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CHIEFLY COMPOSED AND SELECTED BY
THE REV. J. M. NEALE, D.D.
FOUNDER OF ST. MARGARET S, EAST GRINSTED
RIVINGTONS
Jotrtion, iforfc, anfc Cambritige
G. WAKELING, BRIGHTON
1868
M43
4UN 151880
TO THEIR FATHER
HIS LOVING DAUGHTERS
S. MARGARET S CONVENT
EAST GRINSTED
(Errata
Page 8, line 2 from top, for " passions " read " Passion."
Page 10, line 9 from bottom, for " Mended " read
"Ended."
Page 1 6, line 13 from top, for "stormy" read "stony."
Page 1 8, line 10 from top, for "paradise" read "pardon."
Page 30, line 2 from top, for "leading" read "pleading."
Page 55, line 9 from top, for " restitution " read " restric
tion."
Page 76, line 10 from bottom, for "revived" read "re
ceived comfort."
f r*f ace
Two years ago, in the stillness of a calm,
fragrant summer night, it pleased GOD to call
to Himself our father and founder, the Rev.
John Mason Neale. When day broke on the
morning of the Transfiguration, its beams fell
on a weary body, newly laid to rest, and on a
very sore bereaven home.
What Dr. Neale was, in his relation to the
Sisterhood he founded, it would not be easy
to express. How, through all the troubles
and difficulties that beset S. Margaret s at
various times of its existence, his far-sighted
judgments and loving courage upheld, and
taught, and guided his Sisters. How, first
by his example, and then in sermons, Scrip
ture lessons, prayers, and conferences, he
spared no pains to brace them for their daily
labours, and for the high line of religious life
x PREFACE
which he had marked out for them to follow :
the union of action and contemplation.
Now, taken suddenly from amongst us, in,
as it seemed, the summer of his life and of his
toils, he has left us with our duties still before
us ; with his lessons, so we hope, still in our
minds.
By the help of GOD we continue unto this
day. But we are aware that if the spirit of
our founder is to remain with us, his teaching
must not be entrusted to the guardianship of
mere memory or manuscript. Therefore we
not only prepare his sermons for the press,
but collect in the present volume the devo
tional exercises given by him at various times
for private use. We hope that they may be
profitable to other Sisters besides ourselves ;
and we also consider this collection to be a
tribute due to our founder s memory.
It has been subjected to no revision ex
ternal to the Sisterhood. It is simply a
Sisters book, prepared by Sisters* who, alone,
are responsible for it. Various devotions have
PREFACE xi
been added to the original matter, in order
to render the book more useful as a manual ;
but the additions are carefully in accord
ance with Dr. Neale s own teaching, and, in
almost all cases, from books given by himself
for devotional use ; almost the only excep
tion being the Himmlisches P ahngartlein (the
German original of the Celeste Palmetum),
which has kindly been put into our hands by
Mr. J. D. Chambers.
The principal works thus made use of are :
"The Priest to the Altar," and "Ancient
Collects ; " by kind permission of the Revs.
J. G. Medd and W. Bright.
" Opuscules de S. Frangois de Sales."
" Heures de nostre Dame." Paris, 1541.
Gueranger s "Annee Eucharistique."
A Portuguese book of devotions for Holy
Communion, which has lost its title-page.
The " Paradise of the Christian Soul," the
" Enchiridion," by Mr. J. D. Chambers, and Bp.
Andrewes " Devotions " (of which the latter
half was translated by Dr. Neale himself),
xii PREFACE
were among the books most generally given
by him for his Sisters use ; but, as these are
all easily attainable, it has been thought un
desirable to swell the volume by selecting
portions of their contents.
The parts not by Dr. Neale are marked
with an asterisk. A supplementary volume
of Litanies, &c., is in the press.
Fully aware of the imperfection of our
work, and of its responsibility, we yet dare
to hope that it may not be wholly unaccept
able nor unprofitable ; for, truly, "we have
been careful that they that will read may
have delight, and that they that are desirous
to commit to memory might have ease, and
that all into whose hands it comes might
have profit."
FESTIVAL OF THE TRANSFIGURATION,
1868.
[The works containing the prayers, pp. 240-256 ("Enchi
ridion precationum : " Simon Werp : Dillingen : 1580; and
" Liber de quatuor novissimus :" Dionysius the Carthusian :
Paris: 1551), were only placed in our hands while these
sheets were passing through the press ; so that the selections
from them could not be inserted at their proper places in the
body of the book.]
THE LITTLE HOURS
THE HOLY GHOST
BEFORE each of these Hours is said the Veni
Creator Spiritus : kneeling at the first verse.
Come, HOLY GHOST, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
^ Who dost Thy seven-fold gifts impart.
Thy blessed Unction from above,
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of Thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home .
Where Thou art guide, no ill can come.
A
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Teach us to know the FATHER, SON,
And Thee, of both, to be but One.
That, through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song ;
Praise to Thy eternal merit,
FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT.
MATINS.
Our FATHER.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us.
V. Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON,
and to the HOLY GHOST.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be : world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
The Hymn.
Let the HOLY SPIRIT S grace,
On our souls descending,
Guide us all our journey through,
Cheer us at its ending :
He that broodeth o er the deep,
He Whose operation
In the Virgin s holy womb
Wrought the INCARNATION.
Antiphon. Stablish the thing, O GOD, that Thou
HOURS OF THE HOL Y GHOST 3
hast wrought in us : for Thy Temple s sake at
Jerusalem.
Psalm Ixviii. Exurgat Deus.
1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scat
tered : let them also that hate him flee before him.
2 Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou
drive them away : and like as wax melteth at the
fire, so let the ungodly perish at the presence of
God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice
before God : let them also be merry and joyful.
4 O sing unto God, and sing praises unto his
Name : magnify him that rideth upon the heavens,
as it were upon an horse ; praise him in his Name
JAH, and rejoice before him.
5 He is a Father of the fatherless, and defendeth
the cause of the widows : even God in his holy
habitation.
6 He is the God that maketh men to be of one
mind in an house, and bringeth the prisoners out
of captivity : but letteth the runagates continue in
scarceness.
7 O God, when thou wentest forth before the
people : when thou wentest through the wilderness.
8 The earth shook, and the heavens dropped
at the presence of God : even as Sinai also was
moved at the presence of God, who is the God of
Israel.
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9 Thou, O God, sentest a gracious rain upon
thine inheritance : and refreshedst it when it was
weary.
10 Thy congregation shall dwell therein : for
thou, O God, hast of thy goodness prepared for
the poor.
11 The Lord gave the word : great was the
company of the preachers.
12 Kings with their armies did flee, and were
discomfited : and they of the household divided
the spoil.
13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet
shall ye be as the wings of a dove : that is covered
with silver wings, and her feathers like gold.
14 When the Almighty scattered kings for their
sake : then were they as white as snow in Salmon.
15 As the hill of Basan, so is God s hill : even
an high hill, as the hill of Basan.
1 6 Why hop ye so, ye high hills? this is God s
hill, in the which it pleaseth him to dwell : yea,
the Lord will abide in it for ever.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
even thousands of angels : and the Lord is among
them, as in the holy place of Sinai.
1 8 Thou art gone up on high, thou hast led
captivity captive, and received gifts for men : yea,
even for thine enemies, that the Lord God might
dwell among them.
19 Praised be the Lord daily : even the God
HOURS OF THE HOL Y GHOST 5
who helpeth us, and poureth his benefits upon
us.
20 He is our God, even the God of whom
cometh salvation : God is the Lord, by whom we
escape death.
21 God shall wound the head of his enemies :
and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still
in his wickedness.
22 The Lord hath said, I will bring my people
again, as I did from Basan : mine own will I bring
again, as I did sometime from the deep of the
sea.
23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of
thine enemies : and that the tongue of thy dogs
may be red through the same.
24 It is well seen, O God, how thou goest :
how thou, my God and King, goest in the sanc
tuary.
25 The singers go before, the minstrels follow
after : in the midst are the damsels playing with
the timbrels.
26 Give thanks, O Israel, unto God the Lord in
the congregations : from the ground of the heart.
27 There is little Benjamin their ruler, and
the princes of Judah their counsel : the princes
of Zabulon, and the princes of Nephthali.
28 Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee :
stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought
in us.
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29 For thy temple s sake at Jerusalem : so shall
kings bring presents unto thee.
30 When the company of the spear-men, and
multitude of the mighty are scattered abroad
among the beasts of the people, so that they
humbly bring pieces of silver : and when he hath
scattered the people that delight in war ;
31 Then shall the princes come out of Egypt :
the Morians land shall soon stretch out her hands
unto God.
32 Sing unto God, O ye kingdoms of the earth :
O sing praises unto the Lord ;
33 Who sitteth in the heavens over all from the
beginning : lo, he doth send out his voice, yea,
and that a mighty voice.
34 Ascribe ye the power to God over Israel :
his worship, and strength is in the clouds.
35 O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places :
even the God of Israel ; he will give strength and
power unto his people ; blessed be God.
Glory be to the FATHER, &c.
V. The SPIRIT of GOD. Alleluia.
R. Moved upon the face of the waters. Alleluia.
Collect
O GOD the HOLY GHOST, Who knowest me to
be weak, and in need of Thy strength, ignorant,
and in need of Thy wisdom, dark, and in need of
Thy light : Come, Thou that art the raiser of the
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST 7
fallen ; come, Thou that art the Star of the tempest-
tost ; come, Thou that art the Teacher of the
humble ; come, Thou that art the Father of the
orphans : and dwelling in Thy temple, which is
my body, and purifying Thy shrine, which is my
soul, so guard me in the way, that I may finally
merit to behold the Beatific Vision in my country :
Who livest and reignest with the FATHER, and the
SON, One GOD : world without end. Amen.
V. GOD kindle the fire of His love in our hearts.
ft. Amen.
PRIME.
Our FATHER.
I believe.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us.
V. Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON, and
to the HOLY GHOST.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be : world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
The Hymn.
Thus GOD S truth can never fail,
Nor His promise vary :
And Incarnate was the SON
Of the Virgin Mary.
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Laboured, suffered, on the Cross
All His passions ended :
Died, was buried, rose again,
And to heaven ascended.
Antiphon. This GOD is our GOD for ever and
ever : He shall be our guide even unto death.
Psalm xlviii.
1 Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised :
in the city of our God, even upon his holy hill.
2 The hill of Sion is a fair place, and the joy of
the whole earth : upon the north-side lieth the city
of the great King ; God is well known in her palaces
as a sure refuge.
3 For lo, the kings of the earth : are gathered,
and gone by together.
4 They marvelled to see such things : they were
astonished, and suddenly cast down.
5 Fear came there upon them, and sorrow : as
upon a woman in her travail.
6 Thou shalt break the ships of the sea : through
the east-wind.
7 Like as we have heard, so have we seen in the
city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God :
God upholdeth the same for ever.
8 We wait for thy loving-kindness, O God : in
the midst of thy temple.
9 O God, according to thy Name, so is thy
HOURS OF THE HOL Y GHOST 9
praise unto the world s end : thy right hand is full
of righteousness.
10 Let the mount Sion rejoice, and the daughter
of Judah be glad : because of thy judgments.
1 1 Walk about Sion, and go round about her :
and tell the towers thereof.
1 2 Mark well her bulwarks, set up her houses :
that ye may tell them that come after.
13 For this God is our God for ever and ever :
he shall be a guide unto death.
Glory be to the FATHER, &c.
V. The SPIRIT the Paraclete. Alleluia.
R. Shall teach you all things. Alleluia.
The Collect,
O GOD the HOLY GHOST, Who knowest me to
be impure, and in need of Thy purity, listless, and
in need of Thy quickening, dead, and in need of
Thy life : grant that like as we have heard of Thy
dealings with others, when Thou didst endue the
Martyrs with courage, and the Confessors with
zeal, and the Virgins with chastity, and the eyes of
the penitent with rivers of waters : so I may see
these Thy loving-kindnesses for myself, and may
feel Thee to be a very present help ; that hereafter
I may walk about Sion, that Hill of Sion which is
the joy of the whole earth : where Thou livest and
reignest with the FATHER and the SON, GOD to all
ages of ages. Amen.
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V. GOD kindle the fire of His love in our hearts.
R. Amen.
TIERCE.
Our FATHER.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us.
V. Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON, and
to the HOLY GHOST.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be : world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
The Hymn.
Yet He would not leave the Twelve
Orphans in their sadness :
But He sent the HOLY GHOST
Bringing joy and gladness :
At the Hour of Tierce, the LORD
Mended their affliction,
On the Day of Pentecost
With His Benediction.
Antiphon. O come hither : and behold the works
of the LORD.
Psalm xlvi.
1 God is our hope and strength : a very present
help in trouble.
2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST n
be moved : and though the hills be carried into the
midst of the sea.
3 Though the waters thereof rage and swell :
and though the mountains shake at the tempest of
the same.
4 The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad
the city of God : the holy place of the tabernacle
of the most Highest.
5 God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she
not be removed : God shall help her, and that
right early.
6 The heathen make much ado, and the king
doms are moved : but God hath shewed his voice,
and the earth shall melt away.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of
Jacob is our refuge.
8 O come hither, and behold the works of the
Lord : what destruction he hath brought upon the
earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease in all the
world : he breaketh the bow, and knappeth
the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots
in the fire.
10 Be still, then, and know that I am God : I
will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be
exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of
Jacob is our refuge.
Glory be to the FATHER, &c.
12 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
V. And suddenly there came a sound from
Heaven. Alleluia, Alleluia.
R. As of a rushing vehement wind. Alleluia,
Alleluia.
The Collect.
O GOD the HOLY GHOST, Who didst descend
upon the Apostles in the likeness of fiery tongues
on the Feast of Pentecost : coming not without a
mystery on the tenth day after the Ascension, but
thereby manifesting Thy will that the tenth piece
of silver, lost man, should be found : kindle in me
the fire of Thy love : be Thou in the midst of me,
that I may not be removed : do Thou help me, and
that right early : do Thou of Thy goodness prepare
me for the poor : so that being Thy servant, I may
be also theirs, and may merit to be exalted here
after, with Lazarus, into Abraham s bosom : who
livest and reignest, with the FATHER and the SON,
GOD to all ages of ages. Amen.
V. The Virtue of the Paraclete defend us from all
evil.
R. Amen.
SEXT.
Our FATHER.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us.
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST 13
V. Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON, and
to the HOLY GHOST.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be : world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
The Hymn.
They received the SPIRIT S love,
And the Graces Seven,
Which are wont to guide the soul
Up from earth to Heaven :
In His strength they thus went forth
Sin and demons shaming,
And the Catholic Belief
Everywhere proclaiming.
Antiphon. Their sound is gone out into all lands :
and their words unto the ends of the world.
Psalm xix.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God : and
the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 One day telleth another : and one night certi-
fieth another.
3 There is neither speech nor language : but
their voices are heard among them.
4 Their sound is gone out into all lands : and
their words into the ends of the world.
5 In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun :
which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his
14 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
chamber, and rejoiceth as a giant to run his
course.
6 It goeth forth from the uttermost part of
the heaven, and runneth about unto the end of it
again : and there is nothing hid from the heat
thereof.
7 The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, con
verting the soul : the testimony of the Lord is sure,
and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice
the heart : the commandment of the Lord is pure,
and giveth light unto the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, and endureth
for ever : the judgments of the Lord are true, and
righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea,
than much fine gold : sweeter also than honey, and
the honey-comb.
1 1 Moreover, by them is thy servant taught : and
in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how oft he offendeth : O cleanse
thou me from my secret faults.
13 Keep thy servant also from presumptuous
sins, lest they get the dominion over me : so shall
I be undefiled, and innocent from the great offence.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the medita
tion of my heart : be alway acceptable in thy sight
150 Lord : my strength, and my Redeemer.
Glory be to the FATHER, &c.
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST 15
V. There appeared unto them cloven tongues
like as of fire. Alleluia.
R. And it sat upon each of them. Alleluia.
The Collect,
O GOD the HOLY GHOST, of Whom comes all
grace here, and by Whom only we can attain to
glory hereafter : for all that Thou hast done in me
from my birth till this present day, and for all that
I have done in Thy strength, I render Thee hearty
thanks : and herein for my baptism, my confirma
tion, my many communions, my many confessions
[my special vow of chastity], all Thy helps to good,
and hindrances from evil, every good action I have
done for others every good work I have done for
Thee. And grant me so to persevere in all truth
and good, that hereafter I may see Thee, the chief
Good and the only Truth : who livest an d reignest
with the FATHER, and the SON, One GOD, to all ages
of ages. Amen.
V. The fortitude of the HOLY GHOST establish
our hearts.
R. Amen.
NONES.
Our FATHER.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us:
1 6 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
V. Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON,
and to the HOLY GHOST.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be : world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
The Hymn.
Paraclete of Paracletes
Was His appellation :
Comfort, gladness, fire of love
And illumination :
Every faithful Christian heart
With His grace renewing :
Every cold and stormy soul
Softening and bedewing.
Antiphon. The River of GOD is full of water :
Thou preparest their corn.
Psalm Ixv.
1 Thou, O God, art praised in Sion : and unto
thee shall the vow be performed in Jerusalem.
2 Thou that hearest the prayer : unto thee shall
all flesh come.
3 My misdeeds prevail against me : O be thou
merciful unto our sins.
4 Blessed is the man, whom thou choosest, and
receivest unto thee : he shall dwell in thy court,
and shall be satisfied with the pleasures of thy
house, even of thy holy temple.
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST 17
5 Thou shalt show us wonderful things in thy
righteousness, O God of our salvation : thou that
art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of
them that remain in the broad sea.
6 Who in his strength setteth fast the mountains :
and is girded about with power.
7 Who stilleth the raging of the sea : and the
noise of his waves, and the madness of the people.
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts of
the earth shall be afraid at thy tokens : thou that
makest the outgoings of the morning and evening
to praise thee.
9 Thou visitest the earth, and blessest it : thou
makest it very plenteous.
10 The river of God is full of water : thou pre-
parest their corn, for so thou providest for the
earth.
1 1 Thou waterest her furrows, thou sendest rain
into the little valleys thereof : thou makest it soft
with the drops of rain, and blessest the increase
of it.
1 2 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness :
and thy clouds drop fatness.
13 They shall drop upon the dwellings of the
wilderness : and the little hills shall rejoice on
every side.
14 The folds shall be full of sheep : the valleys
also shall stand so thick with corn, that they shall
laugh and sing.
1 8 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Glory be to the FATHER, &c.
V. The Spirit of Truth. Alleluia.
R. Shall lead you into all truth. Alleluia.
The Collect.
O GOD the HOLY GHOST, Who seest that my
misdeeds prevail against me, grant me to know the
blessedness of that man, whom Thou choosest,
and receivest unto Thee ; so that, being received
by Thee in confession, I may be crowned by Thy
goodness in paradise ; and that, though my heart
be like a wilderness, barren and dry, where no water
is, the dew of Thy forgiveness may drop upon it,
till finally Thou shalt take me Home to be satisfied
with the pleasures of Thy House, even of thy Holy
Temple ; where with the FATHER and the SON, Thou
livest and reignest, One GOD : world without end.
Amen.
V. The purity of the HOLY GHOST cleanse our
hearts.
R. Amen.
VESPERS.
Our FATHER.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us.
V. Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON, and
to the HOLY GHOST.
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST 19
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be : world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
The Hymn.
Finger Thou of GOD S Right Hand,
Point us to our duty :
Fountain of all loveliness,
Lead us to all Beauty :
That protected by Thy love,
By Thy Might defended,
We may be received at last
When all griefs are ended.
Antiphon. When Thou sendest forth Thy SPIRIT*
they shall be renewed.
Psalm civ. JBenedic, anima mea.
1 Praise the Lord, O my soul : O Lord my
God, thou art become exceeding glorious, thou art
clothed with majesty and honour.
2 Thou deckest thyself with light as it were with
a garment : and spreadest out the heavens like a
curtain.
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the
waters : and maketh the clouds his chariot, and
walketh upon the wings of the wind.
4 He maketh his angels spirits : and his ministers
a flaming fire.
20 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
5 He laid the foundations of the earth : that it
never should move at any time.
6 Thou coveredst it with the deep like as with a
garment : the waters stand in the hills.
7 At thy rebuke they flee : at the voice of thy
thunder they are afraid.
8 They go up as high as the hills, and down to
the valleys beneath : even unto the place which
thou hast appointed for them.
9 Thou hast set them there bounds which they
shall not pass : neither turn again to cover the earth.
10 He sendeth the springs into the rivers : which
run among the hills.
1 1 All beasts of the field drink thereof : and the
wild asses quench their thirst.
12 Beside them shall the fowls of the air have
their habitation : and sing among the branches.
13 He watereth the hills from above : the earth
is filled with the fruit of thy works.
14 He bringeth forth grass for the cattle : and
green herb for the service of men ;
15 That he may bring food out of the earth, and
wine that maketh glad the heart of man : and oil
to make him a cheerful countenance, and bread to
strengthen man s heart.
1 6 The trees of the Lord also are full of sap :
even the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted ;
1 7 Wherein the birds make their nests : and the
fir-trees are a dwelling for the stork.
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST 21
1 8 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats :
and so are the stony rocks for the conies.
19 He appointed the moon for certain seasons :
and the sun knoweth his going down.
20 Thou makest darkness that it may be night :
wherein all the beasts of the forest do move.
21 The lions roaring after their prey : do seek
their meat from God.
22 The sun ariseth, and they get them away
together : and lay them down in their dens.
23 Man goeth forth to his work, and to his
labour : until the evening,
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works : in wis
dom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of
thy riches.
25 So is the great and wide sea also : wherein
are things creeping innumerable, both small and
great beasts.
26 There go the ships, and there is that Levia
than : whom thou hast made to take his pastime
therein.
27 These wait all upon thee : that thou mayest
give them meat in due season.
28 When thou givest it them they gather it : and
when thou openest thy hand they are filled with
good.
29 When thou hidest thy face they are troubled :
when thou takest away their breath they die, and
are turned again to their dust.
22 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
30 When thou lettest thy breath go forth they
shall be made : and thou shalt renew the face of the
earth.
