and  glorious  Mary,  always  a 
Virgin,  hath  been  revealed  by  God  by 
the  message  of  an  Angel,  in  these 
words,  "  Hail,  thou  that  art  full  of 
grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee :  blessed 
art  thou  among  women."  It  was 
fitting  that  a  fulness  of  grace  should 
be  poured  into  that  Virgin  who  hath 
given  to  God  glory  and  to  man  a 
Saviour,  who  hath  brought  peace  to 
earth,  who  hath  given  faith  to  the 
Gentiles,  who  hath  killed  sin,  who 
hath  given  law  to  life,  who  hath  made 
the  crooked  ways  straight.  Verily, 
she  is  full  of  grace.     To  others  grace 


1  Ecclus.  xxiv.  26  ;  Ps.  lxv.  16. 
*  Ps.  xl.  12. 


2  Judith  xiii.  18.  3  Cant.  v.  10,  iv.  ir, 

5  To  be  found  among  his  spurious  works. 


634 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


cometh  measure  by  measure  ;  in  Mary 
grace  dwelleth  at  once  in  all  fulness. 
Verily,  she  is  full  of  grace.  We  be- 
lieve that  the  holy  Fathers  and  Pro- 
phets had  grace ;  but  they  were  not 
full  of  grace.  But  into  Mary  came  a 
fulness  of  all  the  grace  which  is  in 
Christ,  albeit  otherwise  [than  as  it  is 
in  Him.]  Therefore  is  it  said  : 
"  Blessed  art  thou  among  women," 
that  is,  "  Blessed  art  thou  above  all 
women."  The  fulness  of  blessing  in 
Mary  utterly  neutralized  in  her  any 
effects  of  the  curse  of  Eve.  In  her 
praise  Solomon  writeth  in  the  Song 
of  Songs,  (ii.  10,)  "Rise  up,  my 
dove,  my  fair  one,  for  the  winter 
is  past,  the  rain  is  over  and  gone." 
And  again,  "  Come  from  Lebanon, 
my  Spouse,  come,  thou  shalt  be 
crowned."     (iv.   8.) 


Fourth  Responsory. 

1  I  came  out  of  the  mouth  of  the 
Most  High,  the  first-begotten  before 
every  creature.  I  made  the  unfading 
light  to  arise  in  the  heavens.  When 
there  were  no  depths  I  was  conceived. 

Verse.  For  the  Lord  hath  created 
me  in  righteousness,  and  hath  held 
mine  hand,  and  hath  kept  me. 

Answer.  When  there  were  no 
depths  I  was  conceived. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"M^  OT  unjustly  then  is  she  bidden 
to  come  from'  Lebanon,  for 
Lebanon  is  so  named  on  account  of 
its  stainless  and  glistening  whiteness. 
The  earthly  Lebanon  is  white  with 
snow,  but  the  lonely  heights  of  Mary's 
holiness  are  white  with  purity  and 
grace,  brilliantly  fair,  whiter  far  than 
snow,  sparkling  with  the  gifts  of  the 
Holy  Ghost — she  is   undefiled  like  a 


dove,  all  clean,  all  upright,  full  of 
grace  and  truth.  She  is  full  of  mercy, 
and  of  the  righteousness  that  hath 
looked  down  from  heaven,  and  there- 
fore is  she  without  stain  because  in 
her  hath  never  been  any  corruption. 
She  hath  compassed  a  man  in  her 
womb,  saith  holy  Jeremiah,  but  she 
conceived  not  by  the  will  of  fallen 
man.  "The  Lord,"  saith  the  Pro- 
phet, "hath  created  a  new  thing  in 
the  earth  ;  a  woman  shall  compass  a 
man."  (xxxi.  22.)  Verily,  it  is  a  new 
thing.  Verily,  it  was  a  new  work  of 
power,  greater  than  all  other  works, 
when  God,  Whom  the  world  cannot 
bear,  and  Whom  no  man  shall  see 
and  live,  entered  the  lodging  of  her 
womb,  breaking  not  the  blissful  cloister 
of  her  virgin  flesh.  And  in  her  body 
He  was  borne,  the  Infinite  inclosed 
within  her  womb.  And  from  her 
womb  He  came  forth,  so  that  it  was 
fulfilled  which  was  spoken  of  the 
Prophet  Ezekiel,  saying,  "This  gate 
shall  be  shut,  it  shall  not  be  opened, 
and  no  man  shall  enter  in  by  it ;  be- 
cause the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel, 
hath  entered  in  by  it,  therefore  it  shall 
be  shut."  (xliv.  2.)  Hence  also  in  the 
Song  of  Songs  it  is  said  of  her,  (iv. 
12,)  "A  garden  enclosed  is  my  sister, 
my  spouse,  a  garden  enclosed,  a 
fountain  sealed,  thy  perfumes  are  a 
garden  of  delights."  Verily  a  garden 
of  delights,  filled  with  the  perfumes  of 
all  flowers,  rich  with  the  sweet  savour 
of  grace.  And  the  most  holy  Virgin 
herself  is  a  garden  enclosed,  whereinto 
sin  and  Satan  have  never  entered  to 
sully  the  blossoms,  a  fountain  sealed, 
sealed  with  the  seal  of  the  Trinity. 
(So  far  the  Sermon.) 

Fifth  Responsory. 

2  No  defiled  thing  can  fall  into  her ; 
she  is  the  brightness  of  the  everlast- 


1  I.e.,  Wisdom.     Ecclus.  xxiv.  5,  6  ;  Prov.  viii.  24.  -  Wisd.  vii.  25,  26,  29. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


635 


ing  light,  and  the  unspotted  mirror  of 
the  power  of  God. 

Verse.  For  she  is  more  beautiful 
than  the  sun,  and  being  compared  with 
the  light,  she  is  found  before  it. 

Answer.  She  is  the  brightness  of 
the  everlasting  light,  and  the  unspotted 
mirror  of  the  power  of  God. 

Sixth.  Lesson. 

THE  fact  that  the  Virgin  Mother  of 
God  had  at  the  moment  of  her 
conception  triumphed  over  the  foul 
enemy  of  man,  hath  ever  been  borne 
out  by  the  Holy  Scriptures,  by  the 
venerable  tradition  of  the  Church,  and 
by  her  unceasing  belief,  as  well  as 
by  the  common  conviction  of  all 
Bishops  and  faithful  Catholics,  and 
by  marked  acts  and  constitutions  of 
the  Holy  See.  At  length  the  Supreme 
Pontiff  Pius  IX.,  in  compliance  with 
the  wishes  of  the  Universal  Church, 
determined  to  publish  it  as  a  truth  of 
faith,  on  his  own  absolute  and  unerring 
authority,  and  accordingly,  on  the  8th 
day  of  December,  1854,  in  the  Vatican 
Basilica,  in  presence  of  a  great  multi- 
tude composed  of  the  Fathers  Cardinals 
of  the  Holy  Roman  Church,  and 
Bishops  from  all  parts  of  the  earth, 
he,  with  the  consent  and  jubilation  of 
the  whole  world,  declared  and  defined 
as  follows  :  That  doctrine  which  de- 
clareth  that  the  most  blessed  Virgin 
Mary  was  in  the  first  instant  of  her 
Conception  preserved,  by  a  special 
privilege  granted  unto  her  by  God, 
from  any  stain  of  original  sin,  is  a 
doctrine  taught  and  revealed  by  God, 
and  therefore  is  to  be  held  by  all 
faithful  Christians  firmly  and  con- 
stantly. 

Sixth  Respo?isory. 

1  There  appeared  a  great  wonder  in 
heaven :  a    Woman   clothed   with   the 


sun,  and  the  moon  under  her  feet,  and 
upon  her  head  a  crown  of  twelve 
stars. 

Verse.  2  The  Lord  hath  clothed 
her  with  the  garments  of  salvation, 
and  hath  covered  her  with  the  robe  of 
righteousness,  yea,  as  a  bride  He  hath 
adorned  her  with  jewels. 

Answer.  And  upon  her  head  a 
crown  of  twelve  stars. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  upon  her  head  a 
crown  of  twelve  stars. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Holiness  and 
beauty  are  in  her  Conception :  *  de- 
clare her  glory  among  all  people. 

Second  Antiphon.  Rejoice  ye  all 
in  the  Lord  :  *  and  give  thanks 
at  the  remembrance  of  His  holi- 
ness. 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
made  known  His  salvation :  *  the 
glory  of  His  Mother  hath  He  openly 
showed  in  the  sight  of  the  heathen. 

Verse.  3  I  will  extol  Thee,  O 
Lord,  for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Answer.  And  hast  not  made  my 
foes  to  rejoice  over  me. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from    the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.  26.) 

A  T  that  time  :  The  Angel  Gabriel 
"^^  was  sent  from  God,  unto  a  city 
of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to  a 
virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose  name 
was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David, 
and  the  virgin's  name  was  Mary. 
And  so  on. 


1  Apoc.  xii.  1. 


2  Cf.  Isa.  lxi.  10. 


3  Ps.  xxix.  2. 


636 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF   THE  SAINTS. 


Homily  by  St  German,  Patriarch  [of 
Constantinople.  ]  *  ( On  the  Presentation 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin.) 

Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace,  holier 
than  the  Saints,  higher  than  the 
heavens,  more  glorious  than  the 
Cherubim,  more  honourable  than  the 
Seraphim,  and  the  most  worshipful 
thing  that  the  hands  of  God  have 
made. 

Hail,  O  dove,  bearing  in  thy  beak 
the  olive-branch  of  peace  that  telleth 
us  of  salvation  from  the  spiritual  flood, 
(Gen.  viii.  10,  n,)  —  dove,  blessed 
omen  of  a  safe  harbour,  whose  wings 
are  of  silver,  and  thy  feathers  of  gold, 
shining  in  the  bright  beams  of  the 
Most  Holy  and  Light-giving  Spirit. 
(Ps.  lxvii.  14.) 

Hail,  thou  living  garden  of  Eden, 
planted  towards  the  East  by  the  right 
hand  of  the  Most  Merciful  and  Mighty 
God,  wherein  do  grow  to  His  glory 
rich  lilies  and  unfading  roses,  for  the 
healing  of  them  that  have  drunk  in 
death  from  the  blighting  and  pestilen- 
tial breezes  of  the  bitter  West,  (Gen. 
ii.  8,  9)  ;  Eden,  wherein  hath  sprung 
that  Tree  of  life,  Whereof  if  any  man 
eat  he  shall  live  for  ever.  (Gen.  ii. 
9  ;  iii.  22.     John  vi.  52.) 

Hail,  stately  Palace  of  the  King, 
most  holy,  stainless,  purest,  House  of 
the  Most  High  God,  adorned  with 
His  Royal  splendour,  open  to  all, 
filled  with  Kingly  dainties ;  Palace 
wherein  is  that  spiritual  bridal  cham- 
ber, not  made  with  hands,  nor  hung 
with  divers  colours,  in  the  which  the 
Eternal  Word,  when  He  would  raise 
up  fallen  man,  wedded  flesh  unto 
Himself,  that  He  might  reconcile 
unto  the  Father  them  who  had  cast 
themselves  away. 


Seventh  Responsory. 

2  A  garden  enclosed  is  my  sister, 
my  spouse,  a  garden  enclosed,  a  foun- 
tain sealed.  O  Mary,  thy  perfumes 
are  a  garden  of  delights. 

Verse.  Open  to  me,  my  sister,  my 
love,  my  dove,  my  undefiled. 

Answer.  O  Mary,  thy  perfumes 
are  a  garden  of  delights. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

TIT  AIL,  O  rich  and  shady  Mountain 
of  God,  whereon  pastured  the 
True  Lamb,  Who  hath  taken  away 
our  sins  and  infirmities,  (Hab.  iii.  3  ;3 
Isa.  liii.  4  ;  John  i.  29,) — mountain, 
whereout  hath  been  cut  without  hands 
that  Stone  which  hath  smitten  the 
altars  of  the  idols,  and  become  the 
head-stone  of  the  corner,  marvellous 
in  our  eyes.  (Dan.  ii.  34  ;  Ps.  cxvii. 
22,  23.) 

Hail,  thou  holy  Throne  of  God, 
thou  divinest  store-house,  thou  temple 
of  glory,  thou  bright  crown,  thou 
chosen  treasure,  thou  mercy-seat  for 
the  whole  world,  thou  heaven  declar- 
ing the  glory  of  God.      (Ps.  xviii.  2.) 

Hail,  thou  vessel  of  pure  gold,  made 
to  hold  the  manna  that  came  down 
from  heaven,  the  sweet  food  of  our 
souls,  even  Christ.  (Ex.  xvi.  33  ; 
Heb.  ix.  4  ;  John  vi.  49-51.) 

Hail,  O  purest  Virgin,  most  praise- 
worthy and  most  worshipful,  hallowed 
treasury  for  the  wants  of  all  creatures  ; 
thou  art  the  untitled  earth,  the  un- 
ploughed  field  ;  thou  art  the  vine  full 
of  flowers,  the  well  overflowing  with 
waters,  Maiden  and  Mother  ;  thou  art 
the  Mother  that  knew  not  a  man,  the 
hidden  treasure  of  guilelessness,  and 
the  clear,  bright  star  of  holiness  ;  by 


1  The  Martyrology  (May  12)  says,  that  this  "holy  Patriarch,  illustrious  for  his  graces  and 
teaching,  most  faithfully  withstood  the  Emperor  Leo  the  Isaurian,  when  that  Prince  published 
an  edict  against  the  Holy  Images.  Elected  to  the  Patriarchal  throne,  A.D.  715,  expelled  by 
the  heretics,  730,  and  died  May  12,  733. 

2  Cant.  iv.  12;  v.  2.  3  LXX. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN   DECEMBER. 


637 


thy  most  acceptable  prayers,  strong 
from  thy  motherly  mouth,  obtain  for 
all  estates  of  men  in  the  Church  that 
they  may  continually  tend  unto  Him 
Who  is  the  Lord,  and  God,  and  Maker 
of  thee,  and  of  them,  and  of  all,  but  of 
thee  the  Son  also,  conceived  without 
man's  intervention ;  obtain  this,  O 
Mother,  pilot  them  to  the  harbour  of 
peace. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord  ;  for 
He  That  is  mighty  hath  done  to  me 
great  things,  and  holy  is  His  name. 

Verse.  For,  behold,  from  henceforth 
all  generations  shall  call  me  blessed. 

Answer.  For  He  That  is  mighty 
hath  done  to  me  great  things,  and 
holy  is   His  name. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  For  He  That  is  mighty 
hath  done  to  me  great  things,  and 
holy  is  His  name. 


that  are  under  them,  according  to  the 
commandment  of  God.  Behold,  this 
is  thine  own  city,1  which  hath  thee  for 
her  towers  and  her  foundations,  — 
crown  her  with  victory,  gird  the  house 
of  God  with  strength,  keep  undefiled 
the  loveliness  of  His  tabernacles, — as 
for  them  that  praise  thy  name,  be  thou 
their  deliverer  from  strife  and  bitter- 
ness of  spirit.  Free  thou  the  prisoner, 
protect  the  wanderer,  and  if  there  be 
any  that  hath  no  refuge,  be  thou  to 
him  a  consolation.  Stretch  forth  thine 
hand  and  help  the  whole  earth — so 
shall  we  year  by  year  keep  this  and 
all  thy  feasts,  and  at  last  be  found 
with  thee  in  Christ  Jesus,  Who  is 
Lord  of  all,  and  verily  our  God.  To 
Him,  with  the  Holy  Father,  Who  is 
the  Fountain  of  Life,  and  the  co- 
eternal  Spirit,  Three  Persons  and  One 
Substance,  even  as  there  is  one  King- 
dom, be  glory  and  strength,  now  and 
for  ever.     Amen. 

The  Hymn,   "We  praise  Thee,   O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

T)E  it  thine  to  clothe  God's  priests 
with  righteousness,  and  to  make 
them  shout  aloud  for  joy  (Ps.  cxxxi. 
9,  16,)  in  approved  and  stainless,  and 
upright  and  glorious  faith.  Thine  be 
it  to  guide  in  peace  the  sceptres  of 
orthodox  princes,  even  of  princes  who 
put  their  trust  in  thee  to  be  the  crown 
of  their  Majesty,  and  the  Royal  Robe 
of  their  greatness,  and  the  firm  found- 
ation of  their  dominion,  more  than  in 
purple,  or  fine  gold,  or  pearls,  or  pre- 
cious stones  ;  thine  be  it  to  put  under 
their  feet  the  unfaithful  nations,  nations 
that  blaspheme  thee,  and  the  God 
That  was  born  of  thee  ;  thine  be  it  to 
keep    in    meek  obedience   the   people 

1  Constantinople. 
3  Cf.  Matth.  xvii.  2. 
r>  Cf.  Cant.  i.  3,  4. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  2  Thou  art  all  fair, 
O  Mary,  *  there  is  no  spot  of  original 
sin  in  thee. 

Second  Antiphon.  3  Thy  raiment  * 
is  white  as  snow,  and  thy  countenance 
as  the  sun. 

Third  Antiphon.  4Thou  art  the 
exaltation  of  Jerusalem,  *  thou  art 
the  great  glory  of  Israel,  thou  art 
the  great  rejoicing  of  our  nation. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  40  Virgin  Mary, 
*  blessed  art  thou  of  the  Most  High 
God,  above  all  the  women  upon  the 
earth. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  5  Draw  us,  * 
Maiden  undefiled,  we  will  run  after 
thee  in  the  odour  of  thy  perfumes. 

2  Cf.  Cant.  iv.  7. 

4  Judith  xv.  10 ;  xiii.  23. 


638 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Chapter.     (Prov.  viii.  22.) 

'"THE  Lord  possessed  me  in  the  be- 
ginning of  His  ways,  before  His 
works  of  old.  I  was  ordained  from 
everlasting,  from  the  beginning,  or 
ever  the  earth  was.  When  there  were 
no  depths  I  was  conceived. 

Verse.  This  day  is  the  Holy  Virgin 
Mary  conceived  without  sin. 

Answer.  The  Virgin's  foot  hath 
bruised  the  serpent's  head. 

In  the  Votive  Office  : 

Verse.  Maiden  Mother  of  God,  thy 
stainless  conception, 

Answer.  Was  a  message  of  joy  to 
the  whole  world. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  Lord  God  said  unto  the  serpent : 
I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the 
woman,  *  and  between  thy  seed  and 
her  seed ;  she  shall  bruise  thy  head. 
Alleluia. 

In  Septnagesima  and  Sexagesima 
otnit  "Alleluia." 


Prayer. 

C\  GOD,  Who  didst  cause  that  a 
virgin  should  be  conceived  with- 
out sin,  to  the  end  that  she  might  be 
made  a  meet  dwelling-place  for  Thy 
dear  Son  ;  O  God,  Who  through  the 
precious  death  of  the  Same  Thy  Son 
foreseen  by  Thee,  didst  keep  her  clean 
from  all  stain,  hear  us,  we  beseech 
Thee,  and  grant  that  by  her  prayers, 
we  also  who  are  presently  defiled,  may 
finally  be  made  pure,  and  so  with  her 
attain  unto  Thee.  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.     Amen. 

A   Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Thou  art  all  fair,  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory,  instead  of 
"Thou  That  art  to  come  into  the 
world,"  is  said  : 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  born  of  the 
Virgin  Mary. 

And  this  is  done  throughout  the 
whole  Octave. 


MARTVROLOGY. 

Upon  the  9th  of  December,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Toledo,  in  Spain,  the  holy  Virgin 
and  martyr  Leocadia.  In  the  perse- 
cution under  the  Emperor  Diocletian 
the  suffered  a  terrible  imprisonment 
under  Dacian,  Prefect  of  Spain,  and 
when  she  heard  of  the  grievous  tor- 
ments of  blessed  Eulalia  and  the 
other  martyrs,  she  knelt  down  in 
prayer  and  gave  up  her  unstained 
spirit  to  Christ,  [in  the  year  303.] 

At  Carthage,  the  holy  martyr 
Resti tutus,  Bishop  [of  that  see,]  con- 
cerning whom  on  whose  solemn  feast- 
day  holy  Augustine  preached  a  dis- 
course to  the  people. 

Likewise  in  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs 
Peter,  Successus,  Bassian,  Primitivus, 
and  twenty  others. 

At  Limoges,  in  France,  [in  the  year 
46,]  the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Valeria. 

At  Verona,  holy  Proculus,  Bishop 
[of  that  see,  in  the  fourth  century.]  In 
the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Diocletian  he  was  buffeted  and  cud- 
gelled and  thrust  out  of  the  city,  but 
was  at  length  restored  to  his  awn 
church  and  fell  asleep  in  peace. 

At  Pavia,  holy  Syrus,  the  first 
Bishop  of  that  city,  who  was  eminent 
for  the  signs  and  powers  of  an  apostle. 

At  Apamea,  in  Syria,  blessed  Julian, 
Bishop,  who  shone  with  holiness  in 
the  time  of  the  Emperor  Severus. 


FEAST-DAYS  IN   DECEMBER. 


639 


At  Perigueux,  in  France,  [about  the 
year  586,]  the  holy  Abbat  Cyprian,  a 
man  of  great  holiness.  [He  lived  as  a 
hermit  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life 
near  Dordogne,  at  a  place  now  called 
after  him.] 

At  Nazianzus,  [about  the  year  371,] 
holy  Gorgonia,  sister  of  blessed 
Gregory  the  theologian,  who  hath 
written  of  her  graces  and  miracles. 

At  Grai,  in  Burgundy,  [in  the  year 
1636,]  holy  Peter  Fourier,  Canon 
Regular  of  Our  Saviour,  founder  of 
the  Canonesses  Regular  of  Our  Lady 
for  the  education  of  girls ;  whom,  il- 
lustrious for  his  virtues  and  miracles, 
Leo  the  Thirteenth  added  to  the  roll 
of  the  Saints. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Apoc.  xii.  1.) 

HTHERE  appeared  a  great  wonder  in 
heaven  :  a  Woman  clothed  with 
the  sun,  and  the  moon  under  her  feet, 
and  upon  her  head  a  crown  of  twelve 
stars. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Thy  raiment,  &c, 
{Second  Antipho?i  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

It  is  Almighty  God  That  girdeth  me 
with  strength. 

Answer.  It  is  Almighty  God  That 
girdeth  me  with  strength. 

Verse.     And  maketh  my  way  perfect. 

Answer.  That  girdeth  me  with 
strength. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  It  is  Almighty  God  That 
girdeth  me  with  strength. 

Verse.  By  this  I  know  that  Thou 
favourest  me. 

Answer.  Because  mine  enemy  shall 
not  triumph  over  me. 


SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Thou  art  the  exaltation 
of  Jerusalem,  &c,  {Third  Antiphon 
at  Lauds. ) 

Chapter.      (Ezek.  xliv.  2.) 

'"THIS  gate  shall  be  shut,  it  shall  not 
be  opened,  and  no  man  shall 
enter  in  by  it ;  because  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  Israel,  hath  entered  in  by  it, 
therefore  it  shall  be  shut  for  the  Prince  ; 
the  Prince,  He  shall  sit  in  it. 

Short  Responsory. 

By  this  I  know  that  Thou  favourest 
me. 

,    Answer.     By  this  I  know  that  Thou 
favourest  me. 

Verse.  Because  mine  enemy  shall 
not  triumph  over  me. 

Answer.     Thou  favourest  me. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  By  this  I  know  that  Thou 
favourest  me. 

Verse.  I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord, 
for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Answer.  And  hast  not  made  my 
foes  to  rejoice  over  me. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Draw  us,  &c,  {Fifth 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord,  for  Thou 
hast  lifted  me  up. 

Answer.  I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord, 
for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Verse.  And  hast  not  made  my  foes 
to  rejoice  over  me. 

Answer.     Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 


640 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord, 
for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Verse.  Maiden  Mother  of  God,  thy 
stainless  conception, 

Answer.  Was  a  message  of  joy  to 
the  whole  world. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

All  as  the  First,  except  the  follow- 
ing: 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  This  day  is  a  rod  sprung 
from  the  root  of  Jesse  :  this  day  is 
Mary  conceived  without  any  stain  of 
sin :  this  day  hath  she  bruised  the 
head  of  the  old  serpent.     Alleluia. 

In  the  Votive  Office  it  is,  "  O  holy 
Mary,  &c,"  (p.  181,)  ending,  "may 
all  that  keep  the  memory  of  thine 
holy  and  stainless  conception,  feel  the 
might  of  thine  assistance." 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day. 

December  9. 

&uonb  ©ap  within  f0e  Octave  of 
f#e  jfmmacufafe  Conception. 

All  as  yesterday,  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The    Lesson   is  taken  from  the  Dog- 
matic Bull  of  Pope  Pius  IX. 


pOD  is  unspeakable.  His  ways 
^■^  are  mercy  and  truth ;  His 
Will  is  Almighty  Power ;  and  His 
wisdom  reacheth  mightily  from  one 
end  to  another,  and  sweetly  ordereth 
all  things.  (Wisd.  viii.  1.)  He  from 
all  eternity  foresaw  the  sorrowful  fall 
of  man  by  the  transgression  of  Adam, 
and,  in  His  mysterious  purpose,  He 
decreed,  before  the  worlds  were,  that 
the  Word  should  be  made  flesh,  to 
the  end  that  man,  who  had  been 
seduced  by  the  fraud  of  the  devil, 
might  not  perish,  but  that  as  in 
the  first  Adam  all  die,  in  Christ  all 
might  be  made  alive.  (1  Cor.  xv. 
22.)  And  to  this  end,  the  Eternal 
Creator  from  the  beginning,  and 
before  all  ages,  chose  and  ordained 
a  woman  to  be  the  Mother  of  His 
Only  -  begotten  Son,  of  whom  He 
should  take  flesh  and  be  born,  in  the 
blessed  fulness  of  time.  (Gal.  iv.  4.) 
And  this  woman  He  loved  with  so 
great  a  love  that  He  allowed  His 
Will  to  be  freely  wrought  in  her. 
(1   Thess.  iv.   3.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

AlfHEREFORE,  He  bestowed  upon 
her,  out  of  the  treasure  of  the 
Divinity,  such  a  wealth  of  gifts  of  grace 
as  He  hath  bestowed  upon  none  of 
the  Angels  and  none  of  the  Saints. 
He  made  her  always  free  from  any  the 
slightest  pollution  of  sin,  so  fair  and 
so  upright  that  no  other  of  His  works 
are  like  to  her,  and  only  Himselfcan 
we  understand  to  excel  her.  Verily, 
this  was  most  fitting,  that  this  most 
worshipful  Mother  should  be  made 
bright  with  the  brightness  of  uncon- 
taminated  holiness,  and  should  con- 
quer the  old  serpent  by  escaping 
altogether  the  stain  of  original  sin,  for 
she  was  that  Mother  to  whom  the 
Eternal  Father  was  willing  to  give 
the   Co-Eternal   and    Co-Equal   Only- 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


641 


begotten   Son  of  His  love,  to  be  her 
Son  also. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

THE  Catholic  Church,  which, 
through  the  perpetual  teaching 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  is  the  pillar  and 
ground  of  the  truth,  (1  Tim.  iii.  15,) 
hath  always  held  the  original  innocence 
of  this  most  exalted  Virgin  to  be 
bound  up  with  her  wonderful  holiness, 
and  her  mighty  dignity  of  Mother  of 
God.  This  doctrine  she  hath  felt 
herself  to  hold  by  the  gift  of  God,  and 
as  part  of  that  faith  once  delivered 
from  heaven  unto  the  Saints,  (Jude  3,) 
and  as  time  hath  gone  on,  she  hath 
continually  explained,  put  forth,  and 
upheld  it.  This  belief  is  found  strong 
in  the  earliest  times,  and  rooted  as 
it  were  in  the  hearts  of  Christ's  faith- 
ful people ;  by  the  care  and  study 
of  holy  Bishops  it  hath  been  taught  in 
all  parts  of  the  Catholic  world  ;  and 
the  Church  herself  pointed  to  it  when 
she  allowed  the  Conception  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary  to  be  held  as  a 
feast,  for  exciting  the  piety  and  de- 
votion of  her  children.  In  the  case 
of  the  Saints  the  Church  celebrateth 
only  the  day  of  their  being  made 
perfect  at  death,  [but  of  her  Divine 
Lord,  of  His  Blessed  Mother,  and  of 
St  John  the  Baptist  she  venerateth  the 
birth  also,  as  of  those  sanctified  in 
the  womb.]  When  [therefore]  she 
[goeth  further  and]  maketh  the  case 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  an  exception  to 
all  others  besides  that  of  Christ,  keep- 
ing holiday  in  honour  of  her  concep- 
tion [as  well  as  of  her  birth,]  it  is 
manifest  that  she  regardeth  that 
Conception  as  altogether  singular, 
wonderful,  and  different  to  all  other 
conceptions,  except  only  Christ's, 
namely,    as    holy. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson   is  taken   from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.   26.) 

p^T  that  time:  The  Angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  from  God,  unto  a 
city  of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to 
a  Virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose 
name  was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of 
David,  and  the  Virgin's  name  was 
Mary.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Sophronius,  Patri- 
arch [of  Jerusalem.]1  {On  the  An- 
nunciation. ) 

When  this  blessed  Angel  was  sent 
to  the  most  pure  virgin  what  did  he 
say  ?  In  what  words  did  he  break 
the  happy  news  of  Redemption  ? 
"  Hail,  thou  that  art  full  of  grace, 
the  Lord  is  with  thee."  2[Now  this 
word  "  Hail "  is  in  the  original 
"  Chaire,"  which  being  interpreted 
signifieth  "Rejoice."]  The  mess- 
enger of  joy  in  his  first  word  bid- 
deth  her  rejoice.  He  knew  well 
that  his  message  was  a  message  of 
good  tidings  of  great  joy  to  men, 
(Luke  ii.  10,)  yea,  to  all  creatures, 
— a  message  of  healing  to  all  sick- 
nesses. He  knew  well  that  his  mess- 
age was  a  message  of  God's  light 
to  a  dark  world.  He  knew  well  that 
it  proclaimed  the  end  of  error.  He 
knew  well  that  it  blunted  the  sting 
of  death.  He  knew  well  that  it 
broke  the  power  of  corruption.  He 
knew  well  that  it  brought  victory 
over  hell.  He  knew  well  that  it 
told  of  salvation  to  all  the  fallen 
children  of  Adam,  groaning  under 
that  yoke  of  malediction  which  fell 
on  them   when   they  were   thrust  out 


1  An  eminent  opponent  of  the  Monothelite  heretics.     Elected  to  the  Patriarchal  throne, 
A.D.  634.      Died  March  11,  639  or  644. 

2  The  above  sentence  is  inserted  to  give  meaning  to  the  rest  of  the  Homily,  which  was 
written  in  Greek. 


642 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


of  Eden,  and  banished  from  that 
happy  home.  Therefore,  when  he 
began  to  speak,  he  spoke  in  tones 
of  rejoicing,  and  opened  his  message 
with  sounds  of  gladness.  Therefore 
made  he  the  name  of  joy  to  herald 
the  tidings  of  good,  which  were  to 
be  for  a  joy  unto  all  people,  who- 
soever should  believe. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

AND,  of  a  truth,  it  was  fitting 
"^^  that  God's  proclamation  of  joy 
should  open  with  the  accents  of 
gladness.  And  this  is  the  reason 
why  the  angel  nameth  joy  first,  be- 
cause he  knew  the  coming  fruits  of 
his  message,  and  that  his  converse 
with  the  Virgin  was  to  bring  joy  to 
the  whole  world.  Can  we  find  any 
joy  or  any  brightness  like  the  joy 
and  the  brightness  of  that  salutation 
addressed  to  the  Blessed  Mother  of 
gladness  ?  Rejoice,  O  mother  of 
joy  more  than  heavenly !  Rejoice, 
O  thou  that  nourishest  joy  in  the 
highest!  Rejoice,  O  Lady,  full  of 
.the  joy  of  salvation !  Rejoice,  O 
thou  that  bringest  a  joy  that  passeth 
not  away !  Rejoice,  O  mysterious 
treasury  dispensing  unspeakable  joy ! 
Rejoice,  O  most  blessed  fountain, 
overflowing  with  unfailing  joy  !  Re- 
joice, O  store-house  of  God,  filled 
with  the  everlasting  joy  of  eternity ! 
Rejoice,  O  fair  tree,  bearing  fruit  of 
life-giving  joy !  Rejoice,  O  Maiden 
Mother  of  God !  Rejoice,  O  thou 
that  after  child-birth  remainest  a 
virgin !  Rejoice,  O  wonder,  who, 
after  all  wonders,  art  still  the  most 
wonderful ! 

Ninth  Lesson. 

V\7"HO    shall   worthily  set  forth  thy 

glory  ?     Who  shall  make  bold 

to    say    what    thou    art  ?       Who    will 

hold    himself  able   to   tell   of  all   thy 


splendour  ?  Thou  art  the  exaltation 
of  humanity ;  thou  art  made  much 
higher  than  the  Angels  ;  thy  bright- 
ness hath  thrown  the  brightness 
of  the  Archangels  into  shadow ; 
thou  lookest  down  upon  the  lofty 
seats  of  the  Thrones ;  thou  makest 
the  height  of  the  Lordships  to  seem 
low ;  thy  rank  taketh  precedence  be- 
fore the  rank  of  the  Principalities  ; 
compared  with  thee  the  Powers  are 
weakness ;  thou  art  a  Mighty  one 
mightier  than  all  the  Mighty ;  thine 
earthly  eyes  see  further  than  the 
contemplation  of  the  Cherubim  can 
reach  ;  the  Seraphim  have  six  wings, 
but  thy  flight  is  nobler  than  their's  ; 
in  a  word,  thou  hast  far  excelled 
every  other  work  of  God  ;  thou  wast 
far  purer  than  any  other  creature ; 
and  thou  hast  conceived  the  Creator 
of  all  creatures,  carried  Him  in  thy 
womb,  and  brought  Him  forth  ;  thou 
hast  been  chosen,  out  of  all  that 
He  has  made,  to  be  His  mother. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is 
made   of  the   Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  10th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Pope  Melchi- 
ades,  [who  reigned  3  years,  7  months, 
and  62  days,  from  the  year  310 
till  January  10,  314,]  who  "'suffered 
much  in  the  persecution  under 
the  Emperor  Maximian,  but  fell 
asleep  in  the  Lord  after  peace  had 
been  restored  to  the  church. 

Upon  the  same  day  the  holy  mar- 
tyrs Carpophorus  the  Priest,  and 
Abundius  the  Deacon.  In  the  per- 
secution under  the  Emperor  Diocle- 
tian they  were  first  most  cruelly 
cudgelled  and  recommitted  to  prison, 
where  they  were  denied  food  and 
drink,    then    they   were    racked,    and 


FEAST-DAYS  IN   DECEMBER. 


643 


suffered  long  imprisonment,  and  lastly 
were  beheaded,  [in  the  year  303.] 

At  Merida,  [in  Estramadura,]  in 
Spain,  [in  the  same  year,]  under  the 
Emperor  Maximian,  the  holy  Virgin 
and  martyr  Eulalia,  at  the  age  of 
twelve  years.  The  President  Dacian 
commanded  her  to  be  put  to  many 
tortures  for  confessing  Christ ;  at  last 
she  was  hung  upon  the  rack,  and 
lacerated  with  hooks  ;  and,  burning 
torches  being  put  to  her  sides,  some 
of  the  flame  and  smoke  went  down 
her  throat  and  she  gave  up  the 
ghost. 

Likewise  at  Merida,  the  holy  Virgin 
and  martyr  Julia,  who  was  a  Com- 
panion of  the  blessed  Eulalia,  and 
the  only  one  who  clave  unto  her  as 
she   went   to   suffer. 

At  Alexandria,  under  the  Emperor 
Gallerius  Maximian,  the  holy  martyrs 
Mennas,  Hermogenes,  and  Eugra- 
phus. 

At  Lentini,  in  Sicily,  the  holy 
soldiers,  Mercury  and  his  Compan- 
ions, all  martyrs,  who  were  slain 
with  the  sword  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperor  Licinius,  under  the  Presi- 
dent  Tertyllus. 

At  Ancyra,  in  Galatia,  the  holy 
martyr  Gemellus,  who,  after  most 
grievous  torments  under  the  Em- 
peror Julian  the  Apostate,  achieved 
martyrdom  by  the  death  of  the  cross. 

At  Vienne,  [about  the  year  650,] 
the  holy  Confessor  Sindulph,  Bishop 
[of  that  see.] 

At  Brescia,  holy  Deusdedit,  Bishop 
[of  that  see.  ] 

At  Loretto,  in  Picenum,  is  com- 
memorated the  translation,  [in  the 
year  1294,]  of  the  holy  house  of 
Mary  the  Mother  of  God,  wherein 
the   Word   was   made  flesh. 

At  Vespers  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the   Week-day  and  then  of  St 


Melchiades1  Pope  and  Martyr.  Anti- 
phon  and  Verse  and  Answer  from 
the  Common  Office,  (p.  482.)  Prayer, 
"  Mercifully  consider  our  weakness," 
&c,  (p.  491.) 


December  10. 

tyiv*  ©ap  within  tfyt  £>dave  of 
t$t  ^mmatufati  Conception. 

All  as   on  the  Feast,  except  what 
is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is   taken  from  the  Dog- 
matic Bull  of  Pope  Pius   IX. 

T30TH  in  her  Offices  and  in  the 
most  holy  Liturgy  the  Church 
hath  been  accustomed  to  apply  to 
the  creation  of  Mary  the  language 
in  which  the  Holy  Scriptures  set 
forth  the  Eternal  Generation  of  the 
Uncreated  Wisdom,  and  that,  be- 
cause Mary  was  predestined  in  the 
decree  of  the  Incarnation  of  the 
same  Wisdom.  This  practice  hath 
been  received  by  the  faithful  in  all 
quarters,  and  plainly  showeth  what 
hath  been  the  mind  of  the  Church 
of  Rome,  which  is  the  mother  and 
mistress  of  all  Churches,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  sinless  conception  of  the 
Virgin.  Nevertheless,  it  is  fitting 
to  set  forth  in  greater  detail  the 
celebrated  acts  of  this  Church,  on 
account  of  that  pre-eminent  rank  and 
power  which  all  other  Churches  are 
bound   to  yield    her,   because    she    is 


1  Elected  to  succeed  Eusebius,  July  2,  311.     Died  Jan.  10,  314. 


644 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


the  centre  of  Catholic  truth  and 
unity,  wherein  alone  Doctrine  is 
always  preserved  pure,  and  from 
whom  all  the  other  Churches  must 
needs  receive  the  tradition  of  the 
Faith. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

'T'HUS  it  hath  always  been  one  of 
the  most  striking  features  of 
the  Roman  Church  that  she  hath 
most  powerfully  asserted,  guarded, 
promoted,  and  vindicated  the  doc- 
trine that  the  Virgin  was  conceived 
without  sin.  It  hath  been  the  boast 
of  Our  Predecessors  that  by  their 
authority  they  instituted  in  the 
Roman  Church  the  Feast  of  the 
Conception  of  Mary,  and  caused  it 
to  be  observed  with  an  Office  and 
a  Mass  wherein  her  privilege  of 
immunity  from  original  sin  was 
openly  asserted.  Our  said  Prede- 
cessors have  done  everything  in 
their  power  to  increase  the  love  of 
the  faithful  for  this  doctrine :  by 
granting  Indulgences  in  its  honour  ; 
by  giving  permission  to  cities,  pro- 
vinces, and  kingdoms  to  choose  for 
their  Patroness  the  Mother  of  God, 
under  her  title  "  Conceived  without 
sin ; "  by  approving  of  Guilds,  Con- 
gregations, and  Associations  of  per- 
sons under  vows,  all  instituted  in 
honour  of  the  sinless  Conception ; 
by  praising  the  piety  of  those  who 
have  founded  Convents,  Hospitals, 
Altars  and  Churches  named  from 
this  belief;  and  lastly,  by  encourag- 
ing those  who  have  taken  an  oath 
to  defend  this  opinion  to  the  utmost 
of  their  power. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

lyr  OREOVER,  Our  said  Predeces- 
sors    with    great  joy    ordained 
that   the   Feast   of  the    said    Concep- 
tion   should    be    observed    as    of   the 


same  rank  as  that  of  the  Nativity 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  appointed 
that  it  should  be  kept  with  an  Octave 
throughout  the  whole  Church.  They 
added  this  Feast  to  those  which  are 
commanded  to  be  kept  with  solem- 
nity, and  ordered  that  the  ceremony 
called  a  "  Papal  Chapel  "  should  take 
place  every  year  on  this  Feast  in 
our  Patriarchal  Basilica  of  our  Lady 
of  the  Snows.  And  above  all  did 
they  rejoice  in  the  hope  of  strengthen- 
ing this  belief  in  the  minds  of  the 
faithful,  and  stirring  them  up  to 
love  and  venerate  the  Virgin  con- 
ceived without  sin,  when  they  granted 
permission  to  add  to  the  Litany  of 
Loretto  the  invocation,  "  Queen  con- 
ceived without  original  sin,"  and  to 
insert  the  word  "stainless"  into  the 
Preface  of  the  Mass  on  this  Feast, 
that  so  the  law  of  prayer  might  be- 
come the  law  of  belief. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.  26.) 

A  T  that  time :  The  Angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  from  God,  unto  a  city 
of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to  a  vir- 
gin espoused  to  a  man  whose  name 
was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David, 
and  the  virgin's  name  was  Mary. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of 
Clairvaux.]     {2nd  on  this  text.) 

Rejoice,  father  Adam,  and  yet  more 
thou  mother  Eve,  ye  that  are  the 
source  of  all,  and  the  ruin  of  all,  and 
the  unhappy  cause  of  their  ruin  before 
ye  gave  them  birth.  Be  comforted 
both  in  your  daughter,  and  such  a 
daughter  ;  but  chiefly  thou,  O  woman, 
of  whom  the  first  evil  came,  and  who 
hast   cast   thy   slur   upon   all   women. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


645 


The  time  is  come  for  the  slur  to  be 
taken  away,  and  for  the  man  to  have 
nothing  to  say  against  the  woman. 
At  the  first,  when  he  unwisely  began 
to  make  excuse,  he  scrupled  not  to 
throw  the  blame  upon  her,  saying, 
"  The  woman  whom  Thou  gavest  to 
be  with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the  tree, 
and  I  did  eat."  Wherefore,  O  Eve, 
betake  thyself  to  Mary  :  Mother,  be- 
take thyself  to  thy  daughter  :  let  the 
daughter  answer  for  the  mother :  let 
her  take  away  her  mother's  reproach  ; 
let  her  make  up  to  her  father  for  her 
mother's  fault :  for  if  man  be  fallen  by 
means  of  woman,  it  is  by  means  of 
woman  that  he  is  raised  up  again. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

VyHAT  didst  thou  say,  O  Adam  ? 
"The  woman  whom  Thou  gav- 
est to  be  with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the 
tree,  and  I  did  eat."  These  are 
wrathful  words,  by  the  which  thou 
dost  rather  magnify  than  diminish 
thine  offence.  Nevertheless,  Wisdom 
hath  defeated  thy  malice.  God  asked 
thee  that  He  might  find  in  thee  an 
occasion  of  pardon,  but,  in  that  He 
found  it  not,  He  hath  sought  and 
found  it  in  the  Treasure  of  His  Own 
mercy.  One  woman  answereth  for 
another  ;  the  wise  for  the  foolish  ;  the 
lowly  for  the  proud  ;  for  her  that  gave 
thee  of  the  tree  of  death,  another  that 
giveth  thee  to  taste  of  the  tree  of  life  ; 
for  her  that  brought  thee  the  bitter 
food  of  sin,  another  that  giveth  thee 
of  the  sweet  fruits  of  righteousness. 
Wherefore  accuse  the  woman  no  more, 
but  speak  in  thanksgiving,  and  say, 
"  Lord,  the  woman  whom  Thou  hast 
given  me,  she  hath  given  me  of  the 
tree  of  life,  and  I  have  eaten  ;  and  it 
is  in  my  mouth  sweeter  than  honey, 
for  thereby  hast  Thou  quickened  me." 
(Ps.  cxviii.  103,  93.)  Behold,  it  was 
for   this   that   the   angel    Gabriel   was 


sent  to  the  Virgin,  to  the  most  worship- 
ful of  women,  a  woman  more  wonder- 
ful than  all  women,  the  restorer  of 
them  that  went  before,  and  the  quick- 
ener  of  them  that  come  after  her. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

V\7"AS  it  not  of  this  thy  daughter,  O 
Adam,  that  God  spake  when 
He  said  unto  the  serpent,  "  I  will  put 
enmity  between  thee  and  the  woman  "  ? 
And  if  thou  wilt  still  doubt  that  He 
speaketh  of  Mary,  hear  what  followeth : 
"She  shall  bruise  thy  head."  Who 
won  this  conquest  but  Mary  ?  She 
brought  to  nought  the  whole  wiles  of 
Satan,  whether  for  the  pollution  of  her 
body  or  the  injury  of  her  soul.  Was 
it  not  of  her  that  Solomon  spake, 
where  he  saith,  "  Who  shall  find  a 
virtuous  woman?"  (Prov.  xxxi.  10.) 
The  wise  man  knew  the  weaknesses  of 
women,  how  frail  they  are  in  body, 
and  how  changeable  in  mind.  But  he 
had  read  that  God  had  promised  that 
the  enemy,  who  had  prevailed  by 
means  of  a  woman,  was  by  a  woman 
to  be  overthrown,  and  he  believed. 
But  he  wondered  greatly,  and  said, 
"  Who  shall  find  a  virtuous  woman  ?  " 
that  is  to  say :  If  our  salvation,  and 
the  bringing  back  of  that  which  is  lost, 
and  the  final  triumph  over  the  enemy, 
is  in  the  hand  of  a  woman,  it  must 
needs  be  that  a  virtuous  woman  be 
found,  meet  to  work  in  that  matter. 

At  Lands  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day,  and  then  of  St  Mel- 
chiades.  Antiphon,  and  Verse  and 
Answer  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Martyr,  (J>.  482.)  Prayer,  "Merci- 
fully consider  our  weakness,  &c."  (p. 
491.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  nth  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Confessor  Pope 


646 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF  THE   SAINTS. 


Damasus  [of  Spain],  who  condemned 
the  arch-heretic  Apollinaris,  and  re- 
stored to  his  papacy  Peter,  Pope  of 
Alexandria,  who  had  been  driven  into 
exile ;  moreover,  he  found  the  bodies 
of  many  holy  martyrs,  and  caused  to 
be  engraved  upon  their  tombstones 
verses  composed  by  himself.  [He 
died  in  the  year  384.] 

Likewise  at  Rome,  the  holy  martyr 
Thrason,  who  fed  at  his  own  expense 
Christians  who  were  in  prison  or  sent 
to  work  in  the  baths,  or  at  other 
public  works.  He  was  arrested  by 
order  of  the  Emperor  Maximian,  and 
crowned  with  martyrdom  along  with 
two  others  named  Pontian  and  Pre- 
textatus,    [about  the  year  293.] 

At  Amiens,  under  the  same  Em- 
peror Maximian,  the  holy  martyrs 
Victoricus  and  Fuscian.  Rictiovarus 
the  President  had  iron  spikes  driven 
into  their  nostrils  and  ears,  and  red- 
hot  nails  hammered  into  their  temples ; 
after  which  their  eyes  l  were  torn  out, 
their  bodies  pierced  with  darts,  and 
their  heads  cut  off,  and  so  they  and 
holy  Gentian,  their  host,  passed  away 
to  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord,  [in  the 
year  303.] 

[At  Astrahara,  near  Persepolis,]  in 
Persia,  the  holy  martyr  Barsabas, 
[with  ten  monks,  whose  Abbat  he 
was,  in  the  year  342,  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  great  persecution  under 
Sapor  II.] 

In  Spain,  the  holy  martyr  Eutychius. 

At  Piacenza,  holy  Sabinus,  Bishop 
of  that  see,  [in  the  fourth  century,] 
famous  for  miracles. 

At  Constantinople,  [about  the  year 
489,]  holy  Daniel  the  Stylite. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following,  from 
the  Chapter  inclusive. 


December  ii. 


&t  ©amasus,  $ope  anti 
Confessor, 


Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  (p.  515,)  except 
what  is  ot/ierwise  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

The  Vespers  begin  at  the  Chapter. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

T_T  EAR  our  prayers,  O  Lord,  and 
at  the  petition  of  Thy  blessed 
Bishop  and  Confessor  Damasus,  merci- 
fully grant  us  pardon  and  peace. 
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. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  and  of  the 
Week-day. 

COMPLINE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incartmtion. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T~\  AM  ASUS  was  a  Spaniard,  a  man 
of  eminence  and  of  great  learn- 
ing in  the  Scriptures,  [and  was  elected 

1  This  passage  is  very  peculiar,  for  if  "tempera  eorum  clavis  ardentibus  transfixa  fuissent," 
it  must  have  been  completely  indifferent  to  them  what  might  afterwards  be  done  to  their 
eyes,  &c.  The  order  had  probably  been  given  to  put  them  through  a  certain  process,  which 
was  continued  to  the  end,  although  the  second  stage,  perhaps  by  the  intentional  humanity 
of  the  executioners,  had  put  an  end  to  their  lives. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


647 


to  the  Chair  of  Peter  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  366.  In  381]  he  convoked 
the  First  Council  of  Constantinople, 
wherein  he  crushed  the  wicked  heresy 
of  Eunomius  and  Macedonius.  He 
confirmed  the  condemnation  of  the 
Assembly,  at  Rimini,  which  condem- 
nation had  already  been  pronounced  by 
Liberius.  This  Assembly  of  Rimini 
was  that  in  which,  to  use  the  language 
of  St  Jerome,  Valens  and  Ursacius 
brought  it  about  through  trickery  that 
the  Faith  of  Nice  was  abrogated  by 
mob  law,  and  the  world  afterwards 
groaned  in  amazement  to  find  itself 
Arian. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

HP  HIS  Pope  built  two  Basilicas,  first, 
St  Lawrence's,  near  Pompey's 
Theatre,  which  he  magnificently  en- 
riched, and  endowed  with  houses 
and  farms ;  and,  secondly,  another, 
over  the  Catacombs  on  the  Road  to 
Ardea.  He  also  consecrated  the 
Platonia,  where  the  bodies  of  St  Peter 
and  St  Paul  lay  for  some  time,  and 
decorated  it  with  elegant  inscriptions 
in  poetry  composed  by  himself.  He 
wrote  on  the  subject  of  virginity  both 
in  prose  and  verse,  and  likewise  many 
other  poems  on  various  subjects. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T_J  E  ordained  that  false  accusers 
should  be  punished  for  the 
offences  which  they  had  falsely  laid  to 
the  charge  of  their  neighbours.  He 
established  the  usage,  which  already 
prevailed  in  many  churches,  of  singing 
the  Psalms,  both  by  day  and  by  night, 
by  alternate  choirs,  and  of  adding  at 
the  end  of  each  Psalm  the  words, 
"  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the 
Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost."  It  was 
at  his  command  that  St  Jerome  revised 
the  translation  of  the  New  Testament 
to  accord  with  the  Greek  text.  He 
ruled  the  Church  for  seventeen  years, 


two  months,  and  twenty-six  days.  He 
held  five  Advent  ordinations,  wherein 
he  ordained  thirty-one  Priests,  eleven 
Deacons,  and  sixty-two  Bishops  for 
divers  Sees.  At  length  he  fell  asleep 
in  the  Lord,  in  the  reign  of  Theodosius 
the  Elder,  [upon  the  10th  day  of 
December,  in  the  year  384,  being] 
aged  nearly  eighty  years,  and  full  of 
righteousness,  truth,  and  judgment. 
He  was  buried  beside  his  mother  and 
sister  in  the  Church  which  he  had 
himself  founded  on  the  Road  to  Ardea. 
His  reliques  were  afterwards  taken 
to  the  Basilica  of  St  Lawrence,  which 
is  thence  sometimes  called  "  San 
Lorenzo  in  Damaso." 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxiv.  42,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Hilary,  (p.  527.) 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  and  of  the 
Week-day. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

The  last  verse  of  all  the  Hymns  is 
altered  in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

At  Prime,  "  Thou  That  wast  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary." 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  12th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyr  Synesius, 
who  was  ordained  a  Reader  in  the 
time  of  the  blessed  Pope  Xystus,  and 
converted  many  to  Christ ;  he  was 
accused  before  the  Emperor  Aure- 
lian,  and  received  the  crown  of  mar- 
tyrdom by  being  beheaded,  [in  the 
year   270.] 

At  Alexandria,  under  the  Emperor 
Decius,  the  holy  martyrs  Epimachus 
and  Alexander;  they  were  long  kept 
in  chains  and  put  to  divers  torments, 


648 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


but  they  persevered  in  the  faith,  and 
at  the  last  were  burnt,  [in  the  year  250.] 

Likewise  at  Alexandria,  the  holy 
women  Ammonaria  the  Virgin,  Mer- 
curia,  Dionysia,  and  another  called 
also  Ammonaria.  In  the  aforesaid 
persecution  under  the  Emperor  De- 
cius,  the  first  of  these  died  a  blessed 
death  by  the  sword,  after  overcoming 
torments  unheard  of.  The  judge  was 
ashamed  to  be  conquered  by  women, 
and  shrank  from  causing  the  applica- 
tion to  them  of  the  same  tortures  as 
to  the  first,  and  so  conquered  by  their 
steadfastness,  ordered  them  to  be  be- 
headed, [in  the  year  250.] 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  martyrs 
Hermogenes,  Donatus,  and  twenty- 
two  others. 

At  Treves,  [in  the  fourth  century,] 
under  the  President  Rictiovarus,  in 
the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Diocletian,  suffered  the  holy  martyrs 
Maxentius,  Constantius,  Crescentius, 
Justinus,  and  their  Companions. 

Vespers  of  the  following,  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 

December  12. 

§\\ti>  ©ap  within  tU  QctAM  of  t$t 
3mm&c\ktati  Conception. 

Semi-double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  that 
none  of  the  Antiphons  are  doubled, 
and  whatever  else  is  given   here. 

At  Vespers  a  Commemoration  of 
St  Damasus,  (Antiphon,  "  Being 
made  the  Chief  Bishop,  &c,"  (p.  526) 
and  Prayer  as  at  his  First  Vespers) 
and  of  the  Week-day. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken   from   the  Dog- 
matic Bull  of  Pope  Pius  IX. 

THE  language  used  in  public  wor- 
ship is  the  necessary  offspring 
of  the  teaching  which  it  expresseth, 
and  the  former  can  have  no  safety 
unless  the  latter  be  settled.  Where- 
fore Our  Predecessors  the  Roman 
Pontiffs,  while  encouraging  the  pious 
love  of  the  faithful  for  the  Concep- 
tion of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  have 
taken  care  ceaselessly  to  inculcate 
the  sinlessness  of  the  same.  They 
have  always  particularly  insisted  that 
the  Feast  should  be  observed  not  in 
honour  of  Mary's  sanctification,  a 
false  opinion,  most  foreign  to  the 
mind  of  the  Church  [but  which  hath 
nevertheless  been  maintained  by 
some,]  but  in  honour  of  her  Con- 
ception itself. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

'T'HE  same  Our  Predecessors  have 
likewise  resisted  the  dreams  of 
those  who  have  imagined  that  in  the 
sinless  Conception  there  were  Two 
Instants,  and  that  the  Church  cele- 
brateth  the  Second  and  not  the 
First.  Indeed,  Our  said  Prede- 
cessors have  considered  the  sinless- 
ness of  the  First  Instant  to  be  as 
much  a  truth  for  their  assertion, 
protection,  and  promulgation,  as  the 
sinlessness  of  the  Conception  at  all. 
Hence  came  those  words  in  which 
Our  Predecessor  Alexander  VII.  in 
a  decree  declareth  the  mind  of  the 
Church,  and  saith,  "  Christ's  faithful 
people,  drawn  by  love  to  His 
most  blessed  Mother,  the  Virgin 
Mary,  have  of  a  long  time  believed 
that  God,  at  the  very  First  Instant 
in  which  He  made  her  soul  and 
joined   it   to   her   body,   by  a   special 


FEAST-DAYS  IN   DECEMBER. 


649 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 


grace   and    privilege    granted   to  her, 

through  the  merits  of  His  dear  Son, 

Christ    JESUS,     the     Saviour    of    the 

world,     Whose     precious     death     He 

foreknew,   cleansed   her   from  all  sin, 

original  as  well  as  actual ;   and  it  is 

in    this    belief,    and    no    other,    that       AT  that  time :   The  Angel   Gabriel 

the   said    faithful    of   Christ    have   al-  was    sent    from     God,    unto    a 

ways    kept    with    devotion    and    joy      city  of   Galilee,   named   Nazareth,   to 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken   from   the  Holy 
Gospel   according  to  Luke  (i.   26.) 


the  Feast  of  the  said  Conception." 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T  T  hath  always  been  one  of  the 
most  weighty  cares  of  Our  said 
Predecessors  the  Roman  Pontiffs  to 
protect  the  doctrine  of  the  sin- 
lessness  of  Mary's  Conception  from 
any  sort  of  attack  or  corruption. 
Not  only  have  they  suffered  no  one 
to  condemn  and  traduce  it,  but  they 
have  gone  much  further,  and  in 
public  and  repeated  declarations 
have  averred  :  That  that  doctrine 
which  holdeth  that  the  Virgin  was 
conceived  without  sin  is  a  doctrine, 
the  arguments  in  support  of  which 
are    strong     enough    to    enable    the 


a  Virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose 
name  was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of 
David,  and  the  Virgin's  name  was 
Mary.     And   so   on. 

Homily  by  St  Tarasius,  Patriarch 
[of  Constantinople.]1  {On  the  Pres- 
entation of  the  Mother  of  God.) 

O  Mary,  where  shall  I  find  words 
to  praise  thee  ?  Maiden  undefiled, 
virgin  unstained,  exaltation  of  women, 
glory  of  daughters  !  Holy  Maiden 
Mother,  blessed  art  thou  among 
women,  thy  glory  is  in  thy  guileless- 
ness,  and  thy  name  is  a  name  of 
purity.  In  thee  the  curse  of  Adam 
is  done  away,  and  the  debt  of  Eve 
paid.  Thou  art  the  clean  offering 
of  Abel,   chosen  out  of  the   firstlings 


profession    thereof    to    be    made    at  of  the  flock,  a  pure  sacrifice.     Thou 

the    time    of    public    worship,    which  art  the  hope  of  Enoch,  that  firm  hope 

is    antient,    which    is    almost    univer-  that   he    had    in    God,   and    was    not 

sal,    which    is    one    of    those    which  ashamed.     Thou    art   the    grace   that 

the     Church    of    Rome    encourageth  was    in   Enoch   in   this    life,   and   his 

and  protecteth,  and  which  is  worthy  transit    to    a    better.      Thou    art   the 

even    to    be    expressed    in    the    Holy  Ark   of  Noah,    and    the    bond   of  re- 


Liturgy  itself,  and  in  the  most 
solemn  prayers  of  the  Church.  Our 
said  Predecessors  did  not  stop  even 
here,  but  in  order  to  preserve  the 
doctrine  of  the  Virgin's   sinless   Con- 


conciliation  with  God  in  a  new  re- 
generation. Thou  art  the  exceeding 
glory  of  the  kingdom  and  Priesthood 
of  Melchisedech.  Thou  art  the  un- 
shaken    trust    of  Abraham,    and    his 


ception  from  any  injury,  they  strictly  faith  in  the  promise  of  children  that 
forbade  that  the  opposite  opinion  were  to-be.  Thou  art  the  renewed 
should  be  maintained  either  in  pub-  oblation  and  the  reasonable  burnt- 
lie  or  in  private,  to  the  end  that  it  offering  of  Isaac.  Thou  art  the 
might  at  length  die  out  under  their  ladder  that  Jacob  saw  going  up  to 
disapprobation.  heaven,    and    the    most    noble   of  all 

1  The  Martyrology  for  Feb.  25  mentions  at  Constantinople,  "the  holy  Bishop  Tharasius, 
famous  for  learning  and  godliness,  addressed  to  whom  there  exists  an  Epistle  of  Pope 
Adrian  I.  in  defence  of  holy  Images."  Consecrated  on  a  Christmas  Day,  about  a.d.  780. 
Died  Feb.  25,  806. 


650 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE   OF   THE  SAINTS. 


his  children  throughout  the  twelve 
tribes  of  Israel.  According  to  the 
flesh  thou  art  the  daughter  of  Judah. 
Thou  art  the  modesty  of  Joseph, 
and  the  overthrow  of  the  old  Egypt, 
yea,  and  of  the  Synagogue  of  the 
Jews.  O  purest !  Thou  art  the 
book  of  Moses  the  Lawgiver, 
whereon  the  new  covenant  is  writ- 
ten with  the  finger  of  God,  for  the 
new  Israel,  fleeing  from  the  spiritual 
Egypt,  even  as  the  old  law  was 
written  upon  Sinai,  for  the  old 
Israel,  that  Israel  which  was  fed 
in  the  wilderness  upon  manna  and 
water  from  the  rock,  whereof  both 
were  types  of  Christ,  which  was  yet 
to  come  from  thy  womb,  as  a  bride- 
groom from  his  chamber.  Thou  art 
Aaron's  rod  that  budded.  Thou  art 
David's  daughter,  all  glorious  within, 
clothed  in  a  vesture  of  gold,  wrought 
about  with  divers  colours. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

T^HOU  art  the  vision  of  the  Pro- 
phets  and  the  fulfilment  of 
those  things  which  they  foretold. 
Thou  art  the  gate  whereof  Ezekiel 
spake,  when  he  prophesied,  and 
said,  "  This  gate  shall  be  shut,  it 
shall  not  be  opened,  and  no  man 
shall  enter  in  by  it ;  because  the 
LORD,  the  God  of  Israel,  hath  en- 
tered in  by  it,  therefore  it  shall  be 
shut"  (xliv.  2.)  Thou  art  the  Rod 
of  Jesse,  whereof  Isaiah  spake,  (xi. 
I,)  even  that  Rod  whose  Flower  is 
Christ,  and  whose  offshoots  shall 
choke  out  all  the  seedlings  of  sin, 
and  fill  the  earth  with  plants  of 
grace.  Thou  art  the  Covenant  fore- 
told by  Jeremiah  when  he  said  (xxxi. 
31)  "Behold,  the  days  come,  saith 
the  Lord,  that  I  will  make  a  new 
covenant  with  the  house  of  Israel, 
and  with  the  house  of  Judah,  not 
according    to    the    covenant    that    I 


made  with  their  fathers  " — thereby 
signifying  the  coming  of  thy  Son, 
and  calling  upon  all  nations  to 
worship  Him  for  their  God,  even 
to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth. 
Thou  art  the  great  mountain  spoken 
of  by  Daniel,  the  man  greatly  be- 
loved, wherefrom  is  cut  without 
man's  hands  the  corner-stone,  that 
is,  Christ,  which  hath  smitten  in 
pieces  the  parti-coloured  image  of 
the  old  serpent.  I  honour  thee  as 
the  unpolluted  fountain,  I  proclaim 
that  thou  art  full  of  grace,  I  praise 
thee  as  the  clean  and  undefiled 
tabernacle  of  God.  Verily,  where 
sin  abounded,  grace  did  much  more 
abound.  As  by  a  woman  death 
entered  into  the  world,  by  a  woman 
came  the  power  to  rise  again.  The 
serpent  gave  us  to  eat  deadly  fruit, 
but  that  fall  hath  ended  in  the  life- 
giving  Bread  of  Immortality.  Eve, 
our  first  mother,  brought  forth  Cain  the 
first  murderer ;  thou,  O  Mary,  hast 
brought  forth  Christ,  the  first-fruits 
of  life  and  of  the  resurrection.  Ear 
hath  not  heard  the  like.  It  hath 
not  entered  into  the  heart  of  man 
to  conceive  this  new  thing.  Blessed 
be  the  unspeakable  depths  of  the 
Wisdom   of  God. 


Ninth  Lesson. 

AND  now  we,  the  people  of  God, 
a  holy  generation,  an  acceptable 
congregation,  the  nestlings  of  the  dove 
of  peace,  children  of  grace,  do  with 
purified  minds  and  unpolluted  lips, 
praise  God  in  the  tongues  of  all 
nations  in  this  joyful  solemnity  of  the 
Virgin.  This  is  a  noble  Feast  where- 
in the  Angels  keep  holiday  and  men 
do  most  fitly  offer  praise,  even  a  feast 
wherein  we  echo  with  reverence  and 
joy  that  salutation  first  spoken  by 
Gabriel.  Hail  Mary !  Hail,  thou 
Paradise  of  God  the  Father,  whence 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


6SI 


the  knowledge  of  Him  floweth  in 
broad  rivers  to  the  ends  of  the  earth  ! 
Hail,  Dwelling-place  of  God  the  Son, 
whence  He  came  forth  clothed  in 
flesh  !  Hail,  mysterious  Tabernacle  of 
God  the  Holy  Ghost !  Hail,  thou  that 
art  holier  than  the  Cherubim  !  Hail, 
thou  that  art  more  glorious  than  the 
Seraphim  !  Hail,  thou  that  art  nobler 
than  the  heavens !  Hail,  thou  that 
art  brighter  than  the  sun  !  Hail,  thou 
that  art  fairer  than  the  moon  !  Hail, 
manifold  splendour  of  the  stars ! 
Hail,  light  cloud,  dropping  the  dew  of 
heaven  !  Hail,  holy  breeze,  clearing 
the  air  of  the  vapours  of  sin  !  Hail, 
royal  theme  of  the  Prophets  !  Hail, 
sound  of  the  Apostles  gone  out  into 
all  the  earth !  Hail,  most  excellent 
confession  of  the  Martyrs  !  Hail,  just 
hope  of  the  Patriarchs  !  Hail,  pecu- 
liar honour  of  all  the  Saints  !  Hail, 
source  of  health  to  dying  creatures  ! 
Hail,  O  Queen,  ambassadress  of 
peace  !  Hail,  stainless  crown  of 
motherhood !  Hail,  advocate  of  all 
under  heaven  !  Hail,  restoration  of 
the  whole  world  !  Hail,  thou  that  art 
full  of  grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee, 
even  the  Lord  that  is  before  thee, 
and  from  thee,  and  that  is  with  us. 
To  Him,  with  the  Father,  and  the 
most  holy  and  Life-giving  Spirit,  be 
ascribed  all  praise,  now  and  ever, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  1 3th  day  of  December,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Syracuse,  in  Sicily,  in  the  perse- 
cution under  the  Emperor  Diocletian, 
the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Lucy. 
By  command  of  Paschasius  the  Con- 
sular she  was  handed  over  to  panders 


to  make  a  public  mock  of  her  chastity, 
but  when  they  would  have  led  her  away 
they  could  not  move  her  even  with 
ropes,  and  not  even  when  these  were 
drawn  by  many  yoke  of  oxen  ;  then 
they  poured  upon  her  boiling  pitch, 
rosin,  and  oil ;  but  these  did  not  hurt 
her,  and  at  length  she  was  smitten  in 
the  neck  with  a  sword,  and  so  finished 
her  testimony,  [in  the  year  303.] 

In  Armenia,  in  the  same  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Diocletian,  the 
holy  martyrs  Eustratius,  Auxentius, 
Eugenius,  Mardarius,  and  Orestes. 
Eustratius  was  first  put  to  dreadful 
torments  under  Lysias,  and  after- 
wards to  the  like  at  Sebaste,  along 
with  Orestes,  under  the  President 
Agricolaus,  and  was  then  cast  into 
a  furnace,  wherein  he  gave  up  the 
ghost.  Orestes  was  laid  upon  an  iron 
bed  heated  with  fire,  and  so  passed 
away  to  be  ever  with  the  Lord.  The 
others  finished  their  testimony  in 
divers  ways  in  the  country  of  the 
Arabraci,  after  enduring  most  cruel 
sufferings  under  the  President  Lysias. 
Their  bodies  were  afterwards  brought 
to  Rome  and  honourably  buried  in 
the  church  of  St  Apollinaris. 

In  the  island  of  Sulcis,1  off  the  coast 
of  Sardinia,  [in  the  second  century,] 
under  the  Emperor  Hadrian,  the  holy 
martyr  Antiochus. 

At  Cambray,  in  Gaul,  the  holy 
Confessor  Aubert,  Bishop  [of  that 
see,  and  of  Arras.  He  was  con- 
secrated on  March  21,  633,  and 
died  in  the  year  669.] 

At  Ponthieu,  [in  Gaul,  in  the  year 
669,]  the  holy  Confessor  Josse,  [King 
of  Brittany  and  hermit  at  Ponthieu.] 

In  the  country  of  Strasbourg,  [in 
the  eighth  century,]  the  holy  Virgin 
Othilia.  [First  Abbess  of  Hohen- 
burg,  of  the  order  of  St  Benedict, 
she  was  daughter  of  a  Duke  of 
Alsace.] 


1  Now  called  Sant*  Antioco. 


652 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


At  Moulins,  in  Gaul,  the  holy  widow 
Jeane  Frances  Fremiot  de  Chantal, 
[1572- 1641,]  foundress  of  the  Con- 
gregation of  Nuns  of  the  Visitation 
of  St  Mary.  She  was  eminent  by 
her  noble  birth,  by  the  holiness  of 
her  life,  which  she  sanctified  unceas- 
ingly in  the  four  different  states  of 
maiden,  wife,  widow,  and  nun,  and 
by  the  grace  of  working  miracles, 
and  Clement  XIII.  enrolled  her  name 
among  those  of  the  Saints.  Her 
sacred  body  was  translated  to  Annecy, 
in  Savoy,  and  there  entombed  with 
solemn  pomp  in  the  first  church 
of  their  order.  Clement  the  XIV. 
ordered  her  feast  to  be  kept  by  the 
Universal  Church  upon  the  21st  day 
of  August. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 
December  i  3. 

&t  Hucg,  Firsm  anti  Jttartgr* 


COMPLINE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 
Lessons  from  1  Cor.  vii.  25  {p.  568.) 

First  Responsory. 

Maiden  Lucy,  why  seekest  thou  of 
me  that  which  thou  thyself  canst  pre- 
sently give  thy  mother  ?  For  thy 
faith  hath  holpen  her,  and,  behold, 
she  is  made  whole — because  thou  hast 
made  in  thy  virginity  a  pleasant  dwell- 
ing-place for  thy  God. 

Verse.  Even  as  Christ  hath  by  me 
glorified  Catania,  so  by  thee  shall  He 
glorify  Syracuse. 

Answer.  Because  thou  hast  made 
in  thy  virgkaity  a  pleasant  dwelling- 
place  for  thy  God. 


Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Virgin  and  Martyr,  {p.  567,)  except 
what  is  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons  at  the  Psalms,  and 
Prayer  from    Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  In  patience  hast  thou 
possessed  thy  soul,  Lucy,  Bride  of 
Christ :  thou  hast  hated  the  things 
that  are  in  the  world,  and  art  glorified 
among  the  Angels ;  thou  hast  shed 
thine  own  blood,  and  conquered  the 
Adversary. 

A  Comtnemoration  is  made  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  and  of  the 
Week-day. 

1  I.e.,  Instead  of  loving  me. 


Second  Responsory. 

I  besought  my  Lord  JESUS  Christ 
that  this  fire  might  not  take  hold  upon 
me ;  and  I  obtained  from  the  Lord 
that  I  should  not  finish  my  testimony 
for  yet  a  while. 

Verse.  For  so  much  as  they  loved 
me,1  so  bitterly  spake  they  against 
me:  but  I  gave  myself  unto  prayer.2 

Answer.  And  I  obtained  from  the 
Lord  that  I  should  not  finish  my  testi- 
mony for  yet  a  while. 

Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord  made  her  to  prevail  in 
the  battle,  and  she  was  glorified  in 
the  sight  of  God  and  man  :  she  spake 
wisdom  before  princes  :  and  the  Lord 
of  all  loved  her. 

Verse.     God  shall  help  her  with  His 

2  Cf.  Ps.  cviii.  4. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


653 


countenance :  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
her  :   she  shall  not  be  moved. 

Answer.  And  the  Lord  of  all  loved 
her. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  the  Lord  of  all 
loved  her. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

I"  UCY  was  a  maiden  of  Syracuse, 
the  daughter  of  a  noble  Christian 
family.  Her  mother  Eutychia,  being 
afflicted  with  an  issue  of  blood,  went 
with  her  to  Catania,  to  pray  before 
the  body  of  the  blessed  Agatha.  Lucy, 
by  her  earnest  prayers  at  the  grave, 
obtained  her  mother's  cure,  through 
the  intercession  of  Agatha,  and  then 
immediately  begged  her  to  give  to 
Christ's  poor  the  whole  dowry  which 
had  been  set  apart  for  herself.  As 
soon,  therefore,  as  they  returned  to 
Syracuse,  they  sold  the  property,  and 
distributed  the  money  among  the  poor. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Come,  Bride  of  Christ,  &c.  (First 
Responsory  in  the  Common  Office. ) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"\17"HEN  this  came  to  the  ears  of 
one  to  whom  her  parents  had 
betrothed  her  against  her  will,  he 
accused  Lucy  before  Paschasius  the 
Prefect  of  being  a  Christian.  The 
Prefect  could  not  move  her  to  commit 
idolatry,  either  by  his  entreaties  or 
his  threats  ;  nay,  the  more  he  strove 
to  persuade  her,  so  much  the  bolder 
did  she  become  in  her  confession. 
Then,  seeing  that  he  could  prevail 
nothing,     "words,"    saith    he,    "will 


cease  when  we  come  to  blows."  1  To 
whom  the  virgin  answered,  "  God's 
servants  will  never  want  words,  for 
the  Lord  Christ  hath  said  :  When  ye 
shall  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, 
for  it  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but  the 
Holy  Ghost  Which  speaketh  in  you." 
(Matth.  x.  18-20;  Mark  xiii.  9-1 1.) 

Fifth  Responsory. 

Grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips,  &c, 
(Second  Responsory  in  the  Common 
Office.)   ' 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T^HEN  Paschasius  asked  her  saying, 
1  "Is  the  Holy  Ghost  in  thee?" 
Whereto  she  answered,  "They  that 
live  in  chastity  and  piety  are  the 
temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  "  Then," 
said  he,  "  I  will  send  thee  to  be 
prostituted  in  a  brothel,  and  get  the 
Holy  Ghost  out  of  thee."  To  whom 
she  made  reply,  "  Thou  canst  not 
prostitute  my  will.  If  thou  cause  this 
poor  body  to  be  violated,  the  crown 
of  my  soul's  purity  will  be  brighter 
through  suffering."  Then  he  bade 
them  take  her  to  the  place  of  shame, 
but  by  the  power  of  God  it  became 
impossible  to  move  her.  Whereupon, 
being  inflamed  with  anger,  he  had 
pitch,  resin,  and  boiling  oil  poured 
upon  her,  and  then  set  on  fire.  But 
the  fire  did  not  take  hold  upon  her. 
Therefore  he  practised  many  other 
cruelties  upon  her,  and  at  last  thrust 
a  sword  through  her  neck.  When 
Lucy  had  received  this  wound,  she 
began  to  speak  of  the  peace  of  the 
Church,  which  it  should  enjoy  after 
the  death  of  Diocletian  and  Maximian, 
and  presently  returned  her  soul  into 
the  hands  of  God.     She   testified  on 


•vol.  1. 


1  There  is  an  untranslateable  pun  on  verba  and  verbera. 


654 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE  SAINTS. 


the  thirteenth  day  of  December.1 
Her  body  was  buried  at  Syracuse,  but 
afterwards  taken  to  Constantinople, 
and  lastly  to  Venice. 

Sixth  Responsory . 

In  thy  comeliness,  &c,  {Third  Re- 
sponsory in  the  Common  Office.) 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xiii.  44,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  583.) 

Seventh  Responsory. 

Because  of  truth,  &c,  {Fourth  Re- 
sponsory in  the  Common  Office  for  Holy 
Women. ) 

Eighth  Responsory . 

Thou  hast  loved  righteousness,  &c. 
{Fifth  Responsory  in  the  Common  Office 
for  Holy  Women,)  to  which  is  added : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Therefore  God,  thy  God, 
hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of 
gladness. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  When  holy  Lucy 
prayed,  *  the  blessed  Agatha  appeared 
to  her,  and  comforted  the  handmaid 
of  Christ. 

Second  Antiphon.  Maiden  Lucy,  * 
why  seekest  thou  of  me  that  which 
thou  thyself  canst  presently  give  thy 
mother  ? 

Third  Antiphon.  Maiden  Lucy,  * 
by  thee  shall  Christ  glorify  Syracuse. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  I  bless  Thee,  O 
Father  of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  be- 
cause through  Thy  Son  the  fire  is 
quenched  round  about  me. 

Fifth  Antiphon.     Lucy  my  sister,  * 


maiden  consecrated  to  God,  why  seek- 
est thou  of  me  that  which  thou  thyself 
canst  presently  give  thy  mother  ? 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Lucy,  Bride  of  Christ,  thou  art  become 
as  a  pillar  that  cannot  be  shaken  ;  all 
the  people  wait  for  thee,  until  thou  re- 
ceive the  crown  of  life.     Alleluia. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office,  "Gra- 
ciously hear  us,  O  God  of  our  salva- 
tion, &c,"  {p.  585.)  "Thy  blessed 
handmaiden  and  witness  Lucy." 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  and  of  the 
Week-day. 

PRIME,    TERCE,    SEXT,    NONE. 

The  last  verse  of  all  the  Hymns  is 
altered  in>.  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

The  Antiphons  are  taken  successively 
from  Lauds,  omitting  the  Fourth. 

At  Prime,  "  Thou  That  wast  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary." 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  14th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Alexandria,  [in  the  year  250,] 
the  holy  martyrs  Heron,  Arsenius, 
and  Isidore,  and  a  lad  Dioscorus. 
In  the  persecution  under  the  Em- 
peror Decius  the  judge  caused  Heron, 
Arsenius,  and  Isidore  to  be  lacerated 
with  divers  torments,  and,  when  he 
saw  them  to  be  all  equally  steadfast, 
to  be  burnt.  Dioscorus  was  heavily 
whipped,  but  God  was  pleased  that, 
for  the  comfort  of  the  faithful,  he 
should  then  be  set  at  liberty. 

At  Antioch,  the  holy  martyrs  Drusus, 
Zosimus,  and  Theodore. 

Upon  the  same  day,  [in  the  year 
284,]  the  holy  martyrs  Justus  and 
Abundius.     Under  Olybrius  the  Presi- 


1  "  She  died  in  prison  of  the  wounds  she  had  received,  about  the  year  304."    Alban  Butler. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


655 


dent,  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Numerian,  they  were  cast 
into  the  fire,  and  when  they  appeared 
thence  unburnt,  they  were  beheaded. 

At  Rheims,  the  holy  martyrs  Nicas- 
ius,  Bishop,  [in  the  year  400,]  of  that 
see  ;  the  Virgin  Eutropia,  his  sister, 
and  their  Companions,  who  were  slain 
by  the  savage  enemies  of  the  Church 
[in  the  year  407.] 

In  the  island  of  Cyprus  the  blessed 
Spiridion,  Bishop  [of  Tremithos  ;]  he 
was  one  of  those  Confessors  whose  right 
eyes  were  put  out  and  their  left  thighs 
hamstrung,  and  were  condemned  to 
penal  servitude  in  the  mines  by  the 
Emperor  Galerius  Maximian.  He  was 
illustrious  for  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and 
the  fame  of  miracles,  and  at  the  Coun- 
cil of  Nice,  [held  in  325,]  he  confuted 
and  converted  to  the  faith  a  heathen 
philosopher  who  attacked  the  Christian 
religion,  [and  died  after  the  year  347.] 

At  Bergamo,  the  holy  Confessor 
Viator,  Bishop  [of  that  see.] 

At  Pavia,  holy  Pompey,  Bishop  [of 
that  see.] 

At  Naples,  in  Campania,  [in  the 
year  596,]  holy  Agnello,  Abbat  [at 
Naples,]  famous  for  the  grace  of 
miracles,  who,  when  the  city  had  been 
beleaguered,  had  often  been  seen  with 
a  flag  marked  with  a  cross,  delivering 
it  from  the  enemy. 

At  Ubeda,  in  Spain,  the  holy  Con- 
fessor John  of  the  Cross  [died  in  1  591  ;] 
a  companion  of  holy  Teresa  in  reform- 
ing the  Carmelites,  whose  feast  is  kept 
upon  the  24th  day  of  November. 

At  Milan,  the  holy  Hermit  Matronian. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons  at  the  Psalms  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song-  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Holy  Ghost  came  upon 
the  bride  of  Christ  in  great  power,  so 
that  she  could  not  be  moved. 


A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  and  of  the 
Week-day. 

At  Compline  the  Hymn  is  altered  as 
at  the  other  Hours. 

Note.  If  the  Feast  of  St  Lucy 
should  fall  upon  the  Third  Sunday  in 
Advent,  it  is  merely  commemorated  at 
both  Vespers  and  Lauds  without  having 
the  Ninth  Lesson,  (J>.  578.) 

December  14. 

§bmnt§  ©ap  witfyin  tfyi  Octave  of 
i$t  3imnacufafe  Conception. 

Semi-double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  except  that  none 
of  the  Antiphons  are  doubled,  and  what- 
ever else  is  differently  given  here. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scripture 
according  to  the  Season.  If  this  day 
happen  to  be  Ember  Wednesday,  they 
are  from  Proverbs  viii.  12,  {p.  556.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Dog- 
matic Bull  of  Pope  Pius  IX. 

T  T  is  known  to  all  men,  with  what 
care  this  doctrine  of  the  sinless- 
ness  of  the  conception  of  the  Mother 
of  God  hath  been  handed  down,  set 
forth,  and  defended  by  the  most  dis- 
tinguished Religious  Orders,  Theol- 
ogians, Universities,  and  Doctors 
skilled  in  the  things  of  God.  All  men 
know  likewise  how  carefully  Christian 
Bishops,  even  in  their  public  teaching, 
have  professed  the  doctrine  that 
through    the    merits    of    Christ    our 


656 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Lord  and  Saviour,  foreknown  by  God, 
the  Holy  Virgin  Mary,  Mother  of 
God,  was  delivered  from  ever  being 
the  victim  of  original  sin,  but,  on  the 
contrary,  had  the  fruits  of  redemption 
applied  to  her  at  the  very  moment  of 
her  Conception,  and  was  therefore  re- 
deemed in  a  nobler  way  than  others. 
But  the  weightiest  fact  of  all  is  that 
the  most  holy  Council  of  Trent,  when, 
in  accordance  with  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, as  interpreted  by  the  holy 
Fathers  and  the  approved  Councils, 
it  decreed  that  all  men  are  conceived 
in  sin,  expressly  added  that  it  did  not 
mean  thereby  to  say  that  the  blessed 
and  stainless  Mary,  Mother  of  God, 
did  not  form  an  exception  to  the  rule. 
From  this  declaration  of  the  Fathers 
of  Trent  it  can  clearly  be  drawn  that 
there  is  nothing  in  the  Bible,  nothing 
in  tradition,  and  nothing  in  the  Fathers 
which  can  rightly  be  adduced  against 
this  prerogative  of  the  most  Blessed 
Virgin  ;  nay,  as  far  as  circumstances 
demanded,  they  as  much  as  declared 
her  free  from  the  original  stain. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  N  truth,  this  doctrine  upon  the  Con- 
ception of  the  most  Blessed  Virgin 
is  day  by  day  more  earnestly  set  forth 
by  the  graver  thought  of  the  Church, 
by  her  teaching,  by  her  care,  by  her 
learning,  and  by  her  wisdom.  It  is 
explained,  taught,  confirmed,  and  won- 
derfully spread  among  all  peoples  and 
nations  of  the  Catholic  world.  The 
Church  hath  received  it  from  the 
Fathers,  as  a  part  of  the  original 
faith,  attested  strongly  by  the  most 
ancient  and  venerable  monuments  of 
both  the  Eastern  and  Western 
Churches.  Indeed,  the  Fathers  and 
Ecclesiastical  writers,  learned  in  Holy 
Scripture,  are  marked  by  no  more 
earnest  feature  than  that  in  all  their 
books   and   Scriptural   Commentaries, 


written  for  the  confirmation  of  doc- 
trine, and  the  edification  of  the  faith- 
ful, they  do  all  in  divers  ways  preach 
and  teach  the  excelling  holiness  of  this 
Virgin,  her  dignity,  her  freedom  from 
any  stain  of  sin,  and  the  glory  of  her 
victory  over  the  dark  enemy  of  our 
race. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  LL  Commentators  on  the  Book  of 
Genesis  remark  that  passage 
where  God  at  the  very  time  of  the 
Fall  speaketh  of  the  Atonement,  to  the 
confusion  of  the  lying  serpent,  and  the 
comfortable  hope  of  man,  and  saith : 
"  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and 
the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and 
her  seed,"  and  all  the  ancients  teach 
that  by  this  passage  is  meant  the  most 
merciful  Saviour  of  mankind,  namely, 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Only- 
Begotten  Son  of  God  and  His  most 
blessed  Mother  the  Virgin  Mary,  as  if 
the  enmity  which  both  He  and  she 
felt  against  the  devil  was,  in  a  sense, 
of  a  kind  common  to  them  Both. 
Christ  took  our  nature  upon  Him,  and 
is  become  the  Mediator  between  God 
and  man,  ( 1  Tim.  ii.  5,)  blotting  out  the 
handwriting  that  was  against  us,  nail- 
ing it  to  His  Cross,  (Col.  ii.  14,)  and 
the  most  Holy  Virgin,  by  that  subtle, 
close,  and  abiding  tie  which  bindeth 
mother  to  Child,  feeleth  along  with 
Him  His  truceless  enmity  to  the  ser- 
pent, and  He,  through  His  merits, 
hath  granted  to  her  that  moment  of 
victory  wherein  her  stainless  foot 
bruised  the  serpent's  head. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson   is   taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.  26.) 

A  T  that  time :  The  angel  Gabriel 
■^^  was  sent  from  God,  unto  a  city 
of    Galilee,    named     Nazareth,    to    a 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


657 


virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose  name 
was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David, 
and  the  virgin's  name  was  Mary.  And 
so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Sophronius,  Patriarch 
[of  Jerusalem.]  {On  the  Annuncia- 
tion. ) 

Blessed  indeed  art  thou  among  wo- 
men, for  thou  hast  turned  the  curse  of 
Eve  into  a  blessing  ;  thou  hast  even 
brought  a  blessing  upon  Adam,  when 
he  lay  smitten  by  the  first  sentence  of 
death.  Blessed  indeed  art  thou  among 
women,  for  thou  art  the  mean  whereby 
the  Father's  blessing  hath  come  upon 
man,  and  delivered  him  from  the  old 
curse.  Blessed  indeed  art  thou  among 
women,  for  by  thee  thy  fathers  have 
found  salvation  ;  the  salutation  of  the 
Angel  telleth  thee  that  thou  art  about 
to  bear  them  a  Deliverer.  Blessed 
indeed  art  thou  among  women,  for 
thou,  not  knowing  a  man,  conceivest 
a  Son  through  Whom  the  whole 
earth  shall  be  blessed,  and  bring 
forth  thorns  and  thistles  no  more. 
Blessed  indeed  art  thou  among  wo- 
men, for  thou  remainest  thyself  no 
more  than  a  woman,  and  yet  art 
made  Mother  of  God.  If  That  holy 
Thing  Which  shall  be  born  of  thee 
be  truly  God  made  Man,  then  art 
thou  truly  Mother  of  God,  for  God 
is  made  thine  Offspring. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  T^EAR  not,  Mary,  for  thou  hast 
found  grace  with  God "  — 
abiding  grace.  Thou  hast  found 
grace  with  God  —  exceeding  grace. 
Thou  hast  found  grace  with 
God  —  all  desirable  grace.  Thou 
hast  found  grace  with  God  - — 
greater  grace  than  any  other.  Thou 
hast  found  grace  with  God — unfail- 
ing grace.  Thou  hast  found  grace 
with  God — saving  grace.      Thou  hast 


found  grace  with  God — immoveable 
grace.  Thou  hast  found  grace  with 
God  —  invincible  grace.  Thou  hast 
found  grace  with  God  —  everlasting 
grace.  Before  thee  there  have  been 
others,  many  others,  made  wonder- 
ful in  holiness,  but  to  none  hath  it 
been  given,  as  to  thee,  to  be  full  of 
grace ;  to  none  hath  it  been  given, 
as  to  thee,  to  attain  to  such  divine 
riches  ;  to  none,  as  to  thee,  to  be  pre- 
vented by  purifying  grace  ;  to  none, 
as  to  thee,  to  shine  from  the  day- 
spring  with  light  from  heaven ;  to 
none,  as  to  thee,  to  be  exalted 
above  all  things  before  created. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

AND  justly;  for  none  hath  ever 
"^^  drawn  so  near  to  God  as  thou 
hast ;  none  hath  ever  been  gifted 
by  God  with  good  gifts  as  thou 
hast ;  none  hath  ever  received  of 
God's  grace  as  thou  hast.  Thou 
art  mightier  than  all  things  which 
are  called  mighty  among  men  ;  thou 
hast  received  more  than  the  good- 
ness of  God  hath  conferred  on  any 
other.  It  is  indeed  because  God 
made  His  home  in  thee  that  thou 
thus  aboundest.  There  hath  never 
been  any  save  thee  that  hath  com- 
prehended the  Incomprehensible  ; 
none  save  thee  that  hath  enjoyed 
His  presence  so  much ;  none  that 
He  hath  made  so  ready  therefor ; 
none  on  whom  the  uncreated  light 
hath  shone  so  clearly ;  and  there- 
fore none  who  hath,  like  thee, 
sheltered  the  Lord  God,  the  Maker 
and  Lord  of  all,  conceived  Him  in 
thy  womb,  and  brought  Him  into 
the  world,  to  redeem  men  lying 
under  the  Father's  sentence,  and 
to  offer  to  them  everlasting  salvation. 
Wherefore,  O  Lady,  I  have  already 
cried  unto  thee  with  the  Angel,  and 
I   will  still  cry — "  Hail,  thou  that  art 


658 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


full  of  grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee  ! 
Blessed  art  thou  among  women  !  " 

A  Commemoration  of  the  Weik-day 
is  made  at  Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

To-morrow  is  the  Octave  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary. 

Upon  the  same  day  is  commem- 
orated the  ordination  [on  December  1 5, 
about  the  year  340,]  of  holy  Eusebius, 
Bishop  of  Vercelli,  [he  was  a  Reader 
of  the  Church  of  Rome,]  who  was 
born  into  the  better  life  upon  the  1st 
day  of  August,  but  whose  feast  is  kept 
upon  the  16th  day  of  this  present 
month  of  December  by  command  of 
Pope  Benedict  XIII.  [He  was  born 
about  the  year  3 1  5  and  died  about  the 
year  371  or  375.] 

Upon  the  same  1 5th  day  of  De- 
cember, were  born  into  the  better 
life— 

At  Rome,  [in  the  third  century,]  the 
holy  martyrs  Irenaeus,  Antony,  Theo- 
dore, Saturninus,  Victor,  and  seven- 
teen others  who  suffered  for  Christ's 
sake  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Valerian. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Faus- 
tinus,  Lucius,  Candidus,  Ccelian,  Mark, 
Januarius,  and  Fortunatus. 

Likewise  in  Africa,  holy  Valerian, 
Bishop  [of  Abbenze.]  When  he  was 
more  than  eighty  years  of  age  the 
Arian  king  Genseric,  during  the 
Vandal  persecution,  sought  to  make 
him  consent  to  give  up  the  vessels 
of  the  church,  and  because  he  stead- 
fastly refused  so  to  do,  he  caused 
him  to  be  thrust  out  of  the  city 
alone,  and  since  it  was  forbidden 
to  any  man  to  allow  him  to  come 
into  his  house  or  to  dwell  in  his 
field,  he  lay  a  long  time  in  the  open 
air  on  the  public  highway,  and  finished 
the  course  of  his  blessed  life,  [in  the 


year  457,]  in  the  profession  and  de- 
fence  of  Catholic   truth. 

In  the  country  of  Orleans,  the  holy 
Confessor  Maximin,  [2nd  Abbat  ot 
Michy,  in  the  Diocese  of  Orleans 
about  the  year  520.] 

In  the  country  of  the  Iberians, 
beyond  the  Black  Sea,  [in  the  third 
century,]  the  holy  handmaiden  Christi- 
ana, [the  Apostle  of  the  Iberians  of 
the  Caucasus,]  who  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperor  Constantine,  by  the  power 
of  her  miracles,  brought  that  people 
to  believe  in  Christ. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 


December  15. 

bctavt  of  t$t  ^mmacvitatt  £on* 
cepfton. 

Double. 

All  as  on  the  Feast,  {First  Vespers 
as  the  First  Vespers  of  the  Feast,)  ex- 
cept what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


FIRST  vespers. 

A   Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day. 

MATTINS. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from   the   Dog- 
matic  Bull  of  Pope   Pius   IX. 

T^ROM  of  old  time  continual 
prayers  have  been  offered  to 
this  Apostolic  See  not  only  by  Bish- 
ops, Churchmen,  and  the  Regular 
Orders,  but  also  by  Emperors  and 
Kings,  beseeching  that  the  sinless- 
ness  of  the  Conception  of  the 
Mother  of  God  might  be  made  the 
subject  of  a  Dogmatic  Definition. 
These  prayers    have   been   still   more 


FEAST-DAYS  IN   DECEMBER. 


659 


urgently  addressed  in  recent  times  to 
Our  Predecessor,  of  happy  memory, 
Gregory  XVI.,  and  to  Ourselves,  by 
the  Bishops,  by  the  Secular  Clergy,  by 
the  Regular  Orders,  and  by  the  most 
eminent  Christian  Princes  and  nations. 
The  knowledge  of  these  things  hath 
caused  Our  heart  to  rejoice,  and 
they  have  been  the  serious  occupa- 
tion of  Our  thoughts  ever  since,  in 
spite  of  our  unworthiness,  the  in- 
scrutable Providence  of  God  was 
pleased  to  set  Us  in  this  supreme 
Chair  of  Peter,  and  to  put  His 
Church  into  Our  hands,  for  Us  to 
govern.  Since  then,  We  have  had 
nothing  so  much  at  heart  as  to 
yield  to  the  desires  of  the  Church 
in  this  matter,  to  the  increasing  of 
the  veneration  of  which  the  most 
holy  Virgin  is  already  the  object, 
and  to  the  setting  in  a  clearer  light 
the  singular  graces  with  which  God 
hath  adorned  her,  being  Ourselves 
especially  drawn  to  the  same  by 
the  reverence,  love,  and  affection 
with  which  We  have  been  from 
Our  childhood  animated  towards  the 
same  most  holy  Virgin  Mary,  Mother 
of  God. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

AND  now  We  trust  in  the  Lord 
that  the  time  is  come  to  de- 
fine as  a  truth  of  faith  the  doctrine 
of  the  stainless  Conception  of  the 
most  holy  Virgin  Mary,  Mother  of 
God,  that  doctrine  already  set  forth 
by  Holy  Scripture,  by  the  ancient 
tradition,  by  the  unbroken  belief  of 
the  Universal  Church,  by  the  one 
common  opinion  of  the  Catholic 
Episcopate  and  laity,  and  by  the 
marked  acts  and  decrees  of  Our 
Predecessors.  We  have  weighed 
everything  in  Our  mind,  and  We 
have  without  ceasing  implored  the 
help  and  light  of  God's  Holy  Spirit 
by    earnest    prayer,    and    We    are    of 


opinion  that  it  is  Our  duty  no 
longer  to  delay,  but  by  Our  Supreme 
Decision  to  settle  and  declare  that 
the  Virgin  was  conceived  without  sin, 
and  thus  to  satisfy  the  godly  cravings 
of  the  whole  Christian  world,  as  well 
as  the  instinct  of  Our  own  love  for  the 
said  most  holy  Virgin,  and,  above  all, 
because  she  is  His  Mother,  to  glorify 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  by  this  act, 
since  whatever  we  do  rightly  to 
honour  the  Mother  must  redound 
to   the   glory   of  the   Son. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

VyHEREFORE,  having  in  all 
fasting  and  humbleness  of 
heart  continually  implored  God  the 
Father  through  His  Blessed  Son,  to 
hear  Our  own  prayers  and  those  of 
His  whole  Church,  and  to  teach  and 
strengthen  Our  mind  by  the  power  of 
His  Holy  Spirit,  having  begged  the  in- 
tercession of  the  Church  Triumphant, 
and,  above  all,  with  groans  called  on 
the  Holy  Ghost  the  Comforter,  We 
now,  moved  by  Him,  for  the  honour 
of  the  Holy  and  Undivided  Trinity, 
for  the  greater  praise  and  exaltation 
of  the  Virgin  Mother  of  God,  the 
glory  of  the  Catholic  Faith,  and  the 
good  of  Christianity,  in  the  name 
and  authority  of  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ,  of  the  Blessed  Apostles  Peter 
and  Paul,  and  in  Our  own,  declare 
and  define  that :  —  That  doctrine 
which  declareth  that  the  most  blessed 
Virgin  Mary  was,  in  the  first  in- 
stant of  her  Conception,  preserved, 
by  a  special  grace  and  privilege 
granted  to  her  by  Almighty  God, 
through  the  merits  of  Christ  Jesus, 
Saviour  of  mankind,  which  He  fore- 
knew, from  any  stain  of  original 
sin,  is  a  doctrine  taught  and  re- 
vealed by  God,  and  therefore  from 
this  time  forward  must  be  held  by 
all  faithful  Christians  firmly  and  con- 


66o 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


from  the  East  even  unto  the  West ! 
Hail,  gate  of  heaven,  full  of  grace, 
of  whom  the  Prophet  in  the  Song 
of  Songs  openly  speaketh  in  the 
course  of  his  prayer,  saying,  "  A 
garden  enclosed  is  My  sister,  My 
Spouse,  a  garden  enclosed,  a  foun- 
tain  sealed."     (iv.    12.) 

Eighth  Lesson. 

'THE  Virgin  is  that  stainless  lily 
whence  hath  sprung  the  Rose 
that  fadeth  not,  even  Christ.  O  Holy 
Mother  of  God  !  Ewe  without  spot, 
that  hast  borne  the  Lamb  That  took 
flesh  of  thee,  even  Christ !  O 
Maiden  whose  holiness  hath  dazzled 
the  heavenly  armies!  There  hath 
appeared  a  great  sign  in  heaven,  a 
woman  clothed  with  the  sun,  and 
with  the  Light  in  her  arms  ;  a  great 
sign  in  heaven,  the  Virgin's  womb 
the  chamber  of  the  Son  of  God ;  a 
great  sign  in  heaven,  the  Lord  of 
angels  made  the  Virgin's  child.  The 
angels  accused  Eve,  but  now  they 
praise  Mary,  who  hath  raised  Eve 
fallen,  and  restored  to  heaven  Adam 
banished  from  Paradise.  For  Mary 
is  the  bridge  between  heaven  and 
earth,  the  ambassadress  who  hath 
reconciled   them   in   her  womb. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

VXTE  cannot  measure  the  grace  be- 
stowed upon  this  holy  Virgin. 
Hence  the  salutation  addressed  to  her 
by  Gabriel,  "  Hail,"  thou  glorious 
heaven,  "  full  of  grace."  "  Hail," 
Virgin  adorned  with  many  graces, 
yea,  "full  of  grace."  "Hail,"  thou 
vessel  of  gold  that  holdest  the 
manna  that  came  down  from  heaven, 
"full    of  grace."      "Hail,"    thou    un- 

1  The  Martyrology  (May  12)  says  that  "  he  remains  a  wonder,  on  account  of  his  eminent 
and  varied  learning  and  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  of  the  holiness  of  his  life,  of  his  zeal 
for  the  Catholic  faith,  of  his  bounty  toward  the  poor,  and  of  the  mighty  miracles  which  he 
wrought."     Born  about  a.d.  310.     Elected  Bishop  about  367.     Died,  May  12,  405. 


stantly.  Wherefore  if  any  one,  which 
God  forbid,  shall  at  any  time  think 
in  his  heart  any  thing  contrary  to 
this  Our  definition,  let  him  know 
that  he  is  condemned  by  his  own 
judgment,  that  he  hath  made  ship- 
wreck of  the  faith,  and  that  he  hath 
cut  himself  off  from  the  body  of  the 
Church. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from   the   Holy 
Gospel  according   to    Luke  (i.   26.) 

AT  that  time:  The  Angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  from  God,  unto  a  city 
of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to  a  Vir- 
gin espoused  to  a  man  whose  name 
was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David, 
and  the  Virgin's  name  was  Mary. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Epiphanius,  Bishop 
[of  Salamis-in-Cyprus.]  x  {Discourse 
in  praise  of  the  Blessed   Virgin.) 

I  am  at  a  loss  what  words  or 
terms  I  ought  to  employ  in  speak- 
ing of  this  illustrious  and  holy  Vir- 
gin. She  is  raised  above  all  things 
except  God ;  she  was  made  much 
higher  than  the  Cherubim  and  Ser- 
aphim, and  the  whole  host  of 
heaven ;  neither  the  voices  of 
heaven  nor  of  earth  are  full  enough 
to  set  forth  her  majesty,  no,  not  the 
voices  of  Angels.  O  blessed  Vir- 
gin !  O  pure  dove  and  Bride  of 
heaven  !  O  Mary !  At  once  the 
heaven,  the  temple,  and  the  throne 
of  God !  Mother  of  the  Sun  that 
shineth  both  on  heaven  and  on 
earth,  even  Christ !  Bright  cloud, 
through  which  the  Son  of  Man  hath 
come  as  the  lightning,  that  lighteneth 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


66 1 


failing  fountain,  that  satisfiest  the 
thirsty  soul  with  sweet  waters,  "full 
of  grace."  Hail,  holy,  sinless  Mother 
of  Him  That  was  before  thee,  even 
Christ.  Hail,  thou  Queenly  purple, 
mantle  of  the  King  of  heaven  and 
earth.  Hail,  thou  Book  that  no  man 
can  understand,  and  yet  which  the 
Eternal  Word,  the  Son  of  the  Father, 
hath  opened  for  earth  to  read. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is 
made   of  the    Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  martyr  Eusebius,  Bishop 
of  Vercelli,  of  whom  mention  is  made 
also  upon  the  ist  day  of  August, 
[when  he  died  between  the  years  370 
and  375,]  and  yesterday  as  for  this  day. 

Upon  the  same  16th  day  of  De- 
cember, were  born  into  the  better 
life— 

The  three  children  Ananias,  Aza- 
rias,  and  Misael,  whose  bodies  are 
laid  in  a  certain  cave  at  Babylon  [in 
the  sixth  century  before  Christ.] 

At  Ravenna,  the  holy  martyrs 
Valentine,  a  military  instructor,  Con- 
cordius  his  son,  Navalis,  and  Agri- 
cola,  who  suffered  for  Christ's  sake, 
[in  the  fourth  century,]  in  the  persecu- 
tion under  the  Emperor  Maximian. 

At  Nola,  in  Campania,  in  the  per- 
secution under  the  Emperor  Decius, 
the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Albina, 
[in  the  year  250.] 

In  Africa,  many  holy  Virgins  and 
martyrs,  who  in  the  Vandal  persecu- 
tion under  the  Arian  king  Hunneric 
suffered  hanging,  pressing,  and  red- 
hot  plates,  and  happily  brought  to  a 
close  the  conflict  of  martyrdom,  [in 
the  year  482.] 

At  Vienne,  [in  the  year  875,]  the 
blessed  Confessor  Ado,  [monk  of  the 


Order  of  St  Benedict,]  Bishop  [of 
Vienne.] 

At  Aberdeen,  in  Scotland,1  [in  the 
year  m,]  holy  Bean,  [called  first] 
Bishop  [of  that  see.] 

At  Gaza,  in  Palestine,  [in  the  year 
389,]  holy  Bishop   Irenion. 


If  the  Octave  falls  on  the  Third 
Stmday  in  Advent,  the  Office  is  of 
the  Season  from  the  None  of  Satur- 
day exclusive,  but  with  Commemora- 
tions of  the  Octave  at  both  Vespers 
and  Lauds,  and  without  Common 
Commemorations  or  Preces. 


Office  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception as  a  Votive  Office, 
for    Saturdays. 

Pope  Pius  IX.  permitted  that  on  all 
Saturdays,  with  certain  exceptions, 
the  Office  of  December  8,  with  cer- 
tain alterations,  be  said  instead  of 
the  Office  of  the  day.  The  Satur- 
days excepted  are  : 

{a)  Any  Saturday  whatsoever  upon 
which  Nine  Lessons  are  read,  either 
by  reason  of  the  Week-day  Office,  or 
of  any  Festal  Office  either  belonging 
to  the  day  or  transferred  to  it. 

(b)  The  Saturdays  in  Advent,  Lent, 
and  the  Octaves  of  Easter  and  Pentecost. 

(c)  All  Eves. 

(d)  Saturdays  to  which  the  Sunday 
Office  may  be  transferred  according  to 
the  Pye,  iv.  4,  5. 

The  alterations  in  the  Office  itself 
are — 

(a)  It  is  semi-double,  with  the  Com- 
mon  Commemorations  at  Vespers  and 
Lauds,  and  Preces  at  Compline  and 
Prime.  Its  relations  to  a  Simple 
Office  on  Saturday  itself,  or  a  Semi- 
double  or  Double  on  Friday  or  Sun- 


1  In  the  original,  by  an  extraordinary  mistake,  Hibernia. 


VOL.  I. 


Y  2 


662 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


day,  {Sunday  is  always  at  least  Semi- 
double,)  are  arranged  in  the  same  way 
as  if  it  were  a  Semi-double  Festival. 

(b)  The  saying  or  omitting  of  the 
"Alleluia  "  and  one  or  two  other  points 
are  as  immediately  heretofore  given 
in  the  Office  itself.  In  Paschal-time 
Prime  and  Compline  are  said  in  the 
Paschal  manner. 

(c)  The  Lessons  of  the  First  Noc- 
turn  are  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

(d)  The  Lessons  of  the  Second  and 
Third  Nocturn  are — 

Before  Ash  Wednesday,  as  on  the 
Second  Day  within  the  Octave. 

In  Paschal-time,  as  on  the  Third  day. 

From  the  Feast  of  the  Most  Pure 
Heart  to  August,  as  on  the  Fifth  Day. 

From  August  to  Advent,  as  on  the 
Seventh  Day. 

December  16. 

§&t  Sueefitus,  Q&taflop  [of  QOtv, 
ceffi,]  QflUrfpr. 

Semi-Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
one  Martyr,  {p.  482,)  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 

Prayer  throughout.  O  God,  Who 
year  by  year,  &c,   {p.  491.) 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  If  this  day  fall  upon  one 
of  the  Ember  Days  they  are  from  Acts 
xx.  17,  {p.  483.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

TIJ*USEBIUS    was    a    Sardinian    by 

birth,     first    a    Reader    in    the 

Roman   Church,  and   then   Bishop 'of 


Vercelli.  It  seemed  specially  de- 
signed by  Providence  that  he  should 
be  called  to  govern  that  Church,  for 
the  electors,  who  had  never  before 
known  him,  passed  over,  with  a 
strange  unanimity,  all  their  own 
fellow-citizens,  and  chose  Eusebius, 
as  soon  as  they  had  seen  him.  He 
was  the  first  Bishop  in  the  Western 
Church  who  established  an  Order  of 
Regular  Clergy,  to  combine  the  active 
with  the  contemplative  life.  At  this 
time  the  storm  of  Arian  blasphemy 
and  sin  was  sweeping  far  and  wide 
over  the  West,  and  Eusebius  set 
himself  to  fight  against  it  so  man- 
fully, that  his  unshaken  faith  brought 
back  Liberius  again  to  life  and  hope. 
This  Pope,  knowing  that  the  Spirit 
of  God  was  in  him,  sent  him  with 
his  Legates  to  the  Emperor  Con- 
stantius,  [in  the  year  354,]  to  plead 
the  cause  of  the  Catholic  Faith. 
His  earnestness  prevailed  with  that 
Prince,  so  that  he  obtained  all  that 
was  asked  for,  and,  among  other 
things,  permission  for  a  Council  to 
be   summoned. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

'THE  year  following,  the  Council 
met  at  Milan,  and  Eusebius, 
by  the  invitation  of  the  Emperor, 
and  the  desire  and  command  of  the 
Papal  Legates,  attended.  Here  the 
Arians,  assembled  in  a  perfect  syna- 
gogue of  Satan,  and  all  furiously  rag- 
ing together  against  holy  Atha- 
nasius,  found  Eusebius  one  of  the 
stoutest  enemies  of  their  faction.  As 
soon  as  he  entered  the  Council,  he 
delivered  a  long  harangue,  wherein 
he  remarked  that,  of  those  there 
gathered  together,  some  were  notori- 
ously defiled  with  heresy,  and  there- 
fore he  proposed  that  everyone  should 
first  of  all  subscribe  the  Nicene  Creed, 
before  proceeding  to  any  other  busi- 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


663 


ness.  The  Arians,  in  a  violent  pas- 
sion, refused,  whereupon  he  on  his 
part  refused  to  subscribe  any  pro- 
ceedings against  Athanasius,  and 
even  skilfully  procured  the  with- 
drawal of  the  signature  of  the  holy 
martyr  Denys,  then  Bishop  of  Milan, 
which  they  had  lyingly  procured  by 
practising  on  his  simplicity.  The 
Arians  were  now  entirely  enraged, 
and,  after  many  persecutions,  pro- 
cured a  decree  of  banishment  against 
Eusebius.  The  Saint  shook  off  the 
dust  of  his  feet  against  them,  and, 
defying  alike  the  threats  of  Cassar 
and  the  drawn  swords  of  the  soldiery, 
accepted  the  sentence  as  one  of  the 
dignities  of  his  office.  He  was  sent 
to  Bethshan  in  the  Holy  Land,  suf- 
fering hunger,  thirst,  stripes,  and  all 
manner  of  violence,  but  for  the  Faith's 
sake  he  despised  this  life,  and  feared 
not  death,  but  freely  delivered  his 
body  to   the   tormentors. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

TTK  wrote  a  solemn  letter  from 
Bethshan,  addressed  to  the 
clergy  and  people  of  Vercelli  and  that 
neighbourhood,  full  of  constancy,  de- 
votion, and  piety,  describing  the 
frightful  cruelty  and  brazen  impudence 
of  the  Arians.  From  this  letter  we 
know  how  completely  they  failed  to 
scare  him  by  their  threats  and  their 
inhuman  brutality,  or  to  seduce  him 
by  their  serpent-like  cunning  into  re- 
ceiving their  communion.  In  con- 
sequence of  his  unshaken  resolution, 
he  was  moved  from  Bethshan  into 
Cappadocia,  and  then  again,  to  the 
deserts  of  Upper  Egypt.  He  suffered 
exile  until  the  death  of  Constantius, 
[in  361,]  after  which  he  was  allowed 
to  return  to  his  flock.  First,  how- 
ever, he  took  care  to  attend  the 
Council  at  Alexandria,  called  to  heal 
the  wounds  of  the  Church,  and,  after- 


wards, like  a  skilful  physician,  he 
made  a  progress  through  all  the 
provinces  of  the  East,  strengthening 
those  that  were  weak  in  the  Faith, 
and  confirming  them  in  Christian 
doctrine.  Then,  with  the  same 
healthful  results,  he  passed  through 
Illyricum  into  Italy,  who,  at  his  com- 
ing, laid  aside  her  garments  of  mourn- 
ing. After  his  return,  he  published 
an  expurgated  edition  of  Origen's 
Commentary  on  the  Psalms,  and  like- 
wise of  the  works  of  Eusebius  of 
Caesarea,  both  which  he  translated 
from  Greek  into  Latin.  At  length, 
distinguished  by  all  these  great  works, 
he  passed  to  that  crown  of  glory 
which  fadeth  not  away,  promised  to 
them  who  suffer  for  the  truth.  He 
departed  this  present  life  at  Vercelli, 
[in  371,]  in  the  reign  of  Valentinian 
and  Valens. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xvi.  24,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  (J>.  494.) 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  Thou  hast  prevented  him, 
&c,  (p   490.) 

If  this  day  be  an  Ember-Day,  the 
Ninth  Lesson  is  0/  that;  in  which 
case  the  Ninth  Lesson  from  the  Homily 
is  either  omitted  or  read  together  with 
the  Eighth. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  of  the 
Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  17th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Eleutheropolis,  in  Palestine,  the 
holy  martyrs  Florian,  Calanicus,  and 
fifty -and -eight  others,  their  Compan- 
ions, who  were  slain  by  the  Saracens 


664 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


for  Christ's  faith's  sake  in  the  time 
of  the  Emperor  Heraclius. 

At  Marseilles,  in  Gaul,  blessed 
Lazarus,  [called  first]  Bishop  [of  that 
city,]  of  whom  it  is  written  in  the 
Gospel  that  the  Lord  raised  him  from 
the  dead. 

At  Rome,  holy  John  de  la  Matha, 
founder  of  the  Order  of  the  most  Holy 
Trinity  for  the  redemption  of  captives. 
[He  died  in  the  year  12 13.]  His 
feast  is  kept  upon  the  8th  day  of 
February  by  order  of  Innocent  XI. 

In  the  monastery  of  Fulda,  [in  the 
year  779,]  the  holy  Abbat  Sturmius, 
[of  the  Order  of  St  Benedict,  and  first 
Abbat  of  Fulda,]  Apostle  of  Saxony, 
whose  name  Innocent  II.  enrolled 
with  those  of  the  saints  at  the  second 
Council  of  Lateran. 

At  Bigarden,  near  Brussels,  [in  the 
year  n  76,]  the  holy  Virgin  Vivina, 
whose  eminent  holiness  is  oftentimes 
attested  by  miracles.  [Foundress  of 
the  Abbey  of  Bigarden,  in  the 
Diocese  of  Malines.  Of  the  Order 
of  St  Benedict] 

At  Constantinople,  the  holy  widow 
Olympias,  [about  the  year  410;  born 
about  368.] 

In  the  Ardennes,  the  blessed 
Widow  Begga,  sister  of  holy  Ger- 
trude. [She  married  Ansegise,  son 
of  St  Arnoult,  Bishop  of  Metz. 
She  was  born  about  368,  became  a 
widow  in   386,   and  died  about  410.] 

Upon  the  same  day  is  com- 
memorated the  translation  of  the  body 
of  the  holy  martyr  Ignatius,  Patriarch 
of  Antioch,  who  was  the  third  to 
govern  that  church  after  the  blessed 
Apostle  Peter  ;  he  suffered  at  Rome 
under  Trajan,  but  his  body  was 
brought   thence   to  Antioch   and   laid 


in  the  cemetery  of  the  church  outside 
the  gate  which  leadeth  unto  Daphne, 
upon  the  anniversary  of  the  which 
ceremony  holy  John  Chrysostom 
preached  unto  the  people.  In  after- 
times  the  body  was  again  brought 
back  to  Rome,  where  it  is  buried,  and 
highly  honoured  in  the  church  of  St 
Clement  along  with  the  body  of  that 
most  blessed  Pope  and  martyr. 

At     Vespers    a    Commemoration    is 
made  of  the  week-day. 


December  17. 
^  m  art  yro  logy. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  Feast 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  looking 
shortly  to  be  delivered.1 

Upon  the  same  18th  day  of 
December,  were  born  into  the  better 
life— 

At  Philippi,  in  Macedonia,  [in  the 
year  107,]  the  holy  martyrs  Rufus  and 
Zozimus,  who  were  of  the  number  of 
the  disciples  by  whom  the  early 
Church  was  founded  among  the  Jews 
and  Greeks  of  whose  happy  contend- 
ing holy  Polycarp  writeth  in  his 
Epistle  unto  the  Philippians. 

At  Laodicea,  in  Syria,  the  holy 
martyrs  Theotimus  and  Basilian. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Quintus 
Simplicius  and  others,  who  suffered 
in  the  persecution  under  the  Emperors 
Decius  and  Valerian. 

There  also  the  holy  martyr  Moy- 
setes. 

Likewise  in  Africa  also,  the  holy 
martyrs  .  Victurus,  Victor,  Victorinus, 
Adjutor,  Quartus,  and  thirty  others. 

At     Mopsuestia,     in     Cilicia,     holy 


1  This  feast  is  not  contained  in  the  Calendar  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  and  is  of  Spanish 
origin.  In  the  Mozarabic  Rite  the  Feast  of  the  Annunciation  is  kept  on  December  18,  and 
is  still  so  kept  although  another  Feast  of  the  Annunciation  has  been  added  upon  March  25  out 
of  deference  to  the  custom  of  the  rest  of  Christendom.  It  will  be  observed  that  this  feast 
coincides  with  the  beginning  of  the  Great  O's,  and  unless  December  18  should  be  a  Sunday, 
the  Antiphon  in  the  Commemoration  of  the  week-day  at  First  Vespers  is  "  O  Wisdom." 


feast-days: in  December. 


665 


Auxentius,  Bishop  [of  that  see  ;]  he  was 
originally  a  soldier  under  the  Emperor 
Licinius,  but  chose  rather  to  cast  away 
his  military  belt  than  to  offer  grapes 
to  Bacchus  ;  he  afterwards  became  a 
Bishop,  and  fell  asleep  in  peace, 
famous  for  worthy  deeds,  [fourth 
century.]  # 

At  Tours,  holy  Bishop  Gratian,  who 
was  ordained  by  holy  Pope  Fabian  as 
the  first  Bishop  of  that  city,  and  fell 
asleep  in  the  Lord,  famous  for  many 
miracles.  [He  was  a  disciple  of  the 
Apostles.] 

December  18. 

©ffitce  in  ijonour  of  tije  Blesses 
Uirgin  jlarp_  looking  sfjortlg 
to  oe  oelibereo* 

Greater  Double. 

Whatever  is  not  specially  given  here 
is  from  the  Common  Office  for  Feasts 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  {p.  552,)  except 
that  the  last  verse  of  the  Hy7nn  is  not 
altered  in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

Prayer  throughoitt. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  will  that  Thy 
^-^  Word  should,  by  the  message  of 
an  Angel,  take  flesh  in  the  womb  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  grant  unto 
us,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  all  we  who 
do  believe  her  to  be  in  very  deed  the 
Mother  of  God,  may  be  holpen  by  her 
prayers  in  Thy  sight.  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.      Amen. 


man  whose  name  was  Joseph ;  and 
the  virgin's  name  was  Mary. 

Second  Antiphon.  Hail  Mary,  *  full 
of  grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee  :  blessed 
art  thou  among  women.     [Alleluia.] 

Third  Antiphon.  Fear  not,  Mary, 
*  thou  hast  found  grace  with  the 
Lord  :  behold,  thou  shalt  conceive,  and 
bring  forth  a  son.      [Alleluia.] 

Fourth  Antiphon.  The  Lord  shall 
give  unto  Him  the  throne  of  His  father 
David,  and  of  His  kingdom  there  shall 
be  no  end. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Behold  the  hand- 
maid of  the  Lord :  *  be  it  unto  me 
according  to  thy  word. 

Hymn.  Creator  of  the  starry  pole, 
&c,  (p.  213.) 

Verse.     Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace. 
Answer.     The  Lord  is  with  thee. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come 
upon  thee,  O  Mary,— fear  not ;  thou 
shalt  bear  in  thy  womb  the  Son  of  God. 
Alleluia. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day.  Antiphon,  "  O,"  &c,  (p. 
244.) 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Hail,  Mary,  full  of 
grace,  *  the  Lord  is  with  thee. 

Hymn.  Supernal  Word,  &c,  {p. 
214.) 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Behold,  our  Lord 
cometh  with  power,  and  He  shall 
lighten  the  eyes  of  His  servants.  Al- 
leluia. 


FIRST    VESPERS. 


First  Antiphon.    The  Angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  *  to  a  virgin  espoused  to  a 


Ps.  viii.     O  Lord,  our  Lord,  &c, 

(A  7.) 

Second  Antiphon.     1  Drop  down,  ye 
heavens,  from  above,  and  let  the  skies 

1  Isa.  xlv.  8. 


666 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF   THE  SAINTS. 


pour  down  the  Righteous  One :  let  the 
earth  open,  and  let  her  bring  forth  the 
Saviour. 

Ps.  xviii.     The  heavens  declare,  &c., 

(A  if.) 

Third  Antiphon.  l  Behold,  the 
Name  of  the  LORD  cometh  from  far, 
and  His  brightness  filleth  the  world. 

Ps.  xxiii.     The  earth  is  the  Lord's, 

&c,  (p.  46.) 

Verse.  Out  of  Zion,  the  Perfection 
of  beauty, 

Answer.  Our  God  shall  come 
manifestly. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Isaiah  (vii.  10.) 

Moreover  the  LORD  spake  again, 
&c,  {p.  226.) 

First  Responsory. 

The  sceptre  shall  not  depart,  &c, 

(p.  257.) 

Second  Lesson. 

And  there  shall  come  forth  a  rod, 
&c,  (p.  227,)  down  to  "faithfulness 
the  girdle  of  His  reins,"  in  the  next 
Lesson. 

Second  Responsory. 

2  There  shall  come  a  Star  out  of 
Jacob,  and  a  Man  shall  rise  out  of 
Israel,  and  shall  smite  through  all  the 
princes  of  the  aliens  ;  and  all  the  earth 
shall  be  His  possession. 

Verse.  Out  of  Jacob  shall  come  He 
that  shall  have  dominion,  and  shall 
destroy  him  that  remaineth  of  the  city. 

Answer.  And  all  the  earth  shall  be 
His  possession. 


Third  Lesson. 

The  wilderness  and  the  solitary 
place,  &c,  {p.  256.) 

Third  Responsory. 

The  Lord  shall  come  down  like 
rain,  &c,  {p.  241.) 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  3  Out  of  Zion  shall 
go  forth  the  law,  and  the  word  of  the 
Lord  from  Jerusalem. 

Ps.  xliv.  My  heart  is  overflowing, 
&c,  (p.  96.) 

Second  Antiphon.  4  Lo,  this  is  our 
God,  we  have  waited  for  Him,  and  He 
will  save  us.     Alleluia. 

Ps.  xlv.  God  is  our  refuge,  &c,  {p. 
97-) 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  com- 
eth !  go  ye  out  to  meet  Him,  and  say : 
How  great  is  His  dominion,  and  of 
His  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end ! 
He  is  the  Mighty  God,  the  Ruler,  the 
Prince  of  Peace  !     Alleluia. 

Ps.  lxxxvi.  Her  foundation,  &c, 
(A  1 44-) 

Verse.  5  There  shall  come  forth  a 
rod  out  of  the  stem  of  Jesse. 

Answer.  And  a  flower  shall  grow 
out  of  his  roots. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Alonzo,  Archbishop  [of  Toledo.] 
{Book  on  the  Maidenhood  of  Blessed 
Mary.) 

r\  MY  Suzeraine  and  my  Lady,  who 
^^^  bearest  rule  over  me,  Mother  of 
my  Lord,  handmaid  of  thy  Son,  who 
gavest  birth  to  Him  Who  made  the 


1  Isa.  xxx.  27. 
4  Isa.  xxv.  9. 


2  Num. 
5  Isa.  xi 


xxiv.  17,  19. 
.  I. 


3  Isa.  ii.  3. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


667 


world,  I  beseech  thee,  I  pray  thee,  I 
ask  thee,  that  I  may  have  the  spirit  of 
thy  Lord,  and  the  spirit  of  thy  Son, 
yea,  and  the  spirit  of  my  Redeemer, 
to  enable  me  to  think  what  is  true  and 
worthy  concerning  thee,  to  speak  what 
is  true  and  worthy  concerning  thee, 
and  to  love  whatsoever  is  true  and 
worthy  concerning  thee.  Thou  hast 
been  chosen  of  God,  taken  of  God, 
called  of  God ;  thou  art  very  nigh 
unto  God,  thou  cleavest  unto  God, 
thou  art  bound  unto  God  ;  thou  wast 
visited  by  an  Angel,  saluted  by  an 
Angel,  blessed  by  an  Angel,  called 
happy  by  an  Angel ;  troubled  at  his 
saying,  perplexed  in  thought,  con- 
founded at  the  salutation,  wonderstruck 
at  the  words  of  the  message. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Behold,  the  Virgin   shall   conceive, 
&c,  {p.  217.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

''THOU  hearest  that  thou  hast  found 
grace  with  God,  and  thou  art 
bidden  not  to  fear  ;  thence  thou  art 
strengthened  with  confidence,  and  art 
taught  to  know  wonders,  and  carried 
forward  to  new  tidings  of  unheard-of 
glory.  The  Angel  doth  thee  to  wit 
that  thou  shalt  be  a  mother,  and,  with 
offspring  in  thy  womb,  thou  remainest 
untouched  and  virgin.  Then  the  assur- 
ance of  thy  maidenhood  is  set  forth 
before  us,  and  the  Angel  preacheth 
unto  thee  the  glad  tidings  that  that 
Holy  Thing  Which  shall  be  born  of 
thee  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God, 
and  anon,  the  wondrous  message  of 
the  power  of  the  King  that  is  to  come. 
Thou  askest  how  this  shall  be,  thou 
wouldest  know  whence  it  cometh,  thou 
enquirest  as  to  the  reason,  thou  seekest 
to  understand  the  anomaly,  thou  art 
fain  to  learn  the  order  of  things.     Hear 


then  a  mystery  unheard  hitherto,  be- 
hold an  operation  hitherto  unknown, 
turn  thine  eyes  upon  a  thing  secret, 
hitherto  unsuspected,  learn  of  a  work 
hitherto  unwrought.  "The  Holy 
Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the 
power  of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow 
thee." 

Fifth  Responsory. 

Drop   down,   ye  heavens,   &c,    {p. 

253-) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  LL  the  Trinity  is  at  work  in  thee 
to  make  thee  conceive,  but  it  is 
the  Son  of  God  alone  Whose  Person 
taketh  Flesh  in  thee  as  thy  Child. 
And  "therefore  also  that  Holy  Thing 
Which  shall  be"  conceived  in  thee, 
brought  forth  of  thee,  produced  of 
thee,  sprung  of  thee,  "born  of  thee, 
shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God." 
For  "He  shall  be  great,"  He  shall 
be  the  God  of  powers,  the  King  of 
all  ages,  the  Maker  of  all  things. 
Behold,  "blessed  art  thou  among 
women,"  Virgin  among  mothers,  Lady 
among  damsels,  Queen  among  sisters. 
Behold,  for  this  "all  generations  shall 
call  thee  blessed,"  all  the  powers  of 
heaven  know  thee  to  be  blessed,  all 
the  Prophets  tell  that  thou  art  blessed, 
all  nations  proclaim  thee  blessed. 
And,  for  us,  blessed  our  faith  calleth 
thee,  blessed  do  our  souls  call  thee, 
blessed  doth  our  love  call  thee,  blessed 
do  our  hymns  call  thee,  and  blessed 
shall  my  words  call  thee. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

The   Lord   will    teach   us,   &c,  {p. 

242.) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  LORD  shall 
give  that  which  is  good,  and  our  Land 
shall  yield  her  increase. 


668 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Ps.  lxxxiv.  Lord,  Thou  hast  been 
favourable,  &c,  {p.  143.) 

Second  Antiphon.  He  that  is  both 
God  and  Man  shall  come  of  the  house 
of  David,  and  sit  in  David's  seat. 
Alleluia. 

Ps.  Ixxxvi.  Her  foundation,  &c, 
(A  M4-) 

Third  Antiphon.  Tell  it  out  among 
the  people,  and  say :  Behold,  God 
our  Saviour  cometh. 

Ps.  xcv.      O  sing  unto   the  Lord, 

&c,  (A  148.)  ' 

Verse.  The  Lord  goeth  forth  from 
His  holy  place. 

Answer.  He  cometh  to  save  His 
people. 

If  this  day  be  Ember- Wednesday, 
the  following  Lessons  are  not  read, 
but,  instead,  those  for  Wednesday  on 
pp.  249,  250,  {but  the  Responsories 
are  unaltered.) 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is   taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.  26.) 

AT  that  time:  The  Angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  from  God,  unto  a  city 
of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to  a 
Virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose  name 
was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David  : 
and  the  Virgin's  name  was  Mary. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  the  Venerable  Bede, 
Priest  [at  Jarrow.]  {On  Luke  i.,  and 
in  the  Homilies  for  the  Winter  Season. 
Ember-  Wednesday  in  December. ) 

There  is  sent  from  God  unto  the 
Virgin  Mary  the  Angel  Gabriel,  which 
name,  being  interpreted,  signifieth 
"  Strong-man-of-God."  For  he  came 
as  the  messenger  of  Him,  Who  was 
pleased  to  appear  weak  in  order  that 
He   might  prevail  against  the  prince 


of  the  power  of  the  air,  (Eph.  ii.  2,) 
of  Him  of  Whom  it  is  said  by  the 
Psalmist,  "The  Lord  strong  and 
mighty,  the  LORD  mighty  in  battle," 
(xxiii.  8,)  and  again,  "The  Lord  of 
hosts,  He  is  the  King  of  glory,"  (10.) 
Therefore  it  was  assigned  to  the 
Strong-man-of-God  to  announce  that 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  mighty  in  battle, 
was  coming  to  wage  war  against  the 
powers  of  the  air. 

"  And  the  Angel  came  in  unto  her, 
and  said  :  Hail,  thou  that  art  full  of 
grace  ;  the  Lord  is  with  thee  ;  blessed 
art  thou  among  women." 

Meetly  is  she  styled  "full  of  grace" 
who  hath  attained  a  grace  gained  by 
no  other,  that,  namely,  of  conceiving 
and  bringing  forth  the  actual  Author 
of  grace. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

Hail,   Mary,  full  of  grace,  &c,   {p. 

215.) 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  A  ND  behold,  thou  shalt  conceive 
in  thy  womb,  and  bring  forth 
a  Son,  and  shalt  call  His  Name 
Jesus." 

The  name  Jesus  is  interpreted 
"  Saviour,"  or  "  Saving,"  to  which 
meaning  the  Angel  pointed  when  he 
said  to  Joseph  :  "  Thou  shalt  call  His 
name  Jesus,  for  He  shall  save  His 
people  from  their  sins."  (Matth.  i. 
21.)  He  saith  not  that  "He  shall 
save  the  people  of  Israel,"  but  that 
"  He  shall  save  His  people,"  that  is 
to  say,  a  people  gathered  into  one 
faith  from  among  both  the  circumcised 
and  the  uncircumcised,  who  being  thus 
gathered  in,  there  should  be  one  fold 
and  one  Shepherd.      (John  x.  16.) 

"  He  shall  be  great,  and  shall  be 
called  the  Son  of  the  Highest ;  and 
the  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  Him 
the  throne  of  His  father  David." 

He,    then,    that    was    conceived  in 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


669 


that  virginal  womb,  and  brought  forth 
therefrom,  was  the  Son  of  the  Highest. 
He  that  in  time  was  made  of  His 
mother  (Gal.  iv.  4)  is  God,  begotten 
of  the  P'ather  before  all  worlds.  But 
if  the  same  Person  Who  is  Man  is 
God,  let  Nestorius  cease  from  saying 
that  it  was  the  Man  only  Who  was 
born  of  the  Virgin. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

Receive,  O  Virgin  Mary,  &c,  {p. 
219,)  with  the  following  addition, 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  thou  shalt  be  called 
blessed  among  all  women. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"^THEREFORE  also  that  Holy 
Thing  Which  shall  be  born  of 
thee  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God." 

Jesus  alone  is  said  to  be  born  an 
Holy  Thing,  to  distinguish  such  holi- 
ness from  any  holiness  of  ours.  We 
may  indeed  be  made  holy,  but  we 
are  not  born  holy,  for  we  are  hampered 
by  the  corrupt  condition  of  our  nature, 
so  that  every  one  of  us  may  well 
groan  and  say  with  the  Prophet, 
"  For,  behold,  I  was  shapen  in 
iniquity,  and  in  sin  did  my  mother 
conceive  me."  (Ps.  1.  7.)  He  alone 
is  absolutely  and  essentially  Holy, 
Who  to  counteract  the  corruptible  con- 
dition in  nature,  was  conceived  with- 
out fleshly  coition. 

"  That  Holy  Thing  Which  shall  be 
born  of  thee  shall  be  called  the  Son 
of  God."  What  can  be  said  to  this 
by  a  Nestorian,  who,  by- denying  that 
the  Blessed  Mary  was  Mother  of  God, 
flieth  directly  in  the  face  of  this  truth  ? 
Here  is  a  distinct  statement  that  God 
is  to  come  upon  her,  and  therefore 
that  the  Thing  to  be  born  is  the  Son 
of   God.     What    escape    therefore    is 


there  from  one  of  two  conclusions, 
viz.,  either  (1)  that  the  Son  of  God  is 
not  God,  or  (2)  that  she  who  brought 
forth  God  is  rightly  called  Theotokos, 
that  is,  Mother-of-God ? 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  *  to  a  virgin  espoused  to  a 
man  whose  name  was  Joseph ;  and 
the  virgin's  name  was  Mary. 

Second  Antiphon.  Hail,  Mary,  * 
full  of  grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee  : 
blessed  art  thou  among  women. 

Third  Antiphon.  Fear  not,  Mary,  * 
thou  hast  found  grace  with  the  Lord  : 
behold,  thou  shalt  conceive,  and  bring 
forth  a  Son. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  The  Lord  shall 
give  unto  Him  the  throne  of  His 
father  David,  and  of  His  kingdom 
there  shall  be  no  end. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Behold  the  hand- 
maid of  the  Lord  :  *  be  it  unto  me 
according  to  thy  word. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  xi.  1.) 

HTHERE  shall  come  forth  a  rod  out 
of  the  stem  of  Jesse,  and  a 
Flower  shall  grow  out  of  his  roots. 
And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  rest 
upon  Him. 

Hymn.  Hark  a  joyful  voice,  &c, 
(A  218.) 

Verse.  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come 
upon  thee. 

Answer.  And  the  power  of  the 
Highest  shall  overshadow  thee. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
He  shall  sit  upon  the  throne  of  David, 
and  of  his  kingdom,  for  ever. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day. 


670 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.     The  Angel  Gabriel,  &c, 
(First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory  is  said, 

Verse.     Thou  that  art  to  come  into 
the  world. 


MARTYROLOGV. 

Upon  the  19th  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life— ^ 

At  Alexandria,  in  Egypt,  the  blessed 
martyr  Nemesius.  He  was  first 
brought  before  the  judge  on  a  false 
accusation  that  he  was  a  thief,  and 
was  acquitted ;  but  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Decius  he  was 
accused  of  Christianity  before  the 
judge  ^Emilian,  by  whom  he  was  put 
to  the  double  punishment  and  con- 
demned to  be  burnt  along  with  thieves. 
In  the  which  thing  he  was  conformed 
to  the  likeness  of  the  Saviour,  who 
was  crucified  between  thieves. 

At  Nice,  [now  Isnik,  in  Bithynia,] 
the  holy  martyrs  Darius,  Zosimus, 
Paul,  and  Secundus,  [in  the  fourth 
century.] 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyrs 
Cyriacus,  Paulillus,  Secundus,  Anas- 
tasius,  Syndimius,  and  their  Com- 
panions, [in  the  fourth  century.] 

In  Morocco,  [in  the  fourth  century,] 
the  holy  martyr  Timothy,  the  Deacon, 
who  after  a  terrible  imprisonment  was 
cast  into  the  fire  for  Christ's  faith's 
sake,  and  so  finished  his  testimony. 

At  Gaza,  in  Palestine,  [in  the  third 
century,]  the  holy  martyrs  Meuris  and 
Thea. 

At  Auxerre,  the  holy  Confessor 
Gregory,  [looked  on  as  12th]  Bishop 
[of  that  see,  successor  of  St  Theodore, 
in  the  year  530.] 

At  Orleans,  the  holy  Abbat  Adjutus, 
famous  for  the  spirit  of  prophecy. 


At  Rome,  holy  Fausta,  the  mother 
of  holy  Anastasia,  eminent  for  her 
rank  and  godliness,  [at  the  end  of  the 
third  century.] 

At  Avignon,  the  blessed  Pope 
Urban  V.,  who  performed  the  highest 
service  to  the  Church  :  he  restored 
the  Apostolic  seat  to  Rome,  he  com- 
pleted the  union  of  the  Greeks  and 
the  Latins,  he  brought  the  unbelievers 
into  subjection.  His  very  ancient 
veneration  was  ratified  and  confirmed 
by  Pope  Pius  IX. 

Chapter  at  the  e?id.      (Isa.  xiv.  8.) 

]P\ROP  down,  ye  heavens,  from 
above,  and  let  the  skies  pour 
down  the  Righteous  One :  let  the 
earth  open,  and  let  her  bring  forth 
the  Saviour.  I  the  LORD  have 
created  Him. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Hail,  Mary,  &c, (Second 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

1  Thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  arise  and  have 
mercy  upon  Zion. 

Answer.  Thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  arise 
and  have  mercy  upon  Zion. 

Verse.  For  the  time  to  favour  her, 
yea,  the  set  time,  is  come. 

Answer.      Have  mercy  upon  Zion. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  arise 
and  have  mercy  upon  Zion. 

Verse.  Drop  down,  ye  heavens, 
from  above,  and  let  the  skies  pour 
down  the  Righteous  One. 

Answer.  Let  the  earth  open,  and 
let  her  bring  forth  the  Saviour. 


1  Ps.  ci.  14. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   DECEMBER. 


671 


SEXT. 

Antiphan.  Fear  not,  &c,  {Third 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (Isa.  vii.  14.) 

DEHOLD,  the  virgin  shall  conceive 
and  bear  a  Son,  and  His  Name 
shall  be  called  Emmanuel.  Butter 
and  honey  shall  He  eat,  that  He  may 
know  to  refuse  the  •  evil,  and  choose 
the  good. 

Short  Responsory. 

Drop  down,  ye  heavens,  from  above, 
and  let  the  skies  pour  down  the  Right- 
eous One. 

Answer.  Drop  down,  ye  heavens, 
from  above,  and  let  the  skies  pour 
down  the  Righteous  One. 

Verse.  Let  the  earth  open,  and  let 
her  bring  forth  the  Saviour. 

Answer.  Let  the  skies  pour  down 
the  Righteous  One. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Drop  down,  ye  heavens, 
from  above,  and  let  the  skies  pour 
down  the  Righteous  One. 

Verse.  1  Send  forth  the  Lamb,  O 
Lord,  the  Ruler  of  the  land. 

Answer.  From  the  rock  in  the 
Wilderness  unto  the  mount  of  the 
daughter  of  Zion. 


Answer.  Send  forth  the  Lamb,  O 
Lord,  the  Ruler  of  the  land. 

Verse.  From  the  rock  in  the 
wilderness  unto  the  mount  of  the 
daughter  of  Zion. 

Answer.     The  Ruler  of  the  land. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Send  forth  the  Lamb,  O 
Lord,  the  Ruler  of  the  land. 

Verse.  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come 
upon  thee. 

Answer.  And  the  power  of  the 
Highest  shall  overshadow  thee. 

SECOND   VESPERS. 


Same  as  the  First,  except  the  follow- 


ing. 


of 


Fifth  Antiphon.      Of    the    fruit 
thy  body  will  I  set  upon  thy  throne. 

Ps.  cxxxi.  Lord,  remember  David, 
&c,  {p.  193.) 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  O  maiden  of  maidens,  how 
shall  this  be,  since  neither  before  nor 
henceforth  hath  there  been,  nor  shall 
be  such  another  ?  Daughters  of 
Jerusalem,  why  look  ye  curiously  upon 
me  ?  What  ye  see  is  a  mystery  of 
God. 

Co7n7iiemoration  of  the  Week-day, 
Antiphon,   "  O,"  &c,   (p.   244.) 


NONE. 


Antiphon.     Behold   the   handmaid, 
&c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 


December  19. 
martyrology. 


To-morrow  is  the  eve  of  the  holy 
Apostle  Thomas. 

Upon  the  same  20th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, were  born  into  the  better  life — 
At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  Liberatus 
Send  forth  the  Lamb,  O  Lord,  the      and  Bajulus. 
Ruler  of  the  land.  At    Alexandria,    the    holy    soldiers 


Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 
Short  Responsory. 


1  Isa.  xvi.  1. 


672 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Ammon,  Zeno,  Ptolemy,  Ingenes,  and 
Theophilus,  all  martyrs.  They  were 
on  guard  beside  the  judgment-seat 
when  a  certain  Christian  who  was 
under  the  torture  began  to  waver  and 
was  almost  giving  way,  and  they  tried 
by  signs  to  encourage  him  to  hold 
out;  for  this  cause  all  the  people  cried 
out  against  them,  and  they  came  for- 
ward and  confessed  themselves  to  be 
Christians  ;  and  Christ,  who  Himself 
had  given  such  steadfastness  unto  His 
own,  did  Himself  most  gloriously 
triumph  in  their  victory,  [in  the  year 
249.] 

At  Geldube,  [in  Thrace,]  the  holy 
martyr  Julius,  [fourth  century.] 

In  Arabia,  the  holy  martyrs  Eugen- 
ius  and  Macarius,  two  Priests  who 
blamed  the  ungodliness  of  the  Em- 
peror Julian  the  Apostate,  and  for 
that  cause  were  most  cruelly  flogged 
and  sent  out  into  the  great  desert, 
where  they  were  slain  with  the  sword, 
[in  the  year  362.] 

At  Antioch,  holy  Philogonius,  Patri- 
arch of  the  see.  He  was  an  advocate 
when  he  was  called  by  the  will  of 
God  to  govern  that  church,  and  first 
took  up  the  contending  for  the 
Catholic  faith  along  with  holy  Bishop 
Alexander,  and  his  Companions,  against 
Arius.  He  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord, 
illustrious  for  good  works,  [in  the 
year  322.]  Holy  John  Chrysostom 
preached  an  eloquent  sermon  on  his 
feast-day. 

At  Brescia,  the  holy  Confessor 
Dominic,  Bishop  [of  that  see,  about 
the  year  612.] 

On  this  day  is  commemorated  the 
burial  in  Spain  of  holy  Dominic,  Abbat 
of  Silos,  [in  the  diocese  of  Burgos,  in 
Castille,  which  abbey  he  founded,]  of 
the  Order  of  St  Benedict,  very  famous 
for  his  miracles  wrought  for  the  libera- 
tion of  captives.  [He  died  in  his 
monastery  at  Silos,  on  December  14, 
1073.] 


December  20. 


MARTYROLOGY. 


Upon  the  21st  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

Upon  the  Coromandel  coast  of 
India,  not  far  from  Madras,  the 
blessed  Apostle  Thomas.  He  preached 
the  Gospel  to  the  Parthians,  Medes, 
Persians,  and  Hyrcanians,  and  at 
length  came  into  India,  and  was  teach- 
ing the  Christian  religion  to  those  people 
when  the  king  commanded  him  to  be 
run  through  with  lances,  and  so  he  died. 
His  relics  were  taken  first  to  the  city 
of  Edessa  and  afterwards  to  Ortona. 

In  Tuscany,  the  holy  martyrs  John 
and  Festus. 

In  Lycia,  the  holy  martyr  Them- 
istocles.  Under  the  Emperor  Decius 
he  gave  himself  up  for  holy  Dioscorus, 
when  they  were  seeking  after  him  to 
slay  him,  and  was  first  racked,  taken 
down  and  dragged  about,  and  beaten 
with  cudgels,  gained  the  crown  of 
martyrdom  [in  the  year  249.] 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  Priest 
Glycerius,  who  suffered  many  torments 
in  the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Diocletian,  and  was  at  length  cast  in 
the  fire,  and  so  finished  his  testimony. 

At  Antioch,  the  holy  martyr  Anas- 
tasius,  Bishop  [of  that  see,]  who  was 
cruelly  murdered  by  the  Jews  in  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Phocas,  [in  the 
year  609.] 

At  Treves,  the  holy  Confessor  Sever- 
inus,  Bishop  [of  that  see,  fourth 
century.] 

Vespers  are  of  the  following. 

December  21. 
fk  £0omae,  &poetk. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Apostles,  {p.  462,)  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


673 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Thomas,  because  thou  hast 
seen  Me,  thou  hast  believed  ;  blessed 
are  they  that  have  not  seen,  and  yet 
have  believed.     Alleluia. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

/^RANT  unto  us,  O  Lord,  we  be- 
^^  seech  Thee,  to  glory  in  the 
solemn  commemoration  of  Thy 
blessed  Apostle  Thomas ;  and,  be- 
ing defended  by  his  protection,  to 
follow  always  with  meet  godliness 
the  pattern  of  his  faith.  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. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  1  Cor.  iv.  1,  {p.  466.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T^HE  Apostle  Thomas,  called  Didy- 
mus,  or  the  Twin,  was  a  Gali- 
lean. After  the  descent  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  he  went  into  many  provinces 
to  preach  Christ's  Gospel.  He  gave 
knowledge  of  the  rules  of  Christian 
faith  and  life  to  the  Parthians,  Medes, 
Persians,  Hyrcanians,  and  Bactrians. 
He  went  last  to  the  East  Indies. 
Here  he  provoked  the  anger  of  one 
of  the  idolatrous  kings,  because  the 
holiness  of  his  life  and  teaching,  and 
the  number  of  his  miracles,  drew 
many  after  him,  and  brought  them 
to  the  love  of  Christ  Jesus.  He 
was  therefore  condemned,  and  slain 
with  lances.     He  crowned  the  dignity 


of  the  Apostleship  with  the  glory  of 
martyrdom,  on  the  Coromandel  coast, 
not  far  from  Madras. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

It  is  written,  &c,   {from  the  Com- 
mon  Office,  Fourth  Lesson.) 


Sixth  Lesson. 
So  much  power,  &c,  {p.  469.) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is   taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (xx.  24.) 

A  T  that  time :  Thomas,  one  of  the 
twelve,  called  Didymus,  was  not 
with  them  when  Jesus   came.     And 
so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     (26th  on  the  Gospels.) 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  what  is 
it  in  this  passage  which  particularly 
claimeth  our  attention  ?  Think  ye 
that  it  was  by  accident  that  this 
chosen  Apostle  was  not  with  them 
when  Jesus  came  ?  or,  when  he 
came,  heard  ?  or,  when  he  heard, 
doubted  ?  or,  when  he  doubted,  felt  ?  or 
when  he  had  felt,  believed  ?  All  these 
things  were  not  accidental,  but  Pro- 
vidential. It  was  a  wonderful  pro- 
vision of  Divine  mercy,  that  this  in- 
credulous disciple,  by  thrusting  his 
fingers  into  the  bodily  Wounds  of  his 
Master,  should  apply  a  remedy  to  the 
spiritual  wounds  of  unbelief  in  our 
souls.  The  doubts  of  Thomas  have 
done  us  more  good  than  the  faith 
of  all  the  disciples  that  believed. 
While  he  feeleth  his  way  to  faith, 
our  minds  are  freed  from  doubt,  and 
settled  in  faith. 


674 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

"pVEN  as  the  Lord  before  His 
birth  willed  that  Mary  should 
be  espoused,  and  yet  never  lose  her 
virginity,  so,  after  His  Resurrection, 
He  willed  that  His  disciple  should 
doubt,  and  yet  not  lose  his  faith. 
For,  even  as  the  espoused  husband 
was  the  keeper  of  the  virginity  of 
the  Mother,  so  was  the>-  disciple  who 
doubted  and  felt,  the  witness  of  the 
truth  of  the  Resurrection.  He  felt, 
and  cried  out :  "  My  Lord  and  my 
God.  JESUS  saith  unto  him  :  Thomas, 
because  thou  hast  seen  Me,  thou  hast 
believed."  When  the  Apostle  Paul 
saith  (Heb.  xi.  i):  "Faith  is  the 
substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the 
evidence  of  things  not  seen "  —  he 
plainly  meaneth  that  faith  is  the  evi- 
dence of  things  that  cannot  be  seen. 
When  they  are  seen,  there  remaineth 
not  faith,  but  knowledge. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

If  this  day  be  an  Ember-day  this 
Lesson  is  of  that,  and  then  the  fol- 
lowing is  either  omitted,  or  read  as 
one  with  the  preceding. 

'"THOMAS,  then,  seeth,  and  be- 
lieveth.  Why  is  it  said  to 
him :  "  Because  thou  hast  seen  Me, 
thou  hast  believed  ? "  The  truth  is, 
he  saw  one  thing,  and  so  believed 
another.  To  mortal  man  it  is  not 
given  to  see  God.  He  therefore 
saw  only  the  Manhood,  and  yet  had 
faith  in  the  Godhead  :  "My  Lord 
and  my  God."  This  he  said,  see- 
ing and  believing,  seeing  Perfect 
Man,  and  yet  believing  in  Perfect 
God,  Whom  he  could  not  see.  O 
what  a  comfort  are  the  words  which 
follow  !  "  Blessed  are  they  that  have 
not  seen,  and  yet  have  believed." 
These     words     are     specially    meant 


for  us,  who  have  not  seen  even  the 
Flesh,  and  who  yet  do  believe.  They 
are  specially  meant  for  us  if  we  be- 
lieve and  do  not,  by  our  lives,  give 
the  lie  to  our  belief.  He  only  hath  a 
saving  faith,  whose  faith  beareth  fruit. 

At  Lauds,  Antiphon  at  the  Song 
of  Zacharias,  the  same  as  at  that  at 
First   Vespers. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  22nd  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  between  the  two  Laurels 
upon  the  Lavican  Way,  thirty  holy 
martyrs,  who  were  all  crowned  in 
one  day  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian. 

There  likewise  the  holy  Flavian, 
the  ex- Prefect  [of  Rome],  who  for 
Christ's  sake  was  first  branded  and 
then  banished  under  the  Emperor 
Julian  the  Apostate.  He  was  sent 
to  Bagni  di  Ferrata,1  [near  Civita 
Vecchia,]  where  he  gave  up  his  soul 
to  God  in  prayer,  [in  the  year  362.] 

At  Ostia,  the  holy  martyrs  Deme- 
trius,  Honoratus,  and  Florus. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyr  Is- 
chyrion.  Many  injuries  and  reproaches 
were  cast  upon  him  to  make  him  sacri- 
fice to  idols,  but  he  despised  them,  and 
was  handed  over  to  be  slain  by  the 
driving  of  a  sharp  stake  through  the 
midst  of  his  bowels,  [in  the  year  250.] 

In  Egypt,  [in  the  third  century,] 
holy  Chaeremon,  Bishop  of  Nilopolis, 
and  many  other  martyrs,  of  whom 
some,  scattered  in  flight  to  escape 
the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Decius,  were  killed  by  wild  beasts 
as  they  wandered  in  the  desert ;  some 
were  destroyed  by  hunger,  cold,  and 
sickness ;  and  some  were  murdered 
by  savages  and  robbers. 


1  Formerly  called  from  its  discoverer  Aqua  Tauri. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    DECEMBER. 


675 


At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  soldier 
Zeno,  who  made  a  jest  upon  the 
Emperor  Diocletian  as  he  was  offer- 
ing sacrifice  to  Ceres,  and  for  this 
cause  had  his  jaws  broken,  his  teeth 
beaten  out,  and  his  head  cut  off. 

At  Vespers,  Afitiphon  at  the  Song 
■of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  the  sa?ne  as  at 
First  Vespers. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day. 

December  22. 
martyrology. 

Upon  the  23d  day  of  December, 
were  born  into  the  better  life— 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Virgin  and 
martyr  Victoria  [de  Tivoli.]  She 
was  espoused  to  one  Eugenius,  a 
heathen,  and  during  the  persecu- 
tion under  the  Emperor  Decius  she 
would  neither  marry  Eugenius  nor 
offer  sacrifice  unto  idols,  but  worked 
many  miracles,  whereby  she  gathered 
many  virgins  unto  God,  and  the  exe- 
cutioner stabbed  her  to  the  heart 
with  his  sword  at  the  request  of  her 
espoused  husband. 

At  Nicomedia,  twenty  holy  martyrs 
during  the  persecution  under  the  Em- 
peror Diocletian,  after  they  had  been 
most  grievously  tormented. 

There  likewise,  in  the  same  per- 
secution, the  holy  martyrs  Migdonius 
and  Mardonius,  of  whom  the  one  was 
burnt  and  the  other  cast  into  a  ditch, 
and  so  died.  Then  also  suffered  the 
Deacon  of  holy  Anthimus,  Bishop  of 
Nicomedia,  who  was  bringing  a  letter 
to  the  martyrs  when  he  was  taken  by 
the  Gentiles  and  stoned  to  death,  and 
so  passed  hence  to  be  ever  with  the 
Lord. 

In  Crete,  the  holy  martyrs  Theo- 
dulus,  Saturninus,  Euporus,  Gelasius, 
Eunician,  Zeticus,  Cleomenes,  Aga- 
thopus,  Basilides,  and  Evaristus,  who 
suffered   great   cruelties  in  the  perse- 


cution under  the  Emperor  Decius,  and 
were  beheaded.  [They  are  often  called 
the  Ten  Martyrs  of  Crete.] 

At  Rome,  blessed  Servulus,  con- 
cerning whom  holy  Gregory  writeth 
that  from  his  childhood  even  unto 
the  end  of  his  life  he  lay  paralysed 
in  a  porch  hard  by  the  church  of 
St  Clement,  and  at  the  end  he  was 
called  by  songs  of  angels,  and  passed 
away  into  the  glory  of  Paradise,  [in 
the  year  57b.]  God  doth  very  often 
show  miracles  at  his  grave. 

December  23. 
martyrology. 

The  morrow  is  the  Eve  of  the 
birth  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Upon  the  same  24th  day  of  De- 
cember, were  born  into  the  better 
life— 

At  Antioch,  forty  holy  Virgins  and 
martyrs,  who  there  finished  their  testi- 
mony by  divers  torments  in  the  per- 
secution under  the  Emperor  Decius. 

At  Spoleto,  the  holy  Priest  Gregory 
[of  Spoleto],  a  martyr  in  the  time  of 
the  Emperors  Diocletian  and  Maxi- 
mian,  he  was  beaten  with  knotted  cud- 
gels, laid  upon  a  grating  over  fire, 
imprisoned,  his  knees  hammered  with 
iron  combs,  burning  lamps  set  to  his 
sides,  and  at  last  beheaded. 

At  Tripoli,  the  holy  martyrs  Lucian, 
Metrobius,  Paul,  Zenobius,  Theotimus, 
and  Drusus. 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyr 
Euthymius,  who  sent  many  before 
him  to  martyrdom,  in  the  persecu- 
tion under  the  Emperor  Diocletian, 
and  then  was  himself  pierced  through 
with  the  sword,  and  so  followed  them 
unto  their  crown. 

At  Bordeaux,  holy  Delphinus,  Bish- 
op [of  that  see  from  380-404,  when 
he  died,]  who  was  a  burning  and  shin- 
ing light  of  holiness  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperor  Theodosius. 


676 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


In  Poland,  [in  the  year  1473,]  the 
holy  Confessor  John  of  Kenty,  a  secular 
Priest,  famous  for  his  learning,  his 
zeal  for  the  spreading  of  the  faith, 
his  graces,  and  his  miracles,  whose 
feast  we  have  kept  upon  the  22nd 
day  of  October. 

At  Rome,  [about  the  year  550,]  the 
holy  Virgin  Tharsilla,  father's  sister  to 
holy  Pope  Gregory,  of  whom  he  wit- 
nesseth  that  at  the  hour  of  her  going 
forth  she  saw  Jesus  coming  unto  her. 

At  Treves,  the  holy  Virgin  Irmina, 
daughter  to  King  Dagobert  [II.  She 
was  Abbess  of  the  monastery  of  Hor- 
rein,  and  lived  from  about  the  year 
672  to  about  the  year  71  5.] 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    JANUARY. 

The  earlier  Feast-days  in  January 
are  given  in  the  Office  of  the  Season. 

On  the  earliest  day  not  occupied  by 
an  Office  with  Nine  Lessons,  is  said 
the  Office  of  the  Dead. 


January  7. 
martyrology. 

Upon  the  8th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Beauvais,  in  Gaul,  the  holy 
martyrs  Lucian  the  Priest  [first  Bishop 
of  that  see,]  Maximian,  and  Julian. 
Maximian  and  Julian  were  slain  by 
the  persecutors  with  the  sword,  but 
the  blessed  Lucian,  who  had  come 
into  Gaul  with  holy  Denis,  did 
not  receive  the  like  treatment  until 
after  great  suffering,  the  which  not- 
withstanding, he  feared  not  to  con- 
fess aloud  the  name  of  Christ.  [He 
died  in  the  year  312.] 

Likewise  the  holy  martyr  Eugenian 
[Bishop  of  Autun.] 

In   Lybia,  the  holy  martyrs  Theo- 


philus  the  Deacon,  and  Helladius,  who 
were  first  torn  and  mangled  with  sharp 
potsherds,  and  then  cast  into  the  fire, 
and  so  gave  up  their  souls  to  God. 

At  Venice,  [in  the  year  1455,]  the 
blessed  Confessor  Lawrence  de'  Gius- 
tiniani,  the  first  Patriarch  of  that  city  ; 
he  was  filled  very  abundantly  with 
learning  and  gifts  of  divine  wisdom 
from  on  high,  and  Alexander  VIII. 
enrolled  his  name  among  those  of 
the  saints.  We  keep  his  festival 
upon  the  fifth  day  of  September. 

At  Hierapolis,  in  Asia,  holy  Apolli- 
naris,  Bishop  [of  that  see,]  who  was 
eminent  for  holiness  and  learning,  in 
the  time  of  the  Emperor  Marcus  An- 
toninus Verus. 

At  Naples,  in  Campania,  holy  Sever- 
inus,  Bishop  [of  that  see,]  brother  of  the 
blessed  martyr  Victorinus  ;  he  wrought 
many  good  works,  and  fell  asleep  full 
of  holiness,  [in  the  year  540.] 

At  Pavia,  the  holy  Confessor  Maxi- 
mus,  Bishop  [of  that  see,  successor  to 
St  Epiphanius.  He  took  part  in  the 
4th  and  6th  Councils  of  Rome,  held 
by  Pope  Symmachus  against  the  Anti- 
pope  Lawrence  at  the  beginning  of  the 
sixth  century.] 

At  Ratisbon,  holy  Bishop  Erhard. 

At  Metz,  holy  Patient,  Bishop  [of 
that  see,  in  the  second  century.] 

On  the  same  day,  [in  the  year  482,] 
in  Bavaria,  the  holy  Abbat  Severinus, 
who  spread  the  Gospel  among  that 
people,  and  is  called  the  Apostle  of 
the  [Austrians  and]  Bavarians.  His 
body  was,  by  the  will  of  God,  brought 
to  Monte  -  feltro,  near  Naples,  and 
thence  it  hath  been  since  taken  to 
the  monastery  of  St  Severino. 

January  8. 

martyrology. 

Upon  the  9th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At     Antioch,     in     the     persecution 


FEAST-DAYS    IN   JANUARY. 


677 


under  the  Emperors  Diocletian  and 
Maximian,  the  holy  martyr  Julian, 
along  with  whom  is  commemorated 
the  holy  Virgin  Basilissa,  his  wife, 
who  kept  her  virginity  with  her  hus- 
band and  ended  her  life  in  peace. 
A  multitude  of  priests  and  ministers 
of  the  Church  of  Christ  had  taken 
refuge  with  them  because  of  the 
fury  of  the  persecution.  They  were 
burnt  with  fire,  and  Julian,  by  com- 
mand of  the  President  Marcian,  was 
thereafter  made  to  suffer  many  tor- 
ments and  was  then  beheaded. 
Along  with  him  there  suffered  also 
the  Priest  Anthony  and  Anastasius, 
whom  Julian  had  raised  from  the 
dead  and  made  a  partaker  of  the, 
grace  of  Christ,  and  the  lad  Celsus, 
together  with  his  mother,  Marcion- 
illa,  and  seven  brethren,  and  many 
others. 

In  Morocco,  [in  the  fourth  century,] 
the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Marciana, 
who  was  thrown  to  wild  beasts  and 
so  finished  her  testimony. 

At  Smyrna,  the  holy  martyrs 
Vitalis  (probably  a  Bishop,  and  the 
others  were  most  likely  Deacons),  Re- 
vocatus,  and  Fortunatus. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Epic- 
tetus,  Jucundus,  Secundus,  Vitalis, 
Felix,  and  seven  others,  [in  the  year 
205.] 

At  Sebaste,  in  Armenia,  [in  the 
year  392,]  holy  Peter,  Bishop  [of 
that  see,]  brother  of  holy  Basil  the 
Great  [also  of  St  Gregory  of  Nyssa. 
His  father  was  St  Basil  the  Elder, 
his  mother  St  Emmelia,  and  his 
grandmother  St  Macrina.  He  was 
made  head  of  his  convent  in  the 
year  362,  when  St  Basil  was  made 
bishop,  St  Basil  having  before  been 
Abbat  thereof.] 

At  Ancona,  holy  Marcellinus,  Bish- 
op of  that  city,  the  which,  as  holy 
Gregory  writeth,  he  did  through  the 
power  of  God   deliver  from   burning. 


[He  succeeded  St  Traso  in  the  Bishop- 
ric about  the  year  550,  and  was  fol- 
lowed by  St  Thomas  about  the  year 
569.  He  is  secondary  Patron  of 
Ancona.] 

January  9. 

martyrology. 

Upon  the  10th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

In  Cyprus,  the  blessed  Nicanor, 
one  of  the  seven  first  Deacons,  who 
was  wondrous  for  the  grace  of  faith 
and  power,  and  received  a  most 
glorious  crown,  [in  the  year  35  or 
76.] 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Pope  Agatho, 
who  was  eminent  for  holiness  and 
learning,  and  fell  asleep  in  peace, 
[in   the  year   682.] 

At  Bourges,  in  Aquitaine,  [in  the 
year  1209,]  the  holy  Confessor  Wil- 
liam, Archbishop  [of  that  see,]  famous 
for  signs  and  works  of  power,  whose 
name  Honorius  III.  enrolled  with 
those  of  the  saints. 

At  Milan,  the  holy  Confessor  John, 
surnamed  the  Good,  Archbishop  of 
that  city,   [in  the  year  659.] 

In  the  Theba'id,  blessed  Paul,  the 
first  Hermit,  who  from  the  sixteenth 
even  unto  the  hundred  and  thirteenth 
year  of  his  age  dwelt  alone  in  the 
desert,  [in  the  year  342,]  holy  An- 
thony saw  his  soul  borne  heavenward 
by  angels  between  the  choirs  of  the 
Apostles  and  of  the  Prophets.  We 
keep  his  feast  upon  the  15th  day 
of  this   present  month   of  January. 

At  Constantinople,  the  holy  Priest 
Marcian,   [about  the  year  489-] 

In  the  monastery  of  Cusan,  [in  the 
diocese  of  Perpignan,]  the  holy  Con- 
fessor Peter  Urseoli,  who  was  some- 
time Doge  of  Venice,  and  then  be- 
came a  monk  of  the  Order  of  St 
Benedict,  and  was  famous  for  god- 
liness and  works  of  power,  [in  the 
year   997.] 


678 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF  THE  SAINTS. 


January  io. 
martyrology. 

Upon  the  i  ith  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Pope  Hyginus, 
who  achieved  martyrdom  gloriously 
in  the  persecution/  under  the  Em- 
peror   Antonine. 

In  Africa,  [about  the  year  142,]  the 
blessed  martyr  Salvius,  upon  whose 
feast-day  holy  Austin  preached  to  the 
people  of  Carthage. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyrs 
Peter,   Severus,   and  Leucius. 

At  Fermo,  in  Picenum,  the  holy 
martyr  Alexander,  Bishop  [of  that 
see.] 

At  Amiens,  the  holy  martyr  Sal- 
vius, Bishop  of  that  see,  [in  the  be- 
ginning of  the  seventh  century.] 

At  Brindisi,  the  holy  Confessor 
Leucius,  Bishop  of  that  see,  [in  the 
end  of  the  second  century.] 

At  Marissa,  in  Cappadocia,  the 
holy  Abbat  Theodosius,  [head  of  all 
the  monasteries  of  Palestine,]  who 
suffered  many  things  for  the  Catholic 
faith,  but  at  length  fell  asleep  in 
peace,  [in  the  year  529.] 

In  the  Thebai'd,  [about  the  year 
330,]  the  holy  Abbat  Palaemon,  the 
teacher  of  holy  Pachom. 

At  Castel-Saint-Elie,  [about  the  year 
577,]  hard  by  Mount  Soracte,  the 
holy  monk  Anastasius  and  his  Com- 
panions, whom  the  Lord  called  to 
pass  away  unto  Him. 

At  Pavia,  the  holy  virgin  Honorata, 
[in  the  year  500.] 

At  Vespers  is  made  a  Commemora- 
tion of  St  Hyginus?-  Pope  and 
martyr,  all  from  the  Common  Office, 
A   482. 

Prayer,  "  Mercifully  consider  of  our 
weakness,"  &c.  {p.  491.) 


January  ii. 

At  Lauds  is  made  a  Commemora- 
tion of  St  Hyginus,  Pope  and  martyr, 
all  from  the  Common  Office,  p.  491. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  12th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyr  Tatiana, 
in  the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Alexander.  She  was  lacerated  with 
hooks  and  combs,  thrown  to  wild 
beasts,  and  cast  into  the  fire,  but 
as  she  remained  unhurt,  was  at 
length  beheaded,  and  so  passed 
away  to  heaven. 

In  the  Peloponnesos,  the  holy 
martyr  Satyrus.  As  he  was  pass- 
ing before  a  certain  idol  he  breathed 
upon  it,  and  signed  himself  with  the 
sign  of  the  cross  upon  his  own  fore- 
head, whereupon  the  idol  straight- 
way fell  down,  and  for  this  cause 
Satyrus  was  beheaded,  [in  the  year 
267.] 

Upon  the  same  day,  [in  Morocco, 
in  the  year  259]  the  holy  martyr  Ar- 
cadius,  eminent  for  his  rank  and  his 
miracles. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Zoticus, 
Rogatus,  Modestus,  Castulus,  and  a 
crown  of  forty  soldiers. 

At  Constantinople,  the  holy  martyrs 
Tigrius  the  Priest  and  Eutropius  the 
Reader,  who  suffered  in  the  time  of 
the   Emperor  Arcadius. 

At  Tivoli,  [in  the  year  126,]  the 
holy  martyr  Zoticus. 

At  Ephesus,  forty-two  holy  monks, 
who  were  most  cruelly  tortured  and 
suffered  martyrdom  under  the  Em- 
peror Constantine  Copronymus  for 
the  honouring  of  holy  images. 

At  Ravenna,  the  holy  Confessor 
John,  Archbishop  of  that  see,  [about 
the  year  489.] 


1  Elected  Pope  in  the  year  139.     Died  142. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


679 


At  Verona,  holy  Probus,  Bishop  of 
that  see,  [about  the  year  236.] 

In  England,  [in  the  year  690,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Benedict  Biscop, 
founder,  and  Abbat  of  the  monas- 
tery of  Jarrow  -  upon  -  Tyne,  whose 
feast  we  keep  upon  the  12th  day 
of  February. 

January  12. 
martyrology. 

The  morrow  is  the  Octave  of  the 
Epiphany  of  the   Lord. 

Upon  the  same  13th  day  of  Janu- 
ary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Lavican  Way, 
forty  holy  soldiers  who  earned  crowns 
of  martyrdom  for  confessing  the  true 
faith  under  the  Emperor  Gallienus. 

In  Sardinia,  the  holy  martyr  Poti- 
tus,  who  suffered  many  things  under 
the  Emperor  Antoninus  and  the  Pre- 
sident Gelasius,  and  at  last  was  mar- 
tyred with  the  sword. 

At  Semenden,  in  Upper  Mysia,  the 
holy  martyrs  Hermylus  and  Stratoni- 
cus,  who  were  cruelly  tortured  under 
the  Emperor  Licinius,  and  then 
drowned  in  the  Danube. 

At  Cordova,  [in  the  year  852,]  the 
holy  martyrs  Gumesindus  the  Priest 
and  Servant-of-God  the  monk. 

At  Poitiers,  in  Gaul,  the  holy  Con- 
fessor Hilary,  Bishop  of  that  see. 
He  was  a  stalwart  champion  of  the 
Catholic  faith,  for  the  which  cause 
he  was  banished  for  four  years  into 
Phrygia.  Among  other  miracles 
which  he  wrought  he  raised  a  dead 
man  to  life,  [about  the  year  369.] 
The  Supreme  Pontiff  Pius  IX.  con- 
firmed and  published  his  title  of 
Doctor  of  the  Universal  Church. 
We  keep  his  feast  upon  the  morrow. 

At  Cassarea,  in  Cappadocia,  holy 
Leontius,  Bishop  of  that  see,  who 
contended  manfully  against  the  Gen- 
tiles   under    the    Emperor    Licinius, 


and  against  the  Arians  under  the 
Emperor   Constantine. 

At  Treves,  [in  the  year  335,]  holy 
Agritius,   Bishop  of  that  see. 

In  the  monastery  of  Vergy,  the 
holy  Confessor  Viventius,  [about  the 
year  400.] 

At  Amasea,  [in  the  year  324,]  in 
Pontus,  the  holy  Virgin  Glaphyra. 

[In  the  year  1497,]  in  the  monas- 
tery of  St  Martha,  at  Milan,  the 
blessed  Virgin  Veronica  of  Binasco, 
of  the  Order  of  St  Austin. 

January  13. 
martyrology. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  Hilary,  Bishop 
of  Poitiers,  and  Doctor  of  the  Church, 
who  passed  away  to  heaven  upon  this 
present  day. 

Upon  the  same  1 4th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Nola,  in  Campania,  the  holy 
Priest  Felix.  Holy  Paulinus,  Bishop 
of  the  same  city,  writeth  that  after  the 
persecutors  had  put  Felix  to  the 
torture  they  committed  him  to  prison, 
where  they  laid  him  in  chains,  upon 
shells  and  potsherds,  but  in  the  night 
an  angel  loosed  him  and  led  him 
forth.  In  after-times,  when  the  perse- 
cution was  over  and  he  had  turned 
many  to  Christ  by  his  example  and 
teaching,  he  fell  asleep,  famous  for 
miracles,   [about  the  year  256.] 

In  Judea,  the  holy  Prophet  Malachi, 
[415  B.C.] 

Upon  Mount  Sinai,  thirty-eight  holy 
monks,  who  were  massacred  by  the 
Saracens  for  Christ's  faith's  sake,  [in 
the  year  373.] 

In  the  country  of  Rhaithia,  in  Egypt, 
forty-three  holy  monks  who  were  mas- 
sacred by  the  Blemmyes  for  the  Christ- 
ian religion's  sake,  [in  the  year  373.] 

At  Milan,  [in  the  year  552,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Datius,  Bishop  of  that 


68o 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


see,  of  whom  blessed  Pope  Gregory 
maketh  mention. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  Bishop  Euphras- 
ius,  [in  the  year  515.] 

In  Syria,  holy  Julian  of  Saba,  the 
elder,  who  in  the  time  of  the  Emperor 
Valens,  by  the  power  of  his  miracles, 
set  up  again  at  Antioch  the  Catholic 
faith,  when  it  was  almost  quite  fallen 
away. 

At  Neo  -  Caesarea,  in  Pontus,  [in 
the  fourth  century,]  holy  Macrina, 
a  disciple  of  blessed  Gregory  the  won- 
der-worker, and  grandmother  of  holy 
Basil,  whom  she  trained  up  in  the 
faith. 

January  14. 

&t  hilars,  33  isftop  [of  Poitiers,] 
Confessor  atto  ©octor  of  tije 
Cfjurrf). 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {f>.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

VESPERS. 

These  Vespers  are  of  the  Octave  of 
the  Epiphany  as  the  Second  Vespers 
of  the  Feast,  viz. :  Psalms  as  on 
Sunday,   and  Antiphons  from  Lauds, 

(P-    337). 

Commemoration  of  St  Hilary, 
Bishop,  Confessor,  and  Doctor.  O 
right  excellent  Teacher,  &c,  (J>. 
5I5-) 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office.  O 
God,  Who  didst  give,  &c,  {p.  524.) 

Prayer  as  on  p.  359. 

Commemoration  of  St  Felix,  Priest 
and  Martyr,  from  the  Common  Office 
for  one  Martyr,  {p.  482,)  with  the 
following. 


Prayer. 

("""RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  AI- 
^^  mighty  God,  that  the  example  of 
Thy  Saints  may  continually  stir  us  up 
to  amend  our  sinful  lives,  that  as  we  do 
solemnly  commemorate  them,  we  may 
also  sincerely  strive  to  imitate  them. 
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. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

HP  HIS  Hilary  was  born  of  a  noble 
family  in  Acquitaine,  and  is 
distinguished  as  a  divine  and  an 
orator.  He  was  married  in  his  earlier 
life,  but  even  then  lived  the  life  of  a 
monk  :  and  on  account  of  his  remark- 
able holiness,  was  ultimately  made 
Bishop  of  Poitiers,  [about  the  year 
353,]  in  which  office  he  did  his  duty 
so  as  to  gain  the  universal  praise  of 
the  faithful.  At  that  time  the  Em- 
peror Constantius  was  persecuting  the 
Catholics  by  threats,  by  the  plundering 
of  their  goods,  by  exile,  and  at  length, 
by  every  species  of  cruelty,  in  order 
to  force  them  to  yield  to  the  Arian 
heresy.  Against  the  Arians  Hilary 
set  himself  up  as  a  brazen  wall,  and 
turned  upon  himself  the  fierceness  of 
their  anger.  They  assailed  him  by 
many  artifices,  and  at  last  Saturnine, 
Bishop  of  Aries,  at  the  Council 
of  Beziers,  [in  356,]  procured  his 
banishment  to  Phrygia.  During  this 
exile  he  raised  a  dead  man  to  life, 
and  wrote  a  work  in  twelve  books 
on  the  Trinity,  against  the  Arians. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


68 1 


Fifth  Lesson. 

TN  [the  year  359,]  the  fourth  of  his 
exile,  took  place  the  Council  of 
Seleucia  in  Isauria,  at  which  Hilary 
was  obliged  to  be  present,  but  after- 
wards withdrew  to  Constantinople. 
Here  he  realised  more  sharply  the 
awful  nature  of  this  crisis  in  the  history 
of  Christianity,  published  three  pam- 
phlets in  the  form  of  letters  to  the 
Emperor,  and  demanded  from  that 
Prince  leave  to  hold  a  public  disputa- 
tion in  his  presence.  The  Arian 
Bishops  Ursacius  and  Valens,  whom 
Hilary  had  already  confuted  in  writing, 
were  afraid  to  meet  him  in  debate, 
and  therefore  induced  Constantius, 
under  pretence  of  pardon,  to  send 
him  back  to  his  Bishoprick,  [in  360.] 
His  mother,  the  Church  of  Gaul,  to 
use  the  language  of  Jerome,  received 
him  with  open  arms  on  his  return 
from  the  battle  with  the  heretics. 
He  was  followed  to  Poitiers  by  Mar- 
tin, afterwards  Bishop  of  Tours, 
whose  after  holiness  was  a  fruit  of 
his  teaching. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

TTENCEFORTH  he  ruled  the 
Church  of  Poitiers  in  great 
peace.  By  his  exertions  the  Church 
of  Gaul  was  led  to  denounce  the 
Arian  blasphemy.  His  wonderful 
learning  is  seen  in  his  numerous  works, 
of  which  Jerome  write th  to  Lseta 
that  he  deemeth  them  quite  faultless. 
"  One  can  follow  Hilary  in  his  books," 
saith  he,  "without  tripping  once." 
He  passed  from  earth  to  heaven  upon 
the  thirteenth  day  of  January,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  369,  in  the  reign  of 
the  Emperors  Valentinian  and  Valens. 
He  had  already  been  called  an  illus- 
trious Doctor  of  the  Church,  by  many 
Fathers  and  Councils,  and  was  so 
styled  in  the  Liturgy  in  some  Diceceses, 
when   at  length,  [in  the  year   1850,] 


Pope  Pius  IX.,  at  the  prayer  of  the 
Synod  of  Bordeaux,  and  in  accordance 
with  a  resolution  of  the  Sacred  Con- 
gregation of  Rites,  proclaimed  and 
confirmed  the  title,  and  commanded 
that  the  Mass  and  Office  of  his  Feast 
should  be  everywhere  said  as  those 
of  a  Doctor. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Gospel,  Matth.  v.  13,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Hilary,  (p.  550,)  with 
the  second  section  thereof  beginning, 
"  This  thing,  therefore,  thus  made  to 
serve,  &c," — read  together  as  one. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

Continuation  of  the  same  Homily, — 
"  But  the  nature  of  salt,  &c." 

Eighth  Responsory. 

In  the  midst  of  the  congregation, 
&c,  (p.  539.) 


Ninth  Lesson. 

(For  St  Felix,  Priest  and  Martyr.) 

T^ELIX  was  a  Priest  of  Nola,  who 
on  account  of  his  fiery  zeal 
against  idolatry,  suffered  much  perse- 
cution from  the  heathens,  and  was 
cast  into  prison.  From  thence  an 
angel  delivered  him  by  night,  and 
bade  him  go  to  Maximian,  Bishop  of 
Nola.  This  Bishop,  enfeebled  by  old 
age,  had  at  length  despaired  of  power 
to  withstand  the  torments  of  the  perse- 
cutors, and  had  hidden,  himself  in  a 
wood.  Thither  came  Felix,  by  the 
will  of  God,  and  found  the  holy  bishop 
lying  half-dead  upon  the  ground.  He 
succoured  him,  and  carried  him  upon 
his  shoulders  to  the  house  of  an  holy 
widow.     On   another  occasion,   Felix, 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF  THE  SAINTS. 


having  again  provoked  the  anger  of 
the  devil-worshippers,  became  an  object 
of  their  pursuit,  from  which  he  hid 
himself  in  a  narrow  place  between  two 
walls.  Hardly  had  he  entered,  when 
some  spiders  wove  their  webs  across 
the  entrance,  which  the  enemy  per- 
ceiving, concluded  that  no  man  had 
entered,  and  passed  by.  After  leaving 
this  hiding-place,  Felix  lay  for  three 
months  in  the  house  of  an  holy  woman. 
After  the  Lord  gave  peace  to  His 
Church,  the  Saint  returned  to  Nola, 
where  he  turned  many  to  Christ  by 
his  life,  his  preaching,  and  his  mir- 
acles. He  steadily  refused  to  accept 
the  Bishoprick,  fell  asleep  in  the 
Lord,1  and  was  buried  at  Nola  in  the 
place  called  "The  Pines." 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast  of 
holy  Paul,  the  first  hermit,  who  was 
borne  to  his  place  among  the  blessed 
upon  the  ioth  day  of  this  present 
month  of  January. 

In  the  country  of  Angers,  the  blessed 
Maurus,  [founder  and]  Abbat  [of  Glan- 
feuil,]  a  disciple  of  St  Benedict,  by 
whom  he  was  trained  from  his  child- 
hood, and  made  such  headway  that  in 
obedience  to  him  he  walked  upon 
water,  a  thing  new  and  almost  unheard 
of  since  the  time  of  the  Apostle  Peter. 
Benedict  sent  him  into  Gaul,  where  he 
built  a  famous  monastery,  whereof  he 
was  Abbat  for  forty  years,  and  fell 
asleep  in  peace,  illustrious  for  miracles, 
[in  the  year  584.] 

In  Judea,  the  holy  prophets  Habak- 
kuk  and  Michah,  [606  years  before 
Christ,]  whose  bodies  were  found  by 
revelation  from  God  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperor  Theodosius  the  elder,  [be- 
tween the  years  of  Our  Lord  346  and 

395-] 

At    Anagni,    the    holy    Virgin    and 


martyr  Secundina,  who  suffered  under 
the  Emperor  Decius. 

At  Cagliari,  in  Sardinia,  the  holy 
martyr  Ephisius,  who  under  the  judge 
Flavian,  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian,  was  strengthened 
by  God  to  overcome  many  torments, 
but  in  the  end  was  beheaded,  and  so 
rose  to  heaven  a  conqueror. 

At  Nola,  in  Campania,  [about  the 
year  252,]  holy  Maximus,  Bishop  of 
that  see. 

In  Auvergne,  in  Gaul,  [in  the  year 
710,]  the  holy  Confessor  Bonitus, 
Bishop  of  that  see. 

In  Egypt,  the  holy  Macarius,  [in 
the  year  391,]  Abbat  [of  Scittir,]  a 
disciple  of  blessed  Anthony,  and  very 
famous  for  his  life  and  miracles. 

Likewise  [in  Egypt,  in  the  year  391,] 
blessed  Isidore,  famous  for  the  holi- 
ness of  his  life,  his  faith,  and  his 
miracles. 

At  Rome,  holy  John,  called  the 
hidden,  who  lived  unknown  to  his 
kinsfolk  for  a  while  in  a  corner  of  his 
father's  house,  and  then  in  a  hut  upon 
an  island  in  the  Tiber,  where  he  was 
recognised  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
and,  famous  for  miracles,  was  buried 
in  the  same  place,  where  afterward 
a  church  was  built  in  his  name,  [in 
the  year  450.] 

Vespers  of  the  following,  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 

January  15. 

%X  Paul,  tfje  jftrst  permit, 
Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Confessor,    {p.    531,)  except  what 
otherwise  given  here. 

Prayer  throughout  the    Office. 


1  About  the  year  256. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


683 


God,  Who  year  by  year  dost  gladden 
us,  &c.  (J>.  491.) 

The  First  Vespers,  as  regards  St 
Paid,  begin  with  the  Chapter. 

A  Com?nemoration  is  made  of  the 
preceding  : 

Antiphon.     O  right  excellent,  &c. 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  chosen  him 
for  a  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Answer.  To  offer  up  unto  Him  the 
sacrifice  of  praise. 

Prayer  from  the  Common  Office  as 
during  the  day. 

A  Iso  a  Commemoration  of  St  Maurus, 
Abbat.  Antiphon.  "  Well  done,  thou 
good  and  faithful  servant,  &c."  Verse. 
"The  Lord  guided  the  just,  &c,"  and 
the  Answer — all  as  if  from  Lauds,  and 
the  Prayer,  "  O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee 
that  the  prayers,  &c." 

Note.  Even  if  the  Feast  of  St  Paul 
be  suppressed,  these  Commemorations, 
Antiphons,  Verses,  Answers,  and 
Prayers  remain  as  above. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 
Fourth  Lesson. 

TDAUL  the  first  hermit,  and  model 
of  all  others,  was  a  native  of  the 
lower  Theba'id  in  Egypt.  At  the  age 
of  fifteen  years  he  lost  both  his  parents. 
In  order  to  escape  from  the  persecu- 
tion of  Decius  and  Valerian,  and  to 
serve  God  in  quietness,  he  betook 
himself  to  a  cave  in  the  desert.  Here 
there  was  a  palm-tree,  on  the  fruit  of 


which  he  lived,  and  of  whose  leaves 
he  made  his  raiment  until  he  attained 
the  age  of  1 1 3  years.  At  that  time  * 
Anthony,  being  now  himself  aged  90 
years,  received  a  command  from  God 
to  go  and  see  him.  They  met  with- 
out knowing  one  another's  names,  and 
saluted  one  another,  after  which  they 
fell  straightway  into  a  long  discourse 
concerning  the  kingdom  of  God.  Now 
it  so  happened  that  a  raven  had  of  a 
long  time  brought  Paul  every  day 
half  a  loaf,  but  on  this  day  while 
they  spake  together  he  brought  a 
whole  one. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"\17"HEN  the  raven  had  flown  away 
vv  _«Well,"  quoth  Paul,  "the 
Lord  hath  sent  us  our  dinner.  Truly 
He  is  gracious  ;  truly  He  is  merciful. 
It  is  now  sixty  years  that  I  have  had 
half  a  loaf  of  bread  every  day,  but 
now  that  thou  art  come,  Christ  giveth 
His  soldiers  double  rations."  Then 
they  asked  a  blessing,  and  ate  to- 
gether, sitting  by  a  spring.  When 
they  were  refreshed,  they  returned 
thanks,  as  is  the  custom,  and  after- 
wards spent  the  whole  night  praising 
God.  At  break  of  day  Paul  felt  the 
approach  of  death,  and  desired 
Anthony  to  bring  the  cloak  which 
Athanasius  had  given  him,  to  use 
for  his  winding-sheet.  While  Anthony 
was  on  his  way  back  from  this  journey, 
he  saw  in  a  vision  the  soul  of  Paul 
ascending  to  heaven,  surrounded  by 
choirs  of  angels,  and  accompanied  by 
the  Prophets  and  Apostles. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

"IXT'HEN   Anthony  reached  the  cell 

of   Paul,    he    found    the  dead 

body  of  the  Saint  in  a  kneeling  posture, 

with    the    head    thrown    up    and    the 


1  In  the  year  342. 


684 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


hands  stretched  out  towards  heaven. 
He  immediately  began  to  chant  the 
psalms  and  hymns  ordained  by 
Christian  tradition,  while  he  wrapped 
the  body  in  the  cloak  of  Athanasius. 
He  had  no  spade  to  dig  a  grave,  but 
two  lions  came  raoing  from  the  desert, 
as  though  to  attend  the  burying,  and 
scratched  a  hole  big  enough  to  hold 
a  man's  body,  with  their  paws,  show- 
ing meanwhile  such  signs  of  grief  as 
their  nature  alloweth.  When  they 
were  gone  away,  Anthony  put  the 
holy  body  in  this  hole,  covered  it  with 
earth,  and  arranged  it  like  a  Christian's 
grave.  He  took  away  for  himself 
Paul's  tunic,  which  he  had  woven  out 
of  the  palm-leaves  somewhat  after  the 
manner  of  basket-work,  and  this  tunic 
Anthony  was  in  the  habit  of  wearing 
on  the  great  days  of  the  Passover  and 
Pentecost  as  long  as  he  lived. 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xi.  25,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Austin,  (J>.  545.)  The 
Third  is  either  omitted  or  read  as  one 
with  the  Second,  in  order  to  make 
room  for 

Ninth  Lesson. 

{For  St  Maurus,  Abbat.) 

A/TAURUS  was  born  of  a  noble 
Roman  family,  and  while  he 
was  yet  a  child  was  offered  to  God 
by  his  father  Eutychius,  in  the  order 
and  under  the  personal  teaching  of 
St  Benedict.1  In  a  short  while  he 
made  such  progress  in  the  life  of  grace 
that  he  became  a  wonder  to  his 
master,  who  often  held  him  up  to 
his  other  disciples  as  a  pattern  of 
regular  observance  and  all  virtues. 
While  he  was  yet  very  young,  Pope 
St  Gregory  telleth  a  wonderful  in- 
stance of  his   obedience.     Placid   the 


monk  having  fallen  into  a  lake  where 
he  was  being  swept  away  by  the 
current,  the  holy  Patriarch  called 
Maurus  and  bade  him  run  to  the 
rescue,  which  he  did,  walking  on  the 
water  till  he  reached  Placid,  whom  he 
took  by  the  hair  of  the  head  and 
dragged  to  the  shore.  He  was  sent 
by  St  Benedict  into  France,  where 
he  founded  the  celebrated  monastery 
[of  Glanfeuil,  now  called  St  Maur-sur- 
Loire,]  which  he  governed  for  forty 
years.  He  was  a  zealous  and  success- 
ful propagator  of  monastic  discipline. 
He  passed  to  heaven,  famous  for  holi- 
ness and  miracles,  when  he  was  more 
than  seventy  years  of  age,  in  the 
year  of  Salvation   565. 

LAUDS. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Maurus.  Antiphon.  "  I  will  liken 
him,  &c."  Verse.  "  The  Lord  loved 
him,  &c."  Answer.  "He  clothed 
him,  &c."  Prayer.  "O  Lord,  we 
beseech  Thee  that  the  prayers,  &c." 
(A  545)  —  aH  as  if.  from  First 
Vespers. 

Note.  This  Cof/imemoration  does 
not  change  even  if  the  Feast  of  S. 
Paul  be  suppressed. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  16th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Salarian  Way, 
the  holy  martyr  Pope  Marcellus  [I.], 
who  for  his  confession  of  the  Catholic 
faith  was  first  cudgelled  by  order  of 
the  tyrant  Maxentius  and  then  sent 
to  take  care  of  the  beasts  which  were 
fed  at  the  public  cost,  in  the  which 
service  he  died,  clad  in  sack-cloth, 
[in  the  year  309-310.] 

At  Morocco,  in  Africa,  [in  the  year 


1  This  custom  of  offering  little  children  was  permitted  by  St  Benedict,  but  is  now  forbidden. 
St  Maurus  was  dedicated  at  twelve  years  of  age,  in  the  year  522. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


685 


1220,]  the  holy  martyrs  Berard  [de 
Carbis],  Peter,  Accursius,  Adjutus,  and 
Otho,  of  the  Order  of  Friars  Minors. 

At  Aries,  [in  the  year  429,]  the  holy 
Confessor  Honoratus,  Bishop  of  that 
see,  whose  life  was  rendered  famous 
by  his  teaching  and  miracles. 

At  Moerzo,  theholy  Confessor  Titian, 
Bishop  of  that  see. 

At  Al-Arish,  in  Egypt,  holy  Melas, 
Bishop  of  that  see,  [in  the  fifth  cen- 
tury,] who  was  exiled  under  the  Em- 
peror Valens  and  suffered  other  hard- 
ships for  the  Catholic  faith's  sake,  but 
at  length  fell  asleep  in  peace. 

At  Fondi,  in  Campania,  [in  the 
sixth  century,]  the  holy  Abbat  Honora- 
tus, [who  was  set  over  the  monastery 
of  Fondi  ;]  of  whom  mention  is  made 
by  blessed  Pope  Gregory. 

In  the  monastery  of  Perouse,  the 
holy  Confessor  Fursey,  [Abbat  of 
Lagny,  in  the  year  650.] 

At  Rome,  holy  Priscilla,  who  gave 
up  herself  and  all  that  she  had  to  the 
service  of  the  martyrs. 

At  Second  Vespers  the  first  verse  of 
the  Hymn  is  -altered. 

Co7nmemoration  of  the  following, 
frofn  the  Common  Office,  with  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

January   16. 

&t  JHarceliug,  $oae  an* 
JHartttt* 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  One 
Martyr,  except  what  is  otherwise  given 
here. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Seaso?i. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 


Fourth  Lesson. 


'"PHIS  Marcellus  was  a  Roman,  and 
held  the  supreme  Pontificate 
from  [the  year  of  our  Lord  304,1  in] 
the  reign  of  Constantius  and  Galerius, 
till  [310,  in]  that  of  Maxentius.  It 
was  through  his  persuasion  that  the 
Roman  lady  Lucina  left  the  whole  of 
her  property  to  the  Church  of  God. 
As  the  believers  increased,  he  insti- 
tuted new  titles  in  the  City,  which  he 
divided  after  the  manner  of  dioceses 
for  their  convenience,  and  for  the 
baptism  and  penance  of  heathens  con- 
verted to  Christianity,  and  for  the 
burial  of  the  martyrs.  These  proceed- 
ings excited  the  wrath  of  Maxentius, 
who  threatened  Marcellus  with  the 
heaviest  punishment,  unless  he  would 
lay  down  the  Popedom  and  sacrifice 
to  idols. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

'THE  servant  of  God  treated  with 
contempt  the  mad  cries  of  this 
man,  who  accordingly  took  him  and 
sent  him  to  a  menagerie,  to  take  care 
of  the  beasts  which  were  fed  at  the 
public  cost.  Marcellus  remained  at 
this  place  for  nine  months,  which  he 
spent  in  continual  fasting  and  prayer, 
and,  as  he  could  not  visit  the  parishes 
in  person,  he  wrote  letters  to  them. 
Some  clerks  rescued  him,  and  the 
blessed  Lucina  hospitably  received  him 
into  her  house,  in  which  he  dedicated  a 
Church,  which  is  now  called  St  Marcel- 
lus'. Here  the  Christians  met  to  pray, 
and  the  blessed  Marcellus  himself 
preached. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T^HESE    proceedings   came    to  the 

-*■       knowledge    of   Maxentius,    who 

thereupon  had  the  wild  beasts  brought 

from  the  menagerie  and  located  in  the 


1  Alban  Butler  says  rather  308,  as  Marcellus  did  not  actually  enter  into  occupation. 
VOL.  I.  Z 


686 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


church,  where  Marcellus  was  made  to 
feed  them.  The  noisomeness  of  the 
place  and  the  filthiness  of  his  occupa- 
tion broke  down  a  constitution  already 
enfeebled  by  many  ailments,  and  he 
fell  asleep  in  the  Lord.  The  blessed 
Lucina  buried  his  body  in  the  cemetery 
of  Priscilla,  on  the  Salarian  Way,  on 
the  1 6th  of  January.  He  sat  on  the 
throne  of  Peter  for  five  years,  one 
month,  and  twenty-five  days.  He 
wrote  an  epistle  to  the  Bishops  of  the 
Patriarchate  of  Antioch  on  the  primacy 
of  the  Roman  Church,  wherein  he 
proveth  the  right  of  the  same  Church 
to  be  called  the  head  of  all  the 
Churches.  In  this  letter  he  likewise 
saith  that  no  Council  can  be  lawfully 
gathered  together  except  by  the 
authority  of  the  Roman  Pontiff.  He 
ordained  at  Rome  in  the  month  of 
December  twenty  -  five  Priests,  two 
Deacons,  and  twenty  -  one  Bishops 
for  divers  Sees. 

THIRD  NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.   xvi.   24,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  (p.  494.) 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O   Lord,  Thou  hast  prevented  him, 
&c,  (J>.  490.) 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~~\  LORD,  we  pray  Thee,  mercifully 
^>^  give  ear  unto  the  prayers  of 
Thy  people  who  rejoice  at  the  memory 
of  the  victory  through  suffering  of  Thy 
blessed  Martyr  and  Bishop  Marcellus, 
and  for  his  sake  succour  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. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  17th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 


In  the  Thebaid,  [in  the  year  356,] 
the  holy  Abbat  Anthony,  father  of 
many  monks,  very  illustrious  for  his 
life  and  miracles.  Holy  Athanasius 
hath  chronicled  his  acts  in  a  famous 
book.  His  sacred  body  was  found  by 
the  revelation  of  God  in  the  time  of 
the  Emperor  Justinian  and  brought  to 
Alexandria,  where  it  is  buried  in  the 
Church  of  St  John  the  Baptist. 

At  Langres,  the  holy  triplets  Speu- 
sippus,  Eleusippus,  and  Meleusippus, 
who  were  crowned  with  martyrdom  in 
the  time  of  the  Emperor  Marcus  Aurel- 
ius,  along  with  their  grandmother 
Leonilla. 

At  Rome  is  commemorated  the  find- 
ing of  the  bodies  of  the  holy  mar- 
tyrs Diodorus  the  Priest,  Marian  the 
Deacon,  and  their  Companions,  who 
were  keeping  the  feasts  of  the  mar- 
tyrs in  the  Catacombs  in  the  time  of 
holy  Pope  Stephen,  [in  the  year  257,] 
when  the  persecutors  closed  up  the 
entrance  of  the  Catacomb  and  buried  it 
up,  so  that  they  also  died  as  martyrs. 

On  the  same  day  were  also  born 
into  the  better  life — 

At  Bourges,  [in  the  year  644,]  holy 
Sulpicius,  Bishop  of  that  see,  sur- 
named  the  Pious,  whose  life  and 
precious  death  are  rendered  famous 
by  glorious  miracles. 

In  the  monastery  of  St  Andrew  at 
Rome,  [in  the  sixth  century,]  the 
blessed  monks  Anthony,  Merulus, 
and  John,  of  whom  writeth  holy  Pope 
Gregory. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 
January  17. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Cojnmon  Office  for  Ab- 
bats,  (p.  545,)  except  what  is  otherwise 
given  here. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


687 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office.  O 
Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  the 
prayers,  &c. 

At  First  Vespers  a  Commemoration 
is  made  of  St  Marcellus,  with  Prayer 
as  above. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesso?i. 

A  NTHONY  was  an  Egyptian,  the 
^^  child  of  noble  and  Christian  pa- 
rents, whom  he  lost  while  yet  very 
young.  On  one  occasion  he  entered 
a  Church,  and  heard  these  words  of 
the  Gospel,  (Matth.  xix.  21,)  "  If  thou 
wilt  be  perfect,  go  and  sell  that  thou 
hast,  and  give  to  the  poor."  He  took 
these  words  as  if  they  were  addressed 
to  himself  personally,  for  this  was  the 
obedience  which  he  thought  every 
word  of  the  Lord  Christ  should  meet 
with.  He  therefore  sold  his  whole 
possessions,  and  gave  the  price  to 
the  poor.  Being  thus  delivered  from 
worldly  entanglements,  he  set  himself 
to  lead  on  earth  the  life  of  an  angel. 
Finding  himself,  as  it  were,  about  to 
enter  the  field  of  battle  against  Satan, 
he  thought  it  wisest  to  add  to  the 
shield  of  faith,  which  he  already  pos- 
sessed, all  the  rest  of  the  armour  of 
God,  wherefore  he  observed  all  those 
who  were  eminent  for  any  grace,  and 
strove  to  copy  them. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  T  E  was  excelled  by  none  in  watch- 
fulness  and   self-restraint.      He 
surpassed  all  in  long-suffering,  meek- 
ness,   tenderness,  lowliness,   persever- 


ance, and  continual  study  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures.  He  had  such  a  loathing 
of  the  company  and  conversation  of 
heretics  and  schismatics,  especially 
Arians,  that  he  used  to  say  that  a 
faithful  Christian  ought  as  far  as  pos- 
sible never  to  come  near  any  such. 
He  took  the  sleep  which  was  needful 
for  the  body  lying  on  the  ground. 
Such  was  his  devotion  to  fasting,  that 
he  took  nothing  with  his  bread  but 
salt,  and  drank  only  water  ;  he  never 
ate  or  drank  before  sunset ;  he  often 
abstained  from  food  altogether  for  two 
days  at  a  time  ;  and  very  often  passed 
whole  nights  in  prayer.  Being  so 
valiant  a  soldier  of  God,  Anthony  was 
attacked  by  the  devil  with  divers 
temptations,  but  he  overcame  them 
all  by  prayer  and  fasting.  Neverthe- 
less, these  frequent  triumphs  over 
Satan  did  not  lull  Anthony  into 
security,  for  he  was  well  aware  of  the 
numberless  arts  of  assault  possessed 
by  the  evil  one. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T'HEN  he  betook  himself  into  the 
vast  deserts  of  Africa  that  lie 
near  Egypt.  Day  by  day  he  advanced 
on  the  path  to  perfection.  Day  by 
day  the  attacks  of  the  fiends  became 
more  violent,  but  day  by  day  his' 
strength  grew  greater  to  strive  against 
them.  At  length  he  came  to  mock  at 
the  powerlessness  of  the  devils,  against 
whom  he  stirred  up  his  disciples  to 
fight,  teaching  them  with  what  arms 
to  combat.  "  Believe  me,  my  breth- 
ren," he  used  to  say,  "  Satan  is  afraid 
of  good  men's  watchings,  and  prayers, 
and  fasts,  and  voluntary  poverty,  and 
mercifulness,  and  lowliness,  but  above 
all,  of  their  warm  love  for  Christ  our 
Lord,  the  mere  sign  of  Whose  most 
holy  Cross  is  enough  to  undo  him  and 
put  him  to  flight."  He  became  such 
an  object  of  dread  to  the  devils,  that 
many  persons  throughout  Egypt  who 


688 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


were  tormented  by  them,  were  deliv- 
ered by  calling  on  his  name  :  more- 
over the  fame  of  his  holiness  was  so 
spread  abroad,  that  Constantine  the 
Great  and  his  sons  wrote  to  him  to 
commend  themselves  to  his  prayers. 
In  the  hundred  and  fifth  year  of  his 
age,  and  the  fulness  of  his  reputation 
for  piety  and  miracles,  having  roused 
up  great  numbers  to  follow  his  example, 
he  gathered  his  monks  around  him, 
and  when  he  had  exhorted  them  to 
strive  after  Christian  perfection,  he 
passed  to  heaven  on  the  1 7th  day  of 
January,  [in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
356.] 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xii.  35,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  538.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  Feast 
of  the  See  of  the  holy  Apostle  Peter 
wherein  he  first  sat  at  Rome. 

Upon  the  same  18th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr 
Prisca,  who  after  suffering  many  tor- 
ments was  crowned  with  martyrdom 
under  the  Emperor  Claudius. 

In  Pontus,  the  holy  soldiers  Moseus 
and  Ammonius,  who  were  first  con- 
demned to  penal  servitude  in  the  mines 
and  then  burnt,  [under  the  Emperor 
Decius.] 

Likewise  in  Pontus,  [probably  in 
the  year  196,]  the  holy  martyr  Athe- 
nogenes  the  Old,  called  the  Theo- 
logian, who,  when  he  was  about  to 
suffer  martyrdom  by  fire,  joyfully  sang 
an  hymn,  which  also  he  left  unto  his 
disciples  in  writing. 

At  Tours,  in  Gaul,  [in  the  year 
498,]  holy  Volusian,  Bishop  of  that 
see,    who  was   taken    prisoner   by  the 

1  Part  of  the  mediaeval  hymn  Felix  per  omnes,  &c,  much  altered  ;  author  unknown  ;  transla- 
tion by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 


Goths,  and  while  still  in  exile  gave 
up  his  soul  to  God. 

There  also,  [in  the  year  593,]  the 
holy  hermit  [of  Tourance,]  Leobard, 
who  was  a  bright  light  of  self-denial 
and  lowliness. 

In  Brittany,  holy  Deicola,  Abbat 
[of  Lure,]  [in  the  year  625,]  a  disciple 
of  blessed  Columbanus. 

At  Como,  [in  the  year  581,]  the 
holy  virgin   Liberata. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 


January   18. 

&t  Peter's  Sec  at  2Romc, 

Greater  Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


FIRST    VESPERS. 


Hymn. l 
thou 


shalt    bind    on 


DETER,    whatever 
earth, 
The  same  is  bound  above  the  starry  sky  ; 
What  here  thy  delegated  power  doth  loose, 
Is  loosed   in   heaven's  supremest  court  on 

high: 
To  Judgment   shalt   thou   come  when  the 
world's  end  is  nigh. 

Praise  to  the  Father  through  all  ages  be ! 
The  same  to  Thee,  O  Co-eternal  Son  ! 

And  Holy  Ghost,  One  Glorious  Trinity  ! 
To  Whom  all  majesty  and  might  belong  : 
So  sing  we  now,  and  such  be  our  eternal 
song.     Amen. 

Verse.     Thou  art  Peter. 
Answer.     And  upon  this  rock  I  will 
build  My  Church. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.     Thou  art  the  shepherd  of  the 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


689 


sheep,  and  the  Prince  of  the  Apostles, 
and  unto  thee  are  given  the  keys  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Prayer  and  Commemoration  of  St 
Paul  from  Lauds ;  then  a  Commemora- 
tion of  St  Anthony,  and  lastly  of  St 
Prisca,  Virgin  and  Martyr,  from  the 
Common  Office  for  Virgins  and  Martyrs, 
with  the  following. 

Prayer. 

(""RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  0  Al- 
mighty God,  unto  all  Thy  ser- 
vants who  do  here  keep  the  birthday 
of  Thy  blessed  Virgin  and  Martyr 
Prisca,  and  do  year  by  year  rejoice  at 
her  solemn  commemoration,  that  they 
may  have  grace  to  follow  after  the 
pattern  of  her  great  faith.  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. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Thou  art  the  Shepherd 
of  the  sheep,  and  the  Prince  of  the 
Apostles  :  *  and  unto  thee  hath  God 
given  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

Hymn  from  First  Vespers. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

Here  beginneth   the   First  Epistle  of 
the  l  Blessed  Apostle  Peter  (i.  1.) 

"DETER,  an  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ, 
to  the  strangers  scattered  through- 
out Pontus,  Galatia,  Cappadocia,  Asia, 
and  Bithynia,  elect,  according  to  the 

1  Abp.  Kenricksays:  "The  period  when  this  letter  was  written  cannot  be  fixed  with  cer- 
tainty. Hug  assigns  it  to  the  eleventh  year  of  Nero."  (If  so,  three  years  before  the  martyrdom 
of  the  Apostle.)  "The  common  opinion  is  that  it  was  written  from  Rome,  which  is  understood 
to  have  been  designated  by  the  name  of  Babylon  (v.  13)  as  in  the  Apocalypse ;  but  the  critic 
just  mentioned  ....  supposes  that  it  was  written  from  Babylon  in  Asia." 


foreknowledge  of  God  the  Father,  unto 
the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  unto 
obedience,  and  sprinkling  of  the  Blood 
of  JESUS  Christ:  Grace  unto  you,  and 
peace,  be  multiplied.  Blessed  be  God 
and  the  Father  of  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ,  Which,  according  to  His  abun- 
dant mercy,  hath  begotten  us  again 
unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  Resurrection 
of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead,  to  an 
inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled, 
and  that  fadeth  not  away,  reserved  in 
heaven  for  you,  who  are  kept  by  the 
power  of  God  through  faith  unto  sal- 
vation ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last 
time. 

First  Responsory. 

Simon  Peter,  before  I  called  thee 
out  of  the  ship,  I  knew  thee,  and 
appointed  thee  for  a  captain  over  My 
people.  And  I  have  given  unto  thee 
the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind 
on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven  ; 
and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on 
earth,  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 

Answer.  And  I  have  given  unto  thee 
the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Second  Lesson. 

"ViyHEREIN  ye  greatly  rejoice, 
though  now  for  a  season,  if 
need  be,  ye  are  in  heaviness,  through 
manifold  temptations  ;  that  the  trial 
of  your  faith,  being  much  more  pre- 
cious than  gold  (which  is  tried  with 
fire,)  may  be  found  unto  praise,  and 
glory,  and  honour  at  the  appearing  of 
JESUS  Christ :  Whom,  having  not 
seen,  ye  love  ;  in  Whom,  though  now 
ye  see  Him  not,  yet  ye  believe  ;  and 
believing,  rejoice,  with  joy  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory  ;   receiving  the  end 


690 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


of  your  faith,   even   the   salvation    of 
your  souls. 


Answer.     And  I  will  give  unto  thee 
the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 


Second  Responsory. 

1  Simon  Peter,  if  thou  lovest  Me, 
feed  My  sheep.  Lord,  Thou  knowest 
that  I  love  Thee  :  I  will  lay  down  my 
life  for  Thy  sake. 

Verse.  2  If  I  should  die  with  Thee, 
I  will  not  deny  Thee. 

Answer.  I  will  lay  down  my  life 
for  Thy  sake. 

Third  Lesson. 

(~\F  which  salvation,  the  Prophets 
^^^  have  inquired  and  searched 
diligently,  who  prophesied  of  the 
grace  that  should  come  unto  you, 
searching  what  or  what  time  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  Which  was  in  them 
did  signify,  when  It  testified  before- 
hand the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the 
glory  that  should  follow.  Unto  whom 
it  was  revealed  that,  not  unto  them- 
selves, but  unto  you,  they  did  minister 
the  things  which  are  now  reported 
unto  you  by  them  that  have  preached 
the  Gospel  unto  you,  with  the  Holy 
Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven,  on 
Whom  the  angels  desire  to  look. 

Third  Responsory. 

Thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock 
I  will  build  My  Church,  and  the  gates 
of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it. 
And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind 
on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven  ; 
and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on 
earth,  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 

Answer.  And  I  will  give  unto  thee 
the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

1  John  xxi.  16  ;  xiii.  37. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 


Fourth  Lesson. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great.]  (First 
Sermon  on  the  Holy  Apostles  Peter 
and  Paul,  before  the  middle. ) 

"\17"HEN  the  twelve  holy  Apostles 
had  received  from  the  Holy 
Ghost  the  power  to  speak  all  languages, 
they  divided  the  whole  world  into 
districts,  which  they  severally  allotted 
to  themselves  as  fields  for  their  Gospel 
labours.  Then  was  Peter,  the  Prince 
of  the  Apostles,  sent  to  the  capital 
city  of  the  Roman  Empire,  that  he 
might  cause  the  light  to  shine  thence 
throughout  the  whole  body  of  the 
civilized  nations.  At  that  time  what 
nation  was  there  that  had  no  rep- 
resentative in  Rome  ?  When  Rome 
had  learnt,  what  people  that  did  not 
learn  too  ? 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Thou  art  the  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 
and  the  Prince  of  the  Apostles,  and 
unto  thee  hath  God  given  all  the 
kingdoms  of  the  world.  Therefore 
unto  thee  hath  He  given  the  keys  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind 
on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven  ; 
and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on 
earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 

Answer.  Therefore  unto  thee  hath 
He  given  the  keys  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven. 

Fifth  JLesson. 

T  N  Rome  were  the  dreams  of  an  un- 
believing   philosophy    to    be    de- 
stroyed,   in    Rome     were    the    empty 

2  Mark  xiv.  31. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


69I 


utterances  of  earthly  wisdom  to  be 
confuted,  in  Rome  was  idolatry  to  be 
overcome,  in  Rome  profanity  to  be 
put  down,  even  in  Rome,  where  the 
activity  of  superstition  had  gathered 
together  from  the  whole  earth  every 
error  which  it  could  find.  O  most 
blessed  Apostle  Peter !  this  was  the 
city  to  which  thou  didst  not  shrink  to 
come.  The  Apostle  Paul,  thy  com- 
rade in  glory,  was  yet  occupied  in 
founding  the  Churches,  and  thou  didst 
enter  alone  into  that  forest  of  wild 
beasts  roaring  furiously ;  thou  didst 
commit  thyself  to  that  stormy  ocean, 
more  boldly  than  when  thou  walkest 
upon  the  waters  to  come  to  JESUS. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1  Peter,  I  have  prayed  for  thee, 
that  thy  faith  fail  not  ;  and  when 
thou  art  converted,  strengthen  thy 
brethren. 

Verse.  Flesh  and  blood  hath  not 
revealed  it  unto  thee,  but  My  Father 
Which  is  in  heaven. 

Answer.  And  when  thou  art  con- 
verted, strengthen  thy  brethren. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T'HOU  hadst  already  taught  them 
of  the  circumcision  who  were 
converted ;  thou  hadst  founded  the 
Church  of  Antioch,  the  first  that  bore 
the  noble  name  of  Christian;  thou 
hadst  published  the  law  of  the  Gospel 
throughout  Pontus,  Galatia,  Cappa- 
docia,  Asia,  and  Bithynia  ;  and  thou 
didst  not  fear  for  the  hardness  of 
thy  work,  nor  turn  back  because  of 
thine  old  age,  but  didst  boldly  set 
up  the  trophy  of  the  cross  of  Christ 
upon  those  Roman  walls,  where  the 
Providence  of  God  had  appointed  the 
throne  of  thine  honour,  and  the 
glorious -scene  of  thy  passion. 


Sixth  Responsory. 

Peter,  lovest  thou  Me  ?  Lord,  Thou 
knowest  that  I  love  Thee.  Feed  My 
sheep. 

Verse.  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest 
thou  Me  more  than  these  ?  Lord, 
Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee. 

Answer.      Feed  My  sheep. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.     Feed  My  sheep. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from   the    Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xvi. 

130 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  came  into  the 

coasts  of  Caesarea  Philippi,  and 

He  asked  His  disciples,  saying  :  Who 

do  men   say  that   I,   the  Son  of  Man, 

am  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Hilary,  Bishop  [of 
Poitiers.]     {Commentary  on  Matthew 

xvi.) 

The  Lord  asketh  His  disciples  who 
men  say  that  He  is,  and  He  addeth, 
"  He,  the  Son  of  Man."  Let  us  ever 
remember  to  hold  fast  this  truth  of 
our  profession,  namely,  that  the  Son 
of  God  is  the  Son  of  Man  also. 
Were  He  one  and  not  the  other,  then 
were  He  no  Saviour  for  us.  The 
Lord  then,  having  heard  the  various 
opinions  of  men,  asketh,  "But  Who 
say  ye  that  I  am  ?  And  Simon  Peter 
answered  and  said :  Thou  art  the 
Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God." 
Peter  had  weighed  the  questions. 
The  Lord  had  asked,  "  Who  do  men 
say  that  I,  the  Son  of  Man,  am  ? " 
That  He  was  Son  of  Man  was  suffi- 
ciently evident  to  all  who  looked  upon 
His    Body.     But    when   He  spake  of 


1  Luke  xxii.  32. 


692 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


His  whole  Self,  and  asked,  "  Who  do 
ye  say  that  I  am  ? "  He  showed  that 
the  mind  had  something  to  grasp  be- 
yond That  Which  was  seen,  for  Son 
of  Man  He  was  manifestly.  What 
judgment  did  He  wish  them  to  give  ? 
I  think  it  was  not /that  which  He  had 
owned  concerning  Himself.  That 
something  more,  which  He  wished 
them  to  own,  was  a  hidden  thing, 
whereunto  the  faith  of  them  that  be- 
lieved in  Him  was  to  reach. 


Seventh  Responsory. 

Jesus  asked  His  disciples,  saying  : 
Who  do  men  say  that  I,  the  Son  of 
Man,  am  ?  Peter  answered,  and  said  : 
Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God.  And  I  say  unto  thee, 
that  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this 
rock  I  will  build  My  Church. 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon 
Barjona,  for  flesh  and  blood  hath  not 
revealed  it  unto  thee,  but  My  Father 
Which  is  in  heaven. 

Answer.  And  I  say  unto  thee,  that 
thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I 
will  build  My  Church. 

Sometimes,  as,  for  instance,  where 
this  or  St  Prisca  is  the  Patronal  Feast, 
a  Ninth  Lesson  of  this  Homily  is  re- 
quired, and  in  that  case  the  Lesson 
which  follows  is  divided  into  two,  at 
the  place  marked. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"DETER'S  confession  was  followed 
by  a  proper  reward  for  having 
seen  the  Son  of  God  in  the  Son  of 
Man.  Blessed  is  this  holy  Apostle, 
in  whose  praise  it  is  said  that  he  saw 
with  more  than  human  eyes  That 
Which  was  unseen,  who  gazed  upon 
Flesh  and  Blood,  and  by  the  secret 
revelation    of    the     Heavenly    Father 


recognised  the  Eternal  Son  of  God  ; 
who  was  the  first  thought  worthy  to 
acknowledge  the  Divinity  of  Christ. 
{Here,  if  necessary,  the  Lesson  is 
divided.)  God  bless  thee,  O  Peter, 
thou  who  by  uttering  for  the  first  time 
the  title  of  Divine  honour,  didst  lay 
the  goodly  foundation  of  the  Church  ! 
God  bless  thee,  thou  worthy  rock 
whereon  she  is  built,  for  ever  trium- 
phant over  the  infernal  powers,  the 
gates  of  hell,  and  the  bands  of  death  ! 
God  bless  thee,  happy  door-keeper  of 
heaven,  to  whose  keeping  are  given 
the  keys  of  the  everlasting  mansions, 
whose  sentences  on  earth  are  already 
confirmed  in  heaven — so  that  what- 
soever thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  shall 
be  bound  in  heaven,  and  whatsoever 
thou  shalt  loose  on  earth  shall  be 
loosed  in  heaven. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

The  Lord  hath  chosen  thee  for  a 
priest  unto  Himself,  to  offer  up  unto 
Him  the  sacrifice  of  praise. 

Verse.  l  Offer  unto  God  thanks- 
giving, and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the 
Most  High. 

Answer.     The  sacrifice  of  praise. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.     The  sacrifice  of  praise. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

For  St  Prisca,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

TJRISCA  was  a  noble  Roman 
maiden,  who  at  thirteen  years 
of  age  was  accused  of  Christianity 
before  the  Emperor  Claudius.  By 
his  command  she  was  taken  to  the 
temple  of  Apollo  to  sacrifice  there, 
and  when  she  refused,  was  buffeted 
and  sent  to  prison.  She  was  taken 
out  from  thence  again,  but  as  she 
still  held  steadfastly  to  the  faith,  they 


1  Ps.  xlix.  14. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


693 


flogged  her,  poured  boiling  tallow 
upon  her,  and  sent  her  back  a  second 
time.  She  was  at  last  thrown  to  a 
lion  in  the  amphitheatre,  but  it  quietly 
lay  down  at  her  feet.  She  was  starved 
for  three  days  in  a  slaves'  prison  house, 
and  then  tortured  upon  the  rack. 
Pieces  of  flesh  were  next  torn  from 
her  body  with  iron  hooks,  and  she 
was  thrown  on  a  burning  pile.  She 
marvellously  still  remained  alive,  and 
was  accordingly  beheaded  outside  the 
city.  Thus  she  added  the  crown  of 
martyrdom  to  the  palm  of  virginity. 
The  Christians  buried  her  body  at  the 
tenth  milestone  on  the  road  from  Rome 
to  Ostia  on  the  eighteenth  of  January.1 

LAUDS. 
Hymn. 2 

DETER,   blest    Shepherd  !  hearken   to  our 
cry, 
And    with     a     word     unloose    our    guilty 
chain  ; 
Thou  !  who  hast  power  to  ope  the  gates  on 
high 
To  men  below,   and  power  to  shut  them 
fast  again. 

Praise,    blessing,   majesty,    through   endless 
days, 
Be  to  the  Trinity  immortal  given ; 
Who  in  pure  Unity  profoundly  sways 

Eternally   alike    all    things   in    earth   and 
heaven.     Amen. 

Verse.  3  Let  them  exalt  Him  in 
the  congregation  of  the  people. 

Answer.  And  praise  Him  in  the 
assembly  of  the  elders. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  unto  Simon 
Peter :  Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind 
on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven  ; 
and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on 
earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  hast  given  unto  Thy 
^^^  Blessed  Apostle  Peter  the  keys 
of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  the 
power  to  bind  and  to  loose,  loose  us, 
we  beseech  Thee,  at  his  mighty  in- 
tercession, from  all  the  bands  of  our 
sins.  Who  livest  and  reignest  with 
God  the  Father,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 

Then  the  following  Commemoration 
of  St  Paul. 

Antiphon.  O  Holy  Apostle  Paul, 
Preacher  of  the  truth,  and  Teacher  of 
the  Gentiles,  pray  for  us  to  God  Who 
hath  chosen  thee. 

Verse.  O  Holy  Apostle  Paul,  thou 
art  a  chosen  vessel  unto  God. 

Answer.  To  preach  the  Gospel 
throughout  the  whole  world. 

Prayer. 

f~\  GOD,  Who,  through  the  preach- 
^"^  ing  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul, 
hast  caused  the  light  of  the  Gospel  to 
shine  throughout  the  world,  grant,  we 
beseech  Thee,  that  we,  who  do  keep 
his  memorial,  may  continually  be 
holpen  by  his  intercession  with  Thee. 

Then  a  Commemoration  is  made  of 
St  Prisca.      (Prayer  from  Vespers. ) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  1 9th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Worcester,  in  England,  [in  the 
year  1095,]  the  holy  Confessor  Wol- 
stan,  Bishop  of  that  see,  famous  for  his 
worthy  and  wondrous  works,  whose 
name  was  enrolled  among  those  of 
the  saints  by  Innocent  III. 


1  About  a.d.  275. 

2  A  part,  much  altered,  of  the  hymn  Aurea  Luce,  composed  probably  near  the  end  of  the 
fifth  century  by  Elpis,  first  wife  of  the  learned  Bcethius,  minister  of  Theodoric  ;  translation  by 
the  Rev.  E.  Caswall.  3  Ps.  cvi.  32. 

VOL.  I.  Z  2 


694 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


At  Rome,  [in  the  year  270,]  upon 
the  Cornelian  Way,  the  holy  martyrs 
Maris,  and  Martha,  his  wife,  and  their 
sons  Audifax  and  Abachum.  These 
were  noble  Persians,  who  came  to  Rome 
for  prayer's  sake  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperor  Claudius.  They  were  cud- 
gelled, racked,  burnt,  torn  with  iron 
hooks,  and  had  their  hands  cut  off. 
At  length  Martha  was  drowned  and 
the  others  beheaded,  and  their  bodies 
cast  into  the  fire. 

At  Smyrna,  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperors  Marcus  Antoninus  and 
Lucius  Aurelius,  the  blessed  martyr 
Germanicus  ;  he  was  a  very  beautiful 
youth,  but  by  the  power  of  God's  grace 
he  laid  aside  all  the  weakness  of  bodily 
fear,  and  of  his  own  accord  provoked 
the  beast  by  which  he  had  been 
condemned  by  the  judge  to  be  killed  ; 
and  so  being  ground  through  its  teeth, 
and  so  dying  for  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  he  earned  to  be  made  one 
body  with  Him  who  is  Himself  the 
very  Bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Paul, 
Gerontius,  Januarius,  Saturninus, 
Successus,  Julius,  Catus,  Pia,  and 
Germana,  [and  others  to  the  number 
in  all  of  600.] 

At  Spoleto,  in  the  time  of  the 
Emperor  Antonine,  the  holy  martyr 
Pontian.  Fabian,  the  judge,  caused 
him  to  be  first  most  grievously  beaten 
with  rods  and  then  to  walk  barefoot 
upon  live  coals  ;  by  these  he  was  un- 
hurt, and  was  therefore  racked, 
lacerated  with  iron  hooks,  and  cast 
into  prison,  where  he  was  comforted 
by  a  visitation  of  angels.  Lastly  he 
was  thrown  to  the  lions,  had  molten 
lead  poured  over  him,  and  was  then 
beheaded. 

At  Lodi,  [about  the  year  413,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Bassian,  Bishop  of  that 
see,  who  fought  manfully  along  with 
holy  Ambrose  against  the  heretics. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 
Hymn  from  First  Vespers. 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  chosen  thee 
for  a  Priest  unto  Himself. 

Answer.  To  offer  up  unto  Him 
the  sacrifice  of  praise. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Being  made  the  Chief  Bishop, 
&c,  (A  526.) 

Prayer  and  Commemoration  of  St 
Paul  as  before;  then  of  the  following, 
Prayer  from  his  Office ;  then  of  St 
Maris  and  his  Companions,  Martyrs. 

Antiphon  and   Verse   and  Answer 
from  the  First  Vespers  of  the  Common 
Office  for  Many  Martyrs,  {p.  498.) 

Prayer. 

/GRACIOUSLY  hear,  O  Lord,  the 
prayers  of  Thy  people  who  draw 
near  unto  Thee  under  the  protection 
of  Thy  blessed  Saints,  granting  us  in 
this  world  Thy  peace,  and  in  that 
which  is  to  come  life  everlasting. 
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. 


January  19. 

£t  SHolstan,  aStsfjop  [of  m*u 
caster,]  Confessor, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
the  follow  i Jig. 

Prayer  throughout.      ( Taken  from  the 
Salisbury  Missal. ) 

"DOUR  into  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  the 
Spirit  of  Thy  love,  that  we,  be- 
ing   holpen   by   the    prayers    of    Thy 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


695 


blessed  Confessor  and  Bishop  Wolstan, 
may  worthily  taste  Thy  sweetness  in 
everlasting  blessedness.  Through 
our  Lord  JESUS  Christ  Thy  Son,  Who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Same  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson.  {From  the  Life  by 
William  of  Malmesbury.  Anglia 
Sacra,  ii.  241.) 

'T^HIS  Wolstan  gained  a  great  fame 
for  holiness  while  he  was  a 
priest.  He  afterwards  became  a  monk 
at  Worcester,  and  in  a  short  while 
was  set  to  govern  that  Church.  As 
regarded  earthly  learning  he  was  al- 
most entirely  uneducated,  and  gave 
himself  up  wholly  to  ghostly  lore.  As 
an  English  speaker  he  was  deemed 
very  eloquent,  and  it  is  a  remarkable 
proof  of  this,  that,  by  constant  preach- 
ing, he  brought  the  citizens  of  Bristol 
to  their  right  minds,  after  both  the 
Royal  and  the  Papal  authority  had 
failed  to  make  them  give  up  their  in- 
famous slave-trade. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

A  S  a  Bishop,  he  was  unwearied  in 
"^"^  doing  the  work  of  the  Good 
Shepherd.  He  made  constant  visita- 
tions throughout  his  Diocese,  held 
Ordinations,  consecrated  Churches, 
rebuked  sinners,  and  both  by  word 
and  ensample,  stirred  up  the  souls 
committed  to  his  charge  to  yearn  after 
life  eternal.  It  often  was  so  that  he 
remained    without    food  from   sunrise 


to  dark,  confirming  the  children  who 
were  brought  to  him  from  all  quarters, 
to  the  number  of  two  or  three  thousand 
at  a  time.  The  gentleness  and  the 
tender  love  of  souls  which  he  displayed 
in  hearing  confessions  were  so  great, 
that  penitents  flowed  to  him  from  well- 
nigh  all  England,  and  converted 
sinners  under  his  warnings  brought 
forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T_TIS  watchfulness  for  the  salvation 
of  others  did  not  cause  him 
to  neglect  his  own.  He  said  Mass 
often,  was  constant  in  prayer,  never 
ate  meat,  and  served  God  in  abundant 
almsgiving  to  the  poor.  The  lowlier 
he  was  regarding  himself,  the  more 
did  others  speak  of  him,  and  not  only 
Englishmen  and  Normans,  but  foreign 
Kings  and  Princes  also,  commended 
themselves  to  his  prayers.  He  died 
very  old,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1095,  and  is  buried  in  his  own  Church 
at  Worcester. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lesson  from  Matth.  xxiv.  42,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Hilary,  {p.  527.) 
The  last  is  omitted  or  read  with  the 
Eighth,  to  make  room  for  that  of  SS. 
Maris,  d^c. 

At  Lauds,  Commemoration  of  the 
Holy  Martyrs. 

Vespers  are  of  SS.  Fabian  and  Se- 
bastian, from  the  Chapter,  inclusive, 
with  a  Commemoratio7i  of  St  Wolstan. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

(For  St  Maris,  and  his  Companions, 
Martyrs. ) 

1V/TARIS    was    a    Persian    of    high 

rank,    who   came   to    Rome    in 

the    reign   of  the    Emperor   Claudius, 

with  his  wife  Martha,  who  was  equally 


696 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


noble,  and  their  two  sons  Audifax  and 
Abachum,  to  pray  at  the  graves  of  the 
Martyrs.  Here  they  comforted  the 
Christians  who  were  in  prison,  and 
whom  they  relieved  by  their  ministra- 
tions and  alms,  and  buried  the  bodies 
of  the  Saints.  Fyor  these  acts  they 
were  all  arrested,  but  no  threats  or 
terrors  could  move  them  to  sacrifice 
to  idols.  They  were  accordingly 
mangled  with  clubs,  and  drawn  with 
ropes,  after  which  they  were  burnt  by 
applying  plates  of  red-hot  metal  to 
their  bodies,  and  their  flesh  partly 
torn  off  with  metal  hooks.  Lastly 
their  hands  were  all  cut  off,  and  they 
were  fastened  together  by  the  neck, 
in  which  state  they  were  driven 
through  the  city  to  the  thirteenth 
mile-stone  on  the  Cornelian  Way,  a 
place  now  called  Santa  Ninfa,  where 
they  were  to  die.  Martha  addressed 
a  moving  exhortation  to  her  husband 
and  sons  to  hold  out  bravely  to  the 
last,  for  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ ; 
and  was  then  herself  drowned.  The 
other  three  martyrs  were  next  be- 
headed in  the  same  sand-pit.  Their 
bodies  were  thrown  into  a  fire.  The 
lady  Felicity  of  Rome  collected  the 
half-burnt  remains,  and  caused  them 
to  be  buried  at  her  own  farm.1 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office  as  at 
Vespers. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  St  Maris  and  his  Companions. 
Prayer  as  before. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  20th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Pope  Fabian, 
who  suffered  in  the  time  of  the  Em- 
peror Decius,  and  was  buried  in  the 
cemetery  of  Callistus. 

There  also,  at  the  Catacombs,  the 


holy  martyr  Sebastian,  commander  of 
the  first  cohort  under  the  Emperor 
Diocletian.  Being  convicted  of  Christ- 
ianity, he  was  tied  up  in  the  midst  of 
a  field  and  shot  at  by  the  soldiers,  but 
in  the  end  he  was  beaten  to  death 
with  cudgels. 

At  Nice,  in  Bithynia,  [in  the  fourth 
century,]  the  holy  martyr  Neophitus, 
who  in  the  fifteenth  year  of  his  age 
was  flogged,  cast  into  a  furnace,  and 
thrown  to  wild  beasts,  and  for  as 
much  as  he  remained  unhurt  and 
constantly  professed  the  faith  of 
Christ,  he  was  at  length  beheaded. 

At  Caesena,  [in  the  tenth  century,] 
holy  Maurus,  Bishop  of  that  see, 
famous  for  graces  and  miracles. 

In  Palestine,  [in  the  year  473,]  holy 
Euthymius,  [surnamed  the  Great,] 
Abbat  [near  Jerusalem,]  who  flour- 
ished in  the  Church  in  the  time  of 
the  Emperor  Marcian,  filled  with  zeal 
for  catholic  discipline,  and  marked  by 
the  power  of  working  miracles. 

Vespers  are  the  First  of  the  follow- 
ing fro?n  the  Chapter  inclusive. 

January  20. 

&&.  jFabtart  anti  Sefoastian, 
Iftartsrs. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Many  Martyrs,  except  what  is  other- 
wise given  here. 

Prayer  throughout. 

TV/I" ERCIFULLY  consider  our  weak- 
ness,  O  Almighty  God,  and 
whereas  by  the  burden  of  our  sins  we 
are  sore  let  and  hindered,  grant  that 
we  may  be  relieved  by  the  prayers 
of  Thy  blessed  and  glorious  Martyrs 


1    A.D.  270. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


697 


Fabian  and  Sebastian.  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.      A?nen. 

First  Vespers,  as  regards  SS.  Fabian 
and  Sebastian,  begin  with  the  Chapter. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Wolstan.      Prayer  from  his  Office. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T7ABIAN  was  a  Roman,  and  sat  as 
Pope  from  [the  year  of  our  Lord 
236,  in]  the  reign  of  the  Emperor 
Maximin  till  [250,  in]  that  of  Decius. 
He  appointed  a  Deacon  to  each  of 
the  seven  districts  of  Rome  to  look 
after  the  poor.  He  likewise  appointed 
the  same  number  of  Subdeacons  to 
collect  the  acts  of  the  Martyrs  from 
the  records  kept  by  the  seven  district 
notaries.  It  was  by  him  that  it  was 
ordained  that  every  Maundy  Thursday 
the  old  Chrism  should  be  burnt  and 
new  consecrated.  He  was  crowned 
with  martyrdom  upon  the  20th  of 
January,  in  the  persecution  of  Decius, 
and  buried  in  the  cemetery  of  St 
Kallistus  on  the  Appian  Way,  having 
sat  in  the  throne  of  Peter  fifteen  years 
and  four  days.  He  held  five  Advent 
ordinations,  in  which  he  ordained 
twenty  -  two  Priests,  seven  Deacons, 
and  eleven  Bishops  for  divers  Sees. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

r~PHE    father    of    Sebastian    was    of 

Narbonne,    and    his    mother    a 

Milanese.      He  was  a  great  favourite 


of  the  Emperor  Diocletian,  both  on 
account  of  his  noble  birth  and  his 
personal  bravery,  and  was  by  him 
appointed  captain  of  the  first  company 
of  the  Praetorian  Guards.  He  was  in 
secret  a  Christian,  and  often  supported 
the  others  both  by  good  offices  and 
money.  When  some  showed  signs  of 
yielding  under  persecution,  he  so  suc- 
cessfully exhorted  them,  that,  for 
JESUS  Christ's  sake,  many  offered 
themselves  to  the  tormentors.  Among 
these  were  the  brothers  Mark  and 
Marcellian  who  were  imprisoned  at 
Rome  in  the  house  of  Nicostratus. 
The  wife  of  Nicostratus  himself,  named 
Zoe,  had  lost  her  voice,  but  it  was 
restored  to  her  at  the  prayer  of 
Sebastian.  These  facts  becoming 
known  to  Diocletian,  he  sent  for 
Sebastian,  and  after  violently  rebuking 
him,  used  every  means  to  turn  him 
from  his  faith  in  Christ.  But  as 
neither  promises  nor  threats  availed, 
he  ordered  him  to  be  tied  to  a  post 
and  shot  to  death  with  arrows. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

CEBASTIAN  was  treated  accord- 
ingly, and  left  for  dead,  but  in 
the  night  the  holy  widow  Irene  sent 
for  the  body  in  order  to  bury  it,  and 
then  found  that  he  was  still  alive,  and 
nursed  him  in  her  own  house.  As 
soon  as  his  health  was  restored,  he 
went  out  to  meet  Diocletian,  and 
boldly  rebuked  him  for  his  wicked- 
ness. The  Emperor  was  first  thunder- 
struck at  the  sight  of  a  man  whom  he 
believed  to  have  been  some  time  dead, 
but  afterwards,  frenzied  with  rage  at 
tl\e  reproaches  of  Sebastian,  ordered 
him  to  be  beaten  to  death  with  rods, 
under  which  torment  the  martyr  yielded 
his  blessed  soul  to  God,  [upon  the 
20th  day  of  January,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  288.]  His  body  was  thrown 
into  a  sewer,  but  he  appeared  in  sleep 


698 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


to  Lucina,  and  made  known  to  her 
where  it  was,  and  where  he  would 
have  it  buried.  She  accordingly  found 
it  and  laid  it  in  those  Catacombs, 
over  which  a  famous  Church  hath 
since  been  built,  called  St  Sebastian's- 
without-the-Walls.  / 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  vi.  17,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Ambrose,  {p.  511.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  2 1  st  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  under  Symphronius,  Pre- 
fect of  the  city,  the  holy  Virgin  and 
martyr  Agnes.  She  was  cast  into  the 
fire,  but  the  fire  died  out  at  her  prayer, 
and  then  she  was  smitten  with  the 
sword,  [in  the  year  304.]  Blessed 
Jerome  writeth  concerning  her.  The 
life  of  Agnes  hath  been  praised  in  the 
writings  and  in  the  tongues  of  all 
nations,  and  most  chiefly  in  the 
churches.  She  overcame  not  only  the 
tyrant  but  also  the  weakness  of  her 
own  age,  and  hallowed  by  martyrdom 
the  title  of  virgin. 

At  Athens,  [in  the  second  century,] 
the  holy  Bishop  Publius,  who  ruled 
illustriously  over  the  Church  of  Athens 
in  succession  to  holy  Denis  the  Areo- 
pagite  ;  he  was  famous  for  graces  and 
eminent  for  teaching,  and  was  glori- 
ously crowned  with  the  martyrdom  of 
Christ. 

At  Tarragona,  in  Spain,  the  holy 
martyrs  Fructuosus,  Bishop  of  that 
see,  and  the  Deacons  Augurius  and 
Eulogius.  In  [the  year  259,  in]  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Gallienus,  they 
were  first  imprisoned  and  then  cast 
into  the  fire,  and  when  their  bonds 
had  been  burnt  they  stretched  forth 
their  hands  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  and 
so  in  prayer  finished  their  martyrdom. 


Holy  Augustin  preached  to  the  people 
upon  their  feast-day. 

At  Troyes,  [in  Champagne,]  the  holy 
martyr  Patroclus,  who  gained  the 
crown  of  martyrdom  under  the  Em- 
peror Aurelian. 

In  the  Monastery  of  Eu,  in  Gaul, 
the  holy  hermit  Meinard,  who  was 
murdered  by  thieves,  [in  the  year  861. 
Founder  of  Notre  Dame  des  Ermites.] 

At  Pavia,  the  holy  Confessor  Epi- 
phanius,  Bishop  of  that  see. 

Second  Vespers  are  of  the  followingy 
from  the  Chapter  inclusive. 

January  21. 

Uirgut  anti  JHartgr, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Office  for  one  Virgin 
and  Martyr,  {p.  567,)  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Should  these  Vespers  be  of  St  Agnes 
from  the  beginning,  the  Antiphons  are 
taken  from  Lauds,  and  the  Psalms  are 
those  of  Sunday  Vespers,  except  the 
last,  which  is  Psalm  cxvi.,  "  O  praise 
the  LORD,  all  ye  nations,  &c,"  (p. 
186.) 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Antiphou  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  blessed  Agnes  stood  in 
the  midst  of  the  fire,  and  stretched 
forth  her  hands,  and  prayed,  saying  : 
O  Father  !  Who  Alone  art  Almighty  ! 
Who  Alone  art  to  be  adored  !  Who 
Alone  art  to  be  worshipped !  Who 
Alone  art  to  be  feared  !  I  thank 
Thee  because  that  through  Thy  Holy 
Son  Thou  hast  delivered  me  from  the 
threatenings  of  the  godless  tyrant, 
and  hast  made  me  to  walk  with  clean 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    TANUARY. 


699 


feet  over  the  filthy  slough  of  fleshly 
sin :  and  now,  behold,  I  come  unto 
Thee,  unto  Thee  Whom  I  have 
loved,  Whom  I  have  sought,  Whom 
I   have  ever  desired. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of 
SS.  Fabian  and  Sebastian,  Martyrs. 
Prayer  from  their  Office. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  I  will  none  of 
thee,  prey  of  death,  for  I  am  pre- 
vented by  another  Lover. 

Ps.    i.      Blessed    is    the    man,   &c, 

(A    4-) 

Second  Antiphon.  My  right  hand 
and  my  neck  hath  He  clasped  with 
precious  stones,  and  put  pearls  be- 
yond price  in  mine  ears. 

Ps.  ii.     Why  do  the  heathen,  &c, 

(A  4.) 

Third  A?itiphon.  He  hath  sealed 
me  in  my  forehead  that  I  may  let  in 
no  other  lover  but  Him. 

Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,   {p.    5.) 

Lessons    from    Ecclus.    Ii.    1,    {p. 

575-) 

First  Responsory. 

Let  us  keep  with  joy  and  gladness 
the  feast  of  this  most  saintly  maiden, 
let  us  call  to  mind  the  holy  passion 
of  the  blessed  Agnes  :  in  her  thir- 
teenth year  she  conquered,  losing 
death  and  finding  life,  because  she 
loved  the  Only  Giver  of  Life. 

Verse.  Reckoned  but  a  child  in 
this  world,  she  understood  more  than 
the  ancients. 

Answer.  Because  she  loved  the 
Only  Giver  of  Life. 


Second  Responsory. 

My  right  hand  and  my  neck  hath 
He  clasped  with  precious  stones,  and 
put  pearls  beyond  price  in  mine  ears, 
and  hath  crowned  me  with  the  bright 
blossoms  of  the  eternal  spring-time. 

Verse.  He  hath  sealed  me  in  my 
forehead,  that  I  may  let  in  no  other 
lover  but  Him. 

Answer.  And  hath  crowned  me 
with  the  bright  blossoms  of  the  eter- 
nal spring-time. 

Third  Responsory. 

Christ  is  my  Lover,  and  I  am  en- 
tering with  Him  into  the  marriage- 
chamber.  His  Mother  is  a  Virgin, 
and  His  Father  knoweth  not  a 
woman.  The  instruments  of  His 
music  sound  sweetly  together  in 
my  ears.  If  I  love  Him  I  shall 
be  chaste,  if  I  touch  Him  I  shall 
be  clean,  if  I  embrace  Him  I  shall 
be  a  virgin  indeed. 

Verse.  He  hath  espoused  me 
with  a  betrothal  ring,  and  adorned 
me  with  a  necklace  of  great  price. 

Answer.  If  I  love  Him  I  shall 
be  chaste,  if  I  touch  Him  I  shall  be 
clean,  if  I  embrace  Him  I  shall  be 
a  virgin  indeed. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  If  I  love  Him,  I  shall 
be  chaste,  if  I  touch  Him  I  shall  be 
clean,  if  I  embrace  Him  I  shall  be 
a  virgin  indeed. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
clothed  me  with  a  vesture  of  wrought 
gold,  and  adorned  me  with  a  necklace 
of  great  price. 

Ps.  iv.  When  I  called,  &c,  {p. 
206.) 


yoo 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Second  Antiphon.  I  have  sucked 
honey  and  milk  out  of  His  Mouth, 
and  His  Blood  is  red  on  my  cheeks. 

Ps.  v.  Give  ear  to  my  words,  O 
Lord,  &c,  (p.  88.) 

Third  Anti-phot*  I  keep  my  troth 
to  Him  alone,  and  commit  me  alto- 
gether to  Him. 

Ps.  viii.     0  Lord,  our  Ruler,  &c, 

{P-  70 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of  Milan,] 
on  Virgins.      {Bk.  i.  Chap.  2.) 

HP  HIS  is  a  virgin's  birthday;  let  us 
then  follow  the  example  of  her 
chastity.  It  is  a  Martyr's  birthday; 
let  us  then  offer  sacrifices.  It  is  the 
birthday  of  the  holy  Agnes  ;  let  men 
then  be  filled  with  wonder,  little  ones 
with  hope,  married  women  with  awe, 
and  the  unmarried  with  emulation. 
But  how  shall  I  set  forth  the  glory 
of  her  whose  very  name  is  an  utter- 
ance of  praise  ?  It  seemeth  to  me 
that  this  being,  holy  beyond  her 
years,  and  strong  beyond  human 
nature,  received  the  name  of  Agnes, 
not  as  an  earthly  designation,  but  as 
a  revelation  from  God  of  what  she 
was  to  be.  For  this  name  Agnes 
is  from  the  Greek,  and  being  inter- 
preted, signifieth  Pure.  So  that  this 
saintly  maiden  is  known  by  the  very 
title  of  Chastity :  and  when  I  have 
added  thereto  the  word  Martyr,  I 
have  said  enough.  She  needeth  not 
the  praise  which  we  could  utter,  but 
do  not.  None  is  more  praiseworthy 
than  she  for  whose  praise  all  mouths 
are  fitted.  As  many  as  name  her, 
so  many  praise  her,  by  the  noble 
title  of  martyr. 


Fourth  Responsory. 

1  The  Lord  hath  clothed  me  with 
the  garments  of  salvation,  and  hath 
covered  me  with  the  robe  of  joyful- 
ness,  and  hath  set  on  my  head  a 
crown  as   the   crown  of  a  bride. 

Verse.  He  hath  put  pearls  be- 
yond price  in  mine  ears,  and  hath 
crowned  me  with  the  bright  blossoms 
of  the  eternal  spring-time. 

Answer.  And  hath  set  on  my 
head  a  crown  as  the  crown  of  a 
bride. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

V\7"E  learn  by  tradition  that  this 
holy  martyr  testified  in  the 
thirteenth  year  of  her  age.  We  will 
pass  by  the  foul  cruelty  which  did 
not  spare  her  tender  years,  to  con- 
template the  great  power  of  her 
faith,  whereby  she  overcame  the 
weakness  of  childhood,  and  wit- 
nessed a  good  confession.  Her 
little  body  was  hardly  big  enough 
to  give  play  to  the  instruments  of 
their  cruelty,  but  if  they  could  scarce 
sheathe  their  swords  in  her  slight 
frame,  they  found  in  her  that  which 
laughed  the  power  of  the  sword  to 
scorn.  She  had  no  fear  when  she 
found  herself  grasped  by  the  bloody 
hands  of  the  executioners.  She  was 
unmoved  when  they  dragged  her 
with  clanging  chains.  Hardly  en- 
tered on  life,  she  stood  fully  pre- 
pared to  die.  She  quailed  not 
when  the  weapons  of  the  angry 
soldiery  were  pointed  at  her  breast. 
If  they  forced  her  against  her  will 
to  approach  the  altars  of  devils,  she 
could  stretch  forth  her  hands  to 
Christ  amid  the  very  flames  which 
consumed  the  idolatrous  offerings, 
and  mark  on  the  heathen  shrine 
the  victorious  Cross  of  the  Lord. 
She    was    ready   to   submit    her   neck 


1  Isa.  lxi.  io. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


701 


and  hands  to  the  iron  shackles,  but 
they  were  too  big  to  clasp  her  slen- 
der limbs.  Behold  a  strange  mar- 
tyr !  She  is  not  grown  of  stature 
to  fight  the  battle,  but  she  is  ripe 
for  the  triumph ;  too  weak  to  run 
in  the  race,  and  yet  clearly  entitled 
to  the  prize ;  unable  from  her  age 
to  be  aught  but  a  learner,  she  is 
found  a  teacher. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

I  have  sucked  honey  and  milk  out 
of  His  Mouth,  and  His  Blood  is  red 
on  my  cheeks. 

Verse.  He  hath  shown  me  count- 
less treasure,  and  hath  sworn  to  en- 
dow me  therewith. 

Answer.  And  His  Blood  is  red  on 
my  cheeks. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

CHE  went  to  the  place  of  execu- 
tion  a  virgin,  with  more  willing 
and  joyful  footsteps  than  she  would 
have  gone  with  to  the  nuptial  cham- 
ber as  a  bride.  The  spectators  were 
all  in  tears,  and  she  alone  did  not 
weep.  They  beheld  her  with  won- 
der, laying  down  that  life  of  which 
she  had  hardly  begun  to  taste  the 
sweets,  as  freely  as  though  she  had 
drained  it  to  the  dregs  and  was 
weary  of  its  burden.  All  men  were 
amazed  when  they  saw  her  whose 
years  had  not  made  her  her  own 
mistress,  arise  as  a  witness  for  the 
Deity.  Consider  how  many  threats 
her  murderer  used  to  excite  her 
fears,  how  many  arguments  to  shake 
her  resolution,  how  many  promises 
to  bribe  her  to  accept  his  offers  of 
marriage.  But  she  answered  him  : 
"  It  is  an  insult  to  Him  Whom  I 
have  wedded  to  expect  me  to  comply. 
He  That  first  chose  me,  His  will  I 
be.  Headsman,  why  waitest  thou  ? 
Perish   the   body   which    draweth   the 


admiration  of  eyes  from  which  I 
would  turn  away."  She  stood, 
prayed,  and  then  bent  her  neck 
for  the  stroke.  Now  mightest  thou 
have  seen  the  murderer  trembling 
as  though  he  himself  were  the 
criminal,  the  executioner's  hand 
shake,  and  the  faces  of  them  that 
stood  by  turn  white  at  the  sight  of 
her  position,  and  all  the  while  her- 
self remain  without  fear.  This  one 
victim  brought  God  a  double  offer- 
ing, that  of  her  purity,  and  that  of 
her  faith.  She  preserved  virginity 
and   achieved   martyrdom. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

His  Body  and  mine  are  already 
joined  together,  and  His  Blood  is 
red  on  my  cheeks.  His  Mother  is 
a  virgin,  and  His  Father  knoweth 
not  a  woman. 

Verse.  I  am  wedded  to  the  Lord 
of  Angels,  at  Whose  beauty  the  sun 
and  the  moon  do  wonder. 

Answer.  His  Mother  is  a  virgin, 
and  His  Father  knoweth  not  a  woman. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  His  Mother  is  a  virgin, 
and  His  Father  knoweth  not  a  woman. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  I  keep  my  troth 
to  Him  Alone,  at  Whose  beauty  the 
sun  and  the  moon  do  wonder. 

Ps.  xiv.  LORD,  who  shall  abide, 
&c,   (p.    10.) 

Second  Antiphon.  Christ  hath 
crowned  me  with  the  bright  and 
priceless  blossoms  of  the  eternal 
spring-time. 

Ps.  xliv.  My  heart  is  overflowing, 
&c,  (A  96.) 

Third  Antiphon.     I  am  wedded  to 


702 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


the  Lord  of  Angels,  at  Whose  beauty 
the  sun  and  the  moon  do  wonder. 

Ps.   xlv.     God   is   our  refuge,  &c, 

(/>■  97-) 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  i ,  with 
the  Homily  of  Pope  St  Gregory  {p. 
571,)  and  the  following  Responsories. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

I  am  wedded  to  the  Lord  of  Angels, 
at  Whose  beauty  the  sun  and  the  moon 
do  wonder.  I  keep  my  troth  to  Him 
alone,  and  commit  me  altogether  to 
Him. 

Verse.  My  right  hand  and  my  neck 
hath  He  clasped  with  precious  stones, 
and  put  pearls  beyond  price  in  mine 
ears. 

Answer.  I  keep  my  troth  to  Him 
alone,  and  commit  me  altogether  to 
Him. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O  Thou  Who  Alone  art  Almighty  ! 
Who  Alone  art  to  be  adored !  Who 
Alone  art  to  be  worshipped !  Who 
Alone  art  to  be  feared  !  I  bless  Thee, 
because  that  through  Thine  Only-be- 
gotten Son  Thou  hast  delivered  me 
from  the  threatenings  of  wicked  men, 
and  hast  made  me  to  walk  with  clean 
feet  through  the  filthy  haunts  of  devils. 

Verse.  My  lips  praise  Thee,  my 
heart  and  all  that  is  within  me  do 
long  after  Thee. 

Answer.  Because  that  through 
Thine  Only-begotten  Son  Thou  hast 
delivered  me  from  the  threatenings  of 
wicked  men,  and  hast  made  me  to 
walk  with  clean  feet  through  the  filthy 
haunts  of  devils. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Because  that  through 
Thine  Only-begotten  Son  Thou  hast 
delivered  me  from  the  threatenings  of 
wicked    men,    and   hast    made  me  to 


walk  with  clean  feet  through  the  filthy 
haunts  of  devils. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Agnes  entered  * 
the  place  of  shame,  and  found  the 
Angel  of  the  Lord  ready. 

Second  Antiphon.  For  I  have  with 
me  *  an  Angel  of  the  Lord  to  keep  my 
body. 

Third  Antiphon.  My  Lord  JESUS 
Christ  hath  espoused  me  with  His 
ring,  *  and  hath  set  on  my  head  a 
crown  as  the  crown  of  a  bride. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  I  bless  Thee,  O 
Father  of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  be- 
cause through  Thy  Son  the  fire  is 
quenched  around  me. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Rejoice  with  me  * 
and  make  merry,  because  I  also  have 
received  a  throne  in  light  among  all 
these. 

Chapter.      (Ecclus.  li.  1.) 

T  WILL  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  and 
King,  and  praise  Thee,  O  God 
my  Saviour.  I  will  give  praise  unto 
Thy  Name,  for  Thou  hast  been  my 
Helper  and  Defender,  and  hast  pre- 
served my  body  from  destruction. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Behold,  now  I  see  that  which  I  have 
desired  ;  now  I  possess  that  for  which 
I  have  hoped  :  now  am  I  united  in 
heaven  to  Him  Whom  I  loved  with 
my  whole  heart  upon  earth. 


Prayer  throughout. 

r\  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
^~^  God,  Who  hast  chosen  the  weak 
things  of  the  world  to  confound  the 
things  which  are  mighty,  mercifully 
grant  unto  us  that  we  who  keep  the 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


703 


At  Embrun,  in  Gaul,  the  holy 
martyrs  Vincent,  Orontius,  and  Victor, 
who  were  crowned  with  martyrdom  in 
the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Diocletian. 

At  Novara,  the  holy  Confessor 
Gaudentius,  Bishop  of  that  see,  [in 
the  fifth  century.] 

At  Sora,  [in  the  year  1031,]  the 
holy  Abbat  Dominic,  famous  for 
miracles. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Ecclus.  li.  8.) 

IX/T Y  soul  shall  praise  the  Lord,  even 
■*■  unto  death,  for  Thou,   O   Lord 

our  God,  deliverest  such  as  wait  for 
Thee,  and  savest  them  out  of  trouble. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.     For  I  have,  &c,  {Second 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 
Chapter  as  at  Lauds. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  My  Lord  JESUS  Christ, 
&c,  {Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (Ecclus.  li.  3.) 

'THOU  hast  delivered  me  according 
to  the  multitude  of  the  mercies 
of  Thy  Name  from  them  that  roared 
against  me,  and  that  were  ready  to 
devour  me,  out  of  the  hands  of  such 
as  sought  after  my  life,  and  from  the 
gates  of  trouble  that  were  open  all 
around  me. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Rejoice  with  me,  *  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

1  The  Martyrology  saith  at  Rome,  at  the  Aqua  Salvia— that  is,  at  the  monastery  called  after 
him  and  St  Vincent,— but  it  is  clear  from  the  statement  of  the  Lessons  that  he  suffered  among 
his  own  countrymen,  and  that  the  word  natalis,  or  birthday,  is  therefore  here  only  to  be  under- 
stood in  the  sense  of  holiday  keeping,  and  the  translator  has  thought  it  better  to  preserve  it  in 
its  usual  meaning  by  giving  the  name  of  the  place  of  death. 

2  An  icon,  or  painting 


solemn  feast  of  Thy  blessed  Virgin  and 
Martyr  Agnes,  may  feel  the  power  of 
her  intercession  with  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. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Agnes  entered,  *  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds. ) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  22nd  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Valentia,  in  Spain,  the  holy 
Levite  and  martyr  Vincent.  Under 
the  wicked  President  Dacian  he  suf- 
fered imprisonment,  starvation,  rack- 
ing, twisting  of  his  limbs,  red-hot 
plates,  and  bed  of  red-hot  iron,  and 
other  kinds  of  torments,  and  passed 
away  to  heaven  to  receive  there  a 
martyr's  reward,  [in  the  year  304.] 
The  glorious  triumph  of  his  passion 
hath  been  set  forth  by  Prudentius  in 
noble  poetry,  and  the  blessed  Augustine 
and  the  holy  Pope  Leo  have  praised 
him  in  the  highest  language. 

In  Persia,1  the  holy  monk  Anastasius, 
who,  after  enduring  many  torments  of 
imprisonment,  stripes,  and  bonds  at 
Csesarea,  in  Palestine,  suffered  much 
again  under  Chosroes,  King  of  the 
Persians,  and  was  at  length  beheaded, 
when  he  had  sent  before  him  seventy 
companions  who  suffered  martyrdom 
by  drowning,  [in  the  year  628.] 
His  head  and  his  venerable  image 2 
were  afterwards  brought  to  Rome,  and 
the  acts  of  the  Second  Council  of  Nice 
bear  witness  that  at  the  sight  of  them 
devils  fly  and  diseases  are  healed. 


7o4 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antipho7is  and  Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Psalms  as  on  Sundays,  except  the 
last,  which  is  Psalm  cxlvii.,  "  Praise 
the  Lord,  O  Jerusalem,  &c,"  {p.  203.) 

Antiphon  at  t/fe  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  blessed  Agnes  stood 
in  the  midst  of  the  fire,  and  stretched 
forth  her  hands  unto  the  Lord,  and 
prayed,  saying :  O  Thou  Who  Alone 
art  Almighty  !  Who  Alone  art  to  be 
adored  !  Who  Alone  art  to  be  wor- 
shipped !  Who  Alone  art  to  be  feared  ! 
I  bless  Thee,  and  glorify  Thy  Name 
for  ever  and  ever  ! 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
following,  by  the  Antiphon,  Verse  and 
Answer  from  the  First  Vespers  of  the 
Common  Office  for  Many  Martyrs, 
and  the  following 

Prayer. 

["  ET  Thy  merciful  ears,  O  Lord,  be 
open  unto  our  prayers,  and 
whereas  we  do  feel  ourselves  burdened 
by  the  guilt  of  our  sins,  do  Thou 
graciously  relieve  us  at  the  petition  of 
Thy  blessed  Martyrs,  Vincent  and 
Anastasius.  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. 


January  22. 

Cjc  $oig   Jflartgrs   Fmcettt 
antj   Anastasius. 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Many  Martyrs,  {p.  498,)  except  what 
is  otherwise  given  here. 


MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 


Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

A7"INCENTwas  born  at  Huesca  in 
Granada  in  Spain.  He  was 
early  turned  to  study,  and  learned 
sacred  letters  from  Valerius,  Bishop 
of  Saragossa.  He  was  accustomed  to 
deliver  discourses  for  this  Prelate,  who, 
owing  to  an  impediment  in  his  speech, 
was  not  able  to  preach  himself.  This 
coming  to  the  ears  of  Dacian,  Prefect 
of  the  province  under  Diocletian  and 
Maximian,  he  caused  Vincent  to  be 
arrested  at  Saragossa,  and  brought 
before  him  at  Valencia  in  bonds. 
The  saint  was  scourged,  and  after- 
wards tormented  on  the  rack,  in 
presence  of  numerous  spectators,  but 
neither  torture,  threats,  nor  fair  words 
could  bend  his  resolution.  He  was 
then  laid  on  a  grating  over  hot  coals, 
his  flesh  mangled  with  iron  hooks, 
and  white-hot  plates  of  metal  applied 
to  the  wounds.  The  still  breathing 
remains  were  taken  back  to  a  prison, 
and  laid  on  broken  potsherds,  that 
the  agony  of  his  naked  body  might 
prevent  his  sleeping  from  exhaustion. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

A  She  lay  in  his  dark  cell,  a  glorious 
"^^  light  suddenly  filled  the  prison, 
to  the  astonishment  of  all  who  saw  it. 
The  gaoler  informed  Dacian,  who 
caused  the  martyr  to  be  brought  out 
and  cared  for  in  a  soft  bed,  hoping 
that  though  he  had  failed  to  move 
him  by  cruelty,  he  might  seduce  him 
by    pretended    kindness.1       But    the 


1  In  the  following  sentence  there  are  in  the  original  three  puns  upon  the  name  of  the  Saint 
which  is  derived  from  the  verb  vinco,  I  conquer  ;)  viz.,  invictus,  vicit,  victor. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    JANUARY. 


705 


indomitable  soul  of  Vincent,  armed 
with  faith  and  hope  in  Christ  Jesus, 
remained  unconquered  even  to  the 
end,  and  triumphing  over  the  fire, 
the  steel,  and  the  cruelty  of  the  tor- 
mentors, passed  away  to  receive  the 
victorious  crown  of  martyrdom  in 
heaven,  on  the  22nd  day  of  January, 
[in  the  year  of  our  Lord  304.]  His 
body  was  thrown  out  unburied.  A 
raven  perched  upon  it  and  kept  off 
with  his  beak,  claws,  and  wings  both 
the  other  birds  and  a  wolf,  which  came 
to  prey  on  it.  Dacian  then  had  it 
thrown  into  the  sea,  but  by  the  will 
of  God  it  was  washed  up  again,  and 
the  Christians  took  and  buried  it. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

^NASTASIUS  was  a  Persian  monk 
who  made  a  pilgrimage  to  the 
Holy  Places  at  Jerusalem  in  the  reign 
of  the  Emperor  Heraclius,  during 
which  journey  he  endured  bonds  and 
stripes  on  account  of  his  confession  of 
Christ  at  [Banias,  then  called]  Cassarea, 
in  Palestine.  Soon  after  his  return, 
he  was  arrested  by  the  Persians  for 
the  same  cause,  and,  after  enduring 
divers  torments,  he  and  seventy  other 
Christians  were  beheaded  by  order 
of  King  Chosroes.  [He  testified  upon 
the  22nd  day  of  January  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  628.]  His  reliques  were 
first  carried  to  Jerusalem,  to  the 
monastery  in  which  he  had  made  his 
monastic  profession,  and  afterwards 
to  Rome,  where  they  were  laid  in  the 
monastery  of  Saints  Vincent  and 
Anastasius. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xxi.  9,  "When 
ye  shall  hear  of  wars,  &c,"  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory  upon  the  same, 
(j>.  505.) 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  as  at  the 
Commemoration  the  evening  before. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  Espousal  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary  to  holy  Joseph. 

The  holy  Confessor  Raymond  of 
Pehafuerte,  of  the  Order  of  Friars 
Preachers,  famous  for  his  holiness  and 
teaching,  of  whom  mention  has  been 
made  upon  the  7th  day  of  this  present 
month  of  January. 

Upon  the  same  23rd  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  Virgin  and 
martyr  Emerentiana,  who  while  as  yet 
she  was  making  her  ready  to  be 
baptized,  was  stoned  to  death  by  the 
Gentiles  while  she  was  praying  at  the 
grave  of  her  holy  foster-sister  Agnes. 

At  Philippi,  in  Macedonia,  holy 
Parmenas,  one  of  the  first  seven 
Deacons.  He  yielded  himself  wholly 
to  the  grace  of  God,  discharged  in 
the  fulness  of  faith  the  office  of 
preaching  which  had  been  laid  upon 
him  by  the  brethren,  and  obtained 
the  glory  of  martyrdom  under  the 
Emperor  Trajan. 

At  Caesarea,  in  Morocco,  of  the 
holy  martyrs  Severian  and  Aquila, 
his  wife,  who  were  burnt. 

At  Antinoe,  in  Egypt,  [in  the  fourth 
century,]  the  holy  martyr  Aselas,  who 
after  suffering  divers  torments  was 
cast  into  the  Nile,  and  rendered  up 
his  precious  soul  to  God. 

At  Ancyra,  in  Galatia,  [in  the  fourth 
century,]  holy  Clement,  Bishop  of  that 
see,  who  had  often  been  put  to  the 
torture,  but  at  length  achieved  martyr- 
dom in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian. 

There  likewise,  [in  the  fourth  cen- 
tury,] upon  the  same  day,  and  under 
the  President  Lucius,  the  holy  martyr 
Agathangelus. 

At  Alexandria,  [in  the  year  619,] 
holy  John,  surnamed  the  Almoner, 
Pope  of  that  city,  very  famous  for 
his  pity  toward  the  poor. 


706 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


At  Toledo,  holy  Ildefonsus,  Arch- 
bishop of  that  city,  who  on  account 
of  the  singular  purity  of  his  life,  and 
the  defence  of  the  virginity  of  the 
Mother  of  God  against  the  heretics 
who  impugned  it  which  he  took  up, 
was  first  gifted,  by  the  same  most 
Blessed  Virgin  with  a  chasuble  of  the 
purest  white,  and  afterwards  called 
away  to  heaven,  famous  for  holiness, 
[in  the  year  669.] 

In  the  province  of  Valeria,  [in  the 
sixth  century,]  the  holy  monk  Mar- 
tyrius,  of  whom  the  blessed  Pope 
Gregory  maketh  mention. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 


January  23. 

Cspougal  of  tfje  Blessed  Utr^ 
gin  JHarg  to  St  Sosepij, 

Greater  Double. 

Whatever  is  not  specially  given  here 
is  taken  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  {p.  552.) 


Answer. 
substance. 


And     ruler     of    all     his 


Let  us  pray. 


Prayer. 

Help  us,  we  beseech  Thee  O  Lord, 
for  the  sake  of  the  Husband  of  Thy 
most  holy  Mother,  that  what  we 
cannot  for  ourselves  obtain,  Thou 
mayest  grant  us  at  his  petition  :  Who 
livest  and  reignest  with  God  the 
Father,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Then  are  made  Commemorations  of 
[the  Second  Vespers  of]  SS.  Vincent 
and  Anastasius,  Prayer  from  the  even- 
ing of  fan.  21,  and  of  [the  First 
Vespers  of]  St  Fmerentiana,  all  from 
the  Common  Office  for  a  Virgin  and 
Martyr,  {p.  567.) 

Prayer,  "  Lord,  we  pray  Thee,  &c," 
(A  574-) 

At  Compline  the  last  verse  of  the 
Hymn  is  altered  in  honour  of  the  In- 
carnation. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Verse  and  Answer,  and 
Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Let  us  tell  again  of  the  right 
worthy  espousal  of  the  glorious  Virgin 
Mary,  who  gained  the  honour  of 
Motherhood  without  losing  the  guile- 
lessness  of  a  Maid. 

The  following  Commemoration  of 
St  Joseph,  where  permitted,  is  made, 
before  any  other. 

Antiphon.  Joseph,  being  raised 
from  sleep,  did  as  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord  had  bidden  him,  and  took  unto 
him  his  wife. 

Verse.  He  made  him  lord  of  his 
house. 


MATTINS. 


Invitatory.  Let  us  keep  the  Bridal- 
Feast  of  the  Virgin  Mary.  *  Let  us 
worship  Christ,  her  Son,  and  her  Lord 
and  ours. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 


First  Lesson. 


Here   beginneth   the  Song   of  Songs, 

(i.  1.) 

\rTyHE  Bride.]  Let  him  kiss  me  with 
kisses  of  his  mouth — for  better 
than  wine  are  thine  embraces,  redolent 
of  the  best  perfumes  !  Thy  name  is 
as  ointment  poured  forth,  therefore  do 
the  virgins  love  thee.  Draw  me  !  We 
will  run  after  thee  on  the  scent  of 
thy  perfume.      The  king  hath  brought 


FEAST-DAYS    IN   JANUARY. 


707 


me  into  his  chambers.  We  will  be 
glad  and  rejoice  in  thee.  We  will 
think  of  thine  embraces  more  than  of 
wine.  The  upright  love  thee.  I  am 
black,  but  comely,  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerusalem, — as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as 
the  curtains  of  Solomon. 

First  Respotisory. 

This  day  was  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary  betrothed  of  the  lineage  of  David. 
The  same  is  she  through  whom  the 
salvation  of  the  world  hath  been  mani- 
fested before  the  eyes  of  all  believers. 
This  is  she  whose  glorious  life  hath 
given  light  to  the  world. 

Verse.  Let  us  keep  with  rejoicing 
the  Bridal-Feast  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary. 

Answer.  The  same  is  she  through 
whom  the  salvation  of  the  world  hath 
been  manifested  before  the  eyes  of  all 
believers.  This  is  she  whose  glorious 
life  hath  given  light  to  the  world. 

Second  Lesson. 

[  n~^HE  Bride. ~\  Look  not  upon  me 
because  I  am  black,  because  the 
sun  hath  tanned  me.  My  mother's 
children  were  angry  with  me  ;  they 
made  me  the  keeper  of  the  vineyards  ; 
mine  own  vineyard  have  I  not  kept. 
Tell  me,  O  thou  whom  my  soul  loveth, 
where  thou  feedest  thy  flock,  where 
thou  layest  thee  down  at  noon,  lest 
I  begin  to  turn  aside  after  the  flocks 
of  thy  companions. 

[The  Bridegroom.']  If  thou  know 
not,  O  thou  fairest  among  women,  go 
thy  way  forth  by  the  footsteps  of  the 
flock,  and  feed  thy  kids  beside  the 
shepherd's  tents.  I  have  compared 
thee,  O  my  love,  to  my  horses  in 
Pharaoh's  chariot.  Thy  cheeks  are 
comely  like  a  dove's,  thy  neck  like 
strings  of  jewels.1 


Second  Responsory. 

Let  us  keep  right  heartily  the  Bridal- 
Feast  of  the  Most  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary,  that  she  may  pray  for  us  to  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Verse.  Let  us  keep  with  right 
hearty  rejoicing  the  betrothal  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary. 

Answer.  That  she  may  pray  for 
us  to  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Third  Lesson. 

"XT  ECKLACES  of  gold  will  we  make 
for  thee,  with  inlaid  work  of 
silver. 

[The  Bride.]  While  the  king  sat 
on  his  couch,  my  spikenard  sent  forth 
the  smell  thereof.  A  bundle  of  myrrh 
is  my  well-beloved  unto  me.  He  shall 
lie  betwixt  my  breasts.  My  beloved 
is  unto  me  as  a  bunch  of  cypress  in 
the  vineyards  of  Engaddi. 

[The  Bridegroom.]  Behold,  thou 
art  fair,  my  love,  behold,  thou  art 
fair  ;  thou  hast  doves'  eyes. 

[The  Bride.]  Behold,  thou  art  fair, 
my  beloved,  yea,  comely. 

[Both.]  Our  bed  is  of  flowers,  the 
beams  of  our  house  are  of  cedar,  our 
rafters  of  cypress. 

Third  Responsory. 

Let  us  tell  again  of  the  right  worthy 
espousal  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary. 
The  same  is  she  whose  lowliness  the 
Lord  regarded,  she  who  by  the 
message  of  an  Angel  conceived  the 
Saviour  of  the  world. 

Verse.  Let  us  keep  right  earnestly 
the  Bridal-Feast  of  the  most  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary. 

Answer.  The  same  is  she  whose 
lowliness  the  Lord  regarded,  she  who 
by  the  message  of  an  Angel  conceived 
the  Saviour  of  the  world. 


1  Or  "Thy  cheeks  are  comely  with  strings,  or  plaits,  and  thy  neck  with  rows  of  jewels." 


708 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.     The  same  is  she  whose 
lowliness  the   Lord  regarded,  she  who 
by  the  message  of  an  Angel  conceived 
the  Saviour  of  the  world. 
/ 
SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of  Clairvaux.] 
{2nd on  Luke'x.  26.) 

T^HE  secret  course  of  the  counsel  of 
God  was  for  awhile  to  be  hidden 
from  the  prince  of  this  world.  Not 
that  God  had  any  need  to  fear  hin- 
drance from  him,  if  He  had  chosen  to 
work  openly,  but  because  He  Who 
doth  all  things  wisely  as  well  as 
mightily,  is  wont  to  observe  in  all  His 
works  certain  meetnesses  both  of  things 
and  of  times :  and  so  in  this,  the 
glorious  work  of  our  redemption,  He 
was  pleased  to  show  His  wisdom  as 
well  as   His  power. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

This  day  was  betrothed  the  glorious 
Virgin  Mary,  a  child  of  the  seed  of 
Abraham,  a  daughter  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah,  a  Princess  of  the  lineage  of 
David.  This  is  she  whose  famous  life 
still  sheddeth  lustre  upon  all  the 
Churches. 

Verse.  This  day  was  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary  betrothed  of  the  lineage 
of  David. 

Answer.  This  is  she  whose  famous 
life  still  sheddeth  lustre  upon  all  the 
Churches. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  T  was  meet  therefore,  that  He  Who 

was     about     to     cast    down     the 

troubler,     should     sweetly     order     all 

things  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  to  es- 


tablish the  reign  of  peace  ;  and  that 
He  Who  was  about  to  prevail  against 
the  envier,  should  first  give  us  the 
sorely-needed  example  of  His  Own 
lowliness  and  meekness  ;  that  so,  by 
the  marvellous  disposition  of  His  wis- 
dom He  might  appear  at  once  gentle 
to  His  own,  and  awful  to  His  foe. 

Fifth  Responsory . 

Let  us  keep  with  rejoicing  the 
Bridal-Feast  of  the  Blessed  Mary,  that 
she  may  pray  for  us  to  our  Lord  JESUS 
Christ. 

Verse.  With  all  our  heart  and  with 
all  our  soul  let  us  sing  praise  to  Christ 
on  this  the  solemn  Feast-day  of  Mary 
the  mighty  Mother  of  God. 

Answer.  That  she  may  pray  for 
us  to  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T7OR  what  would  it  have  profited  for 
God  to  crush  the  devil,  if  we 
were  to  remain  proud  ?  For  this  end 
therefore  did  it  behove  that  Mary 
should  be  espoused  to  Joseph,  namely, 
that  the  holy  thing  might  be  kept  from 
the  dogs,  that  an  husband  might  attest 
her  maidenhood,  that  the  modesty  of 
the  virgin  might  be  spared,  and  her 
good  fame  saved.  Than  this,  what 
could  be  wiser,  what  more  worthy  of 
God's  counsels  ?  By  this  device  the 
heavenly  secret  was  at  the  same  time 
provided  with  its  witness  and  pro- 
tected from  its  foeman  ;  and  the  good 
name  of  the  Maiden  Mother  preserved. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

Thy  betrothal,  O  Virgin  Mother  of 
God,  was  a  message  of  joy  to  the 
whole  world,  for  out  of  thee  rose  the 
Sun  of  righteousness,  even  Christ  our 
God,  Who  hath  taken  away  the  curse 
and    brought   a  blessing,   confounded 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


709 


death,  and  given  unto  us  everlasting 
life. 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women,  and  blessed  is  the  Fruit  of 
thy  womb. 

Answer.  For  out  of  thee  rose  the 
Sun  of  righteousness,  even  Christ  our 
God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Who  hath  taken  away 
the  curse  and  brought  a  blessing, 
confounded  death,  and  given  unto  us 
everlasting  life. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  the  same  as  on  Christmas- 
Eve,  {p.  267.)  The  Third  is  read 
as  one  with  the  Second,  to  leave  room 
for  the  Ninth  Lesson,  which  is  of  St 
Emerentiana. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

All  generations  shall  call  me  blessed, 
for  the  Lord  That  is  Mighty  hath  done 
to  me  great  things,  and  holy  is  His 
name. 