31 The glorious Majesty of the Lord shall
endure for ever : the Lord shall rejoice in his
works.
32 The earth shall tremble at the look of him :
if he do but touch the hills, they shall smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live : I
will praise my God while I have my being.
34 And so shall my words please him : my joy
be in the Lord.
35 As for sinners, they shall be consumed out of
the earth, and the ungodly shall come to an end :
praise thou the Lord, O my soul, praise the Lord.
Glory be to the FATHER, &c.
V. By the WORD of the LORD were the Heavens
made. Alleluia.
R. And all the Host of them by the SPIRIT of
His Mouth. Alleluia.
The Collect.
Thou makest darkness, O LORD, and it is
night ; Thou sendest affliction, and there is sorrow ;
Grant therefore that if my temptations abound, Thy
strength may much more abound ; Grant that when
I have a multitude of sorrows, Thy comforts may
refresh my soul ; till, after the rivers of Thy con
solations in this world, I come to the everlasting
HOURS OF THE HOLY GHOST 23
Ocean of Thy comfort in the World to come, the
Beatific Vision; where with the FATHER and the
SON Thou livest and reignest, One GOD : world
without end. Amen.
V. The Wisdom of the HOLY GHOST direct us.
Be. Amen.
COMPLINE.
Our Father.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us.
V. Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON, and
to the HOLY GHOST.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be : world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.
The Hymn.
O Thou Blessed Paraclete,
Comfort, govern, guide me,
In my life and through my death,
Whatsoe er betide me ;
So that I, with Faith and Hope,
And with Love surrounded,
In the dreadful Judgment Day
May not be confounded !
Therefore these Canonical
Hours my tongue shall ever
24 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
HOLY GHOST, to Thee recite
With my heart s endeavour ;
That the love which gave me here
My illumination,
In my last death-agony
May be my salvation ! Amen.
Antiphon. Like as the dew of Hermon, which
fell upon the hill of Sion.
Psalm cxxxiii. Ecce, quam bonum !
1 Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is :
brethren, to dwell together in unity !
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head,
that ran down unto the beard : even unto Aaron s
beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing.
3 Like as the dew of Hermon : which fell upon
the hill of Sion.
4 For there the Lord promised his blessing : and
life for evermore.
Glory be to the FATHER, &c.
V. The multitude of them that believed. Alleluia.
Be. Were of one heart and one mind. Alleluia.
The Collect.
O GOD the HOLY GHOST, Fire of Love, That
burnest, yet consumest not : kindle Thy love in
my heart : that loving others in Thee and for Thee,
and abiding in Thy Love now and ever, I may at
PRAYERS A T RISING, &c. 25
length enter Thy Banqueting-House, where Thy
Banner over me shall be love, and where with the
FATHER and the SON Thou livest and reignest for
ever and ever. Amen.
V. The GOD of Love fill us with all Love.
R. Amen.
Our FATHER.
I believe, &c.
PRAYERS.
At First Rising.
*| In the Name, &c.
Our FATHER.
I Believe.
V. O GOD, make speed to save us.
R. O LORD, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the FATHER, and to the SON, and to
the HOLY GHOST.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be : world without end. Amen.
O Almighty GOD and merciful FATHER, 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, neither run
into any kind of danger, but that all our doings
may be ordered by Thy governance, to do always
26 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
that which is righteous in Thy sight. Through JESUS
CHRIST Thy SON our LORD. Amen.
O LORD JESU CHRIST, Whose only I am, Whom
only I desire to serve, give me grace this day so to
keep in mind my dedication of myself to Thee, that
neither in thought, word, or deed, I may act un
worthily of my profession ; but may to-day, and all
the days of my life, so follow Thee here, that here
after I may have my portion among the hundred
and forty and four thousand, who follow the Lamb
whithersoever He goeth. For Thine Own Merits
sake. Amen.
While Dressing. Psalms Ixiii. and Ixvii.
Before Going into Bed.
*J In the Name, &c.
O GOD, make speed to save us.
O LORD, make haste to help us.
Glory be, &c.
Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation,
drive far from it all the snares of the enemy, let
Thy Holy Angels dwell herein, and keep us in
peace, and let Thy blessing be upon it evermore.
Through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen.*
We beseech Thee, O GOD, that as Thou hast
made known unto us the Incarnation of Thy SON
PRA YERS A T RISING, &&gt;f. 27
JESUS CHRIST by the message of an Angel, so by
Thy Cross and Passion we may be brought unto
the likeness of His Resurrection. Through the
same Thy SON, JESUS CHRIST, our LORD. Arnen.
LORD JESU CHRIST, Whose only I am, Whom
only I desire to serve, forgive me, if in thought,
word, or deed, I have this day acted unworthily of
my profession, especially ; and grant that I
may continue Thine to-night and Thine for ever.
For Thine own Merits sake. Amen.
GOD, who art the giver of pardon and the lover
of men ; grant to us, and to all Thy servants, both
living and departed, a merciful judgment in the
Last Day; that we, in the face of all creatures
may then be acknowledged as Thy true servants.
Through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.
Our FATHER.
1 believe, &c.
Another form.
On First Rising.
*! In the Name, &c.
Our FATHER.
I believe, &c.
O LORD JESU CHRIST, Whose I am, and Whom
only I desire to serve, I beseech Thee to look down
28 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
with compassion upon me this day ; and grant that
I may neither think, nor say, nor do one thing that
is unworthy of my high calling in Thee. May I
remember through the day that I am Thy poor Bride,
and Thou my blessed Bridegroom, and may I seek
Thy glory and honour all the day long. Grant Thy
blessing to my dear Father, the Sisters, and the
children; and this I beg for Thine Own dear
sake, Who livest and reignest, with the FATHER,
and the HOLY GHOST, One GOD : world without
end. Amen.
Prevent us, &c.
^ In the Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, I
desire to go forth, in His faith, peace, and love.
Before Going into Bed.
^ In the Name, &c.
O LORD JESU CHRIST, Whose I am, and Whom
only I desire to serve, I beseech Thee, look down
with compassion upon me this night, and forgive
all that Thou hast seen amiss in me this day, in
thought, word, or deed ; and grant that, if I live to
another day, I may love Thee more, and serve Thee
better than I have ever yet done. Grant Thy
blessing to my dear Father, the Sisters, and the
children ; and this I beg for Thine Own dear Sake,
Who livest and reignest with the FATHER and the
HOLY GHOST : world without end. Amen.
MORNING PRAYERS, &&gt;c. 29
Our FATHER, &c.
I believe, &c.
*J In the Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, I
desire to lie down, in His faith, peace, and love.
Visit, we beseech Thee, &c.
GOD, who art the giver, &c.
Our FATHER.
I believe, &c.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
Our FATHER, &c.
I believe, &c.
Acts of Adoration.
of Thanksgiving.
of Contrition.
of Resolve.
of Supplication.
of Oblation.
Morning : Litany of the Holy Name.
Evening: Litany of Reparation to the Blessed
Sacrament.
MORNING PRAYERS.
Our FATHER, &c.
Bishop Andrewes, Daily Order part ii., pp. 4-13,
followed by the special order for each day, on the
ordinary days of the week.
30 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
And additionally, if possible, on Wednesday
The act of leading, pp. 34-45.
And on Friday The act of Thanksgiving, pp.
54-67.
And on any other Fast Day The act of Depre
cation, pp. 19-26.
And on the morning of Confession The act
of Confession, pp. 95-106.
Before Holy Communion might be used the Daily
Order, pp. 4-13, with some of the Collects from
the Paradisus; or use the Meditation at p. 14,
omitting the other.
If preparing the Altar, say Psalms xxxiv. and
xliii. while so engaged.
ASPIRATIONS FOR FREQUENT USE.
Blessed be the Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
O Good JESU, be to me a JESU, and save me.
O Name of JESU, sweet Name : O Name of JESUS,
lovely Name; O Name of JESU, strengthening
Name. What is JESU, but SAVIOUR? therefore,
O JESU, for the Glory of Thy Name, be to me a
JESU, and save Thou me.
O Most Gentle JESU, most loving JESU, most
longed for JESU ! O JESU, the Salvation of them
that trust in Thee! O JESU, the Consolation of
SELF-EXAMINATION 31
them that fly to Thee for succour ! O Sweet JESU,
Remission of our sins ! O JESUS, Son of the Virgin
Mary! JESU, JESU, JESU, have mercy upon me;
give me grace, wisdom, love, purity, humility, that
I may perfectly love, and praise, and serve Thee.
Let me glory in Thee here, and come to Thy
perfect fruition there. And this I ask for all who
call upon Thy Holy Name.
OF SELF-EXAMINATION.
1. Place yourself in the presence of GOD.
2. Ask for light and grace.
3. Offer to His glory any amendment you may
find yourself to have made.
4. But if you find that you have done little
good, or much evil, be humbled, but in no
wise discouraged ; and, by GOD S grace, start
afresh.
5. Thinking over all the circumstances of the day
(week, month, &c.), quietly consider how you have
acted towards GOD, your neighbours, and yourself,
in thought, word, act, and omission; and particu
larly as regards your resolutions, your passions, and
your evil inclinations.
32 THE VIRGIN S LAMP.
QUESTIONS TO BE USED OCCASIONALLY.
I. TOWARDS GOD.
LORD, make me to know Thee, and to know myself.
1. How are you disposed concerning mortal sin?
Are you fully determined never to commit it on any
account whatever? Has this determination been
kept since you last made it till the present time ?
[Herein lies the foundation of the spiritual life.]
2. Concerning GOD S commandments ? Do you
take pleasure in them ? [Healthy persons enjoy
wholesome food, and reject that which is bad.]
3. Concerning venial sins? Are there any to
which you are specially inclined? worse still; are
there any that you love ?
4. Concerning spiritual exercises ? Do you value
them ? or do they vex you ? which of them do you
like most or least ? [And if you feel distaste for
any, search out the cause of your feeling.]
5. Concerning GOD Himself? Do you take
pleasure in thinking of Him ? Is your heart turned
fully to His love ? Do you feel singular joy in con
sidering His greatness, goodness, and sweetness?
Do you make room for thought of Him amongst
all other occupations of mind or body ?
6. Concerning CHRIST made Man ? Do you
give yourself up to ministering to Him ? sit at His
feet, and hear His word ? seek Him and the shadow
SELF-EXAMINATION 33
of His Cross in all things here, that you may follow
Him in Virginal glory there ?
7. Concerning your vows ? [And here examine
yourself by your rule.]
8. With your lips : how do you speak of GOD ?
Do you take all possible pains to fill your proper
part in the Offices of the Community ? by study,
by punctuality, by attention ? [Omitting responses
likens us to the sleeping Apostles in the Garden.]
Do you shrink from speaking of Him at any time,
from shyness or human respect, or false humility ?
[" Curse ye Meroz," &c. " Whoso shall not con
fess me," &c.]
9. In your works : have you a single eye to GOD S
glory? Do you check natural distaste or impetu
osity, and work quietly, without hurry? Do you
wish to see fruit of your work? or to begin, or
finish, or go on with it, your own self?
10. What have you given up for GOD? How
thoroughly ?
II. TOWARDS SELF.
1. How do you love yourself? with the spirit of
earth or of heaven ? With a desire for all manner
of comfort ; or for whatever shall most glorify GOD ?
2. Do you think of what people will say of you ?
Do you think of what the Angels will say of you ?
3. Are you patient with yourself ?
4. How are you minded, touching a low esteem
c
34 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
of yourself, on your own part and on that of
others ?
5. With your lips : do you ever boast ? or flatter
yourself in conversation ?
6. In your works : do you injure your health un
necessarily [a stitch in time saves nine], or shrink
from anything you ought to do ?
7. What are your earthly wishes?
8. And hopes ?
9. What is your ruling passion ?
10. Do you yield to pride or despondency?
III. TOWARDS YOUR NEIGHBOUR.
1. On entering the religious life, did you yield
up all your natural objects of affection to your
LORD?
2. If He has lent them, or any of them, to you
again, have you accepted the loan gratefully, and
do you use it for His greater glory? or for your
own pleasure only?
3. Three degrees of love :
Love of an object for it s own sake.
Love of an object for GOD S sake.
Love of GOD in that object.
4. How do you fulfil your duty of intercessory
prayer ?
5. How are you minded towards other people in
general? Do you act towards your Sisters, your
SELF-EXAMINA TION 3 5
patients, your children, your visitors, as towards our
LORD in them ?
6. Do you neglect any act of kindness or duty
that you might show another? from carelessness,
ignorance, misapprehension ?
7. Do you execute duties which will bring you
credit, and leave other duties in the background
unperformed ? or take credit to yourself for others
work?
8. Do you misrepresent or carry gossiping tales
from one to another? Do you needlessly injure
the character of another Sister in the eyes of the
Superior or the Priest? [This is more hurtful to
the community than it would be to lay a train for
blowing up the house.]
9. How do you find fault? like S. Stephen?
[And all ... looking stedfastly upon him, saw his
face as it had been the face of an Angel.]
10. Do you dare to speak out when your duty
requires it ? [Am I my brother s keeper ?]
After Examination.
I. Thanksgiving for amendment.
II. Sorrow that it is so slight.
III. Prayer for pardon of sins.
IV. Oblation of the whole heart.
V. Prayer for grace to continue in GOD S service
to your life s end.
36 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
QUESTIONS FOR A SISTER WHEN NURSING.
[S. Thomas de Villanova " on a good work."]
1. Did I do it according to S. Paul s rule, giving
myself first, and then my work, to our LORD?
2 Cor. viii. 5.
2. Did I do it in faith, that my LORD was with
me, ready to give me all the help I needed, and to
make my work perfect, had I sufficiently trusted to
Him?
3. Did I do it in hope, not only that there are
such blessings, and such promises, but that they
are mine ?
4. Did I do it for love of JESUS only: that I
might show my love to Him, and in my poor
manner, requite His love to me?
5. If I had to do it over again, what chiefly
would I do that I did not do in it?
6. If I had to do it over again, what chiefly
would I leave undone that I did in it?
7. How does it seem compared with what I
know it would have been, had it been done by a
Saint ?
8. Do I firmly resolve, if I have the same oppor
tunity again, to use it more wholly to the Glory of
GOD?
9. How far has temptation been resisted ? as to
discouragement, desire for relief, lowering of aim,
&c.?
PREPARATION FOR CONFESSION 37
10. Broken and shortened though prayer-time
be, how far has it been made the most of?
11. How far has the spiritual benefit of the
patient been laboured for?
12. Offer to our LORD whatever is most painful
in the present situation, in union with His own
suffering of the same kind. If it is the isolation
He was forsaken by all : if, the scarcely ever being
alone He was where " many were coming and
going, so that there was not time to eat bread " :
if it is, that no progress seems to be made " the
number of His disciples was 120." Nothing can
be suffered that He did not suffer first.
PREPARATION FOR EASTER CONFESSION.
[S. Bernard.]
i. In union with Thy most bitter grief, O Thou,
Who Thyself didst carry my sins, and bear my
infirmities, LORD JESUS CHRIST, with the whole
multitude of true penitents, and of those that seek
Thee in truth, I confess to Thee all my sins : evil
committed, good omitted : good done from im
pure motives, or done negligently : as Thou best
knowest them in weight, number, and measure : and
the lost days of my life, in which I have offended
Thee, and lessened Thy praise, and fell away from
Thee, the chief good, and drew my neighbour into
38 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
my fall. Accept, O LORD, out of my life the
residue of my years : but for those which I have
wasted and lost, a broken and contrite heart, O
GOD, Thou wilt not despise. My days have gone
by without fruit. I cannot recall them ; but grant
that I may, at least, recollect them in the bitterness
of my soul. LORD, the deep abyss of my misery
calls upon the deep abyss of Thy mercy. Shut
not up Thy loving-kindness in displeasure : let not
the inexhaustible fountain of Thy mercy be dried
up towards me on account of my sins : Thou that
hast mercy on all, and hatest nothing that Thou
hast made, and passest by men s iniquity to the
end they should repent. It pertaineth to Thee, O
LORD, to forgive sins : have pity on me, while it
is the time of grace and compassion : while it is
the time of amendment, grant that I may merit
the happiness of Thy blessing, so that in the Last
Day I may not be smitten with the word of Thy
curse.
2. Grant, LORD, that I may forsake my besetting
sins, and may do such things as shall please Thee :
Grant that the time I have hitherto given to myself,
I may now give to Thee : that where sin hath
abounded, there grace may much more abound.
Call to mind, LORD JESUS, that it is not Thy wont
to lose any whom the FATHER hath given to Thee :
rather it is Thy nature and property ever to have
mercy and to forgive : to destroy none, but to save.
PREPARATION FOR CONFESSION 39
For Thy FATHER sent Thee not into the world to
condemn the world, but that the world through
Thee should be saved : that Thou mightest be an
atonement, and an advocate, not against us, but
for us. For that which we owe, Thou hast paid :
for that which we have sinned, Thou dost atone :
that which we have neglected, Thou suppliest.
3. Therefore, Lord, both now and in the hour
of my death let Thy plenary and even superfluous
satisfaction, Thy most precious Death, and the
inestimable price of Thy Blood, atone for me : as
well as the Commemoration of Thy satisfaction,
the Venerable Sacrament of Thy Body and Blood,
which is offered daily to Thee in Thy Church for
the salvation of Thy faithful; in which Thou Thyself
art Priest and Sacrifice, He that offers and He that
is offered, and He to Whom it is offered : Grant that
it may now obtain for me the grace which I merit
not : and hereafter the rest and the glory which
Thy most bitter death has purchased.
4. Let the consideration, then, O LORD, of human
frailty move and incline Thee : for Thou knowest
what is the substance of man, and that Thou didst
not form Him in vain : and preserve me, the work
of Thy loving-kindness, that Thy labour may not
have been expended to no purpose, nor the effusion
of Precious Blood be useless. Thou Who art the
Purification of sinners, grant that being cleansed
from the impurity of sin, I may see Thee hereafter
40 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
face to face, and happily attain to Thee : Who livest
and reignest with the FATHER and the HOLY GHOST:
world without end. Amen.
A PRAYER BEFORE CONFESSION FOR ONE WHO
HAS CONSECRATED HERSELF TO GOD.
[An unknown Spanish writer, about A.D. 1300.]
Almighty GOD, Who searchest the hearts of all,
but chiefly of them who presume to undertake Thy
service : Who sayest to the ungodly, What hast thou
to do with My laws, or to take My covenant in Thy
mouth ? Give me Thy grace, that I may now make
such a confession, as shall be well pleasing in Thy
sight. Behold, LORD, I desire to manifest all :
I would fain have the shame, so Thou mayest have
the glory. If Thou despisest me, I shall perish :
if Thou turnest and lookest upon me, I shall live.
Give me such grace that I may desire neither to
spare myself, nor to be spared, now : that I may
judge myself more strictly than others, and may
desire to be judged more strictly by Thy servant
before whom I go : if only hereafter I may have
Thee as my Redeemer, whom I shall see as my
Judge : and may dwell in the Land of the Living
with Thee, Who by Thy Cross and Passion didst
vouchsafe to redeem us : Who now livest and
reignest with the FATHER and the HOLY GHOST,
One GOD : world without end. Amen.
PLEADING OF THE PASSION 41
*
A VERY DEVOUT ORISON OF THE BLESSED PASSION
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
[French 1 6th c.]
O most sweet and gentle Saviour JESUS, Who
didst create me, and hast renewed me with Thy
most pure and precious and sacred Blood, pierce
and penetrate my mind with the dear remembrance
of the inestimable mercies Thou hast showed me.
And grant me to taste truly of the bitter griefs
which Thou didst bear for me, that by the thoughts
of all Thy goodness my cowardly heart may be
quickened to love Thee. And, perceiving the
fragrance of the passion which for me Thou didst
bear and undergo, make me shrink from the infec
tion of my sins. O most pitying JESUS, on me,
poor, miserable, shame-faced sinner, turn Thine eyes :
wherewith Thou lookedst on S. Peter when he had
denied Thee, and on Magdalene when she had
grievously sinned against Thee, and on the good
thief hanging at Thy right Hand on the Cross ; and
let me this day weep for my sins with S. Peter, and
love and follow Thee perfectly with Magdalene, and
finally behold Thee with the penitent thief. Come
unto me, O blessed JESUS, as Thou earnest to the
publican. Deliver me from the hands of mine
enemies, as Thou deliveredst the woman taken in
adultery ; and call me from the sepulchre of sin as
Thou calledst Lazarus. Give me grace to walk in
42 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
the way of virtue, as Thou strengthenedst the man
sick of a palsy : for I desire, like Thy disciples, to
live and die with Thee, and I seek to hear Thy
sweet voice, like that of. a shepherd seeking his lost
sheep. Hear my prayer, O most pitying JESUS,
grant my request, O most loving Father. And
refuse not to forgive me, O most tender Saviour of
sinners ; I am Thine, and only Thine : Thou art
my GOD and King, and I am Thy humble poor
creature ; Thou art my very true FATHER, and I
am Thy little maid : therefore I beseech Thee,
LORD GOD, be unto me as a mother is to her child.
Be merciful and pitiful towards me as Thou wast
to Thy people when Thou wouldest have gathered
them, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her
wings, acknowledge that is Thine in me, and regard
not that is mine ; rejeqt not that is Thine by reason
of my sins. And if justice bid Thee destroy that
is Thine for the sake of my misdeeds, I appeal
from justice to mercy, and pray that innocence
perish not with wickedness, nor Thy good with my
evil ; nor the soul which is Thine with the sin which
is mine. Let Thy Passion and Death avail for my
poor desolate soul, so that more easily mercy may
justify it, more benignly the sins and offences of its
youth may be forgiven it : and that after full pardon
the daughter may thereby be reconciled to her
Father, and the creature to her Creator ; and the
Shepherd bring back the sheep to the Royal Fold,
OCCASIONAL PRA YERS 43
not remembering its wanderings any more : by the
merit of Thy blessed Passion, my most sweet and
gentle JESUS. Amen.
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS.
i.
[John van Neercassel, Bp. of Castoria, d. 1686.]