Verse.  And  His  mercy  is  on  them 
that  fear  Him  from  generation  to 
generation. 

Answer.  For  the  Lord  That  is 
Mighty  hath  done  to  me  great  things, 
and  holy  is  His  name. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O  holy  Virgin  Mary,  happy  indeed 
art  thou,  and  right  worthy  of  all  praise, 
for  out  of  thee  rose  the  Sun  of  righte- 
ousness, even  Christ  our  God. 

Verse.  Pray  for  the  people,  plead 
for  the  clergy,  make  intercession  for 
all  women  vowed  to  God.  May  all 
that  keep  thine  holy  Bridal-Feast  feel 
the  might  of  thine  assistance. 

Answer.  For  out  of  thee  rose  the 
Sun  of  righteousness. 


Verse.     Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Answer.      Even  Christ  our  God. 

Cotnmemoration  of  St  foseph. 

Antiphon.  Jesus  Himself  began  to 
be  about  thirty  years  of  age,  being 
(as  was  supposed)  the  son  of  Joseph. 

Verse.  The  mouth  of  the  virtuous 
speaketh  wisdom. 

Answer.  And  his  tongue  talketh 
judgment. 

Prayer  as  at  First  Vespers,  then  of 
St  Emerentiana.  All  from  the  Com- 
mon Office. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

For  St  Emerentiana. 

"PMERENTIANA  was  a  Roman 
maiden,  and  the  foster-sister  of 
the  blessed  Agnes.  While  she  was 
still  a  Catechumen  she  was  inspired 
by  her  faith  and  love  to  rebuke  the 
fury  of  the  idol-worshippers  against 
the  Christians,  whereupon  a  mob 
assembled,  and  stoned  her  so  severely 
that  she  was  only  able  to  drag  herself 
to  the  grave  of  holy  Agnes,  where, 
while  she  prayed,  she  gave  up  her 
soul  to  God,  being  baptized,  not  in 
water,  but  in  her  own  blood,  so  freely 
shed  for  Christ. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  This  day  was  be- 
trothed the  glorious  Virgin  Mary,  * 
a  child  of  the  seed  of  Abraham,  a 
daughter  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  a 
Princess  of  the  lineage  of  David. 

Second  Antiphon.  This  day  is  the 
Bridal-Feast  of  the  holy  Virgin  Mary, 
*  whose  famous  life  still  sheddeth 
lustre  upon  all  the  Churches. 

Third  Antiphon.  Mary  was  a 
maiden  of  illustrious  birth,  *  the 
daughter    of    a     Kingly    race.       We 


yio 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


earnestly  intreat  her  to  help  our  minds 
and  souls  by  her  prayers. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  With  all  our 
heart  and  with  all  our  soul  let  us  sing 
praise  to  Christ  *  on  this  the  solemn 
Feast-day  of  Mary,  the  mighty  Mother 
of  God.  / 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Let  us  keep  with 
rejoicing  the  Bridal  -  Feast  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  *  that  she  may 
pray  for  us  to  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Verse.  This  day  is  the  Bridal-Feast 
of  the  holy  Virgin  Mary. 

Answer.  Whose  famous  life  still 
sheddeth  lustre  upon  all  the  Churches. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Let  us  this  day  keep  solemnly  the 
Bridal-Feast  of  Mary,  Mother  but  still 
Maiden,  her  Bridal,  a  step  toward  the 
loftiness  of  her  throne.      Alleluia. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

/^RANT  unto  us  Thy  servants,  we 
beseech  Thee,  O  Lord,  the  gift 
of  Thy  heavenly  grace,  unto  whom 
Thou  didst  give  the  first  sight  of  a 
Saviour  as  the  offspring  of  a  Blessed 
Virgin,  and  grant  that  this  Feast, 
which  they  keep  in  honour  of  the  same 
Virgin,  may  avail  them  unto  the  in- 
crease of  peace.  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. 

If  permitted,  Commemoration  of  St 

Joseph,  from  his  Office,  as  given  below. 

Theft  of  St  Emerentiana,   Virgin  and 

Martyr,  from  the   Common   Office  {p. 

573-) 


Commemoration  of  St  Joseph. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  Jesus    Himself  began   to  be  about 


thirty  years  of  age,  being,  (as  was 
supposed,)  the  son  of  Joseph. 

Verse.  The  mouth  of  the  righteous 
speaketh  wisdom. 

Answer.  And  his  tongue  talketh 
judgment. 

Prayer. 

Let  us  pray. 

TUT  ELP  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord, 
for  the  sake  of  the  Husband  of 
Thy  most  Holy  Mother,  that  what  we 
cannot  for  ourselves  obtain,  Thou  may- 
est  grant  us  at  his  petition  ;  Who  livest 
and  reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in 
the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

The  Antiphons  at  Prime,  Terce, 
Sext,  and  None,  are  the  First,  Second, 
Third,  and  Fifth  from  Lauds  respec- 
tively. 

The  last  verses  of  all  the  Hymns 
are  altered  in  honour  of  the  Incar- 
nation. 

Verse  at  Prime.  "  Thou  that  wast 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary." 


MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  24th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

Holy  Timothy,  the  disciple  of  the 
blessed  Apostle  Paul,  by  whom  he 
was  ordained  Bishop  of  Ephesus. 
After  many  contendings  for  Christ, 
because  he  rebuked  them  that  were 
offering  sacrifice  to  Diana,  they  stoned 
him,  and  a  short  while  thereafter  he 
fell  asleep  in  the  Lord,   [in  the  year 

97-] 

At  Antioch,  [in  the  year  250,]  holy 
Babilas,  Patriarch  of  that  city.  After 
he  had  oftentimes  glorified  God  by 
the  sufferings  and  torments  which  he 
bore,  and  in  the  persecution  under 
the    Emperor    Decius,   he    ended    his 


1  Luke  iii.  23. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


711 


glorious  life  in  iron  fetters,  which  he 
commanded  should  be  buVied  with  him. 
It  is  recorded  also  that  there  suffered 
with  him  three  children — Urban,  Prili- 
dian,  and  Epolonius  —  whom  he  had 
instructed  in  the  faith  of  Christ. 

At  Neo-Caesarea,  the  holy  martyrs 
Mardonius,  Musonius,  Eugenius,  and 
Metellus,  these  all  were  burnt  and 
their  ashes  thrown  into  the  river. 

At  Foligno,  holy  Felician,  who  was 
ordained  by  Pope  Victor  Bishop  of 
that  city,  and  after  many  labours  was 
crowned  with  martyrdom  in  extreme 
old  age,  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Decius. 

Likewise  the  holy  martyrs  Thyrsus, 
[third  century,]  and  Projectus,  [Bishop 
of  Clermont,  in  the  year  674.] 

At  Bologna,  [in  the  third  century,] 
holy  Zama,  the  first  Bishop  of  that 
city,  who  was  ordained  by  the  holy 
Roman  Pontiff  Denis,  and  there  won- 
derfully spread  the  Christian  faith. 

Likewise  [in  the  sixth  century,]  the 
blessed  Abbat  Suran,  who  flourished 
in  holiness  in  the  time  of  the  Lom- 
bards. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

All  as  the  First,  except  the  following. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Thy  betrothal,  O  Virgin 
Mother  of  God,  was  a  message  of  joy 
to  the  whole  world,  for  out  of  thee  rose 
the  Sun  of  righteousness,  even  Christ 
our  God,  Who  hath  taken  away  the 
curse  and  brought  a  blessing,  con- 
founded death,  and  given  unto  us 
everlasting  life. 

Commemoration  of  St  foseph. 

Antiphon.  Behold  a  faithful  and 
wise  servant,  whom  his  Lord  hath  made 
ruler  over  his  household. 

Verse.  Glory  and'  riches  shall  be 
in  his  house. 


Answer.  And  his  righteousness 
endureth  for  ever. 

Prayer  as  at  First  Vespers;  then  of 
St  Timothy  from  the  Common  Office, 
{p.  482,)  with  the  Prayer,  "  Mercifully 
consider,  &c,"  (p.  491.) 

Where  permitted,  Commemoration 
of  St  Joseph,  from  his  Office.,  {p.  710.) 
Then  of  [the  First  Vespers  of]  St 
Timothy. 

At  Compline  the  last  Verse  of  the 
Hytrin  is  altered  in  honour  of  the 
Incarnation. 


January  24. 

St  Ctmotfjg,   23ts|)op  [of 
(fHpijesus,]  Jflartgr. 

Double. 

MATTINS. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  One 
Martyr,  (p.  482,)  except  what  is  other- 
wise given  here. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office,  "Mer- 
cifully consider  our  weakness,  &c," 
{p.  491.) 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  accorditig  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

'"TIMOTHY  was  a  native  of  Lystra 
in  Lycaonia,  born  of  a  Gentile 
father  and  a  Jewish  mother.  He  em- 
braced the  Christian  religion  when  the 
Apostle  Paul  came  into  those  parts. 
The  holy  Apostle  was  so  struck  with 
the   fame  of  Timothy's  sanctity,   that 


712 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


he  chose  him  to  be  the  companion  of 
his  journeys,  and  caused  him  to  be 
circumcised,  in  order  to  remove  a 
stumbling-block  from  the  way  of  those 
Jews  who  felt  drawn  to  Christianity. 
When  they  came  together  to  Ephesus, 
the  Apostle  consecrated  him  Bishop 
of  that  Church. 


Fifth  Less 07i. 

'pWO  of  the  Apostle  Paul's  Epistles 
are  addressed  to  this  Saint,  of 
which  one  was  written  from  Laodicea, 
and  the  other  from  Rome.  These 
sacred  writings  so  stirred  him  up  to 
the  zealous  discharge  of  his  duties  as 
a  spiritual  shepherd,  that  he  strove 
to  prevent  the  people  of  Ephesus  from 
sacrificing  to  Artemis  on  her  feast- 
day,  knowing  that  sacrifice  is  due  to 
God  alone.  The  heathens  thereupon 
stoned  him  till  he  was  well-nigh  dead, 
and  although  he  was  rescued  by  the 
Christians,  and  carried  to  a  mountain 
near  the  city,  he  then  fell  asleep  in 
the  Lord,  on  the  24th  day  of  January. 


Sixth  Lesson. 
The  illustrious  day,  &c,  {p.  486.) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xiv.  26,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory  {p.  489.) 

MARTVROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  commemorate 
the  conversion  of  the  holy  Apostle 
Paul,  which  took  place  in  the  second 
year  after  our  Lord's  ascension. 

Upon  the  same  25  th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Damascus,  holy  Ananias,  who 
baptized  the  aforesaid  apostle.  He 
preached    the    Gospel    at    Damascus 


and  at  other  places,  and  was  first 
scourged  and*  rent  with  thongs,  and 
then  stoned  to  death  under  the  judge 
Licinius. 

At  Antioch,  the  holy  martyrs 
Juventinus  and  Maximus,  who  were 
crowned  with  martyrdom  under  the 
Emperor  Julian  the  Apostate,  and  on 
whose  feast-day  holy  John  Chrysostom 
preached  unto  the  people. 

At  Auvergne,  [in  the  year  674,]  the 
holy  martyrs  Projectus,  Bishop  of  that 
see,  and  Marinus  the  man  of  God, 
who  suffered  under  the  chief  men  of 
that  city. 

Likewise  the  holy  martyrs  Donatus, 
Sabinus,  and  Agapis. 

At  Tomis,  in  Scythia,  holy  Bretan- 
nion,  Bishop  [of  that  see],  who  flour- 
ished in  the  Church  in  wonderful  holi- 
ness and  zeal  for  the  Catholic  faith 
under  the  Arian  Emperor  Valens, 
whom  he  withstood  stoutly. 

At  Arras,  in  Gaul,  holy  Poppo, 
Abbat  [of  Stavelotz,]  famous  for 
miracles,  [in  the  year  1048  ;  also  his 
mother,  blessed  Adelviva.] 

Vespers  of  the  following. 


January  25. 

Conversion   of  £t  $aul  tije 
apostle. 

Greater  Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Apostles,  (p.  462,)  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Verse  and  An- 
swer, and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Psalms  as  on  Sunday,  except  the  last, 
which  is  Psalm  cxvi.,  "  O  praise  the 
Lord,  all  ye  nations,  &c,"  (p.  186.) 


FEAST-DAYS    IN   JANUARY. 


713 


Hymn  J1 

T  EAD  us,  great  teacher  Paul,  in  wisdom's 
ways, 
And  lift  our  hearts  with  thine  to  Heaven's 
high  throne  ; 
Till  Faith  beholds  the  clear  meridian  blaze, 
And,   sun-like,   in  the  soul  reigns   Charity 
alone. 

Praise,    blessing,    majesty,    through   endless 
days, 
Be  to  the  Trinity  Eternal  given  ; 
Who  in  Pure  Unity  profoundly  sways 

Eternally    all    things    alike    in    earth    and 
heaven.     Amen. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Ananias,  go  thy  way,  and 
seek  Saul :  for,  behold,  he  prayeth  : 
for  he  is  a  chosen  vessel  unto  Me, 
to  bear  My  name  before  the  Gentiles, 
and  kings,  and  the  children  of  Israel. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Peter,  which  is  taken  from  Lauds. 

Then  a  Commemoration  of  St  Timo- 
thy. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  For  the  conversion  of 
the  Teacher  of  the  Gentiles,  *  let  us 
praise  our  God. 

Hymn.  "  Lead  us,  &c,"  as  at 
First  Vespers. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  2  He  That  wrought 
effectually  in  Peter  to  the  Apostleship, 
the  Same  was  mighty  in  me  toward 
the  Gentiles,  and  they  perceived  the 
grace  that  was  given  unto  me  of  the 
Lord  Christ. 

Second  Antiphon.  3  I  know  Whom 
I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded 
that  He  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I 
have  committed  unto  Him  against 
that  day,  as  a  righteous  Judge. 

Third  Antiphon.     4  To   me   to  live 


is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain  :  God  for- 
bid that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the 
cross  of  our  Lord  JESUS  Christ. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Acts  of 
the  Apostles  (ix.  1.) 

CAUL,  yet  breathing  out  threaten- 
ings  and  slaughter  against  the 
disciples  of  the  Lord,  went  unto  the 
high  priest,  and  desired  of  him  letters 
to  Damascus  to  the  synagogues  ;  that, 
if  he  found  any  of  this  way,  whether 
they  were  men  or  women,  he  might 
bring  them  bound  unto  Jerusalem. 
And  as  he  journeyed,  he  came  near 
Damascus,  and  suddenly  there  shined 
round  about  him  a  light  from  heaven. 
And  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  heard 
a  voice  saying  unto  him  :  Saul,  Saul, 
why  persecutest  thou  Me  ?  And  he 
said  :  Who  art  Thou,  Lord  ?  And 
the  Lord  said  :  I  am  Jesus,  Whom 
thou  persecutest  ;  it  is  hard  for  thee 
to  kick  against  the  pricks. 

First  Responsory. 

He  That  wrought  effectually  in 
Peter  to  the  Apostleship,  the  Same 
was  mighty  in  me  toward  the  Gentiles, 
and  they  perceived  the  grace  that 
was  given  unto  me  of  the  Lord  Christ. 

Verse.  5  The  grace  of  God  which 
was  bestowed  upon  me  was  not  in 
vain,  but  His  grace  abideth  ever  in 
me. 

Answer.  And  they  perceived  the 
grace  that  was  given  unto  me  of  the 
Lord  Christ. 

Second  Lesson. 

A  NDhe  trembling  and  astonished, 

said  :   Lord,  what  wilt  Thou  have 

me  to  do  ?     And  the  Lord  said  unto 


1  Another  portion  of  the  hymn  Aurea  luce,  largely  altered. 
3  2  Tim.  i.  12;  iv.  8.  4  Phil.  i.  21  ;  Gal.  vi.  14. 


2  Gal.  ii.  8,  9. 
5  1  Cor.  xv.  10. 


7H 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


him  :  Arise,  and  go  into  the  city,  and 
it  shall  there  be  told  thee  what  thou 
must  do.  And  the  men  which  journeyed 
with  him  stood  speechless,  hearing  a 
voice  but  seeing  no  man.  And  Saul 
arose  from  the  earth,  and  when  his 
eyes  were  opened,  he  saw  nothing. 
But  they  led  him  by  the  hand  and 
brought  him  into  Damascus.  And  he 
was  there  three  days  without  sight, 
and  neither  did  eat  nor  drink. 

Second  Responsory. 

1  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have 
finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the 
faith  ;  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for 
me  a  crown  of  righteousness. 

Verse.  I  know  Whom  I  have  be- 
lieved, and  am  persuaded  that  He  is 
able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  com- 
mitted unto  Him  against  that  day. 

Answer.  Henceforth  there  is  laid 
up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness. 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  there  was  a  certain  disciple 
at  Damascus,  named  Ananias  ; 
and  to  him  said  the  Lord  in  a  vision  : 
Ananias.  And  he  said  :  Behold,  I  am 
here,  Lord.  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
him  :  Arise,  and  go  into  the  street 
which  is  called  Straight,  and  inquire 
in  the  house  of  Judas  for  one  called 
Saul,  of  Tarsus ;  for,  behold,  he 
prayeth  ;  and  hath  seen  a  man  named 
Ananias  coming  in,  and  putting  his 
hand  on  him,  that  he  might  receive 
his  sight.  Then  Ananias  answered  : 
Lord,  I  have  heard  by  many  of  this 
man,  how  much  evil  he  hath  done  to 
Thy  saints  at  Jerusalem  :  and  here  he 
hath  authority  from  the  chief  priests 
to  bind  all  that  call  on  Thy  name. 
But  the  Lord  said  unto  him  :  Go  thy 
way,  for  he  is  a  chosen  vessel  unto 
Me,    to   bear    My    name    before    the 

1  2  Tim.  iv.  7,  8  ;  i.  12. 


Gentiles,  and  kings,  and  the  children 
of  Israel.  For  I  will  show  him  how 
great  things  he  must  suffer  for  My 
name's  sake. 

Third  Responsory. 

2  There  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown 
of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the 
righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at  that 
day. 

Verse.  I  know  Whom  I  have  be- 
lieved, and  am  persuaded  that  He  is 
able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  com- 
mitted unto  Him  against  that  day. 

Answer.  Which  the  Lord,  the 
righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at 
that  day. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Which  the  Lord,  the 
righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at 
■  that  day. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  O  Holy  Apostle 
Paul,  thou  art  a  chosen  vessel  unto 
God,  to  preach  the  Gospel  throughout 
the  whole  world. 

Second  Antiphon.  Paul  is  made 
one  of  the  chiefest  among  the  Saints, 
and  a  chosen  vessel  ;  verily  he  is 
worthy  to  be  glorified,  for  he  was 
made  worthy  to  sit  upon  one  of  the 
twelve  thrones. 

Third  Antiphon.  I  have  fought  a 
good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course, 
I  have  kept  the  faith. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
(24th  on  the  Saints,  279.) 

V\/"E  have  this  day  heard  read  out 

of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  how 

that  the  Apostle  Paul,    from  being  a 

2  2  Tim.  iv.  7,  8  ;  i.  12. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


715 


persecutor  of  the  Christians,  was 
changed  into  a  preacher  of  Christ. 
Christ  laid  low  the  persecutor,  that  He 
might  raise  him  up  a  teacher  of  His 
Church.  He  smote  and  healed  him, 
slew  him  and  made  him  alive  again. 
For  the  Lord  Christ  is  that  Lamb 
That  was  Himself  slain  by  the  wolves, 
and  That  now  turneth  the  wolves  into 
lambs.  Now  was  fulfilled  in  Paul 
that  which  was  clearly  spoken  in  pro- 
phecy by  the  Patriarch  Jacob,  when 
he  blessed  his  children,  laying  hands 
indeed  on  them  which  then  were,  but 
looking  forward  to  the  things  which 
were  yet  for  to  come.  Paul  beareth 
witness  of  himself  that  he  was  of  the 
tribe  of  Benjamin,  (Rom.  xi.  1,)  and 
when  Jacob  blessed  his  sons,  and  came 
to  bless  Benjamin,  he  said  :  "  Ben- 
jamin shall  ravin  as  a  wolf."  (Gen. 
xlix.  27.) 

Fourth  Responsory. 

O  Holy  Apostle  Paul,  thou  art  a 
chosen  vessel  unto  God,  to  preach  the 
Gospel  throughout  the  whole  world  ; 
through  whom  all  nations  have  known 
the  grace  of  God. 

Verse.  Pray  for  us  to  God  Who 
hath  chosen  thee. 

Answer.  Through  whom  all  nations 
have  known  the  grace  of  God. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"\17'HAT  then  ?  Is  Benjamin  a  wolf 
that  shall  ravin  for  ever  ?  God 
forbid.  "  In  the  morning  he  shall 
devour  the  prey,  and  at  night  he  shall 
divide  the  spoil."  This  is  exactly 
what  was  fulfilled  in  the  Apostle  Paul. 
If  it  please  you,  we  will  now  consider 
how  in  the  morning  he  devoured  the 
prey,  and  at  night  divided  the  spoil. 
Here  morning  and  evening  are  put 
for  the  beginning  and  the  end.      So  we 

1  1  Cor.  xv.  10 ;  Gal.  ii.  8. 


may  read,  "  In  the  beginning  he  shall 
devour  the  prey,  and  at  the  end  he 
shall  divide  the  spoil."  First,  then, 
in  the  beginning,  he  devoured  the 
prey.  So  it  is  written  that  he  received 
letters  from  the  chief  priests  and  went 
forth,  that  wheresoever  he  should  find 
any  Christians,  he  might  bring  them 
bound  unto  the  priests,  that  they 
might  be  punished. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1  By  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I 
am.  And  His  grace  which  was  be- 
stowed upon  me  was  not  in  vain,  but 
abideth  ever  in  me. 

Verse.  He  That  wrought  effectually 
in  Peter  to  the  Apostleship,  the  Same 
was  mighty  in  me  toward  the  Gentiles. 

Answer.  And  His  grace  which  was 
bestowed  upon  me  was  not  in  vain, 
but  abideth  ever  in  me. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

TUT  E  went  breathing  out  threatenings 
and  slaughter,  yea,  truly,  de- 
vouring the  prey.  When  also  they 
stoned  Stephen,  the  first  Martyr  that 
laid  down  his  life  for  Christ's  name's 
sake,  Saul  was  consenting  unto  his 
death,  and,  as  though  it  contented 
him  not  to  stone  him,  he  kept  the 
clothes  of  all  them  that  did  it,  urging 
them  on  more  than  if  he  had  joined 
them.  So  in  the  morning  he  devoured 
the  prey.  How  in  the  evening  did  he 
divide  the  spoil  ?  Struck  down  by  the 
voice  of  Christ  from  heaven,  ravining 
no  more,  he  falleth  upon  his  face,  cast 
down  to  be  raised  up,  smitten  to  be 
healed. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

2  Saul,  who  also  is  called  Paul,  was 
made  a  great  preacher  ;  and  being  of 
God  increased  the  more  in  strength  he 
confounded  the  Jews. 

2  Acts  ix.  22,  20. 


y\6 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Verse.  Proving  that  This  is  very 
Christ,  the  Son  of  God. 

Answer.  And  being  of  God  in- 
creased the  more  in  strength  he  con- 
founded the  Jews. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  ari*d  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  being  of  God  in- 
creased the  more  in  strength  he  con- 
founded the  Jews. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Saul,  who  also  is 
called  Paul,  was  made  a  great  preacher ; 
and  being  of  God  increased  the  more 
in  strength  he  confounded  the  Jews. 

Second  Antiphon.  1  Lest  I  should 
be  exalted  above  measure  through  the 
greatness  of  the  revelations,  there  was 
given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  flesh,  the 
messenger  of  Satan,  to  buffet  me  :  for 
this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord  thrice, 
that  it  might  depart  from  me  ;  and  the 
Lord  said  unto  me  :  Paul,  My  grace 
is  sufficient  for  thee. 

Third  Antiphon.  There  is  laid  up 
for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness,  which 
the  Lord,  the  righteous  Judge,  shall 
give  me  at  that  day. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xix.  27,  with 
the  Ho7tiily  of  the  Venerable  Bede  {p. 
478.) 

Seventh  Rcsponsory. 

O  Holy  Apostle  Paul,  Preacher  of 
the  truth,  and  teacher  of  the  Gentiles, 
pray  for  us  to  God,  Who  hath  chosen 
thee,  that  we  may  be  made  worthy  of 
the  grace  of  God. 

Verse.  O  Holy  Apostle  Paul,  thou 
art  a  chosen  vessel  unto  God,  and  a 
Preacher  of  the  truth. 

Answer.  Pray  for  us  to  God  Who 
hath  chosen  thee,  that  we  may  be 
made  worthy  of  the  grace  of  God. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

2  In  Damascus  the  governor  under 
Aretas  the  king  was  desirous  to  appre- 
hend me,  and  by  the  brethren  in  a 
basket  was  I  let  down  by  the  wall,  and 
so  escaped  I  his  hands,  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

Verse.  The  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  knoweth  that  I  lie 
not. 

Answer.  And  by  the  brethren  in  a 
basket  was  I  let  down  by  the  wall. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Anszuer.  And  so  escaped  I  his 
hands,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphofi.  s  I  have  planted, 
*  Apollos  watered,  but  God  gave  the 
increase.     Alleluia. 

After  Septuagesima  omit  Alleluia. 

Second  Antiphon.  4  Most  gladly 
therefore  will  I  rather  glory  *  in  my 
infirmities,  that  the  power  of  Christ 
may  rest  upon  me. 

Third  Antiphon.  The  grace  of  God 
which  was  bestowed  upon  me  was  not 
in  vain,  *  but  His  grace  abideth  ever 
in  me. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  In  Damascus  the 
governor  under  Aretas  the  king  was 
desirous  to  apprehend  me  ;  by  the 
brethren  in  a  basket  was  I  let  down 
by  the  wall,  and  so  escaped  I  his 
hands,   in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  6  Thrice  was  I 
beaten  with  rods,  *  once  was  I  stoned, 
thrice  I  suffered  shipwreck,  for  Christ's 
name's  sake. 

Chapter.      (Acts  ix.  1.) 

CAUL,  yet  breathing   out   threaten- 

ings   and    slaughter    against  the 

disciples  of  the   Lord,  went  unto  the 


1  2  Cor.  xii.  7-9. 
4  2  Cor.  xii.  9. 


-  2  Cor.  xi.  32,  33,  31. 
8  2  Cor.  xi.  25. 


3  1  Cor.  iii.  6. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


717 


high  priest,  and  desired  of  him  letters 
to  Damascus,  to  the  synagogues,  that, 
if  he  found  any  of  this  way,  whether 
they  were  men  or  women,  he  might 
bring  them  bound  unto  Jerusalem. 

Verse.  O  Holy  Apostle  Paul,  thou 
art  a  chosen  vessel  unto  God. 

Answer.  To  preach  the  Gospel 
throughout  the  whole  world. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord :  Ye,  which  have 
followed  Me,  shall  sit  upon  twelve 
thrones,  judging  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Israel. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who,  through  the  teaching 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul,  hast 
caused  the  light  of  the  Gospel  to  shine 
throughout  the  world,  grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  that  we,  having  his 
wonderful  conversion  (as  on  this  day) 
in  remembrance,  may  show  forth  our 
thankfulness  unto  Thee  for  the  same, 
by  following  the  holy  example  which 
he  hath  set.  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. 

Then  the  following  Commemoration 
of  St  Peter. 

Antiphon.  Thou  art  the  Shepherd 
of  the  sheep,  and  the  Prince  of  the 
Apostles,  and  unto  thee  hath  God 
given  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

Verse.     Thou  art  Peter. 

Answer.  And  upon  this  rock  I 
will  build  My  Church. 

Prayer. 

C\  GOD,  Who  hast  given  unto  Thy 

Blessed  Apostle  Peter  the  keys 

of  the  kingdom   of  heaven,   and   the 

power  to  bind  and  to  loose,  loose  us, 

VOL.  I. 


we  beseech  Thee,  at  his  mighty  in- 
tercession, from  all  the  bands  of  our 
sins.  Who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
God  the  Father,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  I  have  planted,  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  26th  day  of  January,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Smyrna,  holy  Polycarp,  a  dis- 
ciple of  the  blessed  Apostle  John,  and 
by  him  ordained  Bishop  of  that  city, 
having  the  charge  of  all  Asia.  In  the 
reign  of  Mark  Antony,  and  Lucius 
Aurelius  Commodus,  as  the  Pro-consul 
was  sitting  in  the  amphitheatre  all  the 
people  cried  out  against  Polycarp,  and 
to  please  them  he  was  cast  into  the 
fire,  but  forasmuch  as  it  burned 
him  not  he  was  pierced  with  the 
sword,  and  so  received  the  crown 
of  martyrdom,  [in  the  year  166.] 
With  him  there  suffered  also  twelve 
others  that  were  come  from  Phila- 
delphia unto  the  city  aforesaid. 

At  Hippo,  in  Africa,  the  holy 
martyrs  Theogenes,  Bishop  of  that 
city,  and  thirty-six  others,  who  in  the 
persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Valerian  reckoned  cheaply  death  here 
in  time,  and  received  the  crown  of 
life  eternal,  [about  the  year  260.] 

At  Bethlehem  of  Judah,  the  holy 
widow  Paula,  mother  of  Eustochium, 
the  virgin  of  Christ.  She  was  of  a 
very  noble  senatorial  family,  that  gave 
up  the  world  and  distributed  all  her 
goods  to  feed  the  poor  and  betook 
herself  to  the  manger  of  the  Lord, 
and  thence  passed  away  into  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  endowed  with 
many  graces  and  crowned  with  a  long 
martyrdom,  [in  the  year  404.]  Jerome 
hath  written  of  her  life,  full  of  graces. 
2  A 


7i8 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


In    the    country   of   Paris,    [in   the 
year  685,]  holy  Bathildes,  Queen  [of 
France,]    illustrious    for    her    holiness 
and  the  glory  of  her  miracles. 
1 
Chapter  at  the  end.     (Acts  ix.  22.) 

DUT  Saul    increased    the    more    in 
strength,    and    confounded    the 
Jews  which  dwelt  at  Damascus,  prov- 
ing that  this  is  very  Christ. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Most  gladly  therefore, 
&c,  (Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 
SEXT. 

Antiphon.  The  grace  of  God,  &c, 
( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Acts  ix.  8.) 

A  ND  Saul  arose  from  the  earth, 
and,  when  his  eyes  were  opened, 
he  saw  nothing.  But  they  led  him 
by  the  hand,  and  brought  him  into 
Damascus.  And  he  was  there  three 
days  without  sight,  and  neither  did  eat 
nor  drink. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Thrice  was  I  beaten, 
&c,  (Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons  and  Chapter  from  Lauds. 
Hymn,  Verse  and  Answer  from  First 
Vespers. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  O  Holy  Apostle  Paul, 
Preacher  of  the  truth,  and  Teacher 
of  the  Gentiles,  pray  for  us  to  God, 
Who  hath  chosen  thee. 


Prayer  and  Commemoration  of  St 
Peter  from  Lauds. 

Then  a  Commemoration  of  the  fol- 
lowing. Antiphon,  Verse  and  Answer 
from  the  First  Vespers  of  the  Common 
Office  for  One  Martyr,  (p.  482,)  and 
the  Prayer,  "  O  God,  Who  year  by 
year,  &c,"  (^.491.) 

January  26. 

&t  ^olgcarp,   Bisijop  [of 
Smyrna,]  JEartgr, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  One 
Martyr,  (p.  482,)  except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office,  "O 
God,  Who  year  by  year,  Sec,"  (J>.  491.) 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  on 
Ecclesiastical  Writers,  composed  by 
St  Jerome,  Priest  [at  Bethlehem.] 

pOLYCARP  was  a  disciple  of  the 
Apostle  John,  and  was  conse- 
crated by  him  Bishop  of  Smyrna.  He 
was  reckoned  the  chief  of  all  the 
Christians  of  Asia,  because  he  had 
been  taught  by  several  of  the  Apostles, 
and  other  persons  who  had  seen  the 
Lord.  During  the  reign  of  the 
Emperor  Antoninus  Pius,  and  while 
Anicetus  presided  over  the  Church  of 
Rome,  Polycarp  came  thither  to  dis- 
cuss some  questions  regarding  the 
time  for  observing  Easter.  He  found 
some  heretics  at  Rome,  who  had  been 
led  astray  by  the  doctrine  of  Marcion 
and  Valentine,  and  brought  back  many 


FEAST-DAYS    IN   JANUARY. 


719 


of  them  to  the  faith.  One  day 
Marcion  met  him  by  accident,  and 
said  to  him  :  Do  you  recognise  me  ? 
whereto  he  replied  :  I  recognise  the 
devil's  eldest  son.  Some  time  after, 
in  the  reign  of  Mark  Antonine  and 
Lucius  Aurelius  Commodus,  during  the 
fourth  persecution  since  Nero,  when 
the  Pro-consul  was  ruling  in  Smyrna, 
the  whole  population  being  assembled 
in  the  theatre,  clamoured  against  Poly- 
carp,  and  to  please  them  he  was 
burnt.  He  wrote  an  extremely  useful 
Epistle  to  the  Philippians,  which  is 
publicly  read  in  the  Churches  of  Asia 
even  to  this  day. 

Fifth  and  Sixth  Lessons  from  the 
Exposition  of  Ps.  cxviii.  by  St  A?n- 
brose,  (p.  493,)  the  Fifth  Lesson  being 
the  First,  ("Princes  have  persecuted 
me,  &c.,")  and  the  Sixth  the  Second 
and  Third  read  as  one,  ("They  fight 
against  him,  &c,"  and  "  Think  then 
how  the  martyr,  &c.,")  or  else  the 
Second  only. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  x.  26,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Hilary,  (p.  495.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast  of 
holy  John,  Patriarch  of  Constantinople, 
[in  the  years  398-407,]  surnamed 
Chrysostom — that  is  to  say,  golden 
mouth — on  account  of  the  golden 
stream  of  his  eloquence,  whose  word 
and  example  much  profited  the  Church, 
but  after  many  toils  he  ended  his 
life  in  exile.  Mention  is  made  of  him 
upon  the  14th  day  of  September,  but 
the  27th  of  January  is  the  day  where- 
on his  sacred  body  was  brought  to 
Constantinople  under  the  Emperor 
Theodosius  the  younger,  whence  it  was 
afterward  brought  to  Rome,  and 
lyeth  buried  in  the  Basilica  of  the 
Prince  of  the  Apostles. 


At  Sora,  the  holy  martyr  Julian. 
He  was  arrested  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Antonine,  and 
while  he  was  being  tortured,  the 
temple  of  the  idols  fell  down,  where- 
upon he  was  beheaded,  and  so  received 
the  crown  of  martyrdom. 

In  Africa,  [in  the  third  century,] 
the  holy  martyr  Avitus. 

Likewise  in  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs 
Datius,  Reater,  and  their  companions, 
who  suffered  in  the  persecution  under 
the  Vandals. 

Likewise  in  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs 
Dativus,  Julian,  Vincent,  and  twenty- 
seven  others. 

At  Rome,  [in  the  year  671,]  holy 
Pope  Vitalian. 

At  Mans,  [in  the  year  117,]  holy 
Julian,  the  first  Bishop  of  that  city, 
whom  holy  Peter  sent  thither  to 
preach  the  Gospel. 

At  the  monastery  of  La  Val-Benois, 
the  holy  Maurus,  Abbat  of  Val- 
Benois. 

At  Brescia,  [in  the  year  1540,]  the 
holy  Virgin  Angela  Merici,  Foundress 
of  the  Society  of  Nuns  of  St  Ursula, 
whose  first  duty  is  to  lead  young 
maidens  into  the  paths  of  the  Lord. 
We  keep  her  festival  upon  the  last 
day  of  May,  in  accordance  with  an 
ordinance  of  Pius  VII. 

Vespers  of  the  following,  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 

January  27. 

St  Sojjn  Cfjrgsostom,  $atrt= 
arrfj  of  [Constantinople,] 
Confessor,  ano  ©octor  of 
tje  Cfjurrij* 

Double. 

All  fro?n  the  Common  Office  for  one 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  (p.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


720 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


FIRST    VESPERS. 

The  first  verse    of  the    Hymn    is 
altered. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.     O  right    excellent    Teacher, 

&c,  (A  515-) 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

TV/T  ERC I F  U  L  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee 
*■  continually  to  increase  by  Thy 

heavenly  grace,  Thy  holy  Church, 
which  Thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  en- 
lighten by  the  glorious  labours  and 
teaching  of  Thy  blessed  Confessor 
and  Bishop  John  Chrysostom. 
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. 

A    Commemoration   is  made  of  St 
Polycarp.     Prayer  as  in  his  Office. 


MATTINS. 

The  first  verse  of  the  hymn  is  altered. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 
Fourth  Lesson. 

JOHN  of  Antioch,  who,  on  account 
of  the  golden  stream  of  his  elo- 
quence, is  called  by  the  Greeks  Chry- 
sostomos,  or,  "  the  golden-mouthed," 
was  a  lawyer  and  man  of  the  world  of 
much  eminence,  before  he  turned  his 
great  intellect  and  wonderful  industry 
to  the  study  of  things  sacred.  He 
took  orders,  and  was  ordained  a  priest 
of  the  Church  of  Antioch,  [in  the  year 


of  our  Lord  386,]  and  after  the  death 
of  Nectarius,  was  forced  by  the 
Emperor  Arcadius  to  accept,  though 
sorely  against  his  own  will,  the  Arch- 
bishopric of  Constantinople.  Having 
received  the  burden  of  a  shepherd's 
office,  [upon  the  26th  day  of  February,] 
in  the  year  398,  he  set  himself 
zealously  to  do  his  duty,  struggling 
against  the  degradation  of  public 
morality  and  the  loose  lives  of  the 
nobility,  and  thereby  drew  upon  him- 
self the  ill-will  of  many  enemies,  es- 
pecially the  Empress  Eudoxia,  whom 
he  had  rebuked  on  account  of  the 
money  of  the  widow  Callitropa,  and 
the  land  of  another  widow. 


Fifth  Lesson, 

COME  Bishops  being  assembled  in 
a  Council  at  Chalcedon,  [in  4°3>] 
which  Council  the  Saint  held  to  be 
neither  lawful,  nor  public,  although  he 
was  commanded  to  go  there,  he  re- 
fused. Whereupon  Eudoxia,  striving 
earnestly  against  him,  caused  him  to 
be  sent  into  exile.  Soon  after,  how- 
ever, the  people  of  the  city  rose,  and 
demanded  his  recall,  and  he  was  then 
brought  back  again  amid  great  public 
rejoicings.  Nevertheless  he  ceased 
not  to  war  against  vice,  and  absolutely 
forbade  the  celebration  of  public  games 
round  the  silver  statue  of  Eudoxia  in 
the  square  outside  the  Church  of  the 
Eternal  Wisdom.  Upon  this,  a  party 
of  Bishops,  who  were  enemies  to  him, 
banded  together,  and  obtained  that  he 
should  be  banished  again,  which  was 
done  accordingly,  [on  the  20th  day  of 
June,  404,]  amid  the  lamentations  of 
widows  and  the  poor,  who  felt  as  if 
they  were  being  deprived  of  a  common 
father.  During  this  exile,  it  almost 
passeth  belief  how  much  Chrysostom 
suffered,  and  how  many  souls  he 
turned  to  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ 
JESUS. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


721 


Sixth  Lesson. 

A  T  this  time  a  Council  was  assembled 
at  Rome,  wherein  Chrysostom's 
restoration  to  his  See  was  decreed  by 
Pope   Innocent  I.,  but  meanwhile,  he 
was    suffering     great     hardships    and 
cruelties  on  his  journey  at  the  hands 
of  the  soldiers  who  had  him  in  charge. 
As    he     passed    through   Armenia  he 
prayed    in    the     Church    of   the     holy 
martyr  Basiliscus,  and  the  same  night 
that    blessed    conqueror    appeared    to 
him   in  a  vision  and  said :   "  Brother 
John,   to-morrow   thou    shalt   be    with 
me."     On  the  next  day,  therefore,  he 
received      the      Sacrament      of     the 
Eucharist,    and,    arming   himself  with 
the    sign  of  the    cross,    resigned   his 
soul    to    God,    it    being   the    14th   of 
September,  [in  the  year  of  salvation, 
407.]      As   soon   as   he   was   dead    a 
furious  hailstorm  took   place  at   Con- 
stantinople,   and    after  four   days    the 
Empress  died.     The  Emperor  Theo- 
dosius,  the  son  of  Arcadius,  brought 
the     body    of    John     Chrysostom     to 
Constantinople  with   great  state,   and 
numerously  attended,  and  on  the  27th 
of  January,  [438,]  laid  it  with  magni- 
ficent   honours    in    the    grave,   beside 
which  he  prayed  for  the  forgiveness  of 
his  own  father  and  mother.     The  holy 
body  was  afterwards  taken  to  Rome, 
and    is    now    buried    in    the    Vatican 
Basilica.      The    number,    devoutness, 
and  brilliance  of  St  John  Chrysostom's 
sermons  and  other  writings,  his  acute- 
ness  in  exposition,  and  the  close  apt- 
ness of  his  explanations  of  Holy  Scrip- 
ture, have  been  and  are  the  object  of 
universal  wonder  and  admiration,  and 
often  seem  not  unworthy  to  have  been 
dictated  to  him  by  the  Apostle  Paul, 
for  whom  he  entertained  a  wonderful 
devotion. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  v.  1 3,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  John  Chrysostom,  (p.  551.) 


Eighth  Responsory. 

In    the   midst   of  the  congregation, 
&c.,  {p.  539.) 


MARTYROLOGY. 

At  Rome,  the  second  Feast  of  holy 
Agnes. 

Upon  the  same  28th  day  of  Jan- 
uary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome  likewise,  the  holy  martyr 
Flavian,  who  suffered  in  the  persecu- 
tion under  the  Emperor  Diocletian. 

At  Apollonia,  the  holy  martyrs 
Thyrsus,  Leucius,  Callinicus.  In  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Decius  they 
were  tortured  in  divers  ways.  Where- 
after, Thyrsus  and  Callinicus  were 
beheaded,  and  a  voice  from  heaven 
called  away  Leucius,  and  he  gave  up 
the  ghost,  [in  the  year  250.] 

In  the  Thebaid,  the  holy  martyrs 
Leonides  and  his  companions,  who 
secured  the  palm  of  martyrdom  in  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Diocletian. 

At  Alexandria,  a  multitude  of  holy 
martyrs,  who  upon  this  day  were 
gathered  together  in  a  church  at 
Communion,  when  they  were  massacred 
in  divers  ways  by  the  followers  of  the 
Arian  Duke  Syrianus,  [in  the  year 
376.] 

Likewise  at  Alexandria,  the  holy 
Confessor  Cyril,  Pope  of  that  city  ;  a 
most  eminent  champion  of  the  Catholic 
faith,  and  illustrious  for  his  teaching 
and  holiness,  who  fell  asleep  in  peace, 
[in  the  year  444.]  Whose  feast  we 
keep  upon  the  9th  day  of  February. 

At  Zaragoza,  [in  the  year  31  5,]  holy 
Valerius,  Bishop  of  that  city. 

At  Cuenca,  in  Spain,  holy  Julian, 
Bishop  of  that  city,  who  gave  the 
goods  of  his  Church  to  the  poor,  and 
sought  his  food  by  working  with  his 
own  hands  after  the  manner  of  the 
Apostles,  and  fell  asleep  in  peace, 
famous  for  miracles,  [in  the  year  1207.] 
In    the    monastery   of   Rheims,    [in 


722 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


the  year   545,]  the  holy  Priest  John, 
a  man  of  God. 

In  Palestine,  [in  the  sixth  century,] 
the  holy  Hermit  James,  who  having 
fallen  away  hid  himself  for  a  long 
time  in  a  sepulchre  to  do  penance, 
and  passed  away  hence  to  be  ever 
with  the  Lord,  famous  for  miracles. 


SECOND   VESPERS. 

The  first  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.     O   right    excellent    Teacher, 

&c,  (f>.  542.) 

A    Commemoration  is   made  of  the 

following,  viz. :   St  'Raymond  of  Pena- 

fuerte  from  the    Common    Office,    (f>. 

531,)  and  Prayer  from  his  own  Office. 

Then  the  following  Commemoration 
of  St  Agnes. 

Antiphon.  Christ  hath  hallowed 
His  Bride  and  Witness  unto  Him- 
self, standing  at  her  right  hand  in 
the  shape  of  a  Lamb x  whiter  than 
snow. 

Verse.  In  thy  comeliness  and  thy 
beauty. 

Answer.  Go  forward,  fare  prosper- 
ously, and  reign. 


Prayer. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  year  by  year  dost 
gladden  Thy  people  by  the 
solemn  feast  of  Thy  blessed  Virgin 
and  Martyr  Agnes,  grant  unto  us,  we 
beseech  Thee,  not  only  devoutly  to  ob- 
serve the  same,  but  also  to  follow  after 
the  pattern  of  her  godly  conversation. 
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. 


January  28. 

Note.  When  on  account  of  the  early 
incidence  of  Easter,  Septuagesima  Sun- 
day falls  on  the  Second  Sunday  after 
Epiphany,  fanuary  28  is  set  apart  for 
the  Feast  of  the  Most  Holy  Name  of 
fesus,  which  else  is  kept  on  the  Second 
Sunday  after  Epiphany.  In  this  case 
the  Office  of  the  Most  Holy  Name  is 
precisely  the  same  as  that  given  at 
the  Second  Sunday  after  Epiphany,  {p. 
204,)  omitting  only  "Alleluia,"  wher- 
ever it  occurs,  the  Commemoration  of 
the  Octave  of  Epiphany  at  First 
Vespers,  and  of  the  Sunday  at  both 
Vespers  and  Lauds.  With  these  ex- 
ceptions, First  Vespers  of  the  trans- 
ferred Feast  will  be  as  on  the  Satur- 
day evening  preceding  the  Second 
Sunday  after  Epipha?ty.  The  Ninth 
Lesson  will  be  that  of  St  Agnes's 
Second  Feast  which  is  commemorated 
at  Lauds  only.  The  Short  Respon- 
sories  at  Terce,  Sext,  and  None  will 
be  as  follows  : 

AT   TERCE. 

Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Answer.  Blessed  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

Verse.  From  henceforth,  now,  and 
for  ever. 

Answer.     The  name  of  the  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Blessed  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

Verse.  Give  unto  the  Lord  glory 
and  honour. 

Answer.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the 
glory  due  unto  His  Name. 

AT    SEXT. 

Give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and 
honour. 


1  Probably  some  play  on  the  Latin  word  "  Agnus." 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


723 


Answer.  Give  unto  the  Lord  glory 
and  honour. 

Verse.  Give  unto  the  LORD  the 
glory  due  unto  His  Name. 

Answer.     Glory  and  honour. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Give  unto  the  Lord  glory 
and  honour. 

Verse.  O  magnify  the  LORD  with 
me. 

Answer.  And  let  us  exalt  His 
Name  together. 

AT    NONE. 

O  magnify  the  LORD  with  me. 

Answer.  O  magnify  the  LORD  with 
me. 

Verse.  And  let  us  exalt  His  Name 
together. 

Answer.      With  me. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  O  magnify  the  LORD  with 
me. 

Verse.  Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of 
the  Lord. 

Answer.  Who  made  heaven  and 
earth. 

At  Second  Vespers  of  the  Holy 
Name  there  will  be  Commemorations  of 
St  Francis  de  Sales,  and  of  St  Ray- 
mond. 


The  Feast  of  St  Raymond  of  Pena- 
fuerte — now  ousted  from  his  original 
day,  2  3rd fanuary — is,  for  conve?iience, 
printed  here. 

<St  Eapmono  of  $tfiafuerte, 
Confessor. 

Semi-doudle. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor,  {p.  855,)  except  what  is 
otherwise  given  here. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  choose  the 
^^^  blessed  Raymond  to  be  an 
eminent  minister  of  the  Sacrament  of 
Penance,  and  in  a  wonderful  manner 
didst  make  him  to  pass  over  the 
waves  of  the  sea,  grant  unto  us,  at 
his  petition,  the  grace  to  bring  forth 
fruits  worthy  of  repentance,  and  in 
the  end  to  attain  unto  the  harbour  of 
eternal  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. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

HP  HE  blessed  Raymond  was  born  at 
Barcelona,  [in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1 1 75,]  and  was  of  the  noble 
family  of  the  De  PeKafuerte.  He  was 
early  instructed  in  the  Christian  re- 
ligion, and  even  while  he  was  still 
a  little  child,  he  showed  such  ex- 
cellence of  mind  and  body,  as  filled 
his  friends  with  strong  hopes  of  his 
future  greatness.  As  a  young  man  he 
taught  letters  in  his  native  place.  He 
afterwards  went  to  Bologna,  where  he 
applied  himself  to  works  of  godliness, 
and  to  the  study  of  the  Ecclesiastical 
and  Civil  Law.  He  took  the  degree 
of  Doctor,  and  lectured  with  great 
applause  upon  the  Canon  Law.  He 
attained  so  much  celebrity  that 
Berengar,  Bishop  of  Barcelona,  on 
his  way  from  Rome  to  his  own  See, 
turned  aside  to  visit  the  Saint  at 
Bologna,  and  at  length  persuaded  him 
after  many  entreaties  to  return  with 
him  to  Spain.      He  was  appointed  to 


724 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


a  Canonry  and  the  Archdeaconry  in 
the  Church  of  Barcelona,  in  which 
offices  he  set  both  clergy  and  people 
a  brilliant  example  of  uprightness, 
modesty,  learning,  and  meekness,  and 
more  especially  strove,  as  far  as  in 
him  lay,  to  increase  the  honour  and 
reverence  paid  to  the  Virgin  Mother 
of  God,  whom  he  venerated  with  an 
affection  singularly  devoted. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

V\7"HEN  he  was  about  forty-five 
years  of  age  he  solemnly  pro- 
fessed in  the  Order  of  Friars  Preachers, 
and  strove,  as  a  new  recruit,  to  per- 
fect himself  in  all  the  duties  of  his 
calling,  particularly  in  charity  to  the 
poor,  and  above  all  to  those  unhappy 
Christians  who  were  slaves  to  the 
unbelievers.  He  was  the  Confessor 
of  St  Peter  Nolasco  and  of  James  I., 
King  of  Aragon,  and  by  his  advice 
St  Peter  Nolasco  gave  up  his  whole 
worldly  possessions  to  ransom  as 
many  as  possihle  of  the  wretched 
captives.  At  this  moment  the  most 
blessed  Virgin  appeared  simultane- 
ously to  St  Raymond,  St  Peter 
Nolasco,  and  King  James,  and  re- 
vealed to  them  the  pleasure  of  her 
Only-begotten  Son  and  herself,  that 
they  should  establish  in  her  honour 
an  order  of  Religious  persons  whose 
work  should  be  the  redemption  of 
Christian  slaves  from  bondage  among 
unbelievers.  The  three  took  counsel 
together,  and  then  founded  the  Order 
of  the  Blessed  Mary  of  Ransom,  for 
the  Redemption  of  Captives.  The 
blessed  Raymond  himself  composed 
a  most  appropriate  code  of  rules  for 
the  new  institution,  for  which  he  after 
some  years  obtained  the  express  sanc- 
tion of  Pope  Gregory  IX.,  and  him- 
self [on  the  ioth  day  of  August,  in 
the   year    1223,]   with  his  own  hands 


clothed  St  Peter  Nolasco  in  the 
habit,  and  constituted  him  the  first 
Master  General  of  the  Order. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T  T  E  was  summoned  to  Rome  by 
Gregory  IX.,  [in  the  year  1 230,] 
and  appointed  by  him  his  Chaplain, 
Penitentiary,  and  Confessor,  and  by 
his  orders  collected  into  one  volume 
of  the  Decretals  the  ordinances  of  the 
Roman  Pontiffs,  which  up  to  that 
time  were  only  to  be  found  scattered 
among  the  records  of  divers  Councils 
and  Churches.  He  firmly  refused  the 
Archbishopric  of  Tarascon,  which  was 
offered  him  by  the  Pope  himself,  and, 
having  been  chosen  Master  General 
of  the  whole  order  of  Friars  Preachers, 
he  discharged  the  duties  of  that  office 
in  holiness  for  two  years,  and  then 
resigned  it.  It  was  by  his  advice 
that  James,  King  of  Aragon,  es- 
tablished the  Office  of  the  Holy  In- 
quisition in  his  dominions.  He  was 
distinguished  by  many  miracles,  of 
which  the  chief  which  is  narrated  of 
him  is  that  on  one  occasion  being  in 
the  island  of  Majorca  and  wishing  to 
go  to  Barcelona,  he  spread  his  cloak 
upon  the  sea,  and  passed  over  the 
waters  on  it,  accomplishing  the  whole 
distance  of  sixty  leagues  in  six  hours, 
and  finally  entering  his  convent  through 
the  closed  doors.1  He  attained  the 
age  of  nearly  an  hundred  years,  and 
fell  asleep  in  the  Lord  [on  the 
6th  day  of  January,]  in  the  year  of 
salvation  1275.  His  name  was  en- 
rolled by  Clement  VIII.  among  those 
of  the  Saints. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xii.  35,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  (p.  538.)  The 
Ninth    Lesson    ("And  ye   yourselves, 


1  See  Alban  Butler.    Jan.  23. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN   JANUARY. 


725 


&c")  is  either  omitted  or  read  as  one 
with  the  Eighth  in  order  to  leave  room 
for 

Ninth  Lesson.     {For  St  Agnes.) 

(~)NE  night  when  the  parents  of  the 
blessed  Agnes  were  watching  at 
her  grave,   she   appeared  to  them  in 
company  with  a  band  of  virgins,  and 
said    to    them  :    Father    and    Mother, 
weep    not   for  me   as   though    I   were 
dead ;    for    now    these    virgins  and    I 
live  together  in  Him  Whose  love  was 
my    whole    life    upon    earth.       Some 
years      afterwards,      Constance,      the 
daughter  of  the  Emperor  Constantine, 
being  sick  of  an  incurable  ulcer,   be- 
took herself  to  the  said  grave,  although 
she  was  not  yet  a  Christian,   and   as 
she   lay  by  it  and  slept,   she   seemed 
to  hear  the  voice  of  Agnes,  saying  to 
her :   Constance,  be  of  good  courage  : 
believe   in   Jesus    Christ   the   Son    of 
God,  and   He  will  make    thee  whole. 
The  Princess,  being  healed,  was  bap- 
tized,  along  with  many  others  of  the 
Emperor's  family  and  household,  and 
afterwards    built     over     the    grave    of 
the   blessed   Agnes   a    Church   named 
in  her  honour. 

At  Lauds  is  made  a  Commemoration 
of  St  Agnes. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  now  I  see  that 
which  I  have  desired  ;  now  I  possess 
that  for  which  I  have  hoped ;  now  am  I 
united  in  Heaven  to  Him  Whom  I  loved 
with  my  whole  heart  upon  earth. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed   thee  for  ever. 

Prayer  as  at  First  Vespers. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of    the     holy    Confessor     Francis    de 
VOL.  1. 


Sales,  Bishop  of  Geneva,  [in  the  year 
1622,]  of  whom  mention  is  made  upon 
the  28th  day  of  December. 

Upon  the  same  29th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Nomentan  Way, 
the  holy  soldiers  Papias  and  Maurus, 
martyrs  in  the  time  of  the  Emperor 
Diocletian,  [fourth  century.]  At  their 
first  confession  of  Christ,  Laodicius, 
the  Prefect  of  the  city,  ordered  their 
mouths  to  be  bruised  with  stones  and 
committed  them  to  prison  ;  where  they 
were  afterwards  cudgelled  and  then 
lashed  to  death  with  scourges  loaded 
with  lead. 

At  Perugia,  the  holy  martyrs  Con- 
stantius,  Bishop  of  that  see,  and  his 
companions,  who  were  crowned  [about 
the  year  178]  for  defending  the  faith 
in  the  persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Marcus  Aurelius. 

At  Edessa,  in  Syria,  the  holy  martyrs 
Sarbelius  and  his  sister,  Barbea,  who 
were  baptized  by  blessed  Barsimceus, 
Bishop  of  that  city  ;  and  were  crowned 
with  martyrdom  under  the  President 
Lysias,  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Trajan,  [in  the  second 
century.] 

In  the  country  of  Trois,  the  holy 
martyr  Sabinian,  who  was  beheaded 
for  Christ's  faith's  sake,  [in  the 
year  275,]  by  order  of  the  Emperor 
Aurelian. 

At  Milan,  the  holy  Priest  Aquilinus, 
who  was  crowned  with  martyrdom, 
[in  the  eighth  century,]  by  being  run 
through  the  neck  with  a  sword  by  the 
Arians. 

At  Treves,  holy  Valerius,  Bishop  of 
that  see,  [in  the  first  century,]  a  dis- 
ciple of  the  holy  Apostle  Peter. 

At  Bourges,  holy  Sulpicius  Severus, 
[in  the  year  591,]  Bishop  of  that 
see,  famous  for  his  graces  and 
learning. 


Vespers  of  the  following. 


2  A  2 


726 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


January  29. 

£t  jFrancis  tie  Sales,  Bisijop 
[of  ffieneba,]  Confessor,  ano 
©octor  of  tfje  CljurcJ). 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  (p.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

The  first   verse    of   the    Hymn   is 
altered. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.     O   right  excellent,    &c,    (p. 

5I5-) 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  will  that  Thy 
^->^  Blessed  Confessor  and  Bishop 
Francis  should  become  all  things  to 
all  men,  mercifully  grant  unto  us, 
that  we  being  filled  with  the  sweetness 
of  Thy  heavenly  love,  may  so  take 
to  ourselves  his  admonitions  and  be 
succoured  by  his  prayers,  that  in  the 
end  we  may  with  him  attain  unto 
Thine  everlasting  joy.  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. 

A    Commemoration    is  made   of  St 
Raymond. 

Prayer  from  his  Office. 

The  first   verse    of   the    Hymn   is 
altered. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 


Fourth  Lesson. 


T^RANCIS  was  born  of  godly  and 
noble  parents,  in  the  town  of 
Sales,  from  which  his  family  take 
their  name  of  "de  Sales,"  [upon  the 
2 1st  day  of  August,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1  567.]  In  his  childish  years 
his  staid  and  godly  demeanour  gave 
promise  of  his  future  sanctity.  He 
received  a  liberal  education  as  he 
grew  up,  and  afterwards  studied  Philo- 
sophy and  Theology  at  Paris.  In 
order  to  the  complete  furnishing  of 
his  mind,  he  took  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Laws,  both  Civil  and  Ecclesi- 
astical, at  Padua,  with  much  dis- 
tinction. He  had  already  bound  him- 
self with  a  vow  of  perpetual  virginity 
at  Paris,  and  he  renewed  the  same  in 
the  Holy  House  of  Loreto.  From 
this  path  of  virtue,  neither  the  tempta- 
tions of  the  devil  nor  the  allurements 
of  the    world    ever     induced    him    to 


Fifth  Lesson. 

LI  E  refused  to  be  made  Counsellor 
of  the  Parliament  of  Chambery, 
for  which  his  family  had  obtained  for 
him  patents  from  the  Duke  of  Savoy, 
and  determined  to  become  a  clergy- 
man. He  was  appointed  to  the 
Provostship  of  the  Church  of  Geneva, 
and,  being  shortly  afterwards  ordained 
Priest,  discharged  so  admirably  the 
duties  of  his  position,  that  he  was  sent 
by  Granier,  his  Bishop,  to  preach  the 
word  of  God  in  Chablais,  and  other 
places  in  the  outskirts  of  the  diocese, 
where  the  inhabitants  had  embraced 
the  heresy  of  Calvin.  He  joyfully 
undertook  this  mission,  in  which  he 
suffered  much,  being  often  hunted  by 
the  Protestants  to  murder  him,  and 
assailed  by  many  calumnies  and  plots. 
Amid  all  these  dangers  and  struggles 
his  constancy  remained  invincible,  and 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


727 


under  the  blessing  and  care  of  God  he 
is  said  to  have  recalled  seventy-two 
thousand  of  these  heretics  to  the 
Faith  of  Christ's  Universal  Church, 
among  whom  were  many  distinguished 
by  rank  and  learning. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

A  FTER  the  death  of  Bishop  Granier, 
who  had  procured  his  appoint- 
ment as  Coadjutor,  he  was  conse- 
crated Bishop,  [upon  the  3rd  day  of 
December,  1602.]  In  that  office  he 
was  truly  a  burning  and  a  shining 
light,  showing  all  around  a  bright 
example  of  godliness,  zeal  for  the 
discipline  of  the  Church,  ardent  love 
of  peace,  tenderness  to  the  poor,  and, 
indeed,  of  all  graces.  For  the  greater 
ornament  of  God's  worship  he  estab- 
lished a  new  Order  of  Nuns,  which  is 
named  from  the  Visitation  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  These  nuns  follow 
the  Rule  of  St  Austin,  but  Francis 
added  thereto  several  additional  con- 
stitutions distinguished  by  wisdom, 
prudence,  and  tenderness.  He  en- 
lightened the  Church'  by  writings  full 
of  heavenly  teaching,  and  pointing  out 
a  safe  and  simple  road  to  Christian 
perfection.  In  the  55th  year  of  his 
age,  while  on  his  way  from  France 
to  Annecy,  after  saying  mass  at  Lyons 
on  the  Feast  of  St  John  the  Evangelist, 
he  was  seized  with  fatal  illness,  and 
on  the  next  day  passed  from  earth 
to  heaven,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1622.  His  body  was  carried  to 
Annecy  and  honourably  buried  in  the 
Church  of  the  nuns  of  the  Visitation, 
where  it  soon  began  to  be  distin- 
guished for  miracles.  The  truth  of 
these  having  been  proved,  the  Supreme 
Pontiff,  Alexander  VI L,  enrolled  his 
name  among  those  of  the  Saints,  and 
appointed  for  his  Feast-day  the  29th 
of  January.  And  the  Supreme  Pontiff, 
Pius  IX.,  on  the  advice  of  the  Congre- 


gation of  Sacred  Rites,  declared  him 
a  Doctor  of  the  Universal  Church. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  v.  13,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Hilary  {p.  550.) 


Eighth  Responsory. 

In  the   midst  of  the   congregation, 

&c,  {p.  523.) 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  virgin  and  Martyr  Martina, 
[third  century,]  of  whom  mention  is 
made  upon  the   1st  day  of  January. 

Upon  the  same  30th  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  a  better  life — 

At  Antioch,  the  blessed  martyr 
Hippolytus,  [third  century.]  He  was 
a  Priest  who  had  been  led  astray 
into  the  Novatian  schism,  but  by  the 
operation  of  the  grace  of  Christ  had 
corrected  himself,  and  had  returned 
into  the  unity  of  the  Church,  for  which 
and  within  which  he  afterwards 
achieved  a  noble  martyrdom.  When 
he  was  asked  by  his  people  which 
were  the  true  Body,  he  denied  the 
doctrine  of  Novatus,  and  declared 
that  the  faith  which  men  ought  to 
keep  is»  the  faith  which  the  See  of 
Peter  keepeth,  and  so  offered  his 
neck  to  the  executioner. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Felician, 
Philappian,  and  124  others. 

At  Edessa,  in  Syria,  the  holy 
martyr  Barsimceus,  Bishop  of  that 
city,  who  converted  many  Gentiles  to 
the  faith,  and  sent  them  before  him 
to  the  crown,  but  himself  followed 
them  with  the  palm  of  martyrdom 
under  the  Emperor  Trajan,  [second 
century.] 

Likewise,  at  Edessa,  holy  Barsen, 
Bishop  of  that  See,  who  was  famous 


728 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE  OF  THE  SAINTS. 


for  the  grace  of  healing,  but  who  on 
account  of  his  Catholic  belief  was 
banished  to  the  uttermost  parts  of 
that  country  by  the  Arian  Emperor 
Valens,  and  there  finished  his  earthly 
life,  [in  the  year  379-] 

Likewise  the  blessed  Alexander. 
He  was  arrested  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Decius,  and  died 
under  the  torture,  [in  the  year  251,] 
venerable  for  his  grey  hairs  and 
illustrious  for  his  repeated  confession. 

At  Jerusalem,  holy  Matthias, 
Patriarch  of  that  place,  [in  the  second 
century,]  of  whom  are  narrated  won- 
drous acts  of  faith.  He  suffered  much 
for  Christ's  sake  under  the  Emperor 
Hadrian,  but  at  length  fell  asleep  in 
peace. 

At  Rome,  holy  Pope  Felix  [IV., 
Pope  in  526,  died  in  530,]  who  lab- 
oured much  for  the  Catholic  faith. 

At  Pavia,  the  holy  Confessor 
Armentarius,  Bishop  of  that  See,  [in 
the  year  730.] 

In  the  monastery  of  Maubeuge,  in 
Hainault,  in  the  time  of  King 
Dagobert,  the  holy  Virgin  Aldegundis, 
[about  the  year  689.] 

At  Milan,  holy  Savina,  a  devout 
woman,  who  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord, 
[in  the  year  311,]  while  she  was  pray- 
ing at  the  graves  of  the  holy  martyrs 
Nabor  and  Felix. 

At  Viterbo,  the  holy  Virgin  Hyacinth 
de'  Mariscotti,  [in  the  year  1640,]  a 
nun  of  the  Third  Order  of  St  Francis, 
eminent  for  penitence  and  for  love. 
Whose  name  Pope  Pius  VII.  enrolled 
with  those  of  the  saints. 

At  Second  Vespers ;  Antiphon,  "  O 
right  excellent,  &c." ;  a  Commemora- 
tion is  made  of  the  following,  from 
the  Common  Office  for  one  Virgin  and 
Martyr,  (p.  567.)  Prayer,  "  O  God, 
Who  amidst  the  wondrous,  &c,"  {p. 
5730 

1  Translation  by  the  late  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 
1878.     R.I.  P.) 


January  30. 

&t  j&artina,   Firgtn 
Jttartjjr, 

Semi-double. 


anU 


All  from  the  Common  Office  for  one 
Virgin  and  Martyr,  {p.  567,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here.  Prayer 
throughout  the  Office,  "  O  God,  Who 
amidst  the  wondrous,  &c." 

Note.  Should  this  Feast  be  ob- 
served as  a  Double,  or  otherwise  have 
First  Vespers,  the  Hymn  at  that  Ser- 
vice is  composed  of  the  1st,  2nd,  ^rd, 
and  7th  verses  of  the  Hymn  hereafter 
given  for  Mattins,  and  in  this  case 
the  Hymn  at  Mattins  begins  at  the 
4th  verse,  (the  7th  being  used  at  both 
Vespers  and  Mattins.) 

MATTINS. 

Hymn. x 

1. 

Hear    thou   with   joy,    O    Rome,    Martina's 

name, 
Her  praises  celebrate  with  glad  accord  ; 
Martina,  high  in  merit,  virgin  blest, 
And  martyr  of  the  Lord. 

2. 
Beauty  and  youth,  the  joys  of  happy  home, 
Ancestral  palaces,  and  noble  birth ; 
All  these  were  hers,  all  these  for  Jksu's  sake 
She  counted  nothing  worth. 


Her  wealth   she  shared   among  the  poor  of 

Christ, 
Content  with  seeking  better  wealth  above  : 
Herself  she  gave  to  her  immortal  King, 
Too  happy  in  His  love. 

4- 

The  agonising  hooks,  the  rending  scourge, 

Shook  not  the  dauntless  spirit  in  her  breast; 

With   torments  rack'd,    Angels  her   fainting 

flesh 

Recruit  with  heavenly  feast. 

(Died  while  the  above  was  in  proof,  Jan.  2, 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


729 


In    vain    they    cast    her    to     the    ravening 

beasts ; 
Calm  at  her  feet  the  lion  crouches  down  : 
Till  smitten  by  the  sword  at  length  she  goes 
To  her  immortal  crown. 


Now    with    the    Saints    Martina     reigns    in 

bliss  ; 
And,  where  Idolatry  sate  throned  of  yore, 
From  her  victorious  altar  praise  and  prayer 
With  odorous  incense  soar. 


Expel  false  worldly  joys  ;  and  fill  us,  Lord, 
With  thine  enlightening  beam  divine  ; 
Who  with  Thy  suffering  martyrs  present  art, 
The  Godhead,  One  and  Trine.     Amen. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

"TV/TARTINA  was  a  maiden  of  a 
most  illustrious  Roman  family, 
daughter  of  a  Consul.  She  lost  her 
parents  while  still  very  young,  and, 
being  inflamed  with  Christian  zeal, 
she  distributed  her  wealth,  whereof 
she  had  abundance,  with  great  pro- 
fusion among  the  poor.  Under  the 
Emperor  Alexander,  she  was  com- 
manded to  sacrifice  to  the  imaginary 
gods,  and  refused  with  much  boldness 
to  commit  this  great  wickedness. 
Upon  this  she  was  again  and  again 
scourged,  and  mangled  with  iron 
prongs  and  hooks,  and  pieces  of 
broken  pottery.  Her  limbs  were  cut 
off  piece  by  piece  with  sharp  swords, 
and  boiling  tallow  poured  upon  the 
living  trunk.  Lastly  she  was  sent  to 
be  eaten  publicly  by  the  wild  beasts 
in  the  amphitheatre,   but  by  the  will 


of  God  they  would  not  touch  her,  and 
she  was  then  thrown  upon  a  burning 
pile,  but  still  remained  alive. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

COME  of  her  tormentors  were  so 
moved  by  the  spectacle,  that 
they  repented,  and,  by  the  grace  of 
God  confessing  the  faith  of  Christ, 
through  which  she  remained  constant, 
were  themselves  tortured  and  behead- 
ed. Martina  herself  lay  praying,  with 
a  brightness  on  her  face,  while  a 
matter  like  milk  oozed  from  her  body 
along  with  the  blood,  emitting  a  soft, 
sweet  smell.  She  was  as  it  were 
unconscious  of  an  earthquake  and 
most  violent  thunderstorm  which  arose 
and  was  raging,  and  while  the  light- 
ning struck  temples,  and  melted  statues, 
she  seemed  in  spirit  rather  to  be 
seated  above  on  a  queenly  throne, 
praising  God  in  heaven  among  the 
Blessed. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

/~PHE  judge  being  infuriated  at  what 
had  taken  place,  and  chiefly  at 
her  unbending  firmness,  ordered  the 
head  of  the  martyr  to  be  cut  off.  At 
the  moment  this  was  done,  a  peal 
which  shook  the  city  was  heard,  like 
a  voice  calling  her  home,  and  so  great 
was  the  consternation,  that  it  was 
made  the  means  of  conversion  to 
many  idolaters.  The  holy  body  of 
Martina  wherein  she  had  suffered  in 
the  Pontificate  of  Urban  I.  was  dis- 
covered in  the  time  of  Urban  VIII.,1 
in  the  very  old  Church  called  after 
her,  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  Cap- 
itoline  Hill,  near  the  Mamertine 
Prison,  along  with  the  bodies  of  the 
holy  martyrs  Concordius,  Epiphanius, 
and  others.  The  Church  was  then 
altered  and  restored  and  handsomely 
decorated,    and    then    the    body   was 


1  Both  the  hymns  in  this  Office  are  by  him. 


73Q 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE  SAINTS. 


replaced  in  it,  amid  public  rejoic- 
ings, with  a  solemn  ceremony  and 
procession. 

tiArd  nocturn. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  I,  with 
the  Hojnily  of  Pope  St  Gregory,  {p. 
57i.) 

LAUDS. 

Hymn. 

T3LEAD,  maiden,  for  thy  native  land, 

Plead  for  thy  Mother  Church  of  Rome, 
Plead  for  each  Christian  State  that  shields 
The  brightness  of  the  Christian  home. 

From  them  let  warfare  roll  to  where 
Justice  and  vengeance  have  a  work — 

Let  war,  with  all  its  horrors  rife, 
Crush  the  foul  empire  of  the  Turk. 

Their  fellow-Christians  to  set  free 
Let  all  men  Christian  draw  the  sword — 

However  divers,  one  in  this, 
The  love  of  Christ,  their  common  Lord. 

Rome  calls  upon  thee  that  the  prayers, 
Not  rising  from  one  shore  alone, 

May  from  thine  odour -phial  float 
Toward  the  Everlasting  Throne. 

Borne  on  the  eternal  breeze  of  praise 
That  from  the  Blessed  myriads  swells 

To  Him  Who,  circled  by  the  Saints, 
In  holiness  unuttered  dwells.     Amen. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day.  O  God, 
Who  amidst  the  wondrous,  &c,  (p. 

573.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  Peter  Nolasco, 
founder  of  the  Order  of  Blessed  Mary 
of  Ransom,  for  the  redemption  of  cap- 
tives, who  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord  upon 
Christmas  Eve. 

Upon  the  same  3 1st  day  of  January, 
were  born  into  a  better  life — 

At  Rome,  upon  the  way  to  Porto, 
the  holy  martyrs  Cyrus  and  John,  who 
suffered  many  torments  for  confessing 


Christ,  and  were  beheaded,  [in  the 
fourth  century.] 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyr 
Metranus.  In  the  time  of  the  Em- 
peror Decius  he  refused  to  utter  un- 
lawful words  at  the  command  of  the 
Pagans.  Wherefore  they  bruised  his 
whole  body  with  cudgels,  pierced  his 
face  and  eyes  with  sharp  reeds,  and 
continued  to  torture  him  while  they 
cast  him  out  of  the  city,  where  they 
stoned  him  to  death,  [in  the  year 
249.] 

There,  likewise,  the  holy  martyrs 
Saturninus,  Thyrsus,  and  Victor. 

In  the  same  city,  the  holy  martyrs 
Tharsicius,  Zoticus,  Cyriacus,  and  their 
Companions. 

At  Cyzicus,  on  the  Hellespont,  the 
holy  martyr  Triphenes,  who  overcame 
divers  torments,  and  then  gained  the 
palm  of  martyrdom  by  being  killed  by 
a  bull. 

At  Modena,  holy  Geminian,  [after 
the  year  390,]  Bishop  of  that  see, 
famous  for  miracles. 

In  the  province  of  Milan,  in  the 
time  of  the  Emperor  Theodosius, 
[fifth  century,]  the  holy  Confessor 
Julius  the  Priest. 

At  Rome,  [in  the  year  410,]  the 
holy  widow  Marcella,  whose  excel- 
lences have  been  written  by  blessed 
Jerome. 

At  Rome,  likewise,  the  blessed 
widow  Louisa  Albertoni,  [in  the  year 
1  530,]  of  the  3rd  Order  of  St  Francis, 
illustrious  for  her  graces. 

Upon  the  same  day  is  commemor- 
ated the  translation  of  the  holy  Evan- 
gelist Mark,  when  [in  the  year  831] 
his  sacred  body  was  taken  from 
Alexandria,  in  Egypt,  already  occu- 
pied by  the  Mohammedans,  and 
brought  to  Venice,  where  it  is  honour- 
ably buried  in  the  great  cathedral 
church  consecrated  in  his  name. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following  from 
the  Chapter  inclusive. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN   JANUARY. 


731 


January  31. 

<&t  $eter  Nolasco,  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  (J>.  531,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  hast  commended  Thy 
^~^  love  toward  us,  in  that  while  we 
were  yet  sinners,  Thou  didst  die  for 
us,  that  Thou  mightest  redeem  us 
from  the  hand  of  the  enemy ;  and 
Who  didst  raise  up  Thy  holy  servant 
Peter  (in  imitation  of  that  Thy  so 
great  love  for  their  souls)  to  redeem 
the  bodies  also  of  Thy  servants  from 
the  hand  of  the  enemies  of  Thy  Cross, 
and  to  that  end,  didst  choose  him  for 
a  mean  whereby  Thou  hast  given  unto 
Thy  Church  a  new  family  of  sons  ; 
mercifully  grant  unto  us,  at  his  peti- 
tion, that  we  may  be  delivered  from 
the  bondage  of  our  sins,  and  may 
one  day  together  with  him  rejoice  in 
perfect  liberty  in  our  very  Fatherland, 
which  is  in  heaven  :  Who  livest  and 
reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.      Amen. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Martina.     Prayer  as  in  her  Office. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

"DETER  Nolasco  was  born  of  noble 
parents  at  Recaudun   near  Car- 
cassonne  in    France   [about   the   year 


1 189,]  and  is  chiefly  distinguished  for 
his  great  love  toward  his  neighbour. 
It  was  considered  a  foreshadowing  of 
this  virtue,  that  when  he  was  a  little 
child  in  his  cradle,  a  swarm  of  bees 
settled  on  his  right  hand,  and  began 
to  make  an  honey-comb  there.  He 
lost  his  parents  while  still  young,  and 
in  consequence  of  his  horror  of  the 
Albigensian  heresy,  with  which  France 
was  then  plagued,  he  sold  his  property 
there  and  emigrated  to  Spain.  Here 
he  first  discharged  a  vow  which  he 
had  made  at  the  sanctuary  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  of  Monserrat,  and 
afterwards  went  to  Barcelona.  Here 
he  was  so  affected  by  the  miserable 
state  of  the  Christians  who  were  in 
slavery  to  the  Moors,  that  he  expended 
his  whole  fortune  in  ransoming  as 
many  of  them  as  possible,  and  used 
to  say  that  he  wished  he  could  be 
sold  himself  to  ransom  more,  or  could 
himself  change  places  with  them. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

TT  came  to  pass  that  God  showed 
how  agreeable  to  Him  was  the 
charitable  zeal  of  Peter.  One  night 
when  he  was  praying,  and  his  mind 
was  much  exercised  on  the  means 
of  succouring  the  enslaved  Christians, 
the  Blessed  Virgin  appeared  to  him 
in  a  vision,  and  gave  him  to  under- 
stand that  it  would  be  most  pleasing 
to  her  Son  and  herself,  if  he  would 
found  in  her  honour  an  order  of  re- 
ligious men,  whose  chief  duty  it  should 
be  to  effect  the  redemption  of  Christ- 
ian bondsmen  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
unbelievers.  In  conformity  to  this 
revelation,  which  had  likewise  on  the 
same  night  been  made  to  St  Ray- 
mond de  Pegnafort  and  King  James 
I.  of  Aragon,  he  founded  the  Re- 
ligious Order  of  the  Blessed  Mary 
of  Ransom,  for  the  redemption  of 
captives.     The  members  of  this  order 


732 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


add  a  fourth  vow  to  the  three  essen- 
tial ones  of  Poverty,  Chastity,  and 
Obedience,  namely,  that  they  will 
be  ready  if  need  be  to  remain  as 
hostages  in 'the  hand  of  the  unbe- 
lievers for  the  liberation  of  others. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

A  FTER  he  took  the  vow  of  vir- 
^~^  ginity  he  remained  with  his 
purity  quite  unsullied  all  his  life, 
and  was  at  the  same  time  a  bright 
pattern  of  long-suffering,  lowliness, 
temperance,  and  other  virtues.  God 
was  pleased  to  adorn  him  with  the 
gift  of  Prophecy,  whereby  he  fore- 
told things  to  come.  Among  others, 
he  prophesied  to  King  James  that 
he  would  take  the  city  of  Valencia 
from  the  Moors,  which  he  after- 
wards did.  He  was  refreshed  by 
frequent  apparitions  of  his  Guardian 
Angel  and  of  the  Virgin  Mother  of 
God.  He  had  lived  to  a  great  age, 
when  being  quite  worn  out,  and  fall- 
ing into  a  grievous  sickness,  he  per- 
ceived that  his  end  was  at  hand. 
He  then  received  the  holy  Sacra- 
ments, and,  gathering  his  brethren 
around  him,  exhorted  them  for  the 
last  time  to  show  pity  to  slaves. 
After  this  he  began  to  repeat  with 
great  emotion  the  ex.  Psalm,  "  I  will 
praise  Thee,  O  LORD,  with  my  whole 
heart,"  and  when  he  had  uttered  the 
words  "  He  sent  redemption  unto 
His  people,"  he  resigned  his  soul 
to  God.  This  happened  at  mid- 
night between  the  23rd  and  24th 
of  December,  1256.  Alexander  VII. 
ordered  that  his  feast  should  be 
celebrated   on   the   31st   of  January. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from    Luke    xii.    32,    with 
the    Homily   of  the    Venerable    Bede, 

(A   544-) 


MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  1st  day  of  February, 
were  born   into   the  better  life — 

The  holy  martyr  Ignatius,  who 
ruled  the  church  of  Antioch  as  the 
third  Bishop  of  that  See  in  succes- 
sion to  the  blessed  Apostle  Peter. 
In  the  persecution  under  the  Em- 
peror Trajan  he  was  condemned  to 
be  killed  by  wild  beasts,  and  was 
sent  to  Rome  in  chains  by  command 
of  the  emperor.  There,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Senate,  he  was  first  put 
to  most  grievous  torments  and  then 
thrown  to  lions,  the  which  throttled 
him  with  their  teeth,  and  so  he  was 
made  Christ's  offering,  [in  the  year 
107.] 

At  Smyrna,  the  holy  martyr  Pion- 
ius.  He  was  a  Priest  who  had  writ- 
ten much  controversial  matter  on 
behalf  of  the  Christian  faith.  After 
suffering  a  foul  imprisonment,  dur- 
ing the  which  he  strengthened  many 
brethren  by  his  exhortations  to  the 
enduring  of  martyrdom,  he  was  put 
to  many  tortures  and  nailed  upon  a 
pyre,  where  he  obtained  a  blessed 
end  by  being  burnt  for  Christ's 
sake.  And  with  him  suffered  fifteen 
others,  [in  the  year  251.] 

At  Ravenna,  holy  Severus,  [in  the 
year  389,]  Bishop  of  that  city,  to 
the  which  place  he  was  chosen,  on 
account  of  his  extraordinary  merits, 
through  a  miraculous  sign  in  the 
form  of  a  dove. 

At  Tron,  in  Gaul,  [in  the  fifth  cen- 
tury,] holy  Paul,  Bishop  of  that  see, 
whose  life  shone  with  grace,  and  the 
preciousness  of  whose  death  is  attested 
by  miracles. 

Upon  the  same  day,  holy  Ephrem, 
Deacon  of  the  church  of  Edessa,  who 
after  much  work  for  the  faith  of 
Christ  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord,  emi- 
nent for  holiness  and  teaching,  in 
the  time  of  the  Emperor  Valens, 
[in    the   year    378.] 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


733 


In  Ireland,  [in  the  year  523,]  the 
holy  Virgin  Brigid.  At  the  moment 
that  she  bowed  down  her  head  to  re- 
ceive the  hallowed  veil,  she  chanced 
to  touch  the  wooden  steps  of  the 
altar  with  her  hand,  and  in  witness 
to  her  virginity  the  dry  wood  at 
once  became  green. 

At  Florence,  in  Tuscany,  the  blessed 
Virgin  Veridiana,  recluse,  of  the  Order 
of  Vallombrosa,  [Castel  Florentin, 
1242.] 

Second  Vespers  are  of  the  following, 
from  the  Chapter,  inclusive.  Prayer, 
"  Mercifully  consider  our  weakness," 
&c,  {p.  491.)  A  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  preceding. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 


Fourth  Lesson. 


FEAST    DAYS    IN    FEBRUARY. 

Upon  the  first  day  not  occupied  by 
an  Office  of  Nine  Lessons,  is  said  the 
Office  of  the  Dead. 

February  i. 

&t  Ignatius,  Bisfjop  lot  %Ln- 
ttocl),]  JHartgr* 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  one 
Martyr,  {p.  482,)  except  what  is  other- 
wise given  here. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office,  "  Mer- 
cifully consider  our  weakness,"  &c, 
{p.   491.) 

First  Vespers  as  regards  St  Igna- 
tius begin  with  the  Chapter.  A 
Commemoration  is  made  of  the  pre- 
ceding Prayer  from  his   Office. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according 
to   the   Season. 


The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
on  Ecclesiastical  Writers,  com- 
posed by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem.] 

TGNATIUS  was  the  third  Bishop 
of  Antioch  after  the  Apostle 
Peter.  When  Trajan  stirred  up  his 
persecution,  he  was  condemned  to 
be  devoured  by  wild  beasts,  and 
sent  to  Rome  in  chains.  When 
on  his  journey  thither  he  arrived 
at  Smyrna,  where  Polycarp,  the 
disciple  of  John,  was  Bishop,  he 
wrote  an  Epistle  to  the  Ephesians, 
another  to  the  Magnesians,  a  third 
to  the  Trallians,  and  a  fourth  to 
the  Romans :  and  after  leaving 
Smyrna,  he  addressed  a  further 
Epistle  to  the  Philadelphians,  and 
another  to  the  Smyrnians,  along 
with  a  private  Epistle  to  Polycarp, 
to  whose  care  he  commended  the 
Church  of  Antioch.  In  this  last 
he  quoteth  a  passage  regarding  the 
Person  of  Christ  from  the  Gospel, 
which    I    have    recently    translated. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

TT  is  fitting  that,  as  we  have 
made  mention  of  a  man  of 
so  much  importance,  we  should 
also  note  briefly  the  Epistle  which 
he  addressed  to  the  Romans.  "  I 
am  on  my  way,"  saith  he,  "from 
Syria  to  Rome,  and  am  already 
fighting  with  beasts  on  sea  and  on 
land  all  the  way.  I  may  say  I 
am  chained  day  and  night  to  ten 
leopards,  for  indeed  the  soldiers, 
who  have  charge  of  me,  are  no 
better.  The  more  courteous  I  am 
to  them,  the  worse  they  use  me. 
But  still  their  wickedness  is  good 
schooling  for  me,  though  I  know 
that    my    mere    sufferings    cannot    in 


734 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


themselves  gain  me  justification.  I 
earnestly  wish  for  the  beasts  which 
are  to  devour  me  ;  at  any  rate,  I 
pray  they  may  put  me  out  of  pain 
quickly,  and  (fly  on  me  willingly,  that 
I  be  not  like  some  other  Martyrs, 
whose  bodies  the  animals  have  refused 
to  touch.  If  I  find  that  they  will  not 
come  on,  I  will  run  at  them  as  quick 
as  I  can,  to  make  them  devour  me. 
Let  me  be,  my  little  children :  I 
know  what  is  good  for  me." 

Sixth  Lesson. 

"  T  FEEL  now  that  I  am  begin- 
ning to  be  Christ's  disciple ; 
I  desire  none  of  those  things  which 
are  seen,  if  so  be  I  may  find  Christ 
Jesus.  I  care  not  that  there  come 
upon  me  fire,  or  cross,  or  wild 
beasts,  or  breaking  of  my  bones, 
or  sundering  of  my  members,  or 
destruction  of  my  whole  body,  yea, 
or  all  the  torments  of  the  devil, 
if  only  so  be  I  may  win  Christ." 
When  he  was  brought  condemned 
to  the  theatre,  and  heard  the  roar- 
ing of  the  beasts  which  were  to 
devour  him,  he  felt  so  strong  an 
eagerness  to  suffer,  that  he  cried 
out :  "I  am  Christ's  wheat,  and  so 
let  the  beasts'  teeth  be  my  mill, 
that  I  may  be  ground,  and  be 
found  to  make  good  bread."  He 
suffered  in  the  eleventh  year  of 
Trajan.  What  was  left  of  his 
body  lieth  at  Antioch,  in  the  grave- 
yard outside  the  gate  which  leadeth 
toward   Daphne. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (xii.  24.) 

AT    that    time :    Jesus    said    unto 

His    disciples:    Amen,    Amen, 

I    say   unto   you,    Except    a    corn    of 


wheat  fall    into   the   ground   and  die, 
it  abideth   alone.      And   so   on. 

Homily  by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]      {Tract    51    on  John.) 

The  Lord  Jesus  was  Himself  a 
corn  of  wheat  that  was  to  die  and 
bring  forth  much  fruit ;  to  die  by 
the  unbelief  of  the  Jews,  and  to 
bring  forth  much  fruit  in  the  faith 
of  the  Gentiles.  He,  exhorting  men 
to  follow  His  steps,  saith :  "  He 
that  loveth  his  life  shall  lose  it." 
Now,  these  words  may  be  under- 
stood in  two  ways.  First:  "he 
that  loveth  his  life  shall  lose  it," 
that  is,  "If  thou  love  life,  thou  wilt 
lose  it  ;  if  thou  wilt  live  for  ever 
ill  Christ,  refuse  not  to  die  for 
Christ."  Or  secondly:  "he  that 
loveth  his  life  shall  lose  it  ;  love 
not  then  that  which  thou  shalt  lose  ; 
love  not  this  present  life,  so  that 
thou  be  thereby  in  jeopardy  of  losing 
life  eternal." 


Eighth  Lesson 

'"PHAT  this  second  interpretation 
is  the  meaning  of  the  Gospel, 
appeareth  most  probably  from  the 
words  which  follow  :  "  And  he  that 
hateth  his  life  in  this  world,  shall 
keep  it  unto  life  eternal."  From 
which  we  may  suppose  the  sense 
of  the  first  words  to  be :  "  He  that 
loveth  his  life  in  this  world  shall 
lose  it  unto  life  eternal."  This  is 
a  great  and  marvellous  saying,  show- 
ing how  a  man  may  so  love  life 
as  to  lose  life,  and  so  hate  life  as 
to  keep  life.  If  thou  love  it  too 
well,  then  dost  thou  hate  it :  if  thou 
hate  it  with  an  holy  hatred,  then 
dost  thou  love  it.  Blessed  are  they 
that,  lest  they  should  so  love  it 
as  to  lose  it,  so  hate  it  as  to 
keep  it. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


735 


Ninth  Lesson. 

"D  EWARE  lest  thou  take  these  words 
— "He  that  hateth  his  life  in 
this  world  shall  keep  it  unto  life 
eternal " — as  some  do,  for  an  approval 
of  suicide.  Some  evil  and  perverse 
men,  bloody  and  guilty  murderers  of 
themselves,  do  indeed  throw  them- 
selves into  the  fire,  drown  themselves 
in  water,  and  cast  themselves  down 
precipices,  and  so  perish.  This  is 
not  the  teaching  of  Christ,  Who,  when 
the  devil  would  have  Him  cast  Him- 
self down  from  an  high  place,  an- 
swered :  "  Get  thee  behind  Me,  Satan. 
It  is  written,  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the 
Lord  thy  God."  (Matth.  iv.  5-7.) 
Who  also  said  to  Peter,  signifying  by 
what  death  he  should  glorify  God : 
"When  thou  wast  young  thougirdedst 
thyself  and  walkedst  whither  thou 
wouldest ;  but  when  thou  shalt  be  old, 
another  shall  gird  thee,  and  carry 
thee  whither  thou  wouldest  not."  (John 
xxi.  18.)  From  which  it  is  evident 
that  he  that  would  follow  Christ's  foot- 
steps, must  be  slain,  not  by  himself, 
but  by  another. 

Prayer   throughout   the   day    as    at 
First  Vespers. 


My  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  which 
is  prepared  for  you  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world,"  whereupon  he  be- 
lieved, and  was  baptized,  and  was 
afterwards  put  to  death  confessing  the 
Lord. 

Likewise  at  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs 
Fortunatus,  Felician,  Firmus,  and 
Candidus. 

At  Caesarea,  in  Palestine,  [in  the 
first  century,]  the  holy  centurion  Cor- 
nelius, who  was  baptized  by  the  holy 
Apostle  St  Peter,  and  by  him  also 
raised  to  be  Bishop  in  that  city. 

At  Orleans,  holy  Flosculus,  [about 
the  year  500],  Bishop  of  that  see. 

At  Canterbury,  in  England,  holy 
Laurence,  [in  the  year  619,]  Arch- 
bishop of  that  see,  which  he  governed 
in  succession  to  holy  Augustin,  and 
converted  king  Ethelbert  himself  to 
the  faith.  We  keep  his  feast  upon  the 
morrow  after. 

At  Prato,  in  Tuscany,  the  holy 
Florentine  Virgin  Katherine  di  Ricci, 
of  the  Order  of  Friars  Preachers, 
eminent  for  the  abundance  of  her 
gifts  from  heaven,  whose  name  the 
Supreme  Pontiff  Bendict  XIV.  enrolled 
among  those  of  holy  virgins. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  the  feast  of  the  Puri- 
fication of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 
which  by  the  Greeks  is  called  the 
Hypapante — that  is,  the  Presentation 
of  the  Lord. 

Upon  the  same  2nd  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Salarian  Way, 
[in  the  fourth  century,]  the  holy  martyr 
Apronian.  He  was  a  notary,  who, 
while  he  was  a  Gentile,  was  leading 
the  holy  Licinius  out  of  prison  to 
present  him  before  the  Prefect  Laodi- 
cius,  when  he  heard  a  voice  from 
heaven  saying,  "  Come,  ye  blessed  of 


February  2. 

Canolemag  ©a|L 

purification  of  tije  Blesseo 
Firgin  JHar|L 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

Note.  Should  the  7.nd  February  be 
a  privileged  Sunday,  the  Office  for 
Candlemas  Day  is  transferred  to  the 
Monday,  any  other  Feast  of  less  or 
equal  rank  being  transferred.  Should 
there  be  a  double  of  the  First  Class  on 
the  Monday,  the  Candlemas  Office  is 
transferred  on. 


736 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  {p.  552,) 
except  what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons  from  the  Lauds  of  New 
Year's  Day,  (p.  315.) 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Verse.  It  was  revealed  unto  Simeon 
by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  That  he  should  not  see 
death  before  he  had  seen  the  Lord's 
Christ. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  old  man  held  his  Lord 
in  his  arms  in  the  form  of  a  little 
child,  but  the  Child  was  the  old  man's 
King  :  even  that  Child  whom  a  virgin 
bore,  and  remained  a  virgin  as  before  : 
the  fruit  of  her  womb,  and  the  God  of 
her  soul. 

A  Commemoratioit  is  made  of  the 
preceding. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Behold,  the  Lord  the 
Ruler  cometh  unto  His  holy  temple  :  * 
Rejoice  and  be  glad,  O  Zion  !  go  forth 
to  meet  thy  God  ! 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Exodus  (xiii.  1.) 

THE  LORD  spake  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, Sanctify  unto  Me  all  the 
first-born  ;  whatsoever  openeth  the 
womb  among  the  children  of  Israel, 
both  of  man  and  of  beast :  it  is  Mine. 
And  Moses  said  unto  the  people  :  (11) 
It  shall  be  when  the  Lord  shall  bring 
thee  into  the  land  of  the  Chanaanites, 
as  He  sware  unto  thee  and  to  thy 
fathers    and    shall   give    it   thee,   that 


thou  shalt  set  apart  unto  the  LORD 
all  that  openeth  the  matrix,  and  every 
firstling  that  cometh  of  a  beast  which 
thou  hast ;  the  males  shall  be  the 
Lord's.  The  firstling  of  an  ass  thou 
shalt  redeem  with  a  lamb  :  and  if  thou 
wilt  not  redeem  it,  then  thou  shalt 
break  his  neck.  And  all  the  first- 
born of  man  among  thy  children  shalt 
thou  redeem. 

First  Responsory. 

Make  ready  thy  chamber,  O  Zion, 
to  receive  Christ  thy  King,  even  that 
Child  Whom  a  Virgin  bore,  and  re- 
mained a  Virgin  as  before  :  the  fruit 
of  her  womb  and  the  God  of  her 
soul. 

Verse.  Simeon  took  the  Child  up 
in  his  arms,  and  blessed  God. 

Answer.  Even  that  Child  Whom 
a  Virgin  bore,  and  remained  a  Virgin 
as  before  :  the  fruit  of  her  womb  and 
the  God  of  her  soul. 

Second  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Leviticus  (xii.  1.) 

XHE  LORD  spake  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing  :  Speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying  :  If  a  woman  hath  con- 
ceived seed  and  borne  a  man  child, 
then  she  shall  be  unclean  seven  days, 
according  to  the  days  of  the  separation 
for  her  infirmity  shall  she  be  unclean. 
And  the  eighth  day  shall  the  child 
be  circumcised  :  and  she  shall  then 
continue  in  the  blood  of  her  purifying 
three  and  thirty  days.  She  shall 
touch  no  hallowed  thing,  nor  come 
into  the  Sanctuary,  until  the  days  of 
her  purifying  be  fulfilled.  But  if  she 
bear  a  maid  child,  then  she  shall  be 
unclean  two  weeks,  as  in  her  separa- 
tion, and  she  shall  continue  in  the 
blood  of  her  purifying  three  score  and 
six  days. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


737 


Second  Responsory. 

When  the  days  of  Mary's  purification 
according  to  the  law  of  Moses  were 
accomplished,  they  brought  Jesus  to 
Jerusalem  to  present  Him  to  the  Lord  ; 
as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  the  Lord : 
Every  male  that  openeth  the  womb 
shall  be  called  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

Verse.  They  offered  for  Him  unto 
the  Lord  a  pair  of  turtle-doves  or  two 
young  pigeons. 

Answer.  As  it  is  written  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord  :  Every  male  that  openeth 
the  womb  shall  be  called  holy  unto 
the  Lord. 

Third  Lesson. 

A  ND  when  the  days  of  her  purifica- 
"*^  tion  are  fulfilled,  for  a  son  or 
for  a  daughter,  she  shall  bring  a  lamb 
of  the  first  year  for  a  burnt-offering, 
and  a  young  pigeon  or  a  turtle-dove 
for  a  sin-offering,  unto  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  testimony,  unto  the 
priest,  who  shall  offer  it  before  the 
Lord,  and  make  an  atonement  for 
her,  and  she  shall  be  cleansed  from  the 
issue  of  her  blood.  This  is  the  law 
for  her  that  hath  borne  a  male  or  a 
female.  And  if  her  hand  find  it  not, 
or  she  be  not  able  to  bring  a  lamb, 
she  shall  take  two  turtles,  or  two 
young  pigeons,  the  one  for  the  burnt- 
offering,  and  the  other  for  a  sin-offer- 
ing ;  and  the  priest  shall  make  an 
atonement  for  her,  and  she  shall  be 
clean. 

Third  Responsory. 

They  offered  for  Him  unto  the  Lord 
a  pair  of  turtle-doves,  or  two  young 
pigeons  ;  as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of 
the  Lord. 

Verse.  And  when  the  days  of 
Mary's  purification  according  to  the 
law  of  Moses  were  accomplished,  they 
brought  Him  to  Jerusalem,  to  present 
Him  to  the  Lord. 


Answer.  As  it  is  written  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  As  it  is  written  in  the 
law  of  the   Lord^ 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
(13th  on  the  Season.) 

(~\F  old  time  it  was  written:  "And 
^^^  of  Zion  shall  it  not  be  said  : 
This  and  that  man  was  bom  in  her, 
and  the  Highest  Himself  shall  establish 
her  ?  "  Blessed  be  the  omnipotence 
of  Him  That  was  born  !  Blessed  the 
glory  of  Him  That  came  from  heaven 
to  earth  !  While  yet  He  was  borne 
in  His  Mother's  womb,  He  was  saluted 
by  John  the  Baptist ;  He  was 
presented  in  the  temple,  and  re- 
cognised by  that  famous,  antient,  and 
glorious  worthy,  the  old  man  Simeon. 
As  soon  as  he  knew  Him  he  wor- 
shipped Him,  and  said  :  "  Lord,  now 
lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart  in 
peace — for  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy 
Salvation." 

Fourth  Responsory. 

Simeon  was  just  and  devout,  wait- 
ing for  the  redemption  of  Israel ;  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  was  upon  him. 

Verse.  It  was  revealed  unto  him 
by  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  he  should  not 
see  death,  before  he  had  seen  the 
Lord's  Christ. 

A?tswer.  And  the  Holy  Ghost  was 
upon  him. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  T  E   lingered   in   the   world   to  see 

the   birth   of  Him   Who   made 

the   world.     The   old   man  knew   the 


738 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Child,  and  in  that  Child  became  a 
child  himself,  for  in  the  love  where- 
with he  regarded  the  Father  of  all, 
he  felt  his  own  years  to  be  but  as 
of  yesterday.  The  old  man  Simeon 
bore  the  new-born  Christ,  and  all  the 
while,  Christ  was  the  old  man's  Lord. 
It  had  been  told  him  by  the  Lord 
that  he  should  not  taste  of  death  be- 
fore he  had  seen  the  birth  of  the 
Lord's  Christ.  Now  Christ  is  born, 
and  all  the  old  man's  wishes  on  earth 
are  fulfilled.  He  That  came  to  a 
decrepit  world  came  to  an  old  man. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

It  was  revealed  unto  Simeon  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  that  he  should  not  see 
death  before  he  had  seen  the  Lord's 
Christ ;  and  he  blessed  God,  and 
said :  Lord,  now  lettest  Thou  Thy 
servant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes 
have  seen  Thy  salvation. 

Verse.  When  His  parents  brought 
in  the  Child  Jesus,  to  do  for  Him 
after  the  custom  of  the  law :  then 
took  he  Him  up  in  his  arms. 

Answer.  And  blessed  God,  and 
said :  Lord,  now  lettest  Thou  Thy 
servant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes 
have  seen  Thy  salvation. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

TTE  wished  not  to  remain  long  in 
the  world,  but  he  longed  to 
see  Christ  in  the  world,  singing  with 
the  Prophet,  and  saying  :  "  Shew  us 
Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  and  grant  us 
Thy  salvation."  (Ps.  lxxxiv.  8.)  And 
now  at  last,  that  ye  may  know  that 
the  cause  of  his  joy  was  that  this 
prayer  was  granted,  he  saith  :  "  Now 
lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart  in 
peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy 
salvation."  The  Prophets  have  sung 
that  the  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth 
would  converse  on  earth  with  men : 
an    angel    hath    declared     that     the 


Creator  of  flesh  and  spirit  would  come 
in  the  flesh  :  the  unborn  John,  yet  in 
the  womb,  hath  saluted  the  unborn 
Saviour  yet  in  the  womb.  The  old 
man  Simeon  hath  seen  God  a  little 
Child. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

When  His  parents  brought  the 
Child  Jesus  into  the  temple,  to  do 
for  Him  after  the  custom  of  the  law, 
Simeon  took  Him  up  in  his  arms, 
and  blessed  God,  and  said :  Lord, 
now  lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart 
in  peace. 

Verse.  Simeon  took  up  the  Child 
in  his  arms,  and  cried  out,  and  said  : 

Answer.  Lord,  now  lettest  Thou 
Thy  servant  depart  in  peace. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Lord,  now  lettest  Thou 
Thy  servant  depart  in  peace. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 
Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy  Gos- 
pel according  to  Luke  (ii.  22.) 

A  T  that  time  :  When  the  days  of 
Mary's  purification,  according  to 
the  law  of  Moses,  were  accomplished, 
they  brought  Jesus  to  Jerusalem,  to 
present  Him  to  the  Lord,  as  it  is 
written  in  the  law  of  the  Lord.      And 


Homily  on  this  passage  by  St  Am- 
brose, Bis-hop  [of  Milan.]  {Bk.  2, 
Co  mm.  on  Luke  ii.) 

"  And,  behold,  there  was  a  man  in 
Jerusalem,  whose  name  was  Simeon, 
and  the  same  man  was  just  and 
devout,  waiting  for  the  consolation  of 
Israel."  The  birth  of  the  Lord  is 
attested  not  only  by  Angels  and 
Prophets,  and  shepherds,  but  also  by 
elders  and  just  men.      Every  age,  and 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


739 


both  sexes,  as  well  as  the  miracles 
of  the  events  themselves,  are  here  to 
strengthen  our  faith.  A  virgin  con- 
ceiveth,  a  barren  woman  beareth,  a 
dumb  man  speaketh,  Elizabeth  pro-, 
phesieth,  the  wise  man  worshippeth, 
the  unborn  child  leapeth,  the  widow 
praiseth,  and  the  just  man  waiteth. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

Simeon  took  Jesus  up  in  his  arms, 
and  cried  out,  and  said  :  Verily  Thou 
art  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and 
the  Glory  of  Thy  people  Israel. 

Verse.  When  His  parents  brought 
in  the  Child  Jesus,  then  took  he  Him 
up  in  his  arms,  and  blessed  God,  and 
said  : 

Answer.  Verily  Thou  art  a  light 
to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  Glory 
of  Thy  people  Israel. 

,   Eighth  Lesson. 

\  \  7"ELL  is  he  called  just,  who  looked 
not  for  favour  for  himself,  but 
for  consolation  for  his  people.  He 
desired  to  be  set  free  from  the  bond- 
age of  this  frail  body,  but  he  waited 
to  see  the  Promised  One — for  he  knew 
that  blessed  are  the  eyes  that  see 
Him.  "  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."  Behold  a  just  man,  confined 
in  the  weary  prison  of  the  body,  de- 
siring to  be  dissolved  and  to  begin 
to  be  with  Christ.  For  to  be  dissolved 
and  to  be  with  Christ  is  much  better. 
(Phil.  i.  23.) 

Eighth  Responsory. 

The  old  man  bore  the  Child,  but 
the  Child  was  the  old  man's  King ; 
even  that  Child  Whom  a  virgin  bore, 
and  remained  a  virgin  as  before  ;  and 
when    that   virgin   had   brought    Him 


into  the  world,  she  fell  down  and 
worshipped   Him. 

Verse.  Simeon  took  the  Child  up 
in  his  arms,  and  gave  thanks,  and 
blessed  the  Lord. 

Answer.  Even  that  Child  Whom  a 
virgin  bore,  and  remained  a  virgin  as 
before  ;  and  when  that  virgin  had 
brought  Him  into  the  world,  she  fell 
down  and  worshipped  Him. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Even  that  Child  Whom  a 
virgin  bore,  and  remained  a  virgin  as 
before ;  and  when  that  virgin  had 
brought  Him  into  the  world,  she  fell 
down  and  worshipped  Him. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

VyHOSOEVER  will  be  dissolved 
and  be  with  Christ,  let  him 
come  into  the  Temple,  let  him  come 
to  Jerusalem,  let  him  wait  for  the 
Lord's  Christ,  let  him  take  hold  on 
the  Word  of  God,  let  him  embrace 
it  with  good  works,  as  it  were  with 
arms  of  faith  :  and  then  let  him  depart 
in  peace,  for  he  shall  not  see  death, 
who  hath  seen  life.  Behold  how 
the  Lord's  Birth  doth  overflow  with 
abounding  grace  for  all,  and  prophecy 
is  not  denied  to  the  just,  but  to  the 
unbelieving.  Behold,  Simeon  prophesi- 
eth  that  the  Lord  JESUS  Christ  is 
come  for  the  fall  and  rising  again  of 
many  :  yea,  He  shall  separate  the  just 
from  the  unjust  by  their  deserts,  and 
according  as  our  work  shall  be,  so 
shall  the  true  and  righteous  Judge 
command  us  to  be  punished  or 
rewarded. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Simeon  was  just  * 
and    devout,   waiting    for   the    consol- 


740 


THE   PROPER    OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


ation  of  Israel,  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
was  upon  him. 

Second  Antiphon.  It  was  revealed 
unto  Simeon  *  by  the  Holy  Ghost  that 
he  should  woi  see  death  before  he  had 
seen  the  Lord. 

Third  Antiphon.  Simeon  took  * 
the  Child  up  in  his  arms,  and  gave 
thanks,   and  blessed  the   Lord. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  A  light  to  lighten 
the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  Thy 
people  Israel. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  They  offered  for 
Him  *  unto  the  Lord,  a  pair  of  turtle 
doves,  or  two  young  pigeons. 

Chapter.     (Mai.  iii.  i.) 

DEHOLD,  I  send  My  Angel,  and 
he  shall  prepare  the  way  before 
Me.  And  the  Lord,  Whom  ye  seek, 
shall  suddenly  come  to  His  holy 
temple,  even  the  Angel  of  the  Cove- 
nant Whom  ye  delight  in. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
When  His  parents  brought  in  the 
Child  Jesus,  then  took  Simeon  Him 
up  in  his  arms,  and  blessed  God,  and 
said  :  Now  lettest  Thou  Thy  servant 
depart  in  peace. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

ALMIGHTY  and  everliving  God, 
we  humbly  beseech  Thy  Majesty, 
that  as  Thy  Only-begotten  Son  was 
this  day  presented  in  the  temple  in 
substance  of  our  flesh,  so  we  may  be 
presented  unto  Thee  with  pure  and 
clean  hearts.  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.     Amen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Simeon  was  just,  *  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 


In    the    Short   Responsory,    "  Thou 
That  wast  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary." 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  in  England 
the  feast  of  the  holy  Confessor  Laurence, 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  who 
governed  that  church  in  succession 
to  holy  Augustin,  and  who  converted 
King  Ethelbert  himself  to  the  faith, 
of  whom  mention  is  made  as  upon  this 
day. 

Upon  the  same  3rd  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Sebaste,  in  Armenia,  the  holy 
martyr  Blase,  [about  the  year  316,] 
Bishop  of  that  city,  and  the  worker 
of  many  miracles.  Under  the 
President  Agricolaus  he  was  long 
flogged,  then  hung  to  a  beam,  where 
his  flesh  was  rent  with  iron  combs, 
then  he  suffered  a  foul  imprisonment, 
after  which  he  was  cast  into  the  lake, 
and,  forasmuch  as  he  came  out  thence 
unhurt,  he  was  beheaded,  by  order  of 
the  same  judge,  along  with  two  lads. 
Before  him  seven  women,  who  were 
collecting  the  drops  of  his  blood  as 
they  fell  during  the  torture,  were  ar- 
rested for  being  Christians,  and  after 
being  grievously  tormented  were  put 
to  the  sword. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  Deacon  Celerinus, 
who  was  kept  nineteen  days  in  prison, 
and  was  a  glorious  confessor  of  Christ 
under  the  lash,  and  in  iron  chains  and 
other  sufferings,  and  while  he  over- 
came the  adversary  of  his  contending 
by  his  invincible  firmness,  he  led  the 
way  for  victories  for  others,  [in  the 
year  280.] 

Likewise  the  holy  martyrs  Lauren- 
tinus,  [these  martyrs  mentioned  by 
Cyprian,  Letter  34,]  and  Ignatius,  his 
father's  and  mother's  brothers,  and 
Celerina  his  grandmother,  who  had 
before  him  been  crowned  with  martyr- 
dom, to  the  glorious  praises  of  all  whom 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


741 


there  remaineth  to  witness  an  epistle 
of  blessed  Cyprian. 

Likewise  in  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs 
Felix,  Symphronius,  Hippolytus,  and 
their  Companions,  [in  the  year  270.] 

In  the  town  of  Gap,  [in  the  second 
century,]  the  holy  Bishops  Tigides  and 
Remedius. 

At  Lyons,  [about  the  year  486,] 
holy  Lupicinus  and  Felix,  Bishops  of 
that  see. 

On  the  same  day,  [in  the  year  865,] 
holy  Anschar,  Bishop  of  Bremen,  who 
brought  the  Swedes  and  the  Danes  to 
believe  in  Christ. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Mai.  iii.  4.) 

HTHEN  shall  the  offering  of  Judah 
and  Jerusalem  be  pleasant  unto 
the  Lord,  as  in  the  days  of  old,  and 
as  in  former  years,  saith  the  Lord 
Almighty. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  It  was  revealed,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 


SEXT. 


Antiphon.     Simeon    took, 
{Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 


&c. 


Chapter.      (Mai.  iii.  2.) 

"DEHOLD,  He  shall  come,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts  :  but  who  shall 
be  able  to  abide  the  day  of  His 
coming  ?  and  who  shall  stand  to  see 
Him  ?  For  He  is  like  the  fiery  blast 
of  a  furnace,  and  like  fuller's  soap. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.     They  offered  for  Him,  * 
&c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons  from  Lauds. 
All  the  rest  as  at  First  Vespers,  ex- 
cept the 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  This  day  did  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary  present  the  Child  Jesus 
in  the  temple  ;  and  Simeon,  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  took  Him  up 
in    his    arms,    and    blessed    God    for 


A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
following  from  the  Common  Office  for 
a  Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  with 
the  Prayer,  "  Hear,  O  Lord,  &c,"  {p. 
524  ;)  then  of  St  Blase,  from  the 
Common  Office  of  One  Martyr,  {p.  594,) 
with  the  Prayer,  "  O  God,  Who  year 
by  year,  &c,"  {p.  491.) 


February  3. 

&t  iLaurence,  ^rcpisfton   of 
Canterbury,  Confessor* 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  One 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here.  Prayer 
throughout,  "  Hear,  O  Lord,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  (p.  524.) 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lesson  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

HTHIS  Laurence  was  a  Roman,  and 

■*•       a   disciple    of   St    Gregory    the 

Great,    by    whom    he    was    sent    into 

England,  along  with  blessed  Augustin, 


742 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


to  preach  the  Gospel.  Along  with 
Augustin  he  gave  himself  to  prayer 
and  preaching,  and  by  the  holiness 
of  his  life  and  manner,  and  by  his 
miracles,  he 'converted  to  Christ  King 
Ethelbert  and  a  great  part  of  his 
people.  After  Augustin  was  made 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury  he  sent 
Laurence  to  Rome  to  give  blessed 
Gregory  news  as  to  the  state  of  the 
new-born  Church  of  England,  and  to 
obtain  fresh  supplies  from  him.  He 
returned  in  a  short  space,  bringing 
with  him  the  answers  of  the  Supreme 
Pontiff  to  the  questions  of  Blessed 
Augustin,  holy  vessels,  books,  vest- 
ments, relics  of  the  holy  Apostles 
and  martyrs,  and  divers  fellow-workers 
and  ministers  of  the  Word,  among 
whom  the  first  and  chief  were  those 
men  of  eminent  holiness,  Mellitus, 
Justus,  Paulinus,  and  Rufinian,  of 
whom  Mellitus  was  afterwards  made 
first  Bishop  of  London,  Justus  of 
Rochester,  Paulinus  of  York,  and 
Rufinian  Abbot  of  the  Monastery  of 
the  holy  Apostles  Peter  and  Paul  out- 
side the  walls  of  Canterbury. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

V\7"HEN  the  blessed  Augustine 
found  himself  drawing  nigh  to 
the  kingdom  of  Heaven  he  ordained 
Laurence  as  his  successor,  lest  upon 
his  death  the  church  in  her  tender 
state  should  suffer  if  she  were  left 
without  the  care  of  a  shepherd.  As 
soon  as  Laurence  entered  upon  the 
Archbishoprick  he  made  it  his  care 
to  strengthen  with  all  his  power  the 
foundations  of  the  church  which  he 
saw  so  nobly  laid,  and  by  frequent  ex- 
hortation and  constant  ensample  of 
godly  labour  to  carry  on  the  structure 
to  the  height  behoven.  He  bore  not 
the  care  only  of  the  new  church  which 
had  been  formed  out  of  the  English, 
but  was  heedful  to  extend  his  watch- 


fulness as  a  shepherd  to  the  nations 
of  the  old  inhabitants  of  Britain 
and  of  the  Scots  who  dwelt  in  Ire- 
land, to  bring  them  to  the  due  and 
canonical  observance  of  the  feast  of 
Easter,  and  to  conformity  of  life  and 
manners  with  the  church  rules  in  all 
other  matters. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

AFTER  the  death  of  holy  king 
Ethelbert,  his  son  and  successor, 
Eadbald,  not  only  refused  to  embrace 
the  Christian  faith,  but  also  contracted 
an  incestuous  marriage  with  his  own 
stepmother,  and  many  thence  took 
occasion  either  to  renounce  the 
faith  which  they  had  already  re- 
ceived or  to  become  unstable  therein. 
Laurence  took  council  with  his  fellow- 
bishops  and  thought  to  abandon  Eng- 
land, but  the  blessed  Prince  of  the 
Apostles  appeared  to  him  in  a  dream 
and  corrected  him  ;  and  he  so  took 
to  heart  his  words  and  stripes  that  he 
not  only  remained  at  his  own  church, 
but  also  brought  the  king  to  the  faith, 
and  to  a  life  meet  for  the  faith.  From 
that  time  forward  Laurence  enjoyed 
great  peace,  and  after  he  had 
ministered  to  the  church  of  Canter- 
bury for  about  fifteen  years,  he  entered 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  in  the  year 
619,  upon  the  2nd  day  of  February, 
upon  the  which  day  mention  is  made 
of  him  in  the  Roman  Martyrology. 
He  was  buried  beside  his  predecessor, 
in  the  porch  of  the  church  of  the 
Monastery  of  the  holy  Apostles  Peter 
and  Paul,  and  Mellitus  succeeded  to 
him. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxiv.  42,  with 

the    Homily  of  St  Hilary,   (j>.    527.) 

The    last    lesson    is    read  along  with 

the   Eighth    in   order   to    make   room 

for  the 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


743 


Ninth  Lesson.     {For  St  Blase. ) 

'""THIS  Blase  was  chosen  Bishop  of 
the  city  of  Sebaste  in  Armenia, 
in  which  place  he  enjoyed  a  great  re- 
putation for  virtue.  When  Diocletian 
began  to  make  the  Christians  the  ob- 
jects of  his  insatiable  cruelty,  the 
Saint  hid  himself  in  a  cave  on  Mount 
Argasus,  where  he  lay  till  he  was 
found  by  some  of  the  soldiers  of 
Agricolaus  the  President,  who  were 
out  hunting.  He  was  brought  before 
the  President,  who  commanded  him 
to  be  thrown  into  irons.  While  he 
was  in  prison,  Blase  healed  many  of 
the  sick,  who  were  brought  to  him 
on  account  of  his  reputation  of  saint- 
liness,  and  among  others  a  boy  who 
had  been  despaired  of  by  the 
physicians,  and  who  was  at  the  point 
of  death,  from  a  thorn  which  had  be- 
come fixed  in  his  throat.  Blase  ap- 
peared twice  before  the  President,  but 
neither  cajolements  nor  threats  could 
induce  him  to  sacrifice  to  the  gods. 
He  was  first  beaten  with  rods,  and 
afterwards  put  on  the  rack,  where  his 
flesh  was  mangled  with  iron  combs. 
At  last  his  head  was  cut  off,  whereby 
he  finished  a  noble  testimony  to  the 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  our  Lord. 
He  bore  witness  on  the  3rd  day  of 
February,  [in  the  year  of  salvation 
3i6.] 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  St  Blase  from  the  Common  Office, 
{p.  490,)  with  the  Prayer,  "  O  God, 
Who  year  by  year,  &c,"  {p.  491.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  Andrew  Corsini, 
[from  1 360  to  1 373,]  Bishop  of  Fiesole, 
of  whom  mention  is  made  upon  the 
6th  day  of  January. 

Upon  the  same  4th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 


At  Rome,  the  holy  martyr  Eutych- 
ius,  who  gained  an  illustrious  martyr- 
dom and  is  buried  in  the  cemetery 
of  Callistus.  Holy  Pope  Damasus 
adorned  his  grave  with  some  verses. 

At  Fossambrono,  the  holy  martyrs 
Aquilinus,  Geminus,  Gelasius,  Magnus, 
and  Donatus. 

At  Thmuis,  in  Egypt,  [about  the 
year  308,]  the  blessed  martyr  Philaeas, 
Bishop  of  that  city,  and  Philoromus, 
Tribune  of  the  troops,  who  in  the 
persecution  under  the  Emperor 
Diocletian  could  not  be  persuaded  by 
their  kinsfolk  and  friends  to  have  pity 
on  themselves,  but  stretched  forth 
their  necks  and  won  palm  branches  of 
victory  from  the  Lord's  hand  ;  and  a 
countless  multitude  of  the  faithful  of 
the  same  city,  following  after  the  en- 
sample  of  their  shepherd,  were  like- 
wise crowned  with  martyrdom. 

On  the  same  day,  [in  the  year  888,] 
holy  Rembert,  Bishop  of  Bremen. 

At  Troyes,  the  holy  Confessor  Aven- 
tinus,  [about  the  year  538.] 

At  Pelusium,  in  Egypt,  the  holy 
monk  Isidore,  [monk  in  desert  of 
Lychnos,  about  the  year  449,]  eminent 
for  his  merits  and  teaching. 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  Con- 
fessor Gilbert,  [in  the  year  1190,] 
founder  of  the  Order  of  Sempringham, 
whose  feast  we  keep  upon  the  1 1  th 
day  of  this  present  month  of  Feb- 
ruary. 

In  the  town  of  Amatrice,  in  the 
diocese  of  Reate,  [in  the  year  161 2,] 
the  holy  Confessor  Joseph  of  Leon- 
issa,  of  the  Order  of  Friars  Minors 
Capuchins,  who  suffered  much  from 
the  Mohammedans  for  his  preaching 
of  the  faith,  and  was  famous  for  his 
apostolic  labours  and  his  miracles  ; 
whose  name  the  Supreme  Pontiff 
Benedict  XIV.  enrolled  among  those 
of  the  holy  confessors. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following,  from 
the  Chapter  inclusive. 


744 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


February  4. 

■St  ^norefo  Corstnt,  2Stsf)op 
[of  jtysole,]  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  one 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Prayer  throughout. 

C\  GOD,  Who  dost  continually 
^^^  raise  up  in  Thy  Church  new 
ensamples  of  godly  living,  grant 
unto  Thy  people  so  to  follow  in 
the  steps  of  Thy  blessed  Bishop 
and  Confessor  Andrew,  that  at  the 
last  they  may  together  with  him 
attain  unto  Thine  eternal  reward. 
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. 

First  Vespers  as  regards  St  An- 
drew begin  with  the  Chapter.  A 
Commemoration  is  tnade  of  St  Law- 
rence from  the  Common  Office,  {p. 
526),  with  the  Prayer,  "Hear,  O 
Lord,  &c."  If  it  be  Lent  a  Com- 
memoration must  be  made  of  the 
Week-day,  which  rule  is  to  be 
invariably  observed  throughout  that 
Season. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according 
to  the  Season.  If  it  be  in  Lent, 
then  they  are  from  the  Common 
Office,  ("This  is  a  true  saying,  &c," 
p.  516,)  which  rule  is  to  be  invari- 
ably observed  when  neither  the  Week- 


day nor  the  Feast  has  proper  Lessons 
from  Scripture. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

/T>HIS  Andrew  was  born  at  Flor- 
ence, of  the  noble  family  of 
Corsini,  [upon  the  30th  day  of  No- 
vember, in  the  year  1302.]  His 
birth  was  a  special  answer  to  prayer, 
and  his  parents  vowed  him  to  the 
Blessed  Virgin.1  God  fore-showed 
even  before  his  birth  what  he  was 
to  be.  While  his  mother  was  great 
with  child  she  dreamt  that  she 
brought  forth  a  wolf,  which  ran  to 
the  Carmelite  Church  and  was 
changed  into  a  lamb  as  soon  as 
it  reached  the  porch.  The  lad  was 
brought  up  in  godliness  and  learn- 
ing becoming  his  rank,  but  turned 
to  bad  courses  ;  wherefore  his  mother 
often  rebuked  him.  Nevertheless, 
when  he  knew  how  his  parents  had 
vowed  him  to  the  Maiden  Mother 
of  God,  the  love  of  God  touched 
his  heart,  and  the  vision  of  his 
mother  moving  him,  he  betook  him- 
self to  the  Institute  of  the  Carme- 
lites. In  that  place  the  devil  ex- 
ercised him  with  many  and  divers 
temptations,  but  could  not  break 
him  off  from  his  determination  to 
profess  as  a  friar.  He  was  soon 
after  sent  to  Paris,  where  he  finished 
his  studies  at  the  University,  and 
took  his  degree ;  after  which  he 
returned  to  his  own  country,  and 
was  set  over  the  houses  of  his 
order  in   Tuscany. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

rTHE     Bishop     of     Fiesole     being 

dead,  the  Church  in  that  place 

chose    Andrew    Corsini    for    his    suc- 


1  Perhaps  to  wear  white  for  his  first  seven  years,  in  honour  of  her  purity.     Such  is  not  an 
uncommon  vow  in  some  Catholic  countries. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


745 


cessor.  He  held  himself  altogether 
unworthy  of  that  office,  and  for  a 
long  time  lay  hidden  and  unknown, 
till  he  was  betrayed  by  the  voice 
of  a  child  marvellously  speaking, 
and  found  outside  the  city.  Then, 
lest  he  should  seem  to  resist  the 
Will  of  God,  he  took  the  Bishoprick, 
[in  the  year  1360.]  Being  dignified 
with  this  office,  he  set  himself  to  a 
more  perfect  exercise  of  the.  virtue 
of  lowliness,  whereof  he  was  already 
a  diligent  practiser.  He  was  emi- 
nent in  watchfulness  over  the  flock 
committed  to  his  charge,  joining 
thereto  great  tenderness  and  liber- 
ality towards  the  poor.  He  con- 
tinued instant  in  prayer  and  watch- 
ing. Thus  was  he  so  adorned  with 
these  and  many  other  virtues,  and 
even  with  the  gift  of  prophecy,  that 
the  fame  of  his  holy  life  was  in  the 
mouths  of  all  men. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

TRBAN  V.,  moved  by  the  fame 
of  his  godly  conversation,  sent 
him  as  his  Legate  to  quiet  disturb- 
ances at  Bologna.  He  endured 
much  in  the  discharge  of  this  duty, 
calming  with  great  wisdom  the 
angry  passions  of  the  citizens,  who 
had  broken  out  into  civil  war,  and 
when  peace  was  restored,  he  re- 
turned home.  Shortly  after,  he  re- 
ceived from  the  Blessed  Virgin  a 
warning  of  his  approaching  death, 
and  being  worn  out  with  his  un- 
ceasing toil,  and  the  rigour  of  his 
voluntary  mortifications,  he  passed 
to  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  [upon 
the  6th  day  of  January,]  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  1373,  and  the 
71st  of  his  own  age.  His  name 
became  illustrious  for  many  and 
great  miracles,  and  Urban  VIII. 
enrolled  him  in  the  number  of  the 
Saints.       His   body   resteth    at    Flor- 


ence in  the  Church  of  his  Order, 
and  is  looked  on  with  great  rever- 
ence by  the  citizens,  to  whom,  even 
in  these  days,  he  hath  more  than 
once   shown  himself  a  protector. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  14,  "A 
man  travelling,  &c,"  with  the  Homily 
of  St  Gregory,  {p.  522.) 

If  it  is  in  Lent  the  Ninth  Lesson 
("And  so  he  that  had  received  five 
talents,  &c.,")  is  either  omitted  or  read 
as  one  with  the  Eighth,  and  the  Ninth 
Lesson  is  of  the  Gospel  of  the  Week- 
day, with  the  Commentary  upon  the 
same,  being  either  the  first  of  the  three 
Lessons  of  the  Week-day,  or  the  whole 
three  read  as  one.  This  rule  is  inva- 
riably to  be  observed  when  the  Week- 
day has  a  proper  Gospel. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  as  at 
First  Vespers,  and  at  Lauds  a  Com- 
memoration is  made  of  the  Week-day  if 
it  be  in  Lent,  which  rule  is  invariably 
to  be  observed. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  5th  day  of  February,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Catania,  in  Sicily,  [in  the  year 
251,]  the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr 
Agatha.  In  the  time  of  the  Emperor 
Decius,  under  the  Judge  Quinctian,  she 
endured  buffeting  and  imprisonment, 
racking  and  torments.  Her  breasts 
were  cut  off,  and  she  was  rolled  upon 
potsherds  and  coals,  and  at  last  died 
in  prison,  in  prayer  to  God. 

In  Pontus,  are  commemorated  very 
many  holy  martyrs  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Maximian,  [fourth 
century.]  Some  had  molten  lead 
poured  upon  them,  some  were  tor- 
tured by  having  sharp  reeds  thrust 
under  their  nails,  and  were  tormented 
with   many  most  grievous   sufferings, 


746 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


which  were  renewed  again  and  again, 
and  so  by  their  illustrious  passion 
earned  palms  and  crowns  from  the 
Lord. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyr 
Isidore,  who  in  the  persecution  under 
the  Emperor  Decius  was  beheaded  by 
Numerian,  chief  of  the  army,  for 
Christ's  faith's  sake. 

In  the  empire  of  Japan,  [in  the  year 
1597,]  twenty-six  holy  martyrs,  [some 
Franciscans,  some  their  pupils,  and 
three  Jesuits  —  killed  at  Naugazaki,] 
who  were  crucified,  and  then  died 
gloriously,  transfixed  with  spears,  while 
they  were  praising  God  and  proclaim- 
ing His  Gospel,  whose  names  were  en- 
rolled among  those  of  the  saints  by 
the  supreme  Pontiff  Pius  IX. 

At  Vienne,  [in  Dauphiny,]  the 
blessed  Confessor  Avitus,  [in  the  year 
525,]  Bishop  of  that  see,  by  whose  faith, 
labour,  and  wonderful  teaching  Gaul 
was  shielded  against  the  Arian  heresy. 

At  Brixen,  holy  Genuinus,  [or  In- 
genuinus,  in  the  year  640,]  Bishop  [of 
Siben,  in  the  Tyrol,]  and  Albinus,  [in 
the  year  10 15,]  Bishop  [of  Brixen,] 
whose  lives  were  rendered  glorious  by 
miracles. 

Vespers  are  from  the  Chapter  {in- 
clusive) of  the  following. 


February  5. 

&t  ^satija,  Virgin  anti 
fKartjjr. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Co?nmon  Office  for  a 
Virgin  and  Martyr,  {p.  567,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

These  Vespers  are  of  St  Andrew 
Corsini,  up  to  the  Chapter  exclusive, 


but  if  they  should  be  all  of  St  Agatha 
(as  for  instance,  in  her  own  Church,) 
the  Antiphons  are  taken  from  Lauds, 
and  the  Psalms  are  as  on  Sundays, 
except  the  last,  which  is  Ps.  cxvi.,  "  O 
praise  the  Lord,  &c,"  {p.  186.) 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  blessed  Agatha  stood  in 
the  midst  of  the  prison,  and  stretched 
forth  her  hands,  and  prayed  unto  the 
Lord,  saying:  O  Lord  JESUS  Christ, 
my  Good  Master,  I  thank  Thee  be- 
cause Thou  hast  made  me  to  over- 
come the  cruelty  of  the  executioners  : 
and  now,  O  Lord,  may  it  please  Thee 
that  I  should  happily  attain  unto  Thy 
glory,  which  fadeth  not  away. 

A  Cotnmemoration  is  made  of  St 
Andrew  Corsini.  Prayer  as  at  his 
First  Vespers. 

MATTINS. 

Psalms  as  in  the  Common  Office  for 
one  Martyr  {p.  482.) 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  I  am  well  born, 
and  of  a  respectable  family,  as  all  my 
relations  testify. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  best  of  my 
birth  is,  that  I  was  born  the  slave  of 
Christ. 

Third  Antiphon.  I  look  like  a 
slave,  because  I  am  one — the  slave  of 
Christ. 

Lessons  from  Ecclus.  li.  1,  {p.  575.) 
First  Responsory. 

While  the  blessed  Agatha  was  being 
grievously  tortured  in  the  breasts,  she 
said  to  the  judge :  Thou  foul,  cruel, 
and     bloody     tyrant,     art     thou     not 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


747 


ashamed  to  do  this  to  me,  having 
thyself  sucked  at  a  mother's   breast  ? 

Verse.  I  have  breasts  within, 
which  have  been  the  Lord's  from  my 
childhood,  and  them  thou  canst  not 
mangle. 

Answer.  Thou  foul,  cruel,  and 
bloody  tyrant,  art  thou  not  ashamed 
to  do  this  to  me,  having  thyself  sucked 
at  a  mother's  breast  ? 

Second  Responsory. 

Agatha  went  to  prison  with  great 
joy  and  exultation,  like  a  guest  to  a 
banquet,  and  recommended  her  struggle 
to  the  Lord  in  prayer. 

Verse.  She,  the  daughter  of  a  most 
noble  race,  rejoiced  when  a  vile  person 
haled  her  to  prison. 

Answer.  She  went  like  a  guest 
to  a  banquet,  and  recommended  her 
struggle  to  the  Lord  in  prayer. 

Third  Responsory. 

Who  art  thou,  who  comest  to  heal 
my  wounds  ?  I  am  an  Apostle  of 
Christ :  have  no  fear  of  me,  my 
daughter :  He  hath  sent  me  to  thee 
Whom  thy  soul  and  thy  pure  heart 
love. 

Verse.  For  I  am  His  Apostle,  and 
I  bid  thee  know  that  thou  art  healed 
in  the  Name  of  Him. 

Answer.  Whom  thy  soul  and  thy 
pure  heart  love. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Whom  thy  soul  and  thy 
pure  heart  love. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  holy  Agatha 
said  :  Dost  thou  promise  me  beasts  ? 
When  they  hear  Christ's  name  they 
grow  tame. 

Second  Antiphon.      If  thou  put  the 


fire   to   me,   Angels   will   bring   me   a 
saving  dew  from  heaven. 

Third  Antiphon.  Agatha  went  to 
prison  with  great  joy  and  exultation, 
like  a  guest  to  a  banquet,  and  recom- 
mended her  struggle  to  the  Lord  in 
prayer. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T^HE  Maiden  Agatha  was  a  Sicilian 
of  noble  birth.  The  citizens  of 
Palermo  and  Catania  dispute  as  to 
which  city  had  the  honour  of  being 
her  birthplace.  It  was  at  Catania 
that,  during  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Decius,  she  won  the  crown 
of  a  glorious  martyrdom.  She  was 
equally  celebrated  for  her  beauty  and 
her  chastity,  and  Quintianus,  Praetor 
of  Sicily,  conceived  a  passion  for  her. 
He  tried  every  sort  of  device  to  over- 
come her  modesty,  and  when  he  found 
it  impossible  to  make  her  consent  to 
his  wishes,  he  caused  her  to  be  ar- 
rested on  a  charge  of  Christian  super- 
stition, and  handed  over  to  a  woman 
named  Aphrodisia  to  be  corrupted. 
The  company,  however,  of  this  woman 
had  no  effect  in  shaking  her  con- 
stancy in  the  Christian  worship,  nor 
her  settled  determination  to  preserve 
her  purity.  Aphrodisia  therefore  re- 
ported to  Quintianus  that  she  was 
only  throwing  away  her  pains  on 
Agatha.  He  ordered  her  to  be 
brought  before  him.  "  Thou,"  said 
he,  "  art  the  daughter  of  a  noble 
family — dost  thou  feel  no  shame  in 
living  the  degraded  and  slavish  life 
of  a  Christian  ? "  Agatha  answered 
him,  "  The  lowliness  and  bondage  of 
a  Christian  are  far  nobler  than  the 
estate  and  pride  of  a  king." 


Fourth  Responsory. 

But  by  the  Lord's  help  I  will  con- 
tinue to  acknowledge  Him  Who  hath 
saved  me,  and  strengthened  me. 


748 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Verse.  I  thank  Thee,  O  my  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  because  Thou  hast  sent 
Thine  Apostle  unto  me  to  heal  my 
wounds. 

Answer.     And  strengthened  me. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

HTHEN  the  Praetor,  being  incensed 
against  her,  gave  her  the  alter- 
native of  either  sacrificing  to  the  gods, 
or  being  submitted  to  the  torture ; 
and  as  she  remained  firm  in  the  faith, 
she  was  buffeted  and  sent  back  to 
prison.  The  next  day  she  was  brought 
forth,  and,  because  her  resolution  was 
still  unshaken,  she  was  stretched  on 
the  rack  and  tortured  with  pieces  of 
white-hot  metal.  Then  her  breasts 
were  cut  off.  When  Agatha  received 
this  injury  she  cried  out  to  Quintianus, 
"  Cruel  tyrant,  art  thou  not  ashamed 
to  do  this  to  me,  having  thyself  sucked 
at  a  mother's  breast  ?  "  She  was  re- 
manded again  to  prison  and  put  in 
irons.  That  night  an  old  man,  who 
called  himself  an  Apostle  of  Christ, 
came  to  her,  and  healed  her  wounds. 
The  following  day  she  was  brought 
for  the  last  time  before  the  Praetor. 
Her  constancy  was  unmoved,  and  she 
was  rolled  on  sharp  potsherds  and 
live  embers. 


Fifth  Responsory. 

He  hath  cured  me  Who  hath  sent 
His  Apostle  Peter  to  the  prison  to 
strengthen  me,  after  I  was  ordered 
to  be  put  on  the  rack.  Because 
of  my  chastity,  help  me,  O  Lord 
my  God,  for  they  are  torturing  my 
breasts. 

Verse.  He  hath  vouchsafed  to  heal 
me  of  all  my  wounds,  and  to  put  new 
paps  on  my  breasts. 

Answer.  Because  of  my  chastity, 
help  me,  O  Lord  my  God,  for  they 
are  torturing  my  breasts. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

A  T  that  time  the  whole  city  was 
shaken  with  a  great  earth- 
quake, and  two  of  the  Praetor's 
dearest  friends,  Silvinus  and  Fal- 
conius,  were  killed  by  falling 
walls.  The  townspeople  were  in 
an  uproar,  and  Quintianus,  in  fear 
of  a  riot,  ordered  Agatha,  who  was 
half  dead,  to  be  carried  back  to 
prison  quietly.  Then  she  made 
the  following  prayer :  "  O  Lord, 
Who  hast  been  my  Keeper  from 
my  childhood,  Who  hast  taken 
from  me  all  love  for  this  present 
world,  Who  hast  strengthened  me 
so  that  I  am  more  than  conqueror 
over  the  cruelty  of  the  executioners, 
receive  my  spirit,"  and  with  these 
words  she  passed  to  heaven.  She 
finished  her  testimony  on  the  5  th 
day  of  February,  [in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  251.]  Her  body  was 
buried   by   the   Christians. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  Thou  hast  seen  and 
known  how  I  have  fought,  and 
how  I  have  run  in  the  race ;  but, 
because  I  would  not  obey  the 
magistrates,  they  ordered  me  to  be 
tortured  in  the  breasts. 

Verse.  Because  of  truth,  and 
meekness,    and    righteousness, 

Answer.  They  ordered  me  to  be 
tortured  in  the  breasts. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  They  ordered  me  to  be 
tortured  in  the  breasts. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Unless  thou 
make  the  executioners  to  handle  my 
body  vigorously,  my  soul  will  not  be 
able  to  enter  into  the  Lord's  para- 
dise with  the  palm  of  martyrdom. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    FEBRUARY. 


749 


and    to    the    Son,    and    to    the    Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.      By   Whose   Word   alone 
all   things   are  made. 


Second  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  Thou 
hast  seen  how  I  have  fought,  and 
how  I  have  run  in  the  race ;  but, 
because  I  would  not  obey  the 
magistrates,  they  ordered  me  to  be 
tortured  in  the  breasts. 

Third  Antiphon.  Because  of  my 
chastity  they  ordered  me  to  be 
stretched  upon  the  rack :  help  me, 
O  Lord  my  God,  for  they  are  tor- 
turing my  breasts. 

Ps.  xv.     Preserve  me,  O  Lord,  &c, 

(A  12.) 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xix.  3,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  John  Chrysostom, 
{P-    5770 

Seventh  Responsory. 

When  the  blessed  Agatha  came 
into  the  prison,  she  stretched  forth 
her  hands  to  God,  and  said :  O 
Lord,  Who  hast  made  me  to  over- 
come the  cruelty  of  the  execu- 
tioners, may  it  please  Thee  that  I 
should  attain  unto  Thy  mercy. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  Who  hast  made 
me,  Who  hast  taken  from  me  all 
love  for  this  present  world,  and  Who 
hast  saved   my  body  from   pollution, 

Answer.  May  it  please  Thee 
that  I  should  attain  unto  Thy 
mercy. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

I  have  used  no  earthly  medicine 
for  my  body,  but  I  have  for  a 
Master,  Christ  JESUS,  by  Whose 
Word   alone   all   things   are   made. 

Verse.  He  hath  vouchsafed  to  heal 
me  of  all  my  wounds,  and  to  put  new 
paps  on  my  breasts,  and  upon  Him 
will  I  call,  even  upon  the  Living  God. 

Answer.  By  Whose  Word  alone 
all   things  are  made. 

Verse.      Glory   be    to    the    Father, 

1  Viz.,  an  eruption  of  Mount  Etna.    The  same  veil  is  still  carried  up  the  mountain  on  similar 
occasions  for  the  same  purpose. 

VOL.  I.  2  B 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Who  art  thou* 
who  comest  to  heal  my  wounds? 
I  am  an  Apostle  of  Christ :  have 
no  fear  of  me,   my  daughter. 

Second  Antiphon.  I  have  used 
no  earthly  medicine  *  for  my  body, 
but  I  have  for  a  Master  Christ 
Jesus,  by  Whose  Word  alone  all 
things  were  made. 

Third  Antiphon.  O  my  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  I  thank  Thee,  *  be- 
cause Thou  hast  been  mindful  of 
me,  and  hast  sent  unto  me  Thine 
Apostle,   to  heal  my  wounds. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  I  bless  Thee, 
O  Father  of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
because  by  Thine  Apostle  Thou  hast 
put  new  paps  on  my  breasts. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Upon  Him  Who 
hath  vouchsafed  *  to  heal  me  of  all 
my  wounds,  and  to  put  new  paps 
on  my  breasts,  upon  Him  will  I  call, 
even  upon  the   Living  God. 

Chapter  (Ecclus.  li.  1)  from  the 
Common  Office  for  an  Holy  Woman, 
Martyr  but  not  Virgin,  {p.   585.) 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  heathen  multitude  made  haste, 
and  came  to  the  grave  of  the  virgin, 
and  took  therefrom  her  veil  wherewith 
to  stem  the  fire  ; 1  that  the  Lord  might 
show  Himself  to  be  a  Deliverer  from 
the  burning,  for  the  sake  of  Agatha, 
His  blessed  Martyr. 

Prayer.  O  God,  Who  amidst  the 
wondrous,   &c,   {p.    573.) 

At  Prune,  Terce,  Sext,  and  None, 
the  Antiphons  are  taken  from  Lauds ; 


7SO 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


viz.,  at  Prime  the  first,  at  Terce  the 
second,  at  Sext  the  third,  and  at  None 
the  fifth.  The  rest  is  from  the  Com- 
mon Office  for  an  Holy  Woman,  Mar- 
tyr but  not  Virgin,  {p.  580,)  and 
the  Prayer  at  Terce,  Sext,  and  None 
is — "  O  God,  Who  midst  wondrous, 
&c,"  as  at  Lauds. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  Titus,  Arch- 
bishop of  Gortyna,  in  Crete,  of  whom 
mention  is  made  upon  the  4th  day 
of  January. 

Upon  the  same  6th  day  of  Febru- 
ary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Cassarea,  in  Cappadocia,  the 
holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Dorothy, 
who  under  Sapricius,  President  of 
that  province,  was  first  racked,  then 
long  scourged  with  palm  -  branches, 
and  at  length  put  to  death,  [in  the 
year  304.]  At  the  sight  of  her 
sufferings  a  certain  student,  named 
Theophilus,  was  converted  to  Christ, 
and  forthwith  grievously  racked,  and 
at  length  beheaded. 

On  the  same  day  the  holy  martyrs 
Saturninus,  Theophilus,  and  Revocata. 

At  Emessa,  in  Phoenicia,  the  holy 
Bishop  Silvan,  who,  when  he  had 
been  forty  years  in  rule  over  that 
church,  was  cast  to  wild  beasts 
along  with  two  others,  under  the 
Emperor  Maximian,  and,  torn  to 
pieces,  received  the  palm  of  martyr- 
dom,  [in  the  year  312.] 

At  [Clermont,]  Auvergne,  in  Gaul, 
the  holy  martyr  Antholian,  [about  the 
year  265.] 

On  the  same  day,  [in  the  year  540,] 
holy  Bishop  Vedastus,  and  [in  the  year 
684,]  holy  Bishop  Amandus,  the  first  of 
whom  ruled  over  the  Church  of  Arras, 
the  second  the  Church  of  Maestricht, 
whose  lives  and  deaths  were  rendered 
glorious  by  divers  miracles. 


At  Bologna,  [in  the  year  1 1  59,]  holy 
Guarinus,  Cardinal  Bishop  of  Pales- 
trina,  eminent  for  the  holiness  of  his 
life. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from   Lauds. 

Psalms  as  on  Sundays,  except  the 
last,  which  is  Ps.  cxlvii.,  "  Praise  the 
Lord,  O  Jerusalem,  &c,"  {p.  203.) 

From  the  Chapter,  the  Office  is  of 
St  Titus,  Bishop  and  Confessor.  All 
from  the  Common,  {p.  515.)  The 
first  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered. 
Prayer,  "  O  God,  Who  didst  glorify, 
&c,"  as  below. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Agatha.  Antiphon,  "  The  blessed 
Agatha  stood  in  the  midst,  &c," 
{p.  746.)  Then  of  the  holy  Virgin 
Martyr  Dorothy.  Antiphon,  Verse 
and  Afiswer  from  the  Common  Office > 
{p.  567,)  and  Prayer,  "O  Lord,  we 
pray  Thee,  &c,"  {p.   574.) 

February  6. 

&t  &ttus,  &rcpisj)op  [0!  ffior- 
tgna  in  Crete,]  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  ex- 
cept the  following. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  glorify  Thy 
^^^  blessed  Confessor  and  Bishop 
Titus  with  the  graces  of  an  Apostle, 
grant  unto  us  for  his  sake  and  at 
his  prayers,  that  we  may  so  live 
soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in 
this  present  world,  that  hereafter  we 
may  worthily  attain  unto  the  Father- 
land which  is  in  heaven.  Through 
our     Lord     JESUS     Christ    Thy    Son, 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    FEBRUARY. 


751 


Who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee, 
in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


MATTINS. 

The  first  verse  of  the  Hymn  is 
altered, 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according 
to  the  Seasons,  or,  in  Lent,  from  the 
Common  Office. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 
Fourth  Lesson. 

HP  HE  Apostle  Paul  had  no  sooner 
by  his  preaching  gathered  the 
Cretans  to  the  Sacraments  and  doc- 
trines of  the  Christian  Faith,  than 
he  made  Titus  their  Bishop.  It  is 
agreed  that  the  holiness  of  Titus 
shone  with  so  bright  a  light  before 
the  infant  Church,  that  he  earned 
fellowship  with  the  disciples  of  the 
Teacher  of  the  Gentiles.  Being 
taken  to  share  in  the  work  of 
preaching,  he  so  endeared  himself 
to  Paul  by  his  faithfulness  and  zeal 
in  declaring  the  Gospel,  that  the 
Apostle  saith :  "When  I  came  to 
Troas  to  preach  Christ's  Gospel, 
and  a  door  was  opened  unto  me 
of  the  Lord,  I  had  no  rest  in  my 
spirit,  because  I  found  not  Titus 
my  brother :  but  taking  my  leave 
of  them,  I  went  from  thence  into 
Macedonia."  (2  Cor.  ii.  12,  13.) 
And  again  he  saith:  "When  we 
were  come  into  Macedonia,  our 
flesh  had  no  rest,  but  we  were 
troubled  on  every  side ;  without 
were  fightings,  within  were  fears. 
Nevertheless,  God,  that  comforteth 
those  that  are  cast  down,  comforted 
us  by  the  coming  of  Titus."  (vii. 
5,  6.) 


Fifth  Lesson. 

T  T  was  this  affection  of  Paul  toward 
Titus,  which  had  induced  him  to 
send  him  to  Corinth  upon  a  Mission 
which  mainly  concerned  the  collec- 
tion of  alms  from  the  charity  of  the 
faithful  for  the  relief  of  the  poor 
Hebrew  Saints  at  Jerusalem.  This 
mission  Titus  discharged  with  such 
wisdom  and  gentleness,  that  he  not 
only  strengthened  the  Corinthians  in 
the  faith,  but  also  stirred  up  in  them 
an  earnest  desire,  a  mourning,  a  fer- 
vent mind  toward  Paul,  their  earliest 
teacher.  (vii.  7.)  Many  were  the 
other  journeys  by  land  and  sea 
which  Titus  undertook  in  order  to 
sow  the  seed  of  God's  word  among 
men  of  divers  nations,  tongues,  and 
countries.  Filled  with  bold  loyalty 
to  the  banner  of  the  Cross,  he  went 
with  Paul  to  the  island  of  Crete. 
Of  the  Church  of  Crete  the  Apostle 
himself  made  him  the  first  Bishop ; 
and  we  may  not  doubt  that,  as  such, 
he  was  what  his  Teacher  bade  him 
be,  "in  all  things  showing  himself  a 
pattern  of  good  works,  in  doctrine, 
in  uncorruptness,  in  gravity."  (Tit. 
ii-    7-) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

f"  IKE  a  candle,  he  gave  forth  the 
light  of  faith  in  the  midst  of 
men  sitting  in  the  darkness  of  idolatry 
and  falsehood,  as  in  the  shadow  of 
death.  He  is  said  to  have  sweated 
mightily  to  unfurl  the  banner  of  the 
Cross  among  the  Dalmatians.  He 
was  full  of  days  and  good  works, 
when,  upon  a  4th  of  January,  in  the 
94th  year  of  his  age,  he  died  one  of 
those  deaths  which  are  precious  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord.  He  was  buried  in 
the  Church  of  which  the  Apostle  had 
made  him  the  minister.  His  praises 
have  been  mostly  written  by  St  John 
Chrysostom  and  St  Jerome.     The  4th 


752 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


of  January  is  the  day  upon  which  his 
name  is  read  in  the  Roman  Martyrol- 
ogy,  but  Pope  Pius  IX.  assigned  for 
his  Festival,  to  be  kept  with  an  Office 
and  Mass  by  the  clergy  secular  and 
regular  throughout  the  Catholic  world, 
the  first  free  day  afterwards. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  x.  i,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  481.)  The 
last  part  is  omitted,  or  read  as  one 
with  the  Eighth,  to  make  room  in  Lent 
for  the  Homily  of  the  week-day,  and 
out  of  Lent. 

Ninth  Lesson.     {For  St  Dorothy.) 

T'HE  maiden  Dorothy,  of  Caesarea 
in  Cappadocia,  was  betrayed  to 
Apricius  the  President  by  her  two 
sisters,  Chrysta  and  Callista,  who  had 
denied  the  faith,  in  the  hope  that  he 
would  induce  her  to  do  likewise.  She 
was  arrested,  but  it  came  not  to  pass 
as  they  hoped.  On  the  contrary,  she 
brought  them  back  to  the  Christian 
worship,  and  they  received  martyr- 
dom. She  was  long  tormented  upon 
the  rack,  and  scourged  with  palm- 
branches,  and  in  the  end  was  be- 
headed, receiving  the  double  palm  of 
virginity  and  martyrdom. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  St  Dorothy.  All  from  the 
Common.  Prayer,  "  O  Lord,  we  pray 
Thee,  &c,"  (p.  574.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Abbat  Romuald,  [buried 
at  Fabriano  in  Piceno,  in  the  year 
1027,]  father  of  the  monks  of  the 
Camaldolese   Institute,  of  whom  men- 


tion is  made  upon  the  19th  day  of 
June. 

Upon  the  same  7  th  day  of  Febru- 
ary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

In  London,  [in  the  fourth  century,] 
the  blessed  Augulus,  Bishop  of  that 
city,  who  ended  his  life  by  martyr- 
dom, and  so  secured  the  everlasting 
prize.1 

In  Phrygia,  the  holy  martyr  Adau- 
cus.  He  was  an  Italian  of  noble 
birth,  and  had  been  honoured  by  the 
emperors  with  dignities  of  almost 
every  rank,  and  was  still  quaestor 
when  he  gained  the  crown  of  mar- 
tyrdom in  defence  of  the  faith,  [in  the 
year  304,  at  Andandros,  a  town  of 
Phrygia.] 

Likewise  many  other  holy  martyrs, 
citizens  of  the  same  city,  [including 
the  Prefect  of  the  Treasury,  the  Mili- 
tary Prefect,  and  the  Senate,]  who 
followed  with  Adaucus.  They  were 
all  Christians  and  remained  stead- 
fast in  the  confession  of  the  faith, 
and  the  Emperor  Galerius  Maximian 
caused  them  all  to  be  burned  with 
fire. 

At  Heraclea,  the  holy  martyr  Theo- 
dore. He  was  a  trainer  of  the 
soldiery,  and  in  the  reign  of  the 
Emperor  Licinius  was  beheaded  after 
suffering  many  torments,  and  so 
passed  away  a  conqueror  to  heaven, 
[in  the  year  319.] 

In  Egypt,  holy  Moses,  the  ven- 
erable Bishop  of  [the  Saracens  in 
Arabia.]  He  first  lived  as  a  hermit 
in  the  desert,  but  afterwards  was 
made  Bishop  at  the  desire  of  Mauvia, 
Queen  of  the  Saracens,  converted 
many  of  that  fierce  people  to  the  faith, 
and  at  length  fell  asleep  in  peace, 
glorious  for  worthy  works. 

At  Lucca,  in  Tuscany,  [in  the  year 
722,]    holy    Richard,    Prince    of    the 


1  The  subject  is  obscure,  and  Alban  Butler  inclines  to  think  that  he  was  one  of  the  victims  of 
the  Diocletian  persecution  ;  if  so,  he  was  a  Roman  or  Romano-British  bishop,  and  it  is  to  be 
remarked  that  in  the  text  London  is  called  by  its  Roman  name  of  Augusta. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


753 


West  Saxons  in  England,  and  father 
of  holy  Winibald,  Willibald,  and 
Walburg. 

At  Bologna,  [in  the  year  430,]  the 
holy  widow  Juliana. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following,  from 
the  Chapter  inclusive. 


February  7. 

&t  Eomualtr,  W(&\. 

Double. 

All  ft -07)1  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  {p.  531,)  ex- 
cept what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Prayer.  O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee, 
&c,  (p.  545.) 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Titus.     Prayer  as  in  his  Office. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  If  it  be  in  Lent  they  are 
from  the  Common  Office,  viz.  Ecclus. 
xxxi.  8,  "  Blessed  is  the  man,  &c," 
and  the  two  which  follow,  {p.  542.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

'"THE  holy  Abbat  Romuald  was  the 
son  of  one  Sergius,  of  a  noble 
family  of  Ravenna.  While  he  was 
still  very  young,  he  went  to  a  neigh- 
bouring monastery  at  Classis  to  do 
penance.  While  he  was  there  he 
heard  a  discourse  by  a  monk,  which 
stirred  him  up  strongly  to  aim  at 
godliness  of  living  ;  and  he  had  after- 
wards   in    the    Church   by   night   two 


visions  in  which  the  blessed  servant 
of  God  Apollinaris  foretold  to  him 
that  he  should  become  a  monk  him- 
self. He  accordingly  did  so ;  and 
soon  afterwards  betook  himself  to  one 
Marinus,  whose  holy  life  and  strict 
discipline  were  then  much  noised 
about  in  all  the  coasts  of  the  Vene- 
tians, that  he  might  by  his  teaching 
and  guidance  attain  towards  the  hard 
and  lofty  point  of  perfection. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T'HE  more  he  was  assailed  by  the 
wiles  of  Satan  and  the  unkind- 
ness  of  men,  the  more  did  he  exercise 
himself  in  lowliness,  with  continual 
fasting  and  prayer,  and  rejoice  in 
thinking  of  heavenly  things,  with 
abundance  of  tears.  And  all  the 
while  he  bore  so  bright  a  face  as 
gladdened  all  who  looked  on  him. 
He  was  held  in  great  honour  by 
princes  and  kings,  and  his  counsel 
moved  many  to  leave  the  blandish- 
ments of  the  world  and  withdraw  to 
the  desert.  He  had  such  a  burning 
desire  to  obtain  the  crown  of  martyr- 
dom that  he  set  out  for  Pannonia  on 
purpose  to  seek  it,  but,  falling  into 
sickness  whenever  he  went  forward 
though  growing  strong  again  whenever 
he  drew  back,  he  behoved  to  return 
home. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

POD  worked  miracles  by  him  both 
during  his  life  and  after  his 
death,  and  likewise  gave  him  the 
gift  of  prophecy.  Like  the  Patriarch 
Jacob,  he  saw  a  ladder  reaching  from 
earth  to  heaven,  and  men  in  white 
garments  ascending  and  descending 
upon  it,  in  whom  he  marvellously 
knew  were  represented  the  monks  of 
the  Camaldolese  Institute,  of  which  he 
was  the  founder.  At  the  age  of  120 
years,  of  which  he  had  spent   100  in 


754 


THE   PROPER    OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


serving  God  in  great  hardness,  he 
passed  into  His  Presence,  in  the  year 
of  Salvation  1027.  Five  years  after 
his  death  his  body  was  found  in- 
corrupt, and*  laid  in  a  magnificent 
grave  in  the  Church  of  his  order  at 
Fabriano. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xix.  27,  with 
the  Homily  of  the  Ven.  Bede,  {p.  546.) 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  as  at 
First  Vespers. 

The  Second  Vespers  are  of  the  fol- 
lowing, from  the  Chapter  inclusive. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  John  de  la 
Mata,  founder  of  the  Order  of  the 
Most  Holy  Trinity  for  the  Redemp- 
tion of  Captives,  of  whom  mention 
is  made  upon  the  17th  day  of  De- 
cember, upon  the  which  day  he  fell 
asleep  in  the  Lord,  [in  the  year 
1213.] 

Upon  the  same  8th  day  of  Febru- 
ary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

The  holy  Confessor  Jerome  Miani, 
founder  of  the  Congregation  of  Som- 
ascha,  whose  name  was  enrolled 
among  those  of  the  saints  by  Clement 
XIII.,  and  whose  feast  we  keep  upon 
the  20th  day  of  July. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  Paul, 
Lucius,  and  Cyriacus. 

In  the  Lesser  Armenia,  the  holy 
martyrs  Denis,  ^milian,  and  Se- 
bastian. 

At  Alexandria,  under  the  Emperor 
Decius,  the  holy  martyr  Cointhe. 
The  heathen  took  her  and  led  her 
before  the  idols  to  make  her  worship 
them,  and  when  she  would  not,  they 
tied  her  feet  with  chains  and  dragged 
her  through  the  streets  of  the  city 
until  she  was  mangled  to  death,  [in 
the  year  249.] 


At  Constantinople,  the  martyr  monks 
of  the  monastery  of  Dim,  who  were 
slain  in  defence  of  the  Catholic  faith, 
[in  the  year  485,]  for  that  they  brought 
the  letter  of  holy  Pope  Felix  against 
the  [Patriarch]  Acacius. 

In  Persia  are  commemorated  those 
holy  martyrs  who  were  put  to  death 
in  divers  ways,  [in  the  sixth  century,] 
for  the  Christian  faith's  sake,  under 
Cabades,   King  of  Persia. 

At  Pavia,  holy  Juventius,  Bishop  of 
that  see,  who  laboured  earnestly  in 
the  Gospel,  [in  the  second  century.] 

At  Milan,  [in  the  year  620,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Honoratus,  Bishop  of 
that  see. 

At  Verdun,  in  Gaul,  [in  the  year 
649,]  holy  Paul,  Bishop  of  that  see, 
famous  for  the  glory  of  his  miracles. 

At  Muret,  in  the  country  of  Limoges, 
[in  the  year  11 24,]  the  holy  Abbat 
Stephen,  founder  of  the  Order  of 
Grandmont,  famous  for  his  graces 
and  miracles. 

In  the  monastery  of  Vallombrosa, 
[in  the  year  1089,]  blessed  Peter, 
Cardinal  -  Bishop  of  Albano,  of  the 
congregation  of  Vallombrosa,  of  the 
Order  of  St  Benedict.  He  was  sur- 
named  the  Fireproof  because  he 
passed  unhurt  through  fire. 


February  8. 

St  3o!jn'  tie  la  JEata,  Con* 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  (p.  531,)  ex- 
cept what  is  otherwise  given  here. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

These  Vespers  are  of  St  Romuald, 
up  to  the  Chapter,  exclusive. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


755 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~~\  GOD,  Who  by  a  sign  from  heaven 
^^^  didst  choose  Thy  holy  servant 
John  to  be  the  founder  of  the  Order 
of  the  Most  Holy  Trinity  for  the 
Ransom  of  Prisoners  held  in  the 
power  of  the  Saracens,  mercifully 
grant  unto  us  for  his  sake  that  we 
may  be  delivered  by  Thine  Almighty 
power  from  all  bonds  and  chains  of 
sin  whether  in  our  bodies  or  in  our 
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. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Romuald.  Prayer  as  at  his  First 
Vespers. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  In  Lent,  the  same  as 
yesterday. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

JOHN  de  la  Mata,  the  founder  of 
the  Order  of  the  Most  Holy 
Trinity  for  the  Ransom  of  Prisoners, 
was  born  at  Faucon,  in  Provence, 
[upon  Midsummer's  Day,  in  the  year 
1 1 69,]  and  was  the  child  of  parents 
equally  distinguished  for  their  rank 
and  their  godly  life.  He  went  for 
his  education  first  to  Aix  and  then 
to  Paris.  At  the  University  of  Paris, 
where  he  went  through  the  course  of 
Divinity  and  took  the  degree  of 
Doctor,  he  became  eminent  for  learn- 
ing and  virtue.  For  this  reason  the 
Bishop  of  Paris  ordained  him  Priest, 
an  honour  from  which  his  lowliness 
caused  him  to  shrink,  in  the  hope 
that  he  should  induce  him  to  remain 


at  Paris,  and  be  a  bright  example 
of  wisdom  and  manners  to  the 
students  who  resorted  thither.  He 
offered  up  the  Holy  Sacrifice  to  God 
for  the  first  time  in  the  private  Chapel 
of  the  Bishop,  and  in  the  presence  of 
that  Prelate  and  divers  other  persons. 
In  the  midst  of  the  ceremony,  a  vision 
from  God  appeared  to  John.  There 
appeared  to  him  an  angel,  clad  in 
raiment  white  and  glistering  ;  having 
sewn  on  his  breast  a  cross  of  red  and 
blue.  His  arms  were  crossed  before 
him,  and  his  hands  were  upon  the 
heads  of  two  slaves,  one  a  Christian 
and  the  other  a  Moor.  And  im- 
mediately the  man  of  God  was  in 
the  spirit,  and  knew  that  he  was 
called  to  the  work  of  ransoming 
bondsmen  from  the  power  of  the 
unbelievers. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

THHAT  he  might  set  himself  with 
due  forethought  to  the  carrying 
out  of  his  work,  he  withdrew  into  a 
certain  desert,  and  there,  by  the  will 
of  God,  he  found  Felix  de  Valois,  who 
had  already  spent  many  years  in  that 
place.  With  him  he  joined  company, 
and  they  passed  three  years  together 
in  continual  prayer,  meditation,  and 
all  spiritual  exercises.  It  came  to 
pass,  one  day,  when  they  were  sitting 
on  the  bank  of  a  spring,  that  there 
came  to  them  a  stag  having  between 
his  horns  a  cross  of  red  and  blue. 
Felix  cried  out  in  wonder  at  that  sight, 
and  John  then  told  him  of  the  vision 
that  had  appeared  to  him  when  he 
was  saying  his  first  Mass.  Thence- 
forth they  gave  themselves  with  re- 
doubled fervour  to  prayer,  and,  being 
three  times  warned  in  sleep,  they 
determined  to  go  to  Rome,  and  pray 
the  Pope  to  institute  an  Order  for 
the  ransom  of  prisoners.  They  arrived 
at  the  time  of  the  election  of  Innocent 
III.,   who  received  them  courteously, 


756 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


and  entertained  in  his  mind  their 
petition.  While  he  was  in  considera- 
tion, he  went  to  the  Lateran  Cathedral, 
on  the  second  Feast  of  St  Agnes,  and 
there,  while  Mass  was  being  solemnly- 
sung,  at  the  moment  of  the  elevation 
of  the  Sacred  Host,  there  appeared 
to  him  an  angel,  clad  in  raiment 
white  and  glistering,  having  sewn  on 
his  breast  a  cross  of  red  and  blue, 
and  making  as  though  he  would  free 
prisoners.  Thereupon  the  Pope 
founded  the  Order,  commanding  that 
it  should  be  called  the  Order  of  the 
Most  Holy  Trinity  for  the  Ransom 
of  prisoners,  and  that  they  who  pro- 
fessed in  it  should  be  clad  in  white 
raiment,  having  sewn  on  their  breasts 
a  cross  of  red  and  blue. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

'THE  Order  being  thus  established, 
the  holy  Founders  returned  into 
France,  and  built  their  first  Convent 
at  Cerfroid,  in  the  diocese  of  Meaux. 
Felix  remained  in  charge  of  this  house, 
and  John  went  back  to  Rome  with 
several  companions.  To  them  In- 
nocent gave  the  house,  Church,  and 
hospital  of  St  Thomas  de  Formis  on 
the  Ccelian  Mount,  with  great  endow- 
ments and  property.  Moreover  he 
gave  them  a  letter  of  introduction  to 
Miramolin,  King  of  Morocco,  and  they 
began  with  bright  hopes  the  work  of 
ransoming  prisoners.  John  next  be- 
took himself  to  Spain,  great  part  of 
which  was  then  in  the  hands  of  the 
Saracens,  and  stirred  up  the  hearts  of 
the  kings,  princes,  and  all  the  faithful 
to  have  pity  on  slaves  and  the  poor. 
He  built  Convents,  founded  Hospitals, 
and  ransomed  many  bondsmen,  to  the 
great  gain  of  souls.  At  last  he  re- 
turned to  Rome,  still  busied  in  good 
works,  but  worn  out  by  unceasing  toil, 
and  weakened  by  sickness.  As  he 
drew   near    the    end    of    his    earthly 


pilgrimage,  his  burning  love  for  God 
and  for  his  neighbour  suffered  no 
diminution.  He  called  together  his 
brethren,  and  earnestly  exhorted  them 
to  go  on  with  that  work  of  ransom 
which  had  been  pointed  out  to  them 
from  heaven,  and  then  fell  asleep  in 
the  Lord,  on  the  2  1  st  day  of  December, 
12 1 3.  His  body  was  buried  with 
due  honour  in  the  Church  of  St 
Thomas  de  Formis. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xii.  35,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  538.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  Cyril,  Pope  of 
Alexandria,  a  most  eminent  champion 
of  the  Catholic  faith,  and  illustrious 
for  his  teaching  and  holiness,  of  whom 
mention  is  made  upon  the  28th  day 
of  January,  on  the  which  day  he  fell 
asleep  in  peace. 

Upon  the  same  9th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Alexandria,  [in  the  year  249,] 
the  holy  Virgin  Apollonia.  The  per- 
secutors under  the  Emperor  Decius 
first  beat  out  all  her  teeth,  then  they 
built  and  kindled  a  funeral  fire  and 
threatened  to  burn  her  alive  upon  it 
unless  she  would  join  them  in  uttering 
sinful  words.  She  thought  a  little 
while  within  herself,  and  then  the 
fire  of  the  Holy  Ghost  flaming  up 
within  her  she  tore  herself  suddenly 
out  of  the  hands  of  those  wicked  men 
and  leapt  of  her  own  accord  into  the 
fire  which  they  had  made  ready,  so 
that  the  very  actors  in  this  cruelty 
were  awestruck  to  find  a  woman  more 
ready  to  die  than  were  they  to  kill 
her. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  Alexander, 
and  thirty  -  eight  others  who  were 
crowned  at  the  same  time. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


757 


At  Solis,  in  Cyprus,  the  holy 
martyrs  Ammonius  and  Alexander. 

At  Antioch,  [in  the  year  260,]  the 
holy  martyr  Nicephorus,  who  received 
his  crown  by  being  beheaded,  under 
the  Emperor  Valerian. 

In  Africa,  in  the  castle  of  Lemele, 
the  holy  Deacons  Primus  and  Dona- 
tus,  who  suffered  martyrdom  in  de- 
fending the  altar  in  the  church  against 
the  Donatists,  [sixth  century.] 

In  the  monastery  of  Fontanelle, 
holy  Ausbert,  Bishop  of  Rouen,  [in 
the  year  695.] 

At  Canosa,  in  Apulia,  the  holy 
Confessor  Sabinus,  Bishop  of  that  see, 
[in  the  year  566.] 

Vespers  of  the  following  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 

At  Vespers  a  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  following:  Antiphon, 
Verse  and  Answer,  from  the  Common 
Office  for  a  Virgin  and  Martyr,  and 
Prayer,  "  O  God,  Who  amidst  the 
wondrous,  &c,"  (p.  573.) 

February  9. 

&t  Cjjrtl,  Pope  of  $teanorta, 


Confessor  anti 
tfje  Cfjurcfj. 

Double. 


©octor  of 


All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {f>.  515,)  ex- 
cept the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  make  Thy 
blessed  Confessor  and  Bishop 
Cyril  to  be  an  unconquered  teacher 
that  the  most  blessed  Virgin  Mary  is 
Mother  of  God,  grant  unto  us  that 
through  his  prayers  we  who  believe 
her  to  be  Mother  of  God  in  very  deed 
may  find  safety  under  her  motherly 
VOL.  I. 


protection.  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.     Amen. 

First  Vespers  as  regards  St  Cyril 
begin  with  the  Chapter.  Antiphon  at 
Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  "  O  right 
excellent,  &c."  A  Commemoration  is 
made  of  St  John  de  la  Mata,  Prayer 
from  his  Office,  then  in  Lent  of  the 
Week-day j  and  lastly  of  the  holy 
Virgin  and  tnartyr  Apollonia.  From 
the  Common  Office  for  a  Virgin  and 
Martyr,  (p.  567,)  and  the  Prayer,  "O 
God,  Who  amidst  the  wondrous,  &c," 
(A  573-) 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture,  according 
to  the  Season.  I?i  Lent  from  Ecclus. 
xxxix.,  {p.  547.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T^HE  praises  of  Cyril  of  Alexandria 
have  been  celebrated  not  only 
by  one  writer  or  another,  but  have 
even  been  registered  in  the  acts  of 
the  (Ecumenical  Councils  of  Ephesus 
and  Chalcedon.  He  was  born  of  dis- 
tinguished parents,  and  was  the 
nephew  of  Theophilus,  Pope  of 
Alexandria.  While  he  was  still  young 
he  displayed  marks  of  his  excellent 
understanding.  After  giving  a  deep 
study  to  letters  and  science  he  betook 
himself  to  John,  Bishop  of  Jerusalem, 
to  be  perfected  in  the  Christian  faith. 
After  his  return  to  Alexandria,  and 
the  death  of  Theophilus,  he  was  raised 
to  that  see.  In  this  office  he  kept 
ever  before  his  eyes  the  type  of  the 
Shepherd  of  souls  as  it  had  been  laid 
down  by  the  Apostle ;  and  by  ever 
adhering  thereto  deservedly  earned 
the  glory  of  an  holy  Bishop. 
2  B  2 


758 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

*y  EAL  for  the  salvation  of  souls  was 
kindled  in  him,  and  he  under- 
took all  careA  to  keep  in  the  faith  and 
in  soundness  of  life  the  flock  unto  him 
committed,  and  to  preserve  them  from 
the  poisonous  pastures  of  infidelity  and 
heresy  ;  hence,  in  accordance  with  the 
laws,  he  caused  the  followers  of 
Novatus  to  be  expelled  from  the  city, 
and  those  Jews  to  be  punished  who 
had  been  induced  by  rage  to  plan  a 
massacre  of  the  Christians.  His 
eminent  care  for  the  preservation  of 
the  Catholic  faith  pure  and  undenled 
shone  forth  especially  in  his  controversy 
against  Nestorius,  Patriarch  of  Con- 
stantinople, who  asserted  that  Jesus 
Christ  had  been  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary  as  man  only  and  not  as  God, 
and  that  the  Godhead  had  been  be- 
stowed upon  Him  because  of  His 
merits.  Cyril  first  attempted  to  con- 
vert Nestorius,  but  when  he  found 
this  hopeless  he  denounced  him  to 
the  Supreme  Pontiff  the  holy  Celes- 
tine. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  S  delegate  of  Pope  Celestine, 
Cyril  presided  at  the  Council 
of  Ephesus  where  the  Nestorian  heresy 
was  condemned  ;  Nestorius  deprived 
of  his  see  ;  and  the  Catholic  doctrine 
as  to  the  unity  of  Person  in  Christ  and 
the  divine  Motherhood  of  the  glorious 
Virgin  Mary  was  laid  down  amid  the 
rejoicings  of  all  the  people,  who 
escorted  the  bishops  to  their  lodgings 
with  a  torch-light  procession.  For 
this  reason  Nestorius  and  his  followers 
made  Cyril  the  object  of  slanders, 
insults,  and  persecutions  which  he 
bore  with  profound  patience,  having 
all  his  care  for  the  purity  of  the  faith, 
and  taking  no  heed  to  what  the 
heretics  might  say  or  try  against  him. 


At  length  he  died  a  holy  death,  in 
the  year  of  salvation  444  and  of  his 
own  papacy  the  32nd.  After  vast 
work  for  the  Church  of  God,  and 
leaving  behind  him  divers  writings 
directed  either  against  heathens  and 
heretics  or  to  the  exposition  of  the 
holy  Scriptures  and  of  Catholic 
doctrine,  the  Supreme  Pontiff  Leo 
XIII.  extended  to  the  Universal 
Church  the  Office  and  Mass  of  this 
most  eminent  champion  of  the 
Catholic  faith,  and  light  of  the 
Eastern    Church. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lesson  from  Matth.  v.  1 3,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Austin,  {p.  549.)  The 
last  Lesson  is  omitted  to  make  room 
in  Lent  for  t/ie  Homily  of  the  Week- 
day, or  out  of  Lent  for  the 

Ninth  Lesson.     {For  St  Apol- 
lonia,  &c.) 

A  POLLONIA  was  an  aged  virgin 
of  Alexandria,  who,  [in  the  year 
of  salvation  249,]  in  the  reign  of  the 
Emperor  Decius,  was  brought  before 
the  idols  to  worship  them,  but  refused, 
declaring  that  Christ  Jesus  is  True 
God,  and  that  to  Him  worship  is  due. 
The  cruel  executioners  beat  and  pulled 
out  all  her  teeth,  and  threatened  to 
burn  her  alive  if  she  would  not  deny 
Christ.  To  whom  she  answered,  that 
for  Christ  JESUS'  sake  she  was  ready 
to  die.  Being  taken  to  the  place  of 
execution  she  stood  for  a  few  moments 
as  if  in  doubt,  and  then,  the  fire  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  burning  up  in  her 
heart,  she  broke  from  those  that  held 
her,  and  leapt  of  her  own  accord  into 
the  flames.1  Her  body  was  quickly 
consumed,  and  her  soul  departed  pure 
to  obtain  the  eternal  crown  of  martyr- 
dom. 


1  On  this  see  Alban  Butler,  Feb.  9. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


759 


At  Lauds  in  Lent  a  Commemor- 
ation is  made  of  the  Week-day  j  then 
in  any  case  of  St  Apollonia,  from 
the  Common  Office,  with  the  Prayer, 
"  O  God,  Who  amidst  the  wondrous, 
&c.,»  (p.  573.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  10th  day  of  February 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Monte  Cassino,  [in  the  year 
543,]  the  holy  Virgin  Scholastica, 
sister  of  the  holy  Abbat  Benedict, 
who  saw  her  soul  leave  her  body 
and  soar  heavenward  in  a  bodily 
shape,  like  a  dove. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  Zoticus, 
Irenaeus,  Hyacinth,  and  Amantius,  [all 
in  the  year  304.] 

At  Rome  likewise,  [under  Decius,] 
upon  the  Lavican  Way,  ten  holy 
martyrs,  all  soldiers. 

Also  at  Rome,  [in  the  year  304,] 
upon  the  Appian  Way,  the  holy 
Virgin  and  martyr  Soteres,  who,  as 
holy  Ambrose  writeth,  was  born  of  a 
noble  family,  but  for  Christ's  sake 
despised  the  consular  and  prefectural 
dignities  of  her  race.  When  she  was 
commanded  to  offer  sacrifice  and 
would  not,  she  was  long  and  heavily 
buffeted,  and  when  she  had  over- 
come other  punishments  also,  she 
was  smitten  with  the  sword  and  so 
departed  joyfully  hence,  to  be  ever 
with  Christ  the  Bridegroom. 

In  Campania,  the  holy  Confessor 
Silvan,  Bishop  of  [Terracine,  in  the 
fourth  or  fifth  century.] 

At  Mala-Vallis,  in  the  country  of 
Sienna,  [in  the  year  11 57,]  the  holy 
hermit  William. 

At  Rouen,  [in  the  year  704,]  the 
holy  Virgin  Austre-berta,  famous  for 
miracles. 

Vespers  are  of  the  followiiig  from 
the   Chapter  inclusive. 


P'EBRUARY     I O. 

St  Srijolastica,  Uirgttu1 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Virgins,  {p.  567,)  except  what  is  other- 
wise giveti  here. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

C\  GOD,  Who,  to  show  the  way  of 
the  undefiled,  wast  pleased  that 
the  soul  of  Thy  blessed  Virgin 
Scholastica  should  fly  to  heaven  in  a 
bodily  shape,  like  a  dove,  mercifully 
grant  unto  us  Thy  servants,  for  her 
sake,  and  at  her  petition,  worthily  to 
attain  unto  Thine  everlasting  joy. 
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. 

hi  Lent  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture,  according  to 
the  Season.  In  Lent  from  1  Cor.  vii. 
25,  (p.  568.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Second 
Book  of  the  Dialogues  of  Pope  St 
Gregory  [the  Great.]     (Ch.  33.) 

'THE  worshipful  Scholastica,  the 
sister  of  our  Father  Benedict, 
was  hallowed  unto  the  Lord  Almighty 
from  a  child.  Her  custom  was  to 
come  to  see  her  brother  once  every 
year.  And  when  she  came,  the  man 
of  God  went  down  unto  her,  not  far 


1  Died  circa  A.D.  543. 


760 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


from  the  gate,  but,  as  it  were,  within 
the  borders  of  his  monastery.  And 
there  was  a  day  when  she  came,  as 
her  custom  was,  and  her  worshipful 
brother  went  down  to  her,  and  his 
disciples  with  him.  Then  they  passed 
the  whole  day  together,  praising  God, 
and  speaking  one  to  the  other  of  spi- 
ritual things.  And  when  the  night 
came,  they  brake  bread  together. 
And  while  they  were  yet  at  table,  and 
conversed  together  on  spiritual  things, 
the  hour  was  late.  Then  the  holy 
woman  his  sister  besought  him,  say- 
ing :  "  Leave  me  not,  I  pray  thee, 
this  night,  but  let  us  speak  even  until 
morning  of  the  gladness  of  the  eternal 
life."  He  answered  her:  "What  is 
it  that  thou  sayest,  my  sister  ?  I  can 
by  no  means  remain  out  of  my  cell." 
Now  the  firmament  was  so  clear  that 
there  were  no  clouds  in  the  sky.  Then 
the  holy  nun,  when  she  had  heard 
the  words  of  her  brother,  that  he 
would  not  abide  with  her,  clasped 
her  hands  on  the  table,  and  laid  her 
face  on  her  hands,  and  besought  the 
Lord  Almighty.  And  it  came  to 
pass  that  when  she  lifted  up  her  head 
from  the  table,  there  were  great 
thunderings  and  lightnings,  and  a 
flood  of  rain,  insomuch  that  neither 
the  worshipful  Benedict  nor  the  breth- 
ren that  were  with  him  could  move  as 
much  as  a  foot  over  the  threshold  of 
the  place  where  they  sat. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"VT  OW  when  the  holy  woman  laid 
her  head  in  her  hands  upon  the 
table,  she  wept  bitterly,  and  as  she 
wept,  the  clearness  of  the  sky  was 
turned  to  a  tempest.  As  she  prayed, 
immediately  the  flood  followed.  And 
the  time  was  so,  that  she  lifted  up  her 
head  when  it  thundered,  and  when 
she  had  lifted  up  her  head,  the  rain 
came.     When   the   man   of  God   saw 


that  he  could  not  return  to  his  monas- 
tery, because  of  the  lightnings,  and 
thunderings,  and  the  great  rain,  he 
was  sorrowful  and  grieved,  saying : 
"Almighty  God  forgive  thee,  my 
sister ;  what  is  this  that  thou  hast 
done  ?  "  She  answered  him  :  "  Be- 
hold, I  besought  thee,  and  thou 
wouldest  not  hear ;  I  besought  my 
God,  and  He  hath  heard  me ;  if, 
therefore,  thou  wilt,  go  forth,  leave 
me  alone,  and  go  thy  way  to  thy 
monastery."  But  he  could  not,  and 
so  he  tarried  in  the  same  place,  not 
willingly,  but  of  necessity.  And  so 
it  came  to  pass  that  they  slept  not 
all  that  night,  but  fed  one  another 
with  discourse  on  spiritual  things. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

AND  when  the  morning  was  come, 
the  worshipful  woman  arose,  and 
went  unto  her  own  cell,  and  the  man 
of  God  went  back  to  his  monastery. 
And,  behold,  after  three  days  he  was 
sitting  in  his  cell,  and  he  lifted  up  his 
eyes  to  heaven,  and  saw  the  soul  of  his 
sister,  delivered  from  the  body,  fly  to 
heaven  in  a  bodily  shape  like  a  dove. 
Wherefore  he  rejoiced  because  of  the 
glory  that  was  revealed  in  her,  and 
gave  thanks  to  Almighty  God  in 
hymns  and  praises,  and  made  known 
to  the  brethren  that  she  was  dead. 
He  commanded  them  also  to  go  and 
take  up  her  body,  and  bring  it  to  his 
monastery,  and  lay  it  in  the  grave 
which  he  had  made  ready  for  himself. 
Whereby  it  came  to  pass  that  they 
twain  who  had  ever  been  of  one 
mind  in  the  Lord,  even  in  death  were 
not  divided. 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  1,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  571.) 

In  Lent  the  last  is  omitted  to  leave 
room  for  the  Homily  of  the  Week-day, 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


76l 


of  which    also    a    Commemoration    is 
made  at  Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  Gilbert,  founder 
of  the  Order  of  Sempringham,  of 
whom  mention  hath  been  made  upon 
the  4th  day  of  this  present  month 
of  February. 

Upon  the  same  1 1  th  day  of  Febru- 
ary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

In  Africa,  [in  the  year  304,]  the 
holy  martyrs  the  Priest  Saturninus, 
Dativus,  Felix,  Ampelius,  and  their 
Companions,  who  were  taken  by  the 
soldiers  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian  when  they  came 
together  in  one,  as  the  use  is,  to 
hold  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  suffered 
under  the  proconsul  Anolinus. 

In  Numidia  are  commemorated 
many  holy  martyrs  who  were  ar- 
rested, [in  the  year  303  or  304,] 
in  the  persecution  aforesaid,  and  for 
as  much  as  they  would  not  obey 
the  edict  of  the  Emperor  to  give 
up  the  Scriptures  of  God,  they  were 
put  to  grievous  torments  and  slain. 

At  Adrianople,  the  holy  martyrs 
Lucius,  Bishop  [of  Adrianople,]  and 
his  Companions.  He  suffered  much 
from  the  Arians  under  the  Emperor 
Constantius,  and  finished  his  testi- 
mony in  chains,  [in  the  year  348.] 
The  others  were  some  of  the  nobler 
of  the  citizens  who  were  condemned 
to  death  by  Count  Philagrius  be- 
cause they  refused  to  receive  the 
Arians  who  had  been  then  con- 
demned in  the  Council  of  Sardica. 

At  Lyons,  [in  the  year  608,]  the 
holy  martyr  Desiderius,  Bishop  of 
Vienne,  [in  Gaul.] 

At  Ravenna,  [about  the  year  170,] 
the  holy  Confessor  Calocerus,  Bishop 
of  that  see. 

At  Milan,  [in  the  year  449,]  the 
holy  Lazarus,   Bishop  of  that  see. 


At  Capua,  [in  the  year  450,]  holy 
Castrensis,   Bishop  of  that  see. 

At  the  village  of  Landon,  [in  the 
year  507,]  holy  Severinus,  Abbot  of 
the  monastery  of  St  Maurice,  at 
whose  prayers  the  servant  of  God, 
King  Clovis,  was  healed  of  a  long 
malady. 

In  Egypt,  [about  the  middle  of  the 
fourth  century,]  the  holy  monk  Jonah, 
renowned  for  his  graces. 

At  Second  Vespers  a  Commemora- 
tion is  made  of  the  followmg  from 
the  Common  Office,  (p.  531,)  with 
the  Prayer,  "  O  Lord,  mercifully  hear, 
&c,"  {p.  540.)  Then  in  Lent  of  the 
Week-day. 

February  i  i. 

&t  ffitloert,  Confessor. 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
a  Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  (p.  531,) 
except  the  following.  Prayer  through- 
out, "  O   Lord,  mercifully  hear,  &c," 

(A  54o.) 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  In  Lent  from  Ecclus. 
xxxi.    8,   {p.    542.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 
Fotirth  Lesson. 

^ILBERT  was  born  of  a  noble 
^■^  family  at  Sempringham,  in 
Lincolnshire.  In  his  youth  he  gave 
himself  to  the  study  of  letters,  but 
afterwards  entirely  to  works  of  god- 
liness, especially  under  a  chaste  dis- 
cipline, and  with  great  fruit,  to  the 
teaching  of  little  boys  and  girls  in 
the  faith    and   in   the    fear    and    love 


762 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


of  God.  His  father  was  patron  of 
the  parishes  of  Sempringham  and 
Terington,  and  in  the  exercise  of 
that  right  presented  him  to  them. 
By  the  efficacy  of  his  words  and 
the  power  of  his  example,  he  so 
stirred  up  his  parishioners  to  seek 
after  Christian  perfection,  that  many 
of  them  lived  in  the  world  the  lives 
of  monks,  and  their  careful  exercise 
of  all  virtues  made  it  everywhere 
manifest  to  whose  flock  they  be- 
longed. After  he  was  ordained 
priest  by  Alexander,  Bishop  of  Lin- 
coln, the  light  of  Gilbert's  holiness 
shed  its  rays  wider  and  wider.  He 
shrank  from  riches  and  honours,  re- 
fused the  Archdeaconry  of  the  Church 
of  Lincoln,  and  was  fain  to  be  a  door- 
keeper in  the  house  of  his  Lord. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

AMONG  other  works  of  charity, 
"^^  that  which  most  chiefly  oc- 
cupied him  was  to  separate  virgins 
from  the  world  and  to  consecrate 
them  to  the  love  of  God,  especially 
if  they  were  poor  and  in  danger ; 
for  these  he  built  a  dwelling  hard 
by  the  church  of  Sempringham,  and 
thus  laid  the  first  foundations  of 
his  order.  Many  persons  of  both 
sexes  afterwards  came  to  him,  and 
under  the  approbation  of  blessed 
Eugene  III.  and  of  other  Supreme 
Pontiffs  he  spread  his  order  mar- 
vellously, and  built  monasteries 
throughout  all  England.  To  the 
men  he  gave  the  rule  of  St  Austin, 
and  to  the  women  that  of  St  Bene- 
dict, with  the  addition  of  some  con- 
stitutions to  meet  their  special  voca- 
tion. The  man  of  God  endured  many 
calumnies  and  persecutions,  partly 
from  his  own,  and  partly  from  out- 
siders ;  but  God  gave  him  the  vic- 
tory, and  he  conquered  everywhere 
and  always.  His  whole  order  was 
in  the  greatest  jeopardy  in  the  reign 


of  Henry  II.,  when  this  holy  man 
was  accused  of  sending  subsidies  to 
holy  Thomas  of  Canterbury  while  the 
said  Thomas  was  in  exile.  The 
judges  were  willing  to  let  him  and 
his  go  free  if  only  they  would  de- 
clare themselves  not  guilty,  but  the 
man  of  God  was  willing  to  suffer 
rather  than  describe  as  a  crime  a 
thing  which  he  had  indeed  not  done, 
but  which  to  his  thinking  would  have 
been  rather  a  duty  and  a  good  work  ; 
but  God  softened  the  mind  of  the 
king,  and  Gilbert  was  delivered. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

X_T  E  practised  great  self-control  and 
hardness  of  living.  He  never 
ate  meat  unless  he  were  seriously 
ill,  and  in  Lent  he  abstained  from 
fish  also.  He  always  wore  haircloth. 
He  never  slept  in  a  bed.  He  gave 
a  great  part  of  the  night  to  prayer, 
and  to  meditation  upon  things  of 
God.  He  never  willingly  either 
heard  or  said  anything  which  did 
not  tend  to  procure  glory  for  God 
and  salvation  for  souls.  He  was  an 
hundred  years  of  age  when  he  was 
recalled  from  exile  to  our  father- 
land, which  is  in  heaven,  upon  the 
3rd  day  of  February,  in  the  year  of 
salvation  11 90.  At  that  time  the 
order  which  he  had  instituted  counted 
seven  hundred  monks,  and  fifteen 
hundred  sacred  virgins  in  the  dif- 
ferent monasteries.  Gilbert  worked 
many  wonders,  both  in  his  life  and 
after  his  death,  upon  the  due  proof  of 
which  the  Supreme  Pontiff  Innocent 
III.  solemnly  enrolled  his  name  among 
those  of  the  saints  in  the  year  1202. 

Lesson  from  Luke  xii.  32,  with  the 
Homily  of  the  Venerable  Bede,  {p. 
544.)  In  Lent  the  Ninth  Lesson  is 
read  with  the  Eighth  to  make  room 
for  the  Ho)>iily  of  the  Week-day,  which 
is  also  commemorated  at  Lauds. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


763 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  in  England 
the  feast  of  the  holy  Confessor  Bene- 
dict Biscop,  founder  and  Abbat  of  the 
monastery  of  Jarrow-upon-Tyne,  of 
whom  mention  hath  been  made  upon 
the  1 2th  day  of  January. 

Upon  the  same  12th  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Barcelona,  in  Spain,  the  holy 
Virgin  Eulalia,  who  received  a  glorious 
crown  in  the  time  of  the  Emperor 
Diocletian.  She  suffered  racking, 
tearing  with  hooks,  and  scorching 
with  fire,  and  was  finally  crucified, 
[in  the  year  304.] 

In  Africa,  the  holy  soldier  and  mar- 
tyr Damian. 

At  Carthage,  the  holy  martyrs 
Modestus  and  Julian. 

At  Benevento,  the  holy  martyr 
Modestus  the  Levite. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  children 
Modestus  and  Ammonius. 

At  Constantinople,  [in  the  year 
381,]  holy  Meletius,  Patriarch  of 
Antioch,  who  passed  away  to  be 
ever  with  the  Lord,  when  he  was  in 
exile,  which  he  oftentimes  suffered 
for  the  Catholic  faith's  sake.  Holy 
John  Chrysostom  and  Gregory  of 
Nyssa  have  greatly  praised  him. 

At  Constantinople,  [in  the  year 
895,]  in  the  time  of  the  Emperor 
Leo  VI.,  holy  Anthony,  Bishop  [of 
Constantinople.] 

At  Verona,  the  holy  Confessor  Gau- 
dentius,  Bishop  of  that  see. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 
February  12. 

S>t  Benedict  Biscop,  &frtat. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  {p.  531,)  ex- 
cept the  following. 


Prayer  throughout. 

f~\  GOD,  by  the  gift  of  Whose  grace 
^^^  the  blessed  Abbat  Benedict,  in 
order  that  he  might  be  perfect,  left  all 
things.  Grant  unto  all  them  which 
enter  upon  the  path  of  Gospel  perfec- 
tion that  they  may  neither  look  behind 
them  nor  stand  still  by  the  way,  but 
may  run  on  unto  Thee  without 
stumbling,  and  from  Thee  receive  life 
eternal.  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. 

At  First  Vespers  a  Commemoration 
is  made  of  the  preceding. 

All  from  the  Common  Office,  {p. 
542,)  with  the  Prayer,  "  O  Lord, 
mercifully  hear,  &c,"  {p.  540,)  and 
in  Lent  of  the  Week-day. 


FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  In  Lent  from  Wisdom 
iv.   7,  {p>   532.) 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

HTHE  surname  of  this  Benedict  was 
Biscop ;  he  was  of  noble  birth, 
and  was  a  servant  of  Osway,  King  of 
the  Northumbrians.  When  he  was 
about  twenty-five  years  of  age  he  went 
to  Rome,  and  visited  the  shrines  of 
the  blessed  Apostles.  After  his  return 
home  he  ceased  not  to  preach,  as  well 
as  to  love  and  to  honour  the  models 
of  the  ecclesiastical  life.  He  returned 
again  to  Rome  in  the  time  of  holy 
Pope  Vitelian,  and  after  some  months 
left  it  again  and  went  to  the  island  of 
Lerius.  There  he  received  the  tonsure 
and  took  the  monastic  vows,  but  after 
two  years  the  love  of  the  prince  of  the 


764 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Apostles  drew  him  again  to  visit  the 
city  which  is  hallowed  by  his  grave. 
At  that  time  the  Roman  Pontiff  had 
chosen  holy  Theodore  to  be  sent  as 
Archbishop  vto  rule  the  Church  of 
Canterbury,  and  knowing  Benedict  to 
be  wise,  hard  working,  and  devout,  he 
ordained  him  and  sent  him  with  him. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

AITHEN  they  came  to  Canterbury 
Theodore  ascended  the  archi- 
episcopal  throne,  and  Benedict  received 
the  government  of  the  monastery  of  St 
Peter.  After  a  while  Hadrian  was 
made  Abbat,  and  in  two  years  Bene- 
dict undertook  another  journey  to 
Rome,  and  brought  back  books  of 
theology  which  he  had  either  bought 
or  received  as  gifts.  On  his  return 
home  he  betook  himself  to  Egfrid, 
King  of  the  Northumbrians,  who  made 
him  an  ample  gift  of  ground  at  Wear- 
mouth,  and  desired  him  there  to  build 
a  monastery.  After  founding  this 
monastery,  Benedict  obtained  masons 
from  Gaul  to  build  him  a  stone  church, 
and  glass-workers  such  as  had  been 
until  then  unknown  in  England  to 
glaze  the  windows.  Some  things 
which  he  could  not  obtain  in  Gaul 
he  again  went  to  Rome  and  brought 
back  with  him.  Pope  Agatho  com- 
manded John,  precentor  of  the  Church 
of  St  Peter,  to  go  with  him  in  order 
to  teach  singing  after  the  Roman 
manner.  Benedict  carried  with  him 
countless  gifts  with  which  he  had  been 
enriched,  a  great  number  of  books  and 
images  and  relics  of  the  Saints. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

C~\&  his  return  home  Benedict,  by 
^^^  another  benefaction  of  the  same 
King  Egfrid,  founded  another  monas- 
tery at  Jarrow  -  upon  -  Tyne.  This 
monastery  was  placed  under  the  in- 
vocation of  the  holy  Apostle  Paul,  and 


the  monks  were  fain  to  have  Benedict 
for  Abbat.  Not  long  afterwards  he 
lost  his  health,  and  suffered  for  three 
years.  During  this  time  he  oftentimes 
impressed  upon  the  brethren  who  came 
to  see  him  the  necessity  of  keeping 
the  rule  which  he  had  laid  down.  He 
commanded  that  the  excellent  and 
abundant  library  which  he  had  brought 
from  Rome  as  a  needful  equipment 
for  his  church  should  be  carefully  kept 
together  and  not  permitted  through 
carelessness  to  be  either  damaged 
or  scattered.  But  what  he  repeated 
most  often  to  the  monks  was  that 
in  electing  an  Abbat  they  should 
look  less  to  birth  than  to  soundness 
of  life  and  teaching.  He  fell  asleep 
in  the  Lord  upon  the  1 2th  day  of 
January  in  the  year  of  Christ  690, 
and  the  16th  since  the  foundation 
of  his  monastery.  He  was  buried 
in  the  church  of  the  blessed  Apostle 
Peter,  that  as  he  had  loved  him  in 
life  so  he  might  not  be  parted  from 
his  altar  in  death.  Benedict  is  men- 
tioned in  the  Roman  Martyrology 
upon  the  12th  day  of  January,  being 
that  of  his  death. 


THIRD  NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  the  Common  of  Abbat s, 
(p.  545,)  with  the  Homily  of  St 
Jerome  on  Matt.  xix.  27,  (J>.  471.)  In 
Lent  the  last  is  omitted  or  read  along 
with  the  Eighth  to  leave  room  for 
the  Homily  of  the  Week-day,  which 
is  also  commemorated  at  Lauds. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast  of 
the  Seven  holy  Founders  of  the  Order 
of  Servants  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary,  who  after  great  hardship  of  life, 
famous  for  works  and  wonders,  died 
a  death  precious  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,    upon    Monte   Senario,    in   Tus- 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


765 


cany.  The  same  spirit  of  brotherhood 
had  made  them  one  in  life,  the  vener- 
ation of  the  people  had  not  divided 
them  in  death,  and  Leo  XIII.  enrolled 
their  names  together  among  those  of 
the  Saints. 

Upon  the  same  1 3th  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, were  born  into  the  better 
life— 

At  Antioch,  the  holy  prophet  Ag- 
abus,  [first  century,]  of  whom  blessed 
Luke  writeth  in  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles. 

At  Ravenna,  the  holy  women  the 
Virgin  Fusca,  and  Maura *  her  foster- 
mother,  who  after  suffering  many 
things  under  the  President  Quinctian, 
by  order  of  the  Emperor  Decius, 
were  run  through  with  the  sword, 
and  so  finished  their  testimony,  [third 
century.] 

At  Melitina,  in  Armenia,  the  holy 
martyr  Polyeuctus,  who  suffered  many 
things  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperor  Decius,  and  received  the 
crown    of   martyrdom,    [in    the    year 

259-] 

At  Lyons,  the  holy  martyr  Julian. 

At  Todi,  [under  Diocletian,]  the 
holy  martyr  Benignus. 

At  Rome,  [in  the  year  731,]  the 
holy  Pope  Gregory  II.  ;  who  sharply 
withstood  the  ungodliness  of  the 
Emperor  Leo  the  I  saurian,  and  who 
sent  holy  Boniface  into  Germany  to 
preach  the  Gospel  there. 

At  Angers,  holy  Lucinius,  Bishop 
of  that  city,  a  man  of  reverend 
holiness. 

At  Lyons,  [about  the  year  512,] 
the  holy  Confessor  Stephen,  Bishop  of 
that  see. 

At  Riete,  [sixth  century,]  the  holy 
Abbat  Stephen,  a  man  of  wonderful 
patience,  at  whose  passing  away  the 
presence    of  the    holy    angels,    as    is 


stated  by  blessed  Pope  Gregory,  was 
visible. 

At  Prati,  in  Tuscany,  Catharine  de 
Ricci,  a  Virgin  of  Florence,  of  the 
Order  of  Preachers,  illustrious  in  the 
number  of  her  heavenly  gifts,  whom 
Pope  Benedict  XIV.  added  to  the 
roll  of  Holy  Virgins.  She  died  full 
of  graces  and  merit  on  the  2nd  of 
February,  but  her  Feast  is  celebrated 
to-day. 

Vespers  of  the  following,  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 


February  13. 

Eije  Seben  fjolg  jfauntrers  of 
tfje  Sertrite  ©rtier. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  of  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  {p.  53 !>) 
except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

[  ORD  Jesus  Christ,  Who,  that 
Thou  mightest  recall  to  mind  the 
woes  of  Thy  most  holy  Mother,  didst 
through  the  Seven  blessed  Fathers 
make  Thy  Church  herself  the  mother 
of  a  new  household  of  her  servants, 
Grant  unto  us  in  mercy  that  we  may 
so  share  their  tears  as  to  share  their 
blessedness  also.  Who  livest  and 
reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

These,  as  regards  the  Seven 
Founders,  begin  with  the  Chapter 
(1    Peter    iv.     13),    "Dearly    beloved 


1  These  two  names,  which  might  be  translated  mulatta  and  negress,  are  so  very  singular 
as  to  inspire  the  conjecture  that  they  are  not  proper  names  but  descriptive  epithets  of  two 
sufferers  whose  names  have  been  lost. 


766 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


brethren,  rejoice,  inasmuch  as  you 
are  partakers  of  Christ's  sufferings  ; 
that,  when  His  glory  shall  be  revealed, 
ye  may  be  glad  also  with  exceeding 
joy."    '  < 

Hymn.1 

"\A7'HEN  war  was  raging,  and  the  town 

Was  red  with  blood  of  brother  bands, 
Our  Virgin  Mother  bowed  her  down 
With  bounteous  hands. 

Seven  faithful  sons  she  bid  to  share 

Her  dolours,  all  the  shame  and  loss, 
Which  Jesus  suffered  and  she  bare 

Beneath  His  Cross. 

Soon  as  their  Lady  called,  as  nought 

They  deemed  their  palaces  and  wealth, 
The  mountains,  desert  places,  sought 

Far  off,  by  stealth. 

For  others'  sins  the  scourge  they  plied 

As  they  the  way  of  penance  trod, 
By  prayers  and  tears  they  turned  aside 

The  wrath  of  God. 

Token  of  love  the  Mother's  hand 

Gave  to  her  sons  their  garb  of  woe, 
Sanctioned  the  pious  work  they  planned 

With  wondrous  show. 

The  vine  to  spread  their  honours  wide 

Her  shoots  in  winter  greenly  flung; 
"See,  those  are  Mary's  servants,"  cried 

The  infant  tongue. 

Now  to  the  Father  thanks  and  praise  ; 

To  Thee,  O  Son,  the  same  we  send ; 
To  Thee,  O  Spirit,  through  all  days, 

World  without  end.     Amen. 

Verse.  These  were  merciful  men 
whose  righteousness  hath  not  been 
forgotten. 

Answer.  Their  seed  and  their  glory 
shall  not  be  blotted  out. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  O  Virgin  Mary,  thy  praise 
shall  not  depart  from  the  mouths  of 
men  which  shall  remember  the  power 

!  Translation  by  Mr  C.  Kegan  Paul,  extracted  from  the  Hymnal  of  the  Servite  Church  in 
London. 


of   the    Lord  for    ever,   because    thou 
hast  not  spared  thy  life. 

Commemoration    of    the  preceding, 
from   the    Common,  Prayer  from   his 
Office,  and  in  Lent  of  the  week-day. 

MATTINS. 

Hymn.2 

HTHE  Fathers  lived  a  life  in  shade, 

Yet  seemed  to  Peter's  vision  seven 
White  glistening  lilies,  for  the  Maid, 
The  Queen  of  Heaven. 

Through  city  street,  o'er  hills  and  plains, 
Upborne  by  Love  Divine,  they  trod, 

To  fix  in  men  the  Mother's  pains, 
The  swords  of  God. 

This  was  the  power  in  which  they  spoke 
Till  each  wild  passion  owned  their  sway : 

They  cheered  the  sad,  from  sinners  broke 
Their  chains  away. 

Till  at  the  last  the  Virgin  Queen 
Led  them  to  mansions  in  the  sky, 

Mansions  where  garlands  aye  are  green, 
And  never  die. 

May  they  hear  cries  of  all  who  pray, 
And  see  how  hard  our  earthly  strife ; 

Aiding  us  onward  to  the  day 
When  all  is  life. 

Now  to  the  Father  thanks  and  praise ; 

To  Thee,  O  Son,  the  same  we  send ; 
To  Thee,  Great  Spirit,  through  all  days,. 

World  without  end.     Amen. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  ta 
the  Season.  Ln  Lent  from  Ecclus. 
xliv.    i,   {p.    529.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T  N   the  thirteenth  century,  when  the 

more  cultured  parts  of  Italy  were 

rent  by   the   dread   dissension  of  the 


-  Translation  kindly  made  by  Mr  C.  Kegan  Paul. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


767 


Emperor  Frederick  the  Second  and 
by  bloody  civil  wars,  the  mercy  of 
God  set  forth  divers  men  eminent  for 
holiness,  and  among  others  raised 
up  seven  nobles  of  Florence,  who 
were  bound  one  to  another  in  charity 
and  gave  an  illustrious  example  of 
brotherly  love.  Their  names  were 
Bonfiglio  Monaldi,  Bonajuncta  Manetti, 
Manetto  Antalli,  Amadeo  de'  Amidei, 
Uguccio  de'  Uguccioni,  Sosteneo  de' 
Sostenei,  and  Alexis  de'  Falconieri. 
Upon  the  holiday  of  the  Assumption 
of  the  Virgin  into  heaven  in  the  year 
1233  they  were  praying  in  the  oratory 
of  a  guild  called  the  Guild  of  Praise, 
when  the  same  Mother  of  God  ap- 
peared to  each  one  of  them,  and 
bade  them  embrace  a  life  of  greater 
holiness  and  perfection.  These  seven 
men  discussed  the  matter  with  the 
Bishop  of  Florence,  and  then,  con- 
sidering neither  the  nobility  of  their 
birth  nor  their  wealth,  and  clad  in 
haircloth  under  vile  and  worn  -  out 
garments,  withdrew  into  a  little  house 
in  the  country  upon  the  8  th  day  of 
September,  that  they  might  begin 
their  holier  life  upon  the  same  day 
whereon  the  Mother  of  God  herself 
had  by  her  birth  begun  her  life  of 
holiness  upon  earth. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

r^Oiy  showed  by  a  miracle  how 
^^  acceptable  in  His  sight  should 
be  their  manner  of  life,  for  a  short 
while  after,  when  these  seven  men 
were  begging  alms  from  door  to  door 
through  the  city  of  Florence,  it  came 
to  pass  that  some  children,  among 
whom  was  holy  Philip  Benizi,  who 
had  then  scarcely  entered  the  fifth 
month  of  his  age,  called  them  blessed 
Mary's  servants,  by  the  which  name 
they  were  called  ever  after.  To  avoid 
meeting  people,  and  in  the  desire  to 
be   alone,    they  all  withdrew  together 


to  the  solitude  of  Monte  Senario,  and 
there  began  a  kind  of  heavenly  life. 
They  lived  in  caves  and  upon  herbs 
and  water  only,  while  they  wore  out 
their  bodies  with  watching  and  other 
hardships,  while  they  contemplated 
unweariedly  the  sufferings  of  Christ 
and  the  woes  of  His  most  sorrowful 
Mother.  One  Good  Friday,  when 
their  thoughts  were  fixed  thereon  more 
than  ever,  the  Blessed  Virgin  appeared 
to  them  twice,  and  showed  them  her 
garments  of  mourning  as  those  wherein 
they  should  clothe  themselves.  She 
bade  them  know  that  she  would  take 
it  right  well  that  they  should  raise  up 
in  the  Church  a  new  order  to  recall 
the  memory  of  the  sorrows  which  she 
bore  beneath  the  Cross  of  the  Lord. 
Holy  Peter,  the  illustrious  martyr  of 
the  Order  of  Friars  Preachers,  learnt 
this  not  only  from  his  familiar  converse 
with  these  holy  men,  but  also  from  a 
special  vision  of  the  Mother  of  God, 
and  it  was  on  his  incitement  that  they 
founded  the  regular  Order  called  that 
of  the  Servites,  or  servants  of  the 
blessed  Virgin,  the  which  Order  was 
afterward  approved  by  the  Supreme 
Pontiff  Innocent  IV.  These  holy 
men,  when  they  had  gathered  to 
themselves  some  companions,  began 
to  go  through  the  cities  and  towns 
of  Italy,  and  especially  of  Tuscany, 
everywhere  preaching  Christ  crucified, 
stilling  contests  among  the  citizens, 
and  calling  back  almost  countless 
backsliders  into  the  path  of  grace. 
Neither  did  they  make  Italy  only  the 
field  of  their  Gospel  labours,  but 
also  France,  Germany,  and  Poland. 
They  passed  away  to  be  ever  with 
the  Lord  when  they  had  spread  far 
and  wide  a  sweet  savour  of  Christ, 
and  were  famous  also  for  the  glory 
of  signs  and  wonders.  As  one  love 
of  brotherhood  and  of  the  monastic 
life  had  joined  them  together  upon 
earth,   so  one   grave   held   their  dead 


768 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


bodies,  and  one  honour  was  paid 
them  by  the  people.  For  this  reason 
the  Supreme  Pontiffs  Clement  XI. 
and  Benedict  XIII.  confirmed  the 
honour  whicfl  had  for  centuries  been 
paid  to  them  individually,  and  Leo 
XIII.,  after  proof  of  their  miracles 
which  had  been  wrought  by  God  on 
the  common  invocation  of  these 
saints,  after  their  veneration  had 
been  sanctioned  in  the  jubilee  year 
of  his  priesthood,  decreed  to  them 
the  honours  paid  to  Saints,  and 
ordered  that  their  memory  should 
every  year  be  kept  throughout  the 
universal  Church  with  an  office  and 
Mass. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xix.  27,  with 
the  Homily  of  Stferome,  (p.  471.)  In 
Lent  the  last  is  omitted  to  make  room 
for  the  Hotnily  of  the  Week-day. 
Lauds,   Chapter  from  First   Vespers. 


Hymn. 

TDY  Mary's  inspiration  led, 

A  sevenfold  offspring  comes  to  light ; 
At  Mary's  call  away  they  sped 
To  Mount  Senario's  rugged  height. 

What  fruits  of  grace  the  earth  shall  bear 
When  they  have  sown  their  seed  divine  ! 

Christ's  vine  shall  bud  with  clusters  rare, 
Empurpled  with  the  ruddy  wine. 

A  holy  death  to  heaven  speeds 

The  souls  with  virtue's  glory  crowned  ; 

When  Mary  for  her  servants  pleads, 
Heaven's  blessed  portals  they  have  found. 

O  happy  souls  who  now  obtain 

The  Kingdom,  and  the  sceptre  bear, 

Look  down  on  us  who  still  remain 
Where  Satan  spreads  his  subtle  snare. 

Therefore  on  bended  knee  we  pray, 
For  sake  of  Mary's  bitter  grief; 

Chase  darkness  from  our  mind  away, 
And  give  our  troubled  hearts  relief. 


And  Thou,  O  Trinity  Divine  ! 

Confirm  us  in  Thy  Holy  Grace  ! 
That  as  we  may  our  hearts  incline 

To  walk  in  these  thy  servants'  ways.  Amen. 

Verse.  May  their  memory  be 
blessed. 

Answer.  And  let  their  bones 
flourish  again  out  of  their  place. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant 
it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together 
in   unity. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  14th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Flaminian  Way, 
the  blessed  martyr  Valentine,  a  Priest, 
who  after  much  healing  and  teaching 
was  cudgelled  and  beheaded  under 
Claudius  Caesar,  [in  the  year  268.] 

Likewise  at  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs 
Vitalis,  Felicula,  and  Zeno. 

At  Teramo,  [in  Umbria,  in  the  year 
273,]  the  holy  martyr  Valentine, 
Bishop  of  that  see.  He  was  heavily 
flogged  and  committed  to  jail,  but  as 
he  would  not  yield  he  was  thrown  out 
of  the  prison  in  the  silence  of  mid- 
night and  beheaded  by  command  of 
Placidus,  Prefect  of  the  city. 

There  likewise,  [in  the  year  273,] 
the  holy  martyrs  Proculus,  Ephebus, 
and  Apollonius,  who  were  watching 
by  the  body  of  holy  Valentine  when 
they  were  apprehended  by  order  of 
Leontius,  the  consular,  and  slain  with 
the  sword. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyrs 
Bassus,  Anthony,  and  Protolicus,  who 
were  drowned  in  the  sea. 

Likewise  at  Alexandria,  the  Priest 
Cyrion,  Bassian  the  Reader,  Agatho 
the  Exorcist,  and  Moses,  who  were 
all  burnt  with  fire  and  passed  away 
to  heaven. 

Also  likewise  at  Alexandria,  the 
holy  martyrs  Denis  and  Ammonius, 
who  were  beheaded. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


769 


At  Ravenna,  the  holy  Confessor 
Eleuchadius,   Bishop  of  that  see. 

In  Bithynia,  [in  the  year  470,]  the 
holy  Abbat  Auxentius. 

At  Sorrento,  the  holy  Abbat 
Antonino.  He  was  in  the  monastery 
of  Monte  Cassino  when  it  was  des- 
troyed by  the  Lombards,  and  he  went 
thence  to  a  solitude  hard  by  the  city 
of  Sorrento,  and  there  [in  the  year 
830,]  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord,  famed 
for  holiness.  His  body  is  daily  re- 
markable for  many  miracles,  most 
chiefly  in  the  delivery  of  them  that 
are  vexed  by  evil  spirits. 

Chapter  at  Terce,  as  at  First 
Vespers.  Second  Vespers  the  same  as 
the  First,  except  the 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  Ecclus.  xlvi.  15.  Their  name 
endureth  for  ever,  enduring  unto  their 
sons,  the  glory  of  holy  men. 

In  Lent  a  Cotnmemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day,  then  in  any  case  a 
Commemoration  is  made  of  the  follow- 
ing from  the  Cofnmon  Office,  (p.  482,) 
with  the  Prayer  from  his  Office. 

February  14. 

St  Ualeittine,  priest  antr 
JHartgr* 

Simple. 

In  Lent  this  Office  is  not  observed, 
but  a  Commemoration  only  is  made  of 
Vespers  and  Lauds  without  the  last 
Lesson  at  Mattins. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  Sim- 
ple Feasts  of  One  Martyr,  {p.  496), 
except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

f*RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Al- 
^-J  mighty  God,  that  we  who  keep 
the   birthday   of  Thy  blessed    Martyr 


Valentine  may  be  delivered  by  his 
prayers  from  all  the  ills  that  hang  over 
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. 
Ame7i. 

MATTINS. 

The  First  and  Second  Lessons  are 
from  Scripture  according  to  the  Sea- 
son, the  Third  being  omitted,  or  read 
as  one  with  the  Second.  The  Third 
Lesson  is  from  the  Sermons  of  St 
Austin,  "The  illustrious  day,  &c," 
(A  486.) 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  15  th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Brescia,  the  holy  martyrs 
Faustinus  and  Jovita,  who  under  the 
Emperor  Hadrian,  after  many  glorious 
contendings  for  Christ's  faith,  received 
by  martyrdom  a  crown  of  victory, 
[about  the  year   122.] 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyr  Crato, 
[the  Orator,]  who  was  baptized  by 
blessed  Valentine,  Bishop  [of  Terni, 
in  Umbria,]  along  with  his  wife  and 
his  whole  house  ;  and  no  long  while 
after,  he  and  they  together  attained 
unto  martyrdom,  [in  the  year  273.] 

At  Terni,  [in  the  year  270,]  the 
holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Agapis. 

Also  the  holy  martyrs  Saturninus, 
Castulus,  Magnus,  and  Lucius. 

At  Vaison,  in  Gaul,  holy  Quinidius, 
Bishop  of  that  see,  whose  death,  [in 
the  year  578,]  how  precious  it  was  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord  miracles  do 
oftentimes  witness. 

At  Capua,  [in  the  year  695,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Decorosus,  Bishop  of 
that  city. 

In  the  province  of  Valeria,  [in  the 
sixth  century,]  the  holy  Priest  Severus, 
of  whom  blessed  Gregory  writeth  that 
by  his  tears  he  recalled  a  dead  man 
to  life. 


7/0 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


At  Antioch,  the  holy  Deacon  Joseph. 
In  Auvergne,  [in  the  sixth  century,] 
the  holy  Virgin  Georgia. 

v 
February   15. 

Cije  $?ols  Jftartgrs,  jFaustmug 
anti  Sobtta* 

Simple. 

In  Lent  this  Office  is  not  observed, 
but  a  Commemoration  only  is  made  at 
Vespers  and  Lauds  without  the  last 
Lesson  at  Mattins. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Simple  Feasts  of  Many  Martyrs,  {p. 
513,)  except  what  is  otherwise  given 
here. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office.  O 
God,  Who  year  by  year,  &c,  (p. 
508.) 

MATTINS. 

The  First  and  Second  Lessons  are 
from  Scripture  according  to  the  Sea- 
son, the  Third  being  omitted,  or  read 
as  one  with  the  Second. 


tormented  with  fire.  Being  both  still 
alive,  they  were  brought  to  Milan, 
without  their  chains  having  ever  been 
taken  off".  At  Milan  they  were  tor- 
tured again  with  every  invention  of 
cruelty  that  could  be  devised.  Never- 
theless the  great  power  of  their  faith 
made  them  more  than  conquerors, 
shining  even  as  gold  tried  in  the 
furnace.  From  Milan  they  were 
brought  to  Rome,  where  they  were 
confirmed  by  Pope  Evaristus,  and 
where  they  were  put  to  the  torture 
again  with  extreme  barbarity.  They 
were  afterwards  shown  in  public  at 
Naples,  where  the  tormentors  dis- 
played their  skill  in  divers  ways  upon 
them.  Here  they  were  thrown  chained 
into  the  sea,  but  the  angels  delivered 
them.  Their  stations  of  suffering,  by 
their  God-like  patience,  and  the  won- 
derful Power  displayed  in  them,  had 
now  turned  many  souls  to  Jesus.  In 
the  end  they  were  carried  back  to 
Brescia,  and,  when  Hadrian  took  the 
empire,  they  were  put  to  death  by  the 
axe  at  that  place.1  The  crown  of  mar- 
tyrdom which  they  won  is  glorious. 


Second  Responsory. 
Theirs  is  a  brotherhood  indeed,  &c, 

(A  506.) 

Third  Lesson. 

pAUSTINUS  and  Jovita  were  bro- 
thers, born  of  a  noble  family  at 
Brescia.  While  Trajan's  persecution 
was  raging,  they  were  taken  about 
in  chains  from  one  city  of  Italy  to 
another,  and  exhibited  in  torture  in 
each.  This  cruelty  utterly  failed  to 
silence  their  confession  of  Christ, 
Whom  they  preached  by  their  suffer- 
ings in  every  place  where  they  were 
shown.  They  were  afterwards  kept 
for  a  long  time  at  Brescia,  where  they 
were  exhibited  with  wild  beasts,  and 


MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  16th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

Blessed  Onesimus,  of  whom  the 
holy  Apostle  Paul  writeth  unto 
Philemon  ;  and  whom  also  he  or- 
dained Bishop  of  Ephesus  after  holy 
Timothy,  and  committed  unto  him 
the  preaching  of  the  word.  In  the 
end  he  was  brought  to  Rome  in 
chains,  and  there  stoned  to  death  for 
Christ's  faith's  sake.  His  body  was 
first  buried  there,  but  was  thence 
taken  to  the  place  where  he  had  been 
ordained  bishop. 

On  the  same  day  is  commemorated 
at  Camae  in  Campania  the  translation 
of  the  holy  Virgin  and  martyr  Juliana. 


3    About  A.D.    121. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    FEBRUARY. 


771 


At  Nicomedia,  under  the  Emperor 
Maximian,  she  was  cruelly  beaten  by 
her  own  father  Africanus,  then  put 
to  divers  torments  by  the  Prefect 
Evilasius,  whom  she  refused  to  marry, 
and  afterwards  cast  into  prison,  where 
she  fought  visibly  with  the  devil :  she 
overcame  fire  and  boiling  water,  and 
at  length  finished  her  martyrdom  by 
being  beheaded,  [in  the  year  299.] 

On  the  same  day,  were  also  born 
into  the  better  life — 

In  Egypt,  the  holy  martyr  Julian, 
and  five  thousand  others,  [in  the  year 
3°9-] 

At  Caesarea,  in  Palestine,  the  holy 
Egyptian  martyrs  Elijah,  Jeremiah, 
Isaiah,  Samuel,  and  Daniel.  They 
went  of  their  own  accord  to  Cilicia 
to  minister  to  the  Confessors  who  had 
been  condemned  to  penal  servitude 
in  the  mines  ;  when  they  were  return- 
ing thence,  they  were  apprehended, 
and  most  cruelly  tortured  by  the  Pre- 
sident Firmilian  under  the  Emperor 
Galerius  Maximian,  and  in  the  end 
were  beheaded,  [in  the  year  309.] 

After  whom  holy  Porphyry,  the 
servant  of  the  martyr  Pamphilus,  and 
holy  Seleucus  the  Cappadocian,  who 
had  oftentimes  contended  and  always 
been  conquerors,  were  put  to  the 
torture  again,  and  [in  the  year  309] 
received  their  crowns — Porphyry  by 
fire,  and  Seleucus  by  the  sword. 

At  Arezzo,  in  Tuscany,  [in  the  year 
1276,]  the  blessed  Pope  Gregory  X.  ; 
he  was  a  man  of  Piacenza,  and  was 
raised  to  the  Supreme  Pontificate 
from  the  arch-deaconry  [of  Liege.] 
He  held  the  Second  Council  of  Lyons, 
received  the  Greeks  into  the  unity  of 
the  faith,  healed  the  dissensions  of 
Christendom,  set  forward  the  recovery 
of  the  Holy  Land,  and  governed  the 
Church  in  holiness. 

At  Brescia,  [in  the  year  350,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Faustinus,  Bishop  of 
that  see. 


February  16. 


MARTYROLOGY.  ■ 


Upon  the  17th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyr  Faustinus, 
and  forty-four  others,  who  followed 
him  to  his  crown. 

In  Persia,  [in  the  year  251,]  holy 
Polychronius,  Bishop  of  Babylon,  who 
in  the  persecution  of  Decius  had  his 
mouth  broken  with  stones,  and  then 
with  his  hands  stretched  out  and  his 
eyes  lifted  up  to  heaven,  gave  up  the 
ghost. 

At  Concordia,  [in  the  year  303,] 
the  holy  martyrs  Donatus,  Secun- 
dianus,  and  Romulus,  together  with 
eighty-six  others,  who  were  partakers 
in  their  crown. 

At  Caesarea,  in  Palestine,  [in  the 
year  309,]  holy  Theodulus  the  Elder, 
of  the  household  of  the  President 
Firmilian.  He  was  stirred  up  by 
the  example  of  the  martyrs  stead- 
fastly to  confess  Christ,  and  being 
himself  crucified  gained  by  a  noble 
victory  the  palm  of  martyrdom. 

There  also  the  holy  martyr  Julian 
the  Cappadocian.  He  kissed  the 
bodies  of  the  slaughtered  martyrs, 
and  was  therefore  accused  of  Christ- 
ianity, brought  before  the  President, 
and   burnt  on  a  slow  fire. 

In  the  country  of  Tervan,  holy 
Silvin,    Bishop  of  Toulouse. 

In  Ireland,  [in  the  middle  of  the 
sixth  century,]  the  holy  Priest  and 
Confessor  Fintan,  [of  the  race  of 
whom  was  Brigid ;  he  was  Abbat 
of  Cluain-ed-nech  in  Leinster,  and 
was  called  chief  head  of  the  monks 
of  Ireland.] 

At  Florence,  [at  the  end  of  the 
thirteenth  century,]  the  blessed  Con- 
fessor Alexis  de'  Falconieri,  one  of 
the  seven  founders  of  the  Order  of 
Servants  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary. 
He  died  a  blessed  death  in  the  hun- 


772 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


dred  and  tenth  year  of  his  life, 
strengthened  by  the  presence  of 
Christ  Jesus  and  of  the  angels. 

v 

FEBRUARY    I  7. 

Upon  the  18th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Jerusalem,  the  blessed  martyr 
Simeon,  Bishop  of  that  holy  city 
[from  the  year  46  to  the  year  107.] 
This  is  he  of  whom  it  is  recorded 
that  he  was  the  son  of  Cleophas 
and  the  kinsman  of  the  Saviour  accord- 
ing to  the  flesh.  He  was  ordained 
Bishop  of  Jerusalem  next  after  James, 
the  brother  of  the  Lord.  In  the  per- 
secution under  Trajan  he  was  put  to 
many  torments  and  suffered  martyr- 
dom, and  the  judge  and  all  men 
marvelled  to  see  with  how  great 
boldness  and  firmness  he  endured 
the  grievous  torment  of  the  cross  at 
his  great  age,  for  he  was  an  hundred 
and  twenty  years  old. 

At  Ostia,  the  holy  brethren  Maxi- 
mus  and  Claudius,  and  Praeperdigna. 
the  wife  of  Claudius,  and  their  two 
sons,  Alexander  and  Cutias,  all  mar- 
tyrs, [in  the  year  295.]  They  were 
a  very  noble  race,  and  by  command 
of  the  Emperor  Diocletian  they  were 
arrested  and  sent  into  exile,  then  they 
were  consumed  with  fire,  and  so  offered 
a  sacrifice  of  sweet  savour  unto  God 
himself.  Their  relics  were  cast  into  the 
river,  but  the  Christians  sought  for  them 
and  buried  them  hard  by  the  city. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Lucius, 
Sylvan,  Rutulus,  Classicus,  Secun- 
dinus,    Fructulus,   and   Maximus. 

At  Constantinople,  [in  the  year  449,] 
holy  Flavian,  Bishop  of  that  see,  who, 
because  he  defended  the  Catholic  faith 
at  Ephesus,  was  assailed  by  the  fol- 
lowers of  the  wicked  Dioscorus  with 
cuffs  and  kicks,  and  sent  into  exile, 
where  he  died  after  three  days. 


At  Toledo,  [in  the  year  631,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Helladius,  Bishop  of 
that  see. 

February   i  8. 

St  Simeon,  Btsfjon  [of 
Jerusalem,]  i&artpr. 

Simple. 

In  Lent  this  Office  is  not  observed, 
but  a  Commemoration  only  is  made  at 
Vespers  and  Lauds  without  the  last 
Lesson  at  Mattins. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Simple  Feasts  of  a  Bishop  and  Martyr, 
{p.  496,)  except  what  is  otherwise 
given  here. 

Prayer  throughout.  Mercifully  con- 
sider our  weakness,  &c,  {p.  491.) 

MATTINS. 

The  First  and  Second  Lessons  are 
from  Scripture  according  to  the  Sea- 
son, the  Third  being  omitted,  or  read 
as  one  with  the  Second. 

Third  Lesson. 

CIMEON,  the  son  of  Cleophas, 
**-*  (Matth.  xiii.  55,)  was  [chosen] 
the  second  Bishop  of  Jerusalem,  [in 
the  year  62,]  being  the  first  after 
James.  Under  the  Emperor  Trajan 
he  was  accused  before  the  Pro-Consul 
Atticus,  as  being  both  a  Christian, 
and  a  relation  of  Christ,  this  being 
the  time  when  all  were  arrested  that 
were  of  the  lineage  of  David.  He 
underwent  with  great  suffering  the 
same  things  that  were  inflicted  on  our 
Saviour,  and  all  men  marvelled  to 
see  with  how  great  boldness  and  firm- 
ness he  endured  the  grievous  torment 
of  the  cross,  at  his  great  age,  for  he 
was  an  hundred  and  twenty  years  old.1 


1  a.d.  107  or  116. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


773 


MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  19th  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  [in  the  year  296,]  the 
holy  martyr  Gavin,  a  Priest  who  was 
the  brother  of  the  blessed  Pope  Caius, 
and  who  was  long  kept  in  prison  and 
chains  by  the  Emperor  Diocletian, 
and  gained  the  gladness  of  heaven 
through  a  death  precious  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Publius, 
Julian,  Marcellus,  and  others. 

In  Palestine  are  commemorated  the 
holy  monks  and  other  martyrs  who 
[about  the  year  508]  were  cruelly 
slain  for  Christ's  faith's  sake  by  the 
Saracens  under  Al  Mundar,  their 
general. 

At  Jerusalem,  [in  the  year  304,] 
holy  Zambdas,  [counted  thirty-ninth] 
Bishop  of  that  holy  city. 

At  Soli,  [in  Cyprus,  in  the  year 
102,]  holy  Auxibius,  Bishop  [of  that 
see.] 

At  Beneventum,  [in  the  year  682,] 
holy  Barbatus,  Bishop  of  that  see, 
famous  for  his  holiness,  who  brought 
the  Lombards  and  their  leader  to 
Christ. 

At  Milan,  [about  the  year  700,] 
the  holy  Confessor  Mansuetus,  Bishop 
of  that  see. 

February   19. 


them,  they  were  savagely  tortured 
anew  with  fire  and  iron  and  put  to 
death.  This  glorious  multitude  were 
cheered  on  to  victory  by  the  Bishops 
Tyrannio,  Silvan,  Peleus,  and  Nilus, 
and  the  Priest  Zenobius,  who  by  a 
happy  contention,  along  with  them, 
gained  the  same  palm  of  martyrdom 
together  with  them. 

On  the  same  20th  day  of  February, 
were  also  born  into  the  better  life — 

In  the  island  of  Cyprus,  the  holy 
martyrs  Pothamius  and  Nemesius. 

At  Constantinople,  [in  the  year 
490,]  the  holy  martyr  Eleutherius, 
[eighth]  Patriarch  of  that  city.  [He 
had  replaced  Acacius,  who  favoured 
the  Eutychians.] 

In  Persia,  [in  the  year  342,]  holy 
Sadoth,  [Arch]bishop  [of  Seleucia  and 
Ctesephon,  in  Persia,  successor  to  St 
Simeon,]  and  an  hundred  and  twenty- 
eight  others  who  refused  to  worship 
the  sun,  under  Sapor,  King  of  the 
Persians,  and  by  cruel  deaths  gained 
glorious  crowns. 

At  Catania,  in  Sicily,  [in  the  eighth 
century,]  holy  Leo,  Bishop  of  that  see, 
who  shone  with  graces  and  miracles. 

On  the  same  day,  [in  the  year  73%>] 
holy  Eucherius,  Bishop  of  Orleans, 
who  shone  with  more  miracles  the 
more  he  was  belied  by  his  enemies. 

At  Tournay,  in  Gaul,  [in  the  year 
531,]  the  holy  Confessor  Eleutherius, 
Bishop  of  that  see. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  20th  day  of  February  are 
commemorated  the  blessed  martyrs 
of  Tyre,  in  Phoenicia,  whose  number 
is  known  only  to  God.  They  were 
slain  by  Veturius,  military  instructor 
under  the  Emperor  Diocletian,  with 
a  great  number  and  variety  of 
torments.  They  were  first  lacerated 
with  stripes,  then  given  to  divers 
kinds  of  beasts  ;  but  as  these,  through 
the    power    of   God,    would    not    hurt 


February  20. 


MARTYROLOGY. 


Upon  the  21st  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

In  Sicily,  under  the  Emperor  Dio- 
cletian, [fourth  century,]  seventy-nine 
holy  martyrs,  who  through  divers 
torments  won  the  crown  of  their 
confession. 

At  Adrumetum,  [Susa  ?]  in  Africa, 
[in  fourth  century,]  the  holy  martyrs 


774 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Verulus,  Secundinus,  Syricius,  Felix, 
Servulus,  Saturninus,  Fortunatus,  and 
sixteen  others,  who  were  crowned 
with  martyrdom  for  their  confession 
of  the  Catholic  faith  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Vandals. 

At  Bethgan,  [about  452,]  the  holy 
martyr  Severian,  Bishop  of  that  see. 

At  Damascus,  [in  the  year  743,] 
holy  Peter  Mavimeno.  Some  Arabs 
came  to  see  him  while  he  was  ill, 
and  to  them  he  said,  "  Whoever  does 
not  embrace  the  Catholic  Christian 
religion  will  be  damned,  as  your  false 
prophet  Mohammed  is,"  whereupon 
they  killed  him. 

At  Ravenna,  [in  the  year  556,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Maximian. 

At  Metz,  [about  the  year  500,]  holy 
Felix,  Bishop  of  that  see. 

At  Brescia,  [in  the  seventh  century,] 
holy  Paterius,  [twenty-third]  Bishop  of 
that  see. 

February  21. 
martyrology. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  See  of  the  holy  Apostle  Peter, 
wherein  he  first  sat  at  Antioch.  In 
the  which  city  the  disciples  were  first 
called  Christians. 

At  Hierapolis,  in  Phrygia,  holy 
Papias,  Bishop  of  that  city,  who  was 
the  hearer  of  the  holy  elder  John,  and 
the  companion  of  Polycarp. 

At  Salamis,  in  Cyprus,  holy  Aristion, 
who,  as  the  said  Papias  doth  testify, 
was  one  of  the  seventy-two  disciples 
of  Christ. 

In  Arabia  are  commemorated  many 
holy  martyrs  who  were  cruelly  slain 
under  the  Emperor  Galerius  Max- 
imian. 

At  Alexandria,  holy  Abilius,  Pope 
of  that  see,  who  was  the  second  who 
held  it  after  the  blessed  Evangelist 
Mark,  and  administered  his  office 
with  an  eminent  manifestation  of 
grace. 


At  Vienne,  holy  Paschasius,  Bishop 
of  that  see,  very  famous  for  his 
learning  and  the  holiness  of  his 
life. 

At  Cortona,  in  Tuscany,  [in  the 
year  1297,]  holy  Margaret,  of  the  third 
order  of  St  Francis,  whose  body  hath 
marvellously  remained  incorrupt  for 
more  than  four  hundred  years,  breath- 
ing a  sweet  savour,  and  famous  for 
many  miracles,  and  is  there  deeply 
honoured. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following. 


February  22. 

<St  Jeter's  &ee  at  ^nttoc}). 

Greater  Double. 

All  the  same  as  on  the  Feast  of  St 
Peter's  Chair  at  Rome,  (p.  688,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

MATTINS. 
SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
(i$th  on  the  Saints.) 

'T^HE  solemn  Feast  of  to-day  re- 
ceived  from  our  forefathers  the 
name  of  that  of  St  Peter's  Chair  at 
Antioch,  because  there  is  a  tradition 
that  it  was  on  this  day  that  Peter, 
first  of  the  Apostles,  was  enthroned 
in  a  Bishop's  Chair.  Rightly,  there- 
fore, do  the  Churches  observe  the  first 
day  of  that  Chair,  the  right  to  which 
the  Apostle  received  for  the  salvation 
of  the  Churches  from  the  Lord  of  the 
Churches  Himself,  with  the  words : 
"  Thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock 
I  will  build  My  Church." 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


775 


Fifth  Lesson. 

TT  was  the  Lord  Himself  Who  called 
Peter  the  foundation  of  the 
Church,  and  therefore  it  is  right  that 
the  Church  should  reverence  this 
foundation  whereon  her  mighty  struct- 
ure riseth.  Justly  is  it  written  in  the 
Psalm  which  we  have  just  heard : 
"  Let  them  exalt  him  in  the  congre- 
gation of  the  people,  and  praise  him 
in  the  assembly  of  the  elders." 
Blessed  be  God,  Who  hath  command- 
ed that  the  Blessed  Apostle  Peter 
should  be  exalted  in  the  congrega- 
tion !  Worthy  to  be  honoured  by  the 
Church  is  that  foundation  from  which 
her  goodly  towers  rise,  pointing  to 
heaven  ! 


Sixth  Lesson. 


I 


N  the  honour  which  is  this  day  paid 
to  the  inauguration  of  the  first 
Bishop's  throne,  an  honour  is  paid 
to  the  office  of  all  Bishops.  The 
Churches  testify  one  to  another,  that, 
the  greater  the  Church's  dignity,  the 
greater  the  reverence  due  to  her 
priests.  While  I  confess  how  rightly 
godly  custom  hath  exalted  this  Feast 
in  the  estimation  of  all  the  Churches, 
the  more  do  I  wonder  at  the  growth 
of  that  unhealthy  error  which  at  this 
day  causeth  some  unbelievers  to  lay 
food  and  wine  upon  the  graves  of  the 
dead,1  as  if  souls  once  rid  of  the  body 
had  any  longer  any  need  of  bodily 
refreshment. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xvi. 
IS-) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  came  into  the 

coasts  of  Cassarea  Philippi,  and 

He  asked  His  disciples,  saying  :  Who 

1  Perhaps  alluding  to  some  practice,  in  celebration  of  festivals,  which  had  grown  out  of  the 
agapae  or  love-feasts,  and  had  become  an  abuse. 


do  men  say  that  I,  the  Son  of  Man, 
am  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Leo  [the  Great.] 
(3rd  on  the  Anniversary  of  his  own 
election. ) 

The  Lord  asked  His  disciples  Who 
men  said  that  He  was,  and  their 
answers  were  human  as  long  as  they 
were  the  answers  of  human  reason, 
unilluminated  by  Divine  light.  At 
last,  when  the  glimmerings  of  earthly 
conjecture  were  spoken,  he  whose 
Apostleship  is  the  first  in  dignity,  was 
the  first  to  confess  his  Lord.  "And 
Simon  Peter  answered  and  said :  Thou 
art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living 
God.  And  JESUS  answered  and  said 
unto  him :  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon 
Barjona,  for  flesh  and  blood  hath  not 
revealed  it  unto  thee,  but  My  Father 
Which  is  in  heaven."  That  is  to 
say,  "  For  this  cause  art  thou  blessed, 
because  My  Father  Himself  hath 
taught  thee ;  the  opinions  of  men 
have  not  beguiled  thee,  the  voices  of 
angels  have  not  taught  thee,  not  flesh 
and  blood,  but  He,  Whose  Only- 
begotten  Son  I  am,  hath  revealed  Me 
unto  thee." 

Eighth  Lesson. 

'T^HUS  saith  the  Lord  unto  Simon 
Peter:  "And  I  say  also  unto 
thee,  That  thou  art  Peter."  That  is 
to  say,  "  Even  as  My  Father  hath 
revealed  unto  thee  concerning  Me  that 
I  am  God,  even  so  now  will  I  also 
reveal  unto  thee  that  thou  art  Peter ; 
I  am  the  sure  Rock  of  defence,  the 
Corner  Stone,  Who  make  both  one, 
(Eph.  ii.  20,  15,)  I  am  the  Found- 
ation, beside  Which  other  can  no  man 
lay,  (1  Cor.  iii.  11,)  and  thou  also 
art  a  rock,  in  My  Strength  made  hard, 
and   those   things  whereof  I  by  right 


776 


THE  PROPER  OFFICE   OF   THE  SAINTS. 


am  Lord,  into  thy  hand  do  I  give 
them,  that  thou  mayst  bear  rule  over 
them,  for  Me,  and  with  Me."  "  And 
upon  this  rock  I  will  build  My 
Church,  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall 
not  prevail  against  it."  "  Upon  this 
strength  of  thine,  whereof  I  am  the 
Strength,  I  will  build  My  eternal 
temple,  and  upon  the  truth  of  thy 
confession  of  Me  I  will  make  to  rise 
that  My  glorious  Church  whose  spires 
shall  pierce  to  heaven." 

Ninth  Lesson. 

Note.  If  this  Feast  fall  on  a  Satur- 
day before  Lent,  or  be  transferred  to  a 
Monday,  and  it  be  not  Leap  Year,  then 
the  Ninth  Lesson  will  be  the  Homily 
for  St  Matthias1  Eve,  of  which  a 
Commemoration  will  also  be  made  at 
Lauds,  after  that  of  St  Paul.  If 
moreover  this  Feast  fall  in  Lent,  then 
the  Ninth  Lesson  will  be  the  Homily 
of  the  Week-day,  of  which  also  a  Com- 
memoration will  be  made  at  Lauds. 
In  Lent  no  notice  of  St  Matthias''  Eve 
is  taken  in  the  Office. 

A  GAINST  this  confession  the  gates 
of  hell  shall  never  prevail, 
neither  shall  the  bands  of  death  take 
hold  upon  it.  Thus  saith  He  That  is 
faithful  and  true.  And  as  this  con- 
fession hath  power  to  lift  up  to  heaven 
them  that  make  it,  so  is  it  able  to 
thrust  down  to  hell  them  that  gainsay 
it.  Wherefore  it  is  said  unto  the  most 
blessed  Peter:  "And  I  will  give  unto 
thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven :  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt 
bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in 
heaven ;  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt 
loose  on  earth,  shall  be  loosed  in 
heaven."  This  power  passed  indeed 
to  the  other  Apostles  also  ;  this  the 
Lord's  will  had  effect  in  them  ;  but 
it  is  not  in  vain  that  it  is  written 
that    that   was    given    to    one   which 


passed  from  him  to  all.  To  Peter 
alone  were  the  keys  given,  and  Peter 
is  set  as  the  pattern  for  all  them 
that  bear  rule  in  the  Church  to  follow. 
There  remaineth  therefore  the  right 
of  Peter,  wheresoever  his  judgment 
decreeth  justice.  Neither  is  there 
anything  too  hard,  or  too  lax,  where 
there  is  nothing  bound  and  nothing 
loosed,  save  when  Peter  bindeth  or 
looseth. 

In  Lent  a   Commemoration  of  the 
Week-day  is  ynade  at  First   Vespers. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
following.  Antiphon,  "  O  right  excel- 
lent Teacher,  &c,"  {p.  515,)  Verse, 
"The  Lord  loved  him,  &c,"  and 
Answer,  {p.  515,)  and  the  following 
Prayer. 

/^RANT  unto  us,  we  beseech  Thee, 
^-*  O  Almighty  God,  so  to  profit 
by  the  teaching  and  example  of  Thy 
blessed  Confessor  and  Bishop  Peter, 
that  like  him  we  may  lightly  esteem 
the  things  which  are  seen  and  tem- 
poral, and  finally  attain  unto  those 
good  things  which  are  unseen  and 
eternal.  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. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  the  eve  of  the  holy 
Apostle  Matthias. 

But  in  Leap  year  the  above  words 
must  be  omitted. 

Upon  the  23rd  day  of  February, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Faenza,  the  holy  Peter  Damian, 
[988-1072,]  Cardinal  Bishop  of  Ostia, 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


777 


famous  for  his  teaching  and  holi- 
ness, whom  Pope  Leo  XII.  declared 
to  be  a  Doctor  of  the  Universal 
Church. 

At  Sirmium,  [in  the  year  307,]  the 
blessed  martyr  Sirenus  ;  a  monk  who 
was  apprehended  by  order  of  the 
Emperor  Maximian,  and  when  he  con- 
fessed himself  to  be  a  Christian  was 
beheaded. 

There  likewise,  seventy-two  holy 
martyrs,  who  finished  the  combat  of 
martyrdom  in  that  city,  and  received 
kingdoms  which  fade  not  away,  eternal 
in  the  heavens. 

At  Rome,  [in  the  fourth  century,] 
the  holy  Priest  Polycarp,  who,  along 
with  the  blessed  Sebastian,  brought 
many  to  believe  in  Christ,  and  by  his 
exhortations  led  them  to  the  glory  of 
martyrdom. 

In  the  city  of  Astorga,  [in  the  year 
252,]  the  holy  Virgin  Martha,  mar- 
tyred under  the  Emperor  Decius  and 
the  Proconsul  Paternus. 

At  Constantinople,  [about  the  year 
860,]  the  holy  monk  Lazarus.  Be- 
cause he  painted  holy  images,  the 
Emperor  Theophilus,  the  Iconoclast, 
put  him  to  grievous  tortures,  and 
burnt  his  hands  with  a  white-hot  iron  ; 
but  he  was  healed  by  the  power  of 
God,  restored  the  painting  upon  the 
holy  images  that  had  been  defaced, 
and  at  length  fell  asleep  in  peace. 

At  Brescia,  [about  652,]  holy  Felix, 
Bishop  of  that  see. 

At  Seville,  in  Spain,  [in  the  year 
485,]  the  holy  Confessor  Florence. 

At  Todi,  [in  324,]  the  holy  Virgin 
Romana,  who  was  baptized  by  holy 
Pope  Sylvester,  led  a  heavenly  life  in 
dens  and  caves  of  the  earth,  and  shone 
with  the  glory  of  miracles. 

In  England,  [in  the  seventh  cen- 
tury,] the  holy  Virgin  Milburga,  daugh- 
ter of  the  king  of  the  Mercians,  [sister 
of  St  Mildred,  and  Abbess  of  Wenlock, 
Shropshire.] 


February  23. 

<£t  Peter  ©amtatt,  [&aromal] 
Bisftop  [of  ©stta,]  Confessor 
ana  ©octor  of  ttje  CfjurcJ}* 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  give?i  here. 

In  Lent  a  Commemoration  of  the 
Week-day  is  7tiade  at  First    Vespers. 


MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  In  Lent  from  1  Tim.  iii. 
I,  (J,.  516.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

HP  HE  holy  Doctor  Peter  Damian 
was  born  of  respectable  parents 
at  Ravenna,  [about  the  year  of  our 
Lord  988.]  While  he  was  still  a 
suckling,  his  mother,  overcome  with 
the  care  of  many  children,  cast  him 
out  to  perish,  but  one  of  the  women 
servants  saved  him  when  he  was  nigh 
to  death,  and  fed  him  until  natural 
affection  appeared  again  in  his  mother, 
to  whom  she  then  gave  him  back. 
After  the  death  of  both  his  parents  he 
lived  with  a  brother  who  treated  him 
like  the  lowest  slave,  and  in  whose 
house  he  underwent  a  hard  bondage. 
Even  while  he  was  in  this  condition 
he  gave  a  wonderful  proof  of  his  faith 
toward  God,  and  his  dutiful  love 
toward  his  father.  It  chanced  that 
one  day  he  found  a  considerable  sum 
of  money,  but  instead  of  using  it  to 
relieve  his   own   poverty,   he   gave   it 


778 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


all  to  a  priest  to  offer  God's  sacrifice 
for  the  forgiveness  of  his  father's  sins. 
He  had  happily  another  brother  called 
Damian,  th^  same  from  whom  he 
seemeth  afterwards  to  have  taken  his 
surname.  By  him  he  was  affection- 
ately adopted,  and  put  in  the  way  of 
being  educated.  He  made  such  pro- 
gress in  learning  as  astonished  his 
teachers,  and  when  he  had  won  an 
eminent  name  in  letters,  he  began  to 
teach  on  his  own  accord  with  general 
applause.  Meanwhile,  lest  his  body 
should  get  the  better  of  his  mind,  he 
constantly  wore  a  hair-shirt  under  his 
softer  clothes,  and  exercised  himself  in 
fasting,  watching,  and  prayer.  In  the 
spring-time  of  his  age  he  was  griev- 
ously tormented  by  the  stings  of  the 
flesh ;  and  sometimes,  when  the  re- 
bellions of  lust  seemed  about  to  get 
the  mastery  over  him  at  night,  he 
threw  himself  into  a  freezing  stream 
to  check  them.  After  this  he  would 
go  about  visiting  consecrated  places, 
and  repeat  the  whole  book  of  Psalms. 
He  was  most  careful  in  relieving  the 
poor,  on  whom  he  would  wait  with 
his  own  hands. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

r\ESIRING  to  attain  to  perfection 
of  life  he  betook  himself  to  the 
convent  of  Font-Avellano,  in  the  dio- 
cese of  Gubbio,  in  Umbria,  a  house 
founded  by  the  blessed  Ludolph,  the 
disciple  of  St  Romuald,  for  the  monks 
of  the  Holy  Cross.  He  dwelt  there 
not  long  before  he  was  sent  by  his 
Abbat,  first  to  the  Abbey  of  Pomposia, 
and,  secondly,  to  that  of  St  Vincent 
at  Pietra  Pertusa,  both  which  brother- 
hoods he  greatly  profited  by  his  godly 
exhortations,  discreet  rules,  and  grave 
manners.  After  his  return  home,  and 
the  death  of  his  Superior,  he  was 
chosen  to  rule  the  brethren  of  Avellano. 
Here  he  founded   divers   new  hermi- 


tages, and  made  the  community  so 
to  flourish  under  his  saintly  direction, 
that  he  is  esteemed  the  second  Father 
and  chief  ornament  of  that  Order. 
This  healthful  care  of  Peter  was  made 
a  blessing  to  convents  of  other  Rules 
than  his  own,  to  houses  of  Canons, 
and  to  the  people.  He  was  many 
ways  profitable  to  the  diocese  of 
Urbino.  He  sat  with  Theuzo  the 
Bishop  of  that  See  to  judge  of  a 
most  weighty  matter,  and  led  him  by 
his  counsel  and  assistance  rightly  to 
administer  his  Bishoprick.  He  was 
foremost  in  contemplation  of  the 
things  of  God,  in  severity  toward  his 
own  body,  and  in  other  things  where- 
by to  set  a  bright  example  of  godli- 
ness. In  consideration  of  these  things 
the  Supreme  Pontiff  Stephen  IX., 
[in  the  year  1057,]  created  him,  in 
spite  of  his  own  unwillingness  and 
objections,  a  Cardinal  of  the  Holy 
Roman  Church,  and  appointed  him 
Bishop  of  Ostia.  This  dignity  Peter 
bore  with  the  highest  reputation  for 
piety,  and  adorned  with  works  meet 
for  a  Bishop. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  T  the  most  anxious  times  he 
greatly  sustained  the  Church  of 
Rome  and  the  Supreme  Pontiffs  by 
his  teaching,  by  missions  which  he 
discharged,  and  by  divers  other 
labours  which  he  undertook  on  their 
behalf.  He  strove  manfully  even 
unto  death  against  the  heresies  of  the 
Nicolaitans  and  the  Simoniacs,  by 
putting  down  which  evils  he  reconciled 
the  Church  of  Milan  to  that  of  Rome. 
He  was  one  of  the  stoutest  opponents 
of  the  false  Popes  Benedict  and 
Cadalous.  He  deterred  Henry  IV., 
King  of  Germany,  from  his  wicked 
scheme  for  putting  away  his  wife. 
He  recalled  the  people  of  Ravenna  to 
their  bounden  duty  to  the   Bishop  of 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


779 


Rome,  and  restored  them  to  the 
communion  of  the  Church.  He  re- 
formed the  Canons  of  Velletri,  and 
brought  them  to  lead  more  godly  lives. 
There  were  hardly  any  Cathedral 
Churches,  especially  in  the  province 
of  Urbino,  of  which  he  did  not  deserve 
well.  In  Gubbio,  of  which  he  had  at 
one  time  the  management,  he  abolished 
many  things  unseemly.  He  brought 
about  improvements  in  many  and 
divers  places,  as  if  each  were  his 
special  charge.  [In  1062]  he  gave 
up  his  dignities  of  Cardinal  and 
Bishop,  but  he  allowed  his  love  toward 
his  neighbours  to  know  no  diminution. 
He  was  particularly  zealous  in  spread- 
ing abroad  four  devout  practices  :  1st, 
To  fast  every  Friday  in  honour  of 
the  Holy  Cross  of  Jesus  Christ ;  2nd, 
To  recite  the  Hours  of  the  Blessed 
Mother  of  God,  called  also  her  Little 
Office  ;  3rd,  To  sanctify  Saturday  in 
her  honour  ;  and  4th,  and  especially, 
to  scourge  oneself  in  punishment  for 
sin  committed.  At  length  he  de- 
parted to  be  with  Christ,  at  Faenza, 
on  his  way  back  from  his  mission  to 
Ravenna,  on  the  22  nd  of  February, 
[in  the  year  1072,]  at  the  height  of 
his  reputation  for  holiness,  learning, 
miracles,  and  good  works.  His  body 
is  buried  in  the  house  of  the  Cister- 
cians at  Faenza,  where  the  people 
resort  often  to  his  grave  with  great 
reverence.  The  citizens  of  Faenza, 
to  whom  he  hath  been  found  good  at 
need  even  to  this  day,  have  chosen 
him  for  their  Patron  in  the  presence 
of  God.  The  supreme  Pontiff  Leo 
XII.,  finding  that  an  Office  and  Mass 
in  memory  of  him,  as  a  Confessor 
and  Bishop,  was  in  use  in  some 
dioceses,  and  in  the  Camaldolese 
Order,  by  advice  of  the  Sacred  Con- 
gregation of  Rites,  added  the  title  of 
Doctor,  and  extended  the  use  of  the 
said  Office  and  Mass  to  the  whole 
Church. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  v.  13,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Austin,  {p.  549.) 

Eighth  Responsory. 
In  the  midst,  &c,  (f>.  539.) 

If  it  be  neither  Lent  nor  Leap  Year 
the  Ninth  Lesson  will  be  the  Homily 
for  St  Matthias'  Eve.  Then  the 
Third  Lesson  of  the  Homily  on  Matth. 
v.  1 3  is  omitted,  or  read  as  one  with 
the  Second,  and  the  First  Lesson  only 
of  the  Homily  of  the  Eve  is  read,  or 
else  the  three  as  one.  In  Lent  no 
notice  is  taken  of  St  Matthias'  Eve, 
and  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  the  Homily 
for  the  Week-day,  either  the  first  part 
or  all  three  in  one,  and  the  Com- 
memoration of  the  Week-day  is  made 
at  Lauds. 

Prayer  thoughout  the  day  as  at  the 
Commemoration  the  preceding  evening. 

In  Leap  Year  St  Matthias'  Eve  is 
kept  on  February  24. 

hi  Lent  it  is  omitted. 

All  from  the  Co7nmon  Office  for 
Apostles'  Eves,  {p.  461.) 

In  Leap  Year  the  following  is  the 

MARTYROLOGY. 

The  morrow  is  the  eve  of  the  holy 
Apostle  Matthias. 

Upon  the  same  24th  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, were  born  into  the  better  life 
many  holy  martyrs  and  confessors  and 
holy  virgins. 

But  the  following  is  the  ordinary 
Martyrology  which  is  read  in  Leap 
Year  upon  St  Matthias'  Eve. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  24th  (or  25th)  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 
In  Judea,  the  holy  Apostle  Matthias, 


78o 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


who  was  chosen  by  the  Apostles  right 
after  the  Ascension  of  the  Lord  to 
take  the  place  of  the  traitor  Judas, 
and  who  suffered  martyrdom  for 
preaching   the   Gospel. 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyr  Primitiva. 

At  Caesarea,  in  Cappadocia,  [in  the 
year  304,]  the  holy  martyr  Sergius, 
whose  acts  are  held  most  famous. 

In  Africa,  [in  the  year  259,]  the 
holy  martyrs  Montanus,  Lucius,  Julian, 
Victoricus,  Flavian,  and  their  Com- 
panions, who  were  disciples  of  holy 
Cyprian,  and  finished  their  testimony 
under  the  Emperor  Valerian. 

At  Rouen,  [in  the  year  588,]  the  holy 
martyr  Pretextatus,  Bishop  of  that  see. 

At  Triere,  [about  the  year  499,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Modestus,  Bishop  of 
that  see. 

In  England,  [in  the  year  616,]  holy 
Ethelbert,  King  of  Kent,  whom  holy 
Augustin,  first  Archbishop  of  Canter- 
bury, converted  to  the  faith  of  Christ, 
and  whose  feast  we  keep  upon  the 
26th  (27th)  day  of  this  present  month 
of  February. 

At  Jerusalem  is  commemorated  the 
first  finding,  [in  the  fourth  century,] 
of  the  Head  of  the  Lord's  forerunner. 

February  24,  or  in  Leap  Year 
Feb.  25. 

«St  JEattijtas,  Apostle. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  the 
Feasts  of  Apostles,  (p.  462,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  choose  Thy 
^^^  blessed  servant  Matthias  to  be 
of  the  number  of  the  twelve  Apostles, 


grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  Thy 
Church,  being  upholden  by  his  prayers, 
may  ever  feel  about  her  the  arms 1 
of  Thy  most  mighty  protection. 
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. 

In  Lent  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day. 

If  this  be  the  evening  of  February 
23rd,  then  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  St  Peter  Damian.  Antiphon,  "  O 
right  excellent  Teacher,  &c,"  (p.  515.) 
Verse,  "  The  Lord  guided,  &c,"  and 
Answer,  {p.  524,)  and  the  Prayer  of 
St  Peter  Damian  as  throughout  the 
day. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Acts  of 
the  Apostles  (i.  15.) 

T  N  those  days  Peter  stood  up  in  the 
midst  of  the  brethren,  and  said : 
(the  number  of  the  men  together  was 
about  an  hundred  and  twenty)  Men 
and  brethren,  this  Scripture  must 
needs  be  fulfilled,  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  by  the  mouth  of  David  spake 
before  concerning  Judas,  which  was 
guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus  :  for 
he  was  numbered  with  us,  and  had 
obtained  part  of  this  ministry.  Now 
this  man  purchased  a  field  with  the 
reward  of  iniquity  ;  wherein  also  he 
hanged  himself,  and  bursting  asunder 
in  the  midst,  all  his  bowels  gushed 
out. 

Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  it  was  known  unto  all  the 
"^^  dwellers  at  Jerusalem,  insomuch 
as  that  field  is  called  in  their  proper 
tongue  "  Haceldama,"  that  is  to  say, 


1  Literally,  "about  her  the  bowels  of  Thy  mercy." 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


78l 


"  The  field  of  blood."  For  it  is 
written  in  the  book  of  Psalms  :  "  Let 
his  habitation  be  desolate,  and  let  no 
man  dwell  therein,  and  his  Bishoprick 
let  another  take."  (cviii.  8.)  Where- 
fore, of  these  men  which  have  com- 
panied  with  us  all  the  time  that  the 
Lord  JESUS  went  in  and  out  among  us, 
beginning  from  the  baptism  of  John, 
unto  that  same  day  that  He  was  taken 
up  from  us,  must  one  be  ordained  to 
be  a  witness  with  us  of  His  resurrec- 
tion. 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  they  appointed  two,  Joseph 
"^^  called  Barsabas,  which  was  sur- 
named  the  Just,  and  Matthias.  And 
they  prayed,  and  said  :  Thou,  Lord, 
Which  knowest  the  hearts  of  all  men, 
show  whether  of  these  two  Thou  hast 
chosen,  that  he  may  take  part  of  this 
ministry  and  Apostleship,  from  which 
Judas  by  transgression  fell,  that  he 
might  go  to  his  own  place.  And  they 
gave  forth  their  lots,  and  the  lot  fell 
upon  Matthias,  and  he  was  numbered 
with  the  eleven  Apostles. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  St  Austin }s  Exposition 
of  Psalm  lxxxvi.  (p.  477.) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xi.  25,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  A  ustin,  (p.  5  4  5 . )  Ln 
Lent  the  Third  Lesson  of  St  Austin's 
Homily  is  omitted  or  read  as  one  with 
the  Second,  and  the  Ninth  Lesson  is 
the  Homily  on  the  Gospel  for  the 
Week-day. 

In  Lent  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day  at  Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  25th  (26th)  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 
vol.  1. 


ln  Egypt,  [in  the  third  century,] 
under  the  Emperor  Numerian,  the 
holy  martyrs  Victorinus,  Victor,  Ni- 
cephorus,  Claudian,  Dioscorus,  Sera- 
pion,  and  Papias.  Victorinus  and 
Victor  steadfastly  bore  grievous  tor- 
tures on  account  of  their  confession 
of  the  faith,  and  were  beheaded. 
Nicephorus  was  laid  upon  a  hot 
iron  bed,  and  when  he  had  over- 
come the  fire  was  cut  joint  from 
joint.  Claudian  and  Dioscorus  were 
burnt.  Serapion  and  Papias  were 
slain  with  the  sword. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Do- 
natus,  Justus,  Herenas,  and  their 
Companions. 

At  Rome,  [in  the  year  492,]  the 
holy  Pope  Felix  III.,  who  was  the 
great-grandfather  of  holy  Gregory 
the  Great,  who  saith  of  him  that 
he  appeared  unto  his  holy  niece 
Tharsilla,  and  called  her  unto  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. 

At  Constantinople,  [in  the  year 
806,]  holy  Tharasius,  Patriarch  of 
that  see,  famous  for  his  learning 
and  godliness.  There  remaineth  an 
epistle  addressed  unto  him  by  Pope 
Adrian   I.  in  defence  of  holy  images. 

At  Nazianzum,  [in  369,]  holy  Caes- 
arius,  brother  of  blessed  Gregory  the 
Theologian,  whom  the  said  Gregory 
doth  testify  that  he  saw  among  the 
multitude  of  the  blessed. 


February  25  (26). 
martyrology. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  in  Eng- 
land the  feast  of  holy  Ethelbert, 
King  of  Kent,  whom  holy  Augustin, 
first  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  con- 
verted to  the  faith  of  Christ,  and 
of  whom  mention  hath  been  made 
upon  the  24th  (25th)  day  of  this 
present  month  of  February. 

Upon  the  same  26th  (27th)  day 
2  c 


782 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


of    February,    were    born     into    the 
better  life — 

At  Perga,  in  Pamphylia,  [in  the 
year  251,]  v  blessed  Nestor,  Bishop 
[of  Magydensis.]  During  the  perse- 
cution under  Decius  he  was  instant 
in  prayer  by  day  and  by  night 
that  Christ's  flock  might  be  kept 
safe.  When  he  was  arrested  he 
confessed  the  name  of  the  Lord 
with  wonderful  freedom  and  readi- 
ness. By  command  of  the  President 
Pollio  he  was  most  cruelly  racked, 
and  as  he  steadfastly  declared  that 
he  would  alway  cleave  unto  Christ, 
he  was  at  last  crucified,  and  from 
the  cross  passed  to  heaven  a 
conqueror. 

At  Perga  likewise,  [in  251,]  the 
holy  martyrs  Papias,  Diodorus, 
Conon,  and  Claudian,  who  suffered 
before  holy  Nestor. 

Also  the  holy  martyrs  Fortunatus 
Felix,  and  twenty-seven  others. 

At  Alexandria,  [in  the  year  326,] 
the  glorious  Elder,  holy  Alexander, 
Pope  of  that  see,  wherein  he  suc- 
ceeded blessed  Peter.  He  it  was 
who  cast  his  priest  Arius  out  of  the 
church  when  he  became  perverted 
with  wicked  heresy,  and  reprobate 
from  the  truth  of  God,  and  he  was 
afterward  one  of  the  three  hundred 
and  eighteen  fathers  who  condemned 
him  in  the  Council  of  Nice. 

At  Bologna,  [in  the  fourth  cen- 
tury,] the  holy  Bishop  [of  that  see,] 
Faustinian,  who  by  the  preaching  of 
the  word  of  God  strengthened  and 
increased  that  Church  when  it  had 
been  troubled  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Diocletian. 

At  Gaza,  in  Palestine,  [in  the  year 
420,]  holy  Porphyry,  Bishop  of  that 
see,  who  in  the  time  of  the  Emperor 
Arcadius  cast  down  the  idol  Marna 
and  its  temple,  and  after  many  suf- 
ferings fell  asleep  in  the  Lord. 

At  Florence,  [in  the  fifth  century,] 


the  holy  Confessor  Andrew,  Bishop 
of  that  city,  [who  succeeded  St 
Zenobius.] 

In  the  country  of  Arctoi,  [Vitre, 
in  Champaign,  in  the  sixth  century,] 
the  holy  Confessor  Victor,  [Victor 
of  Plancy,  Priest  and  Hermit,]  whose 
praises  have  been  written  by  holy 
Bernard. 

Vespers  of  the  following. 


February  26  (27). 

&t  etijeifrert,  »ing  of  itent, 
Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
a  Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  {p.  531,) 
except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  Who  hast  crowned  the 
^^  blessed  King  Ethelbert,  Thy 
Confessor,  with  a  crown  of  eternal 
glory,  cause  us,  we  beseech  Thee, 
so  to  honour  him  upon  earth  that 
we  may  reign  with  him  in  heaven. 

At  First  Vespers  in  Lent  a  Com- 
memoration is  made  of  the  Week-day. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according 
to  the  Season.  In  Lent  from  Ecclus., 
(p.  542.) 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T7THELBERT,  King  of  Kent,  was 
the  most  powerful  of  the  princes 
in  England,  and  exercised  a  suzerainty 
over  them  as  far  north  as  the  Hum- 
ber.  He  was  born  a  heathen,  but 
took  to  wife  that  most  earnest  Christ- 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    FEBRUARY. 


783 


ian,  Bertha,  daughter  of  the  King  of 
the  Franks.  By  her  example  and 
the  example  of  the  holy  Lindhard, 
who  was  her  chaplain,  the  King  and 
many  of  his  chief  men  were  brought 
to  admire  the  Christian  life.  When, 
therefore,  there  came  Augustine  with 
his  companions  sent  by  holy  Gregory, 
and  Ethelbert  had  heard  the  teach- 
ing and  had  seen  the  miracles  of  the 
servants  of  God,  he  believed  and  re- 
ceived the  sacrament  of  the  faith. 
After  him  many  began  to  come  to- 
gether every  day  to  hear  the  word 
of  God,  to  give  up  their  pagan  rites, 
and  to  join  in  faith  the  holy  Church 
of  Christ.  Their  belief  and  conver- 
sion caused  the  King  much  joy, 
nevertheless  he  would  not  force  any 
to  make  themselves  Christians,  but 
only  embraced  with  a  warmer  love 
them  that  believed  as  being  co-heirs 
with  himself  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T30RN  again  in  baptism,  Ethelbert, 
as  a  new  man,  gave  himself 
wholly  to  the  spreading  of  the  faith 
in  his  own  dominion,  and  among 
the  princes  who  were  subject  unto 
him,  but  above  all  to  make  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  come  in  all  its 
fulness  in  his  own  soul.  During  the 
twenty  years  which  he  lived  as  a 
Christian  he  never  wavered  in  that 
holy  design.  He  passed  most  wise 
laws  for  the  good  of  his  people ; 
he  set  up  churches,  and  at  the  ex- 
hortation of  holy  Gregory  he  pulled 
down  the  temples  of  the  idols  ;  among 
others  he  founded  the  metropolitical 
Church  of  the  Saviour  at  Canterbury, 
the  monastery  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
hard  by  the  city,  the  cathedral  Church 
of  St  Paul  in  London,  and  the  cathe- 
dral Church  of  St  Andrew  at  Rochester, 
upon  all  which  with  a  bounty  truly  royal 
he  bestowed  lands  and  possessions. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

AT  length  the  holy  King,  after 
gloriously  holding  an  earthly 
kingdom  for  fifty-six  years,  and  after 
having  held  the  faith  for  twenty-one 
years,  passed  to  the  everlasting  joys  of 
a  heavenly  kingdom  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  616,  upon  the  24  th  day  of  the 
month  of  February,  upon  the  which 
day  mention  is  made  of  him  in  the 
Roman  martyrology.  He  was  buried 
in  the  porch  of  St  Martin,  within 
the  Church  of  the  blessed  Apostles 
Peter  and  Paul,  where  also  had  been 
buried  the  Queen  Bertha. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xii.  35,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  538.)  In 
Lent  the  last  is  read  along  with  the 
Eighth  in  order  to  leave  room  for  the 
Homily  of  the  Week-day,  of  which  a 
Commemoration  is  also  made  at  Lauds. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  27th  (28th)  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  Alex- 
ander, Abundius,  Antigonus,  and 
Fortunatus. 

At  Alexandria,  [in  the  year  250,] 
the  holy  martyr  Julian.  He  was  so 
crippled  by  the  gout  that  he  could 
neither  walk  nor  stand,  and  was 
carried  before  the  judge  in  a  chair 
by  two  servants.  Of  these  two  ser- 
vants one  denied  the  faith ;  the  other, 
whose  name  was  Eunus,  persisted  in 
confessing  Christ  along  with  Julian. 
They  were  both  placed  upon  camels 
and  led  about  the  whole  city,  lashed, 
and  at  length  publicly  burnt  upon  a 
pyre. 

There  also  the  holy  soldier  Besas. 
He  rebuked  some  who  were  jeering 
at  the  martyrs  aforenamed,  for  which 


;84 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


cause  he  was  accused  before  the 
judge,  and  as  he  stood  firm  in  the 
faith  he  was  beheaded. 

At  Seville,  in  Spain,  [in  the  year 
596,]  holy  Leander,  Bishop  of  that 
city,  by  whose  preaching  and  labours, 
assisted  by  Reccared,  King  of  the 
Visigoths,  that  nation  were  converted 
from  the  Arian  misbelief  to  the 
Catholic  faith. 

At  Constantinople,  [in  750,]  the 
holy  Confessors  Basil  and  Procopius, 
who  in  the  time  of  the  Emperor  Leo 
the  Isaurian,  contended  valiantly  for 
the  honouring  of  holy  images. 

At  Lyons,  [about  the  year  660,] 
holy  Baldomer,  [locksmith  and  sub- 
deacon,]  the  man  of  God  whose 
grave  is  famous  on  account  of  the 
miracles  which  are  oftentimes  wrought 
there. 

February  27  (28). 
martyrology. 

On  the  28th  (29th)  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  martyrs  Mac- 
arius,  Rufinus,  Justus,  and  The- 
ophilus. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyrs 
Casrealis,  Pupulus,  Caius,  and  Ser- 
apion. 

Likewise  at  Alexandria  are  com- 
memorated the  holy  Priests,  Deacons, 
and  many  others  who  cheerfully  met 
death  in  ministering  to  the  sick  in 
the  great  plague  which  devastated  that 
city,  [in  the  third  century,]  in  the  time 
of  the  Emperor  Valerian,  and  whom 
the  godly  reverence  of  the  faithful  hath 
been  used  to  honour  as  martyrs. 

In  the  Jura  mountains,  toward  Lyons, 
[in  460,]  the  holy  Abbat  [of  Condat,] 
Romanus,  who  was  the  first  to  live 
there  as  a  hermit,  and  becoming 
famous  for  many  graces  and  miracles, 
became     also    the    father     of    many 

1  This  is  a  purely  local  addition.     The  name  of  St  David  does  not  occur  in  the  Roman 
Martyrology,  nor  in  that  of  any  religious  order  with  which  the  writer  is  acquainted. 


monks.      [Founder  of   monasteries  in 
Switzerland.] 

At  Pavia  is  commemorated  the 
translation  of  the  body  of  holy  Aug- 
ustine, Bishop  of  Hippo,  which  was 
brought  [in  the  year  722]  from  the 
island  of  Sardinia  by  the  care  of 
Luitprand,   King  of  the  Lombards. 

February  28  (29). 
martyrology. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  David,  Arch- 
bishop of  Cierleon  upon  Usk.1 

Upon  the  same  1st  day  of  March, 
were  also  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  two  hundred  and  sixty 
holy  martyrs  whom  for  Christ's  name's 
sake  the  Emperor  Claudius  first  con- 
demned to  dig  sand  outside  the 
Salarian  Gate,  and  then  to  be  shot 
to  death  with  arrows  in  the  amphi- 
theatre. 

Likewise  the  holy  martyrs  Leo, 
Donatus,  Abundantius,  Nicephorus, 
and  nine  others. 

At  Marseilles,  [in  the  year  290,]  the 
holy  martyrs  Hermes  and  Hadrian. 

At  Heliopolis,  [in  114,]  the  holy 
martyr  Eudocia  [of  Samaria,  now 
Balbek  in  Turkey-in-Asia,]  during  the 
persecution  under  the  Emperor  Trajan. 
She  was  baptized  by  Theodotus,  Bishop 
of  [Heliopolis,]  and,  armed  for  the 
battle,  the  President  Vincentius 
ordered  her  to  be  smitten  with  the 
sword,  and  thus  she  received  the 
crown  of  martyrdom. 

Upon  the  same  day,  the  holy 
martyr  Antonina.  During  the  per- 
secution under  the  Emperor  Dio- 
cletian she  laughed  at  the  gods  of 
the  Gentiles,  for  the  which  cause 
she  was  diversly  tortured,  shut  up 
in  a  barrel,  and  drowned  in  the 
marsh  at  the  city  of  Cea. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


785 


At  Werdt,  [in  the  year  713,]  holy 
Swibert,  Bishop  of  that  city,  [Apostle 
of  the  Frisians,]  who  in  the  time  of 
Pope  Sergius  preached  the  gospel  to 
the  Frieslanders,  Hollanders,  and 
other  peoples  of  Lower  Germany. 

At  Angers,  [in  the  year  550,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Albinus,  Bishop  of  that 
see,  a  man  of  eminent  graces  and 
holiness. 

At  Mans,  [in  the  year  687,]  the 
holy  Siviard,  Abbat  [of  Saint  Calais.] 

At  Perugia  is  commemorated  the 
translation  [in  the  year  547]  of  the 
holy  martyr  Herculanus,  Bishop  of 
that  see,  of  whom  mention  is  made 
upon  the  7th  day  of  November.  He 
was  beheaded  by  order  of  Totila,  King 
of  the  Goths,  and  it  is  written  by  holy 
Pope  Gregory  that,  forty  days  after 
his  head  was  cut  off,  head  and  body 
were  found  united  again,  as  though 
the  iron  had  never  touched  him. 

Vespers  of  the  following,  with  in 
Lent  a  Commemoration  of  the  Week- 
day. 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    MARCH. 

On  the  day  next  before  Lent  on  which 
JVine  Lessons  are  not  read,  is  said  the 
Office  of  the  Dead. 

March   i. 