O LORD GOD, Who hast commanded that they
who are occupied in Thy holy service should them
selves be holy : give me such holiness that I may
not, while I am ministering to others, be increasing
my own condemnation : that I may not, while I am
teaching others, be myself ignorant of Thee : and
that I may not, while I am rebuking others, be
passing sentence on myself. Keep me firm in my
faith, in the midst of an unbelieving world; keep
me warm in my love, among those that love Thee
not : keep me pure amidst the impure : keep me
Thine amidst those who are as yet not Thine, but
whom Thou didst come to seek and to save. And
give me grace, so, among all the changes and
chances of this wicked world, to serve Thee here,
that hereafter I may be ready, with the wise Virgins,
to enter in with Thee to the eternal Supper of the
LAMB : for Thine own merits sake : Who livest and
reignest with the FATHER and the HOLY GHOST,
One GOD : world without end. Amen.
44 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
n.
[An unknown writer, about A.D. 1000.]
Almighty and everlasting GOD, Who hast given
me the will to devote myself wholly to Thy service,
and to forsake all things for Thy sake : do Thou,
who hast wrought this desire in me, perform it in
the Day of JESUS CHRIST. Grant that, having put
my hand to the plough,. I may never turn back :
vouchsafe that, having washed my garments, I may
never defile them : but, following Thee with my
whole heart, may hereafter have my portion with
the hundred and forty and four thousand who
follow the LAMB whithersoever He goeth ; for His
merits sake : to whom, with Thee and the HOLY
GHOST, be all honour and glory for ever. Amen.
in.
[Egbert, Abp. of York, d. about 900.]
O GOD, Who hast promised that if any lack wis
dom, and ask it of Thee, Thou will give it to him :
give me that SPIRIT without Whom I cannot will,
and having willed, cannot perform, anything accept
able to Thee. Give me the SPIRIT of wisdom and
understanding, the SPIRIT of counsel and might, the
SPIRIT of knowledge and of love and of Thy fear.
When I am strong, do Thou uphold me : when I am
weak, do Thou strengthen me : govern my thoughts :
OCCASIONAL PRA YERS 45
direct my ways : fill me with holy desires : build
me up in love : enlighten me with wisdom : fortify
me with purity : prepare me by humility : subdue
me by obedience : comfort me when I am in pain :
arm me when I am in temptation : guard all that I
say : sanctify all that I do : accept all that I suffer :
make me Thine, and keep me Thine, so that I may
be Thine for ever. Who livest and reignest with
the FATHER and the HOLY GHOST now and ever.
Amen.
IV.
[S. Ildefonso of Toledo.]
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Only-Begotten of the
FATHER, Who hast given such grace to women,
that they have not only vanquished all kinds of
temptations, but have been victorious over bloody
and cruel persecutors : grant to me, Thine hand
maid, that, calling to mind the example of those
blessed Virgins, who confessed Thee here on earth,
and now follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest, I
may run with patience the race that is set before me,
and may so with them love Thee on earth, that
hereafter I may be counted worthy of their com
panionship in heaven : for Thy merits sake : Who
livest and reignest with the FATHER and the HOLY
GHOST, One GOD : world without end. Amen.
46 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
v.
The LORD S PRAYER.
As it may be said by a Sister of Mercy.
[French zyth c.]
Our Father.
Remember, that, if all Christians are brethren,
you are bound together by a closer tie of sister
hood ; children more entirely devoted to your
Heavenly FATHER.
Which art in Heaven.
Of which the life of those that are consecrated to
GOD ought to be a foretaste : think whether it is,
or is becoming so.
Hallowed be Thy Name.
This you profess to be the object of your lives ;
see whether it is so first of all in yourselves.
Thy Kingdom come.
The end and aim of all your efforts here : both in
ministering to the bodies and souls of men.
Thy Will be done, &c.
If on earth generally, how much more by you ?
If not so by you, how can you dare to proclaim
GOD S will to others ?
Give us this day, &c.
And not for yourselves only, but for those whom
you tend : and to this end you pray that GOD
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS 47
would give the spirit of charity to those who are
able to help you.
And forgive us, &c.
At home, all the petty jealousies and divisions
that spoil the most devoted lives ;
Abroad, open opposition, or unkindness.
And lead us not into temptation.
Because they, who most manfully stand on
CHRIST S side, must expect to be most vigorously
attacked: and because, when you fall into sin,
your guilt is twofold, and the triumph of GOD S
enemies is greater.
But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Because you are thrown into so much evil,
because you need to be especially preserved from
it ; because, how shall you deliver others, if you are
not delivered yourself?
[A Collect, of about A.D. 500.]
Almighty GOD, Who didst triumph in blessed
Thecla over the fury of lions, in Agnes over the fire,
in Lucy over divers kinds of torments, in Cecilia
over the sword : let Thy grace triumph in me over
all the malice of the devil, and the corrupt desire of
my own evil heart : so that finally I may have a
place at the feet of these Thy blessed Virgins, who
now follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest, prais
ing Thee, world without end, where Thou reignest
THE VIRGIN S LAMP
with the FATHER and the HOLY GHOST to all ages
of ages. Amen.
* THREE OFFERINGS TO GOD THE FATHER.
[French i6th c.]
O Most Mighty Creator and Eternal FATHER :
for myself and for all other creatures, and for all
who are on their death-beds, I offer and present
unto Thee, all the sorrows that Thy SON ever
suffered in this world ; and especially the Agony
that He endured when from His precious Flesh
came forth a Sweat of Blood. By this His great
anguish and sorrow, I pray Thee, Holy FATHER,
to put away from us all the bitterness of our sins,
and grant us not to sink through overmuch sorrow.
And by His sorrow when He was condemned to
death, I pray Thee, Eternal FATHER, give us a
gentle judgment at our death. And by His great
sorrow when He said, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani,
I pray Thee, Heavenly FATHER, never to forsake
us, and never to let us forsake Thee. Amen. Our
FATHER.
And I offer to Thee, O FATHER Eternal, all the
sufferings that Thy Blessed SON ever bore in this
world : especially His most bitter Passion, His
precious Scourging, His Head crowned with thorns,
the Exaltation of His Sacred Body by the fixing of
PRA YERS 49
the nails, His Most Precious Death, and the open
ing of His Side. I pray Thee, O FATHER, by the
merits of that Passion, that it may please Thee to
forgive us all we owe Thee in any way by reason
of our wasted time. Or else be pleased to set that
Passion between us sinners and Thy justice.
Amen. Our FATHER, &c.
And by the very exceeding love which con
strained Thy Blessed SON to come down from
Heaven, to bear such sorrow and such pain; by
that love I pray Thee, Eternal FATHER, of Thine
infinite goodness to fill us with such love that we
may be fit to enter into Thy blessed Heaven so
soon as our souls shall depart from our bodies.
Amen. Our FATHER, &c.
OF RESOLUTION AGAINST TEMPTATION.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who hast taught us that
they who despise small things shall fall by little
and little, give me grace to remember that I am
now altogether Thine and no longer my own, that
I may this day obtain a remedy over the sin which
most easily besets me : for Thine Own merit s
sake. Who livest, &c.
Psalm cxxi., or Psalm Ixiii.
^ In the Name, and by the Grace, of our LORD
D
5 o THE VIRGIN S LAMP
JESUS CHRIST, I promise not to yield to my beset
ting temptation this . t Amen.
I can do all things through CHRIST, which
strengthened me.
OF RULE OVER OTHERS.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst for me, miser
able sinner, take up Thy Cross and bear it : give
me grace so to take up this Cross, that in Thy good
Providence is to be laid upon me, that I, bearing it
after Thee here, may be partaker of Thy Crown
There : for Thine Own merit s sake. Who, &c.
O LORD JESUS, Who hast commanded us to rule
with diligence, as well as to obey with cheerfulness :
give me wisdom and firmness so to rule those over
whom I am set, that I may bring them up in all
good discipline, as well as with all true love, to
Thine honour and glory : Who livest and reigneth
with the FATHER and the HOLY GHOST, ever one
GOD : world without end. Amen.
OF RISING AT NIGHT FOR PRAYER OR NURSING.
On Rising.
*| In the Name, &c.
Our FATHER.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst continue all
night in prayer to Thy FATHER for us, and Who
PRAYERS 51
again, rising up a great while before day, didst
intercede for Thy servants : I offer this my service
to Thee in union with Thine own watchings and
vigils. Sanctify it, accept it, and bless it, for Thine
Own merit s sake. Who livest, &c.
Before Returning to Bed.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst Thyself vouch
safe to be weary, and to take rest : pardon the
infirmity [and sin] of this my service: take me
again, while resting, to Thy care : give me a holy
sleep : and keep me thine for ever. Amen.
And may the souls of the faithful through the
mercy of God rest in peace.
OBLATION OF PAST SERVICE.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, I desire, in union with
this Sacrament, to offer Thee my endeavours to
serve Thee at [or in .]
Thou knowest how much I fell short of what I
desired to do : do Thou pardon me wherever I was
, especially : and wherever I was ,
especially .
But Thou, Who art touched with the feeling of
our infirmities, knowest how much the endeavour
cost me: accept it, O LORD, for Thou knowest
that I desired to offer it from love to Thee.
And now, in Thy Presence,
52 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
I desire to renew my self-dedication, body, soul,
and spirit, to Thee :
And to resolve in Thy Grace
not to be discouraged in any way or distressed at
the past :
When I am again called to Thy service,
to resist more entirely every feeling of , and
to remember that I can never be alone with Thee :
and to devote my full powers of mind and body to
serve Thee in Thy poor without one thought of
myself.
And now I desire to seal this resolution, by
receiving, at the hands of Thy Priest, Thine own
Body and Blood.
RENEWAL OF Vow.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, Whose I am, not only
by Baptism, but by my own special vow of serving
Thee and living to Thee wholly, I desire to renew
that vow, and to offer up to Thee all the suffering,
weariness, and sorrow of any kind that Thou hast
appointed for me here, in union with the pains and
sorrows and labours which Thou didst endure for
us on earth. And if, through the weakness of my
nature, I cannot as yet make Thee this offering so
cheerfully as I would, yet Thou, Who knowest all
things, knowest that I make it truly and earnestly.
PR A YERS 53
Accept it, O LORD JESUS, Who didst Thyself con
descend to say to Thine apostles, My soul is
exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death : and give
me, in Thine own time, a desire thus to suffer for
Thee : and now strengthen and encourage me in
the task to which Thou hast called me. Keep me
Thine, body and soul, for ever : for Thine Own
merit s sake. Who, &c.
IN DEPRESSION AND DIFFICULTY.
An Act of Faith.
For the Anniversary of Professions.
I believe, LORD JESUS CHRIST, that
Thou art able to make all grace abound in me :
(2 Cor. ix. 8).
I can do all things through Thee, if Thou wilt
strengthen me : (Phil. iv. 13).
That none ever looked to Thee, and were con
founded, and called on Thy Name, and were for
saken : (Eccles. ii. 10).
That Thou wilt never put me, the sheep of Thy
fold, out anywhere, where Thou Thyself hast not
been before : (S. John x. 4).
I believe, LORD JESUS CHRIST, that
Thou, as a most merciful and faithful High Priest
(Heb. ii. 17), knowest whereof I am made, and
rememberest that I am but dust : (Ps. ciii. 14).
54 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Like as the Father pitieth His own children, so
Thou pitiest me : (Ps. ciii. 13).
In all my afflictions Thou art afflicted : (Is. Ixi. 9).
I believe, LORD JESUS, that
Thou, Who hadst not where to lay Thy head,
Who wast forsaken by Thy Father on the Cross.
Who didst labour in the villages of Galilee, knowest
and feelest for my
I believe, LORD JESUS, that
Thou wilt not suffer me to be tempted above that
I am able to bear :
I believe, LORD JESUS, that
EITHER
Thou, to whom the things impossible with man
are possible : (S. Luke xviii. 27).
Wilt strengthen me for this especial work, and
wilt fulfil Thy promise, as Thy day is, Thy strength
shall be : (Deut. xxxiii. 25).
As Thou didst Gideon,
Jeremiah,
Esther.
OR,
That Thou, the Wisdom mightily and sweetly
ordering all things, wilt give me other work for
Thee, as Thou canst do in this very place.
I believe, LORD JESUS, that
Thou wilt either strengthen me for an especial
PRAYERS 55
work, or give me an especial work suited to my
strength.
LORD, I am oppressed : undertake for me.
LORD, I believe : help Thou mine unbelief.
LORD, Thou knowest all things : Thou knowest
that I love Thee.
And, on the anniversary of my self-dedication to
Thee,
I resolve again, absolutely and without any resti
tution, Thy Grace helping me,
To persevere in my life of Chastity, and of Thy
service to the end.
Only, O LORD,
Whether I live, let me live unto Thee :
Whether I die, let me die unto Thee :
Living, therefore, or dying, let me be Thine.
Amen.
SHORT LITANY.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST :
Hear us, O LORD.
From imminent wars :
Deliver us, O LORD.
By Angelical guardianship :
Defend us, O LORD.
From the chain of our sins :
Absolve us, O LORD.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST :
Hear us, O LORD.
56 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS.
(Those marked * to be said at Holy Communion
only.)
When the Church is Assaulted.
i. Crush, we beseech Thee, O LORD, the pride
of our enemies, and lay them low by the might of
Thy Right Hand. That iniquity may not prevail
over righteousness, but falsehood be ever subdued
before the Truth. Through, &c.
*2. Let the holy partaking of Thy Mystery
cleanse us, we beseech Thee, O Lord : and convey
to us alike forgiveness and defence. Through, &c.
* 3. Almighty, Everlasting GOD, accept, we be
seech Thee, our unworthy prayers, and give heed
to that which amid our holy offerings we ask : And
as Thou wast graciously present with Moses and
Aaron in Egypt, so vouchsafe to be with us and
with all the Christian host, and deliver us ever
more from the yoke of the oppressor.
For Church Councils, 6<r.
4. O LORD, we beseech Thee, let the Comforter,
Who proceedeth from Thee, enlighten the minds of
Thy servants our Prelates and Pastors, and lead
them, as Thy SON hath promised, into all truth.
Through the same. Who liveth. In the Unity, &c.
-X-
INTER CESS OR Y PR A YERS 5 7
For Unity.
5. Sanctify, O LORD, the gifts we offer for the
union of all Christian People : and grant to us the
blessings of unity and peace in Thy holy Church.
Through, &c.
For Bishops and Priests.
* 6. Be favourable to us, O LORD, through the
gifts we offer : and guide with Thy continual pro
tection Thy servant N., whom Thou has willed
to be the Pastor (Bishop) of Thy people.
* 7. Pour into us, O LORD, the Spirit of Thy
Love : and as thou hast fed us with that one Bread
from Heaven, so of Thy mercy make us of one
mind. Through, &c.
For Friends.
* 8. Receiving, O LORD, the Sacraments of ever
lasting salvation, we humbly entreat Thy mercy:
that through them Thou wouldst protect Thy
servant N. from all adversity. Through, &c.
For Penitents.
9. Almighty, Everlasting GOD, of Thy pity forgive
Thy servant N. the sins he humbly confesseth unto
Thee : that his guilty conscience may not more
avail for his punishment, than Thy bounteous mercy
to his pardon. Through, &c.
58 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
* 10. Almighty and Merciful GOD, Who wiliest
rather to amend than to destroy every- penitent soul
that confesseth its sins : look favourably on Thy ser
vant N., and, through these Sacraments which we
have received, turn from him Thy wrath and indig
nation, and forgive him all his sins. Through, &c.
In Trouble of Heart.
* ii. O GOD, Who healest those that are broken
in heart, and turnest the sadness of the sorrowful
to joy : Give favourable heed to this our Offering,
through wh ich Thou willedst to remit the sins of the
whole world, and graciously accept it as we plead
it in our trouble. Forgive our sins, and take away
our sorrows ; banish our miseries, and remove our
anguish and affliction; that we being delivered
from all the evils which we suffer, may evermore
exult in the enjoyment of Thy blessings. Through,
&c.
For Forgiveness.
* 12. O LORD, we plead before Thee the Accept
able Victim to appease Thy wrath, humbly praying
Thee, that Thou wouldst of Thy mercy forgive our
sins, and direct aright our changeful hearts. Through
the same.
For True Contrition.
13. Almighty and Merciful GOD, Who for Thy
thirsting people broughtest forth a fount of living
INTER CESS OR Y PR A YERS 5 9
water from the rock : Bring forth from the hardness
of our hearts the tears of true compunction ; that we,
sincerely bewailing our sins, may obtain of Thee of
Thy great mercy perfect remission and forgiveness.
Through, &c.
In time of Pestilence.
14. We beseech Thee, Almighty GOD, regard
with favour the offering of Thy Church, and let
Thy mercy visit us, and not Thy wrath, since if
Thou wert extreme to mark our sins, no creature
could endure : But, with that wondrous mercy
wherewith Thou madest us, suffer not us to perish
who are the works of Thine own hands. Through,
&c.
In Seasons of Penitence.
15. Turn Thy Face, O LORD, from our sins, and
blot out all our iniquities ; remove from Thy eyes
the evil pleasures of our life ; bow down Thine Ears
to our Confession : have mercy upon our supplica
tion ; and do thou, Who givest a penitent heart to
them that are in despair, give the help of Thy glory
to them that confess. And because the publican
standing afar off, and striking his breast, was
cleansed by that very Confession, in like manner
hear us, sinners ; and as Thou didst give to him the
fruit of his petition, so give to us, Thy servants, the
pardon of all our sins. Through, &c.
60 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
1 6. O GOD, in Whose Kingdom the earth rejoices,
Whose righteousness the heavens testify, Whose do
minion legions of Angels adorn, preserve the souls
of Thy servants : and, to the end that we may
not follow the author of sin and perish, do Thou
free us, do Thou protect us, do Thou preserve us :
so that when a consuming fire shall go out from
before Thy Presence, it may not receive us accord
ing to the desert of our sins, but that the mercy
of our Creator may preserve us to Eternal life.
Through, &c.
17. O GOD, Who didst come to bind up the
wound of Thy people, and to heal its stroke : be
present to us, and enlighten with the light of Thy
Divinity, whatever is sinful or defiled in us ; that
neither the moon in the night of this world, may
smite, nor the sun of truth, in the day of future
judgment, consume us. Through, &c.
1 8. Almighty GOD, Who art worthily glorified by
the Angels in heavenly places, grant that our glory
may be in Thee, and that the humble confession of
Thy people may come before Thee ; and grant that
in those things whereby we have offended Thee by
our sins, we may return by Thy mercy, and obtain
the fruit of pardon : that Thy mercy may forgive
our errors, and Thy power may assist us to the
obtaining the fruition of Thee. Through, &c.
INTER CESS OR Y PR A YERS 6 1
19. O LORD JESU CHRIST, Son of the Living
GOD, place Thy Passion, Cross, and Death between
Thy judgment and my soul now and in the hour of
my death ; and do Thou alway of Thy mercy grant
to the living, mercy and grace; to the departed,
rest and glory ; to Thy Church, peace and true con
cord; and to us sinners, eternal life and felicity.
Who, &c.
A PRAYER of S. FRANCIS XAVIER for the CONVER
SION of HEATHENS, HERETICS, and SINNERS. *
O GOD, Eternal Creator of all things, remember
that Thou didst create the souls of infidels, heretics,
and sinners, and didst make them after Thine
Image. Behold, O LORD, hell is filling with them,
and Thy Name is dishonoured. Remember that
JESUS, Thy Beloved SON, endured most bitter death
for their salvation; suffer not, LORD, that He be
yet thus set at nought, hear the prayers of Thy
Church, which is Thy SON S beloved bride ; think
upon Thy loving-kindness, and forget their idolatry,
their unbelief, their obstinacy and wickedness-
cause them to know and fear and love Him Whom
Thou hast sent, our LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who is
our Salvation, our Life and Resurrection, by Whom
we are saved and set free : to Whom be honour for
ever and ever. Amen.
62 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
IN TIME OF INFECTIOUS SICKNESS.
Be mindful of Thy covenant, O Lord, and speak
to the destroying angel : stay now Thine hand, that
the earth be not laid waste, and that Thou slay
not every living soul.
V. Help us, O GOD, our SAVIOUR.
R. And be merciful to our sins.
V. O LORD, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto Thee.
Collects.
Mercifully hear, O LORD, the prayers of Thy
people, that we, who are justly punished for our
offences, may, by Thy mercy, be delivered for the
glory of Thy Name.
GOD, who desirest not the death, but the repent
ance of a sinner, be merciful to Thy people, who
turn unto Thee ; that, as they kneel devoutly
before Thee, the scourge of thine anger may
mercifully be withdrawn.
In the midst of life we are in death ; to whom
shall we seek for succour, save to Thee, O GOD !
Who for our sins art righteously displeased. Holy
GOD, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have
mercy upon us.
PRA YERS 63
V. Turn us, O GOD, our SAVIOUR.
R. And let Thine anger cease from us.
Let us pray.
Hear us, O GOD, our SAVIOUR, and deliver Thy
people from the terror of Thy wrath, and make us
to dwell safely under the shadow of Thy mercy.
Through, &c.
V. LORD, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto Thee.
V. Bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. The Divine Help abide with us evermore.
R. Amen.
FOR CHILDREN BEFORE CONFIRMATION.
Antiphon. Thine are we, David : and on Thy
side, Thou Son of Jesse.
V. Stablish the thing, O GOD, that Thou hast
wrought in us.
R. For Thy Temple s sake at Jerusalem.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, whose soldier to my
life s end I promised to be when I was baptized,
grant, that, when I shall have the new armour
Thou wilt give me in my Confirmation, I may all
the more bravely fight the good fight against the
world, the flesh, and the devil ; and so, by the
help of Thy Holy Spirit at last receive the Crown
64 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee.
Who livest, &c.
IN TIME OF WAR OR OTHER DISTRESS.
Antiphon. Help us, O GOD of our salvation, for
the glory of Thy name : O deliver us, and be
merciful unto our sins for Thy Name s sake.
Psalm Ixxix.
LORD, have mercy, &c.
CHRIST, &c.
LORD, &c.