&t  ©abto,  &rcpis{jo}j  [of 
(CaerleonJ  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  (J>.  515*)  except 
the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r^RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Al- 
^  mighty  God,  that  the  fatherly 
prayers  of  Thy  blessed  Confessor  and 


Bishop  David  may  help  us,  and  that 
while  we  keep  his  solemn  Feast,  we 
may  follow  the  example  of  his  stead- 
fastness in  defending  the  Catholic 
Faith.  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. 

Ln  Lent,  at  First  Vespers  a  Commem- 
oration is  made  of  the  Week-day. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  Ln  Lent  from  1  Tim.  iii. 
i,(p.  516.) 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson.  (From  his  Life  by 
Giraldus  Cambrensis.  Anglia  Sa- 
cra, ii.  628.) 

THIS  David  was  born  of  a  Princely 
race  in  Cardiganshire.  After 
becoming  a  Priest  he  was  moved  by 
the  desire  of  a  more  perfect  life  to 
betake  himself  to  Paulinus,  the  disciple 
of  St  Germain,  who  dwelt  in  the  Isle 
of  Wight.  Under  this  master  he 
made  great  progress,  and  began,  at 
his  exhortation,  to  preach  to  the 
people  of  the  neighbourhood.  In  pro- 
gress of  time  he  founded  many  monas- 
teries, wherein  his  disciples,  in  quiet 
retreat  from  men,  passed  their  days 
in  working  with  their  hands,  reading, 
praying,  and  succouring  the  poor. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

THE  revival  in  Britain  of  the  Pela- 
gian  heresy  brought  it  about 
that  a  Council  was  got  together  in 
Cardiganshire,  wherein  David,  for  his 
zealous  contending  for  the  Catholic 
Faith,  was  unanimously  chosen  Arch- 


786 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE   OF  THE   SAINTS. 


bishop  of  Wales,  in  the  place  of  holy 
Dyfrug,  who  had  resigned.  The  new 
Archbishop  called  together  a  second 
Council,  in  which  all  the  decrees  of 
the  first  were  confirmed.  From  these 
decrees,  approved  by  the  authority 
of  the  Pope,  all  the  Churches  of 
Wales  received  their  usage  and 
rule. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T  N  those  days  the  Church  of  God 
flourished  exceedingly.  Monas- 
teries were  set  up  in  many  places, 
and  great  multitudes  of  the  faithful, 
of  divers  orders,  were  brought  unto 
Christ,  and  unto  all  of  them  David 
was  as  a  mirror  and  an  ensample. 
Not  by  word  alone  but  by  his  life 
also,  he  shone  as  a  light  to  others  ; 
a  great  preacher,  but  a  greater  prac- 
tises In  an  old  age,  and  full  of 
good  works,  he  resigned  his  soul  to 
God,  upon  a  1st  day  of  March,  about 
the  year  of  salvation  544. 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  1 4,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  522.) 

In  Lent  the  last  Lesson  is  read 
along  with  the  Eighth  to  make  room 
for  Homily  of  the  Week-day,  of  which 
a  Commemoration  is  also  made  at 
Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  2nd  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

In  England,  [about  the  year  672,] 
holy  Chad,  Bishop  of  the  Mercians 
and  of  Lindisfarne,  whose  eminent 
graces  are  recorded  by  Bede.  [His 
body  was  buried  at  Lichfield,  first  in 
the  Church  of  Our  Lady,  second  in 
the  Church  of  St  Peter,  and  thirdly 
in  the  Cathedral  dedicated  to  Our 
Lady  and  St  Chad.  The  town  was 
named   Lichfield  on    account    of   the 


number  martyred  and  buried  there 
under  Maximian  Hercules.] 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Latin  Way, 
[about  the  year  258,]  under  the  Em- 
perors Valerian  and  Gallienus,  the 
holy  martyrs  Jovinus  and  Basileus. 

Likewise  at  Rome,  under  the  Em- 
peror Alexander  and  the  Prefect  Ul- 
pian,  many  holy  martyrs,  who  were 
long  tortured,  and  at  length  put  to 
death. 

At  Porto,  the  holy  martyrs  Paul, 
Heraclius,  Secundilla,  and  Januaria. 

At  Caesarea,  in  Cappadocia,  the 
holy  martyrs  Lucius  the  Bishop, 
Absolom,   Lorgius. 

In  Campania  are  commemorated 
eighty  holy  martyrs,  who  would  not 
eat  meat  sacrificed  unto  idols,  nor 
adore  a  she-goat's  head,  and  there- 
fore, [about  the  year  629,]  were 
cruelly  slain  by  the  Lombards. 

At  Rome,  [about  the  year  483,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Pope  Simplicius. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following,  from 
the  Chapter  inclusive. 


March  2. 

&t  CijaV  Eisfjop  [of  fLic^ 
fteltr,]  Confessor . 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
the  following. 

Prayer  throughout.     ( Taken  from  the 
Salisbury  Missal.) 

(~\  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
^^  God,  Who  dost  this  day  gladden 
us  by  the  Feast  of  Thy  blessed  Con- 
fessor and  Bishop  Chad,  we  humbly 
beseech  Thy  mercy  that  we  may  be 
holpen     toward     life    eternal     by    his 


1  Chad,  or  Cead,  Saxon  form  of  Gaelic  Cad,  or  Cedd. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


787 


fatherly  prayers  whom  we  do  solemnly 
honour.  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. 

First  Vespers  as  regards  St  Chad 
begin  with  the  Chapter. 

A  Conmiemoration  is  made  of  St 
David.  Prayer  from  his  Office,  then 
in  Lent  of  the  Week-day. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  In  Lent,  1  Tim.  iii.  1, 
(J.  516.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson.     {From  the  Venerable 
Bede,  iii.  23,  28  ;  ix.  2,  3.) 

/^HAD  was  Abbat  of  the  monastery 
rrf.  called  Lestingay,  [in  the  Wolds 
of  Yorkshire.]  He  was  a  man  holy 
and  lowly,  well  read  in  the  Scriptures, 
and  a  diligent  practiser  of  that  which 
he  learnt  therefrom.  Wherefore  Wini, 
Bishop  of  the  West  Saxons,  at  the 
desire  of  King  Oswin,  ordained  him 
Bishop  of  York.  Being  so  conse- 
crated, he  set  himself  to  look  to  the 
orthodoxy  and  clean  living  of  the 
clergy,  to  seek  after  lowliness,  self- 
control,  and  learning,  and  to  make  a 
visitation  of  the  towns,  country,  cot- 
tages, hamlets,  and  castles,  to  preach 
the  Gospel  therein,  going  always  not 
on  horseback,  but  on  foot,  after  the 
fashion  of  the  Apostles. 

Fifth  Lesson. 


rightly  consecrated.  To  whom  he 
answered :  "  If  thou  knowest  that  I 
have  not  rightly  been  made  a  Bishop, 
I  willingly  lay  down  mine  office  ; 
neither  did  I  ever  deem  myself  fit  to 
hold  it,  but  when  I  was  commanded, 
I  took  it,  for  obedience'  sake."  Theo- 
dore marvelled  at  his  lowliness,  and 
made  him  Bishop  of  the  Mercians 
and  of  Lindisfarne,  in  the  which  office 
he  strove  to  do  his  duty  in  great  per- 
fection of  life,  after  the  ensample  of 
the  old  Fathers. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

AILTHEN  the  hour  of  his  death 
drew  near,  he  exhorted  the 
brethren  who  stood  by  to  keep  love 
and  peace  with  each  other  and  with 
all  the  faithful,  and  never  to  relax  from 
the  strict  observance  of  the  monastic 
life.  His  sickness  increasing,  he  made 
him  ready  to  depart,  by  receiving  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  the  Lord,  and  on 
the  seventh  day  his  soul  was  set  free 
from  the  toilsome  prison  of  the  body, 
and  went  away  to  be  in  gladness  for 
ever.  He  died  at  his  own  See  of 
Lichfield,  upon  the  2nd  day  of  March, 
in  the  year  672. 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxiv.  42,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Hilary,  {p.  527.) 

In  Lent,  the  last  Lesson  is  read 
along  with  the  Eighth  to  make  room 
for  Homily  of  the  Week-day,  of  which 
a  Commemoration  is  also  made  at 
Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 


^pHEODORE,  Archbishop  of  Can- 


On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  .Elred,  Abbat 
terbury,    took    Bishop    Chad    to      of  Rievaux,  of  the  Cistercian 1  Order, 
task,   as    though    he    had    not    been      famous  for  his   knowledge  of  sacred 

1  The  name  of  St  /Elred  does  not  occur  in  the  Roman  Martyrology,  and  the  above  is  accord- 
ingly taken  from  the  Martyrology  of  the  Cistercians. 


788 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


letters,  uprightness  of  life,  self-content, 
wondrous  long-suffering,  spirit  of  pro- 
phecy, heavenly  conversation,  and 
great  miracles,  who  departed  this  life 
upon  the    iv2th  day  of  January. 

Upon  the  same  3rd  day  of  March, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Caesarea,  in  Palestine,  in  the 
persecution  under  the  Emperor  Val- 
erian, the  holy  martyrs  Marinus  the 
soldier  and  Asterius  the  senator. 
Marinus  was  accused  by  his  com- 
rades of  being  a  Christian,  and  when 
asked  by  the  judge  so  declared  with 
a  loud  voice,  and  was  beheaded. 
Asterius  took  off  his  own  garment, 
wrapt  in  it  the  headless  body  of  the 
martyr,  and  took  it  upon  his  own 
shoulder,  and  for  so  doing  himself 
received  the  honour  of  martyrdom. 

In  Spain,  the  holy  martyrs  Hemi- 
terius,  [or  Madir,]  and  Chelidonius. 
They  were  stationed  as  soldiers  in 
camp  at  Leon  in  Galicia,  when  the 
storm  of  persecution  broke.  On  ac- 
count of  their  confession  of  the 
Name  of  Christ  they  were  taken  to 
Calaxorra,  where  they  were  put  to 
divers  torments  and  crowned  with 
martyrdom.  [Their  bodies  rest  in 
the  Cathedral  of  Calahorra,  of  which 
they  are  the  patrons.] 

Upon  the  same  day  the  holy 
martyrs  Felix,  Luciolus,  Fortunatus, 
Marcia,  and  their  Companions. 

Likewise  the  holy  soldiers  Cleonicus, 
Eutropius,  and  Basiliscus,  who  won  a 
happy  triumph  upon  the  cross  under 
the  President  Asclepiades,  in  the  per- 
secution under  the  Emperor  Maximian. 

At  Brescia,  [in  the  year  526,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Titian,  Bishop  of  that 
see. 

At  Bamberg,  holy  Cunegunda, 
Empress  of  the  Romans,  bride  of 
the  Emperor  Henry  the  First,  with 
whose  consent  she  remained  always 
a  Virgin.  She  fell  asleep  in  peace, 
richly  adorned  with  good  works,  and 


after  her  death  was   famous   for  mir- 
acles,   [in  the  year    1040.] 

At  Second  Vespers  a  Commemora- 
tion of  the  following,  Prayer  from 
his  Office,  and  in  Lent  of  the  Week- 
day. 

March  3. 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office,  {p. 
531,)  except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

Q  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
God,  Who  as  Thou  never 
ceasest  to  chasten  the  children  of 
Thy  Church,  so  also  dost  never 
cease  to  help  them,  grant  unto  Thy 
faithful  people,  at  the  prayers  of 
blessed  Abbat  y£lred,  whom  Thou 
didst  give  unto  them  to  be  a 
minister  in  the  things  of  eternal 
Salvation,  that  through  Thy  mercy 
they  should  receive  not  only  the 
knowledge  of  the  right  which  they 
ought  to  do,  but  also  the  power  to  do 
it.  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. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according 
to  the  Season.  Ln  Lent  from  Wisd. 
iv.    7,   (A    532.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

TpLRED   was  born  of  the  noblest 
blood    of  England    and    Scot- 
land.      From    his    earliest    years    he 
gave    bright    promise    of    his    future 
holiness.      While  he  lay  in  the  cradle 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


789 


his  face  was  seen  surrounded  with 
rays  of  light,  and  when  he  was  a 
little  child  he  knew  things  at  a  dis- 
tance. He  was  trained  up  at  the 
court  of  David  I.,  King  of  Scots, 
along  with  the  son  of  that  king, 
and  was  a  great  favourite  of  the 
king  himself.  As  his  godliness  and 
wisdom  grew  with  his  years  he  de- 
termined to  bid  farewell  to  the  world. 
Before  he  received  the  Cistercian 
habit  in  the  monastery  of  Reivaux, 
in  the  archdiocese  of  York,  he  in- 
stantaneously extinguished  by  a  mir- 
acle a  fire  which  had  got  enkindled 
in  that  house.  As  master  of  the 
novices  he  kept  within  the  cloister, 
by  another  miracle,  a  clerk  who  had 
become  shaken  in  his  vocation. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T_T  E  was  made  Abbat  first  of  Re- 
vesby,  and  afterwards  of  Rei- 
vaux, and  showed  himself  a  perfect 
example  in  that  office.  He  gave 
himself  up  wholly  to  the  contem- 
plation of  heavenly  things,  and  to 
sacred  reading,  over  which  he  often- 
times wept.  No  branch  of  know- 
ledge escaped  him,  and  in  every  form 
of  writing  he  closely  resembled  Ber- 
nard, that  teacher  of  honeyed-tongue. 
How  he,  like  Bernard,  received  the 
anointing  of  the  Holy  Ghost  as  a 
teacher  from  heaven  is  attested  by 
his  published  works.  He  refused 
dignities  in  the  Church  —  including 
a  bishoprick  which  was  offered  to 
him  by  David,  King  of  Scots  —  in 
order  that  he  might  be  the  more 
free  to  give  himself  up  to  contempla- 
tion and  preaching.  He  strove  man- 
fully on  behalf  of  the  true  Pope, 
Alexander  III.,  against  the  Anti-Pope 
and  the  pretended  Council  of  Pavia. 
With  insults  he  bore  most  patiently, 
and  nothing  lay  closer  to  his  heart 
than  to  foster  peace  among  all  men. 
vol.  1. 


H 


Sixth  Lesson. 

E  trained  up  at  his  monastery 
one  hundred  and  forty  monks 
and  five  hundred  brethren.  To  them 
he  was  accustomed  to  say,  My  child- 
ren, speak  what  ye  will  as  long  as 
there  come  not  out  of  your  mouth  any 
base  word,  any  evil  against  a  brother, 
or  any  blasphemy  against  God.  He 
worked  many  miracles  during  his  life. 
He  was  ill  for  ten  years  before  his 
death,  and  bore  great  suffering  with 
wonderful  patience.  From  his  excess- 
ive leanness  his  bones  were  hardly 
covered  with  skin,  but  he  set  at  naught 
the  advice  of  the  physicians  and  cared 
for  no  health  except  that  of  his  soul. 
He  foretold  the  day  of  his  own  death, 
in  the  year  of  salvation  1166,  and  of 
his  own  life  the  fifty-seventh.  He  was 
famous  for  miracles,  and  his  name  was 
enrolled  among  those  of  the  Saints. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lesson  from  the  Common  of  Abbats, 
with  the  Homily  of  St  Jerome  on 
Matth.  xix.  27,  {p.  471.)  In  Lent 
the  last  is  read  as  one  with  the 
Eighth  to  leave  roofti  for  the  Homily 
of  the  Week-day,  of  which  also  a 
Coinmemoration  is  made  at  Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  4th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Wilna,  in  Lithuania,  the  blessed 
Casimir,  [Duke  of  Lithuania,]  son  of 
Casimir  III.,  King  of  Poland,  whose 
name  the  Roman  Pontiff,  Leo  X., 
numbered  with  those  of  the  Saints, 
[in  the  year   1458-83.] 

At  Rome,  upon  the  Appian  Way, 
the  holy  martyr  Pope  Lucius.  He  was 
first  banished  in  the  persecution  under 
the  Emperor  Valerian,  but  was  after- 
wards permitted  by  the  will  of  God  to 
return  to  his  church,  and  after  toiling 
2  c  2 


79o 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE  SAINTS. 


much  against  the  Novatians,  finished 
his  testimony  by  being  beheaded.  He 
is  highly  praised  by  holy  Cyprian. 

Likewise  ^at  Rome,  upon  the  Appian 
Way,  nine  hundred  holy  martyrs,  [led 
by  Aristion  and  Licinius,  both  Bis- 
hops,] who  are  laid  in  the  cemetery 
called  that  of  St  Cecilia. 

Upon  the  same  day,  the  holy 
martyr  Caius,  [an  officer  of  the  Im- 
perial Palace,]  who  was  drowned  in 
the  sea,  and  twenty-seven  others. 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyr 
Hadrian,  and  twenty  -  three  others, 
who,  under  the  Emperor  Diocletian, 
all  had  their  legs  broken,  and  were 
so  left  to  die.  The  principal  feast  in 
memory  of  Hadrian  is  kept  upon  the 
8th  day  of  September,  when  his  body 
was  brought  to  Rome. 

Likewise  the  holy  martyrs  Arch- 
elaus,   Cyril,  and  Photius. 

In  the  Crimea,  the  holy  Bishops 
Basil,  Eugenius,  Agathodormus,  El- 
pidius,  Aetherius,  Capito,  Ephrem, 
Nestor,  and  Arcadius. 

Vespers  are  of  the  following,  from 
the  Chapter,  inclusive. 

March  4. 

•  <St  Casimir,  0onfeg0or. 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  {p.  531,)  ex- 
cept what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  in  the  strength  of  Whose 
^^^  grace  Thine  holy  servant  Cas- 
imir  did  Thee  leal  and  brave  service 
amidst  the  softness  of  kings'  palaces 
and    the    temptations    of    the    world, 

1  The  Martyrology  says  that  "at  Rome,  on  the  Appian  Way,  was  born  into  the  higher 
life,  the  holy  Martyr  Pope  Lucius.  He  was  first  banished  in  the  persecution  under  Valerian, 
but  was  afterwards  permitted  by  the  will  of  God  to  return  to  his  Church,  and,  after  toil- 
ing much  against  the  Novatians,  finished  his  testimony  by  being  beheaded.  He  is  highly 
praised  by  St  Cyprian."    Succeeded  Cornelius  a.d.  252.     Testified  next  year. 


grant  that  Thy  people,  being  holpen 
by  his  intercession,  may  ever  despise 
earthly  things,  and  breathe  after  those 
that  are  heavenly.  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. 

First  Vespers  as  regards  St  Casimir 
begin  with  the  Chapter. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
AZlred.     Prayer  from  his  Office. 

In  Lent  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day. 

Then  of  St  Lucius,  Pope  and  Mar- 
tyr.x  All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
one  Martyr,  {p.  482.)  Prayer,  "O 
God,  Who  year  by  year,  &c,"  {p. 
49I-) 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  fro?n  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  I?i  Lent  from  Wisd.  iv.  7 
and  v.  1,  (p.  532.) 

SECOND   NOCTURN.  > 

Fourth  Lesson. 

'"THIS  Casimir  was  the  son  of  Cas- 
imir  III.,  King  of  Poland,  by 
Elizabeth  of  Austria,  his  wife,  [and 
was  born  upon  the  5  th  day  of  October, 
in  the  year  1458.]  From  his  child- 
hood he  was  taught  by  the  best 
masters,  and  was  trained  in  all  godli- 
ness and  good  learning.  While  he 
was  still  a  boy  he  wore  rough  hair- 
cloth, and  chastened  himself  with 
much  fasting.  He  forsook  the  soft- 
ness of  his  princely  bed,  and  lay 
upon  the  hard  ground,  and  on  stormy 
nights  he  would  go  out  secretly  and 
prostrate  himself  before  the  doors  of 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


791 


the  churches,  crying  to  God  for  mercy. 
He  was  unwearied  in  contemplating 
the  Passion  of  Christ,  and  when  he 
was  present  at  Mass,  so  profound  was 
his  recollection,  that  he  seemed  to  be 
altogether  beside  himself. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

I_T  E  made  the  propagation  of  the 
Catholic  faith  one  of  the  chief 
works  of  his  life,  and  strove  hard 
against  the  schism  in  Ruthenia.  He 
persuaded  his  father  to  forbid  by  law 
that  the  schismatics  should  build  any 
new  churches,  or  repair  the  existing 
ones  when  they  fell  into  decay.  So 
great  was  his  liberality  and  tenderness 
toward  the  needy  and  the  afflicted, 
that  he  came  to  be  called  the  father 
and  guardian  of  the  poor.  From  his 
infancy .  he  never  soiled  his  purity, 
and  in  his  last  illness,  when  his  phy- 
sicians advised  him  to  seek  for  relief 
from  his  grievous  sufferings  by  the 
sacrifice  of  his  chastity,  he  cheerfully 
determined  rather  to  die. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

"DEING  made  perfect  in  a  short 
space,  and  full  of  piety  and 
good  works,  he  foretold  the  day  of 
his  own  death,  and,  gathering  round 
him  a  choir  of  priests  and  monks,  he 
rendered  his  soul  into  the  hands  of 
God  Whom  they  were  praising,  [upon 
the  4th  day  of  March,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1482,  and]  the  25th  of 
his  own  age.  His  body  was  carried 
to  Wilna,  where  many  miracles  are 
reputed  to  have  been  wrought  around 
it.  At  his  grave  a  dead  girl  is  said 
to  have  received  her  life  again,  blind 
men  their  sight,  cripples  the  power  of 
walking,  and  many  sick  folk  health. 
Moreover,  on  an  occasion  when  the 
Lithuanians  in  scanty  numbers  were 
exposed  to  the  shock  of  a  powerful 
enemy,  they  believed  that  he  appeared 


in  the  air,  and  gave  them  the  signal 
victory  which  they  won.  On  the 
assurance  of  these  things,  Leo  X.  was 
moved  to  add  his  name  to  those  of  the 
Saints. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xii.  35,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  538.)  In 
Lent  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  the  Homily 
on  the  Gospel  for  the  Week-day,  in 
which  case  the  Third  Lesson  on  Luke 
xii.  35  is  omitted  or  read  as  one  with 
the  Second,  and  the  three  Lessons  for 
the  Week-day  read  as  one,  or  else  the 
first  only. 

LAUDS. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Lucius.  All  from  the  Common  Office 
for  o?ie  Martyr,  {p.  482.)  Prayer,  "  O 
God,  Who  year  by  year,  &c,"  {p.  49 1 . ) 

In  Lent  a  Commemoration  of  the 
Week-day  is  made  before  that  of  St 
Lucius. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  as  at  First 
Vespers. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  5th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Antioch,  [about  the  year  320,] 
the  holy  martyr  Phocas.  For  the 
Redeemer's  name's  sake  he  gained 
the  victory  over  many  an  assault  of 
the  old  serpent,  and  that  victory  is 
still  held  forth  before  the  people, 
with  this  miracle,  that  if  any  be 
bitten  of  a  serpent  and  touch  in  faith 
the  door  of  this  martyr's  church,  he  is 
forthwith  healed  of  the  poison. 

At  Caesarea,  in  Palestine,  [in  the 
year  308,]  the  holy  martyr  Hadrian, 
who  was  crowned  by  command  of  the 
President  Firmilian,  in  the  persecution 
under  the  Emperor  Diocletian.  He 
was  first  thrown  to  a  lion,  but  after- 
ward slain  with  the  sword. 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  martyr 
Eusebius,  and  nine  others. 


792 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


At  Qesarea,  in  Palestine,  [in  the 
year  200,]  holy  Theophilus,  Bishop  of 
that  see,  who  was  a  great  light  for 
wisdom  anc\  good  living  in  the  time  of 
the  Emperor  Severus. 

Likewise  in  Palestine,  on  the  bank 
of  the  Jordan,  [in  the  year  475,]  the 
holy  hermit  Gerasimus,  who  flourished 
in  the  time  of  the  Emperor  Zeno. 

At  Naples,  [in  the  year  1734,]  holy 
John  Joseph  of  the  Cross,  barefooted 
Friar  Minor,  first  Provincial  of  the 
Italian  followers  of  holy  Peter  of 
Alcantara.  He  strove  to  tread  in 
the  footsteps  of  holy  Francis  of  Assisi 
and  Peter  of  Alcantara,  was  a  bright 
ornament  of  the  Seraphic  Order,  and 
was  numbered  among  the  saints  by 
Pope  Gregory  XVI. 

At  Second  Vespers  in  Lent  a  Com- 
memoration is  made  of  the  Week-day. 

March  5. 
martyrology. 

Upon  the  6th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyrs 
Victor  and  Victorinus,  who  were  im- 
prisoned for  three  years,  and  many 
ways  tormented,  along  with  Claudian 
and  Bassa  his  wife,  and  being  still 
recommitted  to  prison,  died  therein, 
[third  century.] 

At  Tortona,  the  holy  martyr  Marcian, 
Bishop  of  that  see,  who  was  crowned 
under  the  Emperor  Trajan,  being  slain 
for  Christ's  greater  glory. 

At  Constantinople,  holy  Evagrius, 
who  was  elected  Patriarch  of  that 
see  by  the  Catholics  in  the  time  of 
the  Emperor  Valens,  but  was  sent 
by  the  Emperor  into  exile,  and  there 
passed  away  to  be  ever  with  the  Lord. 

In  Cyprus,  the  holy  martyr  Conon, 
who  under  the  Emperor  Decius  had 
nails  driven  through  his  feet,  and  was 
then  made  to  run  in  front  of  a  chariot, 
under  the  which  torment  he  fell  upon 


his  knees  and  gave  up  his  soul  in 
prayer  to  God. 

Likewise,  forty-two  holy  martyrs, 
who  were  apprehended  in  Amorium 
and  brought  to  Syria,  where  they 
passed  through  a  noble  conflict  and 
triumphantly  grasped  the  palm  of 
martyrdom,  [in  the  year  845.] 

At  Bologna,  holy  Basil,  Bishop  of 
that  city,  who  was  ordained  by  holy 
Pope  Sylvester,  and  both  by  his  word 
and  example  governed  in  holiness  the 
church  committed  unto  his  care,  [fourth 
century.] 

At  Barcelona,  in  Spain,  [in  the  year 
1 137,]  blessed  Oligarius,  who  was  first 
Canon  and  afterward  Bishop  of  Barce- 
lona, and  Archbishop  of  Taragona. 

At  Ghent,  in  Flanders,  the  holy 
Virgin  Coletta,  [in  the  year  1447,] 
who  first  professed  in  the  Third  Order 
of  Friars  Minors,  and  then  being 
filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  set  up 
many  monasteries  of  sisters  of  the 
Second  Order  under  the  primitive  dis- 
cipline. She  was  ennobled  by  the 
grace  of  God,  and  famous  for  countless 
miracles,  and  the  Supreme  Pontiff 
Pius  VII.  enrolled  her  name  among 
those  of  the  saints. 

March  6. 
martyrology. 

Upon  the  7th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

In  the  monastery  of  Fossa  Nuova, 
near  Terracina,  the  holy  Confessor 
Thomas  of  Aquino,  [in  the  year 
1274,]  of  the  Order  of  Friars 
Preachers,  Doctor  of  the  Church,  il- 
lustrious for  the  nobility  of  his  birth, 
the  holiness  of  his  life,  and  the  depth 
of  his  knowledge  of  theology.  Leo 
XIII.  declared  him  the  patron  in 
heaven  of  all  Catholic  schools. 

At  Tuburbe,  in  Morocco,  under  the 
Emperor  Severus,  the  holy  martyrs 
Perpetua     and     Felicitas.        Felicitas 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


793 


was  with  child,  and  therefore  was 
respited,  in  accordance  with  the  law, 
until  after  she  was  delivered.  Holy 
Augustine  saith  that  when  she  was  in 
travail  she  had  sorrow,  but  when  she 
was  set  before  the  wild  beasts  she  re- 
joiced. There  suffered  along  with  them 
Revocatus,  Saturninus,  and  Secundol- 
us,  of  whom  the  last  died  in  prison, 
but  the  others  were  all  killed  by  beasts. 

At  Caesarea,  in  Palestine,  the  holy 
martyr  Eubulus.  He  was  a  Com- 
panion of  holy  Hadrian,  and  two 
days  after  him  was  mangled  by  the 
lions  and  then  despatched  with  the 
sword,  being  the  last  of  all  those  who 
received  the  crown  of  martyrdom  in 
that  city,  [in  the  year  308.] 

At  Nicomedia,  holy  Theophilus, 
Bishop  of  that  see,  who  for  his  hon- 
ouring of  holy  images  was  sent  into 
exile  and  there  died,  [in  the  year  845.] 

At  Pelusium,  in  Egypt,  holy  Paul, 
Bishop  of  that  see,  who  likewise  died 
in  exile  for  the  same  cause. 

At  Brescia,  [in  the  year  445,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Gaudiosus,  Bishop  of 
that  see. 

In  the  Thebaid,  [in  the  fourth 
century,]  holy  Paul,  surnamed  the 
Simple. 

March  7. 

&t  Eijomag  of  Aquino,  Con; 
fesgor  anti  ©octor  of  tfje 
CfjurriL 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  {p.  531,)  except 
what  is  otherwise  given  here. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.       O   right   excellent   Teacher, 

&c,  (p.   531.) 

1  These  two  holy  women,  along  with  three  men  named  Revocatus,  Saturninus,  and  Se- 
cundolus,  suffered  in  the  amphitheatre  at  Carthage,  with  circumstances  of  great  cruelty,  in 
A.D.  203.     See  the  article  of  Alban  Butler,  which  is  very  interesting. 


Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  Who  dost  enlighten  Thy 
Church  by  the  wonderful  learn- 
ing of  Thy  blessed  Confessor  Thomas, 
and  quickenest  her  through  his  godly 
labours,  grant  unto  Thy  people,  we 
humbly  beseech  Thee,  ever  to  appre- 
hend by  their  understanding  what  he 
teacheth,  and  in  their  life  faithfully  to 
practise  the  same.  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. 

In  Lent  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day. 

Then  of  the  Martyrs  Perpetua  and 
Pelicilas,1  which  is  done  whether  it  be 
Lent  or  not. 

Antiphon.  For  their's  is  the  king- 
dom of  heaven,  who  loved  not  their 
life  in  this  world,  and  have  attained 
unto  the  reward  of  the  kingdom,  and 
have  washed  their  robes  in  the  Blood 
of  the  Lamb. 

Verse.  Thou  hast  crowned  them 
with  glory  and  honour,   O   Lord. 

Answer.  And  madest  them  to  have 
dominion  over  the  works  of  Thy  hands. 

Prayer. 

/^RANT  unto  us,  we  beseech  Thee, 
^■^  O  Lord  our  God,  that  we  may 
ever  call  to  mind,  with  all  worship 
and  thanksgiving,  the  victory  of  Thy 
holy  Martyrs  Perpetua  and  Felicitas, 
and  although  we  know  that  our  mind 
cannot  comprehend  Thee  Who  art 
this  day  their  exceeding  great  reward, 
give  us  always  the  grace  humbly  to 
worship  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. 


794 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE  SAINTS. 


MATTINS. 


FIRST   NOCTURN. 


Lessons  from  Ecclus.  xxxix.    I,   {p. 

5470 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

''"PHAT  splendid  adornment  of  the 
Christian  world  and  light  of  the 
Church,  blessed  Thomas  of  Aquino,  was 
the  son  of  Landulph,  Earl  of  Aquino, 
and  Theodora  of  Naples,  his  wife,  being 
nobly  descended  on  both  sides.  [He 
was  born  in  the  year  of  salvation 
1226,]  and  even  as  an  infant  gave 
token  of  the  love  which  he  afterwards 
bore  to  the  Mother  of  God.  He 
found  a  little  bit  of  paper  upon  which 
was  written  the  Angelic  Salutation, 
and  held  it  firm  in  his  hand  in  spite 
of  the  efforts  of  his  wet-nurse ;  his 
mother  took  it  away  by  force,  but  he 
cried  and  stretched  out  for  it,  and  when 
she  gave  it  back  to  him,  he  swallowed 
it.  When  he  was  only  four  years 
old,  he  was  given  into  the  keeping 
of  the  Benedictine  monks  of  Monte 
Cassino.  He  was  thence  sent  to 
Naples  to  study,  and  there,  while 
very  young,  entered  the  Order  of 
Friars  Preachers.  This  displeased 
his  mother  and  brothers,  and  he  left 
Naples  for  Paris.  When  he  was  on 
his  journey  his  brothers  met  him,  and 
carried  him  off  by  force  to  the  castle 
of  Monte  San  Giovanni,  where  they 
imprisoned  him  in  the  keep.  Here 
they  used  every  means  to  break  him 
of  his  intention,  and  at  last  brought 
a  woman  into  his  room  to  try  to  over- 
come his  purity.  The  lad  drove  her 
out  with  a  fire-brand.  When  he  was 
alone  he  knelt  down  before  the  figure 
of  the  Cross,  and  there  he  fell  asleep. 
As  he  slept,  it  seemed  to  him  that 
angels  came  and  girded  his  loins  :  and 
from  this  time  he  never  felt  the  least 
sexual  inclination.      His  sisters  came 


to  the  castle  to  beseech  him  to  give  up 
his  purpose  of  leaving  the  world,  but 
he  so  worked  on  them  by  his  godly 
exhortations,  that  both  of  them  ever 
after  set  no  value  on  earthly  things, 
and  busied  themselves  rather  with 
heavenly. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"DEING  let  down  from  a  window, 
Thomas  escaped  out  of  the  castle 
of  Monte  San  Giovanni,  and  returned 
to  Naples.  Thence  he  went  first  to 
Rome,  and  then  to  Paris,  in  company 
of  Brother  John  the  German,  then 
Master-General  of  the  Friars  Preachers. 
At  Paris  he  studied  Philosophy  and 
Theology  under  Albert  the  Great 
Doctor.  At  the  age  of  twenty-five 
years  he  took  the  degree  of  Master, 
and  gave  public  disquisitions  on  the 
Philosophers  and  Theologians  with 
great  distinction.  He  never  set  him- 
self to  read  or  write  till  he  had  first 
prayed,  and  when  he  was  about  to 
take  in  hand  a  hard  passage  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  he  fasted  also. 
Hence  he  was  wont  to  say  to  Brother 
Reginald  his  comrade,  that  whatever 
he  knew,  he  had  learnt,  not  so  much 
from  his  own  labour  and  study,  as 
from  the  inspiration  of  God.  At 
Naples  he  was  once  kneeling  in  very 
earnest  prayer  before  an  image  of 
Christ  Crucified,  when  he  heard  a 
voice  which  said :  "  Thomas,  thou 
hast  written  well  of  Me — what  reward 
wilt  thou  that  I  give  thee?"  He 
answered:  "Lord, — Thyself."  He 
studied  most  carefully  the  works  of  the 
Fathers,  and  there  was  no  kind  of 
author  in  which  he  was  not  well  read. 
His  own  writings  are  so  wonderful, 
both  because  of  their  number,  their 
variety,  and  the  clearness  of  his  ex- 
planations of  hard  things,  that  his  rich 
and  pure  teaching,  marvellously  con- 
sonant with  revealed  truth,  is  an  admir- 
able antidote  for  the  errors  of  all  times. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


795 


Sixth  Lesson. 

THE  Supreme  Pontiff  Urban  IV. 
sent  for  him  to  Rome,  and  at 
his  command  he  composed  the  Church 
Office  for  the  feast  of  Corpus  Christi. 
The  Pope  could  not  persuade  him  to 
accept  any  dignity.  Pope  Clement 
IV.  also  offered  him  the  Arch- 
bishoprick  of  Naples,  but  he  refused 
it.  He  did  not  neglect  the  preaching 
of  the  Word  of  God.  Once  while  he 
was  giving  a  course  of  sermons  in 
the  Basilica  of  St  Peter,  during  the 
octave  of  Easter,  a  woman  who  had 
an  issue  of  blood  was  healed  by  touch- 
ing the  hem  of  his  garment.  He  was 
sent  by  blessed  Gregory  X.  to  the 
Council  of  Lyons,  but  fell  sick  on  his 
way  to  the  Abbey  of  Fossa  Nuovo, 
and  there  during  his  illness  he  made 
an  exposition  of  the  Song  of  Songs. 
There  he  died  on  the  7th  day  of 
March,  in  the  year  of  salvation  1274, 
aged  fifty  years.  He  was  distinguished 
for  miracles  even  after  his  death,  and 
on  proof  of  these  Pope  John  XXII. 
added  his  name  to  those  of  the  Saints 
in  the  year  1323.  His  body  was 
afterwards  carried  to  Toulouse  by 
command  of  blessed  Urban  V.  He 
has  been  compared  to  an  angel,  both 
on  account  of  his  innocency  and  of 
his  intellectual  power,  and  has  hence 
been  deservedly  termed  the  Angelic 
Doctor.  The  use  of  which  title  as 
applied  to  him  was  approved  by  the 
authority  of  holy  Pius  V.  Leo  XIII. 
cheerfully  agreeing  to  the  prayers  and 
wishes  of  nearly  all  the  bishops  of 
the  Catholic  world,  and  in  conformity 
with  a  vote  of  the  Congregation  of 
Sacred  Rites,  by  his  Apostolic  letters 
declared  and  recognised  Thomas  of 
Aquino  as  the  patron  in  heaven  of 
all  Catholic  schools,  as  an  antidote 
to  the  plague  of  so  many  false  systems, 
especially  of  philosophy,  for  the  in- 
crease of  scientific  knowledge,  and  for 
the  common  good  of  all  mankind. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  v.  1 3,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Austin,  if.  549.) 
Eighth  Responsory,  "  In  the  midst, 
&c."  In  Lent  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  the 
Homily  on  the  Gospel  for  the  Week-day, 
in  which  case  the  Third  Lesson  of  the 
Homily  on  Matth.  v.  13  is  omitted,  or 
read  as  one  with  the  Second,  and  the 
First  Lesson  only  of  the  Week-day  is 
used,  or  else  all  three  as  one. 

At  Lauds  a  Coimnemoration  is  made 
of  SS.  Perpetua  and  Felicitas,  the 
same  as  at  the  last  Vespers,  before 
which,  in  Lent,  is  made  a  Commemora- 
tion of  the  Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  8th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

In  England,  [in  the  year  646,]  the 
holy  Confessor  Felix,  Bishop  of  Dun- 
wich,  who  converted  the  East  Angles 
to  the  faith. 

At  Granada,  in  Spain,  [in  the  year 
1550,]  holy  John  of  God,  founder  of 
the  Order  of  brethren  Hospitallers  of 
the  Sick.  Famous  for  his  pity  toward 
the  poor,  and  for  his  lowly  esteem 
of  himself,  whom  the  Supreme  Pontiff 
Leo  XIII.  declared  the  patron  in 
heaven  of  all  the  sick  and  those  who 
nurse  them,  whose  feast  we  keep  upon 
the  1 1  th  day  of  this  present  month  of 
March. 

At  Antinoe,  in  Egypt,  the  holy 
martyrs  Philemon  and  Apolonius  the 
Deacon.  They  were  arrested,  and 
brought  before  the  judge,  but  as  they 
steadfastly  refused  to  sacrifice  to  idols 
their  heels  were  bored  through,  and 
they  were  cruelly  dragged  about  the 
city  until  at  last  they  were  dispatched 
with  the  sword. 

There  also  the  holy  martyrs  the 
President  Arian,  [governor  of  Thebes,] 
Theoticus,  and  three  others  whom  the 
judge  caused  to  be  drowned  in  the  sea, 


796 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


but  their  bodies  were  brought  to  the 
shore  by  dolphins,  [in  the  year  287.] 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyr 
Quinctilis,   Bishop  of  that  city. 

At  Carthage,  holy  Pontius,  Deacon 
to  blessed  Bishop  Cyprian,  with  whom 
he  remained  in  exile  even  unto  the  day 
of  his  death,  and  hath  left  unto  us  an 
excellent  book  of  his  life  and  passion. 
In  his  own  sufferings  he  glorified  the 
Lord  always,  and  hath  earned  the 
crown  of  life,   [about  the  year  262.] 

In  Africa  likewise,  the  holy  Bishop 
Cyril,  Rogatus,  Felix,  another  Rogatus, 
Beata,  Herenia,  Felicitas,  Urban, 
Silvan,  and  Mamillus. 

At  Toledo,  in  Spain,  the  blessed 
Confessor  Julian,  Bishop  of  that  see, 
[and  also  native  of  the  same  place.] 
Very  famous  for  his  holiness  and 
teaching,  [in  the  year  690.] 

Vespers  of  the  following  from  the 
Chapter  inclusive. 

March  8. 

&t  tfeltx,  Bisfjop  [of  ©un- 
fotrf},]  Confessor, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  (p.  515,)  ex- 
cept the  following. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c." 

The  Vespers  of  March  7  are  of  St 
Thomas  of  Aquino  till  the  Chapter, 
exclusive. 

The  Chapter  and  the  rest  are  of 
St  Felix,  with  a  Commemoration  of 
St  Thomas.  (Antiphon,  "  O  right 
excellent,  &c") 

And  in  Lent  of  the  Week-day. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  lesson  {From  Bede,  xi.  15.) 

ABOUT  the  year  of  Christ  631 
came  from  Burgundy,  where 
he  had  been  born  and  ordained,  to 
Honorius,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
the  Bishop  Felix,  and,  when  he  had 
shown  him  all  his  desire,  he  com- 
missioned him  to  preach  to  the 
East  Angles.  And  he  was  not  dis- 
appointed of  his  hope.  He  de- 
livered the  whole  of  that  land  from 
their  long-standing  sin  and  sorrow, 
and  taught  them  to  believe  rightly 
and  to  do  rightly,  and  how  to  be 
happy  for  ever.  He  established  his 
See  in  the  town  of  Dunwich,  and 
there,  after  ruling  his  Diocese  for 
seventeen  years,  he  brought  his  life 
to  a  peaceful  end. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"  It  is  idle,  &c,"  {p.  519,)  to  which 
may  be  added,  "Whatsoever,  there- 
fore,  &c,"  {p.   519.) 

Sixth  Lesson. 

"  Whatsoever,  therefore,  &c,"  or 
"It  is  very  meet,   &c,"  {p.   520.) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  1 4,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.    522.) 

Ln  Lent  the  last  is  read  along  with 
the  Eighth  to  make  room  for  the  Homily 
of  the  Week-day,  of  which  also  a  Com- 
memoration is  made  at  Lauds. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  9th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  the  holy  widow  Frances, 
famous  for  her  nobleness  of  birth,  the 
holiness  of  her  life,  and  the  grace  of 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


797 


working  miracles,  [in  the  year  1440. 
Foundress  of  the  Oblates.] 

At  Sebaste,  in  Armenia,  the  forty 
holy  Cappadocian  soldiers.  Under 
the  President  Agricolaus,  in  the  time 
of  the  Emperor  Licinius,  after  under- 
going bonds  and  a  foul  imprisonment, 
and  after  their  faces  had  been  bruised 
with  stones,  they  were  stripped  naked, 
and  exposed  all  night  upon  the  sur- 
face of  a  frozen  pool  during  the  bitter- 
est cold  of  winter,  where  their  bodies 
perished  by  the  frost,  and  at  length 
by  the  breaking  of  their  legs.  The 
illustrious  glory  of  them  all  hath  been 
celebrated  by  holy  Basil,  and  the  other 
Fathers  in  their  writings,  the  chief 
among  them  were  named  Cyrion  and 
Candidus.  We  keep  their  feast  upon 
the  morrow  after. 

At  Nyssa,  holy  Gregory,  [in-  the 
year  396,]  Bishop  of  that  see,  brother 
of  blessed  Basil  the  Great.  He  is 
very  famous  for  his  life  and  learn- 
ing ;  for  defending  the  Catholic  faith 
he  was  driven  out  of  his  own  city 
by  the  Arian   Emperor  Valens. 

At  Barcelona,  in  Spain,  holy  Pa- 
cian,  Bishop  of  that  see,  famous  not 
only  for  his  life  but  also  for  his 
words,  who  died  in  a  good  old  age 
in  the  time  of  the  Emperor  Theo- 
dosius. 

In  Moravia,  [in  the  ninth  century,] 
the  holy  Cyril,  Bishop  [of  Moravia,] 
and  Methodius,  Bishop  [of  Kief,]  who 
brought  to  believe  in  Christ  many  of 
the  peoples  of  those  countries  and 
their  kings,  [and  whose  feast  we  keep 
upon  the  5th  day  of  July.] 

At  Bologna,  [in  the  year  1463,]  the 
holy  Virgin  Katherine,  of  the  Order 
of  St  Clare,  famous  for  the  holiness 
of  her  life,  whose  body  is  there  rev- 
erenced with  great  honour. 

Vespers  are  of  St  Frances,  from  the 
Chapter,  inclusive,  with  a  Commemo- 
ration of  St  Felix,  and  in  Lent  of  the 
Week-day. 


March  9. 

&t  Frances  of  Eome, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  an 
Holy  Woman  who  is  neither  Virgin 
nor  Martyr,  {p.  580,)  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

Prayer  throughout. 

C\  GOD,  Who  didst  give  unto 
Thy  blessed  hand-maid  Frances 
many  gifts  of  Thy  heavenly  grace, 
and,  among  them,  to  have  an  angel 
for  her  familiar  friend ;  mercifully 
grant  that  we,  being  continually  holpen 
through  her  prayers,  may  worthily 
attain  unto  the  fellowship  of  angels 
hereafter.  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. 

At  First  Vespers  a  Commemoration 
is  made  of  the  preceding,  (Prayer  as  at 
his  First  Vespers, )  and  if  it  be  Lent  of 
the  Week-day. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  If  it  be  Lent,  from  Prov. 
xxxi.  10,  (p.  580.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T^HE  noble  Roman  matron  Frances 
[was  born  in  the  year  1384, 
and]  was  a  pattern  of  godliness  from 
her  earliest  years.  As  a  child  she 
shrank  from  games,  and  set  no  store 
by  the  amusements  of  the  world,  but 
delighted  to  be  continually  alone  and 


798 


THE    PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


engaged  in  prayer.  At  the  age  of 
eleven  years  she  desired  to  consecrate 
her  virginity  to  God,  and  to  enter  a 
convent,  but  (humbly  yielded  obedience 
to  the  wishes  of  her  parents,  and  was 
married  to  Lawrence  de'  Pontiani,  a 
young  man  whose  rank  was  equal  to 
his  wealth.  As  a  wife  she  persevered, 
as  far  as  she  lawfully  could,  in  her 
determination  to  lead  an  austere  life  ; 
she  abstained  as  much  as  possible 
from  going  to  shows,  feasts,  and  such 
like  amusements,  dressed  plainly  in 
woollen  stuffs,  and  spent  in  prayer 
or  the  service  of  her  neighbour  what- 
ever time  she  did  not  occupy  with  her 
duties  as  mistress  of  her  husband's 
house.  She  strove  earnestly  to  wean 
the  married  women  of  Rome  from 
the  vanities  of  the  world  and  the 
frivolities  of  dress.  To  this  end  she 
founded  during  her  husband's  lifetime 
the  Sisterhood  of  the  Oblates,  under  the 
rule  of  the  Benedictine  congregation 
called  "of  the  Mount  of  Olives." 
When  it  pleased  God,  [in  the  year 
1 41 3,]  that  her  husband  should  be 
banished,  all  her  goods  taken  away, 
and  her  home  ruined,  she  meekly 
bowed  down  before  His  holy  will, 
often  repeating  the  words  of  the 
blessed  Job  :  "  The  LORD  gave,  and 
the  Lord  hath  taken  away ;  blessed 
be  the  name  of  the  Lord."  (i.  21.) 

Fifth  Lesson. 

C\N  her  husband's  death  she  [in 
^"^  M37]  betook  herself  immed- 
iately to  the  house  of  the  Oblates, 
and,  with  her  feet  bare  and  a  rope 
round  her  neck,  threw  herself  down 
on  the  threshold,  entreating  the  sisters 
with  tears  to  receive  her  into  their 
number.  When  she  obtained  her 
wish,  although  she  was  the  mother 
of  them  all,  she  would  be  among 
them  only  as  one  that  served,  glory- 
ing rather  to  be  called  the  most  de- 


graded of  women  and  a  vessel  of 
uncleanness.  Her  lowly  esteem  of 
herself  was  shown  both  by  her  word 
and  example.  She  passed  often 
through  the  city  from  a  vineyard 
in  the  country  carrying  a  bundle  of 
sticks  on  her  head,  or  driving  an  ass 
laden  with  faggots  ;  she  succoured  the 
needy,  for  whom  she  collected  large 
alms,  and  visited  the  sick  in  the 
hospitals,  ministering  to  them  both 
food  for  the  body  and  exhortations 
healthful  for  their  souls.  She  strove 
continually  to  bring  her  body  into 
subjection  by  watchings,  fastings, 
haircloth,  the  wearing  of  an  iron 
girdle,  and  the  often  use  of  a  scourge. 
She  never  ate  but  once  a  day,  and 
then  only  vegetables,  and  she  took  no 
drink  but  water.  These  severities 
she  however  sometimes  relaxed,  in 
obedience  to  her  confessor,  on  whose 
word  and  wishes  she  framed  her 
customs. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

CO  great  was  her  mental  realisation 
of  the  things  of  God,  and  chiefly 
of  the  sufferings  of  the  Lord  Christ, 
and  so  abundant  her  tears  in  con- 
templating them,  that  she  seemed 
sometimes  about  to  sink  under  her 
grief.  Often  when  she  was  engaged 
in  prayer,  and  principally  after  she 
had  received  the  Most  Holy  Sacra- 
ment of  the  Eucharist,  her  spirit 
became  altogether  lifted  up  to  God, 
and  she  remained  motionless,  carried 
away  by  the  thought  of  heavenly 
things.  The  enemy  of  man  assailed 
her  with  divers  reproaches  and  buffet- 
ings  to  break  her  off  her  intent,  but 
she  feared  him  not,  and  with  the  help 
of  an  Angel  whom  God  gave  her  to 
be  her  familiar  friend,  she  won  a 
noble  victory  over  the  tempter.  God 
glorified  her  with  the  gifts  of  healing 
and  of  prophecy,  whereby  she  fore- 
told   things    to    come,    and    saw    the 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


799 


secrets  of  the  hearts  of  men.  More 
than  once  while  her  thoughts  were 
busy  in  God  she  remained  unwet  by 
streams  or  rain.  When  there  was 
left  only  bread  enough  for  three 
sisters,  the  Lord  at  her  prayers  was 
pleased  so  to  multiply  it,  that  fifteen 
had  enough,  and  the  basket  was  filled 
again  with  the  fragments.  In  the 
month  of  January  also,  when  the 
sisters  were  gathering  sticks  in  the 
country,  and  were  thirsty,  she  sat- 
isfied them  abundantly  with  bunches 
of  fresh  grapes  from  a  tree.  She 
departed  to  be  with  the  Lord,  famous 
for  good  works  and  miracles,  in  the 
fifty-sixth  year  of  her  age,  [upon  the 
9th  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1440.]  The  Supreme  Pontiff 
Paul  V.  caused  her  to  be  numbered 
among  the  saints. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xiii.  44,  with 
the  Homily  of  Pope  St  Gregory,  {p. 
583.)  In  Lent  the  Ninth  Lesson  is 
the  Homily  on  the  Gospel  for  the 
Week- day ,  in  which  case  the  Third 
Lesson  of  the  Homily  on  Matth.  xii. 
44  is  omitted,  or  read  as  one  with  the 
Second,  and  the  First  Lesson  only  of 
the  Week-day  is  read,  or  else  all  three 
as  one. 

In  Lent  a  Commemoration  of  the 
Week-day  is  made  at  Lauds. 


Lucius  Verus,  as  is  written  by  Ap- 
polinaris,  Bishop  of  Hierapolis,  in 
his  book  against  the  heretics  called 
Cataphrygians. 

In  Persia,  forty-two  holy  martyrs, 
[about  the  year  375.] 

At  Corinth,  the  holy  martyrs  Cod- 
ratus,  Denis,  Cyprian,  Anectus,  Paul, 
and  Crescens,  who  were  slain  with 
the  sword  under  the  President  Jason, 
in  the  persecution  under  the  Em- 
perors Decius  and  Valerian. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyr  Victor, 
on  whose  feast  day  holy  Augustine 
addressed  a  discourse  to  the  people. 

At  Jerusalem,  the  holy  Confessor 
Macarius,  Patriarch  of  that  see,  at 
whose  exhortation  Constantine  and 
Helen  cleansed  the  holy  places,  and 
adorned  them  with  hallowed  churches 
[about  the  year  334.  There  is  a 
letter  to  him  from  Constantine  pre- 
served by  Socrates.] 

At  Paris,  [in  the  year  580,]  holy 
Drostovaeus,  Abbat  [of  the  monastery 
of  St  German  de  Pres,]  the  disciple 
of  blessed  German,  Bishop  [of  Paris.] 

In  the  monastery  of  Bobbio,  holy 
Attala,  Abbat  [of  that  monastery,] 
famous  for  miracles,  [in  the  year 
627.] 

At  Second  Vespers  a  Commemora- 
tion is  made  of  the  following;  Anti- 
phon  and  Verse  and  Answer  from  the 
Common  Office  for  Many  Martyrs,  (p. 
603,)  and  the  following. 


MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  forty  holy  martyrs  who  suffered 
at  Sebaste,  in  Armenia. 

Upon  the  same  1  oth  day  of  March, 
were  born  into  a  better  life — 

At  Apamea,  in  Phrygia,  the  holy 
martyrs  Caius  and  Alexander,  who 
were  crowned  with  a  glorious  martyr- 
dom in  the  persecution  under  the 
Emperors      Marcus     Antoninus     and 


Prayer. 

/^RANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Al- 
^^  mighty  God,  that  we  who  know 
Thy  glorious  Martyrs  to  have  been  in 
their  testimony  leal  and  true  towards 
Thee,  may,  now  that  they  are  with 
Thee,  feel  them  to  be  in  their  petitions 
pitiful  towards  us. 

Then  the  Week-day  is  commemorated. 


8oo 


THE   PROPER  OFFICE  OF   THE  SAINTS. 


March  io. 

Eje  jFortp  i^olg  Jftartgrg  at 
Sebaiste* 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
.  Many  Martyrs,  (p.  498,)  except  the 
following. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  (in  Lent)  from  Rom.  viii. 
12,  (p.  499.)  -#r  0«^  <?/"  Lent,  accord- 
ing  to  the  Season, 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

~\\  7"HILE  Licinius  was  Emperor  and 
Agricolaus  President,  [in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  320,]  forty  soldiers 
at  Sebaste,  a  city  of  Armenia,  gave 
a  singular  instance  of  faith  in  JESUS 
Christ,  and  bravery  under  suffering. 
After  being  often  remanded  to  an 
horrid  prison-house,  bound  in  fetters, 
and  their  mouths  bruised  with  stones, 
they  were  ordered  out  in  the  depth  of 
winter,  stripped  naked,  and  put  upon 
a  frozen  pool,  to  die  of  cold  during  the 
night.  The  prayer  of  them  all  was  the 
same  :  "  O  Lord,  forty  of  us  have  begun 
to  run  in  the  race,  grant  that  all  forty 
may  receive  the  crown,  let  not  one  be 
wanting  at  the  last.  Behold,  is  it  not  an 
honourable  number  in  Thy  sight,  Who 
didst  bless  the  fast  of  forty  days,  and  at 
the  end  Thy  Divine  Law  came  forth 
to  the  earth  ?  When  also  Elias  sought 
Thee,  Thou,  O  God,  didst  reveal 
Thyself  unto  him  when  he  had  fasted 
for  forty  days."  Even  so  was  their 
petition. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"VXTHEN  the  keepers  were  all  asleep 

and    the   watchman    only    was 

awake,   he   heard    them    praying  and 


saw  a  light  shining  round  about  them, 
and  Angels  coming  down  from  heaven, 
as  the  messengers  of  the  King,  bearing 
nine-and-thirty  crowns,  and  distributing 
them  to  the  soldiers.  Then  he  said 
within  himself:  "Are  not  forty  here  ? 
Where  is  the  crown  of  the  fortieth  ?  " 
And  as  he  looked  he  saw  one  of  them 
whose  courage  could  not  bear  the  cold, 
come  and  leap  into  a  warm  bath  that 
stood  by ;  and  the  Saints  were  griev- 
ously afflicted.  Nevertheless  God 
suffered  not  that  their  prayer  should 
return  unto  them  void  ;  for  the 
watchman  wondered,  and  called  the 
keepers,  and  stripped  himself  of  his 
clothes  ;  and,  when  with  a  loud  voice 
he  had  confessed  himself  a  Christian, 
he  joined  the  Martyrs.  When  the 
servants  of  the  President  knew  that 
the  watchman  also  was  a  Christian, 
they  brake  the  legs  of  them  all  with 
staves. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T  T  NDER  this  torment  died  they  all, 
saving  Melithon,  who  was  the 
youngest.  Now,  his  mother  stood  by, 
and  when  she  saw  that  his  legs  were 
broken,  but  that  he  was  yet  alive, 
she  cried,  and  said  :  "  My  son,  have 
patience  but  a  little  longer.  Behold 
how  Christ  standeth  at  the  door  to 
help  thee."  When  she  saw  the  bodies 
of  all  the  others  put  upon  carts  and 
taken  away  to  be  burned,  and  that 
her  son  was  left  behind,  because  the 
multitude  wickedly  hoped  that  being 
but  a  lad,  if  he  lived,  he  might  yet 
be  drawn  to  commit  idolatry,  the  holy 
mother  took  him  on  her  own  shoulders 
and  bravely  followed  behind  the  carts 
laden  with  the  bodies  of  the  Martyrs. 
In  her  arms  Melithon  gave  up  his 
soul  to  God,  and  the  mother  who 
loved  him  so  well  laid  his  body  with 
her  own  hands  upon  the  pile,  with 
those  of  the  other  Martyrs,  that,  as 
they  had  all  been   one    in   faith    and 


FEAST-DAYS    IN    MARCH. 


8oi 


strength,  in  death  they  might  not 
be  divided,  and  might  enter  heaven 
together.  After  the  burning,  what 
remained  of  them  was  thrown  into  a 
running  stream,  but  the  ashes  were 
all  washed  together  into  one  place, 
and  being  found  and  rescued,  they 
were  laid  in  an  honourable  sepulchre. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  vi.  17,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Ambrose,  {p.  511.)  The 
Ninth  Lesson  is  the  Homily  on  the 
Gospel  for  the  Week-day,  and  the 
Third  Lesson  of  the  Homily  on  Luke 
vi.  17  is  omitted  or  read  as  one  with 
the  Second,  and  the  First  Lesson  only 
of  the  Week-day  is  read,  or  else  all 
three  as  one. 

Prayer  throughout  the  day  as  at  the 
Commemoration  last  evening. 

At  Lauds  a  Commemoration  is  made 
of  the  Week-day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

On  the  morrow  we  keep  the  feast 
of  the  holy  Confessor  John  of  God, 
founder  of  the  Order  of  Brethren  Hos- 
pitallers of  the  Sick.  Famous  for  his 
pity  toward  the  poor,  and  for  his 
lowly  esteem  of  himself,  whom  the 
Supreme  Pontiff  Leo  XIII.  declared 
the  Patron  in  heaven  of  all  the  sick 
and  those  who  nurse  them,  and  of 
whom  mention  hath  been  made  upon 
the  8th  day  of  this  present  month  of 
March. 

Upon  the  same  1  ith  day  of  March, 
were  born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Carthage,  the  holy  martyrs 
Heraclius  and  Zosimus. 

At  Alexandria,  the  holy  martyrs 
Candidus,  Piperion,  and  twenty  others. 

At  Laodicea,  in  Syria,  in  the  perse- 
cution under  the  Emperor  Diocletian, 
the  holy  martyrs  Trophimus  and 
Thalus,  who  after  many  cruel  torments 
gained  crowns  of  glory. 


At  Antioch,  are  commemorated 
many  holy  martyrs,  of  whom  some 
were  laid  upon  beds  of  red-hot  iron 
by  command  of  the  Emperor  Max- 
imian,  not  until  they  died,  but  until 
their  flesh  was  cooked,  so  as  to  ensure 
their  prolonged  suffering  ;  and  others 
were  put  to  other  most  cruel  torments, 
before  they  received  the  crown  of 
martyrdom. 

Likewise  the  holy  martyrs  Gorgonius 
and  Firmus. 

At  Cordova,  the  holy  Priest  Eulog- 
ius,  who  deserved  a  place  among  the 
martyrs  of  the  said  city,  in  the  perse- 
cution under  the  Saracens,  by  striving 
by  his  writings  to  rival  their  con- 
tendings  for  the  faith,  [in  the  year 
859.] 

At  Sardis,  holy  Euthymius,  Bishop 
of  that  see,  who  for  his  honouring  of 
holy  images  was  banished  by  the 
Iconoclast  Emperor  Michael,  and  mar- 
tyred under  Theophilus. 

At  Jerusalem,  holy  Sophronius, 
Bishop  of  that  see,  [about  the  year 
638.] 

At  Milan,  holy  Benedict,  Bishop  of 
that  see,  [about  the  year  725.] 

In  the  neighbourhood  of  Amiens, 
the  holy  Abbat  Firmin." 

At  Carthage,  the  holy  Confessor 
Constantine. 

At  Bauco,  the  holy  Confessor  Peter, 
eminent  for  the  fame  of  his  miracles. 
[A  Spanish  soldier  who  lived  as  a 
hermit  in   Italy.] 

Vespers  are  of  the  following  from 
the  Chapter  inclusive. 

March  ii. 

&t  Sojjn  of  ffiotr,  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Confessor  not  a  Bishop,  (p.  531,)  except 
the  following. 


802 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Prayer  throughout. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  didst  so  enkindle  in 
^^  Thy  servant  John  the  fire  of 
Thy  Divine  love,  that  when  he  walked 
in  the  midst  of  earthly  fire  the  flame 
thereof  had  on  his  body  no  power, 
and  Who  didst  choose  him  for  a  mean 
whereby  Thou  hast  given  unto  Thy 
Church  a  new  family  of  sons,  merci- 
fully grant  unto  us,  for  his  sake,  that 
the  fire  of  Thy  love  may  burn  up  in 
us  all  things  that  displease  Thee,  and 
make  us  meet  for  Thy  heavenly  king- 
dom. 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. 

First  Vespers  are  of  St  John. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Forty  Martyrs.  Prayer  as  in  their 
Office,  and  then  of  the    Week-day. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from   Ecclus.    xxxi.    8,    (J>. 

542.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 
Fourth  Lesson. 

JOHN  of  God  was  born  of  Catholic 
and  godly  parents  in  the  town 
of  Montemor  in  Portugal,  [in  the  year 
1495.]  The  lot  to  which  God  had 
elected  him  was  foreshown  at  his  birth 
by  a  light  shining  over  the  house, 
and  by  the  ringing  of  a  bell  untouched 
by  human  hands.  He  fell  at  one 
time  into  a  loose  habit  of  life,  but  was 
recalled  by  the  grace  of  God,  and 
began  to  show  tokens  of  true  re- 
formation. By  hearing  the  Word  of 
God,  he  so  felt  himself  stirred  up  to 
strive  after  nobler  things,  that  he  con- 
sidered not  that  to  which  he  had  al- 
ready attained,  and  yearned  to  be 
perfect,  as   our   Father    in   heaven   is 


perfect.  He  gave  away  all  his  pro- 
perty to  the  poor  and  prisoners,  and 
became  a  gazing  -  stock  to  all  that 
knew  him,  by  the  strength  of  his  re- 
pentance, and  the  depth  of  his  self- 
contempt.  On  this  account  he  was 
commonly  supposed  to  be  mad,  and 
was  once  shut  up  in  a  lunatic  asylum. 
He  was  only  the  more  filled  with 
schemes  of  charity,  and  collected,  by 
begging,  funds  sufficient  to  build  a 
large  double  Hospital  in  the  town  of 
Granada.  Here  he  founded  the  new 
Order  of  Hospital  Brethren  with 
which  he  enriched  the  Church.  These 
Brethren  are  now  spread  throughout 
all  parts  of  the  world,  and  engaged 
in  ministering  to  the  souls  and  bodies 
of  the  sick. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  T  E  strove  to  get  for  the  sick  poor, 
whom  he  sometimes  brought  to 
the  Hospital  on  his  own  shoulders, 
whatever  was  needful  for  their  souls 
or  bodies.  His  charity  was  extended 
to  the  poor  outside  of  his  institution, 
and  he  used  to  supply  food  privately 
to  necessitous  widows,  and  more  so 
to  young  women  whose  virtue  was 
tempted  on  account  of  their  poverty. 
He  was  most  careful  in  encouraging 
the  virtue  of  purity  in  all  whom  he 
knew.  On  one  occasion  when  there 
was  a  great  fire  in  the  hospital  at 
Granada,  John  bravely  entered  the 
burning  house,  ran  from  one  part  of 
it  to  another,  carried  out  the  sick  on 
his  shoulders,  and  threw  the  beds  out 
of  the  windows,  and  finally,  after  pass- 
ing half-an-hour  in  the  midst  of  the 
flames,  which  were  now  raging  with 
great  violence,  by  the  mercy  of  God 
left  the  building  uninjured,  to  the 
great  wonder  of  all  the  citizens  ;  there- 
by to  teach  all  them  that  love  God 
that  the  fire  which  burnt  in  his  heart 
gave  him  strength  to  risk  the  fire 
which  threatened  him  from  without. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


8o3 


Sixth  Lesson. 

I-JE  was  a  marked  example  of  every 
kind  of  austerity,  of  the  most 
lowly  obedience,  of  the  deepest  volun- 
tary  poverty,    of  the    most    constant 
prayer,  of  ghostly  contemplation,  and 
of  love  towards    the  blessed   Virgin. 
He  was  distinguished  for  the  gift  of 
tears.     Being  at  last  seized  by  deadly 
sickness,  he  duly  received,  with  saintly 
affection,    all    the   Sacraments   of  the 
Church.     After  all  strength  seemed  to 
have  left  him,  he  got  out  of  his  bed, 
put   on    his    own    clothes,    and    knelt 
down   before  an   image   of  the    Lord 
Christ  hanging  on  the  Cross.      Round 
it  he   threw  his  arms  and  pressed  it 
against  his  heart,  and  in  this  position, 
as  it  were  in  the  kiss  of  the  Lord,  he 
died,  on  the   8th  day  of  March  1550. 
After  his  death  his  body  did  not  leave 
its  grip  of  the  crucifix  until  it  was  for- 
cibly  taken    away,    six    hours    after. 
During    these    six   hours    all    the    in- 
habitants of  the  city  came  to  see  it, 
and  noticed  a  savour  of  strange  sweet- 
ness   proceeding  from  it.     His  name 
was  illustrious  as  a  worker  of  miracles 
both  before  and  after  his  death,  and 
the  Supreme  Pontiff  Alexander  VIII. 
added  it  to  those  of  the  Saints,  and 
Leo  XIII.,  at  the  desire  of  the  Bishops 
of  the  Catholic  world,  and  in  accord- 
ance with  a  vote  of  the  Congregation 
of  Rites,  declared  him  the  patron  in 
heaven  of  all  the  sick  and  those  who 
nurse  them,  wheresoever  dwelling,  and 
ordered    that    his    name     should    be 
called    upon    in     the    Litany   for    the 
dying. 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy  Gos- 
pel 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 :  Mas- 
ter, which  is  the  great  commandment 
in  the  Law  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  John  Chrysostom,  Pa- 
triarch [of  Constantinople.]  72?id  on 
Matthew. 

When  the  Pharisees  had  heard  that 
Christ  had  put  the  Sadducees  to 
silence,  they  gathered  themselves  to- 
gether for  a  fresh  attack ;  just  when 
it  behoved  them  to  be  quiet,  they 
willed  to  contend ;  and  so  they  put 
forward  one  of  themselves,  who  pro- 
fessed skill  in  the  law,  not  wishing 
to  learn,  but  to  lay  a  snare.  This 
person  therefore  proposed  the  ques- 
tion :  "  Which  is  the  great  command- 
ment 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  question : 
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. 

VX7"HY  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 
followeth :     "They   are    corrupt,    and 


804 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


become  abominable  in  their  works." 
(Ps.  xiii.  i.)  And  yet  again:  "The 
love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all 
evil ;  whicfy  while  some  coveted  after, 
they  have  erred  from  the  faith."  (i 
Tim.  vi.  10.)  And  yet  once  more: 
"  If  ye  love  Me,  keep  My  command- 
ments." (John  xiv.  15,) — of  which 
commandments  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 
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  interrog- 
ated about  the  Resurrection,  He 
answered  them  more  than  they  asked, 
so,  now,  being  interrogated  concern- 
ing 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  under- 
stand that  it  was  hatred  stirred  them 
up  to  question  Him.  "  For  Charity," 
saith  the  Apostle,  "envieth  not."  (1 
Cor.  xiii.  4.) 

The  Ninth  Lesson  is  the  Homily  on 
the  Gospel  for  the  Week-day.  The 
Third  Lesson  of  the  Homily  on  Matth. 
xxii.  35,  is  omitted  or  read  as  one  with 
the  Second,  and  the  First  Lesson  only 
of  the  Week-day  is  read,  or  else  all 
three  as  one. 


In  Lent  a  Commemoration  of  the 
Week-day  is  made  at  Lauds. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  12th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  holy  Pope  Gregory  [I.,] 
an  eminent  Doctor  of  the  Church, 
who,  on  account  of  his  illustrious  acts 
and  his  doings  to  bring  the  English 
to  believe  in  Christ,  is  surnamed 
the  Great,  and  called  the  Apostle  of 
England,  [in  the  year  604.] 

Likewise  at  Rome,  the  holy  martyr 
Mamilian,  [in  the  year  295.] 

At  Nicomedia,  the  blessed  martyr 
Peter.  He  was  a  chamberlain  to  the 
Emperor  Diocletian,  and  because  he 
bewailed  the  fearful  slaughter  of  mar- 
tyrs, the  Emperor  commanded  him  to 
be  brought  forth,  hung  up,  and  lashed 
for  a  long  time.  After  which  he  was 
covered  with  vinegar  and  salt,  and  at 
length  roasted  upon  a  grating  upon  a 
slow  fire,  and  thus  is  he  worthy  to  be 
reckoned  a  true  inheritor  of  Peter's 
faith,  as  well  as  Peter's  name. 

There  likewise  the  holy  martyrs 
Egdunus  the  Priest,  and  seven  others, 
of  whom  one  was  strangled  every  day 
in  order  to  terrify  the  others,  [about 
the  year  303.] 

At  Constantinople,  holy  Theophanes. 
He  was  originally  a  very  rich  man, 
but  became  a  monk.  The  wicked 
Emperor  Leo,  the  Armenian,  kept  him 
for  two  years  in  prison  for  honouring 
holy  images,  and  then  banished  him 
to  Samo-Thrace,  where  he  sank  under 
his  sufferings  and  gave  up  the  ghost, 
[about  the  year  818.]  He  is  famous 
for  many  miracles. 

At  Capua,  the  holy  Confessor  Ber- 
nard, Bishop  of  Calenum,  [in  the  year 
1 109.] 

Vespers  of  the  following. 
The  Second  Vespers  are  of  the  fol- 
lowing, from  the  Chapter,  inclusive. 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


805 


MARCH    12. 

&t  0regor|j  [tije  ©rear,]  Pope 
of  Eome,  Confessor,  doc- 
tor of  tije  $j)itrci),  ano  Ap- 
ostle of  ^Hnglano. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  ex- 
cept the  following. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  O  right  excellent  Teacher, 
&c,   (A    515.) 

Prayer  throughout. 

f~\  GOD,  who  hast  blessed  the 
^~"^  soul  of  Thy  servant  Gregory 
with  an  everlasting  blessing,  merci- 
fully grant  that  we,  who  groan  under 
the  burden  of  our  sins,  may  by  his 
prayers  be  relieved.  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. 

A  Coimnemoration  is  made  of  St 
John  of  God,  with  Prayer  from  his 
Office. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Ecclus.  xxxix.  1,  as 
in  the  Common   Office,   {p.    547.) 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

/GREGORY  the  Great  was  a 
^  Roman,  the  son  of  Gordian 
the  Senator,  [and  was  born  about 
the  year  of  our  Lord  54°-]  As  a 
young  man  he  studied  philosophy, 
and   afterwards   discharged   the  office 


of  Praetor.  After  his  father's  death 
he  built  six  monasteries  in  Sicily, 
and  a  seventh  in  honour  of  St  An- 
drew, in  his  own  house  at  Rome, 
hard  by  the  Church  of  Saints  John 
and  Paul  at  the  ascent  of  the  hill 
Scaurus.  In  this  monastery  of  St 
Andrew,  he  and  his  masters,  Hila- 
rion  and  Maximian,  professed  them- 
selves monks,  and  Gregory  was 
afterwards  Abbat.  Later  on,  he  was 
created  a  Cardinal  Deacon,  and  sent 
to  Constantinople  as  legate  from 
Pope  Pelagius  to  the  Emperor 
Tiberius  Constantine.  Before  the 
Emperor  he  so  successfully  disputed 
against  the  Patriarch  Eutychius,  who 
had  denied  that  our  bodies  shall 
verily  and  indeed  rise  again,  that 
the  Prince  threw  the  book  of  the 
said  Patriarch  into  the  fire.  Euty- 
chius himself  also  soon  after  fell 
sick,  and  when  he  felt  death  coming 
on  him,  he  took  hold  of  the  skin 
of  his  own  hand  and  said  in  the 
hearing  of  many  that  stood  by:  "I 
acknowledge  that  we  shall  all  rise 
again  in  this  flesh." 

Fifth  Lesson. 

/"GREGORY  returned  to  Rome, 
^-^  and,  Pelagius  being  dead  of  a 
plague,  he  was  unanimously  chosen 
Pope.  This  honour  he  refused  as 
long  as  he  could.  He  disguised 
himself  and  took  refuge  in  a  cave, 
but  was  betrayed  by  a  fiery  pillar. 
Being  discovered  and  overruled,  he 
was  consecrated  at  the  grave  of  St 
Peter,  [upon  the  3rd  day  of  Septem- 
ber, in  the  year  590.]  He  left  be- 
hind him  many  ensamples  of  doc- 
trine and  holiness  to  them  that 
have  followed  him  in  the  Popedom. 
Every  day  he  brought  pilgrims  to 
his  table,  and  among  them  he  en- 
tertained not  an  Angel  only,  but 
the  very  Lord  of  Angels  in  the 
guise    of    a    pilgrim.       He    tenderly 


8o6 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


cared  for  the  poor,  of  whom  he 
kept  a  list,  as  well  without  as 
within  the  city.  He  restored  the 
Catholic  fdith  in  many  places  where 
it  had  been  overthrown.  He  fought 
successfully  against  the  Donatists  in 
Africa  and  the  Arians  in  Spain. 
He  cleansed  Alexandria  of  the  Ag- 
noites.  He  refused  to  give  the  Pall 
to  Syagrius,  Bishop  of  Autun,  un- 
less he  would  expel  the  Neophyte 
heretics  from  Gaul.  He  caused  the 
Goths  to  abandon  the  Arian  heresy. 
He  sent  into  Britain  Augustine  and 
divers  other  learned  and  holy  monks, 
who  brought  the  inhabitants  of  that 
island  to  believe  in  Jesus  Christ. 
Hence  Gregory  is  justly  called  by 
Bede,  the  Priest  of  Jarrow,  "  the 
Apostle  of  England."  He  rebuked 
the  presumption  of  John,  Patriarch 
of  Constantinople,  who  had  taken  to 
himself  the  title  of  Bishop  of  the 
Universal  Church,  and  he  dissuaded 
the  Emperor  Maurice  from  forbid- 
ding soldiers  to  become  monks. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

/GREGORY  adorned  the  Church 
^■^  with  holy  customs  and  laws. 
He  called  together  a  Synod  in  the 
Church  of  St  Peter,  and  therein  or- 
dained many  things ;  among  others, 
the  ninefold  repetition  of  the  words 
■"  Kyrie  eleison "  in  the  Mass,  the 
saying  of  the  word  "  Alleluia "  in 
the  Church  service  except  between 
Septuagesima  inclusive  and  Easter 
exclusive,  and  the  addition  to  the 
Canon  of  the  Mass  of  the  words 
**  Do  Thou  order  all  our  days  in 
Thy  peace."  He  increased  the  Lit- 
anies, the  number  of  the  Churches 
where  is  held  the  observance  called 
a  Station,  and  the  length  of  the 
Church  Service.  He  would  that 
the  four  Councils  of  Nice,  Constan- 
tinople, Ephesus,  and  Chalcedon 
should    be    honoured    like   four    Gos- 


pels. He  released  the  Sicilian  Bish- 
ops from  visiting  Rome  every  three 
years,  willing  them  to  come  instead 
once  every  five  years.  He  was  the 
author  of  many  books,  and  Peter 
the  Deacon  declareth  that  he  often 
saw  the  Holy  Ghost  on  his  head  in 
the  form  of  a  dove  when  he  was 
dictating  them.  It  is  a  marvel  how 
much  he  spoke,  did,  wrote,  and 
legislated,  suffering  all  the  while 
from  a  weak  and  sickly  body.  He 
worked  many  miracles.  At  last  God 
called  him  away  to  be  blessed  for 
ever  in  heaven,  in  the  thirteenth 
year,  sixth  month,  and  tenth  day  of 
his  Pontificate,  being  the  12th  day 
of  March,  [in  the  year  of  salvation 
604.]  This  day  is  observed  by  the 
Greeks,  as  well  as  by  us,  as  a  festi- 
val, on  account  of  the  eminent  wis- 
dom and  holiness  of  this  Pope.  His 
body  was  buried  in  the  Church  of 
St  Peter,  hard  by  the  Private  Chapel. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy  Gos- 
pel according  to  Matthew  (v.  12.) 

A  T    that    time :    Jesus    said    unto 

His  disciples :   Ye  are   the  salt 

of  the    earth.     But   if  the    salt  have 

lost  his  savour,  wherewith  shall  it  be 

salted  ?     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  Pope  St  Gregory  [the 
Great.]     {Horn.    17  on  Luke  x.) 

We  have  to  consider  that  he  who 
is  not  able  by  one  exhortation  to 
exhort  all  at  once,  must  strive  ac- 
cording to  his  ability  to  instruct 
each  in  private  and  edify  each  by 
personal  conversation.  We  must  al- 
ways hold  in  mind  that  which  was 
said  to  the  holy  Apostles,  and, 
through  the  Apostles,  to  us:  "Ye 
are    the    salt    of  the    earth.       If  we 


FEAST-DAYS   IN    MARCH. 


807 


are  therefore  salt,  we  ought  to 
season  the  minds  of  the  faithful. 
Ye  then  that  are  shepherds,  remem- 
ber that  ye  feed  the  flock  of  God, 
even  that  flock  of  which  the  Psalmist 
saith  to  God  :  "  Thy  creatures  shall 
dwell  therein"  (Ps.  lxvii.  11.)  We 
often  see  pieces  of  rock-salt  given 
to  animals,  which  they  lick,  and  the 
seasoning  of  the  salt  is  good  for 
them.  As  these  pieces  of  rock-salt 
to  cattle,  so  ought  Priests  to  be  to 
their  people.  A  Priest  should  be 
prudent  in  what  he  saith,  and  what 
warning  he  giveth  to  each  ;  and  each 
one  when  he  meeteth  his  Priest, 
should  draw  from  him  a  savour  unto 
life  eternal. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

\\T~E  are  not  the  salt  of  the  earth, 
if  we  season  not  the  hearts  of 
them  that  hear  us.  He  that  faileth 
not  in  preaching,  imparteth  this  season- 
ing to  his  neighbour.  And  we  do  not 
truly  preach  to  others  unless  by  our  own 
works  and  example  we  show  them  what 
we  preach.  Dearly  beloved  brethren, 
I  think  that  God  is  not  so  much 
wronged  by  any  as  He  is  by  Priests, 
whom  He  hath  ordained  to  keep 
others  straight,  and  then  seeth  set- 
ting an  ill  example ;  when  we,  who 
ought  to  be  the  enemies  of  sin, 
work  sin,  seek  not  the  good  of 
souls,  take  leisure  to  enjoy  our  own 
pursuits,  seek  worldly  things,  and 
set  our  minds  to  gain  human  re- 
spect. And,  above  all,  when  we 
who,  as  Prelates,  are  raised  above 
the  others,  and  are  so  far  freer  to 
do  what  we  like,  prostitute  our 
ministry  of  blessing,  wherewith  we 
are  blessed,  to  compass  the  ends 
of  worldly  vanity,  abandon  God's 
work,  occupy  ourselves  with  earthly 
affairs,  take  in  sooth  an  holy  place, 
and  then  involve  ourselves  in  deeds 
and  thoughts  of  the  world. 


Eighth  Responsory. 
In  the  midst,  &c,  {p.  539.) 

The  Ninth  Lesson  is  the  Homily 
for  the  Week-day,  either  the  first 
part  or  all  three  as  one. 

At  Lauds  and  Vespers  a  Com- 
memoration is  made  of  the  Week- 
day. 

MARTYROLOGY. 

Upon  the  1 3th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Nicomedia,  the  holy  martyrs 
Macedonius,  Patricia  his  wife,  and 
Modesta  their  daughter,  [in  the  year 

303-] 

At  Nice,  the  holy  martyrs  Theusetas 
and  Horres  his  son,  Theodora,  Nym- 
phodora,  Mark,  and  Arabia,  who  were 
all  delivered  over  to  the  flames  for 
Christ's  sake. 

At  Eshman,  in  Egypt,  the  holy 
martyr  Sabinus,  who  after  suffering 
many  things,  was  at  length  drowned 
in  the  Nile,  [in  the  year  287.  He  is 
said  to  have  been  denounced  by  a 
beggar  he  maintained  by  his  alms.] 

In  Persia,  the  holy  Virgin  and 
martyr  Christina. 

At  Cordova,  the  holy  martyrs 
Roderick  the  Priest  and  Salomon,  [in 
the  year  857.] 

At  Constantinople,  holy  Nicephorus, 
Bishop  of  that  see.  He  was  a  zealous 
upholder  of  the  traditions  of  the 
Fathers,  and  for  the  honouring  of 
holy  images  constantly  withstood  the 
Iconoclast  Emperor  Leo  the  Armenian, 
by  whom  he  was  sent  into  exile,  where 
he  suffered  a  lingering  martyrdom  for 
fourteen  years,  and  then  passed  away 
to  be  ever  with  the  Lord,  [in  the  year 
828.] 

At  Camerino,  the  holy  Confessor 
Ansovinus,  Bishop  of  that  see,  [in  the 
year  840.] 

In  the  Thebaid,  the  holy  Virgin 
Euphrasia,  [in  the  year  412.] 


8o8 


THE   PROPER   OFFICE   OF   THE   SAINTS. 


Note.  If  any  of  the  Feasts  which 
follow  fall  in  Holy  Week  or  Easter 
Week,  they  are  transferred  till  after 
Low  Sunday,  with  the  changes  in  that 
case  necessary,  if  they  are  capable  of 
being  transferred  according  to  the 
general  rubrics;  but  if  not,  they  are 
simply  commemorated  at  both  Vespers 
and  Lauds  without  having  the  Ninth 
Lesson  at  Mattins. 

March  13. 
martyrology. 

Upon  the  1 4th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Rome,  in  the  Veranian  field,  the 
holy  martyr  Leo,  Bishop. 

Likewise  at  Rome,  forty-seven  holy 
martyrs,  who  were  all  baptised  by  the 
blessed  Apostle  Peter  during  the  nine 
months  during  which  he  and  his 
fellow-Apostle  Paul  were  imprisoned 
in  the  Mamertine  prison,  and  who, 
all  for  the  loyal  confession  of  their 
faith,  were  slain  by  the  sword,  under 
the  Emperor  Nero. 

In  Africa,  the  holy  martyrs  Peter 
and  Aphrodisius,  who  received  their 
crown  in  the  persecution  under  the 
Vandals. 

At  Haran,  in  Mesopotamia,  the 
holy  martyrs  Eutychius  the  Patrician 
and  his  Companions,  who  were  slain 
by  Evelid,  King  of  the  Arabs,  for  con- 
fessing their  faith,  [in  the  year  741.] 

In  the  province  of  Valeria,  two 
holy  monks,  whom  the  Lombards 
hung  upon  a  tree,  whereon  after  they 
were  dead  their  very  enemies  heard 
them  singing.  In  the  same  persecu- 
tion, a  Deacon  of  the  church  of 
Maruvium,  [now  called  that  of 
Pescina,]  was  beheaded  for  confess- 
ing the  faith. 

At  Halberstadt,  in  Germany,  the 
blessed  Matilda,  Queen  of  the  Romans, 
Mother  of  the  Emperor  Otho  I.,  who 
fell    asleep    in    peace,    illustrious   for 


her  lowliness  and  long  suffering,   [in 
the  year  968.] 

March  14. 
martyrology. 

Upon  the  1  5th  day  of  March,  were 
born  into  the  better  life — 

At  Caesarea,  in  Cappadocia,  the  holy 
martyr  Longinus,  who  is  said  to  have 
been  the  soldier  who  pierced  the 
Lord's  side  with  a  spear. 

Upon  the  same  day,  holy  Aristo- 
bulus,  the  disciple  of  the  Apostles, 
who  when  the  work  of  his  preaching 
was  done  suffered  martyrdom. 

At  Thessalonica,  holy  Matrona. 
She  was  a  slave,  belonging  to  a  cer- 
tain Jewess.  She  was  a  Christian 
in  secret,  and  went  to  the  church  every 
day  for  private  prayer.  Her  mistress 
found  this.  She  afflicted  her  in  many 
ways,  and  at  last  caused  her  to  be 
cudgelled,  until,  still  confessing  Christ, 
she  gave  up  her  pure  spirit  to  God, 
[probably  about  the  year  800.] 

On  the  same  day,  the  holy  martyr 
Menignus,  a  fuller,  who  suffered  under 
the  Emperor  Decius. 

In  Egypt,  the  holy  martyr  Nicander, 
who  would  make  careful  search  for  the 
relics  of  holy  martyrs,  and  earned  to 
become  a  martyr  himself  under  the 
Emperor  Diocletian. 

At  Cordova,  the  holy  Virgin  and 
martyr  Leocritia,  [in  the  year  880.] 

At  Rome,  holy  Pope  Zachary,  who 
governed  the  Church  of  God  with  all 
watchfulness,  and  fell  asleep  in  peace, 
famous  for  good  works,  [in  the  year 
752.] 

At  Riete,  holy  Probus,  Bishop  of 
that  see,  at  whose  death,  [in  the  year 
570,]  the  martyrs  Juvenal  and  Eleu- 
therius  were  present. 

At  Rome,  [in  the  sixth  century,] 
the  holy  [Benedictine]  monk,  [at  Ter- 
racina,]  Speciosus,  whose  soul  his 
brother  saw  being  borne  heavenward. 


Bty  2UfflttionaI  £>ertnces* 


Note. — None  of  these  Services  are  ever  binding  upon  persons  bound  to  recite 
the  Office,  except  that  for  the  Dead  on  All  Souls'  Day,  and  the  Litany  {without 
the  Penitential  Psalms)  on  St  Mark's  Day,  and  the  three  Rogation  Days.1 


€t)t  Utttle  ©ffic*  of  tf>t  mmttt  Virgin  Jttarg* 


This  Office  is  added  to  the  Church 
Office  every  day,  except  ( i )  those  on 
which  Nine  Lessons  are  read,  (2)  Sat- 
urdays upon  which  her  Office  is  said 
as  a  Simple;  upon  all  which  days 
it  is  omitted  from  the  First  Vespers 
inclusive.  Upon  Christmas  Eve  it  is 
omitted  from  Mattins  inclusive.  When 
it  is  said  in  Choir,  Mattins  and  Lauds 
are  said  before  the  Mattins  and  Lauds 
of  the  Day,  and  the  Vespers  before 
Vespers.  Prime  is  said  just  before  the 
Martyrology  is  read.  Terce,  Sext, 
None,  and  Compline  are  said  after 
the  Terce,  Sext,  None,  and  Compline 
of  the  day,  respectively.  Out  of 
Choir  it  is  said  whenever  the  reciter 
chooses. 

If  it  is  said  apart  from  the  Church 
Office,  the  Angelic  Salutation  is  said 
inaudibly  before  each  Office,  except 
Lauds.  None  of  the  Antiphons  are 
ever  doubled. 

The  Office  varies  according  as  it  be 
(1)  Ordinary,  (2)  In  Advent,  (3)  Be- 
tween Christmas  and  Candlemas. 


1.  Ordinary. 


vespers. 


Make  haste,  &c,  as  usual,  continu- 
ing the  same  as  on  a  Semi-double  Feast 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  till  the  end  of 
the  Hymn. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Afitiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Blessed  Mother  and  in- 
violate Maiden !  *  glorious  Queen  of 
the  world !  Plead  for  us  with  the 
Lord! 

Then  : 

Kyrie  eleison. 
Answer.     Christe  eleison. 
Kyrie  eleison. 

Verse.     O  Lord,  hear  my  prayer. 
Answer.    And  let  my  cry  come  unto 
Thee. 


1  Nevertheless,  in  some  Churches  the  custom  exists,  and  in  some  there  are  foundations  for 
saying  the  Little  Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  or  the  Office  of  the  Dead  every  day  or  on 
certain  days,  irrespective  of  what  the  Church  Office  may  be,  and  such  has  also  been  the 
practice  of  some  Saints. 

VOL.  I.  2D 


8io 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Let  us  pray. 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  &c,  (as 
in  the  ful{  Office,  p.  565,  with  the 
short  ending,  Through  Christ  our 
Lord.) 

Then  the  following  Commemoration 
of  the  Saints. 

Antiphon.  O  all  ye  holy  children 
of  God,  be  pleased  to  pray  for  our 
salvation  and  the  salvation  of  all  men. 

Verse.  Be  glad  in  the  LORD,  and 
rejoice,  ye  righteous. 

Answer.  And  shout  for  joy,  all  ye 
that  are  upright  in  heart. 

Let  us  pray. 

T3E  Thou,  O  Lord,  the  Shield  of 
Thy  people,  and  cover  with 
Thine  everlasting  Arm  those  who 
trust  in  the  help  of  Thine  Apostles 
Peter  and  Paul,  and  the  others  Thine 
Apostles. 

We  pray  Thee,  O  Lord,  that  all 
Thine  holy  children  may  in  all  places 
succour  us,  and  that  as  we  call  to 
mind  their  worthy  acts,  so  we  may 
feel  the  comfort  of  their  friendship. 

Grant  Thou  also  peace  in  our  days, 
and  keep  Thy  Church  ever  clean 
purged  of  all  iniquity. 

Order  Thou  also  our  footsteps,  our 
deeds,  and  our  wills,  and  the  foot- 
steps, the  deeds,  and  the  wills  of  all 
Thy  servants,  in  the  straight  path 
that  leadeth  unto  salvation  in  Thee. 

Reward  with  eternal  life  all  them 
who  do  us  good. 

And  grant  eternal  rest  unto  all  the 
faithful  departed. 

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. 


COMPLINE. 

Turn  us,  &c,  as  in  the  Church 
Office,  but  the  Psalms,  (which  are  said 
without  any  Antiphon,)  are 

Psalm  CXXVIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Song  of  Degrees."] 

TV/I"  ANY  a  time  have  they  warred 
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  ! 

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  proces- 
sions, Liturgical  or  of  pilgrims.] 

/"~\UT  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  in- 
iquities, *  O  Lord,  who  shall  stand  ? 

But  there  is  forgiveness  with  Thee  : 

1  I.e.,    "They    furrowed    my    back    with  stripes   as   the    ground    is   furrowed   with    the 
plough."    Gesenius. 


THE   LITTLE   OFFICE  OF   THE   BLESSED  VIRGIN    MARY.       81 1 


*  because  of  Thy  law,  I  wait  for  Thee, 
0  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  redemp- 
tion. 

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  without  end. 
Amen. 

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  my- 
self—  *  (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. 

Hymn} 

REMEMBER,  O  Creator  Lord, 

That  in  the  Virgin's  sacred  womb 
Thou  wast  conceived,  and  of  her  flesh 
Didst  our  mortality  assume. 

Mother  of  grace,  O  Mary  blest, 

To  thee,  sweet  fount  pf  love,  we  fly ; 

Shield  us  through  life,  and  take  us  hence 
To  thy  dear  bosom  when  we  die. 

O  Jesu,  born  of  Virgin  bright, 

Immortal  glory  be  to  Thee ; 
Praise  to  the  Father  infinite, 

And  Holy  Ghost  eternally.     Amen. 


Chapter.      (Ecclus.  xxiv.  24.) 

I"    AM  the  mother  of  fair  love,  and 
fear,    and    knowledge,    and    holy 
hope. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 
Verse.     Pray  for  us,  O  holy  Mother 
of  God. 

Answer.  That  we  may  be  made 
worthy  of  the  promises  of  Christ. 

Antiphon.  We  take  refuge  under 
Thy  protection. 

Song  of  Simeon.  Lord,  now  lettest 
Thou  Thy  servant,  &c,  {p.  209.) 

Antiphon.  We  take  refuge  under 
Thy  protection,  O  holy  Mother  of 
God!  Despise  not  our  supplications 
in  our  need,  but  deliver  us  alway  from 
all  dangers,  O  Virgin,  glorious  and 
blessed ! 

Kyrie  eleison. 
Answer.     Christe  eleison. 
Kyrie  eleison. 

Verse.      Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord. 
Answer.      And   let    my    cry    come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

T  ORD,  we  pray  Thee,  that  the 
glorious  intercession  of  Mary, 
blessed,  and  glorious,  and  everlast- 
ingly Virgin,  may  shield  us  and  bring 
us  on  toward  eternal  life.  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. 


MATTINS. 

O  Lord,  open  Thou  my  lips,  &c, 
as  in  the  full  Office,  only  with  this 

Invitatory.      Hail,    Mary,    full    of 
grace.  *  The  Lord  is  with  Thee! 


1  Translation  by  the  late  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 


812 


THE  ADDITIONAL  SERVICES. 


Only  one  Nocturn  is  said.  On 
Mondays  and  Thursdays,  it  is  the 
First  from  the  full  Office;  on  Tuesdays 
and  Fridays,    the   Second;    and,    on 

Wednesdays  and  Saturdays,  the  Third. 

Then  : 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Our  Father,  &c.  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation. 

Answer.     But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

Absolution. 

By  the  prayers  of  the  Blessed  Mary, 
always  a  Virgin,  and  by  the  prayers 
of  all  His  Saints,  and  for  her  sake 
and  for  their  sakes,  may  the  Lord 
lead  us  unto  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Answer.     Amen. 

First  Blessing. 

Bless  us,  Mary,  Maiden  mild, 
Bless  us,  Jesus,  Mary's  Child. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  Ecclesiasticus  (xxiv.    11.) 

\X7TTH  all  these  I  sought  rest,  but 
I  shall  abide  in  the  inheritance 
of  the  Lord.  So  the  Creator  of  all 
things  gave  me  a  commandment,  and 
said  unto  me,  even  He  that  made  me 
rested  in  my  tabernacle,  and  said 
unto  me,  Let  thy  dwelling  be  in  Jacob, 
and  thine  inheritance  in  Israel,  and 
strike  thou  thy  roots  amid  My  chosen 
people. 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 


breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens  can- 
not contain. 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women,  and  blessed  is  the  fruit  of  thy 
womb. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  borne  in 
thy  breast  Him  Whom  the  heavens 
cannot  contain. 

Second  Blessing. 

With  the  Lord  Who  sprang  of  thee, 
Maid  of  maidens,  plead  for  me. 

Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  so  was  I  established  in  Zion, 
■^^  and  likewise  in  the  Holy  City 
was  I  given  to  rest,  and  in  Jerusalem 
was  my  power.  And  I  took  root 
among  the  honourable  people,  even 
in  the  portion  of  my  God,  as  His  own 
inheritance,  and  mine  abiding  was  in 
the  full  assembly  of  the  Saints. 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Second  Responsory. 

Blessed  art  thou,  O  Virgin  Mary, 
who  hast  carried  the  Lord,  the  Maker 
of  the  world.  Thou  hast  borne  Him 
Who  created  thee,  and  thou  abidest  a 
virgin  for  ever. 

Verse.  Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace. 
The  Lord  is  with  thee. 

Answer.  Thou  hast  borne  Him 
Who  created  thee,  and  thou  abidest  a 
virgin  for  ever. 

Third  Blessing. 

He  to  Whom  His  mother  prays, 
Grant  us  blessing  all  our  days. 


First  Responsory. 

O  how  holy  and  how  spotless  is  thy 
virginity !     I   am    too  dull   to   praise 


thee ;    for    thou    hast 


dull   to 
borne    i 


thy 


Third  Lesson. 

WAS    exalted    like    a    cedar    in 

Lebanon,  and  as   a   cypress-tree 

upon  Mount  Zion.      I  was  exalted  like 


THE   LITTLE  OFFICE  OF   THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN   MARY.       813 


a  palm-tree  in  Kadesh,  and  as  a  rose- 
plant  in  Jericho,  as  a  fair  olive-tree  in 
the  plains,  and  grew  up  as  a  plane- 
tree  beside  the  water  in  the  broad 
ways.  I  gave  a  sweet  smell  like 
cinnamon  and  aromatic  balm  ;  I 
yielded  a  pleasant  odour  like  the  best 
myrrh. 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Third  Responsory. 

O  holy  Virgin  Mary,  happy  indeed 
art  thou,  and  right  worthy  of  all 
praise,  for  out  of  thee  rose  the  Sun  of 
righteousness,  even  Christ  our  God. 

Verse.  Pray  for  the  people,  plead 
for  the  clergy,  make  intercession  for 
all  women  vowed  to  God.  Let  all 
that  are  making  this  holy  memorial 
of  thee  feel  the  might  of  thine  assist- 
ance. 

Answer.  For  out  of  thee  rose  the 
Sun  of  righteousness,  even  Christ  our 
God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.      Even  Christ  our  God. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Mary  hath  been 
taken  to  heaven  ;  *  the  Angels  rejoice ; 
they  praise  and  bless  the  Lord. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Virgin  Mary 
hath  been  taken  into  the  chamber  on 
high,  *  where  the  King  of  kings  sit- 
teth  on  a  throne  amid  the  stars. 

Third  Antiphon.  We  run  after 
thee,  on  the  scent  of  thy  perfumes — 
*  the  virgins  love  thee  heartily. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Blessed  of  the 
Lord  art  thou,  O  daughter,  *  for  by 
thee  we  have  been  given  to  eat  of  the 
fruit  [of  the  tree]  of  Life. 

Fifth  Antiphon.     Fair  and  comely 


art  thou,  O  daughter  of  Jerusalem,  * 
terrible  as  a  fenced  camp  set  in  battle 
array. 

Chapter.     (Cant.  vi.  8.) 

HP  HE   daughters   of  Zion   saw  her, 
and    called    her   blessed ;    the 
queens  also,  and  they  praised  her. 

Hymn.  O  glorious  Virgin,  &c,  {p. 
564.) 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women. 

Answer.  And  blessed  is  the  Fruit 
of  thy  womb. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias, 
except  between  Christmas  and  Candle- 
mas. O  Blessed  Mary,  *  Mother  of 
God,  Virgin  for  ever,  temple  of  the 
Lord,  sanctuary  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
thou,  without  any  ensample  before 
thee,  didst  make  thyself  well-pleasing 
in  the  sight  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
— pray  for  the  people,  plead  for  the 
clergy,  make  intercession  for  all 
women  vowed  to  God. 

Then : 

Kyrie  eleison. 
Answer.     Christe  eleison. 
Kyrie  eleison. 

Verse.     Hear  my  prayer,  O  LORD. 
Answer.      And    let    my   cry  come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  will  that  Thy 
^-^  Word  should,  by  the  message 
of  an  Angel,  take  flesh  in  the  womb 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  grant 
unto  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  all  we 
who  do  believe  her  to  be  in  very  deed 
the  Mother  of  God,  may  be  holpen  by 
her  prayers  in  Thy  sight.  Through 
the  same  Christ  our  Lord. 

Then  the  Commemoration  of  the 
Saints,  as  at  Vespers. 


i4 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


PRIME. 

Make  haste,  &c,  as  in  the  Church 
Office. 

Hymn  as  at  Compline. 

Antiphon.  Mary  is  taken,  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

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.  lxii.  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,  0  God,  in  Thy  Name, 
*  and  judge  me  in  Thy 
power. 

Hear  my  prayer,  0  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  before 
them.1 

Behold  God  is  mine  Helper :  *  and 
the  Lord  upholdeth  my  soul. 

Reward  Thou  evil  unto  mine  en- 
emies :  *  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 
[his  desire  upon]  mine  enemies. 

Psalm  LXXXIV. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  the  sons  of  Korah," 
with  the  usual  (now  uncertain)  superscription.] 

["    ORD,  Thou  hast  been  favourable 
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  ? 

0  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  together : 

*  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  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  "Alleluia," 
which  the  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  prefix  to 
the  next  Psalm.] 


1  SLH. 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY.       815 


After  the  repetition  of  the  Antiphon 
the  Office  proceeds  thus  : 

Chapter.     (Cant.  vi.  9.) 

V\7"HO  is  she  that  cometh  forth  like 
the  rising  dawn,  fair  as  the 
moon,  clear  as  the  sun,  terrible  as  a 
fenced  camp  set  in  battle  array  ? 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Verse.  Holy  Virgin,  my  praise  by 
thee  accepted  be. 

Answer.  Give  me  strength  against 
thine  enemies. 

Kyrie  eleison. 


And  so  on,  as  at  Compline,  but  with 


the 


Prayer. 


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 

With  them  that  hate  peace.  I  was 
peaceable  :  *  when  I  spoke  unto 
them,  they  fought  against  me  without 
a  cause. 

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. 

Psalm  CXXI. 

[Intituled  "  A  Song  of  Degrees,  of  David."] 

T    WAS   glad   when  they  said  unto 
me  :  *  Let  us  go  into  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 

Our  feet  have  been  wont  to  stand  * 
within  thy  gates,  O  Jerusalem  ! 

1  Properly  "  Black-skin."    This  was  the  name  of  a  son  of  Ishmael,  and  of  an  Arabian  tribe 
sprung  from  him. 


f~\  GOD,  Who  wast  pleased  to 
^^^  choose  for  Thy  dwelling-place 
the  maiden  palace  of  Blessed  Mary, 
grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  her  pro- 
tection may  shield  us,  and  make  us 
glad  in  her  commemoration.  Who 
livest  and  reignest  with  God  the 
Father,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

TERCE. 

Make  haste,  &c,  as  in  the  Church 
Office. 

Hymn  as  at  Compline. 

Antiphon.  The  Virgin  Mary,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Psalm  CXIX. 

[This  is  the  first  of  the  "Songs  of  Degrees," 
or  "  Gradual  Psalms."  See  note  to  Ps.  cxxix., 
p.  91.] 

T  N  my  distress  I  cried  unto  the 
A      Lord,  *  and  He  heard  me. 

Deliver  my  soul,  O  LORD,  from 
lying  lips,  *  and  from  a  deceitful 
tongue. 


8i6 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Jerusalem  is  builded  as  a  city  * 
that  is  compact  together : 

Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes 
of  the  LOR£>,  *  the  testimony  of  Is- 
rael, 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. 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  15.) 

A  ND  so  I  was  established  in  Zion, 
and  likewise  in  the  holy  city 
was  I  given  to  rest,  and  in  Jerusalem 
was  my  power. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Verse.  Grace  is  poured  into  thy 
lips. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Kyrie  eleison. 


And  so  on. 


Prayer. 


Q  GOD,  Who,  by  the  fruitful  vir- 
ginity  of  the  Blessed  Mary, 
hast  given  unto  mankind  the  re- 
wards 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,  Who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


SEXT. 

Make  haste,  &c,  as  in  the  Church 
Office. 

Hymn  as  at  Compline. 

Antiphon.  We  run  after  thee,  &c, 
( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds. ) 

Psalm  CXXII. 
[Intituled  "A  Song  of  Degrees."] 

T  NTO  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  exceed- 
ingly filled  with  contempt. 

Our  soul  is  exceedingly  filled  *  with 
the  scorning  of  those  that  are  at  ease, 
and  with  the  contempt  of  the  proud. 

Psalm  CXXIII. 

[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.] 

T  F  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 
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   LITTLE   OFFICE  OF   THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN   MARY.       817 


The  snare  is  broken,  *  and  we  are 
escaped. 

Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  *  Who  made  heaven  and  earth. 

Psalm  CXXIV. 

[Intituled  "A  Song  of  Degrees."] 

'"THEY  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  into  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 ! 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  16.) 

A  ND  I  took  root  among  the  honour- 
able people,  even  in  the  portion 
of  my  God,  as  His  own  inheritance, 
and  mine  abiding  was  in  the  full 
assembly  of  the  Saints. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Verse.  Blessed  art  thou  among 
women. 

Answer.  And  blessed  is  the  Fruit 
of  thy  womb. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

And  so  on  as  at  the  other  Hours. 

Prayer. 

]\/r  OST  merciful  God,  grant,  we 
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 
vol.  1. 


help  of  her  intercession  we  may  be 
raised  up  from  the  bondage  of  our 
sins.  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.     Amen. 

NONE. 

Make  haste,  &c,  as  in  the  Church 
Office. 

Hymn  as  at  Compline. 

Antiphon.  Fair  and  comely,  &c, 
{Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Psalm  CXXV. 

[Intituled  "  A  Song  of  Degrees."] 

VyHEN  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  heathen  : 

*  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,  *  sowing 
their  seed  ; 

They  shall  doubtless  come  again 
with  rejoicing,  *  bringing  their  sheaves 
with  them. 

Psalm  CXXVI. 

[Intituled  "A  Song  of  Degrees,  of  Solo- 
mon." The  LXX.  omits  the  ascription  to 
Solomon.] 

"pXCEPT     the     Lord     build    the 
house,    *    they   labour    in    vain 
that  build  it: 

Except  the  Lord  keep  the  city,  * 
the  watchman  waketh  but  in  vain. 
2  D  2 


THE  ADDITIONAL  SERVICES. 


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. 

Psalm  CXXVII. 

[Intituled  "A  Song  of  Degrees."] 

"DLESSED  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  children's 
children,  *  and  peace  upon  Israel. 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  19.) 

T  N  the  broad  ways  I  gave  a  sweet 
smell  like  cinnamon  and  aromatic 
balm  ;  I  yielded  a  pleasant  odour  like 
the  best  myrrh. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Verse.  After  thy  delivery  thou  still 
remainest  a  Virgin  undefiled. 

Answer.  Mother  of  God,  pray 
for  us. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

And  so  on  as  at  the  other  Hours, 


Prayer. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee,  for- 
give the  transgressions  of  Thy 
servants,  and,  forasmuch  as  by  our 
own  deeds  we  cannot  please  Thee, 
may  we  find  safety  through  the  prayers 
of  the  Mother  of  Thy  Son  and  our 
Lord.  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.     Amen. 

2.  In  Advent. 

The  Office  is  the  same  as  the  Ordin- 
ary one,  except  the  following. 

The  Prayer  at  every  Hour  is,  "O 
God,  Who  didst  will,  &c,"  (as  at 
Lauds  in  the  Ordinary  Office,  and  save 
at  Vespers,  with  the  longer  ending. ) 

At  Vespers  the  Antiphons  and  Chap- 
ter are  taken  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  as  at  that  of  Zacharias. 

Commemoration  of  the  Saints  as  at 
Lauds. 

At  Compline  : 

Chapter.     (Isa.  vii.  14.) 

DEHOLD,  the  Virgin  shall  conceive 
and  bear  a  Son,  and  His  Name 
shall  be  called  Emmanuel.  Butter 
and  honey  shall  He  eat,  that  He  may 
know  to  refuse  the  evil,  and  choose 
the  good. 

Verse.  The  Angel  of  the  Lord 
announced  unto  Mary. 

Answer.  And  she  conceived  of 
the   Holy  Ghost. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Simeon  as 
at  that  of  Zacharias. 

At  Mat  tins  note  the  difference  in  the 
Third  Antiphon  on  Wednesdays  and 
Saturdays. 


THE  LITTLE  OFFICE  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN    MARY.       819 


First  Lesson,     (Luke  i.  26.) 

'""THE  Angel  Gabriel  was  sent  from 
God  unto  a  city  of  Galilee  named 
Nazareth,  to  a  Virgin  espoused  to  a 
man  whose  name  was  Joseph,  of  the 
house  of  David,  and  the  Virgin's  name 
was  Mary.  And  the  Angel  came  in 
unto  her,  and  said  :  Hail,  thou  that  art 
full  of  grace :  the  Lord  is  with  thee  : 
blessed  art  thou  among  women. 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

First  Responsory. 

The  Angel  Gabriel  was  sent,  &c, 
{p.  215,)  omitting  the  last  Verse  and 
Answer. 

Second  Lesson. 

A  ND  when  she  heard  it,  she  was 
"^^  troubled  at  his  saying,  and  cast 
in  her  mind  what  manner  of  salutation 
this  should  be.  And  the  Angel  said 
unto  her :  Fear  not,  Mary ;  for  thou 
hast  found  grace  with  God  :  behold, 
thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb,  and 
bring  forth  a  Son,  and  shalt  call  His 
Name  Jesus.  He  shall  be  great,  and 
shall  be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest ; 
and  the  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  Him 
the  throne  of  His  father  David ;  and 
He  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob 
for  ever,  and  of  His  kingdom  there 
shall  be  no  end. 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Second  Responsory. 

Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace,  &c,  {p. 
215.) 

Third  Lesson. 

y  HEN  said  Mary  unto  the  Angel : 

How  shall  this  be,  seeing  I  know 

not  a  man  ?     And  the  Angel  answered 


and  said  unto  her :  The  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee  ; 
therefore  also  that  Holy  Thing  Which 
shall  be  born  of  thee  shall  be  called 
the  Son  of  God.  And,  behold,  thy 
cousin  Elizabeth,  she  hath  also  con- 
ceived a  son  in  her  old  age,  and  this 
is  the  sixth  month  with  her  who  was 
called  barren  ;  for  with  God  nothing 
shall  be  impossible.  And  Mary  said  : 
Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord  ;  be 
it  unto  me  according  to  thy  word. 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Third  Responsory. 

Receive,  O  Virgin  Mary,  &c,  (p. 
219,)  with  this  addition  : 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  thou  shalt  be  called 
blessed  among  all  women. 

At  Lauds  the  Antiphons  are  the 
same  as  on  Dec.  18,  {p.  669,)  with 
the  Alleluia  at  the  end  of  the  Second 
and  Third.  These  satne  Antiphons 
are  likewise  used  at  Vespers,  and 
the  First,  Second,  Third,  and  Fifth, 
at  Prime,  Terce,  Sext,  and  None, 
respectively. 

Chapter.     (Isa.  xi.  1.) 

y  HERE  shall  come  forth  a  rod  out 
of  the  stem  of  Jesse,  and  a 
Flower  shall  grow  out  of  his  roots. 
And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  rest 
upon  Him. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias 
{used  also  at  those  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
and  of  Simeon.)  The  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  O  Mary,  *  fear 
not ;  thou  shalt  bear  in  thy  womb  the 
Son  of  God.     Alleluia. 


820 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Commemoration  of  the  Saints. 

Antiphon.  Behold,  the  Lord  shall 
come,  and  all  His  Saints  with  Him  ; 
and  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  that  day 
that  the  light  shall  be  great.     Alleluia. 

Verse.  Behold,  the  Lord  shall 
appear  upon   a  white   cloud. 

Answer.  And  ten  thousand  of  His 
Saints  with  Him. 


Jacob  for  ever ;  and  of  His  kingdom 
there  shall  be  no  end. 

At  None,  Chapter  from  Compline. 

Verse.  The  Angel  of  the  Lord  an- 
nounced unto  Mary. 

Answer.  And  she  conceived  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 


Let  us  pray. 

T3URIFY  our  minds,  O  Lord,  we 
beseech  Thee,  by  the  grace  of 
Thy  visitation,  that  when  Thy  Son 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  shall  come 
with  all  His  Saints  with  Him,  He 
may  find  in  us  a  people  made  ready 
that  He  may  dwell  amongst  us.  Who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

At  Prime,  Chapter  from  Compline. 

At  Terce,  Chapter  from  Lauds. 

At  Sext  : 

Chapter.     (Luke  i.  32.) 

'T>HE  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  Him 

the  throne  of  His  father  David  ; 

and  He  shall  reign  over  the  house  of 


3.  Between  Christmas  and 
Candlemas. 

The  Office  is  the  same  as  the  Ordin- 
ary one,  except  the  following. 

The  Prayer  at  every  Hour  is,  "  O 
God,  Who  by  the  fruitful  virginity, 
&c,"  (p.  315,)  save  at  Vespers  with 
the  longer  ending. 

The  Antiphons  at  Vespers  and 
Lauds  are  as  on  New  Year's  Day  (pp. 
315,316,)  and  the  First,  Second,  Third, 
and  Fifth,  are  used  at  Prime,  Terce, 
Sext,  and  None,  respectively. 

Antiphon  at  the  Songs  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  and  of  Simeon.  "  Herein  is 
a  great  mystery,  &c,"  (p.  316.) 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
"This  day  is  set  forth,  &c,"  (p.  315.) 


€j)e  (Bftitt  for  tf)t  BtaH. 


This  Office  is  said  upon  the  first 
day  of  the  Month  upon  which  Nine 
Lessons  are  not  read,  and,  in  Ad- 
vent, upon  the  first  week-day  of 
every  Week  not  so  occupied.  When 
it  is  said  in  Choir,  Vespers  are  said 
after  the  Vespers  of  the  day,  and  the 
Dirge  after  Lauds  the  next  morn- 
ing, unless  the  custom  of  the  par- 
ticular Church  be  otherwise.      Out  of 


Choir  it  is  said  whenever  the  reciter 
chooses. 

VESPERS. 

The  Atitiphons  are  doubled  if  three 
Noctums  are  to  be  said  in  the  Dirge. 

The  Service  begins  absolutely  with 
the  First  Antiphon,  as  follows. 

First  Antiphon.  I  will  walk  before 
the  Lord  *  in  the  land  of  the  living. 


THE   OFFICE   FOR   THE   DEAD. 


821 


Psalm  CXIV. 

The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  prefix  "Alleluia."] 

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  : 

0  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. 

At  the  end  of  this  and  all  the  other 
Psalms  and  Canticles  throughout  the 
whole  Office  of  the  Dead,  "  Glory  be  to 
the  Father,  &c,"  is  not  said,  but  in- 
stead, 

O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal  rest, 
and  let  the  everlasting  light  shine 
upon  them  ! 

Second  Antiphon.  Woe  is  me  !  O 
Lord,  *  that  my  sojourn  is  long. 

Psalm  CXIX. 

[This  is  the  first  of  the  "  Songs  of  Degrees," 
or  "  Gradual  Psalms."  See  note  to  Ps.  cxxix., 
p.  91.] 

T  N  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.  *  My  soul  hath  long  dwelt 
as  an  exile 

With  them  that  hate  peace.  I  was 
peaceable  :  *  when  I  spoke  unto  them, 
they  fought  against  me  without  a  cause. 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  shall 
keep  thee  from  all  evil,  *  the  Lord 
shall  keep  thy  soul. 

Psalm  CXX. 
[Also  a  Song  of  Degrees.  ] 

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. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  If  Thou,  Lord, 
shouldest  mark  iniquities,  *  O  Lord, 
who  shall  stand ! 

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  proces- 
sions, Liturgical  or  of  pilgrims.] 

/^\UT  of  the  depths  have  I  cried 
^  unto  Thee,  O  Lord  !  *  Lord, 
hear  my  voice. 


822 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Let  Thine  ears  be  attentive  *  to 
the  voice  of  my  supplication. 

If  Thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark 
iniquities,  f  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. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  forsake 
not  *  the  works  of  Thine  own  hands. 


Psalm  CXXXVII. 

[Intituled  "  Of  David,"  to  which  the  LXX. 
adds  "of  Haggai  and  Zechariah,"  the  mean- 
ing apparently  being  that  it  was  his  com- 
position, 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  magnified 
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. 

1  Apoc.  xiv.  13. 


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. 

After  the  Fifth  Antiphon,  the  Ser- 
vice proceeds  directly,  thus  : — 

Verse.  l  I  heard  a  voice  from 
heaven,  saying  unto  me  : 

Answer.  Blessed  are  the  dead 
which  die  in  the  Lord. 

Antiphon.  All  that  the  Father 
giveth  Me  shall  come  to  Me  ;  *  and 
him  that  cometh  to  Me  I  will  in  no 
wise  cast  out.2 

The  Song  of  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

After  the  Antiphon,  all  kneel  down, 
and  the  Lord's  Prayer  is  said  silently, 
except  the  words  "  Our  Father,"  and 
the  termination, 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 
Answer.       But     deliver     us     from 
evil. 

Then  is  said,  except  on  the  day 
of  death  or  burial  of  the  person 
or  persons  for  whom  the  Office  is 
being  said, 

Psalm  CXLV. 

[To  this  Psalm  is  prefixed  "Alleluia." 
The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  connect  it  with 
the  names  of  Haggai  and  Zechariah.] 

TDRAISE  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  re- 

2  John  vi.  37. 


THE  OFFICE  FOR  THE  DEAD. 


823 


turneth  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  strangers  ; 
He  defendeth  the  fatherless  and 
widow  :  *  but  the  way  of  the  wicked 
He  will  turn  aside. 

The  Lord  shall  reign  for  ever ! 
even  thy  God,  O  Zion,  *  unto  all 
generations  ! 

At  the  end  is  said,  O  Lord,  grant 
them  eternal  rest,  and  let  the  ever- 
lasting light  shine  upon  them  ! 

Verse.  From  the  gates  of  the 
grave. 

Answer.  Deliver  their  souls,  O 
Lord! 

Verse.     May  they  rest  in  peace. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Verse.     Hear  my  prayer,  O  LORD. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

Then  follow  one  or  more  of  the 
Prayers  hereafter  given,  and  then  : 

Verse.  O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal 
rest. 

Answer.  And  let  the  everlasting 
light  shine  upon  them. 

Verse.     May  they  rest  in  peace. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Thus  absolutely  ends  the  Office. 


Different  Prayers  for  the  Dead. 
1.  For  all  the  Faithful  Departed. 

r\  GOD,  Who  in  the  ranks  of  the 
^^  Apostolic  Priesthood  hast  caused 
some  of  Thy  servants  to  stand  in 
high  places,  some  as  Bishops,  and 
some  as  Priests,  grant,  we  beseech 
Thee,  that  they  may  be  joined  unto 
such  company  in  everlasting  blessed- 
ness. 

r\  GOD,  Who  forgivest  iniquity, 
^  and  wouldest  that  all  men 
should  be  saved,  we  beseech  Thee  to 
grant  in  the  tenderness  of  Thy  mercy 
that  all  the  members  of  our  congre- 
gation, all  our  kinsfolk,  and  all  who 
have  done  us  good,  who  have  departed 
from  this  world,  and  for  whom  the 
Blessed  Mary  and  all  Thine  holy  ones 
do  plead  with  Thee,  may  be  joined 
unto  the  company  of  the  same  in 
everlasting  blessedness. 

r\  GOD,  Who  art  Thyself  at  once 
^  the  Maker  and  the  Redeemer  of 
all  Thy  faithful  ones,  grant  unto  the 
souls  of  Thy  servants  and  handmaids 
remission  of  all  their  sins,  making  of 
our  entreaties  unto  our  Great  Father 
a  mean  whereby  they  may  have  that 
forgiveness  which  they  have  ever 
hoped  for.  Who  livest  and  reignest 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

2.   On  the  Day  of  Burial. 

IORD,  we  pray  Thee  to  absolve  the 
J  soul  of  Thy  servant  (or,  Thine 
handmaid)  N.  (here  express  the  name) 
who  hath  died  unto  the  world,  that 
he  (or,  she)  may  live  unto  Thee. 
And  whereinsoever  while  he  (or,  she) 
walked  among  men  he  (or,  she) 
hath  transgressed  through  the  weak- 
ness of  the  flesh,  do  Thou  in  the  ex- 
ceeding tenderness  of  Thy  mercy  for- 
give   and   put    away.       Through  our 


824 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Thy  Son,  Who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

3.  At  the  Year's-Mind. 

r\  LORD  God,  Who  art  the  Great 
^-'^  Pardoner,  grant  rest  and  re- 
freshment, peace  and  blessing,  light 
and  glory,  unto  the  souls  of  Thy 
men-servants  and  Thy  maid-servants, 
(or,  the  soul  of  Thy  servant,  or,  of 
Thine  handmaid,)  whose  Year's-Mind 
we  are  keeping.  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. 

4.  For  a  deceased  Pope. 

f~\  GOD,  by  Whose  inscrutable  ap- 
^-^  pointment  Thy  servant  N. 
(here  express  his  name)  was  called  to 
a  place  in  the  line  of  the  Chief 
Bishops  ;  O  God,  Who  didst  thereby 
lay  upon  him  the  duty  of  being  Lieut- 
enant on  earth  for  Thine  Only-be- 
gotten Son ;  O  God,  grant  unto  him 
now,  we  beseech  Thee,  a  place 
among  Thine  holy  Bishops,  who  are 
entered  into  everlasting  blessedness. 
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.     Amen. 


liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.      Amen. 

If  the  deceased  were  a  Cardinal,  his 
dignity  is  expressed  in  the  Prayer, 
thus :  "  the  high  place  of  a  Cardinal 
Bishop,"  or  "  of  a  Cardinal  Priest." 

6.  For  deceased  Parents. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  hast  commanded  us 
^^^  to  honour  our  father  and  mother, 
look  in  the  pitifulness  of  Thy  mercy 
upon  the  souls  of  my  father  and 
mother,  (or,  the  soul  of  my  father,  or, 
the  soul  of  my  mother,)  and  forgive 
them  their  trespasses,  (or,  him  his 
trespasses,  or,  her  her  trespasses,) 
and  grant  unto  me  the  joy  of  seeing 
them  (or,  him,  or,  her,)  again  in  the 
glorious  light  of  everlasting  life. 
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. 

T/ie  above  Prayer  is  altered  to  suit 
circumstances,  as  where  several  child- 
ren join  in  prayer  for  a  parent,  or  a 
company  of  persons  for  the  parents  of 
all,  "  our  "  and  "  us,"  instead  of  "  my  " 
and  "me." 

7.  For  deceased  Brethren,  Comrades, 
Friends,  Kinsfolk,  or  Benefactors,  is 
said  the  Prayer,  "  O  God,  Who  for- 
givest  iniquity,  &c,"  (under  1,)  with 
the  necessary  alterations. 


5.   For  a  deceased  Priest  or  Bishop. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  in  the  ranks  of  the 
^>^  Apostolic  Priesthood  hast  caused 
Thy  servant  N.  (here  express  his 
name)  to  stand  before  Thee  in  the 
high  place  of  a  Bishop  (or  Priest), 
grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  he  may 
be  joined  unto  the  company  of  such 
in  everlasting  blessedness.  Through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  Who 


8.  For  a  Man. 

f~\  LORD,  incline  Thine  ear  unto 
^-"^  the  prayers  whereby  we  humbly 
call  upon  Thee  to  show  mercy  unto 
the  soul  of  Thy  servant  N.  (here  ex- 
press the  name)  which  it  hath  pleased 
Thee  to  call  out  of  this  world,  that  it 
may  please  Thee  also  to  set  him  in  a 
place  of  peace  and  light,  and  give 
him  a  part  with  Thy  Saints.    Through 


THE   OFFICE   FOR   THE   DEAD. 


825 


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. 

If  the  deceased  were  a  Cardinal 
Deacon,  is  said  "  Thy  servant  the  Car- 
dinal Deacon  N." 

10.  For  a  Woman. 

T  ORD,  we  beseech  Thee  in  the 
tenderness  of  Thy  great  mercy, 
to  have  pity  upon  the  soul  of  Thine 
handmaid  N.  {here  express  her  name), 
purge  her  from  all  defilements  whereby 
in  this  dying  body  she  hath  been  be- 
fouled, and  give  her  inheritance  in 
everlasting  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. 

The  Dirge. 

When  three  Nocturns  are  said 
the  Antiphons  throughout  the  Office 
are  doubled,  and  the  Office  commences 
with  Ps.  xciv.,  and  an  Invitatory. 
Otherwise  it  begins  with  the  First 
Antiphon.  If  one  Nocturn  be  said, 
the  First  is  said  on  Mondays  and 
Thursdays,  the  Second  on  Tuesdays 
and  Fridays,  and  the  Third  on  Wed- 
nesdays and  Saturdays. 

Invitatory.  Unto  the  [Eternal] 
King  all  live.1  *  O  come,  let  us 
worship  Him  ! 

O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal  rest, 
and  let  the  everlasting  light  shine 
upon  them  ! 

first  nocturn. 

First  Antiphon.  Make  my  way 
straight  before  Thy  face,  *  O  Lord 
my  God. 


Psalm  V. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  a 
musical  (?)  superscription.] 

(""MVE     ear     unto     my     words,     O 
Lord,     *     consider     my     sup- 
plication. 

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  right- 
eousness, *  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 


1  Luke  xx.  38. 


826 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


be  joyful  in  Thee.  *  For  Thou  wilt 
bless  the  righteous. 

0  Lord,  Thou  hast  compassed 
us  *  with*  Thy  favour  as  with  a 
shield. 

Second  Antiphon.  Return,  O  LORD, 
deliver  my  soul :  *  O  save  me  for  Thy 
mercy's  sake  ! 

Psalm  VI. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David."  The  title 
also  contains  directions,  probably  musical, 
the  meaning  of  which  is  now  uncertain.] 

f~\  LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  Thine 
^>^  anger :  *  neither  chasten  me  in 
Thine  hot  displeasure. 

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  ? 

1  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  supplica- 
tion :  *  the  Lord  hath  received  my 
prayer. 

Let  all  mine  enemies  be  ashamed 
and  sore  vexed :  *  let  them  return 
and  be  ashamed  suddenly. 

Third  Antiphon.  Lest  he  tear  my 
soul  like  a  lion,  *  while  there  is  none 
to  deliver,  or  to  save. 


Psalm  VII. 

[Intituled  "  An  Hymn  of  David,  which  he 
sang  unto  the  Lord  concerning  the  words  of 
Cush  the  Benjamite. "  This  Cush  is  supposed 
to  be  the  same  as  Shimei,  whose  cursing  of 
David  is  narrated  in  2  Kings  (Sam.)  xvi.  7,  8, 
or  else  a  nickname  for  Saul.] 

r\  LORD   my  God,   in   Thee  do   I 
take    refuge :  *  save   me   from 
all  them  that  persecute  me,  and  de- 
liver 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.1 

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  con- 
gregation of  the  people  compass  Thee 
about. 

For  their  sakes,  therefore,  return 
Thou  on  high :  *  the  Lord  judge th 
the  peoples. 

Judge  me,  O  Lord,  according  to 
my  righteousness,  *  and  according  to 
mine  integrity  that  is  in  me. 

O  let  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked 
come  to  an  end,  and  establish  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  ? 


1  SLH. 


THE  OFFICE  FOR  THE  DEAD. 


827 


If  ye  turn  not,  He  will  whet  His 
sword  :  *  He  hath  bent  His  bow  and 
made  it  ready. 

And  hath  fitted  thereon  the  instru- 
ments 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. 

I  will  praise  the  Lord  according 
to  His  righteousness  :  *  and  will  sing 
praise  to  the  name  of  the  Lord  Most 
High. 

Verse.    From  the  gates  of  the  grave 
Answer.      Deliver    their   souls,    O 
Lord. 

The  Lord's  Prayer  is  then  said  si- 
lently, and  then  is  begun  immediately 
the 

First  Lesson? 

I"  ORD  !  let  me  alone  ;  for  my  days 
are  vanity.  What  is  man,  that 
Thou  shouldest  magnify  him  ?  or  that 
Thou  shouldest  set  Thine  heart  upon 
him  ?  Thou  visitest  him  very  early, 
and  triest  him  suddenly.  How  long 
wilt  Thou  not  depart  from  me,  nor  let 
me  alone,  till  I  swallow  down  my 
spittle  ?  I  have  sinned  ;  what  shall  I 
do  unto  Thee,  O  Thou  Preserver  of 
men  ?  Why  hast  Thou  set  me  as  a 
mark  against  Thee,  so  that  I  am  a 
burden  to  myself?  Why  dost  Thou 
not  pardon  my  transgression,  and  take 
away  mine  iniquity  ?  Behold  !  now 
shall  I  sleep  in  the  dust,  and  if  Thou 
shalt  seek  me  in  the  morning,  I  shall 
not  be. 

The  Responsory  is  begun  directly. 
1  Job  vii.  16. 


First  Responsory. 

I  believe  that  my  Redeemer  liv- 
eth,  and  that  I  shall  stand  up  from 
the  earth  at  the  latter  day,  and 
in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God  my 
Saviour. 

Verse.  Whom  I  shall  see  for  my- 
self, and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and 
not  another. 

Answer.  And  in  my  flesh  shall  I 
see  God  my  Saviour. 

Second  Lesson? 

"JV/T Y  soul  is  weary  of  my  life  ;  I  will 
leave  my  complaint  upon  my- 
self; I  will  speak  in  the  bitterness  of 
my  soul.  I  will  say  unto  God :  Do 
not  condemn  me  ;  show  me  wherefore 
Thou  judgest  me  thus.  Doth  it  seem 
good  unto  Thee  that  Thou  shouldest 
maltreat  me,  that  Thou  shouldest  op- 
press the  work  of  Thine  hands,  and 
help  the  counsel  of  the  wicked  ?  Hast 
Thou  eyes  of  flesh  ?  or  seest  Thou  as 
man  seeth  ?  Are  Thy  days  as  the 
days  of  man  ?  Are  Thy  years  as  the 
times  of  men,  that  Thou  inquirest 
after  mine  iniquity,  and  searchest 
after  my  sin  ?  Yet  Thou  knowest 
that  I  have  done  no  wrong,  but 
that  there  is  none  that  can  deliver 
out  of  Thine  hand. 


Second  Responsory. 

Thou  Who  didst  call  up  Lazarus 
from  the  grave  after  that  he  had 
begun  to  stink ! — do  Thou,  O  Lord, 
grant  them  rest  and  a  place  of  for- 
giveness. 

Verse.  Thou  Who  shalt  come  to 
judge  the  quick  and  dead,  and  the 
world  by  fire — 

Answer.  Do  Thou,  O  Lord, 
grant  them  rest  and  a  place  of 
forgiveness. 

2  Job.  x.  1. 


828 


THE  ADDITIONAL  SERVICES. 


Third  Lesson. 

*T*HINE  hands  have  made  me  and 
fashioned  me  together  round 
about ;  and  dost  Thou  so  suddenly 
destroy  me  ?  Remember,  I  beseech 
Thee,  that  Thou  hast  made  me  as  the 
clay,  and  that  Thou  wilt  bring  me 
into  the  dust  again.  Hast  Thou  not 
poured  me  out  as  milk,  and  curdled 
me  like  cheese  ?  Thou  hast  clothed 
me  with  skin  and  flesh ;  and  hast 
fenced  me  with  bones  and  sinews. 
Thou  hast  granted  me  life  and  favour, 
and  Thy  visitation  hath  preserved  my 
spirit. 

Third  Responsory. 

Lord,  when  Thou  comest  to  judge 
the  earth,  where  shall  I  hide  myself 
from  the  face  of  Thy  wrath  ?  For  I 
have  sinned  greatly  in  my  life. 

Verse.  I  dread  my  sins,  I  blush 
before  Thee — 

I  see  the  Great  Tribunal  set ! 

In  fear  and  terror  I  implore  Thee, 

Forgive  when  soul  and  Judge  are 
met ! 

Answer.  For  I  have  sinned  greatly 
in  my  life. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal 
rest,  and  let  the  everlasting  light  shine 
upon  them. 

Answer.  For  I  have  sinned  greatly 
in  my  life. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  He  maketh  me  to 
lie  down  *  in  green  pastures. 

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  com- 
fort me. 

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. 

Second  Antiphon.  Lord,  remember 
not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  *  nor  my 
transgressions. 

Psalm  XXIV. 

[Intituled  "Of  David."  This  Psalm  is 
ABC  Darian.] 

T  T  NTO  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  trans- 
gress *  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-kindnesses, 
which  have  been  ever  of  old. 

Remember  not  the  sins  of  my  youth, 

*  nor  my  transgressions  : 
According  to  Thy  mercy  remember 

Thou  me,  *  for  Thy  goodness'  sake, 
O  Lord. 

Good    and    upright    is    the   LORD  ; 

*  therefore  will  He  teach   sinners  in 
the  way. 


THE  OFFICE   FOR  THE   DEAD. 


829 


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  testimonies. 

For  Thy  Name's  sake,  O  Lord,  par- 
don mine  iniquity  ;  *  for  it  is  great. 

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  cove- 
nant 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  en- 
larged :  *  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  ! 

Third  Antiphon.  I  believe  that  I 
shall  yet  see  the  goodness  of  the 
Lord  *  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

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.] 

'T'HE    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  ? 

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  taber- 
nacle 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  witnesses 
are  risen  up  against  me,  and  iniquity 
hath  belied  itself. 


83o 


THE  ADDITIONAL  SERVICES. 


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. 

Verse.  May  the  LORD  set  them 
with   princes. 

Answer.  Even  with  the  princes  of 
His  people. 

Fourth  Lesson.1 

ANSWER  Thou  me:  how  many 
"^^  are  mine  iniquities  and  sins  ? 
Make  me  to  know  my  transgressions 
and  offences.  Wherefore  hidest  Thou 
Thy  face,  and  holdest  me  for  Thine 
enemy  ?  Dost  Thou  show  forth  Thy 
power  against  a  leaf  driven  to  and  fro 
by  the  wind  ?  And  wilt  Thou  pursue 
the  dry  stubble  ?  For  Thou  writest 
bitter  things  against  me,  and  art  fain 
to  consume  me  with  the  iniquities  of 
my  youth.  Thou  puttest  my  feet  in 
the  stocks,  and  lookest  narrowly  unto 
all  my  paths,  and  observest  my  foot- 
steps, and  as  a  rotten  thing  I  am  to 
be  consumed,  and  as  a  garment  that 
is  moth-eaten. 


Fourth  Responsory. 

Remember,  O  God,  that  my  life  is 
wind.  The  eye  of  him  that  hath  seen 
me  shall  see  me  no  more. 

Verse.  Out  of  the  depths  have  I 
cried  unto  Thee,  O  Lord  !  Lord, 
hear  my  voice. 

Answer.  The  eye  of  him  that  hath 
seen  me  shall  see  me  no  more. 


cut  down  :  he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow, 
and  continueth  not.  And  dost  Thou 
think  it  worthy  to  open  Thine  eyes 
upon  such  an  one,  and  to  bring  him 
into  judgment  with  Thee  ?  Who  can 
bring  a  clean  thing  out  of  unclean 
seed  ?  Is  it  not  Thou  Who  alone 
art  ?  The  days  of  man  are  short,  the 
number  of  his  months  is  with  Thee  : 
Thou  hast  appointed  his  bounds  that 
he  cannot  pass.  Turn  from  him  for  a 
little  while,  that  he  may  rest,  till  he 
shall  accomplish,  as  an  hireling,  his 
day. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

Woe  is  me,  O  Lord !  for  I  have 
sinned  greatly  in  my  life.  I  am 
smitten  :  what  shall  I  do  ?  Whither 
shall  I  flee  but  unto  Thee,  O  my  God  ? 
Have  mercy  upon  me,  when  Thou 
comest  at  the  latter  day. 

Verse.  My  soul  is  sore  vexed,  but 
Thou,  O  Lord,  help  me. 

Answer.  Have  mercy  upon  me, 
when  Thou  comest  at  the  latter  day. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

f~\  THAT  Thou  wouldest  hide  me 
^^^  in  the  grave,  that  Thou  wouldest 
keep  me  secret,  until  Thy  wrath  be 
past ;  that  Thou  wouldest  appoint  me 
a  set  time,  and  remember  me.  If  a 
man  die,  shall  he  live  again  ?  All  the 
days  wherein  I  now  toil,  I  am  waiting 
till  my  change  come.  Thou  shalt  call, 
and  I  will  answer  Thee.  Thou  wilt 
stretch  forth  Thy  right  hand  unto  the 
work  of  Thine  hands.  Thou  dost  in- 
deed number  my  steps,  but  be  Thou 
merciful  unto  my  sins. 


Fifth  Lesson.2 

A/TAN  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is 

of  few  days  and  full  of  trouble. 

He  cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is 

1  Job  xiii.  22. 


Sixth  Responsory. 

Hold  not  my  sins  in  remembrance, 
O  Lord,  when  Thou  comest  to  judge 
the  world  by  fire. 

2  Job  xiv.  i. 


THE  OFFICE   FOR   THE  DEAD. 


831 


Verse.  Make  my  way  straight  be- 
fore Thy  face,  O  Lord  my  God. 

Answer.  When  Thou  comest  to 
judge  the  world  by  fire. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal 
rest,  and  let  the  everlasting  light  shine 
upon  them. 

Answer.  When  Thou  comest  to 
judge  the  world  by  fire. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Be  pleased,  O 
Lord,  to  deliver  me :  *  O  Lord, 
look  upon  me  to  help  me. 

Psalm  XXXIX. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David"  and  with 
the  same  (now)  uncertain  superscription  as 
Ps.  xii.] 

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  righteousness 
in  the  great  congregation :  *  lo,  I 
have  not  refrained  my  lips  :  O  Lord, 
Thou  knowest. 

I  have  not  hidden  Thy  righteous- 
ness within  my  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  con- 
tinually preserve  me. 

For  countless  evils  have  compassed 
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  rejoice 
and  be  glad  in  Thee :  *  and  let  such 
as  love  Thy  salvation  say  continually  : 
The  Lord  be  magnified. 

But  I  am  poor  and  needy :  *  the 
Lord  thinketh  upon  me. 

Thou  art  my  help  and  my  deliverer  : 

*  make  no  tarrying,  O  God. 

Second  Antiphon.  Lord,  heal  my 
soul ;  *  for  I  have  sinned  against 
Thee. 


832 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Psalm  XL. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  David,"  with  some 
other  words,  of  meaning  now  uncertain,  as  in 
some  other  Psalms.] 

"DLESSED  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  merci- 
ful 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 
will  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.1 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  be  merciful 
unto  me,  and  raise  me  up :  *  and  I 
will  requite  them. 

By  this  I  know  that  Thou  delightest 
in  me  :  *  because  mine  enemy  cannot 
triumph  over  me. 

But  as  for  me,  Thou  upholdest  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. 

Third  Antiphon.  My  soul  thirsteth 
for  the  living  God  ;  *  when  shall  I 
come  and  appear  before  God  ? 

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.] 

A  S  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  count- 
enance 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. 


1  Quoted  by  our  Lord.     John  xiii.  18. 

2  A  chain  of  mountains  in  the  north-east  of  Palestine,  stretching  down  on  the  eastern  side  of 
Jordan. 

:i  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? 


THE  OFFICE  FOR  THE  DEAD. 


833 


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  count- 
enance and  my  God. 

Verse.     O  deliver  not  unto  beasts 
the  souls  of  them   that  praise  Thee  ! 
Answer.     And  forget  not  the  souls 
of  Thy  poor  for  ever. 

Seventh  Lesson.^ 

1\/TY  breath  will  wax  feebler,  and 
my  days  fewer,  and  there  is 
nothing  before  me  but  the  grave.  I 
have  not  sinned ;  yet  my  mind  re- 
maineth  in  affliction.  Deliver  me,  O 
Lord,  and  set  me  beside  Thee ;  and 
let  any  man's  hand  fight  against  me. 
My  days  are  past,  my  purposes  are 
broken  off,  and  are  but  vexation  to 
my  spirit.  They  change  the  night 
into  day,  and  again,  after  the  darkness 
I  hope  for  light.  If  I  wait,  the  grave 
is  mine  house  ;  I  have  made  my  bed 
in  the  darkness.  I  have  said  to  cor- 
ruption :  Thou  art  my  father — to  the 
worm  :  Thou  art  my  mother,  and  my 
sister.  Where  therefore  is  now  my 
hope  ?  As  for  my  patience,  who  shall 
consider  it  ? 


Seventh  Responsory. 

Forasmuch  as  I  sin  daily,  and  re- 
pent not,  the  fear  of  death  troubleth 
me.  O  God,  have  mercy  upon  me, 
and  save  me,  for  in  hell  there  is  no 
redemption. 

Verse.  Save  me,  O  God,  by  Thy 
Name,  and  judge  me  in  Thy  strength. 

Answer.  0  God,  have  mercy  upon 
me,  and  save  me,  for  in  hell  there  is 
no  redemption. 

Eighth  Lesson.2 

TV/TY  flesh  is  consumed,  my  bone 
cleaveth  unto  my  skin,  and 
there  remaineth  not  round  my  teeth 
save  the  skin  of  my  lips.  Have  pity 
upon  me,  have  pity  upon  me,  at  least 
ye  that  are  my  friends,  for  the  hand 
of  the  Lord  hath  touched  me.  Why 
do  ye  persecute  me  as  God,  and  glut 
yourselves  upon  my  flesh  ?  O  that 
my  words  were  now  written  !  O  that 
they  were  inscribed  in  a  book  with  an 
iron  pen,  or  cut  in  lead,  or  graven 
with  a  chisel  upon  the  flinty  rock  ! 
For  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth, 
and  that  I  shall  stand  up  from  the 
earth  at  the  latter  day,  and  in  my 
flesh  shall  I  see  God  ;  Whom  I  shall 
see  for  myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  be- 
hold, and  not  another.  This  is  mine 
hope  that  is  laid  up  in  my  bosom. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O  Lord,  judge  me  not  according  to 
my  works  ;  for  I  have  done  nothing 
that  can  be  counted  in  respect  of 
Thee.  I  beseech  Thy  Majesty  there- 
fore, that  Thou  wouldest  blot  out  my 
transgressions,  O  God. 

Verse.  Lord,  wash  me  thoroughly 
from  mine  iniquity  and  cleanse  me 
from  my  sin. 

Answer.  Blot  out  my  transgres- 
sions,  O   God. 


1  Job  xvii.  1. 


2  Job  xix.  20. 


834 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Ninth  Lesson.1 

V\7"HEREFORE  hast  Thou  brought 
me  forth  out  of  the  womb  ?  O 
that  I  had  perished,  and  no  eye  had 
seen  me !  I  should  have  been  as 
though  I  had  not  been — I  should 
have  been  carried  from  the  womb  to 
the  grave.  Are  not  my  days  few  ? 
Let  me  alone  then,  that  I  may  com- 
fort myself  a  little  in  my  sorrow, 
before  I  go  whence  I  shall  not  re- 
turn, even  to  the  land  of  darkness 
and  the  shadow  of  death,  a  land  of 
cheerlessness  and  darkness,  where  the 
night  of  death  dwelleth,  without  any 
order,  but  shapelessness  and  dreadful- 
ness  of  darkness  for  ever. 


Ninth  Responsory  when  three  Nocturns 
have  been  said. 

Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  eternal 
death  in  that  awful  day  when  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  shall  be 
shaken,2  and  Thou  shalt  come  to  judge 
the  world  by  fire. 

Verse.  Quaking  and  dread  take 
hold  upon  me,  when  I  look  for  the 
coming  of  the  trial  and  the  wrath  to 
come. 

Answer.  When  the  heavens  and 
the  earth  shall  be  shaken. 

Verse.  That  day  is  a  day  of 
wrath,  of  wasteness  and  desola- 
tion, a  great  day  and  exceeding 
bitter.3 

Answer.  When  Thou  shalt  come 
to  judge  the  world  by  fire. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal 
rest,  and  let  the  everlasting  light 
shine  upon  them  ! 

Answer.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord, 
from  eternal  death  in  that  awful 
day,  when  the  heavens  and  the 
earth  shall  be  shaken,  and  Thou 
shalt  come  to  judge  the  world 
by   fire. 


Ninth  Responsory  when  only  one 
Nocturn  has  been  said. 

Deliver  me  from  the  ways  of  hell, 
O  Lord,  Who  didst  break  the  gates 
of  brass  in  sunder,  and  didst  descend 
into  hell,  and  give  them  light,  that 
they  that  sat  in  affliction  and  dark- 
ness might  behold  Thee. 

Verse.  Crying  and  saying,  Thou 
hast  come,  O  our  Redeemer — 

Ansiver.  That  they  that  sat  in 
affliction  and  darkness  might  behold 
Thee. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal 
rest,  and  let  the  everlasting  light  shine 
upon  them  ! 

Answer.  That  they  that  sat  in 
affliction  and  darkness  might  behold 
Thee. 

Lauds  begin  at  once  with  the 

First  Antiphon.  The  bones  which 
Thou  hast  broken  *  may  rejoice. 

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  Bathsheba." 
The  whole  history  is  in  2  Kings  (Sam.)  xi. 
xii.  (Saturday,  5th  week  after  Pentecost,  and 
6th  Sunday.)] 

T_J  AVE  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. 


1  Job  x.  18. 


2  Haggai  ii.  6. 


3  Zeph.  i.  15. 


THE   OFFICE   FOR   THE   DEAD. 


835 


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  with- 
in me. 

Cast  me  not  away  from  Thy  pres- 
ence :  *  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  1  of 
Thy  righteousness. 

O  Lord  open  Thou  my  lips,  * 
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.     , 


Second  Antiphon.  Lord,  hear  * 
my  prayer ;  unto  Thee  shall  all  flesh 
come. 

Psalm  LXIV. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm.  A  Song  of  David," 
with  a  musical  (?)  superscription.  The  Vul- 
gate adds  that  its  use  was  prescribed  by 
Jeremiah  and  Ezekiel  to  the  exiles  when  they 
began  to  return  from  the  Captivity.] 

p RAISE  becometh  Thee,  O  God, 
in  Zion  :  *  and  unto  Thee  shall 
the  vow  be  performed  in  Jerusalem. 

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  good- 
ness of  Thine  house :  *  Thy  temple 
is  holy,   terrible  in  righteousness. 

Answer  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation  : 
*  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  waterest 
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 


1  So  the  Hebrew,  the  LXX. ,  and  all  the  versions,  including  Doway,  but  the  Latin  text  has 
the  curious  mistake  of  exultabit  for  exaltabit. 


836 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


goodness :  *  and  Thy  fields  teem 
with  fruitfulness. 

The  green  places  of  the  wilderness 
wax  fruitfiM:.*  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. 

Third  Antiphon.      Thy  right  hand 

*  upholdeth  me. 

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  wilder- 
nesses 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.] 

f~\  GOD,  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,  without 
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. 

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.] 

/^*OD  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless 
^■^  us  :  *  cause  His  face  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. 

0  let  the  nations  be  glad  and  sing 
for  joy :  *  for  Thou  judgest  the 
people  righteously,  and  governest  the 
nations  upon  earth.2 

Let  the  people  praise  Thee,  O  God, 
let  all  the  people  praise  Thee.  *  The 
earth  hath  yielded  her  increase  ; 

Let  God,  even  our  own  God,  bless 
us  ;  let  God  bless  us  :  *  and  let  all 
the  ends  of  the  earth  fear  Him. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  From  the  gates 
of  the  grave  *  deliver  my  soul,  O 
Lord. 

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  history  will 
be  found  in  4  (2)  Kings  xx.  (nth  Sunday 
after  Pentecost.)] 

[    SAID,   In  the  midst  of  my  days, 
*   I   shall  go  to  the  gates  of  the 
grave  : 

1  looked  for  the  rest  of  my  years.  * 


1  SLH.     The  repetition  of  the  words  "be  merciful  unto  us,"  is  peculiar  to  the  Latin, 
a  SLH. 


THE   OFFICE   FOR   THE   DEAD. 


837 


I  said,  I  shall  not  see  the  Lord  my 
God  x  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  morning  : 
*  as  a  lion,  so  doth  He  break  all  my 
bones : 

From  day  even  to  night  wilt  Thou 
make  an  end  of  me.  *  Like  a  swal- 
low's fledgling  so  did  I  twitter,  I  did 
coo  as  a  dove  : 

Mine  eyes  fail,  *  with  looking  up- 
ward. 

0  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  bitterness 
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.  *  Behold, 
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. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Let  everything 
that  hath  breath  *  praise  the  Lord. 


Psalm  CXLVIII. 

[To  this  Psalm  is  prefixed  "Alleluia."  The 
LXX.  connects  it  with  the  Prophets  Haggai 
and  Zechariah.  See  Thursday  and  Friday  in 
the  fifth  week  of  November.] 

the 
the 


Lord   from 
praise   Him   in 


pRAISE    ye    the 

heavens :   * 
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  ;  * 
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. 

Psalm  CXLIX. 

OING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song: 
*  His  praise  in  the  congregation 
of  Saints. 


1  "  My  God  "  is  not  in  the  Hebrew,  but  the  Divine  Name  is  repeated. 

2  Taken  from  Ps.  xxxii.  9. 


838 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


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. 

Psalm  CL. 

TD RAISE  the  Lord  in  His  sanctuary  ! 
*  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  cymbals, 
praise  Him  upon  the  high-sounding 
cymbals  !  *  Let  everything  that  hath 
breath  praise  the  LORD  ! 


After  the  Fifth  Antiphon  the  ser- 
vice proceeds  directly  thus : 

Answer.  I  heard  a  voice  from 
heaven  saying  unto  me  : 

Verse.  Blessed  are  the  dead  which 
die  in  the  Lord. 

Antiphofi.  l  I  am  the  resurrection 
and  the  life  :  *  he  that  believeth  in 
Me  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he 
live :  and  whosoever  liveth  and  be- 
lieveth in  Me  shall  never  die. 

The  Song  of  Zacharias. 

After  the  repetition  of  the  Antiphon, 

all  kneel  down,  and  the  service  ends 

as  at  Vespers,  except  that,  if  Ps.  cxlv. 

have  been  said  at  Vespers,  now  is  said 

instead, 

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  proces- 
sions,  Liturgical  or  of  pilgrims.] 

f~^\UT  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  in- 
iquities, *  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. 


1  John  xi.  25,  26. 


THE   GRADUAL   PSALMS. 


839 


Cj&*  ©ratotal  Psalms, 


The  Gradual  Psalms  are  said  every 
Wednesday  in  Lent,  unless  a  Feast  of 
Nine  Lessons  is  being  kept.  They  are 
not  said  in  Holy  Week.  Ln  Choir 
they  are  said  before  the  Mattins  of 
the  day ;  out  of  Choir,  whenever 
convenient. 

No  Antiphon  is  said  with  these 
Psalms. 

At  the  end  of  the  first  five,  the 
Hymn  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c," 
is  not  said. 

Ps.  cxix.  In  my  distress,  &c,  (p. 
186.) 

Ps.  cxx.  I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes, 
&c,  {p.  186.) 

Ps.  cxxi.  I  was  glad,  &c,  (p. 
188.) 

Ps.  cxxii.  Unto  Thee  lift  I  up,  &c, 
{p.  189.) 

Ps.  cxxiii.  If  it  had  not  been  the 
Lord,  &c,  {p.  189.) 

O  Lord,  grant  them  eternal  rest, 
and  let  the  everlasting  light  shine  upon 
them. 

Then  all  kneel,  arid  the  Lord's 
Prayer  is  said  inaudibly,  except  the 
words  "  Our  Father "  and  the  ter- 
mination— 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

Answer.  But  deliver  us  from 
evil. 

Verse.  From  the  gates  of  the 
grave. 

Answer.  Deliver  their  souls,  O 
Lord! 

Verse.     May  they  rest  in  peace. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Verse.     Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 


Let  us  pray. 

TORD,  we  beseech  Thee  to  loosen 
the  souls  of  Thy  men-servants 
and  of  Thy  maid-servants,  even  the 
souls  of  all  Thy  faithful  children  from 
all  bonds  soever  wherewith  their  trans- 
gressions have  bound  them,  and  grant 
unto  them  to  live  and  breathe  again 
among  all  Thy  Saints  and  elect,  in 
a  glorious  resurrection.  Through 
Christ  our  Lord. 
Answer.     Amen. 

Then  are  said  the  next  five,  and  at 
the  end  of  each  the  Hymn,  "  Glory  be 
to  the  Father,  &c." 

Ps.  cxxiv.  They  that  trust  in  the 
Lord,  &c,  {p.  189.) 

Ps.  cxxv.  When  the  Lord  turned, 
&c,  {p.  190.) 

Ps.  cxxvi.  Except  the  Lord  build, 
&c,  {p.  190.) 

Ps.  cxxvii.  Blessed  is  every  one, 
&c,  {p.  191.) 

Ps.  cxxviii.  Many  a  time,  &c,  {p. 
191.) 

Then  all  kneel. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Our  Father  (the  Lords  Prayer  is 
continued  inaudibly  till  the  termina- 
tion) And  lead  us  not  into  tempta- 
tion. 

Answer.  But  deliver  us  from 
evil. 

Verse.  Remember  Thy  congrega- 
tion. 

Answer.  Which  Thou  hast  pur- 
chased of  old. 

Verse.      Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 


840 


THE  ADDITIONAL  SERVICES. 


Let  us  pray. 

t~\  GOD,  Whose  property  is  ever  to 
^^^  have  mercy  and  to  forgive,  re- 
ceive our  humble  petitions,  and  grant 
that  we  and  all  Thy  servants  who  are 
bound  by  the  chain  of  sin,  may,  by 
the  tenderness  of  Thy  pity,  mercifully 
be  absolved.  Through  Christ  our 
Lord. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Then  are  said  the  next  five,  and  at 
the  end  of  each  the  Hymn,  "  Glory  be 
to  the  Father,  &c." 

Ps.  cxxix.  Out  of  the  depths,  &c, 
(A  192.) 

Ps.  cxxx.  Lord,  my  heart  is  not 
haughty,  &c,  {p.  192.) 

Ps.  cxxxi.  Lord,  remember  David, 
&c,  (p.  193.) 

Ps.  cxxxii.  Behold,  how  good,  &c, 
{p.  194.) 

Ps.  cxxxiii.  Behold,  now,  bless  ye, 
&c,  (p.  207.) 


Then  all  kneel. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Our  Father  {the  Lords  Prayer  is 
continued  inaudibly  till  the  termina- 
tion) And  lead  us  not  into  tempation. 

Answer.  But  deliver  us  from 
evil. 

Verse.  O  Thou  my  God,  save  Thy 
servants. 

Answer.     That  trust  in  Thee. 

Verse.     Hear  my  prayer,  O  LORD. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

CTRETCH  forth,  O  Lord,  over  all 
Thy  men-servants  and  Thy  maid- 
servants the  right  arm  of  Thy  help 
from  heaven,  that  they  may  seek  Thee 
with  all  their  heart,  and  what  they 
ask  worthily  may  obtain  effectually. 
Through  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


€t)t  &eben  penitential  jpgalmg  an&  tfte  Eitang* 


These  are  said  kneeling  every  Fri- 
day in  Lent  when  the  Office  is  of  the 
Week-day,  except  Good  Friday,  and 
the  Litany  alone  {without  the  Seven 
Psalms)  on  St  Mark's  Day,  April  25 
— and  on  the  three  Rogation  Days. 
Ln  Lent  they  are  said  in  Choir  after 
Lauds  {immediately  after  V.  Bless  we 
the  Lord.  R.  Thanks  be  to  God.) 
Out  of  Choir,  when  convenient. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c,  is  said 
after  each  Psalm. 

Antiphon.     Remember  not. 

Ps.  vi.  O  Lord,  rebuke  me  not, 
&c,  (A  5.) 


Ps.  xxxi.      Blessed   are   they,  &c, 

(A  77.) 

Ps.  xxxvii.  O  Lord,  rebuke  me 
not,  &c,  {p.  83.) 

Ps.  1.      Have  mercy  upon  me,  &c, 

(A  87.) 

Ps.  ci.      Hear  my  prayer,  &c,   {p. 

I59-) 

Ps.  cxxix.     Out  of  the  depths,  &c, 

(A  192.) 

Ps.   cxlii.      Hear   my   prayer,   &c, 

(A  1 53-) 

Antiphon.  1  Remember  not,  Lord, 
our  offences,  nor  the  offences  of  our 
forefathers  ;  neither  take  Thou  venge- 
ance of  our  sins. 


1  Tobias  iii.  3. 


THE   SEVEN    PENITENTIAL   PSALMS   AND  THE   LITANY.       841 


The  Litany. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

O  Christ,  hear  us. 

Graciously  hear  us,  O  Christ, 

O     God     the     Father,     of\ 
heaven, 

O  God  the  Son,  Redeemer 
of  the  world, 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost, 

O  Holy  Trinity,  One  God, 

Holy  Mary, 

Holy  Mother  of  God, 

Holy  Virgin  of  virgins, 

Holy  Michael, 

Holy  Gabriel, 

Holy  Raphael, 

O  all  ye  holy  Angels  and  Arch- 
angels, 

O  all  ye  holy  Orders  of  blessed 
spirits, 

Holy  John  the  Baptist, 

Holy  Joseph, 

O  all  ye  holy  Patriarchs  and 
Prophets, 

Holy  Peter, 

Holy  Paul, 

Holy  Andrew, 

Holy  James, 

Holy  John, 

Holy  Thomas, 

Holy  James, 

Holy  Philip, 

Holy  Bartholomew, 

Holy  Matthew, 

Holy  Simon, 

Holy  Thaddeus, 

Holy  Matthias, 

Holy  Barnabas, 

Holy  Luke, 

Holy  Mark, 

O    all    ye    holy  Apostles    and 
Evangelists, 

O  all  ye  holy  Disciples  of  the 
Lord, 

O  all  ye  holy  Innocents, 

Holy  Stephen,  J 

Holy  Lawrence, 
vol.  I. 


si 

I 


Holy  Vincent, 

Holy  Fabian  and  Sebastian, 
Holy  John  and  Paul, 
Holy  Cosmas  and  Damian, 
Holy  Gervase  and  Protase, 
O  all  ye  holy  Martyrs, 
Holy  Silvester, 
Holy  Gregory, 
Holy  Ambrose, 
Holy  Austin, 
Holy  Jerome, 
Holy  Martin, 
Holy  Nicholas, 

O    all    ye    holy    Bishops    and 
Confessors, 

O  all  ye  holy  Teachers, 
Holy  Anthony, 
Holy  Benedict, 
Holy  Bernard, 
Holy  Dominick, 
Holy  Francis, 

O    all    ye    holy    Priests    and 
Levites, 

O    all    ye    holy    Monks    and 
Hermits, 

Holy  Mary  Magdalen, 
Holy  Agatha, 
Holy  Lucy, 
Holy  Agnes, 
Holy  Cecily, 
Holy  Katharine, 
Holy  Anastasia, 
O  all  ye  holy  Virgins  and  Wi- 
dows, 

O    all    ye  holy   men    and    women 
children  of  God, 

Make  intercession  for  us. 
Be  merciful, 
Spare  us,  O  Lord. 
Be  merciful, 

Graciously  hear  us,  O  Lord. 
From  all  evil, 
From  all  sin, 
From  Thy  wrath, 
From  sudden  and  unprovided 
death, 

From  the  snares  of  the  devil, 
From    the    spirit    of   unclean- 
ness, 

2  E 


842 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


From  lightning  and  tempest, 

From    the    scourge    of    earth- 
quake, 

From   pestilence,  famine,  and 
war, 

From  everlasting  death, 

Through  the  mystery  of  Thine 
holy  Incarnation, 

Through  Thy  coming, 

Through  Thy  Birth, 

Through    Thy    Baptism    and 
holy  Fasting, 

Through  Thy  Cross  and  Suffer- 
ing, 

Through     Thy      Death      and 
Burial, 

Through 
again, 

Through 
cension, 

Through 


.& 


/•a 


Thine    holy    Rising 
Thy    wonderful    As- 


the 


the    coming    of 
Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter, 

In  the  day  of  judgment,  / 

We  sinners, 

Do  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us. 

That  Thou  wouldest  spare  us, 

That  Thou  wouldest  pardon  us, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
bring  us  unto  true  repentance, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  rule 
and  preserve  Thy  holy  Church, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
preserve  our  Apostolic  Lord,  and 
all  orders  of  the  Church  in  holy 
religion, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
bring  down  the  enemies  of  Thy 
holy  Church, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
give  peace  and  true  concord  unto 
all  Christian  Kings  and  Princes, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
give  peace  and  unity  to  all 
Christian  nations, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
strengthen  and  preserve  us  in 
Thy  holy  Service, 

That  Thou  wouldest  raise  up 
our  minds  to  heavenly  desires,  / 


§ 


That    Thou    wouldest    reward  > 
with  eternal  good  all  them  who 
do  good  to  us, 

That  Thou  wouldest  deliver  our 
souls,  and  the  souls  of  our  breth- 
ren, kinsfolk,  and  benefactors, 
from  eternal  damnation, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
give  and  preserve  to  our  use  the 
fruits  of  the  earth, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to 
grant  eternal  rest  unto  all  the 
faithful  departed, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  gra- 
ciously to  hear  us, 

Son  of  God, 

O  Lamb  of  God,  That  takest  away 
the  sins  of  the  world. 

Spare  us,  0  Lord. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  That  takest  away 
the  sins  of  the  world, 

Graciously  hear  us,  O  Lord. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  That  takest  away 
the  sins  of  the  world, 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

O  Christ,  hear  us, 

Graciously  hear  us,  O  Christ. 

Kyrie  eleison. 
Christe  eleison. 
Kyrie  eleison. 

Our  Father,  {the Lord's  Prayer  is  con- 
tinued inaudibly  till  the  termination. ) 
And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 
But  deliver  us  from  evil. 


Psalm   LXIX. 

TV/TAKE  haste,  O  God,  to  deliver 
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  desire  my  hurt. 

Let  them  be  turned  back  with 
shame,  *  that  say  unto  me  :  Aha,  aha. 

Let  all  those  that  seek  Thee  be  joy- 
ful and  glad  in  Thee,  *  and  let  such 


THE     SEVEN    PENITENTIAL   PSALMS   AND   THE   LITANY.       843 


as  love  Thy  salvation  say  continually : 
Let  the  Lord  be  magnified. 

But  I  am  poor  and  needy :  *  help 
me,  O  God. 

Thou  art  my  help  and  deliverer  :  * 
O  Lord,  make  no  tarrying. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 
As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  &c. 

Verse.  *  O  Thou,  my  God,  save 
Thy  servants, 

Answer.     That  trust  in  Thee. 

Verse.  2  Lord,  be  Thou  unto  us  a 
strong  tower 

Answer.      From  the  enemy. 

Verse.  3  Let  the  enemy  prevail  no- 
thing against  us. 

Answer.  Nor  the  son  of  wicked- 
ness afflict  us. 

Verse.  4  Deal  not  Thou  with  us 
after  our  sins. 

Answer.  Nor  reward  us  according 
to  our  iniquities. 

Verse.  Let  us  pray  for  our  Bishop. 
{Here  the  name  of  the  reigning  Pope 
is  inserted. ) 5 

Answer.  6  The  Lord  preserve  him, 
and  quicken  him,  and  make  him  to 
be  blessed  upon  the  earth,  and  deliver 
him  not  unto  the  will  of  his  enemies. 

Verse.  Let  us  pray  for  them  who 
have  done  good  to  us. 

Answer.  May  it  please  Thee,  O 
Lord,  to  reward  with  eternal  life  all 
them  who  do  good  to  us  for  Thy 
Name's  sake.     Amen. 

Verse.  Let  us  pray  for  the  faithful 
departed. 

Answer.  O  Lord,  grant  them  eter- 
nal 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. 

1    PS.  1XXXV.  2.  2    PS.   lx.  4. 

5  Pontifex.     This  being  the  Roman  Breviary. 


Verse.  7  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. 

Let  us  pray. 

f~\  GOD,  Whose  property  is  ever  to 
have  mercy  and  to  forgive,  re- 
ceive our  humble  petitions,  and  grant 
that  we  and  all  Thy  servants  who  are 
bound  by  the  chain  of  sin  may,  by  the 
tenderness  of  Thy  pity,  mercifully  be 
absolved. 

f~\  LORD,  we  beseech  Thee  graci- 
ously to  hear  our  humble  peti- 
tions, and  spare  all  those  who  confess 
their  sins  unto  Thee,  granting  us  in 
Thy  goodness  pardon  and  peace. 

DE  graciously  pleased,  O  Lord,  to 
show  forth  upon  us  Thine  un- 
speakable mercy,  ridding  us  from  all 
sin,  and  therewithal  delivering  us  from 
all  pains  which  for  the  same  we  do 
justly  deserve. 

r~\  GOD,  Whom  sin  doth  justly  move 
^-^  to  anger,  and  repentance  turn 
again  mercifully  to  forgive  the  same, 
look  down  now  graciously  upon  the 
supplications  of  Thy  people  praying 
before  Thee,  and  turn  away  the 
scourges  of  Thy  wrath,  which  for  our 
sins  we  do  most  rightfully  deserve. 

r\  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
^^^  God,  have  pity  upon  Thy  servant 
our  Bishop  N.,  {here  name  the  Pope,) 
and  order  his  goings  according  to 
Thy  mercy  in  the  paths  of  eternal  sal- 
vation, that  by  the  gift  of  Thy  grace 
he  may  ever  seek  such  things  as 
please  Thee,  and  with  all  his  strength 
fulfil  the  same. 


3  Ps.  lxxxviii.  23. 
6  Ps.  xl.  3. 


4  Ps.  cii.  ro. 
7  Ps.  xix.  3. 


844 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


f~~\  GOD,  from  Whom  all  holy  desires, 
^^^  all  good  counsels,  and  all  just 
works  do  proceed ;  give  unto  Thy 
servants  that  peace  which  the  world 
cannot  give,  that  both  our  hearts  may 
be  set  to  obey  Thy  commandments, 
and  also  that  by  Thee  we  being  de- 
fended from  the  fear  of  our  enemies, 
may  pass  our  time  in  rest  and  quiet- 
ness. 

[    ORD,    burn    our    reins    and    our 
hearts  with  the  fire  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  we  may  serve  Thee  with 
chaste  bodies  and  pure  minds. 

(~\  GOD,  Who  art  Thyself  at  once 
^^^  the  Maker  and  the  Redeemer 
of  all  Thy  faithful  ones,  grant  unto 
the  souls  of  Thy  servants  and  hand- 
maids remission  of  all  their  sins,  mak- 
ing of  our  entreaties  unto  our  Great 
Father  a  mean  whereby  they  may 
have  that  forgiveness  which  they  have 
ever  longed  for. 

pREVENT  us,  O  Lord,  we  beseech 

Thee,  in  all  our  doings,  with  Thy 

gracious    inspiration,   and    further   us 

with  Thy  continual   help,   that  every 


prayer  and  work  of  ours  may  begin 
from  Thee,  and  by  Thee  be  duly  ended. 

(~\  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
^  God,  Who  art  Lord  both  of  the 
living  and  of  the  dead,  and  hast 
mercy  upon  all  whom  Thou  fore-know- 
est  shall  by  faith  and  work  be  Thine, 
we  most  humbly  beseech  on  behalf  of 
all  for  whom  we  have  a  mind  to  pray, 
whether  they  be  yet  entangled  in  the 
flesh  in  this  present  world,  or  whether 
they  be  already  rid  of  the  body,  and 
entered  into  that  world  which  for  us 
is  still  to  come,  that  all  Thy  holy 
children  may  pray  for  them,  and  that 
the  pitifulness  of  Thy  mercy  may  grant 
unto  them  the  forgiveness  of  all  their 
trespasses.  Through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  Thy  Son,  Who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Verse.  May  the  almighty  and  mer- 
ciful Lord  graciously  hear  us. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Verse.  And  may  the  souls  of  the 
faithful,  through  the  mercy  of  God, 
rest  in  peace. 

Answer.     Amen. 


<£race  More  an&  after  Jfteat 


Before  dinner,   he  who   blesses  the 
meal  says  : 

Verse.     Bless  ye — 
Answer.     Bless  ye. 

Then  he  says : 

1  The  eyes  of  all — 

And  the  rest  continue  : 

Wait  upon  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  Thou 
givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season. 


Thou  openest  Thine  hand,  and  fillest 
all  things  living  with  plenteousness. 

Verse.     Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 

Answer.     As  it  was,  &c. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Our  Father,  {inaudibly  till  the  last 
words,) 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

Answer.     But  deliver  us  from  evil. 


1  Ps.  cxliv.  15,  16. 


GRACE   BEFORE  AND  AFTER   MEAT. 


845 


Let  us  pray. 

"DLESS  us,  O  Lord,  and  these  Thy 
gifts,    which    we    are    about    to 
receive  from   Thy  bounty.     Through 
Christ  our  Lord. 
Answer.     Amen. 

Reader.  Sir,  be  pleased  to  give  the 
blessing. 

The  Blessing. 

May  the  King  of  eternal  glory  make 
us  to  be  partakers  at  His  table  in 
heaven. 

Answer.     Amen. 

At  the  end  of  dinner,  the  Reader 
concludes,  saying : 

But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Verse.  1  May  all  Thy  works  praise 
Thee,  O  Lord  ! 

Answer.  And  let  Thy  Saints  bless 
Thee! 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
&c. 

Answer.     As  it  was,  &c. 

We  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Almighty 
God,  for  all  Thy  mercies.  Who  livest 
and  reignest  for  ever  and  ever. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Then  is  said  alternately  either  Ps. 
1.,  "  Have  mercy  upon  me,  &c,"  {p. 
87,)  or  Ps.  cxvi.,  "  O  praise  the  Lord, 
&c,"  (p.  186.)      Then: 

Verse.     Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 
Answer.     As  it  was,  &c. 

Kyrie  eleison. 
Christe  eleison. 
Kyrie  eleison. 

Our  Father,  (inaudibly  till  the  last 
words,) 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 
Answer.     But  deliver  us  from  evil. 


Verse.  2  He  hath  dispersed,  he 
hath  given  to  the  poor — 

Answer.  His  righteousness  en- 
dureth  for  ever. 

Verse.  3  I  will  bless  the  Lord  at 
all  times — 

Answer.  His  praise  shall  continu- 
ally be  in  my  mouth. 

Verse.  My  soul  shall  make  her 
boast  in  the  Lord — 

Answer.  The  humble  shall  hear 
thereof  and  be  glad. 

Verse.  O  magnify  the  Lord  with 
me — 

Answer.  And  let  us  exalt  His 
Name  together. 

Verse.  4  Blessed  be  the  Name  of 
the  Lord  ! — 

Answer.  From  this  time  forth  and 
for  evermore ! 

May  it  please  Thee,  O  Lord,  to 
reward  with  eternal  life  all  them 
who  do  good  to  us  for  Thy  Name's 
sake. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Verse.     Bless  we  the  Lord. 

Answer.     Thanks  be  to  God. 

Verse.  May  the  souls  of  the  faith- 
ful, through  the  mercy  of  God,  rest  in 
peace. 

Answer.     Amen. 

The  Lord's  Prayer  is  again  said, 
inaudibly  throughout,  and  then : 

God  grant  us  His  peace. 
Answer.     Amen. 

At  supper  the  form  is  the  same,  ex- 
cept the  following  : 

Text  at  the  beginning  (Ps.  xxi. 
27.) 

The  poor  shall  eat — 

And  be  satisfied,  and  they  shall 
praise  the  Lord  that  seek  Him  :  their 
heart  shall  live  for  ever. 


1  Ps.  cxliv.  10. 


2  Ps.  cxi.  9. 


3  Ps.  xxxiii.  2-4. 


4  Ps.  cxii.  2. 


846 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


Blessing. 

May  the  King  of  eternal  glory 
bring  us  y  to  sup  with  Him  in 
eternal   life. 

At  the  end : 

Verse.  1  He  hath  made  a  memorial 
of  His  wonderful  works. 

Answer.  The  Lord  is  gracious 
and  full  of  compassion :  He  hath 
given  meat  unto  them  that  fear 
Him. 

Verse.     Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c. 

Answer.     As  it  was,  &c. 

2  God  is  blessed  in  all  His  gifts,  and 
holy  in  all  His  works. 

Answer.     Amen. 

And  Ps.  cxvi.  is  always  said. 

On  some  days  the  form  is  special,  as 
follows  : 

Note  1.  These  special  passages  are 
used  both  at  dinner  and  supper. 

Note  2.  On  a  Fast-Day,  the  single 
meal  allowed  is  supper. 

Note  3.  //  is  always  allowed  to 
substitute  Psalm  cxvi.  for  the  special 
Psalm  appointed,  except  on  Maundy 
Thursday  and  Good  Friday. 


1.  On  Christmas  Day  to  dinner  on 
fan.   5,  and  inclusive. 

Text  at  the  beginning  (John  i.  14.) 

The  Word  was  made  Flesh,  Alle- 
luia,— 

And  dwelt  among  us.     Alleluia. 

At  the  end : 

Verse.  The  Lord  hath  made 
known.     Alleluia, — 

Answer.     His  salvation.     Alleluia. 

Ps.  xcvii.  O  sing  unto  the  LORD, 
&c.,(p.  157.) 

2.  On  the  Epiphany  and  throughout 
the  Octave. 

Text  at  the  beginning  (Ps.  lxxi.  10.) 

The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the 
isles  shall  bring  presents.    Alleluia — 

The  kings  of  Arabia  and  Saba  shall 
offer  gifts.     Alleluia. 

At  the  end : 

Verse.  3A11  they  from  Saba  shall 
come.     Alleluia — 

Answer.  They  shall  bring  gold 
and  incense.     Alleluia. 

Ps.  lxxi.  Give  the  King,  &c,  {p. 
126.) 


JPragcrs  for  a  Siouweg* 


These  Prayers  are  said  immediately 
after  starting.  If  one  person  say  them  by 
himself,  the  Singular  Number  is  used. 

Antiphon.  May  the  Lord,  the  Al- 
mighty and  Merciful,  lead  us — 

Song  of  Zacharias.  Blessed  be  the 
Lord,  &c,  {p.  28.) 

Antiphon.  May  the  Lord,  the  Al- 
mighty and  Merciful,  lead  us  into  the 
way  of  peace  and  prosperity,  and 
may  the  angel  Raphael  be  with  us 
in    the  way,    that   we   may    come   to 


our  home  again  in  peace,  and  health, 
and  gladness. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Our  Father  (inaudibly  till  the  last 
words) 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

Answer.     But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

Verse.  4  O  Thou  my  God,  save 
Thy  servants, 

Answer.     That  trust  in  Thee. 


Ps.  ex.  4. 


J  Cf.  Ps.  cxliv.  17. 


s  Isa.  lx.  6. 


4  Ps.  lxxxv.  2. 


PRAYERS   FOR  A  JOURNEY. 


847 


Verse.  l  O  Lord,  send  us  help  from 
the  sanctuary. 

Answer.  And  strengthen  us  out  of 
Zion. 

Verse.  2  Lord,  be  Thou  unto  us  a 
strong  tower, 

Answer.     From  the  enemy. 

Verse.  3  Let  the  enemy  prevail  no- 
thing against  us, 

Answer.  Nor  the  son  of  wicked- 
ness afflict  us. 

Verse.  4  Blessed  be  the  Lord 
daily. 

Answer.  The  God  of  our  salvation 
maketh  our  way  prosperous. 

Verse.  5  Show  us  Thy  ways,  O 
Lord. 

Answer.     And  teach  us  Thy  paths. 

Verse.  6  O  that  our  ways  were 
directed, 

Answer.     To  keep  Thy  statutes. 

Verse.  7  The  crooked  shall  be 
made  straight. 

Answer.  And  the  rough  places 
plain. 

Verse.  8  God  hath  given  His 
Angels  charge  over  thee. 

Answer.  To  keep  thee  in  all  thy 
ways. 

Verse.      Hear  my  prayer,  O  LORD. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  madest  the  children 
^^^  of  Israel  to  walk  with  dry  feet 
through  the  midst  of  the  sea,  and  Who 
didst  open  unto  the  three  wise  men, 
by  the  guiding  of  a  star,  the  way  that 
led  unto  Thee,  grant  us  good  speed, 
and  quietness,  that  Thine  holy  Angel 
may  be  with  us,  and  that  we  may 
happily  come  thither  whither  we  would, 


now,  and,  in  the  end,  unto  the  haven 
of  eternal  salvation. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  call  Thy  ser- 
vant Abraham  out  of  Ur  of  the 
Chaldees,  and  didst  keep  him  from 
evil  through  all  the  ways  of  his  pil- 
grimage, we  beseech  Thee,  that  it 
may  please  Thee  to  keep  us  Thy 
servants.  Be  Thou  unto  us,  O  Lord, 
an  help  when  we  go  forward,  a  com- 
fort by  the  way,  a  shadow  from  the 
heat,  a  covering  from  the  rain  and  the 
cold,  a  chariot  in  weariness,  a  refuge 
in  trouble,  a  staff  in  slippery  paths, 
an  haven  in  shipwreck.  Do  Thou 
lead  us,  that  we  may  happily  come 
thither  where  we  would  be,  and  there- 
after come  again  safe  unto  our  own 
home. 

(GRACIOUSLY  hear  our  supplica- 
tions,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee, 
and  order  the  goings  of  Thy  servants 
in  the  safe  path  that  leadeth  unto 
salvation  in  Thee,  that  amidst  all  the 
manifold  changes  of  this  life's  pil- 
grimage, Thy  shield  may  never  cease 
from  us. 

/GRANT,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Al- 
^  mighty  God,  that  Thy  family 
may  fare  onward  in  the  path  of  sal- 
vation, and  by  giving  heed  to  the 
preaching  of  the  blessed  Fore-runner 
John,  may  safely  attain  unto  Him 
Whom  John  preached,  even  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. 

Verse.     Let  us  go  on  in  peace. 
Answer.     In  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
Amen. 


1  Ps.  xix.  3. 
5  Ps.  xxiv.  4. 


«  Ps.  lx.  4. 
6  Ps.  cxviii.  5. 


3  Ps.  lxxxviii.  23. 
7  Isa.  xl.  4. 


4  Ps.  lxvii.  20. 
8  Ps.  xc.  7. 


848 


THE  ADDITIONAL  SERVICES. 


preparation  for  (ftommunton* 


Antiphon  (to  be  doubled  when  the 
Office  is  doubled.)  Remember  not, 
Lord,  our  offences,  *  nor  the  offences 
of  our  forefathers,  neither  take  Thou 
vengeance  of  our  sins. 

Psalm  LXXXIII. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  the  sons  of  Koran." 
It  has  the  same  superscription  as  Ps.  lxx., 
referring  possibly  to  the  vintage.  It  reads  as 
if  it  were  a  pilgrim-song  referring  to  the  going 
up  of  all  the  males  of  Israel  to  Jerusalem  to 
observe  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles,  when  har- 
vest and  vintage  were  over.] 

T_T  OW  lovely  are  Thy  tabernacles, 
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  her- 
self, 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.1 

Blessed  is  the  man  whose  strength 
is  from  Thee  ;  *  who  hath  settled  in 
his  heart  to  go  up  [to  Thy  sanctuary,] 
through  the  vale  of  tears,2  to  the  place 
which  he  hath  appointed. 

He  That  hath  given  the  Law  will 
give  His  blessing  ;  they  shall  go  from 
strength  to  strength  :  *  they  appear 
before  the  God  of  gods  in  Zion. 

O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  my 
prayer  :  *  give  ear,  O  God  of  Jacob  ! 1 

Behold,  O  God,  our  shield  :  *  and 
look  upon  the  face  of  Thine  Anointed. 

For  a  day  in  Thy  courts  is  better  * 
than  a  thousand. 


I  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 ! 

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. 

Psalm  LXXXIV. 

[Intituled  "A  Psalm  of  the  sons  of  Korah," 
with  the  usual  (now  uncertain)  superscription.] 

T    ORD,  Thou  hast  been  favourable 

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  ? 

0  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, 


i  SLH. 

2  Hebrew,  "of  Baca,"  probably  the  proper  name  of  a  place,  but,  literally,  "  weeping." 


PREPARATION    FOR   COMMUNION. 


849 


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  together: 

*  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. 

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. 

Psalm  LXXXV. 

[Intituled  "  A  Prayer  of  David."] 

"DOW  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  :  *  re- 
joice the  soul  of  Thy  servant,  for  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  sup- 
plication. 

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  before  Thee, 

VOL.  1. 


0  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 

1  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. 

0  look  upon  me,  and  have  mercy 
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. 

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. 

Psalm  CXV. 

[In  the  Hebrew  this  Psalm  is  a  continuation 
of  the  last.  The  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  pre- 
fix "Alleluia."] 

T     BELIEVED,    therefore    have     I 
spoken :    *    but    I    was    greatly 
afflicted. 

1  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. 
2  e  2 


850 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


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. 

0  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  "Alleluia," 
which  the  Vulgate  and  the  LXX.  prefix  to 
the  next  Psalm.] 

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. 

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  proces- 
sions, Liturgical  or  of  pilgrims.] 

/^\UT  of  the  depths  have  I  cried 
^  unto  Thee,  O  LORD  1  *  Lord, 
hear  my  voice. 

Let  Thine  ears  be  attentive  *  to 
the  voice  of  my  supplication. 

If  Thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark  in- 
iquities, *  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  redemp- 
tion. 

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  without  end. 
Amen. 

Antiphon.  Remember  not,  Lord, 
our  offences,  nor  the  offences  of  our 
forefathers,  neither  take  Thou  ven- 
geance of  our  sins. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Christe  eleison. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

Our  Father  {the  Lord's  Prayer  is 
continued  inaudibly  till  the  termina- 
tion. ) 

Verse.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation. 

Answer.     But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

Verse.  As  for  me,  I  said :  Lord, 
be  merciful  unto  me. 

Answer.  Heal  my  soul,  for  I  have 
sinned  against  Thee. 

Verse.  Turn  again,  O  Lord,  for  a 
little, 

Answer.  And  be  entreated  for  Thy 
servant's  sake. 

Verse.  O  Lord,  let  Thy  mercy 
lighten  upon  us. 

Answer.     As  our  trust  is  in  Thee. 

Verse.  Let  Thy  priests  be  clothed 
with  righteousness. 

Answer.  And  let  Thy  Saints  shout 
for  joy. 

Verse.  Lord,  cleanse  Thou  me 
from  secret  faults. 

Answer.  Keep  back  Thy  servant 
also  from  the  sins  of  others. 

Verse.     Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

"DOW  down  Thy  Fatherly  ears 
unto  our  supplications,  O  most 
merciful  God,  and  enlighten  our  hearts 
by  the  grace  of  Thine  Holy  Spirit, 
that   we    may   worthily  take    part    in 


PREPARATION    FOR   COMMUNION. 


85I 


Thy  service,  and  may  love  Thee  with 
an  everlasting  love.  * 

O  God,  unto  Whom  all  hearts  lie 
open,  all  desires  known,  and  from 
Whom  no  secrets  are  hid,  cleanse 
the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the 
inspiration  of  Thine  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  perfectly  love  Thee,  and 
worthily  magnify  Thine  Holy  Name. 

Lord,  burn  our  reins  and  our  hearts 
with  the  fire  of  Thine  Holy  Spirit, 
that  we  may  serve  Thee  with  chaste 
bodies  and  pure  minds. 

Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  the 
Comforter  which  proceedeth  from 
Thee  may  enlighten  our  minds,  and 
lead  us  into  all  truth,  even  as  Thy 
Son  hath  promised  unto  us. 

Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  Thine 
Holy  Spirit  may  dwell  in  us  in  much 
power,  mercifully  cleansing  our  hearts 
and  shielding  us  from  all  things  hurt- 
ful. 

O  God,  Who  didst  teach  the  hearts 
of  Thy  faithful  people  by  sending  to 
them  the  light  of  Thine  Holy  Spirit, 
grant  unto  us  by  the  same  Spirit  to 
have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things, 
and  evermore  to  rejoice  in  His  holy 
comfort. 

Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  to  cleanse 
our  consciences  by  the  power  of  Thine 
holy  visitation,  that  when  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  Thy  Son,  cometh,  He 
may  find  in  us  a  dwelling-place  made 
ready  unto  Himself.  Who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the  unity 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

Prayer.1 

S~\  GREAT  High  Priest  and  true 
^  Bishop,  Jesus  Christ,  Who 
didst    offer    Thyself  up    to    God    the 


Father  upon  the  Altar  of  the  Cross 
as  a  pure  and  spotless  Victim  for  us 
sinful  wretches,  Who  hast  given  us 
Thy  Flesh  to  eat  and  Thy  Blood  to 
drink,  and  hast  set  this  mystery  in 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  saying, 
"  Do  this  as  oft  as  ye  do  it,  in  re- 
membrance of  Me."  I  entreat  Thee 
by  the  same  Thy  Blood  the  great 
price  of  our  salvation,  I  entreat 
Thee  by  that  wondrous  and  unspeak- 
able love  wherewith  it  hath  pleased 
Thee  so  to  love  us  unworthy  wretches 
as  to  wash  us  from  our  sins  in  Thine 
Own  Blood,  teach  me,  Thine  un- 
worthy servant,  whom  for  no  deserts  of 
mine,  but  by  the  mere  goodness  of  Thy 
mercy,  Thou  hast  been  pleased  among 
other  gifts  even  to  call  unto  Thine 
Altar,  teach  me,  I  beseech  Thee,  by 
Thine  Holy  Spirit  how  to  deal  with 
this  mystery,  with  the  reverence, 
honour,  earnestness,  and  fear  which 
are  behoven  and  meet.  Make  me 
by  Thy  grace  always  to  believe, 
understand,  feel,  hold,  say,  and 
think  concerning  this  mystery  that 
which  is  pleasing  unto  Thee  and  ex- 
pedient for  mine  own  soul.  Let  Thy 
good  Spirit  enter  into  mine  heart  to 
sound  there  without  noise,  and  to 
speak  all  truth  without  words.  These 
things  are  very  deep,  and  they  are 
covered  with  an  holy  veil.  For  Thy 
great  mercy's  sake,  grant  that  I 
may  take  part  at  Mass  with  a  clean 
heart  and  a  pure  mind.  Free  my 
heart  from  unclean,  shameful,  vain, 
and  harmful  thoughts.  Defend  me 
with  the  kindly  and  faithful  keeping 
of  Thy  blessed  Angels  and  their 
mighty  watch,  that  the  enemies  of 
all  good  may  be  confounded  and  go 
away.  By  the  power  of  this  great 
mystery,  and  by  the  hand   of  Thine 


i  In  the  original  this  prayer  is  divided  according  to  the  days  of  the  week ;  as  there  are 
some  passages  in  it  which  are  suitable  only  for  Priests,  and  which  have  therefore  been  here 
necessarily  omitted,  it  is  not  here  so  divided,  but  the  intention  clearly  is  that  it  should  not 
all  be  used  at  one  time. 


852 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


holy  Angel,  take  away  from  me  and 
from  all  Thy  servants  the  hard  spirit 
of  pride  and  vain  -  glory,  envy  and 
blasphemy,  ^fornication  and  unclean- 
ness,  doubt  and  suspicion.  Con- 
founded be  they  that  assail  us,  and 
may  they  that  would  fain  destroy 
us  perish. 

O  King  of  virgins,  lover  of  chastity 
and  purity,  by  the  heavenly  dew  of 
Thy  blessing  quench  in  my  body  the 
fire  of  unlawful  lusts,  that  my  body 
and  soul  may  remain  pure.  Kill  in 
my  members  all  unlawful  prickings  of 
the  flesh  and  uprisings  of  lust,  and 
grant  unto  me,  along  with  Thine  other 
gifts  which  truly  please  Thee,  true 
and  everlasting  chastity  according  to 
my  state,  that  I  may  be  able  to  offer 
up  unto  Thee  the  sacrifice  of  praise 
with  a  pure  body  and  a  clean  heart. 
O,  what  searching  of  heart,  what 
shedding  of  tears,  what  reverence,  and 
what  awe,  what  purity  of  body  and 
soul  are  called  for  by  God's  heavenly 
sacrifice  when  Thy  Flesh  is  eaten 
indeed  and  Thy  Blood  is  drunk  in- 
deed, where  the  things  of  the  highest 
are  brought  down  to  the  things  of  the 
lowest,  and  the  things  of  God  to  the 
things  of  earth,  where  the  holy  Angels 
are  present,  where  Thou  Thyself  art 
wondrously  and  unspeakably  set  forth, 
Thyself  at  once  the  sacrifice  and  the 
Priest. 

Who  can  worthily  deal  with  this, 
unless  Thou,  O  God  Almighty,  should 
Thyself  make  him  worthy.  Lord,  I 
know,  I  know  indeed,  and  I  confess  it 
before  Thy  Fatherly  goodness,  that 
on  account  of  my  great  sins  and  my 
countless  failings  I  am  not  worthy 
to  draw  near  to  this  great  mystery, 
but  I  also  know,  I  believe  indeed 
with  all  my  heart,  and  I  confess  with 
my  mouth,  that  Thou  Who  alone  art 
able  to  bring  a  clean  thing  out  of  an 
unclean,  and  to  make  sinners  right- 
eous and  holy,  art  able  to  make  me 


worthy.  O,  my  God,  I  entreat  Thee 
by'  this  Thine  Almighty  power  to 
grant  unto  me,  a  sinner,  that  I  may 
receive  this  Sacrament  with  fear  and 
trembling,  with  purity  of  heart  and 
with  weeping,  with  spiritual  gladness 
and  heavenly  joy.  Let  my  soul  feel 
the  sweetness  of  Thy  blessed  pres- 
ence, and  that  Thine  Holy  Angels 
keep  guard  round  me. 

For  I,  O  Lord,  sinner  though  I  be, 
am  going  to  draw  near  unto  Thine 
Altar  in  memory  of  Thy  worshipful 
passion,  to  receive  there  the  Sacra- 
ment which  Thou  hast  instituted 
in  remembrance  of  Thyself  for  our 
salvation.  O  God,  most  high,  do 
Thou  receive  that  remembrance  on 
behalf  of  Thine  holy  Church,  and  on 
behalf  of  Thy  people  Whom  Thou 
hast  bought  with  Thine  own  Blood. 
Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  have  regard 
unto  the  sorrows  of  peoples,  the 
straits  of  nations,  the  cries  of  prison- 
ers, the  woes  of  orphans,  the  needs 
of  wanderers,  the  helplessness  of  the 
weak,  the  hopelessness  of  the  sick,  the 
failure  of  the  old,  the  hopes  of  young 
men,  the  desires  of  young  women,  the 
grief  of  widows. 

For  Thou,  O  Lord,  hast  mercy 
upon  all,  and  hatest  nothing  that 
Thou  hast  made — remember  of  what 
we  are  made.  Thou  art  our  Father, 
Thou  art  our  God,  be  not  wrathful 
exceedingly,  neither  shut  up  the  multi- 
tude of  Thy  tender  mercies  from  us. 
It  is  not  with  any  hope  in  any  right- 
eousness of  our  own  that  we  lay  our 
prayers  before  Thee,  but  with  hope  in 
the  multitude  of  Thy  tender  mercies. 
Take  away  our  iniquities  from  us,  and 
in  Thy  mercy  kindle  in  us  the  fire 
of  Thine  Holy  Spirit,  take  away  the 
stony  heart  out  of  our  flesh,  and  give 
an  heart  afresh,  an  heart  to  love 
Thee,  to  seek  Thee,  to  rejoice  in 
Thee,  to  follow  Thee,  and  to  enjoy 
Thee.     We    beseech    Thy  mercy,    O 


PREPARATION    FOR   COMMUNION. 


853 


Lord,  to  be  pleased  to  look  in  favour 
upon  Thy  people  when  they  do  ser- 
vice unto  Thine  Holy  Name,  and  in 
order  that  no  one  may  ask  in  vain, 
and  no  request  be  refused,  do  Thou 
Thyself  inspire  us  with  such  prayers 
as  it  may  please  Thee  to  hear  and  to 
grant. 

Holy  Lord  and  Father,  we  entreat 
Thee  also  for  the  spirits  of  the  faith- 
ful departed ;  unto  them  may  this 
great  mystery  of  godliness  be  health, 
wholeness,  gladness,  and  rest.  O 
Lord,  my  God,  may  they  have  this 
day  a  great  and  full  banquet  of  Thee 
the  Living  Bread,  Who  didst  come 
down  from  heaven,  and  givest  life 
unto  the  world,  of  Thine  Holy  and 
Blessed  Flesh,  the  Flesh  of  Thee,  the 
Lamb  without  spot,  Who  takest  away 
the  sins  of  the  world,  which  Thou 
didst  take  from  the  holy  and  glorious 
womb  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary, 
and  which  was  conceived  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  of  that  river  of  mercy 
which  the  soldier's  spear  drew  out  of 
Thy  Sacred  Side,  that  they  may  be 
thereby  strengthened,  filled,  rested, 
and  comforted,  and  may  sing  unto 
Thy  praise  and  glory.  I  beseech 
Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  that  the  fulness 
of  Thy  blessing,  and  the  sanctification 
of  Thy  Godhead,  may  come  down 
upon  the  bread  which  is  to  be  offered 
unto  Thee. 

Let  there  also  come  down  thereon 
the  invisible  and  incomprehensible 
Majesty  of  Thine  Holy  Spirit,  as  of 
old  time  He  came  down  upon  the 
offerings  of  the  fathers,  and  let  Him 
turn  our  offerings  into  Thy  Flesh 
and  Blood,  and  teach  me,  un- 
worthy communicant  that  I  am,  to 
deal  with  this  great  mystery  with 
purity  of  heart,  with  earnestness 
even  to  tears,  with  reverence,  and 
with  awe. 

I  beseech  Thee  also,  O  Lord,  by 
this    very    mystery   itself,    this    holy 


mystery  of  Thy  Body  and  Thy  Blood, 
wherein  Thy  Church  is  every  day 
given  to  eat  and  to  drink,  is  purified 
and  sanctified,  and  is  made  partaker 
of  the  one  Divine  Nature  of  the  Most 
High,  give  me  Thine  Own  Holy 
might,  and  endue  me  therewith,  that 
I  may  be  able  to  draw  near  Thine 
Altar  with  a  good  conscience,  and 
so  this  heavenly  Sacrament  may  be 
salvation  and  life  for  me.  For  Thou 
hast  said  with  Thine  Own  Holy  and 
Blessed  mouth,  "The  bread  which  I 
will  give  is  My  Flesh  for  the  life  of 
the  world"  ;  "  I  am  the  Living  Bread, 
which  came  down  from  heaven  "  ;  "  If 
any  man  eat  of  this  Bread  he  shall 
live  for  ever."  O  Bread  of  Sweetness, 
cure  my  heart's  palate  that  I  may  be 
able  to  taste  how  sweet  Thy  love  is. 
Cure  it  of  every  disease  that  I  may 
not  feel  anything  sweet  like  Thy 
sweetness.  O  White  Bread,  that  art 
able  to  content  every  man's  delight 
and  to  yield  every  taste ;  Thou  that 
always  feedest  us  and  yet  never  art 
consumed,  let  my  heart  feed  on  Thee, 
and  let  the  taste  of  Thy  sweetness  fill 
the  innermost  depths  of  my  soul. 
The  Angels  feed  on  Thee  to  fulness ; 
let  him  that  is  a  stranger  and  pilgrim 
here  feed  on  Thee  to  the  best  of  his 
little  power,  that  that  provision  for 
his  journey  may  strengthen  him,  and 
so  he  faint  not  by  the  way.  O  Thou 
Holy  Bread,  Thou  Living  Bread,  Thou 
Pure  Bread,  Who  comest  down  from 
Heaven  and  givest  life  unto  the  world, 
come  into  my  heart  and  purify  me 
from  every  defilement,  whether  of 
flesh  or  of  spirit ;  enter  into  my  soul, 
heal  me  and  cleanse  me,  within  and 
without  ;  be  Thou  the  constant  shield 
and  safety  both  of  my  soul  and  of  my 
body.  Drive  all  my  enemies  away 
from  me,  let  them  fade  away  far 
from  the  presence  of  Thy  power. 
So  mayest  Thou  enable  me,  under 
Thy    protection,    both    without    and 


854 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


within,  to  go  straight  forward  until 
I  come  to  Thy  kingdom,  where  we 
shall  not  see  Thee  any  more  in 
mysteries  as  we  see  Thee  now,  but 
face  to  face,  when  Thou  shalt  have 
given  up  the  kingdom  unto  God, 
even   the  Father,   and  shalt  be   God 


all  in  all.  For  then  wilt  Thou  fill 
me  with  Thyself,  with  such  a  won- 
drous fulness,  that  I  shall  never 
hunger  nor  thirst  again  for  ever. 
Who,  with  the  same  God  the  Father 
and  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


Cfianftsgtbmg  after  <&ommunton* 


Antiphon.  Let  us  sing  the  song  of 
the  three  holy  children,  *  the  song 
which  the  three  children  sang  when 
they  blessed  the  Lord  in  the  midst 
of  the  burning  fiery  furnace. 

The  Song  of  the  Three  Holy 
Children.     (Daniel  iii.  57.) 

f~\  ALL  ye  works  of  the  Lord,  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 ! 

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  right- 
eous, bless  ye  the  Lord :  *  O  ye  holy 
and  humble  men  of  heart,  bless  ye  the 
Lord. 

0  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. 


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. 


THANKSGIVING   AFTER   COMMUNION. 


855 


Blessed  art  Thou,  O  Lord,  in  the 
firmament  of  heaven  :  *  and  to  be 
praised,  and  glorified,  and  exalted 
above  all  for  ever. 

Psalm  CL. 

"DRAISE  the  Lord  in  His  sanctuary  ! 
*  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  cymbals, 
praise  Him  upon  the  high-sounding 
cymbals  !  *  Let  everything  that  hath 
breath  praise  the  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. 

Antiphon.  Let  us  sing  the  song  of 
the  three  holy  children,  the  song  which 
the  three  children  sang  when  they 
blessed  the  Lord  in  the  midst  of  the 
burning  fiery  furnace. 

Kyrie  eleison. 

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. 

Verse.  And  lead  us  not  into  tempt- 
ation. 

Answer.     But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

Verse.  May  all  Thy  works  praise 
Thee,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  Thy  Saints  bless 
Thee. 

Verse.  Let  the  Saints  be  joyful  in 
glory. 

Answer.  Let  them  sing  aloud  upon 
their  beds. 

Verse.  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not 
unto  us. 

Answer.  But  unto  Thy  Name  give 
glory. 

Verse.     Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  my  cry  come 
unto  Thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  lessen  the 
^^  flames  of  fire  for  the  three 
children,  mercifully  grant  that  we 
Thy  children  may  not  be  touched 
by  any  flames  of  sin. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee, 
that  Thy  grace  may  forward  us  in  all 
our  actions  by  Thine  inspiration,  and 
follow  it  by  Thine  help,  that  this  and 
every  prayer  and  work  of  ours  may 
begin  from  Thee,  and  by  Thee  be 
duly  ended. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  we  may  have 
the  strength  to  extinguish  the  flames 
of  sin,  Thou  Who  didst  grant  the 
blessed  Lawrence  to  be  more  than 
conqueror  amid  his  fiery  torments. 
Through  Christ  our  Lord. 

Answer.     Amen. 


856 


THE   ADDITIONAL   SERVICES. 


lifbottottS  after  erommtmtom 


From  St  Thomas  Aquinas.1 

T  GIVE  Thee  thanks,  O  holy 
Lord,  Father  almighty,  eternal 
God,  that  Thou  hast  vouchsafed, 
for  no  merit  of  mine  own,  but 
of  the  mere  condescension  of  Thy 
mercy,  to  satisfy  me  a  sinner  and 
Thine  unworthy  servant  with  the 
precious  Body  and  Blood  of  Thy 
Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I 
implore  Thee,  let  not  this  holy 
communion  be  to  me  an  increase 
of  guilt  unto  my  punishment,  but 
an  availing  plea  unto  pardon  and 
forgiveness.  Let  it  be  to  me  the 
armour  of  faith  and  the  shield  of 
good  will.  Grant  that  it  may  work 
the  extinction  of  my  vices,  the 
rooting  out  of  concupiscence  and 
lust,  and  the  increase  within  me 
of  charity  and  patience,  of  humility 
and  obedience.  Let  it  be  my  strong 
defence  against  the  snares  of  all  mine 
enemies,  visible  and  invisible ;  the 
stilling  and  the  calm  of  all  mine 
impulses,  carnal  and  spiritual ;  mine 
indissoluble  union  with  Thee  the  one 
and  true  God,  and  a  blessed  con- 
summation at  my  last  end.  And  I 
beseech  Thee  that  Thou  wouldst 
vouchsafe  to  bring  me,  sinner  as  I 
am,  to  that  ineffable  banquet  where 
Thou,  with  the  Son  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  art  to  Thy  Saints  true  and 
unfailing  Light,  fulness  of  content, 
joy  for  evermore,  gladness  without 
alloy,  consummate  and  everlasting 
bliss.  Through  the  same  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  Who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  Thee,  in  the 
unity  of  the  same  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


From  St  Bonaventura.1 

(~\  SWEETEST  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
^^^  pierce,  I  beseech  Thee,  the  in- 
most marrow  of  my  soul  with  the 
tender  and  life-giving  wound  of  Thy 
love,  with  true,  and  calm,  and  holy 
apostolical  charity,  so  that  my  whole 
soul  may  ever  languish  and  faint  for 
love  of  Thee,  and  for  desire  of  Thee 
alone.  May  it  long  for  Thee  and 
pine  for  Thee  in  the  courts  of  Thine 
house  ;  may  it  desire  to  be  dissolved 
and  to  be  with  Thee.  Grant  that  my 
soul  may  hunger  for  Thee,  Thou 
Bread  of  angels,  Thou  refreshment 
of  holy  souls,  our  daily  supersubstan- 
tial  Bread,  having  all  manner  of 
sweetness  and  savour,  and  all  most 
thrilling  delights.  May  mine  heart 
ever  hunger  for  Thee  and  feed  on 
Thee,  on  whom  angels  long  to  look  ; 
and  may  mine  inmost  soul  be  filled 
with  the  sweetness  of  the  taste  of 
Thee.  May  it  ever  thirst  for  Thee, 
Thou  Well  of  life,  Thou  Fountain  of 
wisdom  and  knowledge,  Thou  Source 
of  everlasting  light,  Thou  torrent  of 
pleasures,  Thou  fatness  and  abund- 
ance of  the  house  of  God  ;  may  it 
ever  yearn  towards  Thee,  seek  Thee, 
find  Thee,  tend  towards  Thee,  attain 
to  Thee,  meditate  ever  on  Thee, 
speak  of  Thee,  and  work  all  things 
to  the  praise  and  glory  of  Thy  Name, 
with  humility  and  discretion,  with  love 
and  delight,  with  ready  care  and  glad 
affection,  with  perseverance  even  unto 
the  end  ;  and  do  Thou  be  alone  and 
evermore  mine  hope,  my  whole  trust, 
my  riches,  my  delight,  my  gladness 
and  my  joy,  my  rest  and  my  calm 
repose,     my    peace    and     my    sweet 


1  Translation  by  Rev.  T.  A.  Pope,  adopted  by  Lord  Bute  in  A  Form  of  Prayers,  1896. 


DEVOTIONS   AFTER   COMMUNION. 


857 


content,  my  fragrance  and  my  sweet- 
ness, my  food  and  my  refreshment, 
my  refuge  and  mine  help,  my  wisdom, 
my  portion,  mine  own  possession  and 
my  treasure,  in  whom  my  mind  and 
mine  heart  are  fixed  and  rooted  firmly 
and  immovably  for  evermore.     A?nen. 


Rhyme  of  St  Thomas  Aquinas.1 

Q  GODHEAD  hid,  devoutly  I  adore  Thee, 
Who  truly  art  within  the  forms  before 
me  ; 
To  Thee  my  heart  I  bow  with  bended  knee, 
As  failing  quite  in  contemplating  Thee. 

Sight,   touch,   and   taste  in  Thee  are   each 

deceived  ; 
The  ear  alone  most  safely  is  believed : 
I  believe  all  the  Son  of  God  has  spoken, 
Than  Truth's  own  word  there  is  no  truer 

token. 

God  only  on  the  Cross  lay  hid  from  view ; 
But  here  lies  hid  at  once  the  manhood  too : 
And  I,  in  both  professing  my  belief, 
Make    the    same    prayer    as    the    repentant 
thief. 

Thy  wounds  as  Thomas  saw,  I  do  not  see ; 
Yet  Thee  confess  my  Lord  and  God  to  be: 
Make  me  believe  Thee  ever  more  and  more ; 
In  Thee  my  hope  in  Thee  my  love  to  store. 

O  Thou  Memorial  of  our  Lord's  own  dying ! 
O  Bread  that  Living  art  and  vivifying ! 
Make  ever  Thou  my  soul  on  Thee  to  live ; 
Ever  a  taste  of  heavenly  sweetness  give. 


O  loving  Pelican  !  O  Jesu,  Lord  ! 
Unclean  I  am,  but  cleanse  me  in  Thy  blood  ; 
Of  which  a  single  drop  for  sinners  spilt, 
Is  ransom  for  a  world's  entire  guilt. 

Jesu  !  Whom  for  the  present  veil'd  I  see, 
What  I  so  thirst  for,  oh,  vouchsafe  to  me : 
That  I  may  see  Thy  countenance  unfolding, 
And  may  be  blest  Thy  glory  in  beholding. 

O  Shepherd  of  the  Faithful,  O  Jesu,  gracious 

be, 
Increase  the  faith  of  all  who  put  their  faith 

in  Thee. 


A  Prayer  to  be  recited  before 
an  Image  or  Representation 
of  Christ  Crucified. 

DEHOLD,  O  kind  and  most  sweet 
Jesus,  I  cast  myself  on  my 
knees  in  Thy  sight,  and  with  the 
most  fervent  desire  of  my  soul,  I 
pray  and  beseech  Thee  that  Thou 
wouldst  impress  upon  my  heart  lively 
sentiments  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity, 
with  true  repentance  for  my  sins,  and 
a  firm  desire  of  amendment,  while 
with  deep  affection  and  grief  of  soul 
I  ponder  within  myself  and  mentally 
contemplate  Thy  five  most  precious 
wounds  ;  having  before  my  eyes  that 
which  David  spake  in  prophecy : 
"They  pierced  My  hands  and  My 
feet ;  they  have  numbered  all  My 
bones." 


1  Translation  by  Rev.  Edward  Caswall. 


Cije  VotiU  Offices. 


Pope  Leo  XIII.  permits  that  upon 
all  days  whatsoever  upon  which  the 
Psalms  of  the  Week-day  are  to  be  said 
at  Mattins,  either  by  reason  of  the 
Week-day  itself  or  of  a  Simple  Office, 
with  certain  exceptions,  there  may  be 
substituted  for  the  Office  of  the  day 
one  of  the  following  Votive  Offices. 
The  excepted  days  are  Ash  Wed- 
nesday, Passion-tide,  and  the  ijth 
to  the  24th  of  December,  both  in- 
clusive. Easter  and  Whitsun  weeks 
are  also  excepted,  because  the  Office 
is  already  Semi- double,  and  of  the 
Octave  of  the  Feast  of  the  preceding 
Sunday. 

The  Office  itself  is  Semi-double,  and 
its  relations  to  the  Office  of  a  Week- 
day, or  of  a  Simple  Feast,  or  a 
Semi- double  or  Double  Office  on  the 
preceding  or  succeeding  day,  are 
arranged  in  the  same  way  as  if  it 
were  a  Semi-double  Festival;  thus,  a 
Simple  Office  would  be  commemorated 
at  First  Vespers  and  Lauds,  and  have 
the  Ninth  Lesson,  if  it  had  a  Lesson 
or  Lessons  of  its  own;  and  a  Greater 
Week-day  would  be  commemorated  at 
Lauds,  and  the  Ninth  Lesson  would 
be  of  its  Homily,  while  in  Advent  and 
Lent    the   Week-day    would   be    com- 


memorated at  both  Vespers  and  Lauds, 
and  have  its  Homily  for  the  Ninth 
Lesson.  Preces  are  said  at  Co  tup  line 
and  Prime  and  the  Common  Com- 
memorations at  Vespers  and  Lauds, 
except  the  Commemoration  of  thai 
which  may  be  the  subject  of  the 
Votive  Office.  That  is  to  say,  the 
Comtnetnoration  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
is  omitted  if  the  Office  be  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  that  of  St 
foseph  if  the  Office  be  of  him,  and 
that  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  if  the 
Office  be  of  the  Apostles. 

In  England  the  use  of  two  of  these 
Offices  — namely,  that  of  the  Most  Holy 
Sacramefit  for  Thursdays  and  that  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  for  Satur- 
days, is  obligatory  upon  all  persons 
bound  to  the  recitation  of  the  Divine 
Office,  upon  all  day  permitted  by  the 
Pope,  except  ( 1 )  those  in  Advent  and 
Lent;  (2)  Eves;  (3)  Ember  Satur- 
day; and  (4)  days  to  which  the  Sun- 
day Office  may  be  transferred  according 
to  the  Pie,  iv.  5.1  On  those  days  on 
which  the  use  of  the  Votive  Office  is 
permitted  by  the  Pope,  but  is  not  made 
obligatory  in  England,  its  use  is 
optional,  as  is  that  of  the  other  Votive 
Offices  on  other  days. 


1  When  these  two  Votive  Offices  were  introduced  by  the  late  Pope  Pius  IX.,  and  when 
they  seem  to  have  been  made  obligatory  in  England,  these  days  were  excepted  from  the  Papal 
permission.  The  edition  of  the  English  Offices  now  before  the  writer  (Tournay,  1896)  excepts 
only  Advent  and  Lent,  but  the  Catholic  Directory  shows  that  Eves  also  are  excepted,  and 
the  exceptions  would  therefore  seem  to  have  remained  the  same  as  before.  Owing  to  the 
multiplication  of  Festal  Offices  it  is  very  improbable  that  the  contingencies  (3)  (4)  would 
ever  occur. 


ALL  HOLY  ANGELS. 


859 


Office  in  Jjonour  of  m  f^olg 
Angels,  for  Jftontrapg, 

Semi-double. 

All  as  on  Sundays  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

At  Vespers  on  Sunday  evening  is 
inserted  the  following  Commemoration. 

Antiphon.  l  Are  they  not  all  min- 
istering spirits,  sent  forth  to  minister 
for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salva- 
tion. 

Verse.  2  Before  the  Angels  will  I 
sing  praise  unto  Thee,  O  my  God. 

Answer.  I  will  worship  toward 
Thine  holy  Temple,  and  praise  Thy 
Name. 

Prayer  from  Lauds. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Lord,  He  is  the 
King  of  the  Angels.  *  O  come,  let 
us  worship  Him. 

Hymn.z 

'"THEE,  O  Christ,  the  Father's  Splendour, 

Life  and  virtue  of  the  heart, 
In  the  presence  of  the  Angels 

Sing  we  now  with  tuneful  art : 
Meetly  in  alternate  chorus 

Bearing  our  responsive  part. 

Thus  we  praise  with  veneration 

All  the  armies  of  the  sky  : 
Chiefly  him,  the  warrior  Primate 

Of  celestial  chivalry : 
Michael,  who  in  princely  virtue 

Cast  Abaddon  from  on  high. 

By  whose  watchful  care,  repelling, 

King  of  everlasting  grace  ! 
Every  ghostly  adversary, 

All  things  evil,  all  things  base ; 
Grant  us  of  Thine  only  goodness 

In  Thy  paradise  a  place. 


Laud  and  honour  to  the  Father ; 

Laud  and  honour  to  the  Son ; 
Laud  and  honour  to  the  Spirit ; 

Ever  Three,  and  ever  One : 
Consubstantial,  Co-eternal, 

While  unending  ages  run.     Amen. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Great  things  are 

spoken   of  Michael  *  the  Archangel, 

who  waxed  valiant  in  fight,  and  won 
the  victory. 

Ps.  viii.  O  Lord,  our  Lord,  &c, 
(A  7.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Angel  Gabriel 
spake  unto  Mary,  *  and  said :  Behold 
thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb  and 
bring  forth  a  Son,  and  shall  call  His 
Name  Jesus. 

Ps.  x.  In  the  Lord  put  I  my  trust, 
&c,  (p.  9.) 

Third  Antiphon.  4  The  Angel 
Raphael  said :  Bless  ye  the  God  of 
Heaven,  *  and  confess  Him  before  all 
living,  for  He  hath  had  mercy  upon 
you. 

Ps.  xiv.  Lord,  who  shall  abide, 
&c,  (p.  10.) 

Verse.  5An  Angel  stood  at  the 
Altar  of  the  Temple. 

Answer.  Having  a  golden  censer  in 
his  hand. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

First  Responsory. 

A  multitude  of  Angels  came  with 
the  Archangel  Michael,  into  whose 
wardship  God  hath  permitted  the  souls 
of  the  Saints,  that  he  may  lead  them 
into  the  garden  of  gladness. 

Verse.     Lord,  do  Thou  send  forth 


1  Heb.  i.  14.  2  Ps.  cxxxvii.  2, 

3  Hymn  by  St  Rabanus  Maurus  altered  almost  beyond  recognition  ;  translated  by  Dr  Neale. 

4  Tob.  xii.  $.  6  Apoc.  viii.  3. 


86o 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Thine  Holy  Spirit  from    heaven,    the 
Spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding. 
Answer.     That  he  may  lead  them 
into  the  garden  of  gladness. 

Second  Responsory. 

Then  the  Angel  of  the  Lord 
answered  and  said  :  O  Lord  of  Hosts, 
how  long  wilt  Thou  not  have  mercy 
on  Jerusalem,  and  on  the  cities  of 
Juda,  against  which  Thou  hast  had 
indignation— 

Verse.  These  three  score  and  ten 
years  ? 

Answer.  How  long  wilt  Thou  not 
have  mercy  on  Jerusalem,  and  on  the 
cities  of  Juda,  against  which  Thou 
hast  had   indignation  ? 

Third  Responsory. 

1  When  ye  see  the  Gentiles,  be  not 
afraid  of  them,  but  in  your  hearts 
worship  and  fear  the  Lord  ;  for  His 
Angel  is  with  you. 

Verse.  An  Angel  stood  at  the  Altar 
of  the  Temple,  having  a  golden  censer 
in  his  hand. 

Answer.  For  His  Angel  is  with 
you. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  For  His  Angel  is  with 
you. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  smoke  of  the 
incense  ascended  up  *  before  the  Lord, 
out  of  the  Angel's  hand. 

Ps.  xviii.  The  heavens  declare,  &c, 

{P-  17.) 

Second  Antiphon.  2  The  Angel  of  the 
Lord  *  encampeth  round  about  them 
that  fear  Him,  and  delivereth  them. 

Ps.  xxiii.  The  earth  is  the  Lord's, 
&c,  (A  46.) 


Third  Antiphon.  Let  us  praise  the 
Lord,  *  Whom  the  Angels  do  praise, 
unto  Whom  Cherubim  and  Seraphim 
do  cry,  "  Holy,  Holy,  Holy." 

Verse.  The  smoke  of  the  incense 
ascended  up  before  the  Lord. 

Answer.     Out  of  the  Angel's  hand. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  Pope  St  Gregory  the  Great. 
(34th  on  the  Gospels.) 

OINCE  we  have  run  over  and  inter- 
preted the  names  of  the  different 
Orders  of  Angels,  it  remaineth  that 
we  should  shortly  take  up  the  indica- 
tion of  their  different  offices.  The 
term  Power  is  given  to  those  spirits 
through  whom  most  often  signs  and 
wonders  are  worked.  The  term 
Might  is  applied  to  those  spirits 
unto  whose  order  more  might  hath 
been  granted  than  unto  the  others,  so 
that  it  is  to  their  jurisdiction  that  the 
powers  of  the  enemy  are  brought  into 
subjection,  and  by  their  might  that 
they  are  so  chained  up  that  they  can- 
not tempt  men's  hearts  so  much  as 
they  fain  would. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

3  All  the  Angels  stood  round  about 
the  Throne,  and  about  the  Elders,  and 
the  four  living  creatures,  and  fell  be- 
fore the  Throne  on  their  faces  and 
worshipped  God. 

Verse.  4  Worship  the  Lord,  all  ye 
His  Angels  ! 

Answer.  And  fell  before  the  Throne 
on  their  faces  and  worshipped  God. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

(|rrHE   Principalities    are  so  called 

because  they  are  appointed  as 

princes  over  the  other  good  Angels, 


1  Cf.  Baruch,  vi.  3-6. 


2  Ps.  xxxiii.  8. 


3  Apoc.  vii.  11. 


4  Ps.  xcvi.  7. 


ALL  HOLY  ANGELS. 


86 1 


command  their  troops  whenever  there 
is  anything  to  be  done,  and  direct 
them  how  to  perform  their  ministry 
for  God.  The  Dominions  bear  this 
name  because  they  are  highly  exalted, 
even  above  the  power  of  the  princi- 
palities. To  be  a  prince  is  to  be 
exalted  among  equals,  but  to  dominate 
is  to  rule  over  subjects  as  a  Lord. 
The  Thrones  are  those  hosts  over 
whom  the  Almighty  God  presideth  to 
exercise  judgment,  whence  the  Psalmist 
saith,  (ix.  5,)  "Thou  satest  on  the 
throne  judging  right." 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1  An  Angel  stood  at  the  Altar  of  the 
Temple,  having  a  golden  censer  in  his 
hand  ;  and  there  was  given  unto  him 
much  incense,  and  the  smoke  of  the 
incense  ascended  up  before  the  Lord, 
out  of  the  angel's  hand. 

Verse.  Before  the  Angels  will  I  sing 
praise  unto  Thee  ;  I  will  worship 
toward  Thine  holy  Temple,  and  praise 
Thy  Name,  O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  the  smoke  of  the  in- 
cense ascended  up  before  the  Lord, 
out  of  the  Angel's  hand. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

HP  HE  Cherubim  are  said  to  repre- 
sent  the  fulness  of  knowledge, 
and  it  is  for  this  reason  that  these 
sublime  hosts  are  so  called,  because 
the  nearer  they  gaze  upon  the  glory  of 
God  so  much  the  more  perfect  is  the 
knowledge  with  which  they  are  filled. 2 
The  word  Seraphim  is  the  title 
given  to  those  hosts  of  holy  spirits, 
who,  on  account  of  their  peculiar  near- 


ness to  their  Maker,  burn  with  a  love 
beyond  all  compare.  Their  name 
signifieth  burners  or  kindlers.  Their 
fire  is  their  love,  and  the  more  pene- 
trating is  their  view  of  the  glory  of  the 
Divine  Being  so  much  more  intense 
is  their  love  thereof  wherewith  they 
glow. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

Before  the  Angels  will  I  sing  praise 
unto  Thee,  and  will  worship  before 
Thine  holy  Temple,  and  will  praise 
Thy  Name,  O  Lord. 

Verse.  For  Thy  loving -kindness, 
and  for  Thy  truth ;  for  Thou  hast 
glorified  Thine  holy  Name  in  us. 

Answer.  And  I  will  praise  Thy 
Name,   O  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  I  will  praise  Thy 
Name,   O   Lord. 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  3  The  Lord  sent 
His  Angel,  *  which  cut  off  all  the 
mighty  men  of  valour,  and  the  leaders 
and  captains  in  the  camp  of  the  King 
of  Assyria. 

Ps.  xcv.  O  sing  unto  the  Lord, 
&c,  (p.   148.) 

Second  Antiphon.  Worship  the 
Lord,  *  all  ye  His  Angels !  Zion 
heard,  and  was  glad. 

Ps.  xcvi.  The  Lord  reigneth,  &c, 
(p.  149.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Bless  the  Lord, 
*    all    ye    His   Angels,   that  excel   in 


1  Cf.  Apoc.  viii.  3,  4. 

2  St  Gregory  seems  to  have  accepted  the  opinion  that  Chrwb  is  a  variant  of  spelling  for 
Qrwb,  and  therefore  means  one  who  draws  near.  The  derivation  of  the  word  is  now  considered 
very  uncertain,  but  the  traditional  belief  certainly  is  that  the  Cherubim  are  the  representatives 
of  contemplation,  of  knowledge  as  distinguished  from  love,— that  is,  of  the  intellectual  as 
opposed  to  the  emotional,  or  the  understanding  as  opposed  to  the  heart,  represented  by  the 
Seraphim,  whose  name  is  undeniably  derived  from  saraph,  to  burn. 

3  2  Par.  Chron.  xxxii.  21. 


862 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


strength,  that  do  His  commandments, 
to  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  His  word. 

Ps.  cii.  Bless  the  Lord,  &c, 
(p.   1 60.) 

Verse.  Before  the  Angels  will  I 
sing   praise  unto  Thee,  O  my  God. 

Answer.  I  will  worship  toward 
Thine  holy  Temple,  and  praise  Thy 
Name. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (i.   47.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  saw  Nathanael 
"^^  coming  to  Him,  and  saith  of 
him  :  Behold  an  Israelite  indeed,  in 
whom  is  no  guile.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of 
Clairvaux.]     (wth  on  Ps.  xc.) 

What  are  the  goings  of  the  holy 
Angels  ?  Surely  those  goings  whereof 
the  Only-Begotten  Son  hath  told  us 
when  He  saith:  "Hereafter  ye  shall 
see  heaven  open,  and  the  Angels  of 
God  ascending  and  descending  upon 
the  Son  of  Man."  Their  goings, 
therefore,  are  by  way  of  ascent  and 
descent :  they  ascend  for  their  own 
sakes,  and  they  descend,  or  to  speak 
more  truly,  they  condescend  for  our 
sakes.  Thus  do  these  blessed  spirits 
ascend  upward  by  gazing  upon  God, 
and  they  descend  downward  by  pity 
for  thee,  that  they  may  keep  thee  in 
all  thy  ways.  They  ascend  upward 
to  the  vision  of  Him,  and  they  descend 
downward  at  the  intimation  of  His 
will ;  fo,r  "  He  hath  given  His  Angels 
charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee  in  all 
thy  ways  "  :  but  when  they  so  descend 
downward  they  do  not  thereby  lose 
the  beatific  vision  of  His  glory,  for 
we  know  that  in  heaven  the  Angels 
do  always  behold  the  face  of  the 
Father.      (Matth.  xviii.    10.) 


Seventh  Responsory. 

The  Angel  of  the  Lord  came  down 
into  the  furnace,  together  with  Azariah 
and  his  fellows,  and  smote  the  flame 
of  the  fire  out  of  the  furnace,  so  that 
the  fire  touched  them  not  at  all, 
neither  hurt  them. 

Verse.  Blessed  be  their  God,  Who 
sent  His  Angel  and  delivered  His 
servants  that  trusted  in  Him. 

Answer.  So  that  the  fire  touched 
them   not  at  all,   neither  hurt  them. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"\A/"HEN  they  ascend  upward  to 
gaze  they  search  into  that 
truth  wherewith  they  are  sated  by 
longing,  and  by  satiety  are  made  to 
long  the  more ;  when  they  descend 
downward  they  work  mercy  upon  us 
by  keeping  us  in  all  our  ways.  For 
"  are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits 
sent  forth  to  minister  for  them  who 
shall  be  heirs  of  salvation?"  (Heb. 
i.  14.)  Surely  they  are  not  our  lords 
but  our  ministers,  and  herein  they  are 
even  as  the  Son  of  Man,  who  came 
not  to  be  ministered  unto  but  to 
minister,  (Matth.  xx.  28,)  and  Who 
was  among  His  disciples  as  he  that 
serveth.  (Luke  xxii.  27.)  The  fruit 
of  the  goings  of  the  holy  Angels  is, 
as  toucheth  themselves,  their  own 
blessedness  and  the  conforming  obedi- 
ence inspired  by  their  love  ;  but  as 
toucheth  us,  we  receive  through  them 
the  keeping  of  all  our  ways  under  the 
care  of  God's  grace,  for  He  hath  given 
His  Angels  charge  over  thee,  to  keep 
thee  in  all  thy  needs. 


Eighth  Responsory . 

1  Lord,  Thou  didst  send  Thine 
Angel  in  the  time  of  Hezekiah,  King 
of  Juda,  and   didst  slay  in   the   host 


1  2  Mac.  xv.  22-24. 


ALL   HOLY  ANGELS. 


863 


of  Sennacherib  an  hundred  fourscore 
and  five  thousand ;  wherefore  now 
also,  O  Lord  of  heaven,  send  Thy 
good  Angel  before  us,  for  a  fear  and 
dread  of  the  might  of  Thine  arm. 

Verse.  That  those  be  stricken  with 
terror  that  come  with  blasphemy 
against  Thine  holy  people. 

Answer.  Wherefore  now  also,  O 
Lord  of  heaven,  send  Thy  good  Angel 
before  us,  for  a  fear  and  dread  of  the 
might  of  Thine  arm. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Wherefore  now  also,  O 
Lord  of  heaven,  send  Thy  good  Angel 
before  us  for  a  fear  and  dread  of  the 
might  of  Thine  arm. 

If  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  not  of  the 
Homily  of  a  Week-day  or  that  of 
a  Simple,  it  is  as  follows. 

T  N  the  meantime  God  hath  given 
His  Angels  charge  over  thee, 
not  to  take  thee  out  of  thy  ways,  but 
to  keep  thee  in  thy  ways,  and  so  by 
their  ways  to  make  thy  ways  His 
ways  ;  for,  if  thou  wouldst  know  how, 
He  would  have  thee  also  descend  and 
condescend,  thine  own  needs  com- 
pelling and  admonishing  thee  to  that 
which  the  Angel  doth  from  the  purer 
motive  of  love,  to  condescend  by  show- 
ing pity  toward  thy  neighbour,  and 
again  to  ascend  along  with  the  Angels 
by  lifting  up  thy  desires  and  striving 
with  all  thine  heart's  longing  after 
the  supreme  and  eternal  truth.  Thus 
are  we  exhorted  to  lift  up  hearts  and 
hands  together;  thus  do  we  hear  it 
said  every  day,  "  Lift  up  your  hearts  "  ; 
thus  are  we  rebuked  for  our  slothful- 
ness  ;  and  thus  is  it  said  unto  us  :  "  O 
ye  sons  of  men,  how  long  will  ye  be 
dull  of  heart  ?  why  will  ye  love  vanity 
and  seek  after  leasing?"     (Ps.  iv.  3.) 


For  when  the  heart  is  unburdened  and 
light,  it  is  easier  for  it  to  rise  to  seek 
and  love  the  truth. 

The  Hytrin,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  O  ye  Angels  of 
the  Lord,  *  bless  ye  the  Lord  alway. 

Second  Antiphon.  God  hath  given 
His  Angels  charge  over  thee,  *  to  keep 
thee  in  all  thy  ways. 

Third  Antiphon.  In  heaven  their 
Angels  do  alway  behold  the  face  of 
My  Father  *  which  is  in  heaven. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Praise  ye  God 
*  all  His  Angels, — praise  ye  Him  all 
His  hosts  ! 

Fifth  Antiphon.  O  ye  Angels  and 
Archangels,  *  O  ye  Thrones  and 
Dominions,  O  ye  Principalities  and 
Powers,  O  ye  Mighty  Ones  of 
heaven,  praise  ye  the  Lord  from 
the  heavens ! 

Chapter.     (Exod.  xxiii.  20.) 

DEHOLD  I  send  Mine  Angel  before 
thee,  to  keep  thee  in  the  way, 
and  to  bring  thee  into  the  place  which 
I  have  prepared.  Beware  of  him, 
and  obey  his  voice. 

Hymn.x 

/~*HRIST  !   of  the  holy   Angels  light  and 
gladness, 
Maker  and  Saviour  of  the  human  race, 
O  may  we  reach  the  world  unknown  to  sad- 
ness, 
The  blessed  mansions  where  they  see  Thy 
Face  ! 

Angel  of  peace,  may  Michael  to  our  dwelling 
Down  from  high  Heaven  in  mighty  calm- 
ness come, 

Breathing  serenest  peace,  wild  war  dispelling 
With  all  her  sorrows  to  the  infernal  gloom. 


1  Translation  by  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Copeland. 


864 


THE  VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Angel  of  might,  may  Gabriel  swift  descend- 
ing, 
Far  from  our  gates  our  ancient  foes  repel, 
And  his  owiMriumphs  o'er  the  world  defend- 
ing, 
In   temples    dear  to   Heaven    return    and 
dwell. 

Angel  of  health,  may  Raphael  lighten  o'er  us, 
To  every  sick-bed  speed  his  healing  flight, 

In  times  of  doubt  direct  the  way  before  us, 
And  through  life's  mazes  guide  our  steps 
aright. 

The  Virgin,  harbinger  of  peace  supernal, 
Mother  of  Light,  with  all  the  Angelic  train, 

Heaven's  glittering  host,  court  of  the  King 
Eternal, 
All  Saints  be  with  us,  till  that  bliss  we  gain. 

Be  this  by  Thy  thrice  holy  Godhead  granted, 
Father,  and  Son,  and  Spirit  ever  blest ; 

Whose  glory  by  the  Angel  host  is  chanted, 
Whose  Name  by  all  the  universe  confest. 

Amen. 

Verse.  Before  the  Angels  will  I 
sing  praise  unto  Thee,   O  my  God. 

Answer.  I  will  worship  toward 
Thine  holy  Temple,  and  praise  Thy 
Name. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  The  Angel  that  talked  with  me  came 
again,  and  waked  me  as  a  man  that 
is  wakened  out  of  his  sleep. 

Prayer  throughout. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  hast  ordained  and 
^-"^  constituted  the  services  of 
angels  and  men  in  a  wonderful  order, 
mercifully  grant  that  as  Thine  holy 
angels  alway  do  Thee  service  in 
heaven,  so,  by  Thine  appointment, 
they  may  suffer  and  defend  us  on 
earth.  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. 


PRIME. 

Antiphon.  O  ye  Angels  of  the 
Lord,  &c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  at  the  end.      (Apoc.  xii.  7.) 

'X'HERE  was  a  great  war  in  heaven, 
Michael  and  his  angels  fought 
against  the  dragon,  and  the  dragon 
fought  and  his  angels  :  and  prevailed 
not ;  neither  was  their  place  found 
any  more  in  heaven. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  God  hath  given,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory . 

An  Angel  stood  at  the  Altar  of  the 
Temple. 

Answer.  An  Angel  stood  at  the 
Altar  of  the  Temple. 

Verse.  Having  a  golden  censer  in 
his  hand. 

Answer.   At  the  Altar  of  the  Temple. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  An  Angel  stood  at  the 
Altar  of  the  Temple. 

Verse.  And  the  smoke  of  the  in- 
cense ascended  up  before  the  Lord — 

Answer.     Out  of  the  Angel's  hand. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  In  heaven,  &c,  {Third 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Apoc.  v.  11.) 

f  HEARD  the  voice  of  many  Angels 
round  about  the  throne,  and  the 
living  creatures,  and  the  elders  ;  and 
the  number  of  them  was  thousands  of 
thousands,  saying  with  a  loud  voice  : 
Salvation  unto  our  God. 


1  Zac.  iv.  1. 


ALL  THE   HOLY  APOSTLES. 


865 


Short  Responsory. 

The  smoke  of  the  incense  ascended 
up  before  the  Lord. 

Answer.  The  smoke  of  the  incense 
ascended  up  before  the  Lord. 

Verse.     Out  of  the  Angel's  hand. 

Answer.     Before  the  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  The  smoke  of  the  incense 
ascended  up  before  the  Lord. 

Verse.  Before  the  angels  will  I 
sing  praise  unto  Thee,   O  my  God. 

Answer.  I  will  worship  toward 
Thine  holy  Temple,  and  praise  Thy 
Name. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  O  ye  angels  and  arch- 
angels, &c.  {Fifth  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

Before  the  angels  will  I  sing  praise 
unto  Thee,  O  my  God. 

Answer.  Before  the  angels  will  I 
sing  praise  unto  Thee,  O  my  God. 

Verse.  I  will  worship  toward  Thine 
holy  Temple,  and  praise  Thy  Name. 

Answer.     O  my  God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Before  the  angels  will  I 
sing  praise  unto  Thee,   O  my  God. 

Verse.     Worship  God. 

Answer.     All  ye  his  angels. 

SECOND   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Verse  and  An- 
swer, and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Psalms  of  Sunday,  except  the  last, 
which  is  Ps.  cxxxvii.,  I  will  praise 
Thee,  &c,  {p.   197.) 

Hymn  from  Mattins. 


Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Holy  Angels  who  stand  ever 
before  God  in  heaven,  shield  us  in 
the  battle,  that  we  perish  not  in  the 
awful  judgment. 


©fftce  in  honour  of  all 
tjje  S&oIjj  Apostles,  for 
&ueso  ap> 

Semi-double. 

The  Office  is  the  Common  Office  for 
Apostles,  {p.  462). 

The  Common  Commemoration  of 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul  is  omitted. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  will  that  Thy 
^-^  blessed  Apostles  should  be  the 
means  whereby  Thou  hast  brought  us 
to  know  Thy  Name,  grant  unto  us 
the  grace  to  celebrate  unto  our  profit 
their  everlasting  glory.  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. 

The  Lessons  of  the  First  No c turn  are 

from  Scripture  according  to  the  Season, 

but    if   the   day   have    no    Scripture 

Lessons,  then  they  are  from  1  Cor.  iv. 

1,  as  in  the  Common  Office,  {p.  466.) 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of  Hippo.] 
(43rd  on  the  Saints.) 

'T'HEY  are  the  light  of  the  world, 
because  they  were  the  means 
whereby  the  Lord  was  first  pleased 
to  give  unto  this  world  the  light  of 
faith    and    true    knowledge,    and    to 


866 


THE  VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


deliver  the  nations  and  peoples  from 
the  darkness  of  ignorance  and  sin. 
They  are  the  salt  of  the  earth,  for 
they  were^  the  means  whereby  they 
that  dwell  upon  the  earth  have 
tasted  the  savour  of  life  eternal, 
that  they  might  be  preserved  from 
the  looseness  of  the  flesh  and  the 
corruption  of  sin  and  weakness. 
They  are  they  of  whom  John  saith 
in  his  revelation  (xxi.  14,  19)  that 
the  wall  of  the  heavenly  city  had 
twelve  foundations,  garnished  with 
all  manner  of  precious  stones,  and 
in  them  the  names  of  the  twelve 
Apostles  of  the  Lamb,  for  their 
preaching  was  the  mean  whereby 
God  was  pleased  to  lay  the  found- 
ations of  the  Church,  whence  also 
Paul  saith  (Eph.  ii.  19):  "Ye  are 
no  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." 

Fifth  Lesson. 

1H\EARLY  beloved  brethren,  when 
we  call  these  things  to  mind, 
let  us  strive  to  put  in  practice  what 
these  great  leaders  have  taught  and 
commanded  us.  Let  us  learn  by 
their  example  to  esteem  lightly  the 
riches  of  the  world,  to  love  not  the 
pleasures  of  this  life,  to  desire  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  to  put  Christ 
before  all  things,  and  to  obey  His 
commandments  in  all  things,  to  love 
the  poverty  of  things  present,  to 
pile  up  riches  by  grace,  to  choose 
the  treasure  of  wisdom,  to  seek 
the  gladness  of  the  spirit,  to  envy 
no  man,  but  to  love  all  men, 
even  our  friends  in  God,  and  our 
enemies  for  God,  for  this  only  is 
love  in  truth. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

HP  HEY  therefore  are  our  princes, 
princes  made  most  perfect  in 
love  for  God,  and  filled  with  love  for 
their  neighbour.  Whence  they  were 
able  to  overcome  the  onset  of  the 
world  and  to  conquer  that  bloody  age, 
because  they  loved  nothing  in  any 
thing  except  the  will  of  God.  Even 
so,  brethren,  let  us  love  to  do  the  will 
of  God  in  all  things,  to  love  our 
Maker  in  Himself,  and  the  things 
which  He  has  made  for  their  Maker's 
sake,  and  so  shall  our  love  be  well 
ordered.  "  For  God  is  love  "  ( 1  John 
iv.  8,)  and  he  that  loveth  with  this 
love  loveth  God  ;  and  if  we  thus  love, 
God  Himself  loveth  us,  and  the  Holy 
Apostles  that  are  to  judge  us  love  us, 
and  pray  for  us,  that  at  Christ's  gen- 
eral judgment  we  may  be  crowned 
along  with  them  for  ever. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matth.  (xix. 
27.) 

A  T  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  Hilary,  Bishop  [of 
Poitiers.]     (Comment,  on  Matth.  xx.) 

It  is  written  that  Peter  answered 
and  said  unto  the  Lord,  "  Behold, 
we  have  forsaken  all  and  followed 
Thee ;  what  shall  we  have,  there- 
fore ?  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 
judging  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 
And    everyone    that    hath     forsaken 


ST   JOSEPH,   SPOUSE   OF   THE   BLESSED  VIRGIN    MARY.         867 


houses,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or 
father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  child- 
ren, or  land  for  My  Name's  sake, 
shall  receive  an  hundredfold,  and 
shall  inherit  everlasting  life  ;  but  many 
that  are  first  shall  be  last,  and  the 
last  shall  be  first."  There  are  many 
reasons  which  forbid  us  to  place  upon 
these  words  of  the  Gospel  a  literal 
interpretation. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

VXTE  are  admonished  by  the  intro- 
duction of  some  things  which, 
according  to  human  sense,  are  self- 
contradictory,  to  seek  for  an  heavenly 
sense.  The  Apostles  say  that  they 
have  forsaken  all  things,  and  yet  that, 
so  far  from  forsaking  Christ,  they 
have  actually  followed  Him.  Christ 
had  said  (i.  iv.):  "It  is  easier  for  a 
camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a 
needle  than  for  a  rich  man  to  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God,"  and  "When 
His  disciples  heard  it  they  were  ex- 
ceedingly amazed,  saying,  Who  then 
can  be  saved?"  Why  should  they 
be  exceedingly  amazed  ?  saying,  "  Who 
then  can  be  saved,"  seeing  that  they 
themselves  had  forsaken  all  things ; 
and  what  they  had  done,  others  could 
do.  It  is  written  also,  "  But  Jesus 
beheld  them,  and  said  unto  them : 
With  men  this  is  impossible,  but  with 
God  all  things  are  possible."  How 
can  it  be  said  that  with  men  this  is 
impossible,  when  it  was  the  very 
thing  which  the  Apostles  themselves 
boasted  of  having  done,  and  which 
the  Lord  Himself  acknowledged  that 
they  had  done  ? 

Ninth  Lesson. 

A  LL    this    discourse    is    to    be   in- 
terpreted  spiritually.     What    is 


save  by  faith,  to  regenerate  by 
water,  to  conquer  by  the  cross,  to 
make  children  of  adoption  by  the 
Gospel,  to  quicken  the  dead  by  resur- 
rection ?  When  the  Apostles  heard 
these  things  they  believed  them  forth- 
with, and  they  profess  that  they 
have  left  all  things,  and  this  their 
obedience  the  Lord  doth  forthwith 
reward,  while  He  solveth  all  the  diffi- 
culty of  the  question  above  by  say- 
ing, "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,  judging  the  twelve 
tribes  of  Israel."  This  is  that  re- 
generation which  the  Apostles  have 
obtained,  which  the  law  could  not 
give,  and  which,  by  seating  them 
upon  twelve  thrones  to  judge  the 
twelve  tribes  of  Israel,  has  made 
them  sharers  in  the  glory  of  the 
twelve  patriarchs. 

©fGtce  in  honour  of  St  Sosepfj, 
Spouse  of  tije  Blesseti  Fir* 
gtn  JUarp.,  ano  patron  of 
tije  Catijolic  ftjjurdj* 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Feast  of  a  Confessor  not  a  Bishop, 
except  the  following. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Hymn} 

JOSEPH  !  to  thee  by  hosts  on  high 
And    choirs     of     Christians,    laud    be 
paid ! — 
Saintly  of  life,— by  purest  tie 
Joined  unto  her,  the  glorious  Maid. 


more    possible     with     God    than    to 

1  Hymn  of  the  sixteenth  century ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  Dr  Littledale 


868 


THE  VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


When  thou  didst  doubt  thy  wife's  repute, 
And  mark  her  great  with  Sacred  Load, 
The  angel  taught  thee  that  her  Fruit 
Came  from  -the  Holy  Ghost  of  God. 

To  clasp  the  Son,  thy  Lord,  was  thine, — 
To  share  His  flight  to  Egypt's  shore, — 
With  tears,  to  seek  in  Salem's  Shrine 
Him  lost, — with  joy,  to  find  once  more. 

Death  brings  to  other  saints  their  rest ; 
Through  toil  they  win  the  victor's  place ; — 
Thou  happier,  like  the  angels  blest, 
Alive,  hast  seen  God  Face  to  face. 

Spare  us,  O  Trinity  Most  High ! 
Grant  that,  with  Joseph,  we  may  gain 
Thy  starry  realm,  and  ceaselessly 
There  raise  to  Thee  our  thankful  strain. 

Amen. 

Verse.  1  He  made  him  lord  of  His 
house. 

Answer.  And  ruler  of  all  His 
substance. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  2  When  as  Mary,  the  Mother 
of  Jesus,  was  espoused  to  Joseph, 
before  they  came  together,  she  was 
found  with  child  of  the   Holy  Ghost. 

The  Common  Comme7noration  of  St 
Joseph  is  omitted. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  In  worshipful  remem- 
brance of  our  blessed  Defender  Joseph, 
*  let  us  praise  our  God. 

Hymn  as  at  First  Vespers. 


FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Joseph  went  up 
from  Galilee,  *  out  of  the  city  of 
Nazareth,  into  Judea,  unto  the  city 
of  David,  which  is  called  Bethlehem, 
to  be  enrolled  with  Mary. 

Second  Antiphon.      The  shepherds 


came  with  haste,  *  and  found  Mary 
and  Joseph,  and  the  Babe  lying  in  a 
manger. 

Third  Antiphon.  Behold,  the  Angel 
of  the  Lord  appeared  to  Joseph  *  in 
a  dream,  saying :  Arise,  and  take  the 
young  Child  and  His  Mother,  and  flee 
into  Egypt. 

Verse.  3  I  will  give  praise  unto  Thy 
Name — 

Answer.  For  Thou  hast  been  mine 
Helper  and  Defender. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season;  but  if 
the  day  have  none  such,  then  the  fol- 
lowing are  read. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (xxxix.  i.) 

CO  Joseph  was  brought  down  to 
Egypt,  and  Potiphar,  an  officer 
of  Pharaoh,  captain  of  the  guard,  an 
Egyptian,  bought  him  of  the  hands  of 
the  Ishmaelites,  which  had  brought 
him  down  thither.  And  the  Lord 
was  with  him,  and  he  was  a  pros- 
perous man  ;  and  he  was  in  the  house 
of  his  master ;  and  [his  master]  knew 
well  that  the  Lord  was  with  him, 
and  made  all  that  he  did  to  prosper 
in  his  hand.  And  Joseph  found 
grace  in  his  master's  sight,  and  he 
served  him  ;  and  he  made  him 
overseer  over  his  house,  and  all  that 
he  had  he  put  into  his  hand.  And 
the  Lord  blessed  the  Egyptian's 
house  for  Joseph's  sake,  and  made 
all  his  substance  to  increase,  in 
the  house,  and  in  the  field,  [and 
he  left  all  that  he  had  in  Joseph's 
hand,]  and  he  knew  not  aught  he 
had,  save  the  bread  which  he  did 
eat.  And  Joseph  was  a  goodly  per- 
son, and  well-favoured. 


1  Ps.  civ.  21. 


2  Matth.  i.  18. 


3  Ecclus.  li.  i,  2, 


ST  JOSEPH,  SPOUSE  OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY.        869 


First  Responsory. 

1  The  people  cried  to  Pharaoh  2  for 
bread  :  and  he  answered  them  :  Go 
unto  Joseph. 

Verse.  3  The  saving  of  our  lives  is 
in  thy  hand ;  only  let  us  find  grace 
in  thy  sight,  and  we  will  gladly  be 
Pharaoh's  servants. 

Answer.  And  he  answered  them  : 
Go  unto  Joseph. 

Second  Lesson,     (xli.  37.) 

'"PHE  thing  was  good  in  the  eyes 
of  Pharaoh,  and  in  the  eyes 
of  all  his  servants,  and  he  said 
unto  them  :  Can  we  find  such  an 
one  as  this  is,  a  man  in  whom  the 
Spirit  of  God  is  ?  Unto  Joseph 
therefore  he  said  :  Forasmuch  as 
God  hath  showed  thee  all  this 
which  thou  hast  spoken,  how  shall 
I  find  any  man  more  discreet  and 
wise  than  thou  art  ?  Thou  shalt  be 
over  my  house,  and  according  to 
thy  word  shall  all  my  people  be 
ruled  :  only  in  the  throne  will  I 
be  greater  than  thou.  And  Pharaoh 
said  moreover  unto  Joseph  :  See, 
I  have  set  thee  over  all  the  land 
of  Egypt.  And  he  took  off  his  ring 
from  his  hand,  and  put  it  upon  his 
hand ;  and  arrayed  him  in  a  vesture 
of  fine  linen,  and  put  a  gold  chain 
about  his  neck,  and  he  made  him 
to  ride  in  the  second  chariot  which 
he  had,  and  an  herald  cried  out 
that  all  men  should  bow  the  knee 
before  him,  and  should  know  that 
he  had  been  made  ruler  over  all 
the  land  of  Egypt. 


Second  Responsory. 

4  God  hath  made  me  as  a  father  to 
Pharaoh,  and  lord  of  all  his  house. 
He  hath  made  me  great,  to  save  much 
people  alive. 

Verse.  5  Come  unto  me,  and  I  will 
give  you  all  the  good  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  ye  shall  eat  the  fat  of  the 
land. 

Answer.  He  hath  made  me  great, 
to  save  much  people  alive. 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  Pharaoh  said  moreover  unto 
"^^  Joseph :  I  am  Pharaoh :  with- 
out thee  shall  no  man  lift  up  his  hand 
or  foot  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And 
he  changed  his  name,  and  called  him 
in  the  Egyptian  tongue,  "  Saviour-of- 
the-world."  6And  he  gave  him  to 
wife  Asenath  daughter  of  Potiphar, 
Priest  of  Heliopolis.  So  Joseph  went 
out  into  the  land  of  Egypt,  (he  was 
thirty  years  old  when  he  stood  before 
King  Pharaoh)  and  went  throughout 
all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  the  plen- 
teousness  of  the  seven  years  came  to 
pass,  and  the  corn  was  gathered  by 
handfuls,  and  laid  up  in  the  granaries 
of  Egypt.  The  fruit  of  the  field  which 
was  round  about  every  city  was  laid 
up  in  the  same.  And  so  plentiful 
was  the  wheat  that  it  was  like  unto 
the  sand  of  the  sea,  and  exceeded  all 
reckoning. 

Third  Responsory. 

7  Now  shall  I  die  happy,  since  I 
have  seen  thy  face,  and  do  leave  thee 


1  Gen.  xli.  55.  ,    .         ,   ,      _        .  ,     . 

2  Rex,  "the  king,"  according  to  Gesenius,  a  simple  translation  of  the  Egyptian  word  ;  but 
the  translator  has  thought  it  best  to  give  the  foreign  word,  as  it  stands  in  the  Hebrew  and  in 
the  Vulgate.  '  _  _, 

3  Gen   xlvii.  25.  4  Gen.  xlv.  8  ;  1.  20.  5  Gen.  xlv.  18. 

e  Tsaphnath  Phaneach.  LXX.  Pson thorn phanech.  Egyptian  scholars  interpret  it  as  above, 
recognising  in  it  a  corruption  of  the  Egyptian  P-sot-m-ph-enech,  but  the  Jews  had  an  inter- 
pretation of  their  own  from  the  Hebrew  form— i.e.,  "  Revealer-of-a-secret "  (so  Gesenius). 

7  Cf.  Gen.  xlvi.  30;  xlviii.  II. 


870 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


behind  me.  I  am  not  disappointed  of 
seeing  thee.  The  Lord  hath  showed 
me  also  thy  seed. 

Verse.  l  He  That  hath  fed  me 
from  my  youth  up,  bless  the  lads,  and 
let  my  name  be  named  on  them. 

Answer.  The  Lord  hath  showed 
me  also  thy  seed. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  hath  showed 
me  also  thy  seed. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Joseph  arose,  and 
took  the  young  Child  and  His  Mother 
by  night,  and  departed  into  Egypt ; 
and  was  there  until  the  death  of 
Herod. 

Second  Antiphon.  When  Herod 
was  dead,  an  Angel  of  the  Lord 
appeared  in  a  dream  to  Joseph  in 
Egypt,  saying :  Arise,  and  take  the 
young  Child  and  His  Mother,  and 
go  into  the  land  of  Israel  :  for  they 
are  dead  which  sought  the  young 
Child's  life. 

Third  Antiphon.  Joseph  took  the 
young  Child  and  His  Mother,  and 
came  into  the  land  of  Israel. 

Verse.  2  Look  down  from  heaven, 
and  behold,  and  visit  this  vine — 

Answer.  And  protect  that  [Thy 
right  hand  hath  planted.] 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of  Clairvaux.] 
{2nd  upon  Luke  i.  26.) 

TV/T  ARY  was  espoused  to  Joseph,  or, 
as  it  would  be  better  to  express 
it  in  the  very  words  of  the  Evangelist, 
to  a  man  whose  name  was  Joseph. 
He  calleth  him  a  man  not  because 
he    was    a    husband,    but    by   a    title 


of  excellency ;  or  rather  because,  as 
another  Evangelist  hath  it,  he  was 
not  simply  a  man,  but  was  rightly 
called  her  husband,  as  he  was  neces- 
sarily supposed  so  to  be.  He  was 
thus  called  her  husband  because  he 
must  needs  have  been  so  supposed  to 
be,  as  also  he  was  deemed  meet  not 
in  deed  to  be,  but  to  be  called,  the 
father  of  the  Saviour,  since  he  was 
supposed  so  to  be,  as  saith  this  same 
Evangelist:  "And  Jesus  Himself  be- 
gan to  be  about  thirty  years  of  age, 
being  (as  was  supposed)  the  son  of 
Joseph." 

Fourth  Responsory. 

3  Thou  hast  given  me  the  shield  of 
Thy  salvation,  and  Thy  right  hand 
hath  holden  me  up.  My  buckler, 
and  the  horn  of  my  salvation,  and 
my  refuge. 

Verse.  4 1  am  thy  shield  and  thy 
exceeding  great  reward. 

Answer.  My  buckler,  and  the 
horn  of  my  salvation,  and  my  re- 
fuge. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"XA/E  cannot  doubt  but  that  a  good 
and  faithful  man  was  Joseph, 
unto  whom  was  espoused  the  Mother 
of  the  Saviour.  He  was  a  faithful 
and  wise  servant  whom  the  Lord 
set  up  for  the  comfort  of  His  own 
Mother,  the  fosterage  of  His  own 
flesh,  and  then  a  faithful  helper 
Whom  His  own  great  counsel  formed 
upon  earth.  In  addition  thereto  it 
is  said  that  he  was  of  the  house  of 
David.  He  was  indeed  of  the  house 
of  David.  This  man  Joseph  was 
indeed  of  kingly  race,  noble  by  birth, 
but  nobler  in  heart,  he  was  indeed 
a  son  of  David,  and  no  unworthy 
descendant  of  David  his  father.  He 
was  indeed   a   son   of  David,  not   in 


1  Gen.  xlviii.  15,  16. 


2  Ps.  lxxix.  15,  16. 


3  Ps.  xvii.  36,  3. 


4  Gen.  xv.  1. 


ST  JOSEPH,   SPOUSE  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN    MARY.        87 1 


the  flesh  only,  but  by  loyalty  and 
holiness  and  earnestness.  One  of 
whom  the  Lord  might  have  given 
testimony,  and  said,  "  I  have  found 
David  the  son  of  Jesse  a  man  after 
mine  own  heart,  which  shall  fulfil  all 
My  will"  (Acts  xiii.  22.)  A  man 
who  could  say,  like  David,  "The 
hidden  secrets  of  Thy  wisdom  Thou 
hast  made  manifest  unto  me"  (Ps. 
1.  7.)  A  man  who  was  made  "a 
minister  according  to  the  dispensa- 
tion of  God  ...  to  fulfil  the  word 
of  God,  even  the  mystery  which  hath 
been  hid  for  ages  and  for  genera- 
tions, but  now  is  made  manifest  to 
His  saints"  (Col.  i.   26.) 

Fifth  Responsory. 

1  He  shall  set  his  children  under 
her 2  shelter,  and  shall  lodge  under 
her  branches :  by  her  shall  he  be 
covered  from  heat,  and  in  her  glory 
shall  he  dwell. 

Verse.  3  Trust  in  Him,4  ye  con- 
gregation of  the  people,  pour  out 
your  heart  before  Him. 

Answer.  And  in  her  glory  shall 
he  dwell. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T  NTO  Joseph  it  was  given  not 
only  to  see  and  to  hear  that 
which  many  prophets  and  kings  had 
desired  to  see  and  had  not  seen, 
and  to  hear  and  had  not  heard,  (Luke 
x.  24,)  but  even  to  carry  this,  to  lead 
it,  to  embrace  it,  to  kiss  it,  to  feed  it, 
and  to  keep  it.  We  must,  however, 
believe  that  Mary  as  well  as  Joseph 
was  of  the  house  and  lineage  of 
David,  since  if  she  had  not  so  been 
she  would  not  have  been  espoused  to 
one  who  was  so.  Both,  therefore, 
were  of  the  house   of  David,  but   in 

1  Ecclus.  xiv.  26,  27.  2  I.e.,  Wisdom's. 

5  Ps.  xxvi.  3.  6  Ps.  lxx.  6,  7. 


her  was  fulfilled  that  which  the  Lord 
had  sworn  in  truth  unto  David,  (Ps. 
cxxxi.  11,)  saying,  "Of  the  fruit  of 
thy  body  will  I  set  upon  My  throne," 
while  Joseph  stood  by  the  conscious 
witness  of  the  fulfilment  of  the 
promise. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

5  Though  an  host  should  encamp 
against  me,  my  heart  shall  not  fear. 
Though  war  should  rise  against  me, 
in  this  will  I  be  confident. 

Verse.  6  My  praise  shall  be  con- 
tinually of  Thee,  for  Thou  art  my 
strong  refuge. 

Answer.  Though  war  should  rise 
against  me,  in  this  will  I  be  con- 
fident. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Though  war  should  rise 
against  me,  in  this  will  I  be  con- 
fident. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  When  Joseph 
heard  that  Archelaus  did  reign  in 
Judea  in  the  room  of  his  father  Herod, 
he  was  afraid  to  go  thither. 

Second  Antiphon.  Joseph  being 
warned  of  God  in  a  dream  turned 
aside  into  the  parts  of  Galilee,  and 
he  came  and  dwelt  in  a  city  called 
Nazareth,  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  by  the  prophets  : 
He  shall  be  called  a  Nazarene. 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Father  and 
Mother  of  Jesus  marvelled  at  those 
things  which  were  spoken  of  Him, 
and  Simeon  blessed  them. 

Verse.  7 1  called  upon  the  Lord, 
the  Father  of  my  Lord — 

Answer.  That  He  would  not  leave 
me  in  the  days  of  my  trouble. 


3  Ps.  lxi.  9. 


4  I.e.,  in  God — see  context. 
1  Ecclus.  li.  14. 


872 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the   Holy 
Gosper1  according  to  Luke  (iii.  21.) 

A  T  that  time :  When  all  the  people 
"^^  were  baptized,  it  came  to  pass, 
that  Jesus  also  being  baptized  and 
praying,  the  heaven  was  opened. 
And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Augustine,  Bishop 
[of  Hippo.]  {Against  Faustus,  xxiii. 
7,8.) 

From  heaven,  over  the  Jordan, 
"The  Holy  Ghost  descended  in  a 
bodily  shape  like  a  dove  upon  Him, 
and  a  voice  came  from  heaven  which 
said,  Thou  art  My  beloved  Son,  in 
Thee  I  am  well  pleased."  Thus  also 
upon  the  high  mountain,  "  Behold  a 
bright  cloud  overshadowed  Him,  and 
behold  a  voice  out  of  the  cloud  which 
said,  This  is  My  beloved  Son,  in 
whom  I  am  well  pleased ;  hear  ye 
Him"  (Matth.  xvii.  5.)  And  He 
over  Whom  these  voices  sounded 
from  heaven  was  the  Son  of  God 
before  ever  they  were  uttered,  for 
He  was  He  "Who  albeit  in  the 
womb  of  the  Virgin  He  took  upon 
Him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and 
was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men," 
was  the  same  "  Who,  being  in  the 
form  of  God,  thought  it  not  robbery 
to  be  equal  with  God"  (Phil.  ii.  7,  6.) 
Whence  also  the  same  Apostle  Paul 
saith  plainly  in  another  place,  (Gal. 
iv.  4,  5,)  that,  "When  the  fulness 
of  the  time  was  come,  God  sent  forth 
His  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that 
were  under  the  law,  that  we  might 
receive  the  adoption  of  sons."  He 
is  the  Son  of  God  who  is  the 
Lord  of  David,  as  touching  His 
Godhead,  and  is  yet  as  touching 
His  flesh  the  Son  of  David  begotten 
of  David's  seed. 


Seventh  Responsory. 

1  Joseph,  thou  son  of  David,  fear 
not  to  take  unto  thee  Mary  thy  wife  ; 
for  That  Which  is  conceived  in  her 
is  of  the  Holy  Ghost :  and  she  shall 
bring  forth  a  Son ;  and  thou  shalt 
call  His  Name  Jesus. 

Verse.  For  He  shall  save  His 
people  from  their  sins. 

Answer.  And  thou  shalt  call  His 
Name  Jesus. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

T_T  AD  it  been  useless  for  us  to  be- 
lieve this,  the  aforenamed 
Apostle  would  not  have  been  so 
careful  to  remind  Timothy  to  (2  Tim. 
ii.  8)  "  remember  that  Jesus  Christ 
of  the  seed  of  David  was  raised  from 
the  dead  according  to  my  gospel." 
The  question  now  ariseth  before  the 
reader  of  the  Holy  Gospel,  where- 
fore since  he  doth  us  to  wit  that 
Christ  was  born  of  the  Virgin  without 
any  coition  with  Joseph,  this  Christ 
is,  nevertheless,  called  the  Son  of 
David,  although  the  pedigree  for 
David  given  by  the  Evangelist 
Matthew  is  not  that  of  Mary  but 
that  of  Joseph.  The  first  reason  is 
that  in  order  of  sex  the  husband  is 
named  before  the  wife,  and  that  he 
is  not  the  less  called  husband  because 
he  knew  her  not,  since  this  same 
Matthew  when  he  saith  (i.  20)  that 
That  Which  was  conceived  in  her  was 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  expressly  giveth 
to  Joseph  (19)  the  title  of  "her 
husband." 


Eighth  Responsory. 

2  Arise,  and  take  the  young  Child, 
and  His  Mother,  and  flee  into  Egypt ; 
and  be  thou  there  until  I  bring  thee 
word. 


1  Matth.  i.  20,  ax. 


2  Matth.  ii.  13,  15. 


ST   JOSEPH,   SPOUSE   OF   THE   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY.         873 


Verse.  That  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  of  the  Lord  by 
the  Prophets,  saying  :  Out  of  Egypt 
have   I   called  my  Son. 

Answer.  And  be  thou  there  until 
I  bring  thee  word. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  be  thou  there  until 
I  bring  thee  word. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

'T'HIS  one  and  the  same  Matthew 
therefore  saith  that  Joseph  was 
the  husband  of  Mary,  that  the  Mother 
of  Christ  was  a  virgin,  that  Christ 
was  of  the  seed  of  David,  and  that 
Joseph  was  in  the  pedigree  of  Christ 
from  David.  The  only  conclusion  is 
that  Mary  herself  was  of  the  lineage 
of  David,  and  that  she  was  called 
the  wife  of  Joseph  in  order  of  enum- 
eration of  sex,  and  on  account  of 
their  union  of  soul,  and  that  Joseph 
is  included  in  the  pedigree  as  her  hus- 
band, lest  it  might  otherwise  seem  as 
if  he  were  parted  from  a  wife  to  whom 
he  was  bound  by  oneness  of  heart. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  l  And  Jacob  begat 
Joseph,  *  the  husband  of  Mary,  of 
whom  was  born  Jesus,  Who  is  called 
Christ. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  The  Angel 
Gabriel  *  was  sent  from  God,  unto 
a  city  of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth, 
to  a  Virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose 
name  was  Joseph. 

Third  Antiphon.  3  And  Joseph  also 
went  up   *  from   Galilee,   out  of  the 


city  of  Nazareth,  unto  Judea,  unto 
the  city  of  David,  which  is  called 
Bethlehem. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  4  And  they  came 
with  haste,  *  and  found  Mary  and 
Joseph,  and  the  Babe  lying  in  a 
manger. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  5  And  Jesus  Him- 
self began  to  be  about  thirty  years  of 
age,  being  (as  was  supposed)  the  Son 
of  Joseph. 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  26.) 

'THE  blessings  of  thy  father  have 
been  strengthened  by  the  bless- 
ings of  his  progenitors,  until  the 
Desire  of  the  everlasting  hills  come  ; 
let  them  be  on  the  head  of  Joseph, 
and  on  the  crown  of  him  that  was  a 
Nazarite6  from  his  brethren. 


Hymn!1 

JOY  of  the  Saints !  who  didst  uphold 
Our  life's  sure   Hope,   the   world's  one 
Stay,— 
Joseph  !  as  now  thy  praise  is  told, 
Hearken  to  us  in  love  to-day. 

The  great  Creator  made  it  thine 
To  be  the  spouse  of  purest  Maid, 

And  father  of  the  Word  Divine 
In  name — salvation's  work  to  aid. 

Thou  seest  with  joy  in  manger  lie 
The  Saviour  sung  by  seers  of  yore, 

And  Him,  the  Son  of  God  Most  High, 
In  lowliness  thou  didst  adore. 

The  King  of  kings,  the  Lord  of  all, 

The  God  Whom  heaven  in  awe  attends, 

Whose  nod  makes  trembling  demons  fall, 
To  thee  in  meek  submission  bends. 

To  God  Most  High,  the  Three  in  One, 
Be  praise,  Who  gave  such  grace  to  thee, 

He  make  us  win  what  thou  hast  won, 
The  joys  of  life  eternally.     Amen. 

1  Matth.  i.  16.         2  Luke  i.  26,  27.         3  Luke  ii.  4.         4  Luke  ii.  16.         •  Luke  iii.  23. 
6  "  Separate,"  i.e.  as  sold  away  from  them.     Perhaps  allusion  is  also  made  to  the  previous 

^HvnTohhe  sixteenth  century  or  later;  translation  by  the  Rev.  Dr  Littledale. 

2   F 
VOL.   I. 


874 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Verse.  1  Thou  hast  given  me  the 
shield  of  Thy  salvation. 

Answer^  And  Thy  right  hand  hath 
holden  me  up. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
2  Joseph,  thou  son  of  David,  fear  not 
to  take  unto  thee  Mary  thy  wife,  for 
That  Which  is  conceived  in  her  is  of 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  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;  Who  liyest  and 
reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in 
the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

The  Common  Commemoration  of  St 
Joseph  is  omitted. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  And  Jacob,  &c,  {First 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Gen.  xlix.  22.) 

JOSEPH  is  a  fruitful  bough,  a 
fruitful  bough  and  comely  to  look 
upon,  whose  branches  run  over  the 
wall. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  The  Angel  Gabriel,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

He  made  him  lord  of  His  house. 
Answer.      He    made    him    lord    of 
His  house. 

1  Ps.  xvii.  36. 


Verse.  And  ruler  of  all  His  sub- 
stance. 

Answer.     Lord  of  His  house. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  He  made  him  lord  of 
His  house. 

Verse.  I  will  give  praise  unto  Thy 
Name — 

Answer.  For  Thou  hast  been  mine 
Helper  and  Defender. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  And  Joseph  also,  &c, 
( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (Gen.  xlix.  25.) 

HTHE     God    of    thy     father     shall 
help    thee,    and    the    Almighty 
shall    bless    thee    with    blessings    of 
heaven  above. 

Short  Responsory. 

I  will  give  praise  unto  Thy  Name. 

Answer.  I  will  give  praise  unto 
Thy  Name. 

Verse.  For  thou  hast  been  mine 
Helper  and  Defender. 

Answer.     Praise  unto  Thy  Name. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  I  will  give  praise  unto 
Thy  Name. 

Verse.  The  righteous  shall  grow  as 
the  lily. 

Answer.  Yea,  he  shall  flourish  for 
ever  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  And  Jesus  Himself, 
&c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

2  Matth.  i.  20. 


THE  MOST  HOLY  SACRAMENT  OF  THE  ALTAR. 


875 


Short  Responsory. 

The  righteous  shall  grow  as  the 
lily. 

Answer.  The  righteous  shall  grow 
as  the  lily. 

Verse.  Yea,  he  shall  flourish  for 
ever  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

Answer.     As  the  lily. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  righteous  shall  grow 
as  the  lily. 

Verse.  l  Planted  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

Answer.  In  the  courts  of  the  house 
of  our  God. 

SECOND   VESPERS. 

All  as  at  First  Vespers,  except  the 
following  : 

Verse.  2  I  sat  under  His  shadow  in 
Whom  I  delighted. 

Answer.  And  His  fruit  was  sweet 
to  my  taste. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  Son,  why  hast  Thou  thus 
dealt  with  us  ?  Behold,  Thy  father 
and   I  have  sought  Thee  sorrowing. 


©to  in  honour  of  tije  Jlost 
f^olg  Sacrament  of  tije  &ltar, 
for  EijursoarjS- 

Semi-double. 

All  as  on   Sundays  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Chapter  and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

First  Antiphon.     4  Christ  the  Lord, 
being  made  an  High  Priest  for  ever  * 


after  the  order  of  Melchisedec,  hath 
offered  bread  and  wine. 

Second  Antiphon.  He  hath  made 
His  wonderful  works  to  be  re- 
membered ;  *  the  Lord  is  [gracious 
and]  full  of  compassion.  He  hath 
given  meat  unto  them  that  fear  Him. 

Third  Antiphon.  I  will  take  the 
cup  of  salvation,  *  and  offer  the 
sacrifice  of  thanksgiving. 

Ps.  cxv.  I  believed,  therefore  have 
I  spoken,  &c,  {p.  185.) 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Let  the  child- 
ren of  the  Church  be  like  olive-plants 
*  round  about  the  table  of  the  Lord. 

Ps.  cxxvii.  Blessed  is  every  one, 
&c,   (p.    191.) 

Fifth  Antiphon.  The  Lord,  That 
maketh  peace  in  the  borders  of  the 
Church,  *  filleth  her  with  the  finest 
of  the  wheat. 

Ps.  cxlvii.  Praise  the  LORD,  O 
Jerusalem,  &c,   {p.  203.) 

Hymns* 

(~)F  the  glorious  Body  telling, 

O  my  tongue,  Its  mystery  sing  ; 
And  the  Blood,  all  price  excelling, 

Which  for  this  world's  ransoming 
In  a  noble  womb  once  dwelling 

He  shed  forth,  the  Gentiles'  King. 

Given  for  us,  for  us  descending 
Of  a  Virgin  to  proceed, 

Man  with  man  in  converse  blending 
Scattered  He  the  Gospel  seed  : 

Till  His  sojourn  drew  to  ending 
Which  He  closed  in  wondrous  deed. 

At  the  Last  Great  Supper  seated, 
Circled  by  His  brethren's  band, 

All  the  Law  required,  completed, 
In  the  Feast  its  statutes  planned, 

To  the  twelve  Himself  He  meted 

For  their  Food,  with  His  own  Hand. 

1  Ps.  xci.  14.  -  Cant.  ii.  3.  3  Luke  ii.  48.  4  Heb.  vi.  20;  Gen.  xiv.  18. 

5  Hymn  by  St  Thomas  Aquinas  ;  translation  by  the  late  Dr  Neale,  (two  words  altered, 
"noble"  for  "generous,"  as  a  translation  of  "  generosi "  in  the  1st,  and  "for"  for  "in" 
in  the  4th.) 


876 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Word  made  Flesh,  by  word  He  maketh 

Very  bread  His  Flesh  to  be  ; 
Man  for  wine  Christ's  Blood  partaketh  ; 

And  ir  senses  fail  to  see, 
Faith  alone  the  true  heart  waketh 

To  behold  the  Mystery. 

Therefore,  we,  before  It  bending, 

This  great  Sacrament  adore : 
Types  and  shadows  have  their  ending 

In  the  new  rite  evermore : 
Faith,  our  outward  sense  amending, 

Maketh  good  defects  before. 

Honour,  laud,  and  praise  addressing 

To  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
Might  ascfibe  we,  virtue,  blessing, 

And  eternal  benison : 
Holy  Ghost,  from  Both  progressing, 

Equal  laud  to  Thee  be  done.     Amen. 

Verse.  l  Thou  didst  send  them 
from  heaven — 

Answer.  Bread  able  to  content 
every  man's  delight. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  2  O  Lord,  how  kindly  is  Thy 
Spirit !  *  even  Thine,  Whose  sus- 
tenance declared  Thy  sweetness  unto 
Thy  children  when  Thou  didst  send 
them  from  heaven  bread  tempering 
itself  to  every  man's  liking,  O  Thou, 
Who  hast  filled  the  hungry  with  good 
things,  and  the  rich,  that  are  proud 
in  the  imagination  of  their  hearts, 
Thou  hast  sent  empty  away. 

At  Compline  and  every  other  Office 
the  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation,  except- 
ing only  the  three  Hymns  proper  to 
the  Feast. 


Hymn.s 

T  ET  old  things  pass  away  ; 

Let  all  be  fresh  and  bright ; 
And  welcome  we  with  hearts  renewed 
This  Feast  of  new  delight. 

Upon  this  hallowed  eve, 
Christ  with  His  brethren  ate, 

Obedient  to  the  olden  Law, 
The  Pasch  before  Him  set. 

Which  done, — Himself  entire, 
The  True  Incarnate  God, 

Alike  on  each,  alike  on  all, 
His  sacred  Hands  bestowed. 

He  gave  His  Flesh ;  He  gave 
His  Precious  Blood  ;  and  said : 

"  Receive  and  drink  ye  all  of  This 
For  your  salvation  shed." 

Thus  did  the  Lord  appoint 
This  Sacrifice  sublime, 

And  made  His  Priests  the  ministers 
Through  all  the  bounds  of  time. 

Farewell  to  types  !  henceforth 
We  feed  on  Angels'  Food  ; 

The  slave — O,  wonder ! — eats  the  Flesh 
Of  his  Incarnate  God  ! 

O  Blessed  Three  in  One ! 

Visit  our  hearts,  we  pray, 
And  lead  us  on  through  Thine  own  paths 

To  Thy  eternal  day.     Amen. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  The  Lord  brought 
forth  His  fruit  in  the  season  of  His 
death,  *  even  that  fruit  whereof  if 
any  man  eat,  he  shall  live  for  ever.4 

Ps.    i.     Blessed   is    the    man,    &c, 

(A  4.) 

Second  Antiphon.  His  faithful  ones 
which  are  increased  by  the  fruit  of 
His  corn  and  His  wine  *  do  lay  them 
down  in  peace  and  sleep  in  Christ. 

Ps.  iv.   When  I  called,  &c,  (p.  206.) 

1  Wisd.  xvi.  20.  2  Wisd.  xii.  1 ;  xvi.  21. 

3  Hymn  by  St  Thomas  Aquinas  ;  translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall.  4  John  vi.  51. 


MATTINS. 


and    let    us 


Invitatory.     O    come, 
worship  Christ, 
Of  all  the  nations  Lord,  * 
Who   doth,   to   them   that  feed 
Him, 
The  Bread  of  Life  afford. 


THE   MOST   HOLY  SACRAMENT  OF  THE  ALTAR. 


877 


Third  Antiphon.  1  Us,  being  many, 
hath  the  Lord  made  one  body,  *  for 
we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  cup, 
which  is  not  the  communion  of  the 
blood  of  bulls,  but  of  God  Himself. 

Ps.  xv.   Preserve  me,  O  Lord,  &c, 

(A  12.) 