V. O LORD, save Thy servants.
R. Who put their trust in Thee.
V. Send them help from the sanctuary.
R. And strengthen them out of Sion.
V. Let the enemy have no advantage over us.
R. Neither the son of wickedness approach to
hurt us.
V. Deal not with us after our sins.
R. Nor reward us after our iniquity.
V. O Lord, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray.
[Here insert one of the foregoing Collects, according to
circumstances.]
PRA YERS FOR THE SEASONS 65
PRAYERS FOR THE SEASONS.
ADVENT.
Turn not away, O LORD, Thy mercy from our
prayers ; bow down Thine ear, and hear us of Thy
loving-kindness, that we, who are troubled and cast
down by the voice of the enemy, may be consoled
by the most holy Advent of Thine Only-Begotten :
and, taking the wings of faith as of a dove, may rise
to heavenly things. Keep us far, O LORD, from the
evil world, and preserve us from the snare of the
enemy. Through, &c.
O CHRIST, SON of the FATHER, Who didst of old
time come to be born in the flesh, and shall again
come with the leaders and princes of Thy people,
to execute judgment in the glory of Thy Majesty;
grant that when Thou shalt come, Thou mayest
not repay us the desert of our sins, but mayest
raise us to the eternal reward of that faith, whereby
we believe in Thee. Who livest, &c.
Be unto us, O LORD, a crown of glory in the
day wherein Thou shalt come to judge the world
by fire; that, arraying us here with the robe of
righteousness, Thou mayest endue us there with
the perfect liberty of glory. Who livest, &c.
66 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Almighty FATHER, we beseech Thee to send
down Thy Word from Thy Throne, that He may
heal and bind up the broken-hearted, may raise up
those that are fallen, and may bestow upon us the
joy of His Name. Through, &c.
CHRISTMAS.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, the ineffable joy of
Christians, of Whose powenand peace there is no
end, grant that we may receive Thy kingdom, and
embrace it, so that its perpetual domination and
eternal greatness may remain in us; and every
thing in us which Thou findest not to be Thine,
Thou mayest remove, and that Thou wouldest
make us Thine own in all things and through all
things; that neither anything in us may oppose
Thy power, nor resist Thy peace, but that Thou
Thyself wouldest possess us alone, Who art King
of kings, and LORD of lords, and livest and reignest
for ever and ever.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Rest of Angels and
of all Saints, give rest to Thy people this day, in
the most holy feast of Thy Nativity : that in Thee
they may rest from their sins and labours, and
praising Thee with all creation, may receive Thy
benediction in all things, and through all things ;
and that, as Thou didst come to deliver them from
PRA YERS FOR THE SEASONS 67
the curse, so them wouldest never permit them to
be deprived of Thy FATHER S benediction : but
that they, continually blessing Thee, may them
selves be blessed for ever. Who livest, &c.
We have seen Thy Glory, O LORD, the Glory as
of the Only-Begotten of the FATHER : the First-
Begotten of the Deity, the First-Begotten in grace :
there, the only SON of the FATHER, here, the Chief
among many brethren : there, One with the FATHER,
here, the first among His brethren : there, remaining
in the Bosom of the FATHER, here, not leaving His
companions. Grant to us, therefore, to be partners
in Thy Kingdom, for whom Thou didst offer Thy
self as a Sacrifice in this world : and as Thou wast
in time past their Redeemer, so be Thou in time to
come their Reward. Through Thine Own merit s
Sake. Who, &c.
EPIPHANY.
O LORD, with Whom is the Fountain of life, and
in Whose Light we shall see light, increase in us the
clearness of Thy knowledge; that Thou mayest
both give to us when we thirst, to drink of Thy
living water, and mayest restore understanding to
the darkness of our souls, by Thy heavenly illu
mination. Through, &c.
O GOD, Who didst vouchsafe to endue a short
lived star with the grace of a sudden brilliancy,
68 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
manifest, we beseech Thee, Thy face to all Chris
tian people : that, as Thou didst at length show the
true path to the wise men when they were in error,
so Thou mayest lead us, who lie in sin, to the
harbour of eternal salvation. Through, &c.
O GOD, the SON of GOD, the ineffable virtue of
the FATHER, Who wast manifested by a new star as
King of kings to the Gentiles, and didst gloriously
appear in that holy city ; before Whom the islands
tremble; Whom the princes and tribes of the
nations obey, while all kingdoms yield to Thee,
and the diadems of kings are cast down before
Thee ; vouchsafe by Thy grace to show Thyself
in Thy mercy to our senses, and to manifest Thy
self in our conversation, that we, having the first-
fruits of the SPIRIT, may ever dedicate them to
Thee by those gifts by which we may enter into
that heavenly Jerusalem with hearts well-pleasing
to Thee ; so that, offering to Thee the pure gold of
our works, we may be made partakers of Thy king
dom. Through, &c.
LENT.
Grant, O LORD, that our fast may be acceptable
to Thee, and may both, by purifying us, make us
worthy of Thy grace, and bring us to Thy heavenly
kingdom. Through, &c.
PRA YERS FOR THE SEASONS 69
Bow down Thine ear, O LORD, to our supplica
tions, and heal the sickness of our souls, that we
may receive both the remission of our sins, and
evermore rejoice in Thy benediction. Through, &c.
We beseech Thee, O LORD, favourably to regard
Thy people; and, as Thou dost command us to
abstain from carnal food, grant that we may cease
from everything that may offend Thee. Through,
&c.
Let the tears and the prayers of Thy Church, O
merciful GOD, move Thee to have pity upon us,
that we, rising by Thy power from the death of sin,
may not die everlastingly. Through, &c.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty GOD, that
since our mortal nature is exposed to sin and to
strife, Thy grace, by the present fast, may both
quicken us, and nourish mutual love between
those -that are brethren. Through, &c.
PASSION-TIDE.
O GOD, Who by the Passion of Thy Only-
Begotten SON, hast destroyed the pride of the
ancient enemy, grant to Thy people both worthily
to remember the things which He suffered, and
courageously to endure all adversities. Through,
&c.
70 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Pour forth upon us, we beseech Thee, O LORD,
the healthful streams of Thy grace ; that, through
faith and good works, we may attain the benefits of
Thy Passion. Who livest, &c.
O GOD, Who forgivest much to them that love
much : pour into our hearts such love to Thee,
that we may, by Thy mercy, be set free from all
our sins. Through, &c.
Grant to us, O LORD, we beseech Thee, as the
Passion of Thy SON approaches, the more abundant
help of Thy grace, that through the works of charity
we may everywhere shed abroad the sweet savour
of the name of CHRIST. Through, &c.
Remember Thy mercy, O LORD, and sanctify
Thy servants by Thy eternal protection : for whom
Thy SON, JESUS CHRIST, gave Himself of His own
win to death, and fulfilled the Paschal Sacrifice by
the shedding forth of His blood. Who liveth, &c.
* EASTER-TIDE.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty GOD, that we
who do acknowledge the grace of the Resurrection
of the LORD, may ourselves, through the love of the
SPIRIT, rise from the death of the soul. Through
the same. Who liveth. In the Unity, &c.
PRAYERS FOR THE SEASONS 71
Pour into our hearts, O LORD, the SPIRIT of Thy
love : and as Thou hast refreshed us with the
Sacraments of our Passover, so of Thy mercy make
us of one heart. Through, &c.
O GOD, Who makest us glad by the yearly
Festival of the Resurrection of the LORD : merci
fully grant that we who now celebrate these joyous
holy days on earth, may attain hereafter to eternal
joys in heaven. Through the same, &c.
ASCENSION-TIDE.
Assist us mercifully, O LORD, in these our sup
plications : and grant that like as we do believe
the Saviour of mankind, to be seated with Thee in
Thy Majesty, so we may feel that He abideth with
us, according to His promise, even unto the end of
the world, even JESUS CHRIST, Thy SON, our LORD.
Who liveth, &c.
O GOD, Who art the Life of the faithful, the
Glory of the humble, and the Blessedness of the
righteous : Favourably regard the prayers of Thy
suppliant people, and grant that the souls which
thirst after Thy promises may evermore be filled
from Thine abundance. Through, &c.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty GOD, that
the Splendour of Thy clear Brightness may shine
72 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
forth upon us, and the Light of Thy Light may
stablish the hearts of them who have been born
again. Through. Who liveth. In the Unity, &c.
* WHITSUN-TIDE.
O LORD, let the outpouring of Thy HOLY SPIRIT
cleanse our hearts, and make them faithful by
the inward sprinkling of the dew of His blessing.
Through. In the Unity, c.
O GOD, Who vouchsafedst to send the HOLY
GHOST, the Comforter, upon Thy disciples in the
likeness of fervent heat, grant to Thy people that
they may be fervent in the unity of the Faith : that
they, continually abiding in Thy love, may be found
both steadfast in faith and also fruitful in good
works. Through. In the Unity, &c.
Console, O JESUS, the hearts of Thy faithful
people, which are empty of good desires, by the
gift of the HOLY GHOST; and let that blessed
Comforter, with His abundant gifts, Whom Thou
didst testify that the FATHER would send in Thy
Name, deliver us, and teach us all things : that we,
being sanctified and taught by Him, may both
follow after Thy peace, and never more forsake
our love to Thee. For Thy mercy s sake.
HO URL Y TEXTS 7 3
TEXTS FOR EVERY HOUR OF THE WEEK.
FOR SISTERS WHEN NURSING.
Comfort ye, Comfort ye, My people, saith your
GOD.
The GOD of all comfort.
Sunday.
1 A.M. Unto the godly there ariseth up light in
the darkness.
2 But the KING shall rejoice in GOD.
3 Be of good cheer.: it is I : be not afraid.
4 I, the LORD, will hold thine hand, and will
keep thee.
5 He wakeneth morning by morning : He
wakeneth mine ear to hear.
6 She will do him good, and not evil, all the
days of her life.
7 Hope thou in GOD : for I shall yet praise
Him.
8 I will not leave you comfortless.
9 ,, And give you a heart to serve Him, and
to do His will, with good courage, and
a willing mind.
10 He shall be comforted in His servants.
n In Me is thy help.
74 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
1 2 Noon. Tell me, O Thou Whom my soul loveth,
where Thou makest Thy flock to rest at
noon?
1 P.M. In the time of trouble He shall hide thee
in His tabernacle.
2 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempests, and
not comforted, behold I will lay thy
stones with fair colours.
3 She is like the merchants ships : she
bringeth her food from afar.
4 The meek also shall increase their joy in
the LORD.
5 I said, I will go up to the Palm Tree : I
will take hold of the boughs thereof.
6 At evening time .it shall be light.
7 My GOD hath sent His Angel, and hath
shut the lions mouths, that they have
not hurt me.
8 GOD, Who is rich in mercy, for His great
love, wherewith He loved us.
9 He shall promote thee that thou shalt
possess the land.
10 Wherefore GOD is not ashamed to be
called their GOD.
11 There is no night there, and they need
no candle, neither light of the sun :
for the LORD GOD giveth them light,
and they shall reign for ever and
ever.
HO URL Y TEXTS 7 5
12 P.M. A bundle of myrrh is my Well-Beloved
unto me : He shall lie all night between
my breasts.
Monday.
T A.M. There is no discharge in that war.
2 The LORD looked upon him, and said, Go
in this thy might.
3 Blessed is the man that endureth tempta
tion.
4 The secret of the LORD is among them
that fear Him.
5 Who is there . . . that walketh in
darkness, and hath no light? Let him
trust in the Name of the LORD.
6 When the morning was now come, JESUS
stood on the shore.
7 Be of good courage, and let us behave
ourselves valiantly for our people, and
for the cities of our GOD.
8 Even them will I bring to My holy moun
tain.
9 I have satiated the weary soul: I have
replenished every sorrowful soul.
10 O let Thy merciful kindness be my com
fort : according to Thy Word unto Thy
servant.
1 1 Behold the days come that I will perform
that good thing which I have promised.
76 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
12 A.M. Redeem Israel, O GOD, out of all his
troubles.
1 P.M. Turn, then, unto thy rest, O my soul, for
the LORD hath rewarded thee.
2 An habitation of GOD through the SPIRIT.
3 Having always all sufficiency in all things.
4 They abode with Him that day : for it was
about the tenth hour.
5 Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His
mouth : for Thy love is better than
wine.
6 The Dove came in unto him in the evening.
7 He that followeth Me shall not walk in
darkness.
8 There stood by me this night the Angel of
GOD.
9 The night cometh, when no man can work.
10 I remembered Thine everlasting judgments,
O LORD, and revived.
11 Behold, this dreamer cometh.
12 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto
Thee.
Tuesday.
1 A.M. LORD, Thou knowest all my desire.
2 The patient waiting for CHRIST.
3 Suffer ye thus far.
4 In Mine Holy Mountain, there will I re
quire your offerings.
HO URL Y TEXTS 7 7
5 A.M. The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make
they their houses in the Rock.
6 GOD hath caused me to be fruitful in the
land of my affliction.
7 Thy GOD that pleadeth the cause of His
people.
8 The Word of my LORD shall now be com
fortable.
9 Waiting for the consolation of Israel.
10 This shall be a continual burnt-offering.
11 He shall drink of the brook in the way :
therefore shall he lift up his head.
12 They made ready the present against
Joseph came at noon.
1 P.M. At the seventh hour the fever left him.
2 This Man shall be the Peace, when the
Assyrian shall come.
3 ,, The ploughers ploughed upon my back,
and made long furrows.
4 Quietly wait for the salvation of the
LORD.
5 About the eleventh hour He went out.
6 At the time of the offering of the evening
sacrifice, he prepared the Altar of the
LORD that was broken down.
7 ,, The hand of the LORD was on me in the
evening.
8 ,, And yet I am not alone.
9 When eveningwas come, He was therealone.
78 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
10 P.M. That ye may milk out and be delighted
with the abundance of the consola
tions.
11 Ye shall have a song as in the night when
a holy solemnity is kept.
12 At midnight there was a cry made : Be
hold, the Bridegroom cometh.
Wednesday.
1 A.M. I shall find trouble and heaviness, and
I will call upon the Name of the
LORD.
2 O my GOD, I cry in the day time, and
Thou nearest not: and in the night
season also I take no rest.
3 He shall deliver thee in six troubles :
yea, in seven there shall no evil touch
thee.
4 Whatsoever thou spendest more, when I
come again, I will repay thee.
5 The LORD is faithful, Who shall stablish
you, and keep you from evil.
6 Upon this I awaked, and beheld : and lo !
my sleep was sweet unto me.
7 Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine
eyes from tears : for thy work shall be
rewarded.
8 Remember : break not Thy Covenant with
me.
HOURLY TEXTS 79
9 A.M. But think on me when it shall be well with
Thee : and show kindness, I pray Thee,
unto me, and make mention of me unto
Pharaoh.
10 There was but a little way to come to
Ephrath.
11 Ye know the heart of a stranger : seeing
ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
12 When thou art in tribulation, . . . He will
not forsake thee.
1 P.M. And from the sickness that destroyeth in
the noonday.
2 That which is gone out of thy lips thou
shalt keep and perform.
3 Cast thy bread upon the waters : for thou
shalt find it after many days.
4 They abode with Him that day : for it was
about the tenth hour.
5 I will feed them in a good pasture.
6 In the evening withhold not thy hand.
7 Now the eventide was come, JESUS went
out.
8 ., He steadfastly set His face to go to Jeru
salem.
9 Why shouldest Thou be as a wayfaring
man that turneth aside to tarry for a
night ?
10 Love is strong as death : jealousy is cruel
as the grave.
8o THE VIRGIN S LAMP
11 P.M. Mary sat still in the house.
12 Out of weakness were made strong, waxed
valiant in fight.
Thursday.
1 A.M. Ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
2 When every one shall know his own grief,
and shall spread forth his hands, then
hear Thou in Heaven thy dwelling-
place.
3 Until the day break, and the shadows flee
away, turn, My beloved !
4 We wait for Thy loving-kindness.
5 Know ye not that to whom ye yield your
selves servant to obey, his servants ye
are?
6 The Angel of the LORD tarrieth round
about them that fear Him.
7 Early in the morning do I cry unto Thee,
for in Thy word is my trust.
8 That we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the comfort
wherewith we ourselves are comforted of
GOD.
9 Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
10 With joy shall ye draw water out of the
wells of salvation.
11 I will lead him also, and restore comfort
to him.
HO URL Y TEXTS 8 1
12 A.M. At the sixth hour I prayed in my house.
1 P.M. In that day, he that is feeble shall be as
David.
2 Jacob went on his way, and the Angels of
GOD met him.
3 And thou standest by faith.
4 The redemption of their soul is precious.
5 The eleventh foundation of the city was a
jacinth.
6 This is the blessing wherewith Moses, the
Man of GOD, blessed the children of
Israel before his death.
7 Thy sun shall no more go down.
8 The king held out to Esther the golden
sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther
drew near.
9 The valley of Achor for a gate of hope.
10 The darkness is no darkness with Thee.
11 Thy GOD, whom thou servest continually,
He will deliver thee.
12 Gad, a troop, shall overcome him, but he
shall overcome at the last.
Friday.
1 A.M. For even CHRIST pleased not Himself.
2 Ye see your calling.
3 Life or death, or things present, or things
to come, all are yours, and ye are
CHRIST S.
F
82 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
4 A.M. The LORD GOD hath opened mine ear,
and I was not rebellious, neither turned
away back.
5 He knoweth the way that I take : when
He hath tried me, I shall come forth as
gold.
6 Save me, O GOD, for the waters are come
in, even unto my soul.
7 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him.
8 No weapon that is formed against Thee
shall prosper.
9 Set thine heart toward the way, even the
way thou wentest.
10 He shall feed in the strength of the
LORD.
11 When I made haste, I said, I am shut
out of the sight of Thine eyes.
12 At noonday will I pray, and that instantly :
and He shall hear my voice.
1 P.M. I am the LORD that healeth thee.
2 I flee unto Thee to hide me.
3 LORD, why cannot I follow Thee now ?
4 He shall lead them to living fountains of
water.
5 A man shall be an hiding-place from the
wind.
6 I have set before thee an open door, and
no man can shut it.
7 Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake ?
HO URL Y TEXTS 83
8 P.M. For this purpose was the SON of GOD
manifested, that He might destroy the
works of the devil.
9 Israel went into- the midst of the sea on
dry land.
10 We glory in tribulations also.
11 To make the Captain of our salvation
perfect through sufferings.
12 As one whom his mother comforteth, so
I will comfort you.
Saturday.
1 A.M. The heart of her husband shall safely trust
in her.
2 Therefore I will offer in His dwelling an
oblation with great gladness.
3 Be strong, and He shall comfotf thine
heart.
4 Sion said, The LORD hath forsaken me,
and my GOD hath forgotten me.
5 If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest
see the glory of GOD.
6 And that we must, through much tri
bulation, enter into the kingdom of
GOD.
7 Their sacrifices shall be accepted upon
Thine altar.
8 I have required that they, even mine
enemies, should not triumph over me.
84 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
9 A.M. Great are the troubles of the righteous :
but the LORD delivereth him out of all.
10 Whosoever shall gather together against
thee shall fall for thy sake.
11 What are these which are arrayed in white
robes, and whence came they? Sir,
thou knowest.
12 My Beloved is gone down to His garden
to feed among the spices.
1 P.M. I, the LORD, will hasten it in his time.
2 ,, Who art Thou, O great mountain?
3 He that overcometh shall inherit all things.
4 The LORD knoweth how to deliver the
godly.
5 Hope maketh not ashamed.
6 LORD, it is done as Thou hast commanded.
7 . Blessed are ye that weep now, for ye shall
laugh.
8 Our soul hath patiently tarried for the
LORD.
9 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they
go forward.
10 Thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at
the end of the days.
11 Wait on thy GOD continually.
12 Midnight. Her warfare is accomplished, her
iniquity is pardoned.
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 85
FOR DEVOUT RECEPTION OF THE
BLESSED SACRAMENT.
CONSIDERATION.
[French, i6th c.
MOSES put off his shoes before he drew near the
burning bush, and Esther washed and anointed
herself to please King Ahasuerus; Abigail carried
gifts to David for the quenching of his wrath;
the Queen of Sheba made herself ready with rich
things for the sight of Solomon s glory. In like
wise, daughter, make oblation of the affections of
thy heart ; wash thee with the water of contrition ;
anoint thee with the oil of grace ; make good store
of holy works ; and see thou come betimes, that
thou mayest see Solomon in his glory, and appease
the wrath of GOD, and be dear and pleasant to
JESUS, and feel the warmth of the burning bush
within thy soul. The Blessed Sacrament is the
bush burning with the fire of love. JESUS dwelleth
therein as Ahasuerus in his secret chamber. By
reason of our sins, GOD S wrath is kindled against
"us, even as David was wroth with wicked Nabal.
And the glory of a greater than Solomon sitteth
here hidden after a manner incomprehensible.
Prepare thee, then, like Moses, Esther, and Abi
gail, and that good Queen ; that thou mayest hear
JESUS speak in thy heart, and mayest sweetly enjoy
86 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
thy Bridegroom JESUS, and mayest obtain the jus
tification of Divine virtue ; that the eye of thy soul
may contemplate Him Whom thy heart desires;
and say thou to Him : I cannot speak, I cannot
say that which is in my heart, O Divine Goodness,
and if Thou help me not, sweet JESU, Thou must
forgive my poverty ; I am constrained to draw nigh
Thee.
Most Sacred Body of JESUS, Thy Bride, the
Church, commands me to receive Thee, Pure
Flesh of my GOD. And I know myself unworthy,
and I see that I am not sufficient for this thing.
Help me, then, O Blessed SON of GOD, purge Thou
my heart; forgive my sins; lift up my desires;
increase in me the fruits of repentance ; draw me
to Thee, as Thou drewest Thy disciples; look
upon me as thou lookedst on S. Peter; feed me
as Thou fedst the multitude; deliver me from
mine enemies as Thou deliveredst the Canaanitish
woman ; satisfy my desire as Thou satisfiedst the
hunger of the children of Israel; let Thy holy
Manna, Thy precious Body, strengthen me and give
me Heavenly might, that I may live righteously,
and go on like Elijah to the mountain where I shall
see my GOD. Amen.
Cleanse thy heart with all diligence ; and grieve
with a great sorrow for thy sins. And confess all
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 87
and every the faults thou hast committed against
GOD and thy neighbour, and make satisfaction for
them as it shall be ordered thee. Before thou
comest to receive the holy, and sacred, and pre
cious Body of JESUS CHRIST, thou shalt retire into
some secret place, where thou shalt bow thyself
down, and close thine eyes to keep thy mind from
wandering. So think of what thou art, and what
He is Whom thou wouldest receive, and what the
effect will be if thou receivest Him worthily. And
having for some space thought upon these things,
it will be well to say on this wise :
O most sacred fruit of life ! O singular bread of
angels ! O most holy manna, sweet, precious, and
beyond all things loving, what eye is able to be
hold Thee ? What heart is worthy to receive Thee?
What man is worthy to draw nigh to Thee, Who
art brighter than the sun, and comprehendest the
heavens and all elements, and dwellest in majesty
unapproachable ? I acknowledge and confess that
I am utterly unworthy to lift up my face toward
Thee. I cannot receive Thee as I ought, and if I
leaned not on Thy sovereign mercy, I durst not
open mine eyes before Thee ; because I have com
mitted so many sins, because my innumerable sins
are above all things abominable, and the number
of them is past mine understanding; and the
frailty of my nature cannot detest their unspeak-
THE VIRGIN S LAMP
able horror. Therefore, O pitying FATHER,
cleanse the heart of Thy daughter; and, since
Thou wiliest that I behold and receive Thee,
justify my poor soul ; so that seeing Thee I may
desire Thee, desiring Thee I may love Thee, loving
Thee I may receive Thee worthily ; and, receiving
Thee, may, with all good Christians, be received
by Thee, now in grace, and finally in Thy King
dom of eternal glory. Amen.
DEVOUT CONTEMPLATION.
If thou wilt worthily receive the Body of JESUS
CHRIST, thou must beforehand consider that in the
Blessed Sacrifice are Bread, Wine, and Flesh, for
the food of thy soul ; the Bread of Angels, given
by GOD to man; the Wine drawn from the grape of
the Virginal Vine, and pressed in the wine-press of
the Cross, which makes glad the hearts of Saints by
the ecstasy of the spirit of Divine love, because
they behold the love which JESUS made manifest
in the shedding of His precious blood; and the
Flesh is the precious Body of the Paschal Lamb,
and of the fatted calf, killed for the food and sup
port of the poor prodigal. ,And when thou hast
considered these things, wash thy hands and thy
lips and thy feet. Thy hands are thy works, thy
lips are thy words, thy feet are thy thoughts and
thine affections ; let there be in thee none but holy
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 89
works, Christian words, and pure affections. And
when thou hast thus, by full confession, purged thy
heart, and lips, and body, thou mayest say :
most sovereign food ! O most salutary refec
tion ! O Heavenly Table, where FATHER, and SON,
and HOLY SPIRIT are verily present, and at which
all spirits are refreshed and fed. Who shall make
me worthy to approach Thee, and gather up the
little crumbs beneath Thee ? Who shall grant me
this day to receive Thee, O my GOD, without
offending Thee, while I receive ? Who shall
help me to prepare, if Thy sovereign mercy be
not my Helper? Make me grieve duly for my
sins before I draw nigh Thee. Give me a fer
vent desire to receive Thee as I ought. Kindle
my heart with Thy love ; strengthen my soul with
Thy grace; justify me by Thy mercy; that I may
alway abide in Thee, now by grace, and eternally
by glory. Amen.
PRAYER TO OUR BLESSED LORD IN THE MOST
HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR.
1 salute Thee, most holy and precious Body of
my Creator JESUS CHRIST, Which art perfectly
contained in this Sacrament. I confess and ac
knowledge Thee with my tongue, and love Thee
with my heart, and do earnestly pray Thee that
90 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Thou wouldest please to visit my poor soul which
is so sick. Thou art the Sacred Victim offered to
GOD the FATHER for me. Thou art the Fountain
of grace and mercy : come oftentimes to visit my
soul, that in Thy presence it may recover its
strength, and find grace and comfort in Thee.
My sweetest LORD, look not upon my sins, nor
upon my great iniquities, for they are too mani
fold; but call to remembrance Thy great mercy.
Thou art He Who giveth virtue to herbs and
stones and all created things. Thou art the spot
less Lamb, white and innocent, this day and every
day sacrificed and presented to GOD the FATHER
for the redemption and salvation of Thy people.
O sweet Manna from heaven ! O fair glory, kindle
Thy grace and holy love in my heart. Extinguish
all vice in me ; give me of Thy virtue plentifully.
Increase and multiply upon me Thy mercy ; grant
me perfect health of body and soul. Bow Thyself
and come down : come to me, that I may come to
Thee, and be one with Thee for ever. O Sacra
ment great and reverend, I pray Thee by Thy
mighty power, that all mine enemies be driven
backwards, and all my sins forgiven me. Give
me good purpose to amend my life and my ways.
Order my thoughts and works according to Thy
holy will. O my most sweet JESUS, I beseech
Thee that my understanding be enlightened, and
my desire kindled, and my hope strengthened and
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 91
surely grounded; that my poor life be mended,
and daily go from strength to strength ; and that,
finally, I may die a holy death, pleasing to Thee,
and attain life everlasting. Amen.
Affections before Holy Communion.
[Portuguese.
Kindle my soul, O good JESU, with the fire of
Thy love ; lighten my heart, O my Love, with Thine
eternal light ; curb the distraction of my thoughts ;
gather together my outward and inward senses,
take away all clouds and darkness, so that I may
see, and hear, and know, and love, and receive,
and embrace Thee with perfect love. How fair
Thou art, O Bridegroom of my soul ! how rich,
how full of bounty Thou comest forth from Thy
bride-chamber ! how lovingly Thou comest unto
me, who am dust and ashes ! Glory be to Thee,
my Saviour, Who thus seekest out my misery to
cover it with Thy mercy. Come, my health ;
come, my glory; come, Thou Blessed beloved,
and desired of my soul. O Hidden GOD, I
adore Thy Soul, and Divinity, and Love, and
mercies, and the riches and bounties wherewith
Thou art fulfilled. Unsought, Thou seekest us,
uncalled, Thou comest to our poor dwellings :
what wilt Thou do to those who seek and call
Thee ? I call Thee, good JESU, come to my soul ;
92 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
enter this dwelling darkened by sin. With Thee
will enter light, and grace, and salvation.
As the hart desireth the water-brooks, so longeth
my soul after Thee, O GOD.
I desire Thee, O LORD, I pray for Thee, and I
love Thee.
Another Devout Prayer at the Blessed Sacrament.
O LORD GOD, Who justifiest the wicked, and
wiliest not the death of sinners, I beseech Thy
Majesty that Thou wouldest alway protect and
preserve me, Thy poor creature and servant, Who
put my trust in Thy mercy ; that I may continually
serve Thee, and by no temptation be separated
from Thee. Through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Amen.
Before Holy Communion.
[A Spanish Prayer of the i$th c.
Almighty GOD, Who openest Thine Hand, and
fillest all things living with goodness : Who art the
true and living Bread That comest down from
Heaven, in the strength whereof we must go all
the days of our life through the wilderness of this
world, till we come to the Mount of GOD : Behold,
O LORD, how I, who can do no good thing of my
self, come to Thee, Who canst do all things :
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
93
beseeching Thee that as Thou hast given me a
good will, so Thou wouldest enable me to perform
it in deed; delighting always to labour in Thy
service, desiring above all things to be dedicated
wholly to Thee, turning away mine eyes lest they
behold vanities, and quickened in Thy most holy
law. And grant me now so to receive this " Bread
of the Mighty, and this Wine that blossometh into
Virgins," that everything weak in me may be
strengthened, everything impure may be cleansed :
so that pleasing Thee both in body and soul, I
may finally find Thee, after serving Thee here,
to be my exceeding and eternal great reward
there : Who livest and reignest with the FATHER
and the HOLY GHOST, now and ever. Amen.
THREE OFFERINGS TO GOD THE FATHER.
The First Offering.
O GOD, the FATHER Eternal, I confess that I am
unworthy to receive this precious and worthy Sac
rament; and have not such contrition and sorrow
for my sins as is needful for a worthy reception
thereof. But, O FATHER, I offer Thee Thy SON
our LORD : and all the bitterness and sorrow which
He bore in this world to make satisfaction for my
faults and sins ; particularly the Agony He suffered
in the Garden, saying, My soul is exceeding sorrow-
94 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
ful, even unto death, and sweating blood and water,
by reason of the utter grief which filled His Heart.
And I offer Thee, Eternal FATHER, the great and
bitter woe that He suffered ; hanging naked on the
Cross, and saying, My GOD, My GOD, why hast
Thou forsaken Me ? for of all comfort in heaven
or in earth His holy and most sacred soul was
forsaken, so that it was swallowed up of sorrow.
And He suffered and died for me, to redeem me
from everlasting damnation. O Heavenly FATHER,
I humbly beseech Thee, by virtue of the grief and
sorrow of Thine Only-Begotten SON, forgive my
little sorrow and contrition for my sins. And
vouchsafe to prepare my soul worthily to receive
this worthy Sacrament. Amen.
The Second Offering.
O GOD, the FATHER Eternal, I confess that I have
not done penance for my sins as is fitting for a
worthy reception of the worthy Sacrament ; but I
offer Thee Thine Only-Begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST,
and the sorrowful penance that He bare to deliver
me from the pains of hell ; and all the troubles He
endured in this world more than two-and-thirty
years; especially the pains he suffered in His
bitter Passion; all the wounds He received in
His scourging, when, from the Crown of His
glorious Head to the Sole of His blessed Feet,
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 95
there was no soundness in Him. And the pain
He felt when the Crown of Thorns was pressed
upon His holy Head; and when, being con
demned to death, He bare His Cross to Calvary
between two. thieves, and His blessed Body was
stretched upon the Cross, and His sacred Hands
and Feet were pierced with great nails, and He
was hung up shamefully between two murderers,
fainting and dying in the deepest depth of all
agony to make atonement for my sins. O GOD
the FATHER, full of mercy, I beseech Thee, by
virtue of that dolorous penance which Thy dear
SON bare for me in His bitter Passion, satisfy for
what is wanting in me, concerning the little pen
ance I have done for my sins; and vouchsafe to
prepare my soul worthily to receive the Blessed
Sacrament. Amen.
The Third Offering.
O GOD, the FATHER Eternal, I confess that I
have not the fervour and the loving desire which
are fitting for a worthy reception of this Blessed
and Holy Sacrament; but I offer Thee Thine
Only-Begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST ; and the great
desire and fervency of love which made Him
descend from Heaven to the Virgin s womb, and
take human Flesh, and unite His most high God
head to our poor manhood. And I offer Thee
96 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
His earnest longing for my redemption when He
hung upon the Tree of the Cross, crying, I thirst ;
and saying, FATHER, into Thy Hands I commend
My Spirit ; crying with a loud voice, I die of love.
And I offer Thee the great and exceeding love
wherewith He presents, and alway will present,
to Thee in heavenly Glory, the merits which by
His Holy Life and Passion, His Resurrection and
glorious Ascension, He hath obtained for us ; and
by virtue of that perfect charity and divine Love of
Thy dear SON, be pleased to warm and kindle my
poor soul and the affection of my heart with the
same divine Love and fervent desire ; and fit me
worthily to receive this Blessed and Holy Sacra
ment to the glory and praise of the Blessed and
Holy TRINITY ; and of the glorious Virgin, and all
the Holy Church triumphant and militant; and
for the conversion of all poor sinners ; and for the
souls of the faithful departed; and for ....
[Here add any other matter for which you would pray : and
ask what you think good for yourself and for your friends,
living and dead. Then go to the Altar of our LORD JESUS
CHRIST, and say devoutly that which follows :~\
O GOD, my FATHER, and my Creator, I, thy
poor wretched creature all deformed by sin, come
unto Thee, a poor daughter to my sweet Father;
a poor faithless bride to my Bridegroom and my
Friend; a poor sick woman to my Sovereign
Physician; a poor starving woman to the Refec-
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 97
tion and Life of my soul. O my GOD, my FATHER,
I long for Thee with all my heart. Come, LORD,
and tarry not. Come, my LORD, and my GOD;
O tarry no longer. O my GOD, Who didst
create me in Thy fair Image and Divine Like
ness; and didst redeem me with Thy precious
Blood, and elect me in this holy time of grace and
Christianity: come unto me, Thy poor creature,
and tarry not. LORD JESUS CHRIST, pour Thy
grace upon me, and kindle me with Thy heavenly
love. O my GOD, I would I* had in me all the
beauty of all angels, and all the burning love of
the Seraphs, and all the holiness and purity of
the blessed Spirits in Heaven ; or all the fervent
devotion, love, and desire of all Thy blessed friends
and elect, who ever were, or are, or will be, in
heaven or on earth ; that, filled with those most
holy perfections, I might receive Thee in this holy
and blessed Sacrament. O most Blessed LORD, I
confess that I am a miserable sinner, unworthy of
so great a blessing : but I beseech Thee for Thine
Own merit s sake, make my soul one with Thee
for ever. Amen.
\Then say three times :~\
LORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest
come under my roof : but speak the word only,
and Thy servant shall be healed.
[Then, trusting in the goodness and mercy of our LORD JESUS
CHRIST, go and receive Him "with fear and reverence, and
G
98 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
in firm faith that it is your LORD and your GOD, Who
can save you or condemn. Who came down from Heaven
to redeem you, and so was born of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, and hung upon the Cross, by reason of His great
love for you. And when you have received, lift up your
heart, and say silently :]
Enter my heart, O GOD, and make it holy. Enter
my heart, and make it pure. Enter my heart, O
GOD, and keep it for Thyself, and never part me
from Thy heavenly Love. My LORD and my GOD,
I beseech Thee, vouchsafe to open the virtue of
This blessed Sacrament to my soul : fill me with
all its grace, strength, and merit. And by that
virtue wherewith Thou changedst water into wine,
I pray Thee, change me into Thine Own Self,
according to Thy Word.
[Then say Nunc dimittis, with blessed Simeon, and rejoice with
spiritual joy. Think that this is He Whom he bare in his
arms, and had so longed to see. And after that, say:]
JESU, Most Mighty GOD : JESU, most Good
Shepherd : JESU, most Royal LORD : I, Thy poor,
and little, and miserable handmaid, with all my
heart, and all my might, and all my will, and all
my love, do most humbly pray Thee that Thy
Precious Body and Blood which I have now
received may abide in my heart for ever; and
grant that no stain of sin may dwell in me,
who by Thy grace am nourished and rejoiced
THANKSGIVING 99
with the most pure and holy Sacrament of Thy
Body.
PREPARATIONS AND THANKSGIVINGS *
FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS.
ON ENTERING THE RELIGIOUS LIFE.
1. Who cometh ? CHRIST, Who, when He saw
thee, loved thee, because He beheld in thy soul
that love for Him which He Himself inspired.
2. To whom ? To a soul which hath kept the
commandments of GOD from her youth, and, de
siring a yet more faithful service, asketh, Good
Master, what good thing shall I do to inherit
eternal life?
3. Wherefore ? To make answer unto thee : Yet
lackest thou one thing : sell all that thou hast, and
distribute to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure
in heaven : and come, follow Me.
Aspiration. The LORD hath set His seal upon
me, that none else may enter into my heart.
Thanksgiving.
i. By faith behold CHRIST in the midst of thine
heart, looking upon thee well pleased, and saying :
There is none that hath left house, or brethren, or
ioo THE VIRGIN S LAMP
sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or
lands for My sake, and the gospel s, but shall receive
an hundredfold now in this time, with persecutions ;
and, in the world to come, eternal life.
2. Look upon yourself from this day forth as
irrevocably bound to the service of CHRIST, though
your life-vows be not yet pronounced, and ask our
LORD to let you rather die than forsake Him.
3. Pray that every day of your future life be
marked by advance in the way of perfection, and
that nothing may stop or hinder you in your course.
Aspiration. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither hath it entered into the heart of man to
conceive the good things that He hath prepared
for them that love Him.
DAY OF PROFESSION.
Preparation.
1. Who cometh ? CHRIST, the glorious Bridegroom.
Who hideth the matchless treasures that He brings
His brides beneath the veils of poverty, subjection,
and all self-denial : Who hath so long time said
unto thine heart, Leave all, and thou shalt find all.
2. To whom? To this unworthy Bride, who
gave the world her first thoughts and cares, and
long resisted the appeals of His love.
3. Wherefore ? That He may say to thee, now,
THANKSGIVING 101
Thou hast not chosen Me, but I have chosen thee :
and, hereafter, if thou wilt, Come, My elect one.
Aspiration. The world and its vain pomps I have
despised for the love of my LORD JESUS CHRIST,
Whom I have seen, Whom I have loved, in Whom
I believe, in Whom I rejoice.
Thanksgiving.
1. By faith behold CHRIST in thine heart, saying
unto thee, He that abideth in Me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit
2. Seek to comprehend the marvellous honour
of being chosen as the bride of CHRIST. So great
a King the Bridegroom, so poor a little creature
the bride ! But love is strong as death.
3. Remember that to whom much is given, of
him shall much be required. Pray that thou mayest
so labour and suffer now, that thou mayest then
hear from thy dear LORD S lips those sweetest
words, Come, bride of CHRIST, receive the crown
which the LORD hath prepared for thee for ever.
Aspiration. One thing have I desired of the LORD
which I will require : even that I may dwell in the
house of the LORD all the days of my life, to be
hold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit His
temple.
THE VIRGIN S LAMP
RENEWAL OF Vows.
Preparation.
1. Who cometh? CHRIST, Who drew thee to
Himself by the cords of love, parting thee from
the world, and binding thee unto Himself by a
threefold cord not quickly to be broken.
2. To whom ? To a sinner in Jerusalem, un
worthy of her LORD S dear love ; who hath sought
not to break but to loosen her bonds, and hath
feared to commit herself entirely into GOD S hands.
3. Whereforel That He may say unto thee, If
thou wilt return, O Israel, return unto Me. Wilt
thou not, from this time, cry unto Me, My FATHER,
Thou art the Guide of my youth ?
Aspiration. I will arise, and go to my FATHER.
Thanksgiving.
1. By faith behold CHRIST in thy heart, receiving
the renewal of thy vows, and renewing thy strength
like the eagle s.
2. Pour out thy heart in contrition before thy
LORD, and ask for grace that thou mayest pay that
thou hast vowed, and say not before the Angel, It
was an error.
3. Seek for grace, that thou mayest comprehend
with all saints what is the length, and breadth, and
depth, and height, and to know the love of CHRIST,
THANKSGIVING 103
which passeth knowledge ; that, absorbed in that
sea of love, thou mayest die to all else, and live to
Him alone.
Aspiration. GOD is a faithful judge, strong and
patient : shall GOD be provoked every day ?
ANNIVERSARY OF PROFESSION.
1. Who cometh? CHRIST, the True and Jealous
Bridegroom, Who showeth thee all stains where
with thou hast denied thy soul since its baptism to
the religious life, saying, Is this the crown where
with I crowned thee, My bride, in the day of
Mine espousals, and of the rejoicing of Mine
heart ?
2. To whom ? To His faithless bride, who boweth
herself down in shame, saying, For these things I
weep ; mine heart is turned within me, for I have
grievously rebelled.
3. Wherefore ? To make loving answer : Awake,
awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy
beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city;
for henceforth there shall no more come into thee
the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself
from the dust ; arise and sit down, O Jerusalem ;
loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive
daughter of Zion.
Aspiration. I laid me down and slept : I awaked ;
for the LORD sustained me.
io 4 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Thanksgiving.
1. By faith behold CHRIST in thy heart, saying
unto thee, I remember thee, the kindness of thy
youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou
wentest after Me in the wilderness, in a land
that was not sown.
2. Render thanks to GOD, Who hath troubled
the waters of thy soul for its healing, and say, Thy
Word, O LORD, healeth all things, for Thou hast
power of life and death. I have found Him Whom
my soul loveth; I held Him, and would not let
Him go.
3. Earnestly render the renunciation of every
act, and word, and thought of sin, saying, Away
from me, all ye that work vanity; for the LORD
hath heard the voice of my weeping.
Aspiration. My beloved is mine, and I am His :
He feedeth among the lilies.
*SEVEN DEVOUT CONTEMPLATIONS AND
PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION.
i. JESUS, AT THE LAST SUPPER, OUR KING.
Set CHRIST before thee in the Blessed Sacrament
as the glorious King of heaven and earth, sitting
at His great banquet, receiving ready and joyful
COMMUNION 105
service from Angels and all creatures, and hear
how He saith, " All power is given unto Me, in
heaven and in earth." "Riches and honour are
with Me; yea, durable riches and righteousness,
that I may cause those that love Me to inherit
substance; and I will fill their treasures." Come
humbly, like a poor forsaken beggar, to the throne
of the Most Meek King, and seek His grace.
Prayer.
O CHRIST JESU, King of Glory ! I, poor and
miserable, draw near Thy royal table. Thou dost
invite and lovingly compel me, else I durst not
approach it. Look, therefore, with mercy on my
misery and need : I ask no riches, nor honour, nor
earthly joy; one thing alone I crave, Thy grace,
O JESU ; and my heart s desire shall be fulfilled.
2. JESUS, IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE,
OUR JUDGE.
Consider how CHRIST shall one day judge the
quick and the dead in the garden of Gethsemane,
which is in the valley of Jehoshaphat. Sin-laden
kneel before His judgment-throne, and pray that
He may show thee mercy in that day.
Prayer.
O JESU, all power is given Thee of Thy FATHER
106 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
to judge the quick and the dead. How shall I
stand before Thy face, when Thou shalt call me to
account for every thought, and word, and work, in
that very place where, for my sins sake, Thou didst
wrestle with the bitterness of death ? Be merciful,
then, to me, a sinner, for the love s sake which
Thou showest me in this Holy Sacrament. Look
on the Wounds of Thy hands, and of Thy feet;
look on the sacred Wound of Thy side, whereby
Thou givest us entrance to Thy most tender heart,
and spare me. On these marks of Thy love, O
JESU, J will now and ever fix mine eyes, unceas
ingly praying and saying, When Thou comest to
judge the world, condemn me not.
3. JESUS, IN THE FLAGELLATION, OUR PHYSICIAN.
Consider CHRIST, in the Flagellation, as the
Physician " by whose stripes we are healed." Cry
to Him for healing, as one who hath fallen
among thieves, and is wounded, and left half
dead.
Prayer.
O good Samaritan, Physician of my soul, CHRIST
JESU ! There is no healing for my wounds, save
in Thy virgin Flesh, torn with the cruel scourge,
and Thy precious Blood so richly shed for me. O
let me feel its power in this Holy Communion,
COMMUNION 107
strengthen me in the hour of my death with this
draught of immortality, that my soul may be
delivered from destruction, and evermore dwell
with Thee, and praise Thy Name.
4. JESUS, CROWNED WITH THORNS, OUR
BRIDEGROOM.
Behold the Thorn-crowned SAVIOUR as thy
bridegroom, betrothing thee to Himself for ever.
Love Him, therefore, as His bride, and pray
Him to fulfil thy longing after the joys of
heaven.
Prayer.
O JESU, crowned with thorns for me ! Who am
I, that Thou shouldest vouchsafe to say to me, " I
have loved thee with an everlasting love : I will
betroth thee unto Me in loving-kindness and in
mercies?" How couldest Thou show me greater
Jionour and love? Be glad and rejoice, O my
soul. The Fairest among the children of men
hath brought thee into His chambers, and desires
to betroth Himself to thee in everlasting love.
Why seekest thou yet after the path of Egypt, to
drink troubled waters ? Wilt thou yet hew thyself
cisterns of vain delights? Wilt thou not turn
with loving haste to thy Bridegroom, Who givest
thee to drink of the torrent of His pleasures ?
io8 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Lo, I lift my hands to Thee, O JESU : stretch out
Thine arms to me, embrace me and bind me to
Thyself for ever. In Thine arms I desire to live
and to die.
5. JESUS, BEARING THE CROSS, OUR LEADER.
Consider thy Cross - bearing SAVIOUR as the
Leader, saying unto all men, " Be of good cheer :
I have overcome the world." Draw near to Him
as to a mighty warrior, and pray Him to guide and
strengthen thee in thy battle with the world, the
flesh, and the devil.
Prayer.
O mighty Man of war, O glorious Conqueror,
CHRIST JESU, Who didst upon the cross triumph
over the devil, the world, and the flesh, how shall
I, weak creature, withstand so strong enemies,
unless Thou uphold me? The flesh excites, the
world entices, Satan drives me to all sin. Without
Thy help, O JESU, I am lost. Therefore I flee to
Thee in this most Holy Sacrament : set me beneath
the banner of Thy cross, lead me, defend me, and
strengthen me with Thy most blessed Body and
Blood, and I shall vanquish mine enemies, and
follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest.
COMMUNION 109
6. JESUS, THE CRUCIFIED, OUR SIN-OFFERING.
Consider thy crucified SAVIOUR as the Sacrifice
for our sins. Offer thyself in sacrifice to Him, and
pray Him graciously to accept thee.
Prayer.
JESU, Redeemer of the human race,. Who,
for my sake, didst offer Thyself to Thy Heavenly
FATHER a whole burnt-offering, without any reser
vation : behold, I desire in this most Holy Sacra
ment to offer my whole being in sacrifice to Thee,
and to Thy Heavenly FATHER, and to the HOLY
GHOST. Make me acceptable in Thy sight, O
JESU, as a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
7. JESUS, LAID IN THE GRAVE, OUR LIFE.
Consider how, with thy dead and buried SAVIOUR,
thy life is hid in GOD. Pray earnestly that He
awake thee from the dust, and give thee eternal
blessedness.
Prayer.
1 know that my Redeemer liveth, and that I shall
stand at the latter day upon the earth : and though
after my skin worms destroy my body, yet in my
flesh I shall see GOD my SAVIOUR, Whom I now
desire to receive under the form of bread and wine.
no THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Thy Death and Burial, O JESU, opened my way to
everlasting life. Therefore let me henceforth lay
aside all things displeasing unto Thee, and seek
the things which are above. Clothe me with
loving mercies, with gentleness, humility, meek
ness, and patience, and then come unto me and
bring Thy holy love, which is the very bond of
perfectness, and Thy blessed peace shall dwell in
my heart. O LORD JESU, when shall I come to
appear before Thy holy presence !
* COMMUNIONS OF REPARATION MAY BE MADE ON
Sunday, in the spirit of union with S. Mary
Magdalene bathing our LORD S feet with her tears.
Monday, in the spirit of union with the beloved
Disciple leaning on JESUS bosom, and asking Him
questions.
Tuesday, in the spirit of union with the Angel
who strengthened our LORD in the garden.
Wednesday, in the spirit of union with S. Veronica
wiping the holy face of JESUS.
Thursday, in the spirit of union with Simon the
Cyrenian helping to bear the cross.
Friday, in the spirit of union with the daughters
of Jerusalem weeping for JESUS.
Saturday, in the spirit of union with Mary
receiving the body of JESUS in her arms.
COMMUNION in
OF OBLATION OF WORK.
A Prayer to be said at Celebration.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, Whom only I desire
to serve : my Help, my Guard, my Prince, my
Husband :
Thou acceptest every offering of love :
Thou knowest that I love Thee :
Accept, then, the offering I bring thee now of
my service to thy poor, last :
Its fatigue, its self-denial, its inconveniences :
Unite them with Thine own labours and suffer
ings :
Unite them also with the sacrifice Thy Priest is
now offering to Thee :
Accept them, such as they are :
1 would they were more in themselves, and more
simply done for Thy love :
But pardon them, receive them, and bless them :
For Thou art He that offerest and art offered,
that sanctifieth and art sanctified, CHRIST our
GOD : and to Thee, with the FATHER and the
HOLY GHOST, be all honour and glory for ever.
Amen.
ii2 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
* PRAYERS FOR ASSISTING AT HOLY
COMMUNION.
Preparation.
Come, HOLY GHOST, and kindle the hearts of
Thy faithful people, inflaming them with Thy love :
Thou Who, through divers tongues, gatherest to
gether Thine elect in the Unity of the Faith.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Send forth Thy SPIRIT and they shall be
made.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Collect for Whitsunday.
GOD, Who as at this time didst teach the hearts
of Thy faithful people, by the sending to them the
light of Thy Holy Spirit; grant us by the same
Spirit to have a right in all things, and evermore
to rejoice in His Holy Comfort; through the
merits of Christ Jesus, our Saviour, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the Unity of the same Spirit.
One GOD : world without end. Amen.
Intention.
O GOD, Heavenly FATHER, Who madest me
after Thine Image : O GOD, the SON, Who for my
salvation didst assume human nature, didst shed
Thy Precious Blood and suffer bitter Death : O
COMMUNION 1 1 3
GOD, the HOLY GHOST, Who hast sanctified me in
Holy Baptism, and guided me into the true faith
Most Holy Trinity, grant me Thy grace, that
1 may devoutly assist at this holy Sacrifice, and,
with Thy Priest, present it to Thy Heavenly
Majesty :
1. To the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name,
acknowledging Thee the only GOD and. LORD, to
Whom alone this Sacrifice pertains :
2. In remembrance of Thy bitter Death and
Passion, O JESU :
3. In thanksgiving for all Thy mercies :
4. In satisfaction for all my sins :
5. For my friends and benefactors, especially
6. For the faithful departed, especially
Graciously accept this offering, O merciful LORD :
let this intention be pleasing in Thy sight, and
grant my prayer. Through, &c.
PREPARATION FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
Sweet and gentle JESU ! Who callest us unto
Thee, saying, Come unto Me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you, behold
I come to Thee with a lowly and trusting heart,
praying that I may spiritually receive this Food of
Angels, and partake, as far as may be, of Thy
Body and Blood in this Holy Sacrament. Come
into my heart, O JESU; refresh and fill it with
ii 4 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Thy SPIRIT and Thy Grace. Sweetness of my
heart ! Life of my soul ! forgive my many sins
and shortcomings, take from me all that turns
me back from Thee. I am wounded; O JESU,
heal me. I am weak and weary ; strengthen and
refresh me. I am in darkness; give me light.
I am ignorant; teach me. I am an hungered;
feed me. I thirst; give me to drink. I am
denied and unclean; purify me. I confess my
sins and imperfections; turn Thou me, O good
JESU, guide and govern me, make my heart a
temple pleasing unto Thee, that Thou mayest
abide in me and I in Thee. Who livest, &c.
LORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest
come under my roof, but speak the word only,
and my soul shall be healed.
The Body of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, preserve
my body and soul unto everlasting life. Amen.
THANKSGIVING AFTER SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
O JESU, Perfect Beauty, Very Light, Joy and
Glory of my soul ! I give Thee thanks for ever
and ever. I laud and magnify Thee with all my
might, because Thou hast spiritually fed me, Thy
unworthy creature, with Thy sacred Body and
Blood, and made me a partaker of Thy heavenly
banquet. O my Saviour, my GOD, and my all !
By This Thy boundless Love, take from me all
COMMUNION 115
that displeaseth Thee; renew Thy SPIRIT within
me, and fill my soul with Thy grace ; kindle my
will by the fire of Thy Love, and make it one with
Thy most holy will; that I may henceforth say:
I live ; yet not I, but CHRIST within me.
AT THE END OF THE SERVICE.
Accept, O Heavenly FATHER, this my imperfect
service, and forgive all sins and negligences which
I have therein committed. I commend myself to
Thee now and always, and give myself wholly into
the hands of Thy Divine Mercy. Let Thy Holy
Will alway be fulfilled in me ; grant me a blessed
death and a happy entrance into Thy glorious
Kingdom. And this I ask for myself and for all
who need my prayers. Through, &c.
Anima ChristL
Soul of CHRIST, sanctify me.
Body of CHRIST, save me.
Blood of CHRIST, inebriate me,
Water out of the Side of CHRIST, wash me.
Passion of CHRIST, strengthen me.
O good JESU, hear me ;
Within Thy wounds hide me ;
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee ;
From the malicious enemy defend me ;
At the hour of death call me,
n6 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
And bid me come unto Thee,
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee
For all Eternity. Amen.
Soul of my CHRIST, unstained by sin,
Keep me holy without, and holy within !
Body of CHRIST, incorrupt in the grave,
My body from endless corruption save !
Blood of JESUS, poured out from above,
Inebriate me with excess of Love !
Water, flowing from JESUS side,
Purify me in Thy cleansing tide !
Hear me, dear JESU, this sinner hide,
In the peaceful cave of Thy wounded side !
Suffer me not to be taken from Thee
By force or fraud of the enemy !
In the hour of death let me hear Thy voice
Bidding me come to Thee and rejoice !
That with Thy Saints I may sing to Thee
Through the circle of all eternity.
* THANKSGIVING TO JESUS IN THE BLESSED
SACRAMENT.
O LORD JESU ! Thou hast vouchsafed to enter
under my roof. Lo, I am no wise worthy of this
so great mercy ; yet suffer me to pour out my heart
in thanksgiving for Thine unutterable goodness.
Thou art my Defence, my Strength, my Life :
Glory to Thee.
COMMUNION 117
Thou art my Refuge in labour, my Comfort in
affliction :
Glory to Thee.
Thou art the Physician of my soul, giving it
remedies of eternal life :
Glory to Thee.
With the Blood of Thine Own Heart Thou dost
sustain me :
Glory to Thee.
And silently Thou teachest me Thy Love :
Glory to Thee.
No heavenly Angel ever won such grace :
Glory to Thee.
Nor any Saint on earth, till Thy dear Side was
cleft, and there came forth Thy Sacraments :
Glory to Thee.
O blessedness of seeing Him Whom I now
Glory to Thee.
possess !
Yet, not seeing, am I more blessed ; I believe,
and adore, and love Him :
Glory to Thee.
n8 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Receive, O LORD and FATHER, the love I offer
Thee; and as Thou hast vouchsafed to visit my
soul, and to rest in my poor dwelling, so give me
Thy blessing, that in this life, and in life eternal,
I may alway give
Glory to Thee.
* ACT OF REPARATION.
JESU, Most Delectable, Glorious Victim of the
Eternal FATHER, Source of all good things : I
worship Thee with all my heart in this most holy
Sacrament, earnestly desiring to repair all irrever
ence, profanation, and sacrilege, which have been
committed against Thee in this venerable and tre
mendous mystery. I worship Thee in the name of
all who have never known or worshipped Thee \
and I would, O my GOD, that I could do Thee as
much honour as all they would, did they but truly
know Thee. I would that I could do as much for
Thy service as all lost souls have done for Thy
dishonour. I offer Thee my worship, O LORD,
in union with that of all the Church ; I unite my
praises to those wherewith Thou didst inspire Thy
blessed Mother, and with those Thyself dost offer
to the FATHER in this glorious and august Sacra
ment, wherein Thou dost praise, and bless, and
honour, and glorify Him for ever. Amen.
COMMUNION 119
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
Most loving JESUS and my dearest LORD, I
humbly bow myself before Thee; with all my
powers I adore Thee, and I desire to unite my
adoration with all that hath been, is, or shall be,
offered Thee through all eternity. I adore Thee
and worship Thee, O Divine Saviour, in this most
venerable Sacrament, and I pray Thee that Thou
wouldest spiritually visit this my poor soul. Glory
be to Thee for this Thine infinite mercy.
O most loving JESU, I firmly believe that in this
Blessed Sacrament Thou art present ; I believe this
also of Thine Eternal FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.
incomprehensible Divinity of my GOD and LORD !
1 worship and adore Thee with utter submission
and reverence. Angels of Heaven, honour and
adore my GOD, Who sitteth on the Throne of the
Altar, as in the Temple of His glory, full of love
and majesty. O Sweetest Bridegroom of my soul !
cause this Visit to strengthen me in Thy faith and
love, so that I may answer in my poor measure
to Thy singular mercies; cast one ray of Thy
Heavenly Love upon me, that I may desire
nothing save to love Thee.
120 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN THE BLESSED
SACRAMENT.
i. LOVE.
Cant v. 2.
Open to Me, My sister, My love, My dove, My
undefiled : for My head is filled with dew, and My
locks with the drops of the night.
S. Mark ix. 8.
And they saw no man any more, save JESUS only
with themselves.
2. CONCEALMENT.
Is a. xlv. 15.
Verily Thou art a GOD that hidest Thyself, O
GOD of Israel, the SAVIOUR.
S. John xxi. 7.
It is the LORD.
3. OBEDIENCE.
S. John v. 30.
I can of Mine own self do nothing.
COMMUNION 121
S. John viii. 29.
I do always those things that please Him.
4. ZEAL.
Ps. Ixix. 9.
The zeal of Thine house hath even eaten Me.
S. John xix. 28.
I thirst.
5. SORROW.
2 Mace. vii. 6.
The LORD GOD looketh upon us, and in truth
hath comfort in us.
S. Matt. xxvi. 38.
My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death :
tarry ye here, and watch with Me.
6. RESIGNATION.
Ps. xl. 20, P. B.
As for me, I am poor and needy : but the LORD
careth for me.
S. Luke xxiii. 46.
FATHER, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.
122 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
7. PERSEVERANCE.
Ruth iii. 1 8.
The Man will not be in rest, until He have
finished the thing this day.
S. Matt, xxviii. 20.
And, lo, I am with you alway.
8. VOCATION.
Heb. x. 9.
Lo I come, to do Thy Will, O GOD.
S. John xxi. 19.
Follow Me.
9. PRAYER.
Exod. ix. 29.
As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will
spread abroad My hands unto the LORD ; and the
thunder shall cease.
Ps. xxvii. 4, P. B.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I
will require.
10. EXPIATION.
Ps. xl. 9.
Then said I, Lo, I come.
COMMUNION
123
S. John xix. 30.
It is finished.
ii. NEGLECT.
Isa. Ixv. 2.
I have spread out My hands all the day to a
rebellious people.
S. Luke x. 39.
But Mary sat at the feet of JESUS.
12. UNION.
Cant. iv. 12.
A garden inclosed is My Sister, My Spouse : a
spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
S. John xvii. 23.
I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be
made perfect in One.
13. MIRACLE.
S. Luke v. 26.
We have seen strange things to-day.
Ps. cxix. ^\,P.B.
For all things serve Thee.
i2 4 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
14. CONFLICT.
Judg. vi. 14.
Go in this Thy might, and Thou shalt save Israel.
2 Tim. iv. 1 6.
No man stood with Me, but all men forsook Me.
15. COMPASSION.
Isa. xl. ii.
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd.
S. Matt. xi. 28.
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and I will refresh you.
16. POWER.
Exod. xv. ii.
Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in
praises, doing wonders ?
S. Matt. xii. 20.
A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking
flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judg
ment unto victory.
COMMUNION 125
17. LIGHT.
Esth. xi. ii.
The Light and the Sun rose up, and the lowly
were exalted.
Rev. xxi. 23.
And the Lamb is the Light thereof.
18. PROVIDENCE.
Isa. xlix. 1 6.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of
My hands.
i Pet. v. 7.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth
for you.
19. SOLITUDE.
Hos. ii. 14.
I will allure her, and bring her into the wilder
ness, and speak comfortably with her.
S. John xii. 26.
Where I am, there shall also My servant be.
20. MORTIFICATION.
Cant. i. 13.
A bundle of myrrh is my Beloved unto me.
126 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Col. in. 3.
Ye are dead, and your life is hid with CHRIST in
GOD.
21. POVERTY.
Ps. Ixx. 5.
I am poor and in misery.
S. Luke viii. 2, 3.
Certain women were with him, which ministered
unto Him.
22. SACRIFICE.
S. Luke xii. 49.
I am come to send fire on the earth.
S. Luke xxi. 3.
Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow
hath cast in more than they all.
23. BEATIFICATION.
Cant. ii. 14.
Let me see Thy countenance : for Thy counte
nance is lovely.
S. Luke x. 23.
Blessed are the eyes which see the things which
ye see.
COMMUNION 127
24. REWARD.
S. Mark i. 18.
They forsook their nets, and followed Him.
S. Matt. xix. 28.
In the Regeneration, ye shall sit on twelve
thrones.
25. ADORATION.
S.John iv. 23.
The hour cometh, and now is, when the true
worshippers shall worship the FATHER in spirit
and in truth.
Cant. i. 12.
While the King sitteth at His table, my spikenard
sendeth forth the smell thereof.
26. MERCY.
Isa. iv. 6.
And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow
from the heat, and for a place of refuge.
2 Esd. i. 30.
I gathered you together, even as a hen gathereth
her chickens under her wing.
i 2 8 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
27. AP OS TO LATE.
S. John xviii. 20.
I ever taught in the Temple.
Isa. liv. 13.
And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD.
28. CAPTIVITY.
Hos. xi. 4.
I drew them with bands of love.
Gen. xlix. n.
Binding His foal to the vine, and His ass s colt
unto the choice vine.
29. GLORY.
Rev. i. 1 8.
I am He that liveth, and was dead ; and, behold,
I am alive for evermore.
Job xix. 26.
And in my flesh I shall see GOD my SAVIOUR.
30. GENEROSITY.
Isa. v. 4.
What could have been done to My vineyard that
I have not done in it ?
COMMUNION 129
Acts xx. 35.
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
31- JOY.
Prov. viii. 31.
My delights were with the sons of men.
2 Cor. vi. 10.
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.
32. RES T.
Zeph. iii. 17.
He will rest in His love.
S. John iv. 6.
JESUS therefore being wearied, sat thus on the
well.
33. L o v E.
Jer. xxxi. 3.
I have loved thee with an everlasting love.
2 Cor. xii. 15.
Though the more abundantly I love you, the less
I be loved.
i
130 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
A HOROLOGY OF THE PASSION OF OUR
BLESSED LORD.
i.
One o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Fountain of Salvation,
Who, in the Garden of Gethsemane, didst say to
Thy Disciples, My soul is exceeding sorrowful,
even unto death; tarry ye here and watch with
Me : and again, Watch and pray, that ye enter
not into temptation; the spirit truly is willing,
but the flesh is weak : Give me grace so to watch
with Thee one hour in Thy Passion here, that
I may rest with Thee for ever in Thy glory
hereafter.
O merciful JESU, my Strength, my Refuge, my
Guardian, my Guide, in Whom I have hoped, in
Whom I have believed, Whom I have loved :
receive me according to the multitude of Thy
loving-kindness, and have mercy upon me.
As the hart desireth the water-brooks, so longeth
my soul after Thee, O GOD, Who, for my sake,
didst suffer, to the end that with joy I might draw
water out of the Fountains of Salvation.
HOROLOGY 131
The Meditation.
Tarry ye here, and watch with Me.
Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither
slumber nor sleep.
ii.
Two o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Lover of men, Who, being
in an agony, didst pray more earnestly, and Thy
sweat was, as it were, great drops of blood falling
down to the ground : and Who didst say, FATHER,
if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me : when
I shall drink of the cup that Thou didst drink of,
and shall be baptized with the baptism that Thou
wast baptized withal, leave me not, neither forsake
me, O GOD of my Salvation.
O LORD and Governor of the world, Who art
able to cure all manner of sickness, and all manner
of disease, because Thou art Almighty : receive me
according to the multitude of Thy loving-kindness,
and have mercy upon me.
As the hireling earnestly desireth the day to
come to an end, so is my expectation unto Thee,
O LORD. O let my prayer enter into Thy presence !
incline Thy ear unto my calling.
132 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
The Meditation.
In the hand of the LORD is a cup, and the wine
is red.
I will receive the cup of salvation.
in.
Three o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Joy of the Angels, Who,
as at this hour, didst say to Thine Apostles, it is
enough ; the time is at hand, and the SON of Man
is betrayed into the hands of sinners : grant that
whenever my time is at hand to suffer, I may find
Thee a very present help : and that, whenever I
am tempted or afflicted by sinners, I may remember
Thee, the Saint of saints.
LORD, to Thee I fly as to the Throne of
Grace, and the Altar of Mercy, to the Ark of
the Covenant, and the City of Refuge : receive me
according to the multitude of Thy loving-kindness,
and have mercy upon me.
1 have gone astray like a sheep that is lost : O
seek Thy servant, merciful Shepherd, Who didst
search for us in the Garden of Gethsemane, and
the Judgment-seat of Pilate, and the Pavement of
the Soldiers, and the Hill of Calvary: and didst
find us on the wood of the Cross.
HOROLOGY 133
*
The Meditation.
My time is not yet come, but your time is alway
ready.
It is enough : the hour IS at hand.
IV.
Four o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Master of the Apostles,
call to mind that hour when the soldiers came out
with swords and staves to take Thee, and one of
the Twelve betrayed Thee with a kiss. Grant that
I may never bow the knee before Thee, and receive
Thee with my lips, when Thou comest to me under
the form of Bread and Wine, without also clinging
to Thee, in my heart, and resolving that I would
die a thousand times rather than be separated from
Thee, O my Light and my Joy.
Thou that art the Refuge of the poor, the
Strength of the victors, the Comfort of the
mourners : grant me so to love Thy Passion, that
I may follow it; and so to grieve for it, that I
may hate the sins which caused it : receive me
according to the multitude of Thy loving-kindness,
and have mercy upon me.
1 will acknowledge my sin unto Thee, and mine
unrighteousness have I not hid : give me grace at
i 3 4 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
all times, and especially when my life draweth nigh
to the grave, to make a good and holy confession
of all my sins.
The Meditation.
They laid hands on JESUS, and bound Him.
To proclaim liberty to the captives.
v.
Five o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Lamb without blemish
and without spot, Who wast, as at this hour, forsaken
by all Thy Disciples, and didst alone for us, yet
without us, bear the burden and heat of the day,
grant that though Thou hast been so often forsaken
by us, we may never be forsaken by Thee : and as
Thou didst now stand before the unrighteous judg
ment-seat of Caiaphas, so vouchsafe that when we
shall be judged righteously by Thee, O Thou true
High Priest, we may be delivered from all the
punishment that we have merited by our sins.
O Thou that art our FATHER, as well as our
Brother, receive me, Thine unworthy and prodigal
son, now returning to Thee. Array me with the
first robe of innocence, Thou that, for my sake,
didst wear the purple garment of Martyrdom :
receive me according to the multitude of Thy
loving-kindness, and have mercy upon me.
HOROLOGY 135
Deep calleth unto deep, O LORD : the deep of
misery to the deep of mercy : the deep of ingrati
tude to the deep of love : the deep of despair to
the deep of hope. O let not the water flood drown
me, neither let the abyss swallow me up.
The Meditation.
He loved them unto the end.
Then all the Disciples forsook Him.
VI.
Six o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Light of Light, Who
wast at this hour denied by the Chief of Thine
Apostles : grant that, as I have denied Thee with
Peter, so with Peter I may go out and weep bitterly :
cast Thine eyes on me, as Thou didst on him : and
give me grace henceforth to confess Thee where I
have hitherto denied Thee : and, where I have
heretofore forsaken Thee, henceforth to forsake all
things for Thee.
LORD, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest
that I love Thee. Help me to minister to Thy
lambs for Thy sake : help me to give if it be but
the cup of cold water that shall in no wise lose its
reward. Receive me according to the multitude of
Thy loving-kindness, and have mercy upon me.
i 3 6 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
my Light, my Hope, and my Salvation !
lighten my darkness, chase away my doubt, pre
serve me in my danger, that I may come to Thy
brightness, rejoice in Thy certainty, repose in Thy
safety.
The Meditation.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine up
rising.
1 know not the Man.
VII.
Seven o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Mirror of Patience, Who
wast, as at this hour, presented before Pilate, when
he was determined to let Thee go : and the mul
titude cried, saying, Not this Man, but Barabbas !
grant that I, who am guilty, may go free through
Thy taking on Thee my guilt : grant that, as Thou
art unrighteously condemned, so I may justly be
acquitted.
GOD, Who art offended by sin, and appeased by
penitence, regard Him that did no sin, and give
ear to His sorrows : remember all His offering, and
accept His sacrifice. Receive me according to the
multitude of Thy loving-kindness, and have mercy
upon me.
HOROLOGY 137
Let Thy Blood, O Very Paschal Lamb, be on us
and ours, not to condemnation, but to eternal life :
that so the destroying Angel may pass by us, and
we may follow Thee in safety across the Red Sea
of our death.
The Meditation.
I will be surety for him : of my hand shalt thou
require him.
Not this Man, but Barabbas.
VIII.
Eight tf clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Lover of Purity, Who
wast, at this hour, arrayed in a white robe, and
sent by Herod to Pilate ; and by him wast endued
with a purple garment, and brought forth to the
multitude : grant that I may so wear the robe of
innocence in this life, that hereafter I may be
counted worthy to be brought unto Thee in a
vesture of glory.
O GOD, Who of old time didst preserve eight
persons in the Ark from perishing by water, and
Who, as at the eighth hour, wast re-arrayed in a
vesture of purity, figuring thereby our regeneration,
accomplished on the eighth day : grant that I may
so with Thee pass through the Lent of this life,
138 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
that I may rest with Thee hereafter in the eternal
Octave of Thy Heavenly Easter. Receive me, &c.
O Thou that didst say of old, Thou hast a few
names even in Sardis which have not denied their
garments, and they shall walk with Me in white,
for they are worthy, Grant me so to keep innocency
and take heed unto the thing that is right, that
finally I may sit down at Thy Marriage Supper :
Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
Herod and his men of war mocked Him, and
arrayed Him in a white robe.
The fine linen is the righteousness of Saints.
IX.
Nine o clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Crown of all Saints, call
to mind this hour, when Thou wast led forth to the
people, with the Crown of Thorns on Thy Head,
and the Reed in Thy Hand : and vouchsafe that
as Thou didst go out to war in this Helmet, and
didst overthrow the Old Enemy, so I, taking to
myself for an Helmet the hope of salvation, may
be found Thy true follower by destroying the works
of the Devil.
HOROLOGY 139
O Bishop of our souls, Whose Mitre was made
precious with Thine Own Blood, draw nigh unto
my soul and save it ! O merciful and faithful High
Priest, Who canst be touched with the feeling of
our infirmity, let Thy Blood make reconciliation
for all mine offences. Receive me, &c.
Thou Good King, Whose sceptre was a reed,
with that reed, as with a merciful pen, erase the
handwriting that is against me, and then nail it to
Thy Cross. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
The Crown wherewith His Mother crowned Him
in the day of His Joy.
1 will make Thee a Royal Diadem in the Hand
of my GOD.
x.
Ten o * clock a.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Mirror of Life, Who wast,
as at this hour, acquitted by Pilate, and the Jews
said, We have a law, and by our law He ought to
die, because He made Himself the SON of GOD :
Grant that if it be Thy Will that I should suffer, I
may suffer for well-doing and not for evil-doing,
following herein Thy steps, who didst no sin,
neither was guile found in Thy mouth.
140 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
O Thou, concerning Whom it was said, as at
this Hour, Behold The Man ! Grant that I may so
behold Thee now in Thy Sorrows, that hereafter I
may not fear to see Thee when Thou comest in
Thy glory. Receive me, &c.
Let Thy Sceptre, O merciful King, be held out
to me. Let Thy purple Robe defend me. Let
Thy Crown be my safeguard here and my ex
ceeding and eternal great reward hereafter. Who
livest, &c.
The Meditation.
Behold the Man !
There shall no Man see My Face and live.
XI.
Eleven o clock a.m.
O JESUS CHRIST, Consolation of the afflicted,
Who, as at this Hour, didst give Thy face to the
smiters, and Thy cheeks to them that plucked off
the hair; and upon Whose back the plowers plowed,
and made long furrows : Grant that the rivers that
flow therefrom may make glad the hearts of them
that labour in the desert of the world, and may
finally bring* them forth to the Ocean of Thine
infinite and eternal love.
* Ezek. xlvii.
HOROLOGY 141
Grant, O LORD, that with all joy I may draw
water out of these wells of salvation : Grant that
I may be cleansed in this fountain opened for sin
and for uncleanness : Grant that I may so attain
to those rivers of pleasures which are at Thy
Right Hand for evermore. Receive me, &c.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who wast bound that we
might be set free, loose us from the chains of our
sins, and knit us to Thee by the everlasting cords
of Thy Love.
The Meditation.
He took him and healed him and let him go.
Pilate therefore took JESUS and scourged Him.
XII.
Twelve d clock : Noon.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Example of Patience,
Who didst vouchsafe to faint three times under
the weight of Thy Cross, and yet didst say to
them that followed Thee, Daughters of Jerusa
lem, weep not for Me: Grant that we may weep
with those that weep in this world, and forgetting
our own afflictions, may so bind up the broken
hearted, and comfort all that mourn, that here
after we may come to that place where all tears
shall be wiped away from all faces.
142 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
O GOD, Who, leaving us a marvellous example
of humility, didst suffer without the gates : Grant
that I also may cheerfully and bravely go forth
with Thee beyond the camp of this world, bearing
Thy reproach. Receive me, &c.
O Thou True Isaac, Who, bearing the wood of
the Cross, and enduring the fire of GOD S anger,
didst offer Thyself as the Lamb for the burnt-
offering : Thyself Victim and Priest, Thyself
Shepherd and Lamb : lead me forth in the green
pastures by the still waters.
The Meditation.
The earth is weak : I bear up the pillars of it.
Him they compelled to bear His Cross.
XIII.
One d clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, fountain of pardon, Who,
when they pierced Thy Hands and Thy Feet, didst
say, FATHER, forgive them, for they know not
what they do, Grant that the blood of Thee, our
Elder Brother, may cry from the ground unto Thy
FATHER and our FATHER, not for vengeance, but
for pardon not for final condemnation, but for
the remission of all our sins.
HOROLOGY 143
O Thou, the lifting up of Whose Hands was the
true evening sacrifice, and Who didst stretch forth
Thy Hands in the midst of us, as he that swim-
meth spreadeth forth his hands to swim : Grant
that we, in Thy strength, and following Thine
example, may so contend against the waves of
this troublesome world, that, when the morning
shall come, we may merit to stand with Thee on
the shore. Receive me, &c.
O Thou, Who from the watch-tower of the Cross
didst foresee the salvation of the elect that should
be wrought by Thy merits, and the reprobation of
the wicked, that should perish through their own
sin, set me, in the great and bitter day of judg
ment, at Thy Right Hand. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
A place called the place of a Skull.
O Grave, Where is thy victory ?
XIV.
Two o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, King of the Jews, over
Whose Head was written a superscription with this
title, Thine enemies themselves bearing Thee wit
ness, that Thou art the King of Israel : Grant that
i 4 4 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
whensoever Thou shalt permit me to be tried and
tempted, all the devices of mine enemies may but
fulfil the purposes of Thy mercy, and may set for
ward my Salvation.
O Thou, Who, being a King, hadst nevertheless
no place where Thou mightest lay Thy Head;
and Whose Kingdom, according to Thine own
saying, consisted in this, that Thou shouldest bear
witness to the truth : make me so, like Thee, a
King and a Priest, that I may always patiently
surfer, when need is, for the Truth s sake : and
may offer myself up, soul and body, to Thy
service. Receive me, &c.
O Thou, Who didst say that Thou wouldest
dwell in the thick darkness, call to mind this
hour, when there was darkness over all the earth.
Scatter Thou the shadows of sin and misery, and
rise upon us, O Sun of Righteousness, with healing
in Thy wings.
The Meditation.
As for me, I am a Worm, and no man.
Behold your King !
xv.
Three o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, King of Penitents, Who,
HOROLOGY 145
when the sun was darkened and the moon
ashamed, didst reign on Mount Zion and in Jeru
salem, and before Thine ancients gloriously, and
yet didst call a penitent to the foot of Thy Cross,
appointing her a place where the mighty men
were : receive me in like manner, who desire to
repent all my many sins, to be near Thee in Thy
conflict, that hereafter I may be near Thee in Thy
Kingdom.
O Thou, Who, of old time, didst place Cheru
bim and a fiery sword that turned every way to
keep the way of Paradise from man; and didst
turn aside tha*t sword, and open that way, when
Thou saidst to the Penitent Thief, Verily I say
unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with Me in
Paradise : Receive me according to the multi
tude of Thy loving-kindness, and have mercy
upon me.
Thou That didst as at this hour thirst for our
salvation, Grant me to drink of that river which is
in the midst of the Paradise of God. Who livest,
&c.
The Meditation.
1 sat down under His Shadow with great delight.
To him that oveijcometh will I give to sit with
Me in My Throne.
K
i 4 6 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
XVI.
Four rf dock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Martyr of martyrs, Who as
about this hour didst say, "It is finished;" and again,
"Father, into Thy Hands I commit My spirit ;" and
having said this, didst bow Thine Head, and give
up the Ghost : Grant that, in the agony of mine
own death, all Thy good pleasure may have been
accomplished in me : Grant that I may joyfully
commit my spirit into Thy Hands, knowing that
Thou art able to keep that which I have com
mitted unto Thee against that day.
O Thou that didst conquer by death, and
triumph by suffering, vouchsafe to us that victory,
after which there can be no more war, and that
triumph, after which there can be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying. Receive me according
to the multitude of Thy loving-kindness, and have
mercy upon me.
O Thou that hast devised means whereby Thy
banished ones should be brought back to Thee :
Grant that, one day, I, returning from my long
exile, may see Thee face to face in my Country.
Who livest, &c.
HOROLOGY 147
The Meditation.
Ye have killed the Prince of Life.
If a man keep My saying he shall never die.
XVII.
Five o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Lord of Life, call to
mind this hour in which, after Thou hadst left Thy
companion behind Thee, the soldiers came and
brake his legs : and grant that when we suffer in
this world, we may say with him, " And we indeed
justly:" and so may pass from death to life, from
sorrow to joy, from a vale of misery to a Paradise
of Immortality.
O Thou that didst come to fulfil the law, and
even in death wouldst not suffer that aught should
be done against it, fulfilling that which was written,
A bone of Him shall not be broken, grant that we,
fulfilling Thy commandments to the last, may have
our portion with Thee, O Thou true Paschal Lamb !
Receive me according to the multitude of Thy
loving-kindness, and have mercy upon me.
O Thou Who didst give up the ghost before sun
set, so that Pilate marvelled that Thou wast already
dead, suffer us not to be tempted above that we are
148 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
able to bear, or to be afflicted longer than Thou
seest to be needful for us. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
The Tree of Life in the midst of the garden.
In the midst of two animals Thou shalt be made
known.
XVIII.
Six o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Bridegroom of Thy
Church, Who didst vouchsafe that she should be
formed from Thy side, as Thou wast sleeping in
death, and should be redeemed by the Blood, and
sanctified by the Water : Grant that we, whom Thou
hast loved with an everlasting love, may hereafter
be presented unto Thee, not having spot nor
wrinkle, nor any such thing.
O Fountain of David, give us grace to come to
Thee for cleansing . O good Physician, give us
power to hasten to Thee for healing : O smitten
Rock, draw us to Thee for refreshing : O " Brook
in the Way," lift up our heads to everlasting joy !
Receive us according to the multitude of Thy
loving-kindness, and have mercy upon us.
O Thou, Who hast three that bear witness on
the earth, the Spirit, and the Water, and the Blood,
HOROLOGY 149
bear witness with my spirit that I am a child of
GOD ; and, if a child, then an heir : an heir of
GOD, and joint heir with Thee. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
They shall look on Him whom they pierced.
The LORD turned, and looked upon Peter.
xix.
Seven o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Prince of Peace, Who
wouldest not be taken down from the Cross till
Thou hadst accomplished the work which Thou
earnest to do : Grant that I may never desire to give
up that Cross which, in Thy good Providence, Thou
dost lay upon me here, till I have performed all
that which Thou wouldest have me to do and to
bear.
O Thou, Who, after the bitter week of Thy
Passion, didst prepare for Thyself a Sabbath in
the Tomb : Grant that we also, after the week of
our worldly life shall have come to an end, may
rest in Thine eternal Sabbath, according to Thy
promise. Receive me according to the multitude
of Thy loving-kindness, and have mercy upon me.
O Thou, Whose rest is glorious, and in all Thy
glory there shall be a defence to Thy people, grant
150 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
me never to desire rest here, but to wait for that
blessed Sabbath which remaineth for the people of
GOD. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
They shall rest in their beds.
They rest not day nor night.
xx.
Eight o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Death of death, call
to remembrance this hour, in which many of Thy
saints that slept arose, the first-fruits of Thine own
Resurrection, the blessed earnest of our own im
mortality. And grant that we, who have Thy
precious Passion in remembrance, may rise from
the death of sin to the life of righteousness, so that
hereafter we, like those Thy saints of old, may
enter into the Holy City, and appear unto many,
even unto the multitude of Thy redeemed.
O Thou Who, if Thou makest Thy servants the
sharers of Thy conflict, makest them also the par
takers of Thy victory, endue us with such trust in
Thee, that when we go down into the valley of the
shadow of death, we may fear no evil, knowing
that Thou art with us, and that Thy rod and Thy
staff they will comfort us. Receive me according
HOROLOGY 151
to the multitude of Thy loving-kindness, and have
mercy upon me.
O Thou to Whom the darkness of the grave is
no darkness, but that night shineth with the day of
Thine own Resurrection, preserve us this night and
evermore. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
Thy dead men shall live.
The little hills shall rejoice on every side.
XXI.
Nine o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Captain of our Salvation,
Who didst vouchsafe that, as at this hour, Thy
servants, Joseph and Nicodemus, should anoint
Thy Body to the Burial : Grant that we also may
bring Thee the myrrh and aloes of repentance and
confession, and, according to Thine own command,
when we fast, anoint Thee our HEAD, Who, for
us, didst endure the bitterness of death, and dost
anoint us with Thy Holy Spirit.
O Thou, Who didst give such grace to Nico
demus that, when Thou wast reckoned with the
transgressors, and hadst been crucified between
two thieves, he would be Thy disciple in secret
no longer : Give us grace boldly to confess Thee
152 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
before men, that so Thou mayest confess us before
Thee, our FATHER, in Heaven. Receive me accord
ing to the multitude of Thy loving-kindness, and
have mercy upon me.
Grant, O LORD, that, dying with Thee, we may
be buried with Thee, and may find our refuge
under the shadow of Thy Tomb, until this tyranny
be overpast. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
He was embalmed, and put in a coffin, in Egypt.
GOD shall surely visit you.
XXII.
Ten o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Ruler of Thine enemies,
call to remembrance that hour in which Thine
enemies took counsel against Thee, saying, GOD
hath forsaken Him; and, now that He lieth, let
Him rise up no more ; and set a watch and a seal,
and made Thy Sepulchre as sure as they could ;
and vouchsafe that, as these their devices were
over-ruled to Thy glory, so now all things that
seem to be against Thy faithful people may work
together for their good.
O Thou, Who didst say to Thy disciples, " My
time is not yet come, but your time is alway ready,"
HOROLOGY 153
and who didst remain in the silence of the tomb
until the time, fore-appointed of Thee, was come ;
teach us also patiently to abide alway, working our
work betimes, and, in Thy time, looking for our
reward. Receive me according to the multitude of
Thy loving-kindness, and have mercy upon me.
O Thou, Whose Kingdom cometh not with
observation, and Who, while Thy Body was rest
ing in the grave, wast setting free the spirits in
prison : Grant that, when we cannot see Thy
hand we may believe in Thy power. Who livest,
&c.
The Meditation.
The wrath of man shall praise Thee.
There is the hiding of His power.
XXIII.
Eleven o clock p.m.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Friend that stickest
closer than a brother, call to remembrance the
sorrow and tears, as at this hour, of Thy Virgin
Mother, and Thy beloved Apostles, and have
mercy on us, and on all who walk in darkness,
and have no light, and give us grace to trust in
the Name of the LORD, and to stay ourselves upon
our GOD.
i 5 4 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
O Thou, That didst permit all Thine own, save
Thy Blessed Mother only, to waver in their faith,
and yet didst return and refresh them : forsake us
not, O LORD, if ever, through our miserable weak
ness, we mistrust Thy power. Receive me accord
ing to the multitude of Thy loving-kindness, and
have mercy upon me.
Let Thy sleep in death, O LORD, hallow and
defend our sleep; let Thy rising from the dead
give its blessing to our awaking. Who livest, &c.
The Meditation.
A brother is born for adversity.
There is a Friend that stick eth closer than a
brother.
XXIV.
Twelve o clock, Midnight.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, Judge of all men, grant
us grace always to bear in mind that Thy terrible
return, when, as at this hour, Thou shalt come to
judge the quick and the dead ; and Thou that wast
unrighteously judged, shalt pronounce just judg
ment on all men. Let Thy Wounds be our refuge
then : let Thy Passion be our safeguard then ; let
Thy Righteousness be our shield then, O good GOD
and Lover of souls !
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 155
Thou that wast born at midnight betrayed at
midnight, didst rise from the dead at midnight, _
at midnight shalt come to judge; lighten our
darkness, receive us according to the multitude
of Thy mercies, and have mercy upon us.
Lamb of GOD, call to remembrance Thy
Passion ! O merciful High Priest, have compas
sion on our infirmity ! O Righteous Judge, be
merciful in the last judgment !
The Meditation.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter.
1 am Alpha and Omega.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK.
ASPIRATIONS TO JESUS.
O JESU, Who hangest with outstretched Arms
upon the Cross, inviting me to flee to Thee, and
lovingly embrace Thee; behold, I come, heavy
laden with divers sins; I cast myself into the
arms of Thy mercy. Bind me unto Thee, that
I be never parted from Thee again.
O JESU, what are these nails that fasten Thee to
the Cross? Why didst Thou suffer this thing to
be done ? Wilt Thou hereby show how long and
patiently Thou awaitedst our repentance? JESU,
156 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
no sinner comes too late to Thee ; Thou wilt not
reject me, late though I come ; I fall before Thy
Feet and crave for grace.
O JESU, Thou didst suffer Thy Holy Side to be
opened by a great wound, to give us free access to
Thy loving Heart. Let my poor soul find its last
resting-place in Thy dear Side. Let it thus go
straight from Thy gracious Heart to Thy Judg
ment-Seat.
O JESU, in the hour of Thy death Thou bowedst
Thy head, to give us Thy farewell kiss. Kiss me
with the kisses of Thy mouth, O dearest LORD;
and so take my soul to Thyself.
O JESU, when Thou gavest up the Ghost, Thou
criedst with a loud voice, that I, lost sheep, might
hear, and seek to Thee : and lo, I come. I come,
O JESU; lead me, Thou art the Way; teach me,
Thou art the Truth ; save me from evil death, Thou
art the Life. Amen.
THREE ASPIRATIONS TO THE HOLY GHOST.
HOLY SPIRIT, Comfort and Strength of all op
pressed and sorrowful, strengthen and deliver my
weak and troubled heart; overshadow me with
Thy Strength; make me to bear all pain and
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 157
suffering with love and patience, and steadfastly
to resist all assaults of the enemy.
HOLY SPIRIT, Bond of Love between the FATHER
and the SON : Kindle the fire of Thy Love in my
heart ; and by that Love knit me to GOD for ever.
Sweet SPIRIT, Eternal Light, drive away the
night of sin, and turn from me the darkness of
hell ; lighten my heart, and grant that in Thy Light
I may hereafter behold my LORD and my GOD.
PRAYER FOR HEALTH.
O merciful JESU, Who didst take upon Thee
Thy sweet Name, that we might thereby know
Thy nature ! JESU, SAVIOUR, be to me now a
very JESUS, a gracious SAVIOUR. If it be not
against Thy FATHER S will, save my soul, I be
seech Thee, out of this distress; take away my
anguish and fear of heart ; take away my pains of
body, give strength to my weak limbs. I desire to
lead a better life, and to serve Thee more earnestly.
Think, O JESU, how lovingly Thou dealedst with
many sick ; let me feel that Thy Love. Speak the
word only, and Thy servant shall be healed. Take
from me all weakness of body and soul, that I
may praise and glorify Thee in Thy Holy Church.
Amen.
i 5 8 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
SHORT PRAYERS BEFORE A CRUCIFIX.
Nailed to the Cross, I behold Thee, Bride
groom of Blood, Who didst sweetly promise this
betrothal of old time, saying, " I will betroth thee
unto Me for ever : yea, I will betroth thee unto
Me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in
loving-kindness, and in mercies."
On this Cross I see Thee, dearest SAVIOUR,
Who in Thy Birth hadst no cradle, and in Thy
Death no resting-place. The foxes have holes,
the birds of the air have nests, but the SON of
Man had not where to lay His Head.
JESU, Thou didst suffer so much for me in
Hands and Feet, and Body and Soul; and I am
so impatient in my pain. Thy Bed is the hard
Cross, Thy drink is gall and vinegar ; and I com
plain of my place of rest and of my refreshment.
Thy Heart, O JESU, is pierced with a spear :
shall not my heart be pierced with that Wound
of Love ? Shall I any longer shrink from receiving
my death-wound at Thy Hand, that I may perfectly
love Thee in Thy Kingdom ?
1 long to be dissolved and to be with Thee, O
JESU. Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks,
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 159
so longeth my soul after Thee, O GOD, Thou GOD
of my Life. When shall I come to appear before
the Presence of GOD ?
INTERCESSIONS FOR THE SICK.
O GOD, man s only Refuge in his weakness,
show forth Thy saving power upon our sick brother,
that, aided by the help of Thy mercy, he may be
restored in health and safety to Thy holy Church.
Through, &c.
And Thou, SAVIOUR, Who, when about to ascend
into the Heavens, didst leave Thy peace to Thy
disciples, pour, we beseech Thee, Thy peace into
his heart; that, being fulfilled with the abundant
sweetness of Thy Presence, through the grace of
Thy HOLY GHOST, he may bear with patience those
pains of body which are the chastisement of his
sins, remembering how Thou for us sinners didst
endure the torment of the Cross. For Thy tender
mercy s sake. Amen.
For a Sick Person having lost Sight and Hearing.
PRAYERS TO JESUS.
i. O gentlest JESU, SON of the Living GOD,
forsake not the soul of Thy servant in this its
utmost need, when it is forsaken of all creatures.
160 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Thou hast redeemed it with Thy Precious Blood.
It is Thine own ; let not Thy bitter Passion be in
vain, but deal with him according to Thy unutter
able mercy, and let him hear the blessed words :
To-day shalt Thou be with Me in Paradise. Our
FATHER, &c.
2. To Thee, O JESU, we commend this Thy
servant in body and soul his understanding and
memory, mind and thoughts, will and desires,
powers and works, life and death. Deal with him,
O JESU, according to Thy good pleasure : show him
Thy sweet and loving Face for the comfort and re
freshing of his soul. Thy holy Blood cleanse him
from all sin. Thy Passion shield him, Thy Right
eousness fulfil him, Thy Death be his eternal life.
Make him partaker of the riches of Thine unspeak
able sweetness. Our FATHER, &c.
3. O JESU, our SAVIOUR and Redeemer, help this
Thy servant by the healing power of Thy Cross,
Thy spotless Life, and Thy bitter Death. Let
him find grace, mercy, and comfort in his neces
sity. Deliver his soul out of all anguish, and
stretch over him those Hands which for him
Thou willedst to have nailed to the Cross. Our
FATHER, &c.
4. To Thee, O JESU, we commend the soul of
PRAYERS 161
Thy servant, as Thou didst commend Thine Own
Soul to Thy FATHER ; and we pray Thee, by all
the pains, and troubles, and needs, of that Thy
departing soul, graciously to deliver this soul from
all trouble and need, and lead it from misery to
eternal life. Our FATHER, &c.
(At Holy Communion.)
GOD, by Whose will the moments of our life
run on : Accept our prayers and offering for Thy
servant N., that his health may be restored to him,
and he may yield Thee thanks in Thy holy Church.
Through, &c.
* For Grace to Die Well
(At Holy Communion.)
Accept, we beseech Thee, O LORD, the Offer
ing we present Thee for the close of Thy servant s
life, and grant that through it all our sins may be
cleansed; so that we, who for our evil deeds do
worthily deserve to be punished in this life, may
attain eternal rest in that which is to come.
Through, &c.
1 entreat Thy Mercy, Almighty GOD, that by the
virtue of this Sacrament Thou wouldest vouchsafe
to strengthen me, Thy servant, with Thy heavenly
grace, that in the hour of my death the Enemy may
not prevail against me, but I may enter with Thy
holy Angels into Life. Through, &c.
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* EARNEST PRAYERS ON THE PASSION
OF CHRIST.
1. OF THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN.
Remember, O CHRIST JESU, the heaviness and
sorrow of Thy soul, when Thou didst fall upon
Thy Face in the garden, and didst pray Thy
FATHER to remove that Cup, if it were possible.
Think on Thine Agony and Bloody Sweat, and
come and help this sick man in this his agony.
Without Thy help, O JESU, he must fail. Of
Thy mercy let the bitter cup of suffering pass
from him; send him Thine Angel from heaven to
comfort and strengthen him. Give him the Cup
of Salvation, that he may sing praises unto Thy
Name. Amen. Our FATHER, &c.
2. OF THE LEADING AWAY CAPTIVE.
Remember, O CHRIST JESU, the bonds where
with the godless rabble bound Thee, when they
led Thee away, and all Thy disciples forsook
Thee and fled. Have mercy on this sick man,
bound with deadly weakness, and waiting a happy
deliverance. Loose the chains of his sins, most
merciful JESU ; Go not far from him, for there is
none to help; Let Thine Angels tarry about his
bed and defend him from all hellish spirits, and
PRAYERS 163
bear him in their hands to the Land of the Living.
Amen. Our FATHER, &c.
3. OF THE STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
Remember, O CHRIST JESU, the dolorous way
that Thou didst go, when they bound Thee in the
night with cords, and dragged Thee to Annas
and Caiaphas, and all the council of the Jews;
remember how Thou wast falsely accused, and
smitten on the face, and declared worthy of death.
Lo, this sick man is on his way to meet his Judge.
Pity him, JESU, and let him not be confounded in
Thy presence ; preserve him by Thy bitter Passion,
wherein he setteth all his hopes. Amen. Our
FATHER, &c.
4. OF PETER S DENIAL AND REPENTANCE.
Remember, O CHRIST JESU, Thy loving-kind
ness, which moved Thee to look in mercy upon
Peter, when he had thrice denied Thee. So turn
Thy gracious eyes on this sick man : work in him
true repentance, let him earnestly bewail his sin,
faithfully cleave to Thee till his life s end, and
praise Thee eternally in heaven. Amen. Our
FATHER, &c.
5. OF THE MOCKING.
Remember, O CHRIST JESU, Thy meekness
164 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
and patience, when they spat in Thy Holy Face,
whereon the Angels love to gaze, when they
dragged Thee from place to place, and clad Thee
in a white robe to mock Thee. Behold, against
this sick man the furiqusness of ill spirits increaseth
more and more, they seek after his soul, and think
to destroy it among the terrors of death. But do
Thou forsake it not, Who hast done so great things
for it, comfort and strengthen it against all temp
tations of the devil, and when the enemy seeks to
drag it away to damnation, then clothe it in the
wedding-garment of Thy righteousness which Thou
hast purchased for it with Thy Precious Blood.
Amen. Our FATHER, &c.
6. OF THE SCOURGING AND CORONATION.
Remember, O CHRIST, Thy great shame and
suffering, when Thy virgin Body was stripped by
wicked men, and beaten with rods and scourges,
and Thy blessed Head was crowned with thorns.
Behold, how this sick man is now chastised in soul
and body, and smitten with weakness in his head
and limbs. Let his pains avail to salvation ;
strengthen him inwardly by Thy HOLY SPIRIT to
bear his sufferings patiently : sprinkle and cleanse
his soul with Thy Blood, so richly poured forth in
Thy Scourging and Thy Crowning, that he may
attain to the Crown of Thine Elect Amen. Our
FATHER, &c.
PRAYERS 165
7. OF THE BEARING THE CROSS.
Remember, O CHRIST JESU, Thy last dolorous
journey, when Thou didst go up Mount Calvary
bearing Thy Cross, and didst thrice fall down ex
hausted. Lo, this sick man now goeth on his last
painful journey, and he hath a rugged hill to climb.
For his greater glory, Thou hast laid on him Thy
Cross to bear it after Thee. O LORD, the load is
heavy, and he feareth greatly, till he reach the end,
and yield his spirit to Thy Hands. Look graciously
on him, O JESU, and lighten the weight of his cross,
so that he may not greatly fall ; strengthen him to
tread manfully in Thy blood-stained footmarks, to
conquer pain by patience, and gloriously to attain
to Thy blessed Presence. Amen. Our FATHER,
&c.
8. OF THE HANGING ON THE CROSS.
Remember, O CHRIST JESU, how Thou didst
hang with arms outstretched upon the Cross, to
show Thyself ready to embrace all men with Thy
loving mercy. We pray Thee, O sweetest JESU,
for this sick man, who findeth no rest in his anguish;
take him in Thine arms, and give him rest. Amen.
Our FATHER, &c.
1 66 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD.
FOR A FATHER OR MOTHER.
O GOD, Who dost command us to honour our
father and mother, have mercy upon the soul of
my father : give him an inheritance in the Land
of the Living, a place in the bosom of Abraham,
and the blessed companionship of Thy Saints and
Angels : and grant that I may see him in glory.
Through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee and the HOLY GHOST, ever One
GOD : world without end. Amen.
FOR A PRIEST.
GOD, Which didst bestow on Thy servant N.,
among other Apostolic Priests, the honour of the
priestly office : Grant that he may be counted
worthy of their blessed companionship for ever
and ever. Through. Who liveth, &c.
FOR A SISTER IN A RELIGIOUS HOUSE.
GOD, Who art the Giver of pardon, and the
Lover of men, grant to Thy servant, our Sister N.,
whom Thou hast taken from the world, the blessed
companionship of Thy Saints. Through. Who
liveth, &c.
PRAYERS 167
FOR ANY DEPARTED CHRISTIAN.
We beseech Thee, O LORD, that Thou wouldst
grant unto the soul of Thy servant N., whom Thou
hast taken from the world, a place among Thine
Elect and Thy Saints ; and wouldst pour upon it
the continual dew of Thy comfort. Through. Who
liveth. &c.
* SEVEN PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED THROUGH
THE PASSION AND DEATH OF CHRIST.
1. O JESU, the Resurrection and the Life, Who,
departing out of this world, didst leave Thy Body
and Thy Blood to be our Meat and Drink ; by this
Thy boundless Love, I entreat Thee, have mercy
on the souls of all the faithful departed, especially
.... Lead them to the Fountain of Life, and
speedily refresh and satiate them at Thy Heavenly
Table. Our FATHER, &c.
2. O JESU, our Healer and Defender, Who, for
our sakes, didst suffer so great agony in the Garden,
that Thy sweat was like great drops of blood falling
down to the ground : by this, Thy most precious
Blood, I humbly pray Thee, have mercy on all
the faithful departed, especially Deliver
them from all anguish, wipe all tears from their
eyes, and bring them into the Garden of Paradise.
Our FATHER, &c.
1 68 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
3. O JESU, our SAVIOUR and Redeemer, Who
didst take upon Thyself the bonds of our sins : by
those Thy hard bonds, I pray Thee, have mercy
on the faithful departed, especially .... Loose
them from the bonds of their sins, wherewith
human frailty kept them bound in this life, that
they may cry with great joy, Thou hast broken
my bonds asunder : I will offer to Thee the
sacrifice of thanksgiving, and praise Thy Name
for ever. Our FATHER, &c.
4. O JESU, Joy of our hearts, Who didst receive
shame, and spitting, and blindfolding on that Face,
which Angels delighted to adore; by this Thy
incomprehensible patience, I beseech Thee, have
mercy on the souls of the faithful departed, especi
ally .... Let them come to the glory of Thy
Light, and fill them with eternal joy by the sight of
Thy countenance. Our FATHER, &c.
5. O JESU, Crown of our glory, Who wast beaten
with scourges, and, for our pride s sake, wast
shamefully and cruelly crowned with thorns; by
this Thy supreme humility, I beseech Thee, have
mercy on all the faithful departed, especially ....
Mercifully grant that they speedily come to the
crown of everlasting glory, for Thou crownest them
with mercy and loving-kindness. Our FATHER, &c.
PRAYERS 169
6. O JESU, our Advocate and Judge, Who, by
most unjust judgment, didst will to be sentenced
to most bitter death, that we might be delivered
from the punishment of eternal damnation ; by the
depth of Thy mercy I call upon Thee : have mercy
on the faithful departed, especially .... Make
them to hear that word of comfort : Thy sins are
forgiven thee. Our FATHER, &c.
7. O JESU, our highest and our only Good, Who,
with the weight of the Cross, didst take on Thee
the burden of our iniquities, and didst bear our
sins in Thy Body on the Tree : by this, Thine
immeasurable mercy, I humbly beseech Thee, have
mercy on all the faithful departed, especially ....
Open quickly to them the gates of everlasting glory,
and let them hear the joyful words, Come, ye
blessed of My FATHER, inherit the kingdom pre
pared for you from the beginning of the world.
Our FATHER, &c.
AFTER A DEATH.
(At Holy Communion.)
Receive, we beseech Thee, O LORD, merciful
FATHER, the offering which we present before Thee
for the soul of Thy servant N., whom Thou hast
delivered from the corruption of the flesh : and
grant that in peace and rest he may await the Day
of Resurrection. Through, &c.
1 70 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that
the soul of Thy servant N. may be received by the
Angels of light, and conducted to the mansions
prepared for the blessed. Through, &c.
* ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF A DEATH OR
BURIAL.
O LORD, Thou GOD of mercy and forgiveness,
grant that the soul of Thy servant, the anniversary
of whose death we commemorate, may enjoy the
place of refreshing, the blessedness of rest, and the
clear shining of the light of Paradise. Through,
&c.
(At Holy Communion.)
O LORD, we beseech Thee mercifully to receive
our supplications for the soul of Thy servant N.,
for which we offer before Thee the sacrifice of
praise, that Thou wouldest vouchsafe to unite him
with the company of Thy blessed Saints. Through,
&c.
STATIONS 171
THE STATIONS IN EASTER-TIDE.
Before each
V. We praise Thee, O CHRIST, and bless Thee.
R. Because, by Thy Holy Resurrection, Thou
hast redeemed the world. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Our FATHER, &c.
Then, one short Collect of the Station.
Then, as follows :
1. Station. To meditate and pray over
Judgment of The judged judging. (S.
Pilate. Matt. xxv. 31-33.)
2. Going forth To meditate and pray over
bearing the The going forth to Mount
Cross. Olivet. (S. Luke xxiv. 50.)
3. ist Fall. To meditate and pray over
First manifestation of Resur
rection. (S. Matt, xxviii. 2-4.)
4. Meeting His To meditate and pray over
Blessed Mother. His first appearance (as the
Church piously believes) to
His Mother.
5. 2nd Fall. To meditate and pray over
His Second Manifestation.
(S. John xx. n, &c.)
6. Veronica. To meditate and pray over
Our transformation into His
likeness. (2 Cor. iii. 18.)
172
THE VIRGIN S LAMP
7. The Cyrenian. To meditate and pray over
Our still assisting " Who
now rejoice in my sufferings
for you, and fill up that which
is behind hand," &c.
8. 3rd Fall. To meditate and pray over
His Third manifestation to
the 500 in Galilee.
9. Daughters of To meditate and pray over
Jerusalem. S. Luke xxiii. 29, compared
with Isa. liv. i , and Rev. xiv. 4.
10. Our Lord de- To meditate and pray over
spoiled. His despoiling to this end :
Rev. xix. 8.
n. Crucifixion. To meditate and pray over
The Crucifixion thus leading
on to Rev. v. 6, &c.
12. Death. To meditate and pray over
The Ascension not now to
the Cross, but to the Right
Hand of the FATHER.
1 3. Descent from To meditate and pray over
the Cross. His final victory, when all
things shall be put under
His feet.
14. Burial. To meditate and pray over
The everlasting rest of His
Saints in this True Rock.
\These may be thus said on Friday f s, except in the Octaves of the
Jive great festivals.}
MEDITATION
173
BRIEF ABSTRACT OF THE IGNATIAN
METHOD OF MEDITATION.
Remote
Preparation
Immediate
Preparation
Reflections
Meditation -
1. To prepare the subject.
2. To think it over before going to
sleep.
3. And in the morning as soon as
awake.
1. Presence of God.
2. Preparatory Prayer.
3. Preludes.
i. The Memory proposes the subject.
1. Considers.
2. Applies it in
general.
3. Applies it in par
ticular.
i. Exercises itself in
pious affection.
2. The Under
standing
3. The Will
2. Makes purposes.
3. Makes holy col
loquies.
Examination of the meditation.
Thanksgiving.
Recapitulation.
174
THE VIRGIN S LAMP
MORE ANCIENT METHOD OF
MEDITATION.
THREE
i. More remote.
PREPARATIONS.
fSin.
Obstacles Passions.
to be [ Wandering
removed. I of heart
and mind.
Means of
Removal.
Renun
ciation.
Mortifica
tion.
Custody
of Senses.
ii. Less remote.
Attention.
Silence.
Review of subject.
Affections of love, joy, &c.
in. Proximate.
1. Act of GOD S presence.
2. Acknowledgment of unworthiness.
3. And of incapacity.
[Here go over the subject of the Meditation. Then -work it
out in the following threefold manner .]
i. Adoration Contemplate the subject in, or with
regard to, CHRIST.
Worship Him on account of it.
Offer Adoration.
Admiration.
MEDITATION 175
Offer Praise.
Love.
Joy-
Gratitude.
ii. Communion Seek participation.
1. Consider the importance of the subject
2. And previous shortcomings ;
and wasted opportunities.
3. Petition: by Request.
Obsecration.
Thanksgiving.
Insinuation.
All these prayers accompanied by
Humility.
Confidence.
Perseverance.
Union with others.
in. Co-operation Resolutions.
Particular.
Present.
Efficacious.
Conclusion
1. Thanksgiving.
2. Prayer for pardon.
3. Oblation.
Gather and preserve the flower of the meditation.
i 7 6 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
MEDIAEVAL DISTICHS.
HEADS OF MEDITATION.
Objective.
To whom? How long? Whence? Whither?
Wherefore? Who?
How oft ? Who else ? If not ? O Christian,
view !
Subjective.
The thing to do, the thing to leave undone,
Towards GOD, towards self : and, last, towards
every one.
SUBJECTS FOR MEDITATIONS.
IN ADVENT.
Isaiah li.
7 IT Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my law ; fear ye not
the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their
revilings.
8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment,
and the worm shall eat them like wool : but my
righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation
from generation to generation.
9 1T Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of
FOR MEDITATION 177
the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the
generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut
Rahab, and wounded the dragon ?
10 Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the
waters of the great deep; that hath made the
depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass
over ?
11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall
return, and come with singing unto Zion; and ever
lasting joy shall be upon their head : they shall
obtain gladness and joy ; and sorrow and mourning
shall flee away.
12 I, even I, am He That comforteth you.
v. 7. Ye of those in a Religious House.
v. 8. Righteousness in the sense of the vow that
binds the One Side as well as the other.
v. 9. " Faithful are the wounds of a Friend," &c.
v. 10. Notice the increased promise in the in
creased trouble and danger.
z/. ii. Zion, still of the earthly Church: but
especially of Religious Houses. "The
people shall dwell in Sion, at Jerusalem :
thou shalt weep no more;" 11 as here, " ever
lasting joy." Cf. S. John xvi. 20.
Isaiah ii. 2-5.
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that
M
178 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
the mountain of the LORD S house shall be estab
lished in the top of the mountains, and shall be
exalted above the hills; and all nations shall yftw
unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye,
and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, 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.
4 And he shall judge among the nations, and
shall rebuke many people : and they shall beat
their swords into ploughshares, and their spears
into pruning-hooks