Verse.  2  He  gave  them  of  the  bread 
of  heaven — 

Answer.  Man  did  eat  Angels' 
bread. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season,  but  when 
there  are  none  such  the  following  are 
used. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  First 
Epistle  of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians  (xi.  20.) 

V\/"HEN  ye  come  together,  there- 
fore, into  one  place,  this  is  not 
to  eat  the  Lord's  Supper.  For  every 
one  taketh  before  his  own  supper  to 
eat,  and  one  is  hungry,  and  another 
is  drunken.  What !  have  ye  not 
houses  to  eat  and  to  drink  in  ? 
or  despise  ye  the  Church  of  God, 
and  shame  them  that  have  not  ? 
What  shall  I  say  to  you  ?  Do  I 
praise  you  ?  In  this  I  praise  you 
not. 

First  Responsory. 

3  The  whole  assembly  of  the  child- 
ren of  Israel  shall  kill  the  lamb 
toward  the  evening  of  the  Passover. 
And  they  shall  eat  the  flesh,  and  un- 
leavened bread. 

Verse.  4  Even  Christ  our  Passover 
is  sacrificed  for  us  ;  therefore  let  us 
keep  the  feast  with  the  unleavened 
bread  of  sincerity  and  truth. 

Answer.  And  they  shall  eat  the 
flesh,  and  unleavened  bread. 


Second  Lesson. 

IpOR  I  have  received  of  the  Lord 
that  which  also  I  delivered  unto 
you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same 
night  in  which  He  was  betrayed,  took 
bread ;  and,  when  He  had  given 
thanks,  He  brake  it,  and  said  :  Take, 
eat:  This  is  My  Body,  Which  shall 
be  given  for  you  ;  this  do  in  remem- 
brance of  Me.  After  the  same 
manner  also  He  took  the  cup,  when 
He  had  supped,  saying :  This  Cup 
is  the  New  Testament  in  My  Blood. 
This  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in 
remembrance  of  Me.  For  as  often  as 
ye  eat  this  Bread,  and  drink  this  Cup, 
ye  do  show  the  Lord's  death  till  He 
come. 

Second  Responsory. 

5  Ye  shall  eat  flesh,  and  shall  be 
filled  with  bread.  *  This  is  the  bread 
which  the  Lord  hath  given  you  to 
eat. 

Verse.  6  Moses  gave  you  not  that 
Bread  from  heaven,  but  My  Father 
giveth  you  the  true  Bread  from 
heaven. 

Answer.  This  is  the  bread  which 
the  Lord  hath  given  you  to  eat. 

Third  Lesson. 

AfyTHEREFORE,  whosoever  shall 
eat  this  Bread,  or  drink  the 
Cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be 
guilty  of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  the 
Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  him- 
self, and  so  let  him  eat  of  that 
Bread,  and  drink  of  that  Cup.  For 
he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily, 
eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to 
himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's 
Body.  For  this  cause  many  are  weak 
and  sickly  among  you,  and  many 
sleep.  For  if  we  would  judge  our- 
selves, we  should  not  be  judged.     But 


1  1  Cor.  x.  17 ;  Heb.  ix.  13,  14. 
4  1  Cor.  v.  7,  8. 


2  Ps.  lxxvii.  24,  25. 
5  Exod.  xvi.  12,  15. 


3  Exod.  xii.  6, 
6  John  vi.  32. 


878 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


when  we  are  judged,  we  are  chastened 
of  the  Lord,  that  we  should  not  be 
condemned  with  the  world. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  Elijah  looked,  and,  behold,  there 
was  a  cake  baken  on  the  coals  at  his 
head,  and  he  arose,  and  did  eat  and 
drink ;  and  went  in  the  strength  of 
that  meat  [forty  days  and  forty  nights] 
unto  the  mount  of  God. 

Verse.  2  If  any  man  eat  of  this 
Bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever. 

Answer.  And  went  in  the  strength 
of  that  meat  [forty  days  and  forty 
nights]  unto  the   mount  of  God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  went  in  the  strength 
of  that  meat  [forty  days  and  forty 
nights]  unto  the  mount  of  God. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

First  Antipho7i.  The  Lord  re- 
member our  offering,  *  and  accept 
our  burnt-sacrifice. 

Ps.  xix.  The  Lord  hear  thee,  &c, 

(A  18.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  pre- 
pareth  His  Table  before  us  *  in  the 
presence  of  our  enemies. 

Ps.  xxii.  The  LORD  is  my  Shep- 
herd, &c,  {p.  47.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Let  them  that 
keep  holiday  around  the  table  of  the 
Lord  *  make  the  voice  of  joy  and 
praise  to  be  heard  [in  the  house  of 
God.] 

Ps.  xli.  As  the  hart  panteth,  &c, 
(A  95-) 

Verse.  3  He  fed  them  with  the 
finest  of  the  wheat — 

Answer.  And  with  honey  out  of 
the   Rock  did   He  satisfy  them. 


Fourth  Lesson. 

{In  December.') 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  the  Blessed  Patriarch  of 
Jerusalem,  Cyril.4  {Catechetical 
Lectures,  4.) 

T'HE  teaching  of  the  blessed  Paul 
seemeth  of  itself  enough  in- 
struction for  you  concerning  those 
Divine  Mysteries,  whereof,  if  ye  be 
made  worthy,  ye  become  therein,  so 
to  speak,  of  one  Body  and  of  one 
Blood  with  Christ.  Paul  saith  that 
our  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  "the  same 
night  in  which  He  was  betrayed,  took 
bread ;  and,  when  He  had  given 
thanks,  He  brake  it,  and  gave  it  unto 
His  disciples,  saying :  Take,  eat ; 
this  is  My  Body.  .  .  .  After  the  same 
manner  also  He  took  the  cup,"  and 
gave  thanks,  "and  said:" — Take  this 
and  drink  it ;  this  is  My  Blood. 
Since  therefore  it  is  He  Who  hath 
definitely  stated  and  said,  touching 
that  Bread:  "This  is  My  Body" — 
who  will  dare  any  longer  to  doubt 
that  It  is  so?  And  since  it  is  He 
again  that  hath  absolutely  affirmed 
and  said,  touching  that  cup:  "This 
is  My  Blood " — who  is  he  that  will 
doubt  any  longer,  or  say  that  It  is 
not  His  Blood. 

{In  January  and  February. ) 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  John  Chrysostom, 
[Patriarch  of  Constantinople.  ]  {61st 
Homily  to  the  people  of  Antioch.) 

T\ EARLY  beloved  brethren,  it  be- 
hoveth  us  to  learn  the  miracle 
of  the  Mysteries — what  the  Gift  is, 
and  why  It  was  given,  and  what  is 
the  use  thereof.  "We,  being  many, 
are    one    body,"    saith    [the    Apostle 


1  3  (1)  Kings  xix.  6,  8.  2  John  vi.  51.  3  Ps.  lxxx.  17. 

4  Elected  a.d.  350.     Suffered  much  persecution  from  the  Arians,  and  died  March  18,  386. 


THE  MOST  HOLY  SACRAMENT  OF  THE  ALTAR. 


879 


Paul,  (1  Cor.  x.  17,)  and  again] — 
"We  are  members  of  His  Body,  of 
His  Flesh,  and  of  His  Bones."  (Eph. 
v.  30.)  Only  the  initiated1  will  now 
understand  what  I  say.  That  this 
union  may  take  place,  not  by  love 
only,  but  verily  and  indeed,  we  ought 
to  mingle  our  own  with  His  Flesh. 
And  this  is  done  by  eating  that  Food 
Which  He  hath  given  unto  us,  being 
fain  to  manifest  that  exceeding  great 
love  which  He  beareth  to  us -ward. 
To  this  end  He  hath  mingled  Him- 
self with  us,  and  infused  His  Body 
into  our  bodies,  that  we  may  be  one 
together,  like  as  the  limbs  of  a  man 
and  his  head  are  all  of  one  body. 
Such  union  do  they  long  for  that 
love  much. 

{In  March.) 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  John  Chrysostom,  [Patriarch 
of  Constantinople.]  {both  Homily 
to  the  people  of  Antioch.) 

T'HE  Word  saith  :  "This  is  My 
Body."  This  we  confess,  and 
believe,  and,  with  spiritual  eyes,  do 
see.  Christ  hath  not  left  unto  us 
Himself  in  such  form  as  that  we  can 
see,  hear,  touch,  smell,  or  taste  Him  ; 
and  yet  hath  He  left  Himself  unto 
us  in  things  which  we  can  see,  hear, 
touch,  smell,  and  taste,  and  which  all 
men  may  understand.  Thus  also  is 
it  in  baptism ;  by  mean  of  water, 
which  men  perceive  outwardly,  is 
given  unto  them  a  gift  which  they 
can  grasp  only  inwardly,  that  is,  a 
new  birth.  If  we  had  no  bodies, 
then  would  these  things  be  given  us 
without  any  outward  and  visible  signs, 
but  since  we  are  here  made  up  of 
souls  and  bodies,  there  are  given  unto 
our  souls  gifts  which  they  can  grasp, 

1  I.e.,  the  baptized,  the  Church's  doctrine 
catechumens. 

2  Matth.  xxvi.  26. 


in  outward  signs  which  our  bodies 
may  perceive.  How  many  there 
be  which  say :  I  would  that  I  could 
see  His  comely  presence,  His  Face, 
His  garments,  even  His  shoes  !  Be- 
hold, thou  dost  see  and  touch  Him, 
yea,  thou  dost  feed  upon  Him.  And 
wouldest  thou  behold  His  raiment  ? 
Lo,  He  hath  given  unto  thee  not  only 
to  behold  it,  but  to  feed  upon  it,  and 
handle  it,  and  take  it  into  thyself. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

2  As  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took 
bread,  and  blest  it,  and  brake  it,  and 
gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said  : 
Take,  eat;  this  is  My  Body. 

Verse.  3  The  men  of  my  tabernacle 
said :  O  that  we  had  of  his  flesh  ! 
we  cannot  be  satisfied. 

Answer.  Take,  eat ;  this  is  My 
Body. 

Fifth   Lesson. 

{In  December.) 

[The  fourth   Catechetical   Lecture    of 
the  Blessed  Cyril — continued.} 

A  T  the  beginning  of  His  ministry, 
^*-  at  Cana  in  Galilee,  the  Lord 
turned  water  into  wine,  a  thing  which 
hath  some  qualities  in  common  with 
blood  ;  and  shall  we  deem  Him  less 
worthy  that  we  should  believe  Him, 
when  He  turneth  wine  into  Blood  ? 
When  He  was  bidden  to  that  marriage 
wherein  twain  were  made  one  flesh, 
He  did  the  beginning  of  His  miracles 
to  the  amazement  of  all  men  ;  and 
shall  we  less  surely  hold  that  He  hath 
given  us  His  Body  and  Blood  to  be 
our  meat  and  drink,  or  take  them 
with  weaker  faith  that  they  are  in- 
deed His  Body  and  His  Blood  ? 
Under  the  appearance  of  bread  He 
giveth  unto  us  His  Body,  and,  under 

on   the   Eucharist   being  concealed  from  the 

3  Job  xxxi.  31. 


88o 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


the  appearance  of  wine,  His  Blood  : 
and  when  thou  shalt  come  to  receive, 
it  is  on  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ 
that  thou  wilt  feed,  being  made  a 
partaker  of  His  Body  and  of  His 
Blood.  Thus  indeed  it  is  that  we 
become  Christ -bearers,1  namely,  by 
carrying  about  Christ  in  our  bodies, 
when  we  receive  His  Body  and  Blood 
into  our  own  frames.  Thus,  as  the 
blessed  Peter  hath  it,  we  are  "  par- 
takers of  the  Divine  nature."  (2  Pet. 
i.  4.) 

{In  January  and  February.) 

[The  6 1  st  Homily  of  St  John  Chrys- 
ostom — continued.'] 

"\X7"HEN  we  come  back  from  that 
Table  we  ought  to  be  like  so 
many  lions  breathing  fire,  dreadful  to 
the  devil.  Our  thoughts  ought  to  be 
concentrated  on  our  Great  Head  and 
the  love  which  He  showeth  us.  Many 
fathers  and  mothers  there  are  who 
give  their  children  to  others  to  nurse, 
but  I,  saith  the  Lord  to  His  children, 
I  am  not  so,  but  I  feed  you  with 
Mine  Own  Flesh,  and  join  Myself  to 
you,  fain  that  ye  all  should  be  sons 
of  noble  blood  now,  and  giving  you 
a  noble  hope  of  that  which  ye  shall 
be  hereafter.  I  was  content  to  be- 
come your  Brother,  I  for  your  sakes 
have  taken  unto  Me  Flesh  and  Blood, 
and  that  Flesh  and  Blood  wherein  I 
am  become  your  Brother,  the  Same 
give  I  in  turn  unto  you. 

{In  March.) 

[The  60th  Homily  of  St  John  Chrys- 
ostom — continued.  ] 

*X*0  this  table  of  the  Lord  let  none 

dare  to  draw  near  with  squeam- 

ishness    or    carelessness.     Let  all  be 


fiery,  all  hot,  all  roused.  To  the 
Jews  it  was  commanded  touching 
the  Paschal  lamb,  (Exod.  xii.  11): 
"And  thus  shall  ye  eat  it;  with 
your  loins  girded,  your  shoes  on 
your  feet,  and  your  staff  in  your 
hand  ;  and  ye  shall  eat  it  in  haste  ; 
it  is  the  Lord's  Passover."  But 
thou  needest  to  be  more  watchful 
than  they.  They  were  just  about 
to  travel  from  Egypt  to  Palestine, 
and  therefore  they  bore  the  guise  of 
travellers  ;  but  the  journey  that  lieth 
before  thee  is  from  earth  to  heaven. 
And  therefore  it  behoveth  thee  in 
all  things  to  be  on  thy  guard,  for 
the  punishment  of  him  that  eateth  or 
drinketh  unworthily  is  no  light  one. 
(1  Cor.  xi.  27.)  Bethink  thee  how 
thou  art  indignant  against  him  which 
betrayed,  and  them  that  crucified 
the  Lord  ;  and  look  to  it  well  that 
thou  also  be  not  "  Guilty  of  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  the  Lord."  As 
for  them,  they  slew  His  Most  Holy 
Body ;  but  thou,  after  all  that  He 
hath  done  for  thee,  dost  thrust  Him 
into  thy  polluted  soul.  For  His 
love,  it  was  not  enough  to  be  made 
Man,  to  be  buffeted,  and  to  be 
crucified  ;  He  hath  also  mingled 
Himself  with  us,  by  making  us  His 
Body,  and  that  not  by  faith  only, 
but  verily  and  indeed. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

2  Jesus  took  the  cup,  after  supper, 
saying :  This  cup  is  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  My  Blood.  This  do  in  re- 
membrance of  Me. 

Verse.  My  soul  hath  them  3  still 
in  remembrance,  and  is  humbled 
in  me. 

Answer.  This  do  in  remembrance 
of  Me. 


1  Christiferi.  2  Luke  xxii.  20,  19. 

3  Viz.,   the    affliction    and    the   misery,   the  wormwood    and    the   gall.      See   context    in 
Lam.  iii.  20. 


THE   MOST   HOLY   SACRAMENT   OF   THE   ALTAR. 


Sixth   Lesson. 

{In  December.) 

[The  fourth  Catechetical  Lecture,  by 
the  Blessed  Cyril — continued. 

/"^HRIST  once  said,  in  conversing 
with  the  Jews:  "Except  ye 
eat  the  Flesh  of  the  Son  of  Man,  and 
drink  His  Blood,  ye  have  no  life  in 
you."  (John  vi.  53.)  But  they  took 
not  spiritually  that  which  He  said, 
and  "from  that  time  many  of  His 
disciples  went  back,  and  walked  no 
more  with  Him."  (66.)  They  thought 
that  He  had  bidden  them  to  eat  flesh. 
The  Old  Testament  also  had  Shew- 
bread,  but  this  Old  Testament  bread 
was  now  to  have  an  end.  The  bread 
of  the  New  Testament  is  "  the  Bread 
Which  cometh  down  from  heaven " 
(50),  the  cup  of  the  New  Testament, 
the  Cup  of  Salvation,  that  Bread  and 
that  Cup  Which  hallow  both  souls 
and  bodies.  Wherefore  I  will  have 
thee  to  understand  that  the  Bread 
and  Wine  whereunto  thou  art  to  come, 
are  not  mere  common  bread  or  mere 
common  wine  ;  for  they  are  the  Body 
and  the  Blood  of  Christ.  Even  if  thy 
senses  do  indeed  deny  this  fact,  yet 
let  faith  make  thee  right  sure  of  it. 
Judge  not  the  Thing  by  the  taste 
thereof,  but  let  faith  assure  thee  be- 
yond all  doubt  thou  art  partaking  of 
the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ. 

{In  Ja?iuary  and  February.) 

[The  6 1  st  Homily  of  St  John  Chrys- 
ostom — continued.  ] 

JET  us  then,  dearly  beloved  breth- 
ren,  take  good  heed  to  our- 
selves, as  unto  the  holders  of  so  great 
mercies,  and  when  any  foul  word 
springeth  to  our  lips,  or  we  feel  anger 
taking  possession  of  us,  or  the  sting 
of  any  other  sinful  passion,  let  us 
call  to  mind  of  What  we  have  been 


counted  worthy,  and  let  that  remem- 
brance still  the  unruly  motion.  As 
often  as  we  take  that  Body,  as  often 
as  we  taste  that  Blood,  let  us  think 
how  that  we  feed  on  Him  Who  is 
sitting  on  high,  adored  of  Angels,  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  Eternal  Power. 
Ah  me,  how  many  a  way  is  open  to 
us  whereby  we  may  be  saved !  He 
hath  made  us  His — He  hath  given 
His  Body  to  us — and  we  still  are  not 
turned  away  from  evil. 

{In  March.) 

[The  60th  Homily  of  St  John  Chrys- 
ostom — continued.  ] 

/^AN  anything  be  purer  than  that 
^  man  ought  to  be,  who  eateth  of 
this  great  Sacrifice  ?  Can  sun-beam 
be  clearer  than  that  hand  ought  to 
be  which  breaketh  this  Flesh  ? — that 
mouth,  which  is  filled  with  that 
spiritual  fire  ? — that  tongue,  which  is 
reddened  by  that  Blood,  awful  ex- 
ceedingly ?  That  whereon  the  Angels 
quail  to  look,  neither  dare  to  gaze 
steadfastly  upon  It,  because  of  the 
blinding  glory  that  shineth  therefrom, 
upon  This  we  feed,  with  This  we  be- 
come one,  and  are  made  one  body  of 
Christ,  and  one  flesh.  "  Who  can 
utter  the  mighty  acts  of  the  Lord  ? 
who  can  show  forth  all  His  praise?" 
(Ps.  cv.  2.)  Where  is  the  shepherd 
which  feedeth  his  flock  with  his  own 
blood  ?  Nay,  why  should  I  say, 
shepherd  ?  Many  mothers  there  be, 
who  after  all  the  pains  of  travail,  give 
their  own  little  ones  to  strangers  to 
nurse.  But  so  would  not  He,  but  feed- 
eth us  with  His  Own  Blood,  and  maketh 
us  to  grow  up  in  His  Own  substance. 

Sixth  Respo?isory. 

1  I   am    that   Bread  of  life.     Your 
fathers  did  eat  manna  in  the  wilder- 


1  John  vi.  48-51. 


VOL.  I. 


2  F  2 


882 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


ness,  and  are  dead.  This  is  the 
Bread  Which  cometh  down  from 
heaven,  that  a  man  may  eat  thereof, 
and  not  die. 

Verse.  I  am  the  living  Bread 
Which  came  down  from  heaven  ;  if 
any  man  eat  of  this  Bread,  he  shall 
live  for  ever. 

Answer.  This  is  the  Bread  Which 
cometh  down  from  heaven,  that  a 
man  may  eat  thereof,  and  not  die. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  This  is  the  Bread  Which 
cometh  down  from  heaven,  that  a 
man  may  eat  thereof,  and  not  die. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  I  will  go  unto  the 
Altar  of  God  ;  *  I  will  feed  on  Christ, 
Which  is  the  Renewer  of  my  youth. 

Ps.   xlii.    Judge   me,    O    God,   &c, 

{p.  105.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
fed  us  *  with  the  finest  of  the  wheat, 
and  with  honey  out  of  the  Rock  x  hath 
He  satisfied  us. 

Ps.  lxxx.  Sing  aloud  unto  God,  &c, 
{p.  140.) 

Third  Antiphon.  It  is  at  Thine 
Altar,  O  Lord,  *  that  we  do  feed  on 
Christ,  for  Whom  our  heart  and  our 
flesh  crieth  out. 

Ps.  lxxxiii.  How  lovely  are  Thy 
tabernacles,  &c,  (p.   142.) 

Verse.  2  Thou  bringest  forth  food 
out  of  the  earth  ! 

Answer.  And  wine  that  maketh 
glad  the  heart  of  man. 

Seventh   Lesson. 

{In  December.) 

The   Lesson   is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (vi.  56.) 

1  1  Cor.  x.  4. 


A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto  the 
multitudes    of    the    Jews :     My 
Flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  My  Blood 
is  drink  indeed.      And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Cyril,  Pope  [of  Alex- 
andria.]    {Book  iv.  on  John,  ch.  17.) 

"  He  that  eateth  My  Flesh  and 
drinketh  My  Blood,"  saith  the  Lord, 
"dwelleth  in  Me,  and  I  in  him."  If 
a  man  lake  two  pieces  of  wax  and 
melt  them,  and  pour  the  one  into  the 
other,  they  necessarily  mingle ;  so 
also,  he  that  receiveth  the  Body  and 
Blood  of  the  Lord  doth  become  so 
joined  with  the  Lord  that  he  is  to 
be  found  in  Christ  and  Christ  in  him. 
Another  comparison  thou  wilt  find  in 
Matthew.  The  Lord  there  saith : 
"  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
leaven  which  a  woman  took,  and  hid 
in  three  measures  of  meal,  [till  the 
whole  was  leavened,]"  (xiii.  33,)  be- 
cause, as  Paul  saith,  "a  little  leaven 
leaveneth  the  whole  lump."  (Gal.  v. 
9.)  So  also  doth  a  little  of  this 
Blessing  draw  the  whole  man  unto 
Itself,  and  fill  him  with  Its  grace : 
and  thus  doth  Christ  dwell  in  us,  and 
we  in  Christ. 

{In  January  and  February.) 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (vi.  56.) 

A  T  that  time  :  Jesus  said  unto  the 
multitudes    of    the    Jews :     My 
Flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  My  Blood 
is  drink  indeed.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]      {17th   Tract  on  John.) 

We  have  heard  from  the  Gospel 
the  words  of  the  Lord  which  follow 
[those  that  formed  the  subject  of 
my]  earlier  discourse.  To  your  ears 
and    understandings    we    owe    a    dis- 

2  Ps.  ciii.  14,  15, 


THE   MOST   HOLY   SACRAMENT  OF  THE  ALTAR. 


883 


course  on  these  also,  and  to-day  it 
becometh  very  well,  for  it  is  upon 
that  Body  of  the  Lord,  Which  He 
professeth  Himself  that  He  "will  give 
for  the  life  of  the  world,"  "that  a 
man  may  eat  thereof  and  not  die." 
He  hath  made  manifest  how  He 
giveth,  and  What  is  His  Gift,  where 
He  saith  :  "He  that  eateth  My  Flesh 
and  drinketh  My  Blood,  dwelleth  in 
Me  and  I  in  him."  The  sign  to 
show  whether  a  man  hath  or  hath 
not  eaten  that  Flesh  and  drunk  that 
Blood,  is  whether  or  not  he  dwelleth 
in  Christ  and  Christ  in  him,  whether 
or  not  he  is  a  guest  of  Christ  and 
Christ  of  his,  whether  or  not  he  so 
cleaveth  unto  Christ,  that  Christ  be 
not  parted  from  him. 

{In  March.) 

The   Lesson   is  taken   from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (vi.  56.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus  said  unto  the 
-  multitudes    of    the    Jews :     My 

Flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  My  Blood 
is  drink  indeed.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Austin,  Bishop  [of 
Hippo.]     (27th   Tract  on  John.) 

I  have  said,  my  brethren,  that  what 
the  Lord  hath  set  before  us,  in  eating 
of  His  Flesh  and  drinking  of  His 
Blood,  is  that  we  should  dwell  in 
Him,  and  He  in  us.  We  dwell  in 
Him  when  we  are  His  members, 
and  He  dwelleth  in  us  when  we  are 
His  temple.  But  the  bond  whereby 
we  are  made  His  members  is  one- 
ness ;  and  what  is  the  cause  of  one- 
ness but  love  ?  And  love  of  God, 
whence  is  it  ?  Ask  the  Apostle. 
"The  love  of  God,"  saith  he,  "is 
shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  Which  is  given  unto 
us."     (Rom.  v.   5.) 

1  John  vi.  57. 


A! 


Seventh  Responsory. 

1  He  that  eateth  My  Flesh  and 
drinketh  My  Blood,  dwelleth  in  Me, 
and  I  in  him. 

Verse.  2What  nation  is  there  so 
great,  who  hath  gods  so  nigh  unto 
them,  as  the  Lord  our  God  is  to  us  ? 

Answer.  Dwelleth  in  Me,  and  I  in 
him. 

Eighth   Lesson. 

{In  December.) 

[The  Homily  on  John,  by  St  Cyril — 
continued.} 

S  for  ourselves,  if  we  would  win 
life  everlasting  ;  if  we  would  that 
the  Giver  of  immortality  should  dwell 
in  us,  let  us  run  freely  to  receive 
this  Blessing,  and  let  us  beware  that 
the  devil  succeed  not  in  laying  a 
stumbling-block  in  our  way,  in  the 
shape  of  a  mistaken  reverence.  Thou 
rightly  sayest,  and  we  know  well,  how 
that  it  is  written  :  "  Whosoever  shall 
eat  this  Bread  and  drink  this  Cup  of 
the  Lord  unworthily  .  .  .  eateth  and 
drinketh  damnation  to  himself."  (1 
Cor.  xi.  27,  29.)  I  therefore  examine 
myself  and  find  myself  unworthy. 
And  I  ask  thee,  who  citest  these 
words  to  me,  who  shall  ever  be  found 
worthy  ?  When  wilt  thou  be  such  an 
one  as  may  be  worthy  to  be  offered 
to  Christ  ?  If  by  sin  thou  art  un- 
worthy, and  thou  ceasest  not  to  sin, 
(for,  as  the  Psalmist  hath  it, — "Who 
can  understand  his  errors  ?" — Ps.  xviii. 
13,)  then  shalt  thou  for  ever  lack  this 
means  of  life  and  sanctification. 

{In  January  and  February.) 

[The     17th    Tract    on    John,    by    St 
Austin — continued.} 

'T'HIS  hath  He  taught,  and  warned 

us,  by  words  of  deep  meaning, 

to  be  in  His  Body  as  members  whose 

2  Deut.  iv.  7. 


884 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Head  is  He,  eating  His  Flesh,  and 
cleaving  alway  to  His  Oneness. 
"  Many  of  His  disciples  when  they 
had  heard  this  .  .  .  went  back,  and 
walked  no  more  with  Him "  —  for 
they  understood  not  by  "Flesh"  any 
flesh  other  than  such  as  they  them- 
selves were  made  of.  The  Apostle 
saith,  (and  very  true  it  is) :  "  To  be 
carnally  minded  is  death."  (Rom. 
viii.  6.)  The  Lord  giveth  us  His 
Flesh  to  eat,  and  to  understand  it 
carnally  is  death.  Where  He  saith  : 
"Whoso  eateth  My  Flesh  .  .  .  hath 
eternal  life "  —  we  must  not  under- 
stand this  His  Flesh  carnally,  as  did 
they  of  whom  it  is  written:  "Many 
of  His  disciples  " — (not  His  enemies) 
— "  when  they  heard  this,  said  :  This 
is  an  hard  saying — who  can  hear  it  ? " 

{In  March.) 

[The     27  th    Tract    on    John,    by    St 
Austin — continued.} 

CO  "it  is  the  spirit  that  quicken- 
^  eth."  It  is  the  spirit  that  maketh 
lively  the  limbs,  nor  is  the  quicken- 
ing power  of  the  spirit  shed  through 
any  limbs  but  such  as  remain  in 
union  with  the  body  whose  the  spirit 
is.  The  spirit  that  thou  hast  in  thee, 
O  man,  and  whereby  thou  art  a  man, 
doth  that  spirit  shed  life  through 
any  limb  cut  off  from  thy  flesh  ?  By 
"  spirit,"  I  mean  soul.  The  soul 
quickeneth  no  limb  but  such  as  re- 
main attached  to  the  body.  Cut 
one  off,  and  the  soul  quickeneth  it 
no  more,  for  it  is  separate  from  the 
oneness  of  thy  body. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

1  As  the  living  Father  hath  sent 
Me,  and  I  live  by  the  Father,  so  he 
that  eateth  Me,  even  he  shall  live 
by  Me. 

1  John  vi.  58. 


Verse.  2With  the  bread  of  life 
and  understanding  hath  the  Lord 
fed  him. 

Answer.  So  he  that  eateth  Me, 
even  he  shall  live  by  Me. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  So  he  that  eateth  Me, 
even  he  shall  live  by  Me. 

Ninth    Lesson. 

{In  December.) 

[The   Homily  on  John,  by  St  Cyril — 
— continued.  ] 

Y\T  HE  RE  FORE,  I  counsel  thee  to 
betake  thee  to  godly  thoughts, 
and  to  live  carefully  and  holily,  and  so 
to  receive  that  Blessing — a  Blessing 
which,  believe  me,  doth  banish,  not 
death  only,  but  all  diseases  likewise. 
For  when  Christ  dwelleth  in  us,  He 
stilleth  the  law  of  death  in  our 
members,  which  warreth  against  the 
law  of  our  mind,  (Rom.  vii.  23,)  He 
giveth  strength  to  godliness,  He 
turneth  to  calm  the  turbulent  surg- 
ing of  our  mind,  He  cureth  them 
which  are  sick,  He  raiseth  up  them 
which  are  fallen,  and,  like  the  Good 
Shepherd,  Which  giveth  His  life  for 
the  sheep,  He  prevaileth  that  the 
sheep  perish  not. 

{In  January  and  February.) 

[The     17th    Tract    on     John,    by    St 
Austin — continued.  ] 

TF  His  disciples  took  His  words 
for  an  hard  saying,  how  did  His 
enemies  take  them  ?  And,  neverthe- 
less, thus  it  behoved  to  speak  them 
if  all  men  were  not  to  understand 
them.  A  Divine  mystery  ought  to 
make  us  thoughtful,  not  to  repel  us  ; 
and  yet,  when  the  Lord  JESUS  Christ 

2  Ecclus.  xv.  3. 


THE   MOST   HOLY   SACRAMENT   OF   THE   ALTAR. 


885 


spoke  thus  in  mystery,  many  of  His 
disciples  went  back  and  walked  no 
more  with  Him.  They  believed  not 
that  He  was  speaking  of  some  great 
thing,  and  darkly  announcing  in  these 
words  a  bounty.  They  understood 
but  as  they  pleased,  even  after  the 
manner  of  men,  that  Jesus  was  able, 
or  that  Jesus  meant,  to  give  that 
Flesh  wherewith  the  Word  is  clothed 
on,  as  it  were,  in  slices,  to  them  that 
believe  on  Him.  And  they  said : 
"  This  is  an  hard  saying — who  can 
hear  it  ?  " 

{In  March. ) 

[The     27th    Tract    on    John,    by    St 
Austin — continued.  ] 

HTHESE  things  I  say,  that  we  may 
love  oneness  and  dread  division. 
In  sooth,  there  is  nothing  which  a 
Christian  ought  so  much  to  dread,  as 
to  be  cut  off  from  the  Body  of  Christ. 
If  he  be  cut  off  from  the  Body  of 
Christ,  he  is  no  longer  a  member  of 
Christ,  and  the  Spirit  of  Christ  no 
longer  quickeneth  him.  "  Now,  if 
any  man,"  saith  the  Apostle,  "have 
not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none 
of  His."    (Rom.   viii.   9.) 

"  It  is  the  Spirit  that  quickeneth  ; 
the  flesh  profiteth  nothing  :  the  words 
that  I  speak  unto  you,  they  are  spirit 
and  they  are  life." 

"  Spirit  and  life  " — what  meaneth 
this  ?  It  is  to  be  taken  spiritually. 
Hast  thou  taken  it  spiritually  ?  Then 
the  words  the  Lord  spake,  unto  thee 
they  are  spirit  and  they  are  life. 
Hast  thou  taken  it  carnally  ?  Then 
the  words  of  the  Lord  are  still  indeed 
spirit  and  life— but  not  for  thee. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  1  Wisdom  hath 
builded  her  house,  *  she  hath  mingled 
her  wine,  she  hath  also  furnished  her 
table. 

Second  Antiphon.  2Thou  feddest 
Thine  Own  people  *  with  Angels' 
food,  and  didst  send  them  bread  from 
heaven. 

Third  Antiphon.  Out  of  Christ 
His  bread  shall  be  fat,  *  and  He 
shall  yield  royal  dainties.3 

Fourth  Antiphon.  4The  Priests 
shall  be  holy  ;  *  for  the  offerings  [of 
the  Lord]  made  by  fire,  and  the 
bread  of  their  God,  they  do  offer, 
[therefore  they  shall  be  holy.] 

Fifth  Antiphon.  5To  him  that 
overcometh  will  I  give  of  the  hidden 
manna,  *  and  will  give  him  a  new  name. 

Chapter.     (1  Cor.  xi.  23.) 

TJRETHREN,  I  have  received  of 
the  Lord  that  which  also  I 
delivered  unto  you,  that  the  Lord 
JESUS,  the  same  night  in  which  He 
was  betrayed,  took  bread,  and,  when 
He  had  given  thanks,  He  brake  it, 
and  said :  Take,  eat ;  this  is  My 
Body,  Which  shall  be  given  for  you  : 
this  do  in  remembrance  of  Me. 

Hymn$ 

'"jTHE  Word  of  God  proceeding  forth, 
Yet  leaving  not  the  Father's  side, 
And  going  to  His  work  on  earth, 
Had  reached  at  length  life's  eventide. 

By  a  disciple  to  be  given 
To  rivals  for  His  Blood  athirst ; 

Himself,  the  very  Bread  of  heaven, 
He  gave  to  His  disciples  first. 

He  gave  Himself  in  either  kind  ; 

His  Precious  Flesh  ;  His  Precious  Blood  ; 
Of  flesh  and  blood  is  man  combined, 

And  He  of  man  would  be  the  Food. 


1  Prov.  ix.  1,  2.  2  Wisd.  xvi.  30. 

*  Adapted  from  Jacob's  blessing  on  Asher.    Gen.  xlix.  20.  4  Lev.  xxi.  6.         5  Apoc.  ii.  17. 

6  Hymn  by  St  Thomas  Aquinas  ;  translation  extracted  from  the  "  Hymnal  Noted." 


886 


THE    VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


In  Birth,  man's  Fellow-man  was  He  ; 

His  Meat,  while  sitting  at  the  Board  ; 
He  died,  hte  Ransomer  to  be; 

He  reigns,  to  be  his  Great  Reward. 

O  Saving  Victim,  slain  to  bless  ! 

Who  openest  heaven's  bright  gates  to  all 
The  attacks  of  many  a  foe  oppress  ; 

Give  strength  in  strife,  and  help  in  fall. 

To  God,  the  Three  in  One,  ascend 
All  thanks  and  praise  for  evermore  ; 

He  grant  the  life  that  shall  not  end, 
Upon  the  heavenly  country's  shore. 

Amen. 

Verse.  He  maketh  peace  in  thy 
borders. 

Answer.  And  filleth  thee  with 
the  finest  of  the  wheat. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1 1  am  the  living  Bread  Which  came 
down  from  heaven  :  *  if  any  man  eat 
of  this  Bread  he  shall  live  for  ever. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  under  a  wonderful 
Sacrament  hast  left  unto  us 
whereby  to  show  forth  thy  Suffering 
Death,  grant  unto  us,  we  beseech 
Thee,  so  reverently  to  handle  the 
Sacred  Mysteries  of  Thy  Body  and 
Thy  Blood  that  we  may  alway  feel 
within  ourselves  the  fruit  of  Thy 
Redeeming  Work.  Who  livest  and 
reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Wisdom,  &c.  {First 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

The  Psalms  are  as  on  Feast  Days. 

In  the  Short  Responsory,  instead  of 
"Thou  That  sittest,  &c,"  is  said, 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary. 


Chapter  at  the  end.     (i  Cor.  xi.  27.) 

^/"HOSOEVER      shall      eat     this 

Bread,    or    drink    this    Cup   of 

the    Lord   unworthily,   shall   be  guilty 

of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  the  Lord. 


TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Thou  feddest,  &c. 
{Second  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

He  gave  them  of  the  bread  of 
heaven — 

Answer.  He  gave  them  of  the 
bread  of  heaven. — 

Verse.     Man  did  eat  Angels'  bread. 

Answer.     The  bread  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  He  gave  them  of  the 
bread  of  heaven. 

Verse.  He  fed  them  with  the  finest 
of  the  wheat. 

Answer.  And  with  honey  out  of 
the  rock  did  He  satisfy  them. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Out  of  Christ,  &c. 
{Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.     (1  Cor.  xi.  26.) 

T7OR  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  Bread, 
and  drink  this  Cup,  ye  do  show 
the  Lord's  death  till  He  come. 

Short  Responsory. 

He  fed  them  with  the  finest  of  the 
wheat. 

Answer.  He  fed  them  with  the 
finest  of  the  wheat. 


1  John  vi.  51. 


THE   PASSION   OF   OUR   LORD  JESUS  CHRIST. 


887 


Verse.  And  with  honey  out  of  the 
rock  did  He  satisfy  them. 

Answer.     The  finest  of  the  wheat. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  He  fed  them  with  the 
finest  of  the  wheat. 

Verse.  Thou  bringest  forth  food 
out  of  the  earth. 

.  Answer.  And  wine  that  maketh 
glad  the  heart  of  man. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  To  him  that  over- 
cometh,  &c.  {Fifth  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

Thou  bringest  forth  food  out  of  the 
earth. 

Answer.  Thou  bringest  forth  food 
out  of  the  earth. 

Verse.  And  wine  that  maketh  glad 
the  heart  of  man. 

Answer.     Out  of  the  earth. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Thou  bringest  forth  food 
out  of  the  earth. 

Verse.  He  maketh  peace  in  thy 
borders. 

Answer.  And  filleth  thee  with  the 
finest  of  the  wheat. 

SECOND   VESPERS. 

All  as  the  First,  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Holy  exceedingly  is  the 
Supper  of  the  Lord,  *  wherein  we 
do    feed    on    Christ,    do    show    His 

1  1  Cor.  xi.  26. 


death  till  He  come,1  do  get  grace 
abundantly  to  our  souls,  and  do  take 
pledge  of  the  glory  which  shall  here- 
after be  revealed  in  us.2 

©ffice  in  honour  of  tfte 
Passion  of  our  3Loro  Sesits 
Cijrtst,  for  jfrtoass. 

Semi-double. 

All    as    on    Sundays,     except    the 
following. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

First  Antiphon.  I  will  take  the 
cup  of  salvation,  *  and  call  upon  the 
Name  of  the  Lord. 

Ps.  cxv.      I  believed,  &c,  {p.  185.) 

Second  Antiphon.  With  them  that 
hate  peace  *  I  was  peaceable.  When 
I  spoke  unto  them  they  fought  against 
me  without  a  cause. 

Ps.  cxix.  In  my  distress,  &c, 
{p.    186.) 

Third  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  pre- 
serve me  *  from  the  evil  man. 

Ps.  cxxxix.  Deliver  me,  &c,  {p. 
198.) 

Fourth  Antiphon.  Keep  me  from 
the  snare  *  which  they  have  laid  for 
me,  and  the  gins  of  the  workers  of 
iniquity. 

Ps.  cxl.  Lord,  I  cry  unto  Thee, 
&c,   (p.    199.) 

Fifth  Antiphon.  I  looked  *  on  my 
right  hand  and  beheld,  but  there  was 
no  man  that  would  know  me. 

Ps.   cxli.     I   cried  unto  the  LORD, 

&c,   {p.   200.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 
2  Rom.  viii.  18. 


THE    VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Hymn.1 

"DLOOD  is  the  price  of  heaven  ; 

All  sin  that  price  exceeds ; 
O  come  to  be  forgiven, 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 
Bleeds  ! 

Under  the  olive  boughs, 

Falling  like  ruby  beads, 

The  Blood  drops  from  His  Brows, 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 

Bleeds  ! 

While  the  fierce  scourges  fall, 

The  Precious  Blood  still  pleads ; 

In  front  of  Pilate's  hall 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 

Bleeds  ! 

Beneath  the  thorny  crown 
The  crimson  fountain  speeds ; 
See  how  it  trickles  down, 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 
Bleeds  ! 

Bearing  the  fatal  wood 

His  band  of  Saints  He  leads, 

Marking  the  way  with  Blood, 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds ! 

Bleeds ! 

On  Calvary  His  shame 

With  Blood  still  intercedes ; 

His  open  Wounds  proclaim — 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds ! 

Bleeds ! 

He  hangs  upon  the  tree, 

Hangs  there  for  my  misdeeds ; 

He  sheds  His  Blood  for  me ; 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds ! 

Bleeds  ! 


Ah  me  !    His  Soul  is  fled ; 
Yet  still  for  my  great  needs 
He  bleeds  when  He  is  dead ; 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds  ! 
Bleeds  ! 

His  Blood  is  flowing  still ; 
My  thirsty  soul  It  feeds; 
He  lets  me  drink  my  fill ; 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds  ! 

O  sweet !    O  precious  Blood  ! 

What  love,  what  love  it  breeds  ! 

Ransom,  Reward,  and  Food, 

He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds ! 

Bleeds ! 

Verse.  2  He  was  offered  up  because 
He  willed  it. 

Answer.  And  with  His  stripes  we 
are  healed. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  O  all  ye  that  pass  by  ! 
behold,  and  see  if  there  be  any  sorrow 
like  unto  my  sorrow. 

Prayer  as  at  Lauds. 

At  Compline  the  last  verse  of  the 
Hymn  is  said  thus  : 

Lord  Jesu,  slain  for  us,  to  Thee 

Eternal  praise  be  given, 
With  Father,  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 

Here  as  it  is  in  heaven. 


MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Christ  our  King  Who 
was  crucified,  *  Him — O  come  ! — let 
us  worship. 


1  The  two  beautiful  and  popular  Hymns  by  the  late  Dr  Faber  which  are  here  inserted 
at  Vespers  and  Mattins  are  not  translations  of  the  Hymns  Meerentes  oculi  and  Aspice 
in/ami,  but,  whether  the  ideas  were  suggested  by  the  Latin  or  whether  it  be  an  accidental 
coincidence,  they  agree  with  the  sense  of  the  Latin  so  closely,  that  they  might  fairly  be 
called  Paraphrases  or  imitations,  and  this  consideration  induces  the  Translator  to  insert 
them.  Absolute  translations  have  been  executed  by  the  late  Rev.  E.  Caswall  and  the 
Rev.  Dr  Wallace.     See  Appendix. 

2  Isa.  liii.  7,  5.  ?  Lam.  i.  12. 


THE   PASSION    OF   OUR   LORD  JESUS   CHRIST. 


8  89 


Hymn. l 

r\    COME  and  mourn  with  me  awhile  ! 

See,  Mary  calls  us  to  her  side ; 
O  come,  and  let  us  mourn  with  her ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

Have  we  no  tears  to  shed  for  Him, 
While  soldiers  scoff  and  Jews  deride  ? 

Ah  !  look  how  patiently  He  hangs  ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

How  fast  His  Hands,  His  Feet  are  nailed ; 

His  blessed  Tongue  with  thirst  is  tied ; 
His  failing  Eyes  are  dim  with  Blood ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

His  Mother  cannot  reach  His  Face ; 

She  stands  in  helplessness  beside ; 
Her  heart  is  martyred  with  her  Son's ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

Seven  times  He  spoke,  seven  words  of  love, 
And  all  three  hours  His  silence  cried 

For  mercy  on  the  souls  of  men : 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

Death  came,  and  Jesus  meekly  bowed ; 

His  failing  Eyes  He  strove  to  guide 
With  mindful  love  to  Mary's  face ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

O  break,  O  break,  hard  heart  of  mine ! 

Thy  weak  self-love  and  guilty  pride 
His  Pilate  and  His  Judas  were ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified! 

Come,  take  thy  stand  beneath  the  Cross, 
And  let  the  Blood  from  out  that  Side 

Fall  gently  on  thee,  drop  by  drop : 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

A  broken  heart,  a  fount  of  tears, 
Ask,  and  it  will  not  be  denied  ; 

A  broken  heart  love's  cradle  is ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 

O  love  of  God  !    O  sin  of  man  ! 

In  this  dread  act  your  strength  is  tried ; 
And  victory  remains  with  love ; 

For  He,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.     The  kings  of  the 
earth  set  themselves,  *  and  the  rulers 


take  counsel  together  against  the 
Lord  and  against  His  Anointed. 

Ps.  ii.     Why  do  the  heathen,  &c, 

(A  40 

Second  Antiphon.  They  be  in- 
creased *  that  trouble  me  ;  many  are 
they  that  rise  up  against  me. 

Ps.  iii.  Lord,  how  are  they  in- 
creased, &c,   {p.   5.) 

Third  Antiphon.  They  part  *  my 
garments  among  them  ;  and  cast  lots 
upon  my  vesture. 

Ps.   xxi.      My    God,   my  God,   &c, 

(A  48.) 

Verse.  He  was  offered  up  because 
He  willed  it. 

Answer.  And  with  His  stripes  we 
are  healed. 

The  Lessons  are  taken  from  Scrip- 
ture according  to  the  Season;  but  if 
there  should  be  none  such,  the  following 
are  used. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Romans  (v.   8.) 

r*OD  commendeth  His  love  toward 
^■^  us,  in  that,  while  we  were  yet 
sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Much 
more  then,  being  now  justified  by  His 
Blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath 
through  Him.  For  if,  when  we  were 
enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God 
by  the  death  of  His  Son,  much  more, 
being  reconciled,  shall  we  be  saved 
by  His  life.  And  not  only  so,  but 
we  also  joy  in  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  by  Whom  we  have  now 
received  the  atonement.  (17.)  For 
if  by  one  man's  offence,  death  reigned 
by  one,  much  more  they  which  receive 


1  By  Dr  Faber  as  before  ;  two  verses  are  omitted. 


8go 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


abundance  of  grace,  and  bounty,  and 
righteousness,  shall  reign  in  life 
through  Jesus  Christ. 


Answer.  And  thou  didst  betray 
Me  unto  the  chief  Priests,  and  lead 
Me  unto  the  judgment-hall  of  Pilate. 


First  Responsory. 

1  I  had  planted  thee  a  noble  vine, 
saith  the  Lord,  and  thou  hast  brought 
forth  unto  Me  grapes  exceeding  bitter, 
for  thou  hast  made  ready  a  Cross  for 
thy  Saviour. 

Verse.  2  O  My  people,  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have 
I  wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  made 
ready  a  Cross  for  thy  Saviour. 

Second  Lesson. 

''THEREFORE,  as  by  the  offence 
of  one  judgment  came  upon  all 
men  to  condemnation,  even  so,  by 
the  righteousness  of  One,  [the  gift] 
came  upon  all  men  unto  justification 
of  life.  For  as  by  one  man's  dis- 
obedience many  were  made  sinners, 
so  by  the  obedience  of  One  shall 
many  be  made  righteous.  Then,  the 
law  entered  that  the  offence  might 
abound ;  but  where  sin  abounded 
grace  did  much  more  abound,  that, 
as  sin  hath  reigned  unto  death  even 
so  might  grace  reign,  through  righte- 
ousness, unto  eternal  life,  by  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Second  Responsory. 

I  brought  thee  forth  out  of  Egypt ; 
behind  thee  I  caused  Pharaoh  to 
drown  in  the  Red  Sea,  and  before 
thee  I  went  in  the  pillar  of  the  cloud. 
And  thou  didst  betray  Me  unto  the 
chief  Priests,  and  lead  Me  unto  the 
judgment-hall  of  Pilate. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have 
I  wearied  thee.     Testify  against  Me. 


Third  Lesson,     (vi. ) 

Vy HAT  shall  we  say  then  ?  Shall 
we  continue  in  sin,  that  grace 
may  abound  ?  God  forbid  ;  how  shall 
we,  that  are  dead  to  sin,  live  any 
longer  therein  ?  Know  ye  not  that 
so  many  of  us  as  were  baptized  into 
Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  His 
death  ?  For  we  are  buried  with  Him 
by  baptism  into  death,  that,  like  as 
Christ  was  raised  up  from  the  dead 
by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so 
we  also  may  walk  in  newness  of  life. 
For  if  we  have  been  planted  together 
in  the  likeness  of  His  death,  we  shall 
be  also  in  the  likeness  of  His  resur- 
rection ;  knowing  this,  that  our  old 
man  is  crucified  with  Him,  that  the 
body  of  sin  might  be  destroyed,  that 
henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin. 
For  he  that  is  dead  is  freed  from  sin. 
Now,  if  we  be  dead  with  Christ, 
we  believe  that  we  shall  also  live 
with  Him. 

Third  Responsory. 

I  scourged  Egypt  in  her  first-born 
for  thy  sake,  and  thou  when  thou 
hadst  scourged  Me,  didst  deliver  Me 
[to  be  crucified,]  Me  Who  as  a  lamb 
before  his  shearer  was  dumb,  and 
opened  not  My  Mouth.3 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have 
I  wearied  thee  ?  Testify  against 
Me. 

Answer.  And  thou,  when  thou 
hadst  scourged  Me,  didst  deliver  Me 
[to  be  crucified].  Me  Who  as  a 
lamb  before  his  shearer  was  dumb, 
and  opened  not  My  mouth. 

Verse.     Glory    be    to    the    Father, 


1  Cft  Jer.  ii.  21, 


2  Mi  cab  vi.  3. 


3  Isa.  liii.  7. 


THE   PASSION   OF  OUR  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST. 


891 


and   to    the    Son,    and    to    the    Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Me  Who  as  a  lamb 
before  his  shearer  was  dumb,  and 
opened  not  My  Mouth. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Afitifihon.  Mine  enemies  * 
speak  evil  of  me  :  When  shall  he  die, 
and  his  name  perish  ? 

Ps.  xl.  Blessed  is  he  that  con- 
sidereth,  &c,   (p.  94.) 

Second  Antiphon.  Strangers  are 
risen  up  *  against  me,  and  oppressors 
seek  after  my  soul. 

Ps.  liii.  Save  me,  O  God,  by  Thy 
Name,  &c,  (p.  36.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Mine  enemies 
tread  me  down  *  all  the  day  long  ;  all 
their  thoughts  are  against  me  for 
evil. 

Ps.  lv.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  &c, 
(A  no.) 

Verse.  l  God  spared  not  His  Own 
Son. 

Answer.  But  delivered  Him  up 
for  us  all. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of 
Clairvaux.]  {For  Wednesday  in 
Holy  Week,  on  the  Passion  of  the 
Lord. ) 

DRETHREN,  it  is  well  to  contem- 
plate  these  things,  in  especial 
in  the  Passion  of  the  Lord,  namely, 
what  He  did  ?  how  He  did  it  ?  and 
why  He  did  it  ?  In  what  He  did  we 
see  a  model  of  patience,  in  the  way 
in  which  He  did  it,  a  model  of  low- 
liness, and  in  the  reason  why  He  did 


it,  a  model  of  love.  His  patience  was 
singular.  The  ploughers  ploughed 
upon  His  back  ;  they  made  long  their 
furrows.  (Ps.  cxxviii.  3.)  He  was 
stretched  upon  the  Cross  in  such 
wise  that  one  might  have  told  all 
His  Bones.  (Ps.  xxi.  18.)  That 
tower  of  strength  which  keepeth 
Israel  was  broken  through  upon  every 
side,  for  they  pierced  His  Hands  and 
His  Feet.  He  was  brought  as  a 
sheep  to  the  slaughter.  But  as  a 
lamb  before  his  shearers  is  dumb,  so 
He  opened  not  His  mouth.  (Is.  liii. 
7.)  He  uttered  no  murmur  against 
the  Father,  who  had  sent  Him, 
against  mankind  for  whom  He  was 
paying  what  He  had  never  taken,  nor 
even  against  His  own  people  who 
were  repaying  Him  so  much  evil  for 
so  much  good. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

I  smote  the  kings  of  Canaan  for 
thy  sake,  and  gave  thee  a  kingly 
sceptre,  and  thou  didst  put  on  My 
Head  a  crown  of  thorns,  and  smite 
Me  upon  the   Head  with  a  reed. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  put  on 
My  Head  a  crown  of  thorns,  and 
smite  Me  upon  the  Head  with  a  reed. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

AND  if  thou  wilt  look  well  how 
*^^  He  did  it,  thou  wilt  see  how 
that  He  is  not  only  meek  but  even 
lowly  of  heart.  "  In  His  humiliation 
His  judgment  was  taken  away." 
(Actsviii.  2)2>.)  And  He  answered  never 
a  word  to  all  the  blasphemies,  and  to 
all  the  false  witness  that  was  brought 
against  Him.  "  He  hath  no  form 
nor  comeliness,   and    when    we  shall 


1  Rom.  viii.  32. 


892 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


see  Him  there  is  no  beauty  that  we 
shoulcKdesire  Him.  He  is  despised 
and  rejected  of  men ;  a  man  of 
sorrows  and  acquainted  with  grief; 
and  He  hid  as  it  were  His  face  from 
us  ;  He  was  despised  and  we  esteemed 
Him  not.  Surely  He  hath  borne  our 
griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows  ;  yet 
we  did  esteem  Him  stricken,  smitten 
of  God,  and  afflicted."  (Isa.  liii.  3,  4.) 
O  the  depth  and  the  height,  O  the 
lowliness  and  the  loftiness,  despised 
and  rejected  of  men,  but  the  glory 
of  Angels,  than  Him  there  is  none 
loftier  and  none  lowlier.  He  was 
smeared  with  spitting,  sodden  with 
reproaches,  condemned  to  a  death 
of  shame,  numbered  with  the  trans- 
gressors. And  hath  this  very  lowli- 
ness carried  to  such  a  measure,  yea 
beyond  all  measure,  no  merit  in  itself? 
As  His  patience  was  singular  so  was 
His  lowliness  wonderful.  There  is 
nothing  like  either  of  them. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

I  led  thee  through  the  wilderness 
for  forty  years,  and  gave  thee  manna 
to  eat,  and  thou  didst  buffet  Me  and 
scourge  Me. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  buffet 
Me  and  scourge  Me. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T3UT  what  He  did,  and  how  He 
did  it,  are  alike  gloriously  set 
forth  by  the  reason  why  He  did  it, 
namely,  His  love.  God  for  His  great 
love  wherewith  He  loved  us  (Eph. 
ii.  4)  spared  not  His  Own  Son 
(Rom.  viii.  32.)  Neither  did  the  Son 
spare  Himself,  great  indeed  was  that 
love,   passing  all  comprehension    and 


all  measure,  and  rising  above  all 
things.  "  Greater  love,"  saith  He, 
(John  xv.  13,)  "hath  no  man  than 
this,  that  a  man  lay  down  his  life  for 
his  friends."  But  Thou  Thyself,  O 
Lord,  Thou  Thyself  hadst  greater 
love  than  this,  for  Thou  didst  lay 
down  Thy  life  for  Thine  enemies. 
When  we  were  enemies  we  were  re- 
conciled by  Thy  death  to  the  Father 
and  to  Thee.  (Rom.  v.  10.)  What 
other  love  then  hath  there  ever  been 
or  can  there  ever  be  to  be  likened 
unto  this  love  ?  "  Scarcely  for  a 
righteous  man  will  one  die."  But 
Thou  didst  suffer  the  just  for  the  un- 
just. Thou  didst  die  for  our  sins. 
O  Thou  Who  didst  come  to  justify 
sinners  freely  to  make  slaves  into 
brethren,  bondsmen  into  co-heirs,  and 
exiles  into  kings. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

I  lifted  thee  up  with  a  strong  hand, 
and  thou  didst  lift  Me  up  upon  the 
gibbet  of  the  Cross,  and  thereon  I 
stretched  forth  My  hands  unto  an 
unbelieving  and  gainsaying  people.1 

Vers?.  O  My  people,  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  lift  Me 
up  upon  the  gibbet  of  the  Cross,  and 
thereon  I  stretched  forth  My  hands 
unto  an  unbelieving  and  gainsaying 
people. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  thereon  I  stretched 
forth  My  hands  unto  an  unbelieving 
and  gainsaying  people. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  As  for  the  sons 
of  men,  *  their  teeth  are  spears  and 
arrows,  and  their  tongue  a  sharp 
sword. 


1  Rom.  x.  21. 


THE   PASSION   OF   OUR    LORD  JESUS   CHRIST. 


893 


Ps.  Ivi.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  &c, 
{p.  no.) 

Second  Antiphon.  They  bend  their 
bow,  *  even  bitter  words,  that  they 
may  shoot  in  secret  at  the  perfect. 

Ps.    Ixiii.    Hear   my  voice,   O   God, 

&c,  {p.  114.) 

Third  Antiphon.  I  am  as  a  man 
that  hath  no  strength,  *  lying  nerve- 
less among  the  dead. 

Ps.  lxxxvii.  O  LORD  God  of  my 
salvation,  &c,  {p.  145.) 

Verse.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death. 

Answer.  Even  the  death  of  the 
Cross. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The    Lesson  is  taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel  according  to  John  (xix.  28.) 

A  T  that  time :  Jesus,  knowing  that 
all     things    were    now    accom- 
plished, that  the   Scripture  might  be 
fulfilled,  saith  :    I  thirst.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Cyril,  Pope  of  Alex- 
andria.     (Bk.  xii.  Comment,  on  John.) 

The  brutality  of  the  Jews  had 
already  outraged  Christ  to  the  full ; 
cruelty  had  nothing  left  to  desire ; 
and  now  at  the  last  moment  the  Most 
Holy  Flesh  of  Christ  suffereth  a  pain 
springing  naturally  from  Itself.  That 
Flesh,  fevered  by  many  and  divers 
tortures,  felt  thirst.  Great  pain  hath 
the  property  of  producing  strong 
thirst,  since  by  some  natural  law 
which  I  cannot  explain,  it  drieth  up 
as  by  heat  the  liquids  of  the  body  and 
as  it  were  setteth  on  fire  the  inward 
parts.  As  therefore  Christ  had  willed 
to  undergo  other  sufferings,  so  was  He 
pleased  to  undergo  this.  He  asked 
therefore  to  drink,  but  they  were  so 
utterly  destitute  of  humanity  that  in- 
stead  of  giving    Him   a   drink  which 


should  be  refreshing  and  pleasant 
they  brought  Him  one  which  was 
harmful  and  bitter,  and  so  turned  into 
wickedness  what  was  a  seeming  act 
of  kindness ;  to  give  to  Him  that 
asked  of  them  was  a  seeming  act  of 
kindness,  but  the  Scriptures  cannot 
lie  wherein  (Ps.  lxviii.  22)  Christ  is 
made  to  say,  "They  gave  me  also 
gall  for  my  meat,  and  in  my  thirst 
they  gave  me  vinegar  to  drink." 

Seventh  Responsory. 

I  gave  thee  to  drink  out  of  the 
rock  the  waters  of  salvation,  and  thou 
didst  give  Me  gall  and  vinegar  to 
drink. 

Verse.  O  My  people,  what  have 
I  done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have 
I  wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  give  Me 
gall  and  vinegar  to  drink. 

Eighth  Lesson  (xxxvi.) 

"VyHEN   JESUS  therefore  had  re- 
ceived the  vinegar,  He  said  : 
It  is  finished.      And  He  bowed   His 
Head  and  gave  up  the  ghost." 

"  It  is  finished."  Jewish  outrage 
against  God  was  finished ;  the  power 
to  inflict  torture  was  finished.  What 
had  the  Jews  left  unattempted,  or 
cruelty  left  undone  ?  Did  any  pain 
or  insult  remain  uninfected  ?  Rightly 
did  He  say:  "It  is  finished."  But 
He  was  come  to  be  the  Lord  of  the 
dead  as  well  as  of  the  quick,  and  the 
hour  was  now  calling  Him  to  go  and 
preach  to  the  imprisoned  spirits  in 
the  netherworld.  He  accepted  even 
death  for  our  sakes  and  bore  in  His 
Own  Flesh  that  suffering  common  to 
all  our  nature,  albeit  that  as  God 
He  is  naturally  life  in  Himself,  in 
order  that  He  might  plunder  hell, 
and  being  become  as  the  Scripture 
(1    Cor.  xv.   20)  hath  it  (Apoc.  i.  5), 


894 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


"The  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept, 
and  rhe  first  begotten  of  the  dead," 
might  gift  our  nature  with  return  to 
life. 

Eighth  Respo?isory. 

I  opened  the  Red  Sea  before  thee, 
and  thou  didst  open  with  a  spear  the 
Side  of  thy  Saviour,  Who  redeemed 
the  world  by  His  Blood. 

Verse.  O  My  people  !  what  have  I 
done  unto  thee  ?  and  wherein  have  I 
wearied  thee  ?     Testify  against  Me. 

Answer.  And  thou  didst  open 
with  a  spear  the  Side  of  thy  Saviour, 
Who  redeemed  the  World  by  His 
Blood. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Who  redeemed  the  world 
by  His  Blood. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

"JTE  bowed  His  Head."  When 
the  strength  of  the  body  is 
gone  and  the  soul  which  keepeth  the 
body  together  is  also  gone,  the  heads 
of  the  dying  fall,  and  it  is  to  describe 
this  that  the  Evangelist  useth  these 
words ;  so  also  the  words  gave  up 
the  ghost  are  an  expression  which 
we  often  use  of  them  that  depart  and 
die ;  nevertheless  to  me  it  seemeth 
that  the  Evangelist  useth  these  words 
He  gave  up  the  ghost  in  something 
more  than  their  ordinary  sense  of 
mere  death,  because  the  Lord  gave 
up  His  soul  into  the  Hands  of  God 
the  Father  with  a  commendation, 
saying,  "  Father,  into  Thine  hands  I 
commend  my  Spirit,"  the  which  is 
the  foundation  and  spring  of  our 
main  hope. 

The  Hymn,   "We  praise  Thee,   O 
id.    Rrc."   ix  Maid. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  *  All  the  day 
long  have  I  been  plagued,  *  and 
chastened  every  morning. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  I  gat  me  to 
the  mountain  of  myrrh,  *  and  to  the 
hill  of  frankincense  ;  I  was  brought 
as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  I 
was  dumb,  and  opened  not  my 
mouth. 

Third  Antiphon.  s  They  pierced 
my  hands  and  my  feet ;  *  they  have 
told  all  my  bones. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  4I  looked  for 
comforters  and  I  found  none  ;  *  they 
gave  me  also  gall  for  meat,  and  in 
my  thirst  they  gave  me  vinegar  to 
drink. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  When  Jesus  had 
received  the  vinegar,  *  He  said:  It  is 
finished — and  He  bowed  His  Head, 
and  gave  up  the  ghost. 

Chapter.     (Phil.  ii.  5.) 

gRETHREN,  let  this  mind  be  in 
you,  which  was  also  in  Christ 
Jesus,  Who,  being  in  the  form  of 
God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be 
equal  with  God  ;  but  emptied  Him- 
self, and  took  upon  Him  the  form 
of  a  servant,  and  was  found  in  the 
likeness  of  men.  He  humbled  Him- 
self and  became  obedient  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  Cross. 


Hymns' 

Q'ERWHELMED  in  depth  of  woe, 

Upon  the  tree  of  scorn 
Hangs  the  Redeemer  of  mankind 
With  racking  anguish  torn. 

See  how  the  nails  those  Hands 

And  Feet  so  tender  rend  ; 

See  down  His  Face,  and  Neck,  and  Breast 

His  Sacred  Blood  descend  ! 

1  Ps.  lxxii.  14.  2  Cant.  iv.  6  ;  Isa.  liii.  7.  3  Ps.  xxi.  17,  18.  *  Ps.  lxviii.  21,  22. 

8  Another  hymn  from  the  Proprium  of  the  arch-diocese  of  Freiburg ;  translation  by  the  late 
Rev.  E.  Caswall. 


_  —    ~.j , 

God,   &c,"  is  said. 


THE   PASSION    OF   OUR   LORD   JESUS   CHRIST. 


895 


Hark  !  with  what  awful  cry 

His  Spirit  takes  Its  flight. 

That  cry,  it  pierced  His  Mother's  heart 

And  whelmed  her  soul  in  night. 

Earth  hears,  and  to  its  base 

Rocks  wildly  to  and  fro ; 

Tombs     burst ;      seas,     rivers,     mountains 

quake ; 
The  vail  is  rent  in  two. 

The  sun  withdraws  his  light ; 
The  midday  heavens  grow  pale  ; 
The  moon,  the  stars,  the  universe 
Their  Maker's  death  bewail. 

Shall  man  alone  be  mute? 

Come,  youth  and  hoary  hairs, 

Come,  rich  and  poor,  come,  all  mankind, 

And  bathe  those  Feet  in  tears. 

Come,  fall  before  His  Cross, 
Who  shed  for  us  His  Blood ! 
Who  died,  the  Victim  of  pure  love, 
To  make  us  sons  of  God. 

Jesu,  all  praise  to  Thee, 

Our  joy  and  endless  rest : 

Be  Thou  our  Guide  while  pilgrims  here, 

Our  Crown  amid  the  blest.     Amen. 

Verse.  He  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions. 

Answer.  He  was  bruised  for  our 
iniquities. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
But  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  and 
saw  that  He  was  dead  already,  they 
brake  not  His  Legs,  but  one  of  the 
soldiers  with  a  spear  pierced  His 
Side,  and  forthwith  came  thereout 
Blood  and  Water. 


Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

A  LMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God, 
*^^  Who  didst  send  our  Saviour  to 
take  upon  Him  our  flesh,  and  to  en- 
dure the  Cross,  that  all  mankind 
should  follow  the  example  of  His 
great  humility,  mercifully  grant  that 
we  who  worship  in  memory  of  His 
Sufferings,  may  .worthily  .both  follow 


the  example  of  His  Patience  and  also 
be  made  partakers  of  His  resurrec- 
tion. 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. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  All  the  day  long,  &c, 
{First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Psalms  as  on  Feast-Days. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  said 
thus  : 

Lord  Jesus,  slain  for  us,  to  Thee, 

Eternal  praise  be  given, 
With  Father,  Spirit,  One  and  Three, 

Here  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

So  also  at  Terce,  Sext,  and  None. 

Chapter  at  the  end.      (Isa.  liii.  8.) 

"^^THO  shall  declare  His  genera- 
tion ?  For  He  was  cut  off  out 
of  the  land  of  the  living :  for  the 
transgression  of  my  people  did  I 
smite  Him. 

Instead  of  Verse,  "  Thou  that  sit- 
test,  &c,"  is  said: 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  pleased  to 
suffer  for  us. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  I  gat  me,  &c,  (Second 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

He  was  offered  up  because  He 
willed  it. 

Answer.  He  was  offered  up  be- 
cause He  willed  it. 

Verse.  And  with  His  stripes  we 
are  healed. 

Answer.     Because  He  willed  it. 


896 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  He  was  offered  up  be- 
cause He  willed  it. 

Verse.  God  spared  not  His  Own 
Son. 

Answer.  But  delivered  Him  up 
for  us  all. 


SEXT. 


Antiphon.       They     pierced, 
{Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 


&c, 


Chapter.     (Zech.  xiii.  6.) 

Al/'HAT  are  these  wounds  in  thine 
hands  ?    Then  he  shall  answer  : 
Those  with  which   I   was  wounded  in 
the  house  of  my  friends. 

Short  Responsory. 

God  spared  not  His  Own  Son. 

Answer.  God  spared  not  His  Own 
Son. 

Verse.  But  delivered  Him  up  for 
us  all. 

Answer.      His  Own  Son. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  God  spared  not  His  Own 
Son. 

Verse.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death. 

Answer.  Even  the  death  of  the 
Cross. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  When  Jesus,  &c,  {Fifth 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

He  became  obedient  unto  death. 

Answer.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death. 

Verse.  Even  the  death  of  the 
Cross. 

Answer.     Unto  death. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death. 

Verse.  He  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions. 

Answer.  He  was  bruised  for  our 
iniquities. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

All  as  the  First,  except  the  follotu- 
ing. 

Verse.  He  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions. 

Answer.  He  was  bruised  for  our 
iniquities. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  1  Joseph  took  down  the  Body 
of  JESUS,  and  wrapt  It  in  linen,  and 
laid  It  in  a  sepulchre  that  was  hewn 
in  stone.  In  that  day  there  was  a 
great  mourning,  and  the  women  sitting 
over  against  the  sepulchre,  mourned, 
as  one  mourneth  for  the  death  of  the 
firstborn. 

©nice  in  honour  of  tfje  Im* 
maculate  Conception  of  tfje 
Blesseo  Firgin  JHarg,  for 
-Saturoapg. 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Feasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  {p.  552,) 
except  the  following. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  Verse  and  An- 
swer, and  Prayer  from  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  All  generations  shall  call  me 
blessed,  *  for  He  That  is  mighty  hath 
done  to  me  great  things. 


1  Cf.  Luke  xxiii.  53;  Matth.  xxvii.  60;  Zech.  xii.  10,  11, 


IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION   OF   BLESSED  VIRGIN    MARY.      897 


COMPLINE. 

The  last  verse  of  the  Hymn  is  altered 
in  honour  of  the  Incarnation. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  Let  us  tell  of  the  stain- 
less Conception  of  the  Virgin  Mary : 
*  let  us  worship  Christ,  her  Son,  and 
her  Lord  and  ours. 

Hymn? 

"DLEST  Guardian  of  all  virgin  souls! 

Portal  of  bliss  to  man  forgiven ! 
Pure  Mother  of  Almighty  God  ! 
Thou  hope  of  earth,  and  joy  of  Heaven ! 

Fair  Lily,  found  among  the  thorns  ! 

Most  beauteous  Dove  with  wings  of  gold  ! 
Rod  from  whose  tender  root  upsprang 

That  healing  Flower  long  since  foretold  ! 

Thou  Tower,  against  the  dragon  proof! 

Thou  Star,  to  storm-toss'd  voyagers  dear ! 
Our  course  lies  o'er  a  treacherous  deep ; 

Thine  be  the  light  by  which  we  steer. 

Scatter  the  mists  that  round  us  hang, 
Keep  far  the  fatal  shoals  away ; 

And    while     through     darkling    waves    we 
sweep, 
Open  a  path  to  life  and  day. 

O  Jesu,  born  of  Virgin  bright ! 

Immortal  glory  be  to  Thee ; 
Praise  to  the  Father  infinite, 

And  Holy  Ghost  eternally.     Amen. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  O  Lord,  how  ex- 
cellent is  Thy  Name  *  in  all  the 
earth,  Who  hast  made  Thee  a  worthy 
tabernacle  in  the  Virgin  Mary. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
set  *  His  tabernacle  in  the  sun. 

Third  Antiphon.  Even  in  her  Con- 
ception *  did  Mary  receive  a  blessing 
from  the  Lord,  and  mercy  from  the 
God  of  her  salvation. 


Verse.  2  It  is  Almighty  God  That 
girdeth  me  with  strength. 

Answer.  And  maketh  my  way 
perfect. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season  j  but  if  there  are  none  such, 
the  following  are  read. 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Genesis  (iii.  1.) 

rTHE  serpent  was  more  subtle  than 
any  beast  of  the  field  which  the 
Lord  God  had  made.  And  he  said 
unto  the  woman,  Why  hath  God  said, 
Ye  shall  not  eat  of  every  tree  of  the 
garden  ?  And  the  woman  said  unto 
the  serpent,  We  may  eat  of  the  fruit 
of  the  trees  of  the  garden  ;  but  of  the 
fruit  of  the  tree  which  is  in  the  midst 
of  the  garden,  God  hath  said,  Ye  shall 
not  eat  of  it,  neither  shall  ye  touch  it, 
lest  ye  die.  And  the  serpent  said  unto 
the  woman  :  Ye  shall  not  surely  die. 
For  God  doth  know  that  in  the  day 
ye  eat  thereof,  then  your  eyes  shall 
be  opened :  and  ye  shall  be  as  gods, 
knowing  good  and  evil. 

First  Responsory. 

3  By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the 
world,  in  whom  all  have  sinned.  Fear 
not,  Mary,  for  thou  hast  found  grace 
with  God. 

Verse.  4  The  Lord  hath  delivered 
thy  soul  from  death,  yea,  the  Lord 
was  thy  stay. 

Answer.  Fear  not,  Mary,  for  thou 
hast  found  grace  with  God. 

Second  Lesson. 

AND  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree 
"^^  was  good  for  food,  and  that  it 
was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree 


1  Translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall. 
3  Rom.  v.  12  ;  Luke  i.  30. 


2  Ps.  xvii.  33. 

4  Cf.  Ps.  lv.  13 ;  xvii.  21. 


898 


THE  VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


to  be*  desired  :  and  she  took  of  the 
fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and  gave 
also  unto  her  husband  with  her,  and 
he  did  eat.  And  the  eyes  of  them 
both  were  opened  ;  and  they  knew 
that  they  were  naked,  and  they  sewed 
fig-leaves  together  and  made  them- 
selves aprons.  And  they  heard  the 
voice  of  the  Lord  God  walking  in 
the  garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day ; 
and  Adam  and  his  wife  hid  themselves 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God, 
amidst  the  trees  of  the  garden. 

Second  Responsory. 

x  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  be 
desirous  of  me,  and  I  will  declare 
what  God  hath  done  for  my  soul. 

Verse.  2  As  the  Lord  liveth,  by  me 
He  hath  fulfilled  His  mercy. 

Answer.  And  I  will  declare  what 
God  hath  done  for  my  soul. 

Third  Lesson. 

AND  the  Lord  God  called  unto 
Adam,  and  said  unto  him  : 
Where  art  thou  ?  And  he  said  :  I 
heard  Thy  voice  in  the  garden :  and 
I  was  afraid,  because  I  was  naked, 
and  I  hid  myself.  And  He  said : 
Who  told  thee  that  thou  wast  naked  ? 
Hast  thou  eaten  of  the  tree  whereof 
I  commanded  thee  that  thou  shouldest 
not  eat  ?  And  Adam  said  :  The 
woman  whom  Thou  gavest  me  to 
be  with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the  tree, 
and  I  did  eat.  And  the  Lord  God 
said  unto  the  woman  :  Wherefore  hast 
thou  done  this  ?  And  she  said  :  The 
serpent  beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat. 
And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the 
serpent :  Because  thou  hast  done  this, 
thou  art  cursed  above  all  cattle,  and 
above  every  beast  of  the  field  ;  upon 
thy  belly  shalt  thou  go,  and  dust  shalt 
thou  eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life :    I 

1  Ecclus.  xxiv.  26 ;  Ps.  lxv.  16. 
8  Cant.  v.  10;  iv.  11,  8. 


will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the 
woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and  her 
seed :  she  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and 
thou  shalt  bruise  her  heel. 

Third  Responsory. 

3  My  beloved  is  white  like  snow  in 
Lebanon,  her  lips  drop  as  the  honey- 
comb. Honey  and  milk  are  under 
her  tongue. 

Verse.  Come  from  Lebanon,  My 
Spouse,  thou  shalt  be  crowned  with 
a  crown  of  grace. 

Answer.  Honey  and  milk  are 
under  her  tongue. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Honey  and  milk  are 
under  her  tongue. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Grace  is  poured 
into  her  Conception,  *  and  she  is 
fairer  than  the  daughters  of  men. 

Second  Antiphon.  God  hath  holpen 
her  right  early,  *  the  Most  High  hath 
hallowed  His  tabernacle. 

Third  Antiphon.  Glorious  things 
are  spoken  of  thee,  O  City  of  God  ; 
*  the  Lord  hath  laid  thy  foundation 
in  the  holy  mountains. 

Verse.  4  By  this  I  know  that  Thou 
favourest  me. 

Answer.  Because  mine  enemy  can- 
not triumph  over  me.  ' 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the   Dog- 
matic Bull  of  Pope  Pius   IX. 

/^~*OD  is  unspeakable.  His  ways 
^"^  are  mercy  and  truth  ;  His  Will 
is  Almighty  Power  ;  and  His  Wisdom 
reacheth  mightily  from  one  end  to 
another,     and    sweetly    ordereth     all 

2  Judith  xiii.  18. 
«  Ps.  xl.  12. 


IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION   OF   BLESSED  VIRGIN    MARY.      899 


things.  (Wisd.  viii.  1.)  He  from 
all  eternity  foresaw  the  sorrowful 
fall  of  man  by  the  transgression  of 
Adam,  and,  in  His  mysterious  pur- 
pose, He  decreed,  before  the  worlds 
were,  that  the  Word  should  be  made 
flesh,  to  the  end  that  man,  who  had 
been  seduced  by  the  fraud  of  the 
devil,  might  not  perish,  but  that  as 
in  the  first  Adam  all  die,  in  Christ 
all  might  be  made  alive.  (1  Cor. 
xv.  22.)  And  to  this  end,  the  Eternal 
Creator  from  the  beginning,  and  be- 
fore all  ages,  chose  and  ordained  a 
woman  to  be  the  Mother  of  His  Only- 
begotten  Son,  of  whom  He  should 
take  flesh  and  be  born,  in  the  blessed 
fulness  of  time.  (Gal.  iv.  4.)  And 
this  woman  He  loved  with  so  great  a 
love  that  He  allowed  His  Will  to  be 
freely  wrought  in  her.     ( 1  Thess.  iv.  3.) 

Fourth  Resfro?isory. 

1  I  came  out  of  the  mouth  of  the 
Most  High,  the  first-begotten  before 
every  creature.  I  made  the  unfading 
light  to  arise  in  the  heavens.  When 
there  were  no  depths  I  was  conceived. 

Verse.  For  the  Lord  hath  created 
me  in  righteousness,  and  hath  held 
mine  hand,  and  hath  kept  me. 

Answer.  When  there  were  no 
depths   I  was  conceived. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

Vy  HEREFORE,  He  bestowed  upon 
her,  out  of  the  treasure  of  the 
Divinity,  such  a  wealth  of  gifts  of 
grace  as  He  hath  bestowed  upon 
none  of  the  Angels  and  none  of 
the  Saints.  He  made  her  always 
free  from  any  the  slightest  pollution 
of  sin,  so  fair  and  so  upright  that 
no  other  of  His  works  are  like  to 
her,  and  only  Himself  can  we  under- 
stand to  excel  her.     Verily,  this  was 


most  fitting,  that  this  most  worship- 
ful Mother  should  be  made  bright 
with  the  brightness  of  uncontamin- 
ated  holiness,  and  should  conquer 
the  old  serpent  by  escaping  alto- 
gether the  stain  of  original  sin,  for 
she  was  that  Mother  to  whom  the 
Eternal  Father  was  willing  to  give 
the  Co-Eternal  and  Co-Equal  Only- 
begotten  Son  of  His  love,  to  be  her 
Son  also. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

2  No  defiled  thing  can  fall  into  her  ; 
she  is  the  brightness  of  the  everlast- 
ing light,  and  the  unspotted  mirror  of 
the  power  of  God. 

Verse.  For  she  is  more  beautiful 
than  the  sun,  and  being  compared 
with  the  light,  she  is  found  before  it. 

Answer.  She  is  the  brightness  of 
the  everlasting  light,  and  the  unspotted 
mirror  of  the  power  of  God. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T'HE  Catholic  Church,  which, 
through  the  perpetual  teaching 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  is  the  pillar  and 
ground  of  the  truth,  (1  Tim.  iii.  15,) 
hath  always  held  the  original  inno- 
cence of  this  most  exalted  Virgin  to 
be  bound  up  with  her  wonderful  holi- 
ness, and  her  mighty  dignity  of 
Mother  of  God.  This  doctrine  she 
hath  felt  herself  to  hold  by  the  gift 
of  God,  and  as  part  of  that  faith  once 
delivered  from  heaven  unto  the  Saints, 
(Jude  3,)  and  as  time  hath  gone  on, 
she  hath  continually  explained,  put 
forth,  and  upheld  it.  This  belief  is 
found  strong  in  the  earliest  times, 
and  rooted  as  it  were  in  the  hearts 
of  Christ's  faithful  people  ;  by  the  care 
and  study  of  holy  Bishops  it  hath 
been  taught  in  all  parts  of  the  Catholic 
world  ;  and  the  Church  herself  pointed 


1  I.e.,  Wisdom.      Ecclus.  xxiv.  5,  6;  Prov.  viii.  24. 


2  Wisd.  vii.  25,  26,  29. 


900 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


to  it  wdien  she  allowed  the  Conception 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  to  be  held 
as  a  feast,  for  exciting  the  piety  and 
devotion  of  her  children.  In  the  case 
of  the  Saints  the  Church  celebrated! 
only  the  day  of  their  being  made  per- 
fect at  death,  [but  of  her  Divine  Lord, 
of  His  Blessed  Mother,  and  of  St  John 
the  Baptist  she  venerated  the  birth 
also,  as  of  those  sanctified  in  the 
womb.]  When  [therefore]  she  [goeth 
further  and]  maketh  the  case  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  an  exception  to  all 
others  besides  that  of  Christ,  keeping 
holiday  in  honour  of  her  conception 
[as  well  as  of  her  birth,]  it  is  manifest 
that  she  regardeth  that  Conception 
as  altogether  singular,  wonderful,  and 
different  to  all  other  conceptions,  ex- 
cept only  Christ's,  namely,  as  holy. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

1  There  appeared  a  great  wonder 
in  heaven :  a  Woman  clothed  with 
the  sun,  and  the  moon  under  her 
feet,  and  upon  her  head  a  crown  of 
twelve  stars. 

Verse.  2  The  Lord  hath  clothed  her 
with  the  garments  of  salvation,  and 
hath  covered  her  with  the  robe  of 
righteousness,  yea,  as  a  bride  He 
hath  adorned  her  with  jewels. 

Answer.  And  upon  her  head  a 
crown  of  twelve  stars. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  upon  her  head  a 
crown  of  twelve  stars. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Holiness  and 
beauty  are  in  her  Conception  :  *  de- 
clare her  glory  among  all  people. 

1  Apoc.  xii.  i.  2  cf.  Isa.  lxi.  io. 

4  An  eminent  opponent  of  the  Monothelite  heretics 
A.D.  634.     Died  March  n,  639  or  644. 

6  The   above   sentence  is   inserted   to   give    meaning    to    the   rest   of   the   Homily,   which 
was  written  in  Greek. 


Second  Antiphon.  Rejoice  ye  all  in 
the  Lord  :  *  and  give  thanks  at  the 
remembrance  of  His  holiness. 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
made  known  His  salvation :  *  the 
glory  of  His  Mother  hath  He  openly 
showed  in  the  sight  of  the  heathen. 

Verse.  3  I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord, 
for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Answer.  And  hast  not  made  my 
foes  to  rejoice  over  me. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from   the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.   26.) 

A  T  that  time :  The  Angel  Gabriel 
f  was  sent  from  God,  unto  a 
city  of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to 
a  Virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose 
name  was  Joseph,  of  the  house  of 
David,  and  the  Virgin's  name  was 
Mary.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Sophronius,  Patriarch 
[of  Jerusalem.]4  (On  the  Annuncia- 
tion. ) 

When  this  blessed  Angel  was  sent 
to  the  most  pure  virgin  what  did  he 
say?  In  what  words  did  he  break 
the  happy  news  of  Redemption  ? 
"  Hail,  thou  that  art  full  of  grace, 
the  Lord  is  with  thee."  5  [Now  this 
word  "Hail"  is  in  the  original 
"Chaire,"  which  being  interpreted 
signifieth  "  Rejoice."]  The  messenger 
of  joy  in  his  first  word  biddeth  her 
rejoice.  He  knew  well  that  his 
message  was  a  message  of  good 
tidings  of  great  joy  to  men,  (Luke 
ii.  10,)  yea,  to  all  creatures,  —  a 
message  of  healing  to  all  sicknesses. 
He  knew  well  that  his  message  was 
a  message  of  God's  light  to  a  dark 


3  Ps.  xxix.  2. 
Elected  to  the   Patriarchal  throne, 


IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION    OF   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY.      9OI 


world.  He  knew  well  that  it  pro- 
claimed the  end  of  error.  He  knew 
well  that  it  blunted  the  sting  of  death. 
He  knew  well  that  it  broke  the  power 
of  corruption.  He  knew  well  that  it 
brought  victory  over  hell.  He  knew 
well  that  it  told  of  salvation  to  all 
the  fallen  children  of  Adam,  groaning 
under  that  yoke  of  malediction  which 
fell  on  them  when  they  were  thrust 
out  of  Eden,  and  banished  from  that 
happy  home.  Therefore,  when  he 
began  to  speak,  he  spoke  in  tones  of 
rejoicing,  and  opened  his  message 
with  sounds  of  gladness.  Therefore 
made  he  the  name  of  joy  to  herald 
the  tidings  of  good,  which  were  to  be 
for  a  joy  unto  all  people,  whosoever 
should  believe. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

1 A  garden  enclosed  is  my  sister, 
my  spouse,  a  garden  enclosed,  a  foun- 
tain sealed.  O  Mary,  thy  perfumes 
are  a  garden  of  delights. 

Verse.  Open  to  me,  my  sister,  my 
love,  my  dove,  my  undefiled. 

Answer.  O  Mary,  thy  perfumes 
are  a  garden  of  delights. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

A  ND,  of  a  truth,  it  was  fitting  that 
"**-  God's  proclamation  of  joy  should 
open  with  the  accents  of  gladness. 
And  this  is  the  reason  why  the 
angel  nameth  joy  first,  because  he 
knew  the  coming  fruits  of  his  mess- 
age, and  that  his  converse  with 
the  Virgin  was  to  bring  joy  to  the 
whole  world.  Can  we  find  any  joy 
or  any  brightness  like  the  joy  and 
the  brightness  of  that  salutation  ad- 
dressed to  the  Blessed  Mother  of 
gladness  ?  Rejoice,  O  mother  of  joy 
more  than  heavenly  !  Rejoice,  O  thou 
that   nourishest  joy    in    the   highest! 


Rejoice,  O  Lady,  full  of  the  joy  of 
salvation !  Rejoice,  O  thou  that 
bringest  a  joy  that  passeth  not  away  ! 
Rejoice,  O  mysterious  treasury  dis- 
pensing unspeakable  joy !  Rejoice, 
O  most  blessed  fountain  overflowing 
with  unfailing  joy  !  Rejoice,  O  store- 
house of  God,  filled  with  the  ever- 
lasting joy  of  eternity !  Rejoice,  O 
fair  tree,  bearing  fruit  of  life-giving 
joy !  Rejoice,  O  Maiden  Mother  of 
God !  Rejoice,  O  thou  that  after 
child-birth  remainest  a  virgin !  Re- 
joice, O  wonder,  who,  after  all  won- 
ders, art  still  the  most  wonderful  ! 

Eighth  Responsory. 

My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord ; 
for  He  That  is  mighty  hath  done  to 
me  great  things,  and  holy  is  His 
name. 

Verse.  For,  behold,  from  hence- 
forth all  generations  shall  call  me 
blessed. 

Answer.  For  He  That  is  mighty 
hath  done  to  me  great  things,  and 
holy  is  His  name. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  For  He  That  is  mighty 
hath  done  to  me  great  things,  and 
holy  is  His  name. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

VyHO  shall  worthily  set  forth  thy 
glory  ?  Who  shall  make  bold 
to  say  what  thou  art  ?  Who  will 
hold  himself  able  to  tell  of  all  thy 
splendour  ?  Thou  art  the  exalta- 
tion of  humanity ;  thou  art  made 
much  higher  than  the  Angels ;  thy 
brightness  hath  thrown  the  bright- 
ness of  the  Archangels  into  shadow  ; 
thou  lookest  down  upon  the  lofty 
seats  of  the  Thrones ;  thou  makest 
the  height  of  the  Lordships  to  seem 


1  Cant.  iv.  12,  v.  2. 


902 


THE   VOTIVE   OFFICES. 


low ;  thy  rank  taketh  precedence  before 
the  rank  of  the  Principalities ;  com- 
pared with  thee  the  Powers  are  weak- 
ness ;  thou  art  a  Mighty  one  mightier 
than  all  the  Mighty  ;  thine  earthly  eyes 
see  further  than  the  contemplation  of 
the  Cherubim  can  reach ;  the  Sera- 
phim have  six  wings,  but  thy  flight 
is  nobler  than  their's  ;  in  a  word,  thou 
hast  far  excelled  every  other  work  of 
God ;  thou  wast  far  purer  than  any 
other  creature ;  and  thou  hast  con- 
ceived the  Creator  of  all  creatures, 
carried  Him  in  thy  womb,  and 
brought  Him  forth ;  thou  hast  been 
chosen,  out  of  all  that  He  has  made, 
to  be  His  mother. 

The  Hymn,  "  We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  1  Thou  art  all  fair, 
O  Mary,  *  there  is  no  spot  of  original 
sin  in  thee. 

Second  Antiphon.  2  Thy  raiment  * 
is  white  as  snow,  and  thy  countenance 
as  the  sun. 

Third  Antiphon.  3  Thou  art  the 
exaltation  of  Jerusalem,  *  thou  art 
the  great  glory  of  Israel,  thou  art 
the  great  rejoicing  of  our  nation. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  3  O  Virgin  Mary, 
*  blessed  art  thou  of  the  Most  High 
God,  above  all  the  women  upon  the 
earth. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  4  Draw  us,  * 
Maiden  undefiled,  we  will  run  after 
thee  in  the  odour  of  thy  perfumes. 

Chapter.     (Prov.  viii.  22.) 

rTHE  Lord  possessed  me  in  the 
beginning  of  His  ways,  before 
His  works  of  old.  I  was  ordained 
from  everlasting,  from  the  beginning, 
or  ever  the  earth  was.  When  there 
were  no  depths  I   was  conceived. 


Verse.  Maiden  Mother  of  God, 
thy  stainless  conception — 

Answer.  Was  a  message  of  joy  to 
the  whole  world. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
The  Lord  God  said  unto  the  serpent : 
I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and 
the  woman,  *  and  between  thy  seed 
and  her  seed  ;  she  shall  bruise  thy 
head. 

Prayer. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  didst  cause  that  a 
^^^  virgin  should  be  conceived  with- 
out sin,  to  the  end  that  she  might 
be  made  a  meet  dwelling-place  for 
Thy  dear  Son  ;  O  God,  Who  through 
the  precious  death  of  the  Same  Thy 
Son  foreseen  by  Thee,  didst  keep  her 
clean  from  all  stain,  hear  us,  we 
beseech  Thee,  and  grant  that  by  her 
prayers,  we  also  who  are  presently 
defiled,  may  finally  be  made  pure, 
and  so  with  her  attain  unto  Thee. 
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.     Amen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Thou  art  all  fair,  &c, 
(First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory,  instead  of 
"  Thou  That  art  to  come  into  the 
world,"  is  said: 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Apoc.  xii.  1.) 

'"PHERE  appeared  a  great  wonder 
in  heaven :  a  Woman  clothed 
with  the  sun,  and  the  moon  under 
her  feet,  and  upon  her  head  a  crown 
of  twelve  stars. 


1  Cf.  Cant.  iv.  7.        2  Cf.  Matth.  xvii.  2.        3  Judith  xv.  10 ;  xiii.  23.       *  Cf.  Cant.  i.  3,  4. 


IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION   OF   BLESSED   VIRGIN    MARY.      903 


TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Thy  raiment,  &c, 
{Second  Antiphon   at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

It  is  Almighty  God  That  girdeth 
me  with  strength. 

Answer.  It  is  Almighty  God  That 
girdeth  me  with  strength. 

Verse.  And  maketh  my  way 
perfect. 

Answer.  That  girdeth  me  with 
strength. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  It  is  Almighty  God  That 
girdeth  me  with  strength. 

Verse.  By  this  I  know  that  Thou 
favourest  me. 

Answer.  Because  mine  enemy 
shall  not  triumph  over  me. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Thou  art  the  exaltation 
of  Jerusalem,  &c,  ( Third  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter.      (Ezek.  xliv.  2.) 

T^HIS  gate  shall  be  shut,  it  shall 
not  be  opened,  and  no  man 
shall  enter  in  by  it ;  because  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  Israel,  hath  entered  in  by 
it,  therefore  it  shall  be  shut  for  the 
Prince  ;  the  Prince,  He  shall  sit  in  it. 

Short  Responsory. 

By  this  I  know  that  Thou  favourest 
me. 

Answer.  By  this  I  know  that 
Thou  favourest  me. 

Verse.  Because  mine  enemy  shall 
not  triumph  over  me. 

Answer.     Thou  favourest  me. 


Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  By  this  I  know  that 
Thou  favourest  me. 

Verse.  I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord, 
for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Answer.  And  hast  not  made  my 
foes  to  rejoice  over  me. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Draw  us,  &c,  {Fifth 
Antip/wn  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

I  will  extol  Thee,  O  Lord,  for 
Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Answer.  I  will  extol  Thee,  O 
Lord,  for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Verse.  And  hast  not  made  my  foes 
to  rejoice  over  me. 

Answer.     Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  I  will  extol  Thee,  O 
Lord,  for  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up. 

Verse.  Maiden  Mother  of  God, 
thy  stainless  conception 

Answer.  Was  a  message  of  joy 
to  the  whole  world. 

SECOND   VESPERS. 

All  as  the  First,  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  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  intercession  for  all 
women  vowed  to  God  ;  may  all  that 
keep  the  memory  of  thine  holy  and 
stainless  conception,  feel  the  might 
of  thine  assistance. 


General  3tppenfcijc, 


Note. — The  Offices  contained  in  this  Appendix  are  said  in  certain  dioceses  only; 
full  directions  are  given  in  the  diocesan  Ordo  Recitandi  for  the  year. 


November  29. 
In  the  Diocese  of  Plymouth,  &*c. 

&fje  iSlesseti  Cutpert  Jftame, 
jHartgr. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Feasts  of  One  Martyr,  (p.  482,)  except 
the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  choose  Thy 
blessed  servant  Cuthbert  to  be 
the  first  among  all  the  students  of 
our  seminaries  to  run  the  path  of 
suffering  for  the  saving  of  souls, 
mercifully  grant  unto  us  that  we 
may  be  so  enkindled  with  love  of 
souls  even  as  he  was,  that  like  him 
we  may  be  ready  to  lay  down  our 
lives  for  others.  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. 

At  First  Vespers  Commemoration 
of  St  Satuminus. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  SeasoH.. 
VOL.  I. 


SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

/^UTHBERT  Maine  was  be  in 
near  Barnstaple  in  Devonshire. 
In  his  youth  he  was  brought  up 
outside  the  Church,  and  became  a 
heretical  minister.  After  he  had 
passed  several  years  at  St  John's 
College  at  Oxford,  some  friends — who 
had  before  left  Oxford  in  order  to 
avoid  heresy,  and  among  whom  was 
the  Blessed  Edmund  Campion,  that 
afterward  was  a  martyr — persuaded 
him  to  yield  himself  to  the  Catholic 
Church  and  to  pass  over  to  the 
seminary  at  Doway.  There  he  de- 
voted himself  to  the  study  of  theology, 
and  took  the  degree  of  Bachelor ;  he 
was  ordained  Priest,  and  in  the  year 
1576  he  was  sent  into  England  along 
with  the  Blessed  John  Payne,  who 
also  was  afterward  a  martyr,  by 
William  Allen,  of  illustrious  memory, 
the  President  of  the  College.  Each 
of  them  prepared  himself  for  the 
establishing  of  souls  by  the  health- 
giving  exercises  of  holy  Ignatius. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

TUT  E  went  into  Cornwall  to  see  to 
the  salvation  of  souls  left  among 
the  heretics,  and  took  up  his  abode 
in  the  house  of  a  most  godly  Catholic, 
named  Francis  Tregian,  whose  steward 
2  G 


go6 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


he  was  supposed  by  outsiders  to  be. 
But  he  had  only  worked  for  one  year 
when  he  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
heretics.  The  sheriff  came  with  a 
body  of  armed  men  to  the  house  of 
Master  Tregian  and  broke  into  it. 
Blessed  Cuthbert  was  then  in  the 
garden,  whence  he  could  easily  have 
escaped,  but  he  came  in  and  himself 
opened  to  the  sheriff  the  door  of  his 
chamber.  The  sheriff  and  his  com- 
pany seized  him  and  opened  the  breast 
of  his  clothes,  where  they  found  hung 
round  his  neck  a  waxen  image  of  the 
Lamb  of  God ;  this  they  seized  and 
called  him  a  traitor  and  a  rebel.  He 
was  brought  to  Launceston,  where 
he  was  confined  in  a  dark  and  foul 
prison,  where  he  was  not  only  most 
cruelly  loaded  with  fetters,  but  even 
chained  to  his  bed,  and  where  no 
one  was  allowed  to  come  near  him. 
But  when  the  adversary  offered  him 
his  choice,  either  to  swear  that  the 
Queen  was  the  head  of  the  English 
Church,  or  to  undergo  execution  at 
the  hands  of  the  common  hangman, 
he  kissed  the  Holy  Bible  and  said 
that  the  Queen  never  had  been,  was 
not,  and  never  would  be  the  head  of 
the  English  Church. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  FTER  about  three  months  Cuth- 
bert was  convicted  by  a  jury 
and  condemned  to  death,  ostensibly 
for  having  in  his  possession  a  Papal 
Bull,  blessed  beads,  and  waxen  figures 
of  the  Lamb  of  God,  but  in  reality 
because  he  was  a  Catholic  priest.  He 
remained  in  prison  until  the  arrival 
of  the  royal  warrant  for  his  execution. 
Three  days  before  his  death  a  servant 
warned  him  to  make  ready  for  the 
end.  He  thanked  him  heartily  for 
his  information,  and  thenceforth  gave 
himself  up  wholly  to  the  consideration 
of  things   heavenly.     After  midnight 


on  the  second  night  his  cell  became 
filled  with  light,  so  that  the  prisoners 
who  were  near  it  marvelled.  He  was 
drawn  on  an  hurdle  to  the  place  of 
execution ;  when  he  arrived  at  the 
gallows  he  knelt  down  and  prayed 
for  the  help  of  God,  and  thereafter 
went  up  the  ladder,  and  when  the 
noose  was  round  his  neck  was  fain 
to  speak  to  the  people,  but  the  justices 
hindered  him.  While  he  was  com- 
mending his  spirit  into  the  hands  of 
the  Lord  after  the  example  of  the 
Saviour,  he  was  turned  off  the  ladder, 
and  when  he  had  hung  a  little  while 
the  rope  was  cut,  his  inner  parts  were 
taken  out,  and  he  was  quartered. 
Thus  did  he  give  up  his  soul  to  the 
Chief  Shepherd,  being  the  first  martyr 
among  the  Papal  students.  Gregory 
the  Xlllth  first  permitted  the  same 
honours  to  be  paid  to  him  as  are  given 
to  martyrs,  and  Leo  XIII.  confirmed 
the  same. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from  the   Holy 
Gospel   according   to   Matthew   (x. 

340 

A  T    that    time :    Jesus   said   unto 

His  disciples  :    Think  not   that 

I   am  come  to  send  peace  on  earth  : 

I    came    not    to    send    peace,    but    a 

sword.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Hilary,  Bishop  [of 
Poitiers.] 

["  For  I  am  come  to  set  a  man  at 
variance  against  his  father."]  What 
variance  is  this  ?  Among  the  fore- 
most commandments  of  the  law  we 
read,  "  Honour  thy  father  and  thy 
mother,"  (Ex.  xx.  12);  and  the  Lord 
Himself  also  saith,  "  Peace  I  leave 
with  you,  My  peace  I  give  unto  you," 
(John  xiv.   27)  1   but  here  it  is  said, 


THE   BLESSED   EDMUND  CAMPION   AND   HIS  COMPANIONS. 


907 


"  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  house- 
hold." Therefore  henceforth  public 
authority  will  be  set  before  the 
failure  of  natural  duty,  —  every- 
where hatred,  everywhere  war,  — 
and  the  sword  of  the  Lord  cutting 
fiercely  between  the  father  and  the 
son,  between  the  mother  and  the 
daughter. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

A  SWORD  is  the  sharpest  of  all 
weapons,  it  is  the  symbol  of  the 
power  of  law,  of  the  sternness  of 
judgment,  and  of  the  punishment 
of  evil-doers.  In  the  prophets  the 
preaching  of  the  new  gospel  is  often- 
times likened  unto  the  sword.  We 
remember  that  the  Word  of  God  is 
the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  (Eph.  vi.  17,) 
and  this  sword  is  sent  upon  earth, 
that  is  to  say,  the  preaching  of  the 
Word  of  God  entereth  into  the  hearts 
of  men.  And  there  is  sore  variance 
in  one  house,  and  a  man's  foes  are 
they  of  his  own  household,  for  through 
the  Word  of  God  he  will  rejoice  in 
newness  of  spirit  to  remain  separate 
from  others  both  within  and  without, 
both  in  soul  and  in  body. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

TUT  E  proceedeth  then  in  the  same 
course  of  commandments  and 
of  understanding ;  for  after  that  He 
had  taught  that  all  the  things  which 
are  dearest  in  this  world  must  be 
left,  He  said,  moreover,  "And  he 
that  taketh  not  his  cross,  and  followeth 
after  Me,  is  not  worthy  of  Me,"  for 
"  they  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified 
the  flesh  with  the  affections  and  lusts," 


(Gal.  v.  24,)  and  he  is  unworthy  of 
Christ  who  taketh  not  up  his  Cross 
whereon  to  suffer  with  Him,  to  die 
with  Him,  to  be  buried  with  Him, 
and  to  rise  again  with  Him,  and  so 
followeth  after  the  Lord,  in  the 
mystery  of  the  faith  to  live  in  new- 
ness of  spirit. 

December  i. 

Cfje  Bleggeo  eomnno  (Cant; 
nton,  anli  tjje  priests,  jjis 
(Companions,  JHartgrg  of 
tfje  ioctetji  of  Kesus. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Many  Martyrs,  (p.  498),  except  the 
following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  LORD  Jesus  Christ,  Who  hast 
honoured  Thy  blessed  servants 
Edmund,  and  Thy  Priests,  his  Com- 
panions, with  a  likeness  to  Thine  own 
sufferings  by  betrayal  and  a  death  of 
shame,  grant  unto  us  for  their  sakes, 
and  at  their  prayers,  the  grace  stead- 
fastly to  bear  Thy  Cross,  and  to  attain 
unto  a  crown  of  everlasting  glory.  Who 
livest  and  reignestwith  God  the  Father, 
in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

UDMUND  Campion  was  born  in 
London,  studied  arts  at  the 
University  of  Oxford,  and  afterwards 
divinity  at  the  English  College  at 
Doway,  and  lastly  joined  the  Society 


908 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


of  JesCTs  at  Rome.  He  was  sent  back 
to  his  native  country  by, command  of 
the  Supreme  Pontiff  Gregory  XIII., 
along-  with  Robert  Persons,  of  the 
same  Society,  and  there,  by  the  ex- 
ample of  his  life,  the  power  of  his 
teaching,  and  the  skill  of  his  acts, 
turned  all  men's  minds  on  him  :  those 
of  the  Catholics,  that  they  might  hear 
him  and  preserve  him,  and  those  of 
his  enemies,  that  they  might  destroy 
him.  He  fought  the  Catholic  fight 
not  by  his  voice  only,  but  by  his 
writings  also ;  and  while  his  famous 
pamphlet,  entitled  Ten  Reasons,  was 
being  printed  at  Stonor,  he  preached 
the  Word  of  God  in  the  country  round 
about.  After  he  had  laboured  for  one 
year  in  the  Lord's  vineyard  in  England, 
he  was  taken,  along  with  the  blessed 
Thomas  Ford  and  many  others,  in  the 
house  of  a  Catholic  named  Edward 
Yates,  at  Lyford,  in  the  present 
diocese  of  Portsmouth  ;  they  having 
all  been  betrayed  by  a  most  wicked 
wretch  who  had  that  day  been  present 
when  the  blessed  Edmund  said  Mass 
and  preached.  On  his  way  to  Lon- 
don he  passed  a  night  at  Abingdon, 
the  birthplace  of  Holy  Edmund  Rich, 
once  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and 
many  came  from  the  University  of 
Oxford,  not  many  miles  distant,  and 
treated  him  with  great  reverence,  all 
chained  and  guarded  as  he  was. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

HTHOMAS  Ford  was  a  native  of 
Devonshire,  and  the  .companion 
of  the  blessed  Edmund  Campion,  both 
at  the  University  of  Oxford  and  at 
the  English  college  at  Doway.  He 
had  finished  more  than  five  years' 
ministry,  with  no  small  profit  to  souls 
in  England,  during  the  very  height  of 
the  persecution,  when  he  was  arrested 
at  Lyford,  along  with  the  same 
blessed  father,  and  taken  to  London. 


While  they  lay  together  concealed  in 
the  hiding-hole  of  the  house  at  Lyford, 
before  they  were  revealed  by  the 
traitor,  they  confessed  to  one  another, 
and  each  laid  upon  the  other  the  same 
penance,  that  is  to  say,  to  call  thrice 
upon  St  John  the  Baptist,  and  to 
repeat  thrice  the  words  of  the  Lord, 
Thy  will  be  done.  During  their 
journey,  the  blessed  William  Filby, 
who  had  come  to  see  them,  was  united 
to  them  at  Henley  for  chains  and 
death.  To  make  a  mark  of  them, 
their  feet  were  fastened  together  under 
their  horses'  bellies,  and  their  hands 
tied  behind  their  backs.  Upon  Ed- 
mund's head  was  fastened  a  placard 
as  upon  the  head  of  a  traitor,  the 
which  insult  he  bore  patiently,  after 
the  example  of  the  Lord.  Thus  were 
they  brought,  amidst  the  insults  of  the 
people,  to  the  Tower  of  London,  where 
they  were  most  grievously  entreated. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T  NTO  the  same  prison  there  were 
cast  also  other  priests,  so  that 
after  they  had  passed  some  months 
under  punishment,  while  they  were 
interrogated  concerning  the  authority 
of  the  Roman  Pontiff,  the  places  where 
they  had  said  Mass,  and  the  persons 
whom  they  had  reconciled  to  the 
Church,  the  blessed  martyrs  were 
placed  at  the  bar  to  the  number  of 
ten,  and  were  unjustly  condemned  to 
death  for  treason,  ostensibly  for  hav- 
ing conspired  against  the  Queen,  but 
in  reality  because  they  were  Catholic 
priests.  These  ten  were  all  con- 
demned to  death  together  in  the 
month  of  November  1 58 1,  but  they 
did  not  all  suffer  together.  Edmund 
Campion  and  two  of  his  companions 
received  the  crown  of  a  glorious  death 
upon  the  1st  day  of  December,  and 
Thomas  Ford  and  two  others  upon 
the  28th   day  of  the   month  of  May 


THE  HOLY  HOUSE  OF  LORETO. 


909 


following,  and  the  remaining  four  upon 
the  30th  day  of  the  same  month. 
They  were  drawn  to  the  place  of 
execution  upon  an  hurdle,  and  after 
they  had  hung  for  a  little  while,  the 
rope  was  cut,  and  they  were  cast  down 
in  full  life  and  feeling  upon  the  ground, 
where  their  hearts  and  other  inner 
parts  were  torn  out,  and  their  heads 
and  limbs  cut  off,  to  be  afterwards 
set  up  above  the  gates  of  the  city. 
Nor  was  even  this  all,  since  they  were 
wronged  even  in  their  fame  by  the 
false  accusation  of  treason,  whereas 
these  most  innocent  martyrs  had  done 
nothing  but  refused  to  deny  their  faith 
in  the  Vicar  of  Christ  upon  earth. 
Gregory  XIII.  first  sanctioned  the 
honours  paid  to  them,  and  Leo  XIII. 
hath  confirmed  the  same. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xxi.  9,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  505.) 

December  6. 
In  the  Diocese  of  Liverpool. 

$jt  flirfjolag  of  jftgra, 

{Seep.  627.) 

Double  of  the  First  Class  with  an 
Octave. 

The  Lessons  of  the  First  Nocturn 
are  taken  from  Timothy  iii.  1,  &c,  {p. 
516.) 

December  10. 

translation  of  tije  $?olp, 
f&ouse  of  iLoreto* 

Greater  Double. 

The  Psalms  are  as  upon  Feasts  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Hymn.     Hail,  thou  Star  of  Ocean, 

(A  5530 

Verse.  This  is  the  house  of  God 
stoutly  builded. 

Answer.  Well  founded  upon  a  sure 
rock. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  \  The  Most  High  hath  hal- 
lowed His  tabernacle  ;  for  this  is  the 
house  of  God,  whereon  His  Name 
shall  be  called,  whereof  it  is  written : 
My  Name  shall  be  there,  saith  the 
Lord. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Week-day  and  of  St  Melchiades,  {p. 
643,)  but  not  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception. 

At  Compline  the  last  verse  of  the 
Hymn  is  altered  in  honour  of  the 
Incarnation. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Saviour  of  the 
world  was  conceived  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  in  the  house  of  the  Virgin.  *  O 
come  let  us  worship  Him. 

Hymn.  Blessed  City,  Heavenly 
Salem,  {p.   588.) 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Thou  hast  set 
Thy  glory  above  the  heavens.2 
.  Second  Antiphon.  In  the  sun  hath 
He  set  His  tabernacle,  and  He  Him- 
self is  as  a  bridegroom  coming  out  of 
his  chamber.3 

Third  Antiphon.  Who  shall  ascend 
into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ?  or  who  shall 
stand  in  His  holy  place?  He  that 
hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart.4 


1  Ps.  xlv.  5 ;  Jer.  vii.  10 ;  3  Kings  viii.  29,  &c. 
3  Cf.  ps.  xviii.  5.  •:  * 


2  Ps.  viii.  2. 
4  Ps.  xxiij.  3,  4. 


9io 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


Verve.  ^This  is  none  other  but  the 
house  of  God,  and  this  is  the  gate  of 
heaven. 

Answer.  And  it  shall  be  called  the 
court  of  the  Lord. 


smoke,     perfumed    with    myrrh    and 
frankincense  ?  3 

Answer.  And  about  her  it  was  as 
the  flower  of  roses  in  the  spring  of  the 
year,  and  lilies  of  the  valleys. 


First  Lesson. 

The    Lesson    is    taken   from   the   3rd 
Book  of  Kings  (viii.   22.) 

AND  Solomon  stood  before  the  altar 
of  the  Lord,  in  the  presence  of 
all  the  congregation  of  Israel,  and 
spread  forth  his  hand  towards  heaven, 
and  he  said:  But  will  God  indeed 
dwell  on  the  earth  ?  for  if  the  heaven 
and  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  con- 
tain Thee,  how  much  less  this  house 
that  I  have  builded  !  Yet  have  Thou 
respect  unto  the  prayer  of  Thy  serv- 
ant, and  to  his  supplication,  O  Lord 
my  God  !  Hearken  unto  the  cry  and 
to  the  prayer  which  Thy  servant  pray- 
eth  before  Thee  to-day,  that  Thine 
eyes  may  be  open  toward  this  house 
night  and  day,  even  toward  the  house 
of  which  Thou  hast  said,  My  Name 
shall  be  there ;  that  Thou  mayest 
hearken  unto  the  prayer  which  Thy 
servant  maketh  unto  Thee  in  this 
place ;  that  Thou  mayest  hearken  to 
the  supplication  of  Thy  servant  and  of 
Thy  people  Israel  whensoever  they 
shall  pray  in  this  place.  Then  hear 
Thou  in  heaven  Thy  dwelling-place, 
and  when  Thou  hearest,  forgive. 

First  Responsory. 

I  saw  her  when,  fair  like  a  dove, 
she  winged  her  flight  above  the  rivers 
of  waters.  The  priceless  savour  of 
her  perfumes  hung  heavy  in  her  gar- 
ments. And  about  her  it  was  as 
the  flower  of  roses  in  the  spring  of 
the  year,  and  lilies  of  the  valleys.2 

Verse.  Who  is  this  that  cometh 
out  of  the  wilderness  like  a  pillar  of 

1  Gen.  xxviii.  17  and  cf.  19.  -  Ecclus.  1.  8. 


Second  Lesson. 

^JHEN  Thy  people  Israel  shall 
flee  before  their  enemies  be- 
cause they  have  sinned  against  Thee, 
and  shall  repent  and  confess  Thy 
Name,  and  come  and  pray  and  make 
supplication  unto  Thee  in  this  house  ; 
then  hear  Thou  in  heaven,  and  forgive 
the  sin  of  Thy  people  Israel,  and 
bring  them  again  unto  the  land  which 
Thou  gavest  unto  their  fathers.  If 
heaven  be  shut  up,  and  there  be  no 
rain  because  they  have  sinned  against 
Thee,  if  they  pray  in  this  place,  and 
repent  and  confess  Thy  Name,  and 
turn  from  their  sins  because  of  their 
affliction  ;  then  hear  Thou  in  heaven, 
and  forgive  the  sins  of  Thy  servants, 
and  of  Thy  people  Israel,  and  teach 
them  the  good  way  wherein  they 
should  walk,  and  give  rain  upon  Thy 
land  which  Thou  hast  given  to  Thy 
people  for  an  inheritance. 

Second  Responsory. 

Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  like  the 
rising  dawn,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear 
as  the  sun,  terrible  as  a  fenced  camp 
set  in  battle  array  ? 

Verse.  All  beautiful  and  lovely  art 
thou,  O  daughter  of  Sion,  fair  as  the 
moon,  clear  as  the  sun. 

Answer.  Terrible  as  a  fenced  camp 
set  in  battle  array. 

Third  Lesson. 

T  F  a  man  shall  know  the  plague  of 

his  own  heart,  and  shall  spread 

forth   his   hands   in   this   house,   then 

3  Cant.  iii.  6. 


THE  HOLY  HOUSE  OF  LORETO. 


911 


hear  Thou  in  heaven  Thy  dwelling- 
place,  and  forgive,  and  do,  and  give 
to  every  man  according  to  his  ways, 
as  Thou  seest  his  heart,  (for  Thou, 
even  Thou  only,  knowest  the  hearts 
of  all  the  children  of  men,)  that  they 
may  fear  Thee  all  the  days  that  they 
live  in  the  land  which  Thou  gavest 
unto  our  fathers.  Moreover,  concern- 
.  ing  a  stranger  that  is  of  Thy  people 
Israel,  but  cometh  out  of  a  far  country 
for  Thy  Name's  sake,  (for  they  shall 
hear  everywhere  of  Thy  great  Name, 
and  of  Thy  strong  hand,  and  of  Thy 
stretched-out  arm,)  when  he  therefore 
shall  come  and  shall  pray  in  this 
place,  hear  Thou  in  heaven  the  place 
of  Thy  dwelling,  and  do  according  to 
all  for  the  which  the  stranger  calleth 
to  Thee,  that  all  people  of  the  earth 
may  learn  to  fear  Thy  Name  as  do 
Thy  people  Israel,  and  that  they 
may  know  that  this  house  is  called 
by  Thy  Name. 

Third  Responsory. 

Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  like  the 
sun,  this  comely  as  Jerusalem  ?  The 
daughters  of  Sion  saw  her,  and  called 
her  blessed  ;  the  queens  also,  and  they 
praised  her. 

Verse.  And  about  her  it  was  as  the 
flower  of  roses  in  the  spring  of  the 
year,  and  lilies  of  the  valleys. 

Answer.  The  daughters  of  Sion 
saw  her,  and  called  her  blessed  ;  the 
queens  also,  and  they  praised  her. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  daughters  of  Sion 
saw  her,  and  called  her  blessed ;  the 
queens  also,  and  they  praised  her. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Atitiphon.  Grace  is  poured 
into     thy    lips,    therefore    God    hath 


blessed  thee  for  ever:  yea,  for  ever 
and  ever. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Most  High 
hath  hallowed  His  tabernacle. 

Third  Antiphon.  That  man  was 
born  in  her,  and  the  Highest  Himself 
hath  established  her. 

Verse.  Lord,  I  have  loved  the 
beauty  of  Thine  house. 

Answer.  And  the  place  where 
Thine  honour  dwelleth.1 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of 
Clairvaux.]  {Sermons  on  divers 
subjects,  lii.) 

Vy'HEN  That  Wisdom  which  was  of 
God,  and  which  was  God,  came 
unto  us  from  the  bosom  of  the  Father, 
He  builded  Himself  an  house,  even 
His  mother  the  Virgin  Mary,  and 
therein  He  hewed  out  seven  pillars.2 
And  what  is  signified  by  His  hewing 
out  in  her  seven  pillars,  but  that  He 
made  her  ready  to  be  by  faith  and 
works  a  meet  dwelling-place  for  Him- 
self? Of  the  component  elements  of 
the  number  seven,  the  number  three 
relateth  to  faith,  because  it  is  the 
number  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  and  the 
number  four  to  good  works,  because 
it  is  the  number  of  the  cardinal  vir- 
tues. In  the  blessed  Mary,  God  the 
Son  alone  was  present  by  the  taking 
of  manhood  unto  God,  but  that  the 
Holy  Trinity  was  present  in  her,  was 
present,  I  say,  by  His  Majesty,  is 
attested  by  the  messenger  from  heaven, 
who,  when  he  revealed  the  hidden 
mystery  unto  her,  said  :  "  Hail,  thou 
that  art  full  of  grace,  the  Lord  is  with 
thee  "  ;  and  anon,  "  The  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee." 
Behold,  here  thou  hast  the  Lord,  thou 


1  Ps.  xxv.  8. 


2  Cf.  Prov.  ix.  1. 


912 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


hast  tke  power  of  the  Highest,  thou 
hast  the  Holy  Ghost.  Thou  hast  God 
the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

How  dreadful  is  this  place  !  Surely 
this  is  none  other  but  the  house  of 
God,  and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Verse.  This  is  the  house  of  God 
stoutly  builded,  well  founded  upon  a 
sure  rock. 

Answer.  Surely  this  is  none  other 
but  the  house  of  God,  and  this  is  the 
gate  of  heaven. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T  T  is  right,  then,  to  see  whether  she 
possessed  also  the  four  cardinal 
virtues  as  the  four  remaining  pillars. 
Let  us  then  first  see  whether  she 
possessed  fortitude ;  but  how  could 
this  virtue  be  lacking  to  one  who  cast 
away  the  pomps  of  the  world,  and 
despised  the  pleasures  of  the  flesh 
with  the  resolution  to  live  in  virginity 
for  God  alone  ?  Unless  I  am  widely 
mistaken,  this  virgin  was  the  woman 
of  whom  Solomon  said  (Prov.  xxxi. 
i  o) :  Who  can  find  a  virtuous  woman  ? 
for  her  price  is  far  above  the  rarest 
merchandise.  That  she  was  temper- 
ate and  just  is  clearer  than  light  from 
the  communing  of  the  angel  with  her, 
and  her  answers  unto  him,  for  when 
the  angel  so  reverently  saluted  her, 
saying,  "  Hail,  thou  that  art  full  of 
grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee,"  she  was 
not  lifted  up  like  one  who  should  be 
blessed  for  so  singular  a  privilege  of 
grace,  but  was  silent  and  cast  in  her 
mind  what  manner  of  salutation  this 
should  be  ;  and  in  this  was  she  not 
temperate  ?    And  when  the  angel  gave 


her  further  to  wit  of  the  mysteries 
from  heaven,  she  diligently  asked  of 
him  how  she  should  conceive  and 
bring  forth,  seeing  that  she  knew  not 
a  man  ;  and  herein  she  was  undoubt- 
edly prudent. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

The  Lord's  house  is  established  in 
the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  exalted 
above  the  hills  ;  and  all  nations  shall 
flow  unto  it,  and  shall  say :  Glory  be 
to  Thee,  O  Lord. 

Verse.  They  shall  doubtless  come 
again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  their 
sheaves  with  them. 

Answer.  And  all  nations  shall  flow 
unto  it,  and  shall  say :  Glory  be  to 
Thee,  O   Lord. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

^\F  justice  she  gave  an  eminent 
^^^  proof  when  she  confessed  her- 
self to  be  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord. 
And  what  the  confession  of  the  just 
is,  is  attested  by  him  who  said, 
"  Surely  the  righteous  shall  give 
thanks  unto  Thy  Name"  (Ps.  cxxxix. 
14.)  The  blessed  Virgin  Mary  then 
showed  fortitude  in  her  intention,  tem- 
perance in  her  silence,  prudence  in 
her  questioning,  and  justice  in  her 
confession.  These,  then,  were  the 
four  pillars  of  works  which,  when 
added  to  the  three  pillars  of  faith 
whereof  we  have  spoken,  formed  the 
seven  pillars  which  the  heavenly 
Wisdom  hewed  out  in  her  when  He 
builded  her  as  His  house,  even  that 
heavenly  wisdom  which  so  filled  her 
mind,  that  from  the  fullness  of  her 
mind  her  body  became  fruitful.  ( T/ius 
far  St  Bernard.)  1  The  very  home  of 
the  Virgin,  hallowed  by  the  mysteries 


1  Natalis  domus ;  but  this  must  be  understood  of  a  place  of  family  residence,  since  a  plenary 
indulgence  is  granted  to  the  Church  of  St  Anne  at  Jerusalem,  on  the  special  ground  that  it 
stands  on  the  site  of  the  house  of  Joachim,  where  the  blessed  Virgin  was  conceived  and  born. 


THE  HOLY  HOUSE  OF  LORETO. 


913 


of  God,  was  carried  by  the  ministry  of 
angels,  in  the  time  of  holy  Celestine 
V.,  out  of  the  dominions  of  the  un- 
believers, first  into  Dalmatia,  and 
then  into  the  country  of  Loreto,  in 
the  province  of  Picenum  ;  and  that  it 
is  the  very  same  house  wherein  the 
Word  was  made  Flesh  and  dwelt 
among  us,  is  attested,  not  only  by 
Papal  documents,  and  by  the  famous 
veneration  of  the  whole  world,  but 
also  by  an  unceasing  number  of  won- 
drous works  of  power,  and  by  the 
grant  of  gifts  from  heaven.  By  these 
things  Innocent  XII.  was  moved  in 
order  to  stir  up  the  memory  of  the 
faithful  to  a  more  fervent  honouring 
of  the  most  loving  of  mothers,  to 
command  that  the  translation  of  her 
holy  house,  held  by  an  annual  festival 
throughout  all  the  province  of  Picen- 
um, should  be  kept  with  a  special 
Mass  and  office. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

Mine  house  shall  be  called  the 
house  of  prayer,  saith  the  Lord. 
Therein  he  that  asketh  receiveth,  he 
that  seeketh  findeth,  and  to  him  that 
knocketh  it  shall  be  opened. 

Verse.  Ask  and  ye  shall  receive, 
seek  and  ye  shall  find. 

Answer.  And  to  him  that  knocketh 
it  shall  be  opened. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  to  him  that  knocketh 
it  shall  be  opened. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Bring  sacrifices 
and  come  into  His  courts ;  O  worship 
the  Lord  in  His  holy  temple. 

Second  Antiphon.  All  the  people 
saw  His  glory. 

Third  Antiphon.     O  sing  unto  the 

vol.  1. 


Lord  a  new  song,  for  the  Lord  hath 
done  marvellous  things.     Alleluia. 

Verse.  Holiness  becometh  Thine 
house. 

Answer.     For  ever,  O  Lord. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson   is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (i.   26.) 

A  T  that  time :  The  Angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  from  God  unto  a  city 
of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth,  to  a  virgin 
espoused  to  a  man  whose  name  was 
Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David ;  and 
the  virgin's  name  was  Mary.  And 
so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of 
Clairvaux.]     (1st  on  Luke  i.   26.) 

Who  is  this  virgin,  so  worshipful 
as  to  be  saluted  by  an  angel,  and  so 
lowly  as  to  be  espoused  to  a  car- 
penter ?  Lovely  is  this  mingling  of 
virginity  and  lowliness,  neither  doth 
that  so  little  please  God,  wherein  the 
lowliness  exalteth  the  virginity,  and 
the  virginity  adorneth  the  lowliness. 
But  of  what  worship  is  she  worthy, 
whose  lowliness  is  ennobled  by  mother- 
hood, and  whose  motherhood  halloweth 
her  virginity  ?  Dost  thou  hear  that  she 
is  a  virgin  ?  dost  thou  hear  that  she  is 
lowly  ?  Virginity  is  praiseworthy,  but 
lowliness  is  more  needful.  Virginity 
is  advised,  lowliness  is  commanded. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

Grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips,  there- 
fore God  hath  blessed  thee  for  ever. 

Verse.  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. 

Answer.  Therefore  God  hath 
blessed  thee  for  ever. 

2  G  2 


9H 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


Eighth.  Lesson.     (2nd  on  the  same.) 

"  '"PHE  Angel  Gabriel  was  sent 
from  God  ...  to  a  virgin " 
— a  virgin  in  body,  a  virgin  in  mind, 
a  virgin  in  profession,  a  virgin  such 
as  she  of  whom  the  Apostle  saith 
(1  Cor.  vii.  34)  that  she  "  careth  for 
the  things  of  the  Lord,  that  she  may 
be  holy  both  in  body  and  in  spirit." 
A  virgin  not  found  newly  nor  per- 
chance, but  chosen  from  everlasting, 
foreknown  by  the  Most  High,  and 
made  ready  for  Himself,  guarded  by 
angels,  prefigured  by  patriarchs,  fore- 
told by  prophets,  or  to  say  it  in  short, 
she  whom  God  Himself  would  seem 
to  have  foretold  (Gen.  iii.  15)  when 
He  said  unto  the  serpent,  "  I  will 
put  enmity  between  thee  and  the 
woman " ;  and  if  thou  yet  doubtest 
whether  He  spake  of  Mary,  hearken 
to  what  followeth,  "She  shall  bruise 
thy  head."  For  whom  was  this  vic- 
tory reserved  but  for  Mary  ? 

Eighth  Responsory. 

O  Virgin  Mary,  Mother  of  God, 
blessed  art  thou  that  didst  believe 
the  Lord,  for  there  hath  been  a  per- 
formance of  those  things  which  were 
told  thee  from  the  Lord.  Behold 
thou  art  exalted  over  choirs  of  angels, 
plead  for  us  with  the  Lord  our  God. 

Verse.  Hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace, 
the  Lord  is  with  thee. 

Answer.  Plead  for  us  with  the 
Lord  our  God. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Plead  for  us  with  the 
Lord  our  God. 

Ninth  Lesson.      (3rd  on  the  same.) 

"  A  ND    the    Angel    came    in    unto 

her,  and  said  :   Hail,  thou  that 

art    full    of  grace,   the   Lord    is   with 

1  Ecclus.  li.  13. 


thee."  Whither  came  he  in  unto 
her  ?  I  conjecture  that  he  came  into 
the  sanctuary  of  her  modest  bed- 
chamber, where  perchance  she,  when 
she  had  shut  her  door,  was  praying 
to  her  Father  Who  is  in  secret. 
(Matth.  vi.  6.)  It  is  the  use  of 
angels  to  stand  beside  them  that 
pray,  and  to  delight  in  them  whom 
they  see  lifting  up  pure  hands  in 
prayer :  they  rejoice  to  offer  up  unto 
God  for  a  sweet  savour  the  burnt- 
offering  of  holy  earnestness,  and  how 
well-pleasing  in  the  sight  of  the  Most 
High  were  the  prayers  of  Mary  is 
shown  by  the  action  of  the  Angel  who 
came  in  unto  her  and  so  reverently 
saluted  her. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Holiness  becometh 
Thine  house,  O  Lord,  for  ever. 

Second  Antiphon.  Thine  house 
shall  be  called  the  house  of  prayer ; 
therein  he  that  asketh  receiveth,  and 
he  that  seeketh  findeth,  and  to  him 
that  knocketh  it  shall  be  opened. 

Third  Antiphon.  Because  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  our  God  I  will 
seek  Thy  good. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  O  Lord  God, 
Thou  hast  lifted  up  my  dwelling  from 
the  earth.1 

Fifth  Antiphon.  I  will  glorify  the 
house  of  my  glory,  and  I  will  make 
the  place  of  my  feet  glorious.2 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  11.) 

T  N  all  these  I  sought  rest,  and  I 
will  abide  in  the  inheritance  of 
the  Lord.  So  the  Creator  of  all  things 
gave  me  a  commandment,  and  said, 
(and  He  that  made  me  rested  in  my 
tabernacle),  [and  He  said,  Dwell  thou 
in  Jacob,  and  inherit  in  Israel,  and 
strike  thy  roots  amid  my  chosen 
people.] 

1  Is.  lx.  13. 


THE  HOLY  HOUSE  OF  LORETO. 


915 


Hymn.  Christ  is  made  the  sure 
foundation,  &c,   {p.   594.) 

Verse.  We  will  go  into  His 
tabernacle. 

Answer.  We  will  worship  in  His 
footprints. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
1  Behold  the  tabernacle  of  God  is  with 
men,  and  He  will  dwell  with  them, 
and  they  shall  be  His  people;  and 
God  Himself  shall  be  with  them,  and 
be  their  God. 

Prayer. 

C\  GOD,  Who  in  Thy  mercy  didst 
hallow  the  house  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary  by  the  incarnation  of  Thy 
Word,  and  hast  wondrously  given  unto 
the  same  a  resting-place  in  the  midst 
of  Thy  Church,  grant  us  the  grace  to 
be  cut  off  from  the  tents  of  wicked- 
ness, and  made  worthy  to  dwell  in 
Thine  holy  house.  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.     Atnen. 

Commemorations  are  made  of  the 
Week-day  and  of  St  Melchiades,  but 
not  of  the  hnmaculate  Conception,  be- 
cause this  Office  is  reckoned  as  being 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Holiness  becometh  Thine 
house,  &c,  {First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory.  Thou 
that  wast  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  19.) 

T  N  the  broad  ways   I  gave  a  sweet 
smell  like  cinnamon  and  aromatic 
balm  ;   I  yielded  a  pleasant  odour  like 
the  best  myrrh. 


TERCE. 


Antiphon.  Thine  house  shall  be 
called  the  house  of  prayer,  &c,  {Second 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

This  is  the  house  of  God  and  the 
gate  of  heaven. 

Answer.  This  is  the  house  of 
God  and  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Verse.  And  it  shall  be  called  the 
court  of  the  Lord. 

Answer.     And  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Afiswer.  This  is  the  house  of 
God  and  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Verse.  Lord,  I  have  loved  the 
beauty  of  Thine  house. 

Answer.  And  the  place  where 
Thine  honour  dwelleth. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Because  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  &c,  {Third  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter.     (Ecclus.  xxiv.  15.) 

A  ND  so  was  I  established  in  Sion, 
and  likewise  in  the  holy  city 
was  I  given  to  rest ;  and  in  Jerusalem 
was  my  power,  and  I  took  root  among 
the  honourable  people,  even  in  the 
portion  of  my  God  as  His  own  in- 
heritance ;  and  mine  abiding  was  in 
the  full  assembly  of  the  saints. 

Short  Responsory. 

Lord,  I  have  loved  the  beauty  of 
Thine  house. 

Answer.  Lord,  I  have  loved  the 
beauty  of  Thine  house. 


1  Apoc.  xxi.  3. 


gi6 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


Verse*.  And  the  place  where  Thine 
honour  dwelleth. 

Answer.  The  beauty  of  Thine 
house. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Lord,  I  have  loved  the 
beauty  of  Thine  house. 

Verse.  Holiness  becometh  Thine 
house,   O   Lord. 

Answer.     For  ever. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  I  will  glorify  the  house, 
&c,  {Fifth  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  e?id  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

Holiness  becometh  Thine  house,  O 
Lord. 

Answer.  Holiness  becometh  Thine 
house,  O  Lord. 

Verse.     For  ever. 

Answer.     Thine  house,  O  Lord. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Holiness  becometh  Thine 
house,  O  Lord. 

Verse.  This  is  none  other  than 
the  house  of  God  and  the  gate  of 
heaven. 

Answer.  And  it  shall  be  called  the 
court  of  the  Lord. 


surely  this  is  none  other  but  the 
house  of  God,  and  this  is  the  gate 
of  heaven. 

Commemorations  are  made  of  St 
Damasus  and  of  the  Week-day,  but  not 
of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 


December  13. 
In  the  Diocese  of  Liverpool. 

Octavt  of  $t  Qttcflofae  of  QUpra. 

All  from  the  Common  Office,  with 
Lessons  of  the  First  Nocturn  from 
Scripture  according  to  the  Season. 

iStmoap,  fottijin  tije  ©ctabe 
of  tfje  lEptpjjanjL 

Elje  JFtnomg  of  tfje  Cijilo 
Sesus  in  tije  Eemple. 

Greater  Double. 

All  as  on  Sundays  except  the  fol- 
lowing. 

FIRST    VESPERS. 

Antiphons,  Chapter,  and  Prayer 
from  Lauds. 

Last  Psalm,  cxvi.,  "  O  praise  the 
Lord,  &c,"  (A   186.) 


SECOND   VESPERS. 
As  the  First,  except  the  following. 

Verse.  This  is  the  Lord's  house 
stoutly  builded. 

Answer.  Well  founded  upon  a 
sure  rock. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.     How  dreadful  is  this  place  : 


Hyt/171.1 

r\  JESUS,  Teacher  of  all  hearts, 

Thou  fillest  all  with  sweetest  light 
Who  truly  seek  Thee,  and  who  then 
Find  Thee  with  gladness  and  delight. 

Bethink  Thee  of  that  joy  supreme, 
Which  to  Thy  Virgin  Mother's  heart, 

And  to  the  heart  of  her  dear  Spouse, 
Thou  didst  so  lovingly  impart. 


1  Translation  by  Archbishop  Bagshawe,  (Breviary  Hymns,  No.  54.) 


THE   FINDING  OF  THE   CHILD  JESUS  IN   THE  TEMPLE.        917 


No  tongue  of  ours  can  ever  tell, 
Our  minds  to  know  are  all  too  weak, 

What  grief  doth  pierce  their  loving  hearts, 
The  while  their  only  Son  they  seek. 

O  Son,  by  Thy  dear  parents  lost, 

How  dost  Thou  make  their  joys  abound, 

When,  sitting  in  the  Temple,  Thou 
Art  with  the  Doctors  teaching  found. 

If,  to  us  wanderers  on  earth, 

Error  hath  caused  calamity, 
Make  us  to  seek  Thee  as  we  ought, 

And  to  rejoice  in  finding  Thee. 

Who  art  revealed  to  anxious  ones, 

O  Jesus,  glory  be  to  Thee, 
With  Father  and  with  Holy  Ghost, 

Ever  throughout  Eternity.     Amen. 

The  Hymns  at  all  the  Hours  end 
ifi  this  manner. 

Verse.  1  Behold  I  have  given  Him 
for  a  witness  to  the  peoples. 

Answer.  A  leader  and  commander 
to  the  nations. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Child  JESUS  tarried 
behind  in  Jerusalem,  and  His  parents 
knew  not  of  it,  supposing  Him  to 
have  been  in  the  company,  and  they 
sought  Him  among  their  kinsfolk  and 
acquaintance. 

Commemoration  of  the  Sunday. 

Antiphon.  Son,  why  hast  Thou 
thus  dealt  with  us  ?  Thy  father  and 
I  have  sought  Thee  sorrowing.  How 
is  it  that  ye  sought  Me  ?  Wist  ye  not 
that  I  must  be  about  My  Father's 
business. 

Verse.  The  Kings  of  Tarshish  and 
of  the  isles  shall  bring  presents. 

Answer.  The  Kings  of  Arabia  and 
Saba  shall  offer  gifts. 


and  grant  that  they  may  both  perceive 
and  know  what  things  they  ought  to 
do,  and  also  may  have  grace  and 
power  faithfully  to  fulfil  the  same. 

Then  is  made  a  Commemoration 
of  the  Epiphany.  The  Antiphon  is 
that  proper  to  that  particular  day 
within  the  Octave. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Child  Jesus  sat 
in  the  temple  in  the  midst  of  the 
doctors.  *  O  come  let  us  worship 
Him. 

Hymn  as  at  Vespers. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  O  God,  Thou 
hast  set  Thy  glory  above  the  heavens, 
Who  out  of  the  mouth  of  Thy  Son 
hast  ordained  praise. 

Psalm  viii.  "  O  Lord  our  Ruler, 
&c,»  {p.  7.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  words  of 
the  Lord  are  righteous  altogether, 
sweeter  also  than  honey,  and  the 
honeycomb. 

Psalm  xviii.  "  The  heavens  de- 
clare, &c,"  (p.  17.) 

Third  Antiphon.  2  Grace  is  poured 
into  the  lips  of  the  Child  JESUS,  there- 
fore all  they  that  heard  Him  were 
astonished  and  wondered  at  the 
gracious  'words  which  proceeded  out 
of  His  mouth. 


Psalm    xxiii.      "  The   earth 
Lord's,  &c,  (A  46.) 


the 


Prayer. 

T    ORD,    we    beseech    Thee,    merci- 

fully  to   receive    the   prayers   of 

Thy   people   which   call    upon    Thee : 

1  is<  iv,  4.  2  a  compound  of  Ps.  xliv.  3,  Luke  ii.  47,  and  iv 


Verse.  Behold  I  have  given  Him 
for  a  witness  to  the  people. 

Answer.  A  leader  and  a  com- 
mander to  the  nations. 


9i8 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


"*"  First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  book  of 
Exodus  (xxiii.  14.) 

HP  HE  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing :  Three  times  shall  ye  keep 
a  Feast  unto  Me  in  the  year.  Thou 
shalt  keep  the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread.  Thou  shalt  eat  unleavened 
bread  seven  days,  as  I  commanded 
thee,  in  the  time  appointed  of  the 
month  of  the  green  ears,1  when  thou 
earnest  out  from  Egypt :  'thou  shalt 
not  appear  before  me  empty.  And  the 
feast  of  harvest,  the  first-fruits  of 
thy  labours  whatsoever  thou  hast 
sown  in  the  field.  And  the  feast  of  the 
outgoing  of  the  year,  when  thou  hast 
gathered  in  all  thy  fruits  out  of  the 
field.  Three  times  in  the  year  all 
thy  males  shall  appear  before  the  Lord 
Thy  God. 

First  Responsory. 

Jesus'  parents  went  every  year  at 
the  Feast  of  the  Passover,  to  fulfil 
the  commandment  which  the  Lord 
had  commanded  in  the  law  of  Moses. 

Verse.  2  Three  times  in  the  year 
all  thy  males  shall  appear  before  the 
Lord  Thy  God,  in  the  place  which  He 
shall  choose. 

Answer.  To  fulfil  the  command- 
ment which  the  Lord  had  commanded 
in  the  law  of  Moses. 

Second  Lesson,     (xxxiv.  .18.) 

'THE  feast  of  unleavened  bread 
shalt  thou  keep.  Seven  days 
thou  shalt  eat  unleavened  bread,  as  I 
commanded  thee,  in  the  time  of  the 
month  of  green  ears,  for  in  the 
month  of  the  spring-time  thou  earnest 
out  from  Egypt,  (22,)  and  thou  shalt 

1  Novorum,  a  translation  of  the  Hebrew  Abib,  the  name  given  to  the  month,  because  the 
corn  is  just  formed  in  the  ear. 
'  Deut.  xvi.  16.  *  Cant.  iii.  2. 


observe  the  feast  of  weeks  of  the 
first-fruits  of  wheat  harvest,  and  the 
feast  when  the  time  of  year  cometh 
round  for  the  in-gathering  of  all  things. 
Thrice  in  the  year  shall  all  your  men- 
children  appear  before  the  Lord  Al- 
mighty, the  God  of  Israel. 

Second  Responsory. 

The  Child  Jesus  tarried  behind  in 
Jerusalem,  and  His  parents  knew  not 
of  it,  but  they,  supposing  Him  to  have 
been  in  the  company,  went  a  day's 
journey  ;  and  they  sought  Him  among 
their  kinsfolk  and  acquaintance. 

Verse.  I  will  rise  now,  and  go 
about  the  city ;  in  the  streets  and  in 
the  broad  ways  I  will  seek  Him 
whom  my  soul  loveth. 

Answer.  And  they  sought  Him 
among  their  kinsfolk  and  acquaint- 
ance.3 

Third  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
Deuteronomy  (xvi.  16.) 

A  T  the  same  time  the  Lord  spake 
unto  Moses  [saying]  :  Three 
times  in  a  year  shall  all  thy  males 
appear  before  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
the  place  which  He  shall  choose  :  In 
the  feast  of  unleavened  bread,  in 
the  feast  of  weeks,  and  in  the  feast 
of  tabernacles.  They  shall  not  ap- 
pear before  the  Lord  empty  ;  but 
every  man  shall  give  as  he  is  able 
according  to  the  blessing  of  the  Lord 
his  God  which  He  hath  given  him. 

Third  Responsory. 

And  when  Jesus'  parents  found 
Him  not,  they  returned  back  again  to 
Jerusalem  seeking  Him. 


THE   FINDING  OF   THE   CHILD  JESUS   IN   THE   TEMPLE.         919 


Verse.  l  Whither  is  my  beloved 
gone,  that  we  may  seek  Him  with 
thee  ? 

Answer.  They  turned  back  to 
Jerusalem  seeking  Him. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.     Seeking  Him. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  They  saw,  and  so 
they  marvelled  at  the  understanding 
and  answers  of  the  Child  Jesus. 

Ps.  xlvii.  Great  is  the  Lord,  &c, 
(p.  98.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  God  of 
gods,  even  the  Lord,  hath  spoken, 
and  all  they  that  heard  Him  were 
astonished  at  His  answers. 

Ps.  xlix.  The  God  of  gods,  &c, 
{p.    100.) 

Third  Antiphon.  Blessed  for  ever 
be  the  Name  of  the  Lord  unto  whom 
God  His  Father  hath  given  judgment 
and  righteousness. 

Ps.  lxxi.  Give  the  king,  &c,  {p. 
126.) 

Verse.  And  all  they  that  heard 
Him  were  astonished. 

A?iswer.  At  His  understanding  and 
answers. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Ser- 
mons of  St  "  Buona-ventura,"  [Car- 
dinal] Bishop  [of  Albaho.]  {First 
on  the  Sunday  within  the  Octave 
of  the  Epiphany.) 

V\f HAT  is  greatly  loved  is  not  lost 
without  great  grief;  when 
therefore  the  Blessed  Virgin  lost  the 
bodily  presence  of  that  tenderly  loved 
and  only  Son,  whom  she  loved  above 
all    things,    a    manifold    grief   struck 

1  Cant.  vi.  1. 


her  to  the  heart.  Scarcely  did  she 
give  sleep  to  her  eyes  or  rest  unto  her 
feet  until  she  found  Him  in  the  temple 
at  Jerusalem,  sitting  in  the  midst  of 
the  doctors.  When  she  saw  His 
gracious  countenance,  she  rejoiced 
with  great  joy  and  gladness  unspeak- 
able, and  albeit  she  spake  little,  as 
becometh  a  virgin,  yet  did  she  utter 
modestly  a  word  of  great  prudence 
and  of  great  wisdom,  saying  :  "  Son, 
why  hast  Thou  thus  dealt  with  us." 
Then  doth  she  set  forth  the  bitter- 
ness of  the  great  trouble  that  had 
been  in  her  heart,  and  the  carefulness 
of  that  wise  search  which  they  had 
made,  when  she  saith  further :  "  Be- 
hold Thy  father  and  I  have  sought 
Thee  sorrowing."  Herein  doth  the 
Blessed  Virgin,  albeit  most  wise,  claim 
to  have  given  a  thought  to  the  Heart 
of  God  Himself,  speech  to  His  mouth, 
and  action  to  His  Body.  In  her  first 
words  we  note  the  sweetness  of  her 
kindly  address  to  Him,  where  she 
calleth  Him  Son.  Right  was  it  that 
the  good  Son  Jesus  should  be  gently 
addressed.  For  even  as  every  good 
Son  is  the  joy  and  gladness  of  his 
mother,  so  was  Jesus  the  joy  and 
gladness  of  His  virgin  mother. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

After  three  days  Jesus'  parents 
found  Him  in  the  temple  sitting  in 
the  midst  of  the  doctors. 

Verse.  2  I  found  Him  whom  my 
soul  loveth ;  I  held  Him  and  would 
not  let  Him  go. 

Answer.  In  the  temple  sitting  in 
the  midst  of  the  doctors. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"  /T*  HY    father  and   I   have    sought 

Thee    sorrowing."      Here    do 

we  note   the   bitterness    of  the    deep 

trouble   that  had  been   at  her  heart. 

2  Cant.  iii.  4. 


920 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


Surely^.  0  Glorious  Virgin,  I  marvel 
not  that  thine  heart  was  troubled, 
that  thou  didst  feel  bitterness  and 
grief.  I  should  indeed  have  mar- 
velled if  thou  hadst  not  sorrowed 
when  thou  hadst  lost  the  bodily  pres- 
ence of  that,  thy  well-beloved  Son, 
that  presence  which  filled  thy  soul 
with  so  many  comforts.  Her  Son  was 
to  the  Glorious  Virgin  in  this  world 
the  cause  of  many  sorrows,  many 
trials,  and  many  afflictions.  We  may 
now  say  that  her  sorrow  was  three- 
fold. She  sorrowed  first  for  the  loss 
of  the  presence  of  her  Son.  She 
suffered  again  when  she  beheld  the 
sufferings  of  the  Lord.  She  suffered 
once  more  in  sharing  His  grief  over 
the  blindness  of  the  Jews. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

They  found  Jesus  in  the  midst  of 
the  doctors,  both  hearing  them,  and 
asking  them  questions. 

Verse.  l  When  the  ear  heard  him, 
then  it  blest  him  ;  and  when  the  eye 
saw  him,  it  gave  witness  to  him. 

Answer.  Both  hearing  them,  and 
asking  them  questions. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

HTHY  father  and  I  have  sought 
Thee.  Thus  doth  she  set  forth 
the  carefulness  of  her  wise  search, 
for  although  the  Blessed  Virgin  had 
not  lost  Him  through  carelessness, 
she  was  careful  in  seeking  Him. 
According  to  the  commentators  it 
was  the  custom  of  the  Jews  in  pro- 
cessions, and  upon  journeys,  when 
they  went  up  to  the  Temple,  and 
while  they  were  there,  that  men  and 
women  should  be  separated  ;  children 
were  not  subject  to  this  rule,  but 
sometimes  went  with  their  fathers 
and  sometimes  with  their  mothers. 
Hence  the  mother  Mary  thought  that 

1  Job  xxix.  ii. 


the  Child  JESUS  was  with  Joseph 
along  with  the  men,  and  Joseph 
thought  that  He  was  with  Mary 
along  with  the  women.  For  this 
custom  had  been  introduced  for  re- 
spectability's sake,  and  for  a  safe- 
guard of  chastity.  Hence  it  is  mani- 
fest that  she  was  not  to  blame  for 
losing  Him  from  carelessness,  but 
she  was  very  careful  and  diligent  in 
seeking  Him  from  the  uprightness  of 
her  conscience,  from  the  broadness  of 
her  love,  and  from  the  surety  of  her 
confidence. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

All  they  that  heard  Him  were 
astonished  at  His  understanding  and 
answers,  and  when  they  saw  Him 
they  were  amazed. 

Verse.  2  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is 
powerful ;  the  voice  of  the  Lord  is 
full  of  majesty. 

Answer.  And  when  they  saw  Him 
they  were  amazed. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  And  when  they  saw  Him 
they  were  amazed. 

THIRD   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  When  the  doctors 
in  the  Temple  heard  the  wisdom  that 
came  forth  out  of  the  mouth  of  Jesus 
they  were  confounded  ;  they  knew  not, 
neither  did  they  understand,  and  they 
walked  on  in  darkness. 

Ps.  lxxxi.  God  standeth,  &c,  (p. 
141.) 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Lord  hath 
made  known  His  salvation ;  His 
righteousness  hath  He  openly  shown 
in  the  sight  of  the  heathen,  by  means 
of  His  Son. 

Ps.  xcvii.  O  sing  unto  the  Lord, 
&c,  (A  157.) 

2  Ps.  xxviii.  4. 


THE   FINDING  OF  THE  CHILD  JESUS   IN   THE  TEMPLE.         92 1 


Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  reign- 
eth  in  the  midst  of  His  Temple.  Let 
the  people  praise  His  great  and  terrible 
Name,  for  it  is  holy. 

Ps.    xcviii.       The    Lord    reigneth, 

&c,  (A  158.) 

Verse.  Jesus  increased  in  wisdom 
and  stature. 

Answer.  And  in  favour  with  God 
and  man. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The   Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  42.) 

"\1THEN  Jesus  was  twelve  years 
old  they  went  up  to  Jerusalem, 
after  the  custom  of  the  Feast,  and 
when  they  had  fulfilled  the  days,  as 
they  returned,  the  Child  JESUS  tarried 
behind  in  Jerusalem.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]     (Bk.  ii.  on  Luke  ii.) 

We  read  that  when  He  was  twelve 
years  old  the  Lord  began  to  dispute. 
The  number  of  His  years  was  the 
same  as  the  number  of  the  Apostles 
whom  He  afterwards  sent  forth  to 
preach  the  Faith.  He  Who,  as 
touching  His  Manhood,  was  filled 
with  wisdom  and  grace  from  God, 
was  not  careless  of  the  parents  of 
the  same  Manhood,  and,  after  three 
days,  was  pleased  to  be  found  in  the 
Temple  :  thereby  foreshadowing  that, 
after  the  three  days  of  His  victorious 
Passion,  He  That  had  been  reckoned 
with  the  dead,  would  present  Himself, 
living,  to  our  faith,  in  His  heavenly 
Kingship  and  Divine  Majesty. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

His  mother  said  unto  JESUS,  Son, 
why  hast  Thou   thus   dealt  with   us  ? 


Behold  Thy  father  and  I  have  sought 
Thee  sorrowing. 

Verse.  l  O  my  Son,  the  Light  of 
our  eyes,  the  Comfort  of  our  life. 

Answer.  Behold  Thy  father  and  I 
have  sought  Thee  sorrowing. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  L_T  OW  is  it  that  ye  sought  Me  ? " 
Christ  hath  two  Generations  ; 
one  from  His  Father,  another  from 
His  mother.  That  from  His  Father 
is  His  Eternal  Generation  as  God 
and  Son ;  that  from  His  mother  is 
that  whereby  He  came  to  work  for 
us  and  minister  to  us.  Those  acts, 
therefore,  of  His,  which  are  above 
nature,  beyond  His  age,  and  different 
to  His  custom,  proceedeth  not  from 
the  strength  of  His  Manhood,  but 
from  the  power  of  His  Godhead.  On 
another  occasion  His  mother  moveth 
Him  to  work  a  miracle ;  here  He 
answereth  her,  because  she  treateth 
that  which  was  of  the  Godhead,  as 
though  it  had  been  of  the  Manhood. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

Jesus  said  unto  His  parents  :  How 
is  it  that  ye  sought  Me  ?  Wist  ye 
not  that  I  must  be  about  My  Father's 
business  ? 

Verse.  2  Serve  the  Lord  in  truth,  and 
seek  to  do  that  which  pleaseth  Him. 

Answer.  Wist  ye  not  that  I  must 
be  about  My  Father's  business  ? 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Wist  ye  not  that  I  must 
be  about  My  Father's  business  ? 

Ninth  Lesson. 3 

/^\N  this  occasion  it  is  said  that 
^-^  He  was  twelve  years  old,  but 
on  the  other  He  had  already  disciples. 


1  Tobit  x.  4.  2  Tobit  xiv.  10. 

s  Observe  that  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  not  of  the  Sunday  but  of  the  Feast,  because  the  Gospel 
of  the  Feast  and  of  the  Sunday  are  the  same. 


922 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


His  irlother  had  seen  His  wonders  on 
the  earlier  occasion,  -and  had  learnt 
from  her  Son  to  call  on  the  mightier 
nature  for  a  work  of  power.1  "And 
He  came  to  Nazareth,  and  was  sub- 
ject unto  them."  No  wonder  that 
the  great  Teacher  should  practise. 
And  shall  we  marvel  how  He  Who 
was  subject  to  His  mother,  was  about 
His  Father's  business  ?  His  sub- 
jection to  His  mother  proceeded,  not 
from  weakness,  but  from  dutiful 
affection. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  O 
God,  &c,"  is  said. 

LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Jesus'  parents 
went  to  Jerusalem  every  year  at  the 
Feast  of  the  Passover. 

Second  Antiphon.  And  as  they 
returned,  the  Child  Jesus  tarried  be- 
hind in  Jerusalem  ;  and  His  parents 
knew  not  of  it. 

Third  Antiphon.  And  when  they 
found  not  Jesus,  they  returned  back 
again  to  Jerusalem,  seeking  Him. 
And  after  three  days  they  found 
Him  in  the  Temple,  sitting  in  the 
midst  of  the  doctors,  both  hearing 
them,  and  asking   them  questions. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  And  His  mother 
saith  unto  Him,  Son,  why  hast  Thou 
thus  dealt  with  us  ?  Behold  Thy  father 
and  I  have  sought  Thee  sorrowing. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  And  Jesus  went 
down  with  them,  and  came  to  Nazareth, 
and  was  subject  unto  them. 

Chapter.     (Is.  lv.  I.) 

T_J  O,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come 
ye  to  the  waters,  and  he  that 
hath  no  money,  make  haste,  buy  and 
eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk 
without  money,  and  without  purse. 

1  Translated  directly  from  the  works  of  the  Saint.      In  the  Breviary  the  passage  has  got 
corrupted,  even  to  the  substitution  of  a  negative  for  an  affirmative  ("ne"  for  "ut.") 

2  Translation  by  Archbishop  Bagshawe,  (Breviary  Hymns,  No.  55.)  3  Joel  ii.  23. 


Hymn? 

JESUS,  of  wisdom  the  rich  Fount, 
By  which  Thou  guidest  hearts  aright, 
And  dost  the  proud  disciple  judge, 
And  teachest  with  celestial  light. 

We  sing  a  hymn  of  praise,  that  Thou, 
Coming  Thy  Father's  work  to  do, 

Midst  Doctors  sittest  as  a  Child, 
Yet  teachest  in  the  Temple  too. 

O  admirable  kind  of  school ! 

While  Jesus  doth  the  Doctors  teach, 
Hearing  and  humbly  questioning, 

They  wonder  at  His  prudent  speech. 

O  Master,  mercifully  grant, 

That  no  weak  man  to  teach  may  dare, 
Unless  from  Heaven  Thou  dost  first 

With  wondrous  light  his  heart  prepare. 

Then  doth  all  error  flee  away, 

Then  shall  the  Spouse,  with  footsteps  sure, 
And  all  her  servants,  follow  Thee, 

Along  the  royal  road  secure. 

Then,  from  the  true  believers'  land, 

All  treacherous  teachers  shall  they  drive, 

And,  on  the  true  and  only  Faith, 

In  health  our  souls  shall  live  and  thrive. 

Who  art  revealed  to  anxious  ones, 

O  Jesus,  glory  be  to  Thee, 
With  Father  and  with  Holy  Ghost, 

Ever  throughout  Eternity.     Amen. 

Verse.  3  Ye  children  of  Zion  rejoice 
in  the  Lord  your  God. 

Answer.  For  He  hath  given  you  a 
teacher  of  righteousness. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Son,  why  hast  Thou  thus  dealt  with 
us  ?  Thy  father  and  I  have  sought 
Thee  sorrowing.  How  is  it  that  ye 
sought  Me  ?  Wist  ye  not  that  I  must 
be  about  My  Father's  business  ? 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who  wast  pleased  that 
^-^  the  lowly  childhood  of  Thy 
Son    should    be    glorified    by  wisdom 


THE   FINDING   OF   THE   CHILD  JESUS   IN   THE   TEMPLE.         923 


from  heaven,  grant  unto  us  to  be  so 
filled  with  the  spirit  of  wisdom  that 
we  may  walk  before  Thee  in  lowliness 
unfeigned.  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.     Amen. 

The  following  Commemoration  is 
made  of  the  Sunday. 

Antiphon.  The  Child  Jesus  tarried 
behind  in  Jerusalem,  and  His  parents 
knew  not  of  it,  supposing  Him  to 
have  been  in  the  company,  and  they 
sought  Him  among  their  kinsfolk  and 
acquaintance. 

Verse.     Worship  God.     Alleluia. 

Answer.  All  ye  His  Angels.  Alle- 
luia. 

Prayer  as  at  First  Vespers,  then  of 
the  Octave  of  the  Epiphany. 

Antiphon.  This  day  is  the  Church 
joined  unto  the  Heavenly  Bridegroom, 
since  Christ  hath  washed  away  her 
sins  in  Jordan  ;  the  wise  men  hasten 
with  gifts  to  the  marriage  supper  of 
the  King ;  and  they  that  sit  at  meat 
together  make  merry  with  water 
turned  into  wine.     Alleluia. 

Verse.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come.     Alleluia. 

Answer.  They  shall  bring  gold 
and  incense.     Alleluia. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Jesus'  parents,  &c, 
(First  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory  is  said, 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  found  in 
the  Temple. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Wisd.  viii.  10.) 

T^OR   Wisdom's   sake  I  shall   have 

glory     before     the     multitude, 

though     I     am    young,    and    honour 


among  the  elders,  and  I  will  be 
found  sharp  in  judgement,  and  won- 
derful in  the  presence  of  the  mighty. 

TERCE. 
Chapter  as  at  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

Verse.  Behold  I  have  given  Him 
for  a  witness  to  the  peoples.  Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  Behold  I  have  given  Him 
for  a  witness  to  the  peoples.  Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 

Verse.  A  leader  and  a  commander 
to  the  nations. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Behold  I  have  given  Him 
for  a  witness  to  the  peoples.  Alleluia, 
Alleluia. 

Verse.  All  they  that  heard  Him 
were  astonished.     Alleluia. 

Answer.  At  His  understanding 
and  answers.     Alleluia. 

SEXT. 

Antiphon.  And  when  they  found 
not  Jesus,  &c,  (Third  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter.     (Acts  iii.  22.) 

1\/T  OSES  truly  said  unto  the  fathers  : 
A  Prophet  shall  the  Lord  your 
God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your  breth- 
ren, like  unto  me  ;  Him  shall  ye  hear 
in  all  things,  whatsoever  He  shall  say 
unto  you. 

Short  Responsory. 

Verse.  All  they  that  heard  Him 
were  astonished.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  All  they  that  heard  Him 
were  astonished.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 


924 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


Verse.  At  His  understanding  and 
answers. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  All  they  that  heard  him 
were  astonished.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Jesus  increased  in  wisdom 
and  stature.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  And  in  favour  with  God 
and  man.     Alleluia. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  And  Jesus  went  down 
with  them,  &c.  ($th  Antiphon  at 
Lauds. ) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

Verse.  Jesus  increased  in  wisdom 
and  stature.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Answer.  Jesus  increased  in  wis- 
dom and  stature.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  And  in  favour  with  God 
and  man. 

Answer.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  Jesus  increased  in  wis- 
dom and  stature.     Alleluia,  Alleluia. 

Verse.  Ye  children  of  Zion  rejoice 
in  the  Lord  your  God.     Alleluia. 

Answer.  For  he  hath  given  you  a 
teacher  of  righteousness.     Alleluia. 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

All  as  the  First,  except  the 
following  : 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  The  Child  Jesus  increased 
in  wisdom  and  stature  before  God 
and  man. 

A  Commemoration  of  the  Sunday  is 
made;  then  of  the  Octave. 


Antiphon.  This  day  we  keep  as 
holiday  in  honour  of  Three  Won- 
ders. This  day  a  star  led  the  three 
wise  men  to  the  manger ;  this  day  at 
the  marriage,  water  was  made  wine  ; 
this  day  was  Christ,  for  our  salvation, 
pleased  to  be  baptised  of  John  in 
Jordan.     Alleluia. 

Verse.  All  they  from  Saba  shall 
come.     Alleluia. 

Answer.  They  shall  bring  gold 
and  incense.     Alleluia. 


Efjtrti  .Suntiag  after  tfje 
lEpipijang* 

Wqz  Ptolg  Home*    %z%\x%, 
JHarg,  anU  Sosepfj* 

Greater  Double. 

FIRST   VESPERS. 

Psalms  as  in  the  Feasts  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin. 

First  Antiphon.  And  Jacob1  begat 
Joseph  the  husband  of  Mary,  of  whom 
was  born  Jesus,  Who  is  called  the 
Christ. 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Angel  2  of 
the  Lord  appeared  to  Joseph  in  sleep, 
saying,  Joseph,  thou  son  of  David, 
fear  not  to  take  unto  thee  Mary  thy 
wife,  for  That  Which  is  conceived  in 
her  is  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Third  Antipho7i.  And  the  shep- 
herds came  with  haste ;  and  they 
found  Mary,  and  Joseph,  and  the 
Babe  lying  in  a  manger.3 

Fourth  Antiphon.  When  the  wise 
men  were  come  into  the  house,  they 
found  the  young  Child,  with  Mary 
His  mother.4 

Fifth  Antiphon.  His  father  and 
mother  marvelled  at  those  things  which 
were  spoken  of  Him.5 


1  Matth.  i.  16. 


2  Matth.  i.  20.         3  Luke  ii.  16.         4  Matth.   i.  11.         5  Luke  ii.  33. 


THE   HOLY   HOME. 


925 


Chapter.     (Luke  ii.  51.) 

AND  Jesus  went  down  with  Mary 
and  Joseph,  and  came  to  Naz- 
areth, and  was  subject  unto  them. 

Hymn. 

Q  HIGHEST  Hope  of  mortals, 
Blest  Light  of  saints  above, 
O  Jesus,  on  Whose  boyhood 
Home  smiled  with  kindly  love ; 

O  thou  whose  bosom  nursed  Him, 

O  Mary,  highly  graced, 
Whose  breast  gave  milk  to  Jesus, 

Whose  arms  thy  God  embraced  ; 

And  thou  of  all  men  chosen 
To  guard  the  Virgin's  fame, 
,     To  whom  God's  Son  refused  not 
A  father's  gracious  name ; 

Born  for  the  nation's  healing, 

Of  Jesse's  lineage  high, 
Behold  the  suppliants  kneeling, 

O  hear  the  sinner's  cry. 

The  sun,  returned  to  evening, 

Dusks  all  the  twilight  air ; 
We,  lingering  here  before  you, 

Pour  out  our  heartfelt  prayer. 

Your  home  was  as  a  garden, 
Made  glad  with  fairest  flowers ; 

May  life  thus  blossom  sweetly 
In  every  home  of  ours. 

Jesus,  to  Thee  be  glory, 

The  Maiden-Mother's  Son, 
With  Father  and  with  Spirit, 

While  endless  ages  run. 

Verse.  The  Word  was  made  Flesh. 
Alleluia. 

Answer.  And  dwelt  among  us. 
Alleluia. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Blessed  are  they  that  dwell 
in  Thine  house,  O  Lord ;  they  shall 
be  ever  praising  Thee.1 


Prayer. 


Q  LORD  Jesus  Christ,  Who,  when 
Thou  wast  subject  to  Mary  and 
to  Joseph,  didst  sanctify  the  life  of 
home  with  virtues  which  cannot  be 
uttered,  grant  that  we,  by  the  assist- 
ance of  both,  may  be  instructed  by 
the  example  of  this  Holy  Home,  and 
admitted  to  a  share  in  its  everlasting 
blessedness.  Who  livest  and  reignest 
with  God  the  Father,  in  the  unity  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Sunday. 

Antiphon.  God  hath  holpen  His 
servant  Israel,  as  He  spake  unto 
Abraham,  and  to  his  seed,  to  exalt 
them  of  low  degree  for  ever  and  ever. 

Verse.  Let  the  evening  prayer 
ascend  unto  Thee,   O  Lord. 

Answer.  And  let  there  descend 
upon  us  Thy  mercy. 

Prayer. 

r\  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting 
God,  mercifully  look  upon  our 
infirmities,  and  in  all  our  dangers  and 
necessities  stretch  forth  the  right  hand 
of  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. 

At  Compline  and  other  Hours,  at 
the  end  of  the  Hymn,  is  said: 

JESUS,  to  Thee  be  glory, 

The  Maiden-Mother's  Son,  &c. 

MATTINS. 

hivitatory.  Christ  the  Son  of  God, 
obedient  to  Mary  and  Joseph,  *  O 
come,  let  us  worship. 

Ps.  xciv.,  {p.  2.) 


1  Ps.  lxxxiii.  5. 


926 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


Hymn. 

"D  RIGHTLY  gleam  the  sacred  temples, 

Where  a  thousand  torches  shine, 
Garlanded  about  the  altars, 

Lo !  the  fairest  blossoms  twine. 
Smoking  censers  send  their  perfume 

To  the  throne  of  Love  Divine. 


Shall  we  praise  the  Sole-Begotten's 

Royal  ancestry  with  song? 
Shall  we  tell  His  glory,  chanting 

All  the  honoured  names  that  throng 
David's  line,  and  their  achievements 

All  the  storied  ages  long? 

Rather  let  us  now  be  mindful 

Of  the  lowly  village  cot, 
Of  the  Galilean  hillside 

Where  He  chose  the  poor  man's  lot. 
Rather  let  our  hymns  remember 

How  He  lived,  by  men  forgot. 

Home,  from  Nile's  far  distant  margin, 

Lo !  He  travels,  angel-led, 
Hastening,  a  little  pilgrim, 

Many  pains  gone  o'er  His  Head, 
And  delivered  out  of  danger, 

Shares  His  foster-father's  bread. 

Joseph  trains  Him,  Joseph  teaches 
All  his  lore  of  humble  skill ; 

Jesus  grows  from  boy  to  manhood — 
Hidden  years,  secluded,  still — 

Helping  Joseph  in  his  labour, 
Prenticed  by  His  eager  will. 

"  Let  the  sweat  of  toil  bedew  Me," 
Thus  He  saith,  "against  the  day 

When  a  sweat  of  blood  shall  trickle, 
Dyeing  earth  with  ruddy  spray : 

Thus  for  humankind's  transgressions 
Fullest  penalty  to  pay." 

Near  her  gracious  Boy  the  Mother 
Sits  and  looks  with  loving  eye ; 

Sits  the  wife  beside  her  husband, 
Glad  to  know  that  he  is  nigh, 

Happy  if  she  may  console  them 
As  the  hours  of  work  go  by. 

1  Luke  ii.  27,  28. 
3  Luke  ii.  40. 


Jesus,  Mary,  Joseph,  help  us, 
Ye  who  bore  our  toilsome  days ; 

Ye  who  bore  with  pain  and  hardship, 
Hear  the  wretchedness  that  prays  ; 

Aid  us  whom  our  need  drives  forward. 
Struggling  on  by  thorny  ways ; 

Take  from  us  the  pride  of  living, 

If  the  light  of  fortune  shine, 
Teach  us  in  whatever  chances 

Not  to  vaunt  and  not  repine. 
While  we  beg  for  your  protection, 

Look  on  us  with  eyes  benign. 

Thine  be  glory,  thine  be  power, 

Jesus,  while  the  ages  run, 
Thou  Whose  life  is  our  instruction, 

Till  the  tasks  of  earth  are  done, 
Reigning  with  the  Sovran  Father, 

And  the  Spirit,  Three  in  One. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  When  His  parents 
brought  in  the  Child  JESUS,  then 
Simeon  took  Him  up  in  his  arms,  and 
blessed  God.1 

Second  Antiphon.  When  they  had 
performed  all  things  according  to  the 
law  of  the  Lord,  they  returned  into 
Galilee,  to  their  own  city  Nazareth.2 

Third  Antiphon.  And  the  Child 
grew,  and  waxed  strong  [in  spirit,] 
filled  with  wisdom  :  and  the  grace 
of  God  was  upon  Him.3 

Verse.  Though  He  was  rich,  yet 
for  our  sakes  He  became  poor. 

Answer.  That  we  through  His 
poverty  might  become  rich.4 

First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Epistle 
of  the  Blessed  Apostle  Paul  to  the 
Colossians  (iii.  12-16.) 

TDUT  on,  therefore,  as  the  elect  of 

God,  holy  and   beloved,  bowels 

of  mercy,  kindness,  humbleness,  meek- 

2  Luke  ii.  39. 
4  2  Cor.  viii.  9. 


THE   HOLY   HOME. 


927 


ness,  long-suffering:  forbearing  one 
another,  and  forgiving  one  another, 
if  any  man  have  a  quarrel  against 
any ;  even  as  the  Lord  hath  forgiven 
you,  so  also  do  ye.  And  above  all 
these  things  put  on  charity,  which  is 
the  bond  of  perfectness ;  and  let  the 
peace  of  Christ  rule  in  your  hearts, 
to  the  which  also  ye  are  called  in  one 
body ;  and  be  ye  thankful.  Let  the 
word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly,  in 
all  wisdom,  teaching  and  admonishing 
one  another  in  psalms,  and  hymns, 
and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace 
in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord. 

1 

First  Responsory. 

Afterwards  did  He  show  Himself 
upon  earth  and  conversed  with  men.1 

Verse.  He  hath  found  out  all  the 
way  of  knowledge,  and  hath  given  it 
unto  Jacob  His  servant.2 

Answer.     And  conversed  with  men. 

Second  Lesson, ,3 

Y^HATSOEVER  ye  do  in  word 
or  deed,  do  all  in  the  Name 
of  the  Lord  JESUS  Christ,  giving 
thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  by 
Him.  Wives  submit  yourselves  unto 
your  own  husbands,  as  it  is  fit  in 
the  Lord.  Husbands,  love  your  wives, 
and*  be  not  bitter  against  them. 
Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all 
things  :  for  this  is  well  pleasing  unto 
the  Lord.  Fathers,  provoke  not  your 
children  to  anger,  lest  they  be  dis- 
couraged. 

Second  Responsory. 

Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  Thine 
house,  O  Lord.4 

Verse.  They  will  be  ever  praising 
Thee. 

Answer.      In  Thine  house,  O  Lord. 


Third  Lesson.5 

CERVANTS,  obey  in  all  things 
your  masters  according  to  the 
flesh,  not  with  eye-service,  as  men- 
pleasers,  but  in  singleness  of  heart, 
fearing  God.  Whatsoever  ye  do,  do 
it  heartily,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not 
unto  men,  knowing  that  of  the  Lord 
ye  shall  receive  the  reward  of  the 
inheritance.  Serve  the  Lord  Christ. 
For  he  that  doeth  wrong  shall  re- 
ceive for  the  wrong  which  he  hath 
done  :  and  there  is  no  respect  of 
persons  with  God.  (iv.  1.)  Masters, 
give  unto  your  servants  that  which 
is  just  and  equal,  knowing  that  ye 
also  have  a  Master  in  heaven.  Con- 
tinue in  prayer,  and  watch  in  the  same 
with  thanksgiving. 

Third  Responsory. 

In  all  things  it  behoved  Him  to  be 
made  like  unto  His  brethren,  that  He 
might  be  merciful.6 

Verse.  Though  He  was  the  Son 
of  God,  yet  learned  He  obedience  by 
the  things  which  He  suffered.7 

Answer.  That  He  might  be 
merciful. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  That  He  might  be 
merciful. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  When  Joseph 
arose,  he  took  the  young  Child  and 
His  mother  by  night,  and  departed 
into  Egypt.8 

Second  Antiphon.  The  Angel  of 
the  Lord  appeared  to  Joseph  in 
Egypt,  in  a  dream,  saying,  Arise, 
and  take  the  young  Child  and  His 
mother,  and  go  into  the  land  of 
Israel.9 


1  Baruch  iii.  38. 
4  Ps.  lxxxiii.  5. 
7  Heb.  v.  8. 


2  Baruch  iii.  37. 

5  Col.  iii.  22-25  >  iy-  x>  2' 

8  Matth.  ii.  14. 


3  Col.  iii.  17-21. 
6  Heb.  ii.  17. 
9  Matth.  ii.  20. 


928 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


Third  Antiphon.  And  he  came 
and  dwelt  at  Nazareth  :  that  it  might 
be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by 
the  prophets,  He  shall  be  called  a 
Nazarene.1 

Verse.  The  Lord  will  teach  us 
His  ways. 

Answer.  And  we  will  walk  in 
His  paths.2 

Fourth  Lesson. 

Sermon  by  St  Ambrose,  Bishop  [of 
Milan.]  {An  Exposition  of  Psalms 
xxxvi.  and  xli.) 

DE  ye  subject  unto  the  Lord  and 
entreat  Him.  Christ,  by  doing 
the  will  of  the  Father,  fulfilled  the 
law  ;  and  therefore  He  is  the  fulfil- 
ment of  the  law,  and  the  fulness  of 
mercy.  For,  seeing  that  He  loved 
the  Father,  He  gave  all  His  affection 
to  the  fulfilling  of  His  will.  And 
then  He  was  subject  to  His  parents 
Joseph  and  Mary  on  account  of  His 
duty  to  them,  not  of  His  necessity. 
Therefore  He  took  upon  Him  to 
suffer  along  with  us.  For,  in  that 
He  made  all  things  subject  unto 
Him,  He  did  that  which  belonged 
unto  Himself;  but,  in  that  He  was 
subject,  He  did  that  which  belongeth 
unto  us.  The  soul,  He  saith,  is 
subject,  not  the  divinity ;  the  soul 
is  subject,  not  the  power  of  God. 
In  His  soul,  therefore,  He  was 
obedient,  in  His  soul  lowly;  these 
things,  then,  He  took  upon  Him, 
not  to  the  laying  aside  of  His  power, 
but  to  teach  us  His  doctrine. 

Fourth  Responsory. 

But  I  am  poor  and  needy.  The 
Lord  thinketh  upon  me.3 

Verse.  4  For  thou  shalt  eat  of  the 
labour  of  thine  hands.     Happy  shalt 


thou    be,   and    it    shall    be  well   with 
thee. 

Answer.  The  Lord  thinketh  upon 
me. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

A  S  a  man,  therefore,  He  learned 
obedience  by  the  things  which 
He  suffered,  that  He  might  be  made 
perfect  in  the  flesh ;  and  that  by 
bequeathing  to  us  His  obedience,  He 
might  become  the  Author  of  eternal 
salvation  to  us,  to  whom  the  first 
Adam  by  the  legacy  of  his  dis- 
obedience had  before  been  the  source 
of  death.  His  subjection  is  a  lesson 
in  human  virtue,  not  a  diminution 
of  the  Divine  power.  For  will  those 
who  declare  that  the  Son  is  less  than 
the  Father,  and  unequal  to  Him 
because  He  is  subject  to  Him  as 
God,  declare  also  that  He  is  less 
than  His  mother,  because  He  was 
subject  to  His  mother  ?  For  we 
read  of  Joseph  and  Mary :  And  He 
was  subject  to  them.  The  truth  is 
that  such  dutifulness 5  brings  no  loss 
to  any  one  of  us,  but  rather  gain  ;  for 
through  it  the  Lord  Jesus  has  poured 
faith  and  grace  into  us  all,  that  He 
may  make  us  also,  in  the  spirit  of 
faith,  subject  to  God  the  Father. 

Fifth  Responsory. 

6  The  foxes  have  holes,  and  the 
birds  of  the  air  have  nests  ;  but  the 
Son  of  Man  hath  not  where  to  lay 
His  head. 

Verse.  I  am  poor,  and  in  toil 
from  my  youth  up.7 

Answer.  But  the  Son  of  Man 
hath  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 

Sixth  Lesson.     (Ps.  lxv.) 

f"    ASTLY,  if  we  consider  the  matter, 

humility   had    been   lost  in   the 

Garden  of  Eden,  and  therefore  came 


1  Matth,  ii,  23. 
»  Pittas. 


2  Isa.  ii.  3.  3  Ps.  xxxix.  18. 

6  Matth.  viii.  20. 


*  Ps.  cxxvii.  2. 
7  Ps.  lxxxvii.  16. 


THE   HOLY   HOME. 


929 


from  heaven.  In  the  Garden  of  Eden 
arose  disobedience.  Obedience  came 
down  on  that  account  with  the  Saviour. 
The  flesh  was  puffed  up  so  that  the 
subjection  of  meekness  could  not  be 
found  on  earth.  The  Lord  Jesus 
came  and  first  emptied  Himself, 
though  He  thought  it  not  robbery 
to  be  equal  with  God,  and  taking 
upon  Himself  the  form  of  a  servant, 
was  found  in  the  likeness  of  a 
man,  and  humbled  Himself,  becom- 
ing obedient  unto  death.  Let  Him, 
therefore,  say :  I  am  a  youth  and 
despised ;  because  Christ  as  a  poor 
man  and  despised  redeemed  the 
world  ;  because  Christ  by  His  humil- 
ity overthrew  the  devil. 

Sixth  Responsory. 

1  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God, 
emptied  Himself,  and  took  the  form 
of  a  servant. 

Verse.  2  He  humbled  Himself, 
and  became  obedient  even  unto 
death. 

Answer.  And  took  the  form  of  a 
servant. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  And  took  the  form  of  a 
servant. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  3  The  parents  of 
Jesus  went  up  every  year  to  Jeru- 
salem to  the  feast  of  the  Passover. 

Second  Antiphon.  4As  they  re- 
turned, the  Child  JESUS  tarried  be- 
hind at  Jerusalem  ;  and  His  parents 
knew  not  of  it. 

Third  Antiphon.  5  And  when  they 
found  not  Jesus,  they  returned  into 
Jerusalem,   seeking  Him. 


Verse.  6 1  am  poor,  and  in  toil 
from  my  youth  up. 

Answer.  And  when  I  was  lifted 
up,  then  was  I  brought  down  and 
troubled. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Luke  (ii.  42, 
430 

AND  when  Jesus  was  twelve  years 
old,  they  went  up  to  Jerusalem 
after  the  custom  of  the  feast.  And 
when  they  had  fulfilled  the  days, 
as  they  returned,  the  Child  Jesus 
tarried  behind  in  Jerusalem  ;  and 
His  parents  knew  not  of  it.  And 
so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Bernard,  Abbat  [of 
Clairvaux.]  (From  the  1st  Homily 
on  the  words,  "  The  Angel  was 
sent.") 

And  He  was  subject  to  them. 
Who  was  subject  ?  and  to  whom  ? 
God  to  men  ;  God,  I  repeat,  to  Whom 
the  angels  are  subject,  Whom  princi- 
palities and  powers  obey,  was  subject 
to  Mary  ;  and  not  only  to  Mary,  but 
to  Joseph  also  for  Mary's  sake. 
Marvel,  therefore,  both  at  God  and 
man,  and  choose  that  which  gives 
greater  wonder,  whether  it  be  the 
most  loving  condescension  of  the 
Son,  or  the  exceeding  great  dignity 
of  His  parents.  Both  amaze  us, 
both  are  marvellous.  That  God 
should  obey  man  is  lowliness  without 
parallel,  that  man  should  rule  over 
God,  an  elevation  beyond  comparison. 
In  praise  of  virgins  it  is  sung  of  them 
alone,  that  they  follow  the  Lamb 
whithersoever  He  goeth.  Of  what 
praise  do  you  judge  that  man  worthy 
who  goeth  before  Him  ? 


1  Phil.  ii.  6,  7. 
4  Luke  ii.  43. 


2  Phil.  ii.  8. 
5  Luke  ii.  45. 


3  Luke  ii.  41. 
6  Ps.  lxxxviii.  16. 


930 


GENERAL   APPENDIX 


Seventh  Responsory. 

1  Verily  Thou  art  a  King  that 
hidest  Thyself,  O  God  of  Israel,  the 
Saviour. 

Verse.  Thou  teachest  man  know- 
ledge. 

Answer.  God  of  Israel,  the 
Saviour. 

Benediction. 

God's  most  mighty  strength  alway 
Be  His  people's  staff  and  stay. 

Answer.     Amen. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

[  EARN,  O  man,  to  obey ;  learn,  O 
earth,  to  be  subject ;  learn,  O 
dust,  to  submit.  The  Evangelist, 
speaking  of  thy  Creator,  says  :  "And 
He  was  subject  to  them."  Doubtless  to 
Mary  and  Joseph.  Shame  on  you,  the 
proud  ashes  !  God  abaseth  Himself, 
and  dost  thou  exalt  thyself?  God  sub- 
jects Himself  to  men,  and  dost  thou, 
eager  to  lord  it  over  men,  set  thyself 
over  thy  Creator  ?  For  as  often  soever 
as  I  desire  pre-eminency  over  men,  so 
often  do  I  strive  to  excel  God.  For 
of  Him  it  was  said :  And  He  was 
subject  to  them.  If  thou  disdainest, 
O  man,  to  follow  the  example  of  man, 
at  least  thou  canst  follow  thy  Creator 
without  dishonour.  If  thou  canst  not, 
perchance,  follow  Him  whithersoever 
He  goeth,  deign  at  least  to  follow 
Him  in  that  to  which  He  hath  lowered 
Himself  for  the  sake  of  thee. 


Answer.  So  by  the  obedience  of 
one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  So  by  the  obedience  of 
one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 

If  the  Feast  be  transferred,  the 
following  is  read: 

Ninth  Lesson. 

T  F  thou  canst  not  enter  upon  the 
lofty  path  of  virginity,  at  least 
follow  God  by  the  most  safe  road  of 
humility.  If  any  turn  aside  from  this 
straight  way,  though  they  be  virgins, 
they  do  not  follow  the  Lamb,  if  the 
truth  be  told,  whithersoever  He  goeth. 
The  humble  man,  though  stained  with 
sin,  followeth  the  Lamb  ;  the  virgin, 
though  proud,  followeth  ;  but  neither 
followeth  whithersoever  He  goeth. 
The  former  cannot  attain  to  the  purity 
of  the  Lamb,  for  He  is  without  spot ; 
the  latter  deigns  not  to  descend  to 
His  meekness,  Who  was  dumb,  not 
before  the  shearer,  but  before  the 
murderer.  Yet  the  sinner  who  fol- 
loweth in  humility  hath  chosen  a  more 
saving  way  than  the  proud  man  who 
followeth  in  virginity,  for  the  humble 
man  maketh  satisfaction,  and  is 
cleansed  of  his  impurity,  but  the 
proud  man's  chastity  is  stained  by 
his  pride. 

The  Hymn,  "We  praise  Thee,  &c," 
(p.  21,)  is  said. 


Eighth  Responsory. 

As  by  one  man's  disobedience 
many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the 
obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made 
righteous'.2 

Verse.  He  came  to  Nazareth,  and 
was  subject  unto  them. 

1  Isa.  xlv.  15  ;  rex  instead  oideus. 
3  Luke  ii .  46. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  8  After  three  days 
they  found  Jesus  in  the  temple,  sit- 
ting in  the  midst  of  the  doctors, 
both  hearing  them  and  asking  them 
questions. 

Second  Antiphon.    4  And  the  mother 


2  Rom.  v. 
4  Luke  ii. 


19. 


THE   HOLY    HOME. 


931 


of  JESUS  said  unto  Him,  Son,  why 
hast  Thou  thus  dealt  with  us  ?  Be- 
hold, Thy  father  and  I  have  sought 
Thee  sorrowing. 

Third  Antiphon.  \  Jesus  went 
down  with  them,  and  came  to  Nazar- 
eth, and  was  subject  unto  them. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  2  And  Jesus  in- 
creased in  wisdom  and  age,  and  in 
favour  with  God  and  man. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  3  And  they  said, 
Whence  hath  this  Man  this  wisdom, 
and  these  mighty  works  ?  Is  not  this 
the  carpenter's  Son  ? 

Chapter.     (Luke  ii.  51.) 

AND  Jesus  came  down  with  Mary 
and  Joseph,  and  came  to  Naz- 
areth, and  was  subject  unto  them. 


Hymn. 

C\  HAPPY  guest  of  alien  race, 
O  Nazareth's  august  abode, 
The  infant  Church's  dwelling-place 

Before  she  sought  the  world's  highroad. 

The  sun,  who  with  his  golden  light 
Travels  the  lands  that  lie  below, 

Has  never  seen  a  fairer  sight, 
Nor  holier  home  has  earth  to  show. 

Hither  the  angels  oft  resort 
To  honour  virtue's  sacred  fane, 

Glad  nuncios  of  the  heavenly  court, 
Again  returning  and  again. 

With  what  glad  hand  and  eager  heart 
The  Child  performs  the  father's  will ; 

How  blithely  Mary  plays  her  part, 
A  mother's  duty  to  fulfil. 

Joseph  is  there  with  love  no  less 
To  halve  the  burdens  of  his  wife, 

And  grace  that  gives  all  holiness, 

With  thousand  links  binds  life  to  life. 

Like  streams  that  join,  their  love  outflows 

To  gulf  itself  in  Jesus'  sea, 
And  Jesus  on  the  twain  bestows 

The  guerdon  of  their  charity. 

1  Luke  ii.  51. 

s  Matth.  viii.  54,  55. . 


So  may  we  fare ;  may  love  unite 
Our  hearts  in  one  throughout  the  years, 

To  soothe  our  homes  with  calm  delight, 
And  mingle  sweetness  in  life's  tears. 

Jesus,  for  ever  unto  Thee, 
The  Maiden-Mother's  loving  Son, 

With  Father  and  with  Spirit,  be 
All  glory  while  the  ages  run. 

Verse.  4  I  will  cause  all  thy  child- 
ren to  be  taught  of  the  Lord. 

Answer.  And  great  shall  be  the 
peace  of  thy  children. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
Let  the  example  of  Thine  house- 
hold shine  upon  us,  O  Lord,  and 
do  Thou  guide  our  feet  into  the 
way  of  peace. 

Prayer  as  at  First  Vespers. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  the 
Sunday. 

Antiphon.  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. 

Verse.  The  Lord  reigneth.  He  is 
clothed  with  majesty. 

Answer.  The  Lord  is  clothed  with 
strength,  and  hath  girded  Himself 
with  power. 

Prayer  as  at  First  Vespers. 

PRIME. 

In  the  Short  Responsory,  instead  of 
the  Verse,  "  Thou  That  sittest,  &c," 
is  said : 

Verse.  Thou  That  wast  born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary. 

2  Luke  ii.  52. 
*  Isa.  liv.  12,  13. 


932 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


TERCE. 

Chapter. 

AND  Jesus  went  down  with  Mary 
*^^  and  Joseph,  and  came  to  Naz- 
areth, and  was  subject  unto  them. 

Short  Responsory. 

For  our  sakes  He  became  poor, 
though  He  was  rich. 

Answer.  For  our  sakes  He  became 
poor,  though  He  was  rich. 

Verse.  That  through  His  poverty 
we  might  become  rich. 

Answer.     Though  He  was  rich. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  For  our  sakes  He  became 
poor,  though  He  was  rich. 

Verse.  ,  l  The  Lord  will  teach  us 
His  ways. 

Answer,  And  we  will  walk  in  His 
paths. 

SEXT. 

Chapter.     (Romans  v.  19.) 

AS     by    one    man's    disobedience 
many  were  made  sinners,  so  by 
the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be 
made  righteous. 

Short  Responsory. 

The  Lord  will  teach  us  His  ways. 

Answer.  The  Lord  will  teach  us 
His  ways. 

Verse.  And  we  will  walk  in  His 
paths. 

Answer.     His  ways. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  will  teach  us 
His  ways. 

Verse.  I  am  poor  and  in  toil  from 
my  youth  up. 

Answer.  And  when  I  was  lifted 
up,  then  was  I  brought  down  and 
troubled. 


NONE. 

Chapter.     (Philip,  ii.  7.) 

TUT  E  emptied  Himself,  and  took  the 
form    of    a    servant,    and    was 
made    in    the    likeness    of  man,   and 
found  in  fashion  of  a  man. 


Short  Responsory. 

I  am  poor,  and  in  toil  from  my 
youth  up. 

Answer.  I  am  poor,  and  in  toil 
from  my  youth  up. 

Verse.  And  when  I  was  lifted  up, 
there  was  I  brought  down  and 
troubled. 

Answer.     From  my  youth  up. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  I  am  poor,  and  in  toil 
from  my  youth  up. 

Verse.  I  will  cause  all  thy  children 
to  be  taught  of  the  Lord. 

Answer.  And  great  shall  be  the 
peace  of  thy  children. 

SECOND   VESPERS. 

Antiphon  as  at  Lauds. 

Psalms  as  at  Feasts  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin. 

Chapter  and  Hymn  as  at  First 
Vespers. 

Verse  and  Answer  as  at  Lauds. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  But  Mary  kept  all  those 
sayings  in  her  heart. 

Then  is  made  a  Commemoration  of 
the  Sunday. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Lord,  if  Thou  wilt,  Thou 
canst  make  me  clean.  And  Jesus 
said,  I  will ;  be  thou  clean. 


1  Isa.  ii.  3. 


THE  TWENTY-SIX  HOLY  MARTYRS  WHO  SUFFERED  IN  JAPAN.      933 


Verse.  l  Let  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  be 
set  forth 

Answer.     As  incense  before  Thee. 

Prayer  as  before. 

Office  in  Memory  of  the  Sufferings  of 
our  Lord  JESUS  Christ. 

(See  ante  pp.  442  and  888,  foot- 
notes.) 

Translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall 
of  the  hymn  Mcerentes  oculi,  &c, 
(Hymns  and  Poems,  p.   35): — 

TM'OW  let  us  sit  and  weep, 

And  fill  our  hearts  with  woe ; 
Pondering  the  shame,  and  torments  deep, 
Which  God  from  wicked  men  did  undergo. 

See  !  how  the  multitude, 
With  swords  and  staves,  draw  nigh  ; 
See !  how  they  smite  with  buffets  rude 
That  Head  divine  of  awful  majesty : 

How,  bound  with  cruel  cord, 
-    Christ  to  the  scourge  is  given  ; 

And  ruffians  lift  their  hands,  unaw'd 
Against   the    King    of   kings    and    Lord   of 
Heaven. 

Hear  it !  ye  people,  hear  ! 
Our  good  and  gracious  God, 
Silent  beneath  the  lash  severe, 
Stands  with  His  sacred  Shoulders  drench'd 
in  Blood. 

O  scene  for  tears !   but  now 
The  sinful  race  contrive 
A  torment  new ;  deep  in  His  Brow, 
With  all  their  force  the  jagged  thorns  they 
drive. 

Then  roughly  dragged  to  death, 
Christ  on  the  Cross  is  slain ; 
And,  as  He  dies,  with  parting  Breath, 
Into    His   Father's    Hands  gives   back    His 
Soul  again. 

To  Him  who  so  much  bore, 
To  gain  for  sinners  grace, 
Be  praise  and  glory  evermore 
From  the  whole  universal  race. 


Translation  by  the  Rev.  E.  Caswall 
of  the  hymn  A  spice,  infami,  &c, 
(Hymns  and  Poems,  p.   36) : — 

CEE!   where  in  shame  the  God  of  glory 
hangs, 
All  bathed  in  His  own  Blood : 
See !  how  the  nails  pierce  with  a  thousand 
pangs 
Those  Hands  so  good. 

Th'  All  Holy,  as  a  minister  of  ill, 
Betwixt  two  thieves  they  place ; 
Oh,  deed  unjust !   yet  such  the  cruel  will 
Of  Israel's  race. 

Pale  grows  His  Face,  and  fixed  His  languid 
Eye; 
His  wearied  Head  He  bends ; 
And  rich  in  merits,  forth  with  one  loud  cry 
His  Spirit  sends. 

Oh    heart    more    hard    than    iron !    not    to 
weep 
At  this ;   thy  sin  it  was 
That  wrought  His  death  ;    of  all  these  tor- 
ments deep 
Thou  art  the  cause. 

Praise,    honour,    glory    be   through    endless 
time 
To  th'  everlasting  God  ; 
Who  washed  away  our  deadly  sins  of  crime 
In  His  own  Blood. 


February  9. 

tors      folio     guffereo      in 
Japan* 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Many  Martyrs,  (p.  49^, )  except  the 
following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  LORD  Jesus,  Christ,  Who  didst 
^  dedicate  the  first-fruits  of  the 
faith  among  the  people  of  Japan  in 


1  Ps.  cxl.  2. 


934 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


the  blood  of  Thine  holy  martyrs  Peter 
Baptist,  Paul,  and  their  companions, 
so  that  they  were  conformed  to  Thy 
likeness  through  the  death  of  the 
cross,  grant  that  we,  who  this  day 
keep  their  festival,  may  be  stirred  up 
by  their  ensample.  Who  livest  and 
reignest  with  God  the  Father,  in  the 
unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

First  Vespers  are  of  St  John  de  la 
Mata  till  the  Chapter  exclusive,  then 
of  the  Martyrs,  with  Commemorations, 
first  of  the  Second  Vespers  of  St  John 
de  la  Mata,  and  then  of  St  Apollonia. 
Antiphon,  Verse  and  Answer  from  the 
Common  Office  for  a  Virgin  and  Mar- 
tyr, and  Prayer,  "O  God,  Who  amidst 
the  wondrous,  &c,"  {p.  S73-) 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  In  Lent  from  Rom.  viii., 
(A  499-) 

SECOND   NOCTURN, 
Fourth  Lesson. 

'"PHE  empire  of  Japan,  on  the  east- 
ernmost  side  of  Asia,  had  lain 
for  long  in  darkness  and  in  the 
shadow  of  death,  when  upon  it  the 
light  of  Catholic  truth  shone  in  the 
sixteenth  century  of  man's  redemp- 
tion. Holy  Francis  Xavier,  the  great 
apostle  of  the  Indies,  there  preached 
Christ  crucified,  and  founded  so 
illustrious  a  church  that  the  times 
of  the  first  Apostles  seemed  there 
again  to  have  appeared  upon  earth. 
Neither  did  this  same  church  lack 
martyrs  to  dedicate  in  their  blood 
the  first-fruits  of  its  faith.  Towards 
the  close  of  the  aforesaid  century, 
Taicosama,  Emperor  of  Japan,  several 


times  threatened  to  invade  the  Philip- 
pine Islands,  and  His  Most  Catholic 
Majesty  the  King  of  Spain  deemed 
well  to  send  some  religious  men  of 
his  own  nation  into  Japan  to  treat  of 
peace  with  Taicosama  on  his  royal 
behalf.  For  this  purpose  he  made 
choice  of  the  Friar  Peter  Baptist,  a 
Priest  of  the  Barefooted  Order  of 
Friars  Minor  of  St  Francis  of  the 
Stricter  Observance,  and  a  man  emi- 
nent for  his  holiness  and  teaching, 
and  with  him  he  sent  some'  com- 
panions of  the  same  Order.  These 
men  were  authorised  by  the  Apostolic 
See  to  spread  the  Catholic  faith  in 
the  Indies  and  in  China,  and  they 
undertook  their  mission  from  the  King 
of  Spain  with  the  intention  of  making 
it  an  occasion  to  preach  the  Gospel 
among  those  people.  They  came  to 
Japan,  and  when  they  had  happily 
performed  the  mission  wherewith  they 
were  charged,  they  called  other  com- 
panions to  their  aid,  and  set  them- 
selves to  work  for  the  increase  of 
religion. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T7OR  three  years  they  toiled  by 
preaching,  fasting,  watching, 
and  praying.  They  founded  many 
Christian  hospitals,  convents,  and 
churches  in  divers  places.  They  re- 
lieved the  sufferings  of  the  poor  and 
sick  with  wondrous  love,  confirmed 
many  of  the  faithful  in  the  path  of 
salvation,  and  led  countless  numbers 
to  the  faith.  These  things  stirred  up 
the  priests  of  the  false  gods,  and  they 
betook  themselves  to  the  Emperor, 
and  persuaded  him  that  the  safety  of 
his  empire  demanded  that  he  should 
expel  from  its  coasts  the  Christian 
religion,  which  was  springing  up  on 
all  sides.  The  Emperor  was  stricken 
with  this  groundless  fear,  and  forth- 
with commanded  the  Friars  to  be 
.  arrested,  and  sentenced  them  to  the 


THE  TWENTY-SIX  HOLY  MARTYRS  WHO  SUFFERED  IN  JAPAN.      935 


cross.  Besides  Peter  Baptist  and  his 
five  companions,  there  were  arrested 
Paul  Miki  and  two  other  Japanese 
members  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  and 
fifteen  Japanese  members  of  the  Third 
Order  of  St  Francis,  of  whom  some 
ministered  in  catechising  and  others 
in  holy  offices.  To  whom  were  added 
two  more  that  ministered  to  them  in 
their  chains,  so  that  there  were 
twenty-six  in  all. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

A  FTER  long  suffering,  the  extreme 
point  of  the  left  ears  of  these 
brave  soldiers  of  Christ  was  cut  off 
in  a  public  square  at  Meaco.  After 
this  they  were  carried  in  carts  with 
their  hands  tied  behind  their  backs, 
first  through  the  streets  of  that  capital 
city,  and  then  through  those  of  other 
cities,  in  order  that  their  shame  might 
be  spread  abroad  as  widely  as  possible 
to  the  terror  of  others.  They  were 
thus  borne  at  mid-winter  over  some 
six  hundred  miles,  with  a  crier  going 
before  them,  and  bearing  the  sentence 
of  their  condemnation  to  the  cross 
for  having  preached  the  law  of  Christ 
which  the  Emperor  had  forbidden. 
It  is  meet  to  be  recorded  that  during 
their  journey  the  parents  of  the  young 
Japanese  Anthony,  one  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Third  Order,  met  him  and 
strove  by  tenderness  and  tears  to  get 
him  to  break  his  truth  with  Christ. 
Them  he  constantly  withstood,  and 
declared  that  he  despised  all  earthly 
and  transitory  things,  and  would 
cleave  only  to  Christ,  Who  had  pro- 
mised him  things  heavenly  and  eter- 
nal, and  he  gave  to  them  his  garment 
wherewith  he  was  clothed.  At  length 
they  came  to  Nangasaki,  where  crosses 
had  been  made  ready  at  a  hill  as 
though  upon  another  Calvary.  To 
these  they  were  fastened  and  then 
lifted   up.     They  ceased  not   to  pro- 


claim the  faith  of  Christ,  and  like  the 
chiefest  of  them  was  Paul  Miki,  who 
from  the  glorious  pulpit  of  the  cross 
preached  the  Christian  religion  to 
the  multitude  that  stood  around,  and 
openly  bade  himself  rejoice  that  he 
was  dying  upon  the  cross  even  as  the 
Lord  Christ  died  at  the  same  age  as 
he.  At  last  two  lances  were  thrust 
through  the  body  of  each  of  them 
from  beneath  the  ribs  on  the  one  side 
to  the  shoulder  upon  the  other  side, 
and  thus  they  gave  up  their  triumph- 
ant spirits  to  heaven.  It  pleased 
God  to  glorify  the  victory  of  his 
champions  by  signs  and  wonders,  and 
when  these  had  been  duly  proved,  the 
Congregation  of  Sacred  Rites  decreed 
that  it  might  at  any  time  proceed 
with  their  canonisation.  Meanwhile 
the  Supreme  Pontiff  Urban  VIII.,  on 
receiving  this  decree,  gave  leave  to 
say  and  celebrate  every  year  an  office 
and  mass  of  these  martyrs  as  among 
the  blessed.  At  length  the  Provid- 
ence of  God  brought  it  to  pass  that 
the  Supreme  Pontiff  Pius  IX.  carried 
out  the  matter,  and  upon  the  holy 
day  of  Pentecost,  in  the  year  1862, 
when  he  was  surrounded  by  a  great 
and  illustrious  mass  of  Cardinals  and 
Bishops,  who  had  come  together  from 
all  parts  of  the  Catholic  world  to 
protect  the  rights  of  the  Church  and 
of  the  Apostolic  See,  he  enrolled  the 
names  of  these  martyrs  among  those 
of  the  Saints. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  vi.  1 7,  with  the 
homily  of  St  Ambrose,  {p.  511.)  The 
last  is  omitted  to  make  room  for  the 
Ninth  Lesson,  which  is  that  for  St 
Apollonia,  {p.  758.)  She  is  also 
commemorated  at  Lauds. 

Vespers  are  of  St  Scholastica  from 
the  Chapter  inclusive,  but  with  a 
Commemoration  of  the  Holy  Martyrs. 


93^ 


GENERAL  APPENDIX. 


February  13. 

&t  kentigern,  Bishop  [of 
ffilasgotoj  Confessor, 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  a 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  {p.  515,)  except 
the  following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  use  Thy 
^^^  blessed  Confessor  and  Bishop 
Kentigern  as  a  mean  whereby  to 
make  the  light  of  the  true  faith 
to  shine  before  barbarous  nations, 
grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  we 
by  faithfully  following  that  which 
he  preached  and  taught  may  in 
the  end  obtain  unto  that  light  of 
eternal  glory  where  he  now  liveth. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Ecclus.  xliv.  1,  {p. 
529.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

TZENTIGERN,  whom  the  Scots 
on  account  of  the  innocency 
of  his  life  and  the  sweetness  of 
his  ways  called  Munghum,1  which 
is   being   interpreted    dearly  beloved, 

1  It  is  difficult  to  guess  who  can  have  compiled  these  Lessons.  The  quaint  word 
Munghum  is  evidently  meant  to  represent  Mynghu,  popularly  corrupted  into  Mungo,  and 
which  signifies  "my  dear"  :  the  ngh  being  the  c  of  the  Welsh  cu  undergoing  the  nasal  mutation 
after  my,  in  modern  Welsh  vy.     He  was  not  a  Pict,  but  a  Briton. 

2  The  boat  containing  Kentigern  and  his  mother  was  washed  ashore  at  Culross  very  soon 
after  his  birth.  The  Serf  in  question  was  not  an  Abbat,  and  it  is  very  improbable  that  he 
was  a  Bishop.     The  monastery  was  not  founded  for  hundreds  of  years  afterwards. 

3  It  is  difficult  to  understand  what  is  meant  by  the  solitary  place,  since  he  seems  to  have 
been  attracted  to  Glasgow  by  the  fact  that  there  was  there  already  a  burying-ground  which 
had  been  consecrated  by  Ninian.  The  word  Scotland  at  that  time  would  have  meant  Ireland, 
and  it  was  not  until  a  good  many  centuries  later  that  it  would  have  been  held  to  include 
Strathclyde. 


was  sprung  of  the  royal  stock  of  the 
Picts  in  North  Britain.  While  he 
was  still  a  lad,  he  was  given  over  to 
the  monastery  of  Culross,  under  the 
teaching  of  the  holy  Bishop  and 
Abbat  Serf,  and  made  wondrous 
headway  in  the  study  not  only  of 
letters,  but  also  of  the  things  of 
God  and  the  science  of  the  saints.2 
Hence  he  withdrew  into  a  solitary 
place  at  Glasgow  in  Scotland,3 
where  he  led  an  hard  life  in  con- 
stant prayer,  and  meditation  upon 
the  things  of  heaven,  until  the 
faithful  of  those  parts,  moved  by 
the  fame  of  his  holiness,  duly  chose 
him  for  their  bishop. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

"\XTHEN  he  had  been  raised  to  the 
dignity  of  shepherd,  he  forth- 
with shed  around  the  bright  rays  of 
apostolic  grace,  like  a  candle  set 
upon  a  candlestick.  By  his  words 
and  his  example  he  so  shaped 
the  flock  committed  unto  him  that 
many  of  them  were  so  kindled 
with  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ  as 
to  keep  nothing  of  their  own,  but 
to  serve  God  with  one  heart  and 
one  mind  like  the  first  disciples  of 
the  Apostles.  Kentigern  himself  re- 
laxed nothing  of  his  first  way  of  life. 
It  was  his  use  every  day,  besides 
other  works  of  godliness  and  penance, 
to  repeat  the  whole  psalter ;  and 
every  year,  after  the  example  of 
Christ,  he  passed  in  the  desert 
the     whole     time     of     the     fast     of 


ST   KENTIGERN. 


937 


forty    days,    cut    off  altogether    from 
the  conversation  of  men. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

C^  OD  confirmed  his  preaching  with 
many  and  great  miracles,  and 
thus  this  holy  bishop,  mighty  in  word 
and  in  work,  preserved  his  flock  un- 
hurt from  the  Pelagian  heresy  which 
crept  all  round  about.  And  in  his 
vast  diocese,  wherethrough  he  trav- 
elled many  times  on  foot,  he  almost 
abolished  the  worship  of  false  gods, 
and  brought  a  countless  multitude  of 
heathen  into  the  Church  of  Christ.1 
With  this,  nevertheless,  he  was  not 
content,  but  sent  meet  churchmen  to 
preach  the  gospel  in  the  northern 
parts  of  Scotland,  in  the  Orkneys,  in 
Norway,  and  in  Iceland.  He  lacked 
not  the  merit  of  suffering  hardship  for 
Christ's  sake.  He  was  driven  into 
exile  by  a  wicked  tyrant,  and  betook 
himself  to  Wales,  where  he  dwelt  for 
a  while  with  holy  Bishop  David,  and 
then  founded  at  the  confluence  of  the 
Elwy  and  the  Clwyd  a  famous  monas- 
tery, where  he  trained  up  holy  Asaph 
as  his  disciple.  There  was  a  story 
that  once  upon  a  time,  when  holy 
Colum,  the  Abbat  of  Iona,  saw  Kent- 
igern,  he  said  unto  his  monk,  I  see  a 
pillar  of  fire  coming  down  upon  this 
holy  bishop  like  a  golden  crown,  and 
the  light  of  the  glory  of  heaven  shin- 
ing upon  him.  He  went  to  our 
fatherland,  which  is  in  heaven,  full  of 
days  and  beloved  of  God  and  men,  at 
the  beginning  of  the  seventh  century. 
His  body  was  buried  in  the  Cathedral 
church  of  Glasgow,  where  it  was  held 
in  great  honour  until  the  times 
when  the  fury  of  the  Calvinistic 
heresy  exterminated  Catholic  belief 
from   Scotland.2 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (xxv. 
14.) 

AT  that  time :  Jesus  spake  unto 
His  disciples  this  parable :  A 
man,  travelling  into  a  far  country, 
called  his  own  servants,  and  de- 
livered unto  them  his  goods.  And 
so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Jerome,  Priest  [at 
Bethlehem.]  {Bk.  iv.  on  Matth. 
xxv. ) 

By  this  man  travelling  into  a 
far  country  and  first  calling  his 
servants  and  delivering  unto  them 
his  goods,  we  can  hardly  doubt  but 
that  Christ  is  signified,  who,  after 
that  He  was  risen  again  from  the 
dead,  ascended  hence  in  triumph 
to  the  Father ;  but  before  doing 
so,  called  together  His  Apostles, 
and  committed  to  them  the  preach- 
ing of  the  Gospel,  more  to  one 
and  less  to  another,  not  arbitrarily, 
but  to  every  man  "according  to  his 
several  ability,"  even  as  saith  the 
Apostle  (1  Cor.  iii.  2) :  "I  had  fed  you 
with  milk  and  not  with  meat ;  for 
hitherto  ye  were  not  able  to  bear  it, 
neither  yet  now  are  ye  able."  And 
hence  we  find  that  at  the  end  he 
that  had  received  five  talents,  and 
had  therewith  gained  five  talents 
more  ;  and  he  that  had  received  two 
talents,  and  had  gained  two  other 
talents  beside  them,  each  received  the 
same  reward,  because  consideration 
was  had  not  to  the  amount  of  their 
gain,  but  to  the  amount  of  their 
earnest  effort. 


1  This  last  sentence  would  appear  to  be  an  effort  of  pure  imagination. 

-  No  one  would  conclude  from  the  above  that  the  body  of  Kentigern  remains  absolutely 
undisturbed  in  Glasgow  Cathedral  to  the  present  day,  which  is  the  case.  The  last  amazing 
statement  needs  no  remark. 


VOL.   I. 


2    H 


938 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


Eighth  Lesson. 

"D  Y  the  five  talents,  the  two  talents, 
and  the  one  talent,  we  may 
understand  the  different  graces  which 
are  given  to  each :  or,  by  the  five 
talents,  we  may  understand  the  five 
senses  in  full ;  by  the  two,  under- 
standing and  work  ;  and  by  the  one, 
the  gift  of  reason  whereby  men  are 
separated  from  beasts.  "Then  he 
that  had  received  the  five  talents  went 
and  traded  with  the  same,  and  made 
them  other  five  talents."  By  the  use 
of  his  bodily  senses  he  obtained  a 
knowledge  of  heavenly  things,  by 
argument  from  creation  he  recog- 
nised the  existence  of  a  Creator,  by 
bodily  things  he  rose  to  the  apprecia- 
tion of  things  which  are  not  bodily, 
by  things  seen  to  things  unseen, 
by  things  fleeting  to  things  eternal. 
"  And  likewise  he  that  had  re- 
ceived two,  he  also  gained  other 
two."  That  which  he  had  been 
taught  in  the  law  he  made  double 
through  the  Gospel,  and  understood 
that  that  intelligence  and  that  work 
which  have  to  deal  with  this  present 
life  are  but  shadows  beforehand 
leading  toward  that  blessed  life 
which  is  to  come. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

'"THE  time  is  very  long  between 
the  Ascension  of  our  Saviour 
and  His  coming  again,  but  if  the 
Apostles  will  be  called  upon  to  give 
an  account  of  their  stewardship,  and 
will  rise  again  with  the  fear  of  the 
judge  before  Him,  what  are  we  be- 
hoven  to  do  ?  And  be  it  remarked 
that  whatsoever  we  have  now,  howso- 
ever great,  and  however  much  it  may 
seem  to  us,  is  nevertheless  little  and 
scanty  in  comparison  with  those  things 
which  are  to  come.  "  Enter  thou, 
saith  He,  into  the  joy  of  Thy  Lord," 
and  receive  those  things  which  "  Eye 


hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither 
hath  it  entered  into  the  heart  of  man 
[the  things  which  God  hath  prepared 
for  them  that  love  Him]"  (i  Cor. 
ii.  9.)  For  what  more  can  be  given 
unto  the  faithful  servant  than  to  be 
with  his  Lord,  and  to  behold  his 
Lord's  joy  ? 

Ln  Lent  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  of  the 
Homily.  Ln  this  case  also  a  Com- 
memoration is  ?nade  of  the  Week-Day 
at  Lauds,  and  at  Second  Vespers, 
and  in  any  case  at  Vespers  is  made 
a  Commemoration  of  St   Valentine. 

February  14. 

Efje  33lesseti  ftfjomas  Putm 
tree  ano  i)ts  Companions, 
JHartgrg. 

Greater  Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Many  Martyrs,  {p.  498,)  except  Hie 
following. 

Prayer  throughout. 

O  God,  Who  year  by  year,  &c,  {p. 

508.) 

At  First  Vespers  a  Commemoration 
is  made  in  Lent  of  the  Week-Day,  and 
in  any  case  of  St  Valentine. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Romans  viii.  12,  {p. 
499-) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

THOMAS  Plumtree  was  a  Priest 
honourable  for  his  life  and 
teaching,  who,  during  the  short 
restoration  of  the  Catholic  religion 
in  the  city  of  Durham,  often  publicly 
offered   up   the  holy   Sacrifice   of  the 


THE   BLESSED   THOMAS   PLUMTREE   AND   HIS   COMPANIONS.      939 


Mass  and  preached  to  the  people. 
When  he  was  arrested  by  the  Queen's 
officers  he  steadfastly  refused  to  con- 
form himself  to  the  rites  of  the 
heretics,  and  as  a  warning  to  others 
he  was  hanged  at  Durham,  and  so 
gained  the  crown  of  a  glorious  mar- 
tyrdom upon  the  4th  day  of  February 
in  the  year  1570.  Twelve  years  later 
there  suffered  in  London  for  the  same 
Catholic  faith,  Luke  Kirby,  who  is 
said  to  have  been  born  within  the 
Bishopric  of  Durham,  and  have  been 
ordained  Priest  at  the  English  College 
at  Doway.  After  he  was  in  the  cart 
about  to  be  hanged  he  was  offered 
his  life  if  he  would  renounce  the 
Roman  Pontiff  and  acknowledge  the 
Queen  to  be  the  head  of  the  English 
Church.  Certainly,  said  he,  I  will 
not  deny  the  authority  of  the  Pope 
in  order  to  save  my  life,  for  I 
should  surely  thereby  gain  the  loss 
of  my  soul.  The  cart  therefore 
was  taken  away  from  under  him, 
and  he  resigned  his  holy  soul  into 
the  hands  of  his  Creator  upon  the 
30th  day  of  May. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

TPON  the  22nd  day  of  August,  in 
the  same  year,  there  suffered 
at  York,  Richard  Kirkman.  When 
he  was  asked  by  the  judge  if  he  had 
ever  said  Mass  in  England,  he  an- 
swered that  he  had  done  so  in 
Northumberland,  when  sentence  of 
death  was  pronounced  upon  him  for 
being  a  Priest  from  the  Seminary  of 
Rheims  and  for  having  induced  sub- 
jects of  the  Queen  to  embrace  the 
Catholic  religion.  This  lowly  servant 
of  Christ  deemed  himself  unworthy 
of  so  lofty  a  call,  and  prayed  the 
judge  to  reconsider  the  matter,  since 
such  a  death  was  worthy  of  an  holy 
martyr.  Then  he  could  no  longer 
restrain   the   outbursts   of  the  joy  of 


his  soul,  and  said  with  a  loud  and 
gladsome  voice,  "  We  Praise  Thee,  O 
God,  we  acknowledge  Thee  to  be  the 
Lord."  He  was  taken  to  execution 
along  with  the  blessed  William  Lacy, 
cheerfully  mounted  the  ladder,  and 
gave  up  his  blessed  spirit  with  his 
eyes  raised  heavenwards. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

T3I  CHARD  Thirkill  was  born  at 
Coniscliffe,  in  the  county  of 
Durham,  and  was  already  of  ripe 
years  when  he  was  ordained  Priest 
at  Rheims.  From  often  thinking  how 
extraordinary  a  gift  it  was,  that  he 
should  offer  up  unto  God  every  day 
for  his  own  salvation,  and  for  the 
salvation  of  all  the  people,  the 
Precious  Blood  of  Christ,  he  early 
conceived  the  desire  to  offer  his  own 
blood  for  Christ  in  return.  After  four 
years  he  was  arrested  at  York,  and 
with  great  boldness  he  professed  him- 
self to  be  a  Priest,  and  while  he  lay 
in  prison  he  laboured  to  prepare  for 
a  godly  death  his  fellow-prisoners  who 
were  under  capital  sentence  for  their 
crimes,  and  to  exhort  the  Catholics 
to  steadfastness.  When  he  himself 
received  the  sentence  of  death  he 
knelt  down  and  cried  out  with  great 
joy,  "This  is  the  day  which  the 
Lord  hath  made,  let  us  rejoice  and 
be  glad  in  it."  He  suffered  upon  the 
29th  day  of  May  in  the  year  1583. 
Pope  Leo  XIII.  approved  that  the 
honours  due  to  the  blessed  should 
be  paid  to  these  illustrious  martyrs. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Luke  xxi.  9,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  505.) 

In  Lent  the  Ninth  Lesson  is  omitted, 
or  read  as  one  with  the  Eighth,  and 
the  Ninth  Lesson  is  the  Homily  of  the 
Week-Day. 


940 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


At  Lands  a  Commemoration  is 
made  in  Lent  of  the  Week-Day,  and 
in  any  case  of  St  Valentine  j  and  at 
Second  Vespers  in  Lent  of  the  Week- 
Day,  and  in  any  case  of  SS.  Faustinns 
and  fovita. 


February  17. 

&i)e  Jflijjfrt  of  ©ttr  HortJ  Resits 
Cfjrtst  into  lEgpjt 

Greater  Double. 

All  as  o?i  Sundays,  except  the 
following. 

Psalms  are  the  same  as  in  the  Office 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  The  last  verse 
of  the  Hymns  at  all  the  little  hours  is 
altered  in  honour  of  the  Incarnation, 
and  the  same  alteration  is  made  at  the 
Short  Responsory  at  Prime  as  in  her 
Office. 


FIRST   VESPERS. 


Antiphons, 
from  Lauds. 


Chapter,     and    Prayer 


Hymn.1 

'T'HE  mighty  King  of  glory  dread, 

Promised  from  Abraham's  line  to  spring, 
The  kings  bear  witness  now  has  come ; 
That  He  is  born,  they  tell  the  king. 

The  tyrant  dooms  the  Child  to  death, 
Tossed  in  his  soul  by  passion's  waves ; 

But,  warned  by  Heaven,  from  the  sword 
Her  Child  the  Virgin  Mother  saves. 

To  distant  lands  in  Egypt's  realms 
She  bears  away  her  Child  in  haste, 

Nor  does  she  rest  until  she  sees 
Her  Infant  Son  in  safety  placed. 

Ah  Mother  !  bravest  of  the  brave, 

Wounded  at  heart  by  love  most  pure, 

Lightly  all  troubles  thou  dost  bear, 
And  flight's  discomforts  dost  endure. 


To  Thy  poor  servants  gracious  be, 
And  make  their  troubles  Thy  concern, 

And  those,  whom  sin  has  exiles  made, 
To  their  true  country  make  return. 

Jesus,  to  Thee  be  glory  given, 

Whom  erst  the  Virgin  Mother  bore, 

With  Father  and  with  Holy  Ghost, 
Through  endless  ages  evermore.     Amen. 

Verse.  Joseph  arose  and  took  the 
young  Child  and  His  mother  by 
night. 

Answer.    And  departed  into  Egypt. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  Behold  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord  appeareth  to  Joseph  in  a  dream, 
saying,  Arise,  and  take  the  young 
Child  and  His  mother,  and  flee  into 
Egypt,  and  be  thou  there  until  I  bring 
thee  word  :  for  Herod  will  seek  the 
young  Child  to  destroy  Him. 

MATTINS. 

Invitatory.  The  Lord  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ  fled  into  Egypt.  *  O 
come  let  us  worship   Him. 

Hymn  as  at  First  Vespers. 


FIRST   NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Joseph  took  the 
young  Child  and  His  mother  by 
night,   and  departed  into   Egypt. 

Second  Antiphon.  And  was  there 
until  the  death  of  Herod ;  [that  it 
might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken 
of  the  Lord  by  the  Prophet,  saying, 
Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called  My 
Son.] 

Third  Antiphon.  The  Lord  was 
with  Joseph  in  Egypt. 

Verse.     -  Out  of  Egypt, 

Answer.      Have  I  called  My  Son. 


1  Translation  by  Archbishop  Bagshawe,  (Breviary  Hymns,  No.  50.) 

2  Exodus  xxxix.  2. 


THE   FLIGHT   OF   OUR   LORD   JESUS   CHRIST   INTO   EGYPT.       94 1 


First  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book  of 
the  Prophet  Hosea  (xi.  1.) 

A  S  the  morning  passeth  away,  so 
hath  the  King  of  Israel  passed 
away.  For  Israel  was  a  child,  and  I 
loved  him,  and  called  my  son  out  of 
Egypt.  As  they  called  them,  so  they 
went  from  them  ;  they  sacrificed  unto 
Baalim,  and  burned  incense  unto 
graven  images  ;  and  I  was  as  a  foster 
father  unto  Ephraim,  I  carried  them 
in  my  arms,  and  they  knew  not  that  I 
healed  them.  I  will  draw  them  with 
cords  of  Adam,  with  bands  of  love, 
and  I  will  be  unto  them  as  one  that 
taketh  off  the  yoke  on  their  jaws  ;  and 
I  turned  aside  unto  him  that  he  might 
eat.  He  shall  not  return  unto  the 
land  of  Egypt,  and  the  Assyrian  shall 
be  his  king,  because  they  refused  to 
return.  The  sword  hath  begun  on 
his  cities,  and  shall  consume  his 
chosen  ones,  and  devour  the  heads 
thereof,  and  my  people  shall  linger 
until  I  return,  and  the  yoke  shall  be 
laid  upon  them  together,  and  shall 
not  be  lifted. 


be  moved  at  his  presence,  and  the 
heart  of  Egypt  shall  melt  in  the  midst 
of  it,  and  I  will  set  the  Egyptians 
against  the  Egyptians,  and  they  shall 
fight  every  one  against  his  brother, 
and  every  one  against  his  neighbour, 
city  against  city,  kingdom  against 
kingdom,  and  the  spirit  of  Egypt  shall 
fail  in  the  midst  thereof,  and  I  will 
destroy  the  council  thereof,  and  they 
shall  seek  to  the  idols,  and  to  the 
charmers,  and  to  them  that  have 
familiar  spirits,  and  to  the  wizards, 
and  Egypt  will  I  give  over  into  the 
hand  of  cruel  lords,  and  the  fierce 
king  shall  rule  over  them,  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Hosts. 

Second  Resfionsory. 

Christ  our  King  cometh,1  and  John 
hath  testified  of  Him,  that  He  is  the 
Lamb  that  shall  come. 

Verse.  2  The  kings  shall  shut  their 
mouths  at  him,  all  nations  shall  serve 
him. 

Answer.  And  John  hath  testified 
of  Him,  that  He  is  the  Lamb  that 
shall  come. 


First  Responsory.     (Gen.  xlvi.  3,  4.) 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  :  Go  down  into 
Egypt ;  I  will  go  down  thither  with 
thee,  and  I  will  also  bring  thee  up 
again. 

Verse.  Joseph  arose  and  took  the 
young  Child  and  His  mother  by  night. 

Answer.  And  I  will  also  bring 
thee  up  again. 

Second  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Book 
of  the  Prophet  (Isaiah  xix.  1.) 

TDEHOLD  the  Lord  shall  ride  upon 
-*-*  a  swift  cloud  and  shall  come  into 
Egypt ;  and  the  idols  of  Egypt  shall 

1  John  i.  29. 


Third  Lesson.      (Isaiah  xix.  19.) 

T  N  that  day  there  shall  be  an  Altar 
to  the  Lord  in  the  midst  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  and  a  pillar  at  the 
border  thereof,  to  the  Lord  for  a  sign, 
and  for  a  witness  unto  the  Lord  of 
Hosts  in  the  land  of  Egypt.  For 
they  shall  cry  unto  the  Lord  because 
of  the  oppressor,  and  He  shall  send 
them  a  Saviour,  and  a  Great  One, 
and  He  shall  deliver  them.  And  the 
Lord  shall  be  known  to  Egypt,  and 
the  Egyptians  shall  know  the  Lord  in 
that  day,  and  they  shall  do  sacrifice 
and  oblation  ;  and  they  shall  vow  vows 
unto  the  Lord  and  perform  them.  And 
the  Lord  shall  smite  Egypt ;  He  shall 

2  Is.  lii.  5. 


942 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


smite  and  heal  it,  and  they  shall 
return  even  to  the  Lord,  and  He 
shall  be  entreated  of  them,  and  shall 
heal  them.  In  that  day  there  shall 
be  an  highway  out  of  Egypt  to 
Assyria.  And  the  Assyrians  shall 
come  into  Egypt,  and  the  Egyptians 
into  Assyria,  and  the  Egyptians 
shall  serve  Assyria.  In  that  day 
shall  Israel  be  the  third  with  the 
Egyptians,  and  with  the  Assyrians, 
even  a  blessing  in  the  midst  of 
the  land,  whom  the  Lord  of  Hosts 
hath  blest,  saying,  Blessed  be  Egypt, 
My  people. 

Third  Responsory. 

1  Behold,  I  come  from  the  south, 
even  I  the  Lord  your  God  to  visit  you 
in  peace. 

Verse.  2  I  will  have  respect  unto 
you,  and  make  you  fruitful,  you  shall 
be  multiplied  and  I  will  establish  My 
covenant  with  you. 

Answer.     To  visit  you  in  peace. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.     To  visit  you  in  peace. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  Herod  when  He 
saw  that  He  was  mocked  by  the  wise 
men  was  very  wroth. 

Second  Antiphon.  Herod  sent  forth 
and  slew  all  the  children  that  were 
in  Bethlehem,  and  in  all  the  coasts 
thereof. 

Third  Antiphon.  From  two  years 
old  and  under,  many  children  did 
Herod  slay  for  the  Lord's  sake. 

Verse.  In  Rama  was  there  a  voice 
heard. 

Answer.  Lamentation  and  great 
mourning. 

i  Cf.  Hab.  iii.  3. 


Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  St  John  Chrysostom,  Arch- 
bishop [of  Constantinople.]  {Eighth 
on  Matthew.) 

VyHEREFORE  was  the  young 
Child  sent  into  Egypt.  The 
Evangelist  giveth  the  first  reason  : 
"  That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was 
spoken  of  the  Lord  by  the  Prophet, 
saying  :  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called 
My  Son."  But  it  was  also  so  done  in 
order  to  proclaim  to  the  whole  world 
a  message  of  good  hope.  The  two 
places  wherein  glowed  the  fire  of 
wickedness,  more  than  in  all  the 
rest  of  the  world,  were  Babylon  and 
Egypt,  and  the  Lord  from  His 
very  birth  declareth  that  He  will 
heal  these  two  countries  and  bring 
them  to  better  things.  And  so 
showeth  that  there  is  no  part  of 
the  world  that  may  not  look  to 
Him  for  good.  From  the  one  He 
bringeth  wise  men  to  worship  Him, 
and  to  the  other  He  Himself  goeth 
with  His  mother.  From  the  wise 
men  we  learn  well  to  give  ourselves 
also  to  study,  and  from  His  flight 
into  Egypt  we  learn  that  trials  and 
dangers  are  to  be  looked  for  from 
the  very  beginning, — they  befell  Him 
even  from  His  birth.  No  sooner  was 
He  born  than  the  tyrant  broke  forth 
in  fury,  whence  came  flight  and 
exile,  and  the  harmless  mother  was 
fain  to  betake  herself  to  the  land 
of  heathens. 

Fourth  Responsory . 

Weep  not,  O  Egypt,  for  thy  King 
cometh  unto  thee,  and  the  depths 
shall  be  moved  at  His  presence,  to 
set  free  His  people  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  mighty. 

Verse.      Behold  the  Lord  of  Hosts, 

2  Lev.  xxvi.  9. 


THE   FLIGHT   OF   OUR   LORD  JESUS   CHRIST   INTO   EGYPT.      943 


even    thy    God,  cometh    with    great 
power. 

Answer.     To  set  free    His  people 

out  of  the  hand  of  the  mighty. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T^ROM  this  example  thou  mayest 
learn  to  bear  cheerfully  the  con- 
stant trials  which  are  one  of  the  main 
things  which  befall  spiritual-minded 
men.  Bethink  thee  that  trials  befell 
not  the  mother  of  the  Child  only, 
but  the  wise  men  also.  They  were 
fain  to  depart  into  their  own  country 
another  way.  She  who  had  never 
left  her  home  was  constrained  to 
undertake  a  long  and  toilsome  journey 
on  account  of  her  wondrous  Child, 
and  His  mystic  birth.  Consider 
another  marvel.  In  Palestine  plots 
are  made  against  Him,  but  in  Egypt 
He  is  welcomed  and  held  in  safety 
from  those  plots.  Types  and  figures 
were  set  forth  not  only  in  the  sons 
of  the  Patriarch,  but  also  in  the  Lord 
Himself.  Those  things  which  He 
did  foreshadowed  many  things  which 
were  afterward  to  come,  as  was  the 
case  also  in  regard  to  the  ass  and 
her  colt.  The  Angel  which  appeared 
spake  not  unto  Mary,  but  unto  Joseph, 
and  what  said  he  ?  "  Arise  and  take 
the  young  Child  and  His  mother  " — 
he  said  not  "Thy  wife,"  but  His 
mother,  the  birth  having  taken  place. 
The  trouble  of  Joseph  was  removed 
and  his  faith  satisfied,  and  the  Angel 
speaketh  unto  him  not  of  his  son,  or  of 
his  wife,  but  of  the  young  Child  and  of 
His  mother,  bidding  him  flee  with  them 
into  Egypt,  and  he  saith  moreover  why 
they  should  flee,  "  For  Herod  will  seek 
the  young  Child  to  destroy  Him." 

Fifth  Responsory. 

The  Lord  shall  be  known  to  Egypt, 
and  the  Egyptians  shall  know  the 
Lord  in  that  day. 


Verse.     They    shall    cry    unto    the 

Lord  from  the  face  of  the  oppressor, 

and  He  will  send  unto  them  a  Saviour. 

Answer.     And  the  Egyptians  shall 

know  the  Lord  in  that  day. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

DY  this  is  the  Virgin  herself  set 
forth  in  no  little  glory  and 
honour,  for  she  could  thus  obtain 
what  was  held  as  a  glory  by  all  her 
people.  They  thought  it  a  great 
thing  and  a  proud  thing  that  they 
had  returned  out  of  Egypt,  whereat 
the  Prophet  doth  point  when  he  saith  : 
Did  I  not  bring  strangers  out  of 
Cappadocia  and  Assyrians  out  of  a 
pit  ?  and  thus  is  manifested  the  glory 
of  the  Virgin.  Moreover,  when  the 
people  and  the  Patriarch  went  down 
into  Egypt  and  came  up  again,  their 
action  was  a  type  of  His  return,  for 
they  went  down  thither  to  escape  from 
the  death  which  was  threatening  them 
through  famine,  and  He  went  to  escape 
the  death  which  threatened  Him  from 
plots.  They  went  and  were  delivered 
from  the  famine.  He  went  that 
He  might  sanctify  all  that  land  by 
His  presence.  I  would  have  thee 
bethink  Thyself,  how  amid  things 
lowly  are  manifested  the  things  which 
pertain  unto  God.  When  the  Angel 
said,  "  Flee  into  Egypt,"  he  said  not 
that  he  would  be  with  them  either  in 
their  going  down  or  in  their  coming 
up,  giving  them  to  wit  that  He  Who 
was  with  them,  albeit  a  young  Child, 
was  that  Great  One  at  whose  appear- 
ing all  things  should  be  changed. 

Sixth  Responsory . 

Hail  Mary,  how  holy  and  how  spot- 
less is  thy  virginity.  I  am  too  dull 
to  praise  thee !  for  thou  hast  borne 
into  Egypt  upon  thy  breast  Him 
Whom  the  heavens  cannot  contain. 

Verse.       Blessed  art  thou    among 


944 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


women,  and  blessed  is  the  fruit  of  thy 
womb. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  borne  into 
Egypt  upon  thy  breast  Him  Whom 
the  heavens  cannot  contain. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  For  thou  hast  borne  into 
Egypt  Him  Whom  the  heavens  cannot 
contain. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

First  Antiphon.  But  when  Herod 
was  dead,  behold  an  angel  of  the 
Lord  appeareth  in  a  dream  to  Joseph 
in  Egypt. 

Second  Antiphon.  Arise,  and  take 
the  young  Child  and  His  mother, 
and  go  into  the  land  of  Israel. 

Third  Antiphon.  They  are  dead 
which  sought  the  young  Child's  life. 

Verse.  Joseph  arose  and  took  the 
young  Child  and  His  mother. 

Answer.  And  came  into  the  land 
of  Israel. 

Seventh  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Holy 
Gospel  according  to  Matthew  (ii. 
I3-) 

A  T  that  time :  The  Angel  of  the 
Lord  appeareth  to  Joseph  in  a 
dream,  saying :  Arise,  and  take  the 
young  Child  and  His  mother,  and  flee 
into  Egypt,  and  be  thou  there  until  I 
bring  thee  word.     And  so  on. 

Homily  by  St  Peter  Chrysologus, 
Archbishop  [of  Ravenna.]  {On  the 
Flight  of  Christ  into  Egypt.) 

What  is  this  day  read  hath  moved 
our  hearts,  made  our  bowels  to 
tremble,  and  confounded  our  hearing. 
Behold  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  ap- 
peareth to  Joseph  in  a  dream,  saying, 
"Arise     and    take    the    young    Child 


with  His  mother  and  flee  into  Egypt." 
Virginity  offereth  no  obstacle  to  His 
birth,  reason  resisteth  Him  not,  nature 
gainsayeth  Him  not.  What  might 
then,  what  power,  what  danger  should 
prevail  to  make  Him  flee?  "Take 
the  young  Child  and  His  mother  and 
flee  into  Egypt."  It  had  been  more 
reverent  if  he  had  said,  "Go  into 
Egypt,"  so  that  it  might  have  been  a 
journey  and  not  a  flight.  An  act  of 
free-will  and  not  of  compulsion  ;  an  act 
of  wisdom  and  not  of  fear ;  an  act  at 
least  of  man  if  not  of  God  ;  but  now  is 
there  a  command  to  flee — a  command 
from  heaven,  a  command  brought  by 
an  Angel,  so  that  it  were  as  if  heaven 
and  not  earth  had  been  the  first  to  fear. 

Seventh  Responsory. 

The  Virgin  Mother  that  knew  not 
a  man,  bore  but  travailed  not,  from 
the  fountain  of  her  breast  the  Virgin 
fed  the  Saviour  blest,  when  He  the 
Eternal  King  of  Angels  was  driven 
into  exile. 

Verse.  Soon  riseth  in  that  modest 
shrine  the  temple  of  the  Lord  divine  ; 
the  stainless  and  unwedded  one 
within  her  womb  conceived  the  Son. 

Answer.  From  the  fountain  of  her 
breast  the  Virgin  fed  the  Saviour 
blest,  when  He  the  Eternal  King  of 
Angels  was  driven  into  exile. 

Eighth  Lesson. 

"  '"TAKE  the  young  Child  and  His 
mother  and  flee  into  Egypt." 
Flee  into  Egypt,  flee  from  thine  own 
home  to  the  land  of  strangers,  flee 
from  the  holy  places  into  the  midst  of 
the  wicked,  flee  from  thy  temple 
unto  the  shrines  of  devils,  flee  from 
the  fatherland  of  the  Saints  into  the 
country  of  idols.  Judea  is  not  wide 
enough,  the  Lord  of  the  world  is 
straightened  for   room,   the    Holy    of 


THE   FLIGHT   OF   OUR   LORD   JESUS   CHRIST   INTO   EGYPT.       945 


Holies  will  not  contain  the  Lord  of 
the  temple,  neither  can  He  find  a 
place  amid  the  multitude  of  his 
priests,  nor  a  refuge  among  all  the 
kinsfolk  of  Mary  and  of  Joseph,  but 
profane  Egypt  must  be  called  in  to 
afford  God  a  hiding-place.  Thus  doth 
necessity  press,  and  the  Virgin  may 
not  consider  her  modesty,  the  mother 
her  toil,  the  woman  her  shyness, 
Joseph  his  fears  ;  they  must  not  con- 
sider the  weariness  of  the  long  journey 
and  the  break-up  of  their  home. 

Eighth  Responsory. 

1  And  now  what  hast  thou  to  do  in 
the  way  of  Egypt  ?  Turn  again,  O 
Virgin  of  Israel,  turn  again  unto  thine 
own  cities. 

Verse.  How  long  wilt  thou  go 
about  sorrowing  ? 

Answer.  Turn  again,  O  Virgin  of 
Israel,  turn  again  unto  thine  own 
cities. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Answer.  Turn  again,  O  Virgin  of 
Israel,  turn  again  unto  thine  own 
cities. 

In  Lent  the  following  Ninth  Lesson 
is  either  omitted  or  read  as  one  with 
the  Eighth,  in  order  to  leave  room  for 
the  Homily  of  the  Week-day. 

Ninth  Lesson. 

DRETHREN,  the  flight  of  Christ 
was  not  the  effect  of  fear ;  it 
was  a  mystery ;  it  was  a  declara- 
tion of  the  freedom  of  the  Creator, 
not  a  confession  that  He  was  in 
danger.  It  was  not  the  act  of 
His  weakness  as  man,  but  of  His 
power  as  God.  He  fled  in  order 
to    save    the    life   of    the    world,    not 


to  save  from  death  Him  Who  had 
made  the  world.  He  had  come  to 
die,  and  why  then  should  He  have 
fled  from  death  ?  If  Christ  had 
allowed  Himself  to  be  slain  as  a 
little  child,  He  would  have  slain  the 
whole  scheme  of  our  salvation.  Christ 
had  come  to  instruct  by  His  teaching, 
and  to  strengthen  by  His  example  ;  to 
do  Himself  those  things  which  He 
commanded  to  be  done,  and  to  prove 
to  the  eyes  the  possibility  of  things 
which  to  the  hearing  seemed  impos- 
sible. He  had  come  to  make  it 
known  to  man  that  He  was  God,  and 
to  leave  man  in  ignorance  no  longer ; 
and  all  these  things  would  have  been 
lost  to  us  had  Christ  not  fled  while 
yet  He  was  in  swaddling  bands. 

The  Hymn,   "We  praise   Thee,   O 
God,"  is  said. 


LAUDS. 

First  Antiphon.  Behold  the  Angel 
of  the  Lord  *  appeareth  to  Joseph  in 
a  dream. 

Second  Antiphon.  Arise,  and  take 
the  young  Child  *  and  His  mother, 
and  flee  into  Egypt. 

Third  Antiphon.  Be  thou  there 
*  until  I  bring  thee  word. 

Fourth  Antiphon.  For  Herod  will 
seek  the  young  Child  *  to  destroy 
Him. 

Fifth  Antiphon.  Joseph  arose  and 
took  the  young  Child  and  His  mother 
by  night  and  departed  into  Egypt. 

Chapter.      (Is.  xix.  1.) 

"D  EH  OLD  the  Lord  shall  ride  upon 
a  swift  cloud,  and  shall  come 
into  Egypt ;  and  the  idols  of  Egypt 
shall  be  moved  at  His  presence,  and 
the  heart  of  Egypt  shall  melt  in  the 
midst  of  it. 


1  Jer.  ii.  18 ;  xxxi.  21,  22. 


946 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


Hymn.1 

'"FO  the  true  Thunderer's  Only  Son, 

Escaping  from  the  treacherous  sword, 
Leaving  the  worship  of  thy  gods, 
Haste,   Egypt,  safety  to  afford. 

Him  Herod's  cruelty  compels, 

An  exile  from  His  home  to  go, 
But  the  hard  flight  of  Christ  avails 

To  us  the  Heavenward  way  to  show. 

O  sweetest  Virgin  Mother,  who 
Didst  through  a  thousand  risks  defend 

Thy  sweet  Son  Jesus,  and  didst  reach 
Successfully  thy  journey's  end, 

Undo  the  bonds  which  Satan's  wiles 
Have  woven  round  us,  that  we  may, 

Ever  thro'  rough  ways  and  thro'  plain 
Our  Leader  follow  and  obey. 

Jesus,  to  Thee  be  glory  given, 

Whom  erst  the  Virgin  Mother  bore, 

With  Father  and  with  Holy  Ghost, 
For  endless  ages  evermore.     Amen. 

Verse.  Cry  out  and  shout,  O 
Egypt. 

Answer.  2  For  great  is  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel  in  the  midst  of  them. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
When  Herod  was  dead,  behold  an 
Angel  of  the  Lord  appeareth  in  a 
dream  to  Joseph  in  Egypt,  saying : 
Arise,  and  take  the  young  Child  and 
His  mother,  and  go  into  the  land  of 
Israel  ;  for  they  are  dead  which  sought 
the  young  Child's  life. 

Prayer  throughout. 

C\  GOD,  the  Protector  of  all  them 
^^^  which  trust  in  Thee,  Who  by  a 
flight  into  Egypt  wast  pleased  to  de- 
liver from  the  sword  of  Herod  Thine 
only  -  begotten  Son  our  Redeemer, 
grant  unto  us  Thy  servants  at  the 
prayers  of  the  most  blessed  Mary 
always  a  Virgin,  and  yet  mother  of 
the  same  Thy  Son,  that  we  may  be 
delivered  from  all  dangers  whether  of 
mind  or  of  body,  and  may  be  made 


meet  to  be  called  home  from  this  our 
exile  unto  our  very  fatherland  which 
is  in  heaven.  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.      Amen. 

PRIME. 

Antiphon.  Behold  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord,  &c,  {First  Antiphoti  at  Lauds.) 

In  the  Short  Responsory. 

Thus  Thou  that  wast  born  of  the 
Virgin  Mary. 

Chapter  at  the  end.     (Is.  xvi.  3.) 

'T'AKE  counsel,  bethink  thee  of 
judgment ;  make  thy  shadow  as 
the  night  in  the  midst  of  the  noon- 
day ;  hide  the  outcasts,  bewray  not 
him  that  wandereth.  Let  mine  out- 
casts dwell  with  thee ;  be  thou  a 
covert  to  them  from  the  face  of  the 
spoiler. 

TERCE. 

Antiphon.  Arise,  and  take  the 
young  Child,  &c,  {Second  Antiphon 
at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  from  Lauds. 

Short  Responsory. 

Verse.  The  Lord  is  as  a  bride- 
groom. 

Answer.  The  Lord  is  as  a  bride- 
groom. 

Verse.    Coming  out  of  his  chamber. 

Answer.     As  a  bridegroom. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  is  as  a  bride- 
groom. 

Verse.  The  Lord  shall  come  forth 
out  of  His  holy  place. 

Answer.  He  shall  come  to  save 
His  people. 


1  Translation  by  Archbishop  Bagshawe,  (Breviary  Hymns,  No.  51.) 


2  Cf.  Is.  xii.  6. 


ST   MARGARET   OF   CORTONA. 


947 


SEXT. 

Antiphon.  Be  thou  there,  &c, 
( Third  Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter.      (Ezek.  xxx.  13.) 

'"THUS  saith  the  Lord  God:  I  will 
destroy  the  images,  and  I  will 
cause  the  idols  to  cease  out  of 
Memphis  ;  and  there  shall  be  no 
more  a  prince  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
and  I  will  put  a  fear  in  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

Short  Responsory. 

Verse.  The  Lord  shall  come  forth 
out  of  His  holy  place. 

Answer.  The  Lord  shall  come 
forth  out  of  His  holy  place. 

Verse.  He  shall  come  to  save  His 
people. 

Answer.     Out  of  His  holy  place. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  The  Lord  shall  come 
forth  out  of  His  holy  place. 

Verse.  All  the  ends  of  the  earth 
have  seen 

Answer.  The  salvation  of  our 
God. 

NONE. 

Antiphon.  Joseph  arose,  &c,  {Fifth 
Antiphon  at  Lauds.) 

Chapter  as  at  the  end  of  Prime. 

Short  Responsory. 

All  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen. 

Answer.  All  the  ends  of  the  earth 
have  seen 

Verse.     The  salvation  of  our  God. 

Answer.  The  ends  of  the  earth 
have  seen. 

Verse.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 
to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Answer.  All  the  ends  of  the  earth 
have  seen. 

Verse.     The  Lord  was  made  flesh. 

Answer.     And  dwelt  among  us. 


SECOND    VESPERS. 

All  as  at  First  Vespers  except  the 
Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin. 

VyHEN  Joseph  heard  that  Arche- 
laus  did  reign  in  Judea  in  the 
room  of  his  father  Herod,  he  was 
afraid  to  go  thither,  and  being  warned 
in  a  dream,  he  turned  aside  into  the 
parts  of  Galilee ;  and  he  came  and 
dwelt  in  a  city  which  is  called  Naz- 
areth, that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which 
was  spoken  by  the  prophet :  He  shall 
be  called  a  Nazarene. 

A  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Simeon. 

February  27. 

St  ifflarjjaret  of  Cortcma, 
penitent. 

Semi-double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for 
Holy  Women  not  Virgins,  {p.  580,) 
except  the  following. 

In  the  Second  Vespers  of  St  Ethel- 
bert  a  Commemoration  is  made  of  St 
Margaret.     Prayer  from  Lauds. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season.  {In  Lent  from  Proverbs 
xxxi.  10,  p.  580.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

'T'HIS  Margaret  who,  from  the 
-*■  place  where  she  fell  asleep,  is 
called  Margaret  of  Cortona,  was  born 
at  Alviano,  in  Tuscany.  In  her 
younger  years  she  was  led  astray  by 
the  pleasures  of  the  world,  and  led 
a  vain  and  wanton  life  at  Monte 
Pulciano,  till  she  was   led  by  a  dog 


948 


GENERAL   APPENDIX. 


to  discover  the  body  of  her  paramour 
who  had  been  foully  murdered  and 
buried  in  a  hole  under  a  pile  of  wood. 
Thenceforth  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was 
upon  her,  and  being  touched  with 
great  sorrow  for  her  sins  she  went 
out  and  wept  bitterly.  She  returned 
to  Alviano,  put  off  her  hair,  and  left 
her  head  untired,  clad  herself  in  a 
grey  garment,  and  bade  farewell  to 
her  own  misguided  ways  and  to  the 
enticements  of  the  world.  She  lay 
upon  the  ground  in  the  churches  with 
an  halter  round  her  neck,  and  begged 
the  pardon  of  all  whom  she  had 
beforetime  shocked  by  her  life.  Soon 
after  this  she  went  to  Cortona,  where 
she  sought  in  sackcloth  and  ashes  to 
please  the  majesty  of  God  Whom  she 
had  offended.  After  a  trial  of  three 
years  she  obtained  from  the  Friars 
Minor,  who  were  the  directors  of  her 
spiritual  life,  an  habit  of  the  Third 
Order  of  St  Francis.  Henceforth  she 
was  oftentimes  in  an  abundance  of 
tears,  and  such  groanings  from  the 
depths  of  her  soul  that  for  a  long 
time  she  did  not  speak.  She  made 
her  bed  upon  the  bare  ground  and 
used  a  stock  or  stone  for  her  pillow  ; 
thus  she  was  accustomed  to  pass 
nights  without  sleep  thinking  of  the 
things  of  heaven.  She  never  again 
felt  any  evil  desire,  and  a  good  spirit 
strengthened  her  weak  flesh  for  toil. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

r~PHIS  valiant  woman,  when  the 
devil  assailed  her  by  crafty  and 
dangerous  advances,  once  and  again 
unmasked  the  enemy  through  his  own 
words  and  remained  unconquered.  In 
order  to  escape  the  temptation  to  vain- 
glory wherewith  the  evil  spirit  assailed 
her,  she  continued  to  assure  herself 
of  her  past  life  with  a  loud  voice  in 
the  streets  and  broad  ways,  and  to 
declare  herself  worthy  of  any  punish- 


ment. It  was  only  through  the  per- 
suasion of  her  Confessor  that  she  was 
prevented  from  marring  the  comeliness 
of  her  face  which  had  once  been  the 
source  of  unclean  love,  and  she  took 
it  to  heart  that  the  long  hardships 
which  she  inflicted  upon  her  flesh 
left  her  bodily  beauty  unchanged. 
By  these  and  other  great  works  of 
repentance  she  purged  away  the  stain 
of  her  guilt,  and  so  conquered  herself 
as  to  keep  all  her  senses  untouched 
by  the  allurements  of  the  world. 
Thus  was  she  made  worthy  often- 
times to  have  converse  with  the  Lord. 
Sometimes  all  her  senses  left  her,  and 
while  she  appeared  as  though  she  were 
actually  dead,  she  realised  her  burn- 
ing prayer  to  be  with  Christ  and  with 
the  Virgin,  the  Mother  of  Sorrows. 
It  came  to  pass  that  many  resorted 
to  her,  even  from  distant  places,  as  to 
a  teacher  of  perfection,  and  she  by 
that  heavenly  light  which  shone  in 
her  saw  the  secrets  of  hearts  and 
the  consciences  of  men,  and  perceived 
with  woe  and  tears  the  sins  of  those 
who  were  offending  God  even  in  far- 
off  places.  From  the  intensity  of  her 
love  for  God  and  for  her  neighbour 
she  was  of  great  profit  to  souls.  She 
obtained  health  for  the  sick  who 
betook  themselves  to  her,  and  de- 
liverance for  those  that  were  pos- 
sessed by  evil  spirits.  Touched  by 
a  mother's  grief  she  raised  her  dead 
son  to  life  ;  by  her  constant  prayers 
she  averted  the  threatening  tempests 
of  war ;  and  by  works  of  far-stretching 
mercy  she  earned  well  both  of  the 
living  and  of  the  dead. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

AITHILE  she  was  busied  with  so 
many  holy  works  she  laid 
aside  none  of  the  hardness  wherewith 
she  treated  her  body,  neither  did  she 
suffer  herself  to  relax  her  gaze  upon 


ST   MARGARET   OF   CORTONA. 


949 


things  heavenly.  In  both  kinds  of 
life  she  was  so  wonderful  that  she 
seemed  to  be  at  once  both  a  Mary 
and  a  Martha.  At  length  she  be- 
sought the  Lord  for  herself  that  He 
would  be  pleased  to  call  her  home 
out  of  this  vale  of  tears  into  our 
Fatherland  above  which  is  in  heaven, 
and  her  prayer  was  heard,  and  it 
was  revealed  to  her  on  what  day  and 
at  what  hour  she  should  fall  asleep. 
She  was  then  full  of  good  works  and 
labours  and  heavenly  gifts.  Her 
bodily  strength  began  to  give  way ; 
for  seventeen  days  she  took  no  food, 
and  strengthened  herself  only  by  talk- 
ing with  God.  Then  she  duly  re- 
ceived the  holy  sacraments  of  the 
church,  and  with  gladsome  face  and 
eyes  lifted  up  to  heaven  she  happily 
passed  away  hence  to  be  forever  with 
the  Bridegroom  upon  the  22nd  day 
of  February  in  the  year  of  man's 
salvation  1297,  of  her  own  age  the 
50th,  and  of  her  conversion  the 
23rd.  Her  body  remaineth  until 
this  day  lifelike,  incorrupt,  uninjured, 
and  diffusing  sweet  savour.  It  is 
preserved  in  deep  reverence  in  the 
church  of  the  Friars  Minor  which  is 
called  after  her  name.  She  hath 
constantly  flourished  by  miracles 
which    have    moved    the     Bishop    of 


Rome  to  grant  many  indulgences  for 
the  increase  of  her  honour,  and  Pope 
Benedict  XIII.  held  a  solemn  religious 
ceremony  of  her  canonisation  upon  the 
feast  of  Pentecost,  being  the  16th 
day  of  May  in  the  year   1728. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xiii.  44,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  583.) 

LAUDS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  Zacharias. 
When  God  gave  repentance  to  the 
Magdalene  of  the  Seraphic  Order,  she 
recovered  herself  out  of  the  snare  of 
the  devil,1  and  her  sins  which  were 
many  were  forgiven,  for  she  loved 
much.2 

SECOND    VESPERS. 

Antiphon  at  the  Song  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin.  3  My  beloved  is  mine  and  I 
am  his.  I  have  found  Him  Whom 
my  soul  loveth,  I  held  Him  and  would 
not  let  Him  go. 

In  the  Dioceses  of  Newport  and 
Menevia,  St  David,  March  1,  and  in 
the  Diocese  of  Birmingham,  St  Chad, 
March  2,  are  Doubles  of  the  First 
Class  with   Octaves. 


1  2  Tim.  ii.  25,  26. 


2  Luke  vii.  47. 


3  Cant.  ii.  16 ;  iii.  4. 


950 


OFFICES   PECULIAR   TO    IRELAND. 


iDIKces  peculiar  to  3frelanix 


The  Translator  did  not  live  to  revise  his  translation  of  the  following  Offices.  It  differs 
in  some  places  from  the  fuller  Irish  Supplement  which  is  now  in  use  ;  but  in  the 
circumstances  it  has  seemed  advisable  to  insert  it  as  its  Author  left  it,  altering  only 
the  rubrics  indicating  the  rite  of  the  Office,  where  the  rite  has  been  changed,  and 
making  one  or  perhaps  two  other  adjustments. 


November  27. 

St  jFarrell,1  Bishop  [of  &alj* 
intra;,]  Confessor. 

Double. 

All  from  the   Common   Office,    {p. 
515,)  except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office, "  Grant, 
we  beseech  Thee,  &c,"  {p.  524.) 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND   NOCTURN. 

{From  the  Proper  Offices  of  the  exempt 
Church  and  Diocese  of  Passau. ) 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T^ARRELL  was  born  in  Ireland  of 
a  noble  race,  and  from  a  little 
child,  his  good  dispositions  were  the 
wonder  of  all  who  knew  him.  He 
seemed  to  care  for  nothing  but  to 
study  the  Divine  Scriptures,  and  to 
do   works   of  love  and  worship.     He 


went  into  France  to  move  men's 
hearts  with  the  love  of  Christ,  and 
stood  high  in  the  esteem  of  King 
Pepin.  But  God  would  have  him 
to  be  as  a  candle  set  on  a  candlestick, 
that  all  men  might  see  his  light ;  and 
Pope  Stephen  the  Second  named  him 
to  the  Bishoprick  of  Salzburg.  In 
this  Office  he  set  before  his  flock 
so  bright  an  ensample  of  wisdom 
and  pastoral  care,  that  all  whom  he 
ruled  looked  upon  him  as  the  best 
of  fathers. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

A  T  a  great  expense  he  built  the 
cathedral  of  Salzburg  from  the 
foundations,  and  brought  thither,  with 
great  honour  and  edification  of  the 
people,  the  reliques  of  holy  Rupert,  the 
first  of  his  predecessors.  Concerning 
the  building  of  this  church,  we  find  a 
miracle  mentioned,  namely,  that  the 
money  for  the  payment  of  those  who 
were  employed  was  placed  in  an  open 
vessel  for  each  man  to  help  himself, 
but  that  none  of  them  was  ever  able 
to  take  out  of  it  more  than  was  the 
just  due  of  his  labour. 


1  Latinised,  Vergilius. 


OFFICES    PECULIAR   TO    IRELAND. 


951 


Sixth  Lesson. 

A  T  length  Farrell  was  worn  out 
with  unceasing  toil  and  old 
age,  and  having  ruled  the  Church 
committed  to  his  care,  with  great 
praise  of  godliness  and  great  profit 
to  souls,  and  sent  into  Carinthia 
that  Bishop  Modestus,  so  eminent 
for  holiness,  he  entered  into  the 
heavenly  mansions,  during  the  reign 
of  the  Emperor  Karl  the  Great. 
His  body  is  kept  honourably  in  the 
Church  of  Salzburg. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.    14,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,    (p.  522.) 


December  18. 

<St  jHannan,  IStsJop  [of  Hil* 
laloe,]  Confessor.1 

Greater  Double. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  {p.  524.) 

Lessons  of  the  Third  JVocturn,  {p. 

522.) 

January  2. 

&t  jftuncfjin,  SSisfjop  [of 
SLimertcfe,]  Confessor. 

Double  of  the  First  Class  in  the  Diocese 
of  Limerick. 

Prayer  throughout,  "Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  {p.  524.) 

Lessons  of  the  Third  JVocturn,  (p. 
522.) 

1  Son  of  King  Theodorick,  and  scholar  of 
John  IV.,  in  the  year  639. 

2  Called  "the  Brigid  of  Munster." 


January  8. 

$>t  Albert,  Btsfjon  [in  fHun- 
ster,]  Confessor. 

Double  of  the  First  Class  with  an 
Octave  in  the  Diocese  of  Cashel. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  {p.  524.) 

Lessons  of  the   Third  Nocturn,  {p. 

522.) 

January  15. 

§bt  Eta,2  Firgtn. 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common,  {p.  567,)  ex- 
cept the  following. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

r\  GOD,  Who  didst  adorn  Thy 
^-^  blessed  handmaiden  Ita  with 
countless  gifts  ;  grant  unto  us  at  her 
prayers,  we  beseech  Thee,  the  grace 
to  copy  in  our  lives  and  actions  the 
ensample  of  her  whom  we  love  and 
honour.  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. 


Hymn  at  both  Vespers,  and  at 
Mattins. 

OING  we  the  Island  of  Saints,  and  God's 

blessed  and  Royal  handmaiden, 
Ita,  a  child  of  our  Kings,  and  a  joy  and  an 

help  unto  Ireland, 
She  who  when  first   her   lips  were   open,  in 

accents  of  wisdom 
Spake,    and  filled  with    awe    her   glad  and 

wondering  elders ; 

St   Molua ;    consecrated  at  Rome,  by  Pope 


952 


OFFICES   PECULIAR   TO   IRELAND. 


Who,  when  she  lay  in  sleep,  was  seen  with 

flames  to  be  girded, — 
Sight   of  terror   and   dread,   till,  lo,  Christ's 

angel  descending 
Spake,    and   the   wonder    revealed,   how   the 

saintly  maiden  was  glowing, 
Not  with  the  fires  of  earth,  but  with  bright- 
ness of  heavenly  glory, 
Like   to   the   bush   that   burnt   and   was   not 

consumed  upon  Horeb. 
Choir  unto  choir  throughout  all  the  faithful 

Churches  of  Ireland, 
Rank   unto  rank  white-robed,  respond,  with 

ascriptions  of  glory, — 
Praise  unto  Him  That  begat,   and  to   Him 

the  Only-begotten, 
Praise  unto  Him  That  proceeds,  and  hallows 

the  Saints  of  His  people.     Amen. 

MATTINS. 
FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

T  N  the  sixth  age  of  the  Church 
there  flourished  in  the  province 
of  Munster  in  Ireland  the  holy 
Virgin  Ita,  so  illustrious  for  the 
spirit  of  prophecy,  and  for  famous 
miracles.  She  was  born  of  a 
kingly  race,  in  the  country  of  the 
Deasy  —  a  region  which  is  now 
included  in  the  County  of  Water- 
ford.  Her  glorious  works  at  once 
intensified  and  emphasised  the 
lustre  which  she  derived  from  her 
birth.  From  the  very  waters  of 
Baptism,  she  seemed  to  *be  filled 
with  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  all  men  marvelled  to  behold 
such  love  of  God,  such  guilelessness 
of  life,  such  lowliness  as  that  which 
she  bore  with  her  everywhere,  and 
such  great  wonders  as  those  which 
seemed  every  day  to  be  wrought  at 
her  prayers. 


Fifth  Lesson. 

VyHILE  she  was  yet  a  little  maid, 
she  earnestly  besought  her 
father  that  he  would  allow  her  to 
hallow  to  Christ  herself,  and  all  that 
she  had.  However,  her  father  had 
already  promised  her  in  marriage  to 
a  noble  stripling,  and  declared  that 
he  was  nowise  able  to  grant  her 
that  which  she  asked.  Ita  never- 
theless, without  any  hesitation,  and 
filled  with  the  spirit  of  prophecy, 
foretold  to  them  that  stood  by  that 
things  would  shortly  turn  out  other- 
wise. "  Let  my  father  have  time," 
said  she ;  "  he  forbiddeth  me  now 
to  be  hallowed  to  God,  but  here- 
after he  will  pray  me  to  do  this 
very  thing,  and  my  Lord  JESUS 
Christ  will  command  him,  and  he 
will  allow  me  to  go  whithersoever 
I  will,  that  I  may  serve  God."  And 
so  it  came  to  pass,  a  while  after, 
that  it  was  at  the  persuasion  of  her 
father  that  this  blessed  virgin  re- 
ceived the  hallowed  veil  of  virginity 
from  the  churchmen. 


Sixth  Lesson. 

/^\NCE  upon  a  time  the  holy  Ita, 
taught  by  a  messenger  from 
heaven,  left  the  land  of  her  fathers, 
and  went  to  the  country  of  the  Hy- 
Conaill,  and  there  built  a  monastery, 
at  the  foot  of  mount  Luachra.  The 
fame  of  this  monastery  passed  through 
the  whole  island,  and  drew  thither 
countless  virgins,  who  sought  for 
graces  like  Ita's,  and,  with  her, 
hallowed  themselves  to  Christ.  Many 
Bishops  and  Abbats  asked  advice  of 
holy  Ita,  and  among  them  were 
numbered  St  Fachnan,  St  Brandan, 
St  Colman,  St  Mochaemoc,  and  St 
Laserian.  At  length  the  blessed 
Virgin  sank  from  weakness,  and  when 
she    had   given    her   blessing    to    the 


OFFICES    PECULIAR   TO   IRELAND. 


953 


whole  sept  of  the  Hy-Conaill,  and 
been  strengthened  with  the  Holy 
Sacraments,  she  happily  passed  away 
hence  to  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord, 
upon  the  15th  day  of  January,  in  the 
year  of  salvation  570. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  1,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Gregory,  (p. 
57I-) 

January  16. 

8>X  Jfttrseg,  &fcirat 

Double. 

All  frotn  the  Common  Office,  (p. 
531,)  except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  O  Lord,  we 
beseech  Thee,  &c,"  (p.  545.) 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

The  Lesson  is  taken  from  the  Sermons 
of  the  Venerable  Bede,  Priest,  [at 
Jarrow.]  (English  Church  Hist., 
iii.  19.) 

T^URSEY  had  preached  the  word 
of  God  for  many  years  in  Ire- 
land,1 but  not  being  able  any  longer 
to  endure  the  riots  of  the  mobs,  who 
broke  in  upon  him,  he  came  into  the 
land  of  the  English,  where  also  he 
preached  the  word  of  God,  and  built 
a  monastery.  After  these  things  he 
was  fain  to  withdraw  himself  from  all 


business,  and  so  left  his  monastery, 
and  the  care  of  souls  to  his  brother 
Fullan,  and  the  priests  Gobban  and 
Dicull,  and  made  arrangements  for 
finishing  his  life  as  a  hermit. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

T_T  E  had  another  brother  called 
Ultan,  who,  after  a  long  trial 
in  a  monastery,  had  gone  to  live  as 
a  hermit ;  to  him  went  Fursey,  and 
dwelt  with  him  a  whole  year.  When 
he  saw  the  country  troubled  by  an 
invasion  of  Gentiles,  he  took  ship  for 
Gaul,  and  there  being  honourably 
welcomed  by  Hlodvius,  King  of  the 
Franks,  and  the  noble  Ercunvald,  he 
built  a  monastery  at  Lagny-sur-Marne. 
Not  long  after  he  fell  ill,  and  died. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

J7RCUNVALD  took  his  body,  and 
kept  it  in  the  porch  of  the 
church,  which  he  was  building  in  his 
own  town  of  Peronne,  until  such  time 
as  the  said  church  should  be  dedi- 
cated. When  this  ceremony  took 
place  at  the  end  of  twenty-seven  days, 
and  the  body  was  carried  in  from  the 
porch  to  be  buried  near  the  altar, 
it  was  found  to  be  quite  perfect. 
Again  at  the  end  of  four  years,  a 
little  chapel  having  been  built  east- 
ward of  the  altar,  for  its  more  honour- 
able reception,  it  was  found,  on  its 
translation  thither,  to  be  still  without 
any  mark  of  corruption ;  and  it  is 
well  known  that  in  that  place  God 
hath  often  been  pleased  to  cause  him 
to  work  wonders. 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xix.  27,  with 
the  Homily  of  St  Jerome,  (p.  471.) 


1  Scotia  is  the  word  used  here  and  in  several  other  places,  to  indicate  Ireland,  as  the  original 
home  of  the  Scotch  race. 


VOL.  I. 


2   I 


954 


OFFICES    PECULIAR   TO   IRELAND. 


January  31. 

St  Strati,  (jmoooc,)  Btsfjon  [of 
jFerns,]  anD  (Confessor.1 

(jreater  Double. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  {p.  524.) 

Lessons  of  the   Third  Nocturn,  {p. 

522.) 

February   i. 

St  Brtgto,  (23rtoe,)  Ftrgtn. 
Patroness  of  Srelarttr. 

Double  of  the  Second  Class. 

All  from  the  Common  Office  for  Vir- 
gins, {p.  567,)  except  the  following. 

Prayer  throughout  the  Office. 

f~\  GOD,  Who  year  by  year  dost 
cause  us  to  rejoice  as  upon  this 
day,  in  the  feast  of  Thy  blessed  hand- 
maiden Brigid,  mercifully  grant  us 
help  for  her  sake,  the  bright  ensample 
of  whose  chastity  doth  still  shed  its 
light  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.     Amen. 

MATTINS. 

FIRST    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from    1    Cor.  vii.  25,  as  in 
the  Common. 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Fourth  Lesson. 

'"PHE   holy  virgin   Brigid  was  born 

of  noble  and  Christian  parents 

in  the  province  of  Leinster  in  Ireland, 


and  she  was  the  mother  in  Christ  of 
many  holy  maidens.  While  she  was 
yet  a  little  child,  her  father  saw  men 
clad  in  white  raiment  pouring  holy 
oil  upon  her  head,  which  thing  was 
a  foreshadowing  of  the  godliness  and 
holiness  of  the  virgin.  As  soon  as 
she  had  attained  to  the  first  years 
of  girlhood,  she  chose  Christ  her 
Saviour  for  her  Bridegroom,  and 
clung  to  Him  with  so  profound  a 
passion  of  her  heart,  that  she  gave 
away  to  the  poor  whatsoever  she 
had.  The  matchless  loveliness  of 
her  body  brought  about  her  a  host 
of  suitors,  and  lest  they  should 
prevail  with  her  to  break  the  in- 
tention of  virginity,  by  which  she 
had  given  herself  over  to  God,  she 
prayed  God  to  make  her  unsightly. 
She  was  soon  heard.  One  eye 
swelled,  and  her  whole  face  became 
so  changed,  that  she  was  allowed 
to  send  back  the  messenger  of  the 
suitors,  and  by  a  solemn  vow  to 
keep  her  virginity  for  Christ. 

Fifth  Lesson. 

CHE  took  with  her  three  maidens, 
and  went  to  Bishop  Mahew,  the 
disciple  of  St  Patrick.  When  he 
beheld  a  pillar  of  fire  over  her 
head,  he  clad  her  in  a  white  tunic 
and  a  white  mantle,  read  the  sacred 
prayers,  and  admitted  her  to  that 
canonical  profession  which  blessed 
Patrick  had  brought  into  Ireland. 
At  the  moment  that  she  bowed 
down  her  head  to  receive  the 
hallowed  veil,  she  chanced  to  touch 
the  wooden  step  of  the  altar  with 
her  hand,  and  the  dry  wood  at  once 
became  green,  and  her  eye  was 
healed,  and  her  face  became  lovely 
as    beforetime.      After    her    example, 


__ '  Born  at  East  Breffny,  in  the  year  558  ;  sojourned  for  some  time  in  Wales  ;  died,  628. 
Edan,  Aedan,  or  Aidan,  is  the  diminutive  of  Aodh,  or  Aedh  (translated  Hew  or  Hugh.) 
Modoc  is  Aodh  with  the  possessive  prefix,  mo,  my,  and  the  diminutive  suffix  of  endearment. 


OFFICES    PECULIAR   TO   IRELAND. 


955 


so  great  a  multitude  of  maidens  em- 
braced the  regular  life,  that  in  a  little 
while  all  Ireland  was  filled  with  houses 
of  nuns,  whereof  the  chief  was  that 
one  in  which  Brigid  herself  ruled, 
and  from  which  the  others  hung,  as 
from  their  head. 

Sixth  Lesson. 

'T'HE  holiness  of  this  virgin  is  wit- 
nessed by  the  miracles  which 
she  openly  wrought,  not  only  during 
her  life,  but  also  after  her  course  in 
this  world  was  ended.  Very  often 
did  she  cleanse  lepers,  and  obtain 
health  by  her  prayers  for  them  that 
were  sick  of  divers  diseases.  She 
opened  the  eyes  of  one  that  was  born 
blind.  A  certain  shameless  woman 
had  an  unlawful  child,  whereof  she 
protested  that  Bishop  Broonus  was 
the  father,  but  Brigid  made  the  sign 
of  the  cross  upon  the  mouth  of  the 
new-born  child,  which  forthwith  told 
the  name  of  its  real  father,  and  so 
delivered  the  Bishop  from  that  false 
accusation.  She  had  the  spirit  of 
prophecy,  and  foretold  many  things 
which  were  yet  to  come,  as  though 
they  were  present  before  her.  She 
was  bound  in  a  holy  friendship  to 
St  Patrick  the  Apostle  of  the  Irish. 
She  foretold  when  he  would  pass  out 
of  this  life,  and  where  would  be  the 
place  of  his  sepulchre.  She  was  there 
when  he  passed  away,  and  gave  the 
linen  which  she  had  made  ready  be- 
forehand to  swathe  his  body  withal. 
At  last  she  gave  up  her  beautiful  soul 
to  her  bridegroom  Christ,  and  was 
laid  in  the  same  grave  with  blessed 
Patrick. 


THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xxv.  I,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Gregory,  {p.  571.) 


February  6. 

St  Jftel,  Btsjjop  [of  ^rcasft,] 
ana  Confessor.1 

Greater  Double. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  {p.  524.) 

Lessons  of  the  Third  Nocturn,  (J>.' 
522.) 

February  17. 

&t  jrmtan,  <mUU2 

Double. 

All  from  the  Common  Office,  (p. 
S3*-) 

Prayer  throughout,  "  O  Lord,  we 
beseech  Thee,"  (p.   545.) 

FIRST   NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Scripture  according  to 
the  Season,  or  in  Lent  from  Ecclus. 
xxxi.   8,  {p.   542.) 

SECOND    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  St  Gregory  on  Job,  {p. 

543-) 

THIRD    NOCTURN. 

Lessons  from  Matth.  xix.  27,  with  the 
Homily  of  St  Jerome,  {p.  471.) 


1  Said  to  have  been  a  nephew  of  St  Patrick,  being  the  son  of  his  sister  Darerca ;  placed  in 
his  see  by  St  Patrick,  by  whom  it  had  been  founded  ;  died  in  the  year  488. 

2  Abbat  of  Cluain-Ednech,  in  the  diocese  of  Lethglean,  in  Leinster,  in  the  sixth  cen- 
tury. (Alban  Butler.)  "  He  is  of  the  race  of  Eochaidh  Finnfuathairt,  of  whom  was  Brigid. 
He  is  described  as  Fintan  the  generous,  chief  head  of  the  monks  of  Ireland,  and  re- 
sembling St  Benedict  in  his  manners  and  life."  Bp.  Forbes'  Kalendars  of  the  Scottish  Saints, 
P-  349- 


956 


OFFICES   PECULIAR    TO.  IRELAND. 


March  5. 

<£t  Ciaran,   ($ trait,)  Btsfjop 
[of  ©ssorgj  Confessor.1 

Greater  Double. 

Prayer  throughout,  "Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  (p.  524.) 

Lessons  of  the  Third  Nocturn,  (p. 
522.) 

March  8. 

■St  Catalo,  Btsijop  [of 
Earento,]  Confessor,2 

Double. 

All  from    the    Common   Office,    (p. 
515,)    just    as     it    stands  —  (Prayer 


throughout,  "  Grant,  we  beseech  Thee, 
&c.,")  —  unless  kept  out  of  Lent,  in 
'which  case  the  Lessons  of  the  First 
Nocturn  are  from  Scripture  according 
to  the  Season. 


March  13. 

&t  Senan,  33tsf)op  [of  &cat= 
terg  Islano,]  Confessor.3 

Double. 

Prayer  throughout,  "  Grant,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  &c,"  (p.  524.) 

Lessons  of  the   Third  Nocturn,  (p. 

522.) 


1  Called  the  first-born  of  the  Saints  of  Ireland ;  said  to  have  been  born  in  Ossory  about 
the  year  352 ;  receiving  some  imperfect  knowledge  of  Christianity,  he  went  to  Rome,  and,  on 
his  way  back,  joined  company  with  St  Patrick,  who  was  then  starting  (A.  u.  402) ;  founded  the 
See  of  Ossory  at  Saigir ;  he  withdrew  to  Cornwall,  and  there  died  at  the  place  called  from 
him  St  Piran's. 

'2  A  learned  Irish  monk,  for  some  time  regent  of  the  school  of  Lismore  ;  made  a  pilgrimage 
to  Jerusalem,  and  afterwards  settled  at  Tarento,  where  he  was  elected  Bishop  towards  the  end 
of  the  seventh  century.     ( Alban  Butler. ) 

3  Born  about  the  year  448,  of  kingly  race ;  travelled  a  good  deal,  visiting  Rome,  Tours, 
and  Menevia  (St  David's) ;  founded  several  monasteries  in  Ireland,  and  died  at  Kileochaille. 
Along  with  St  Ita  he  is  the  Patron  Saint  of  the  Hy-Conaill.  By  some  he  is  identified  with 
St  Mashenoc,  and  with  the  Scotch  St  Kessog. 


END    OF    VOLUME    I. 


PRINTED    IIV   WILLIAM    W.ACKWOOD    AND    SONS 


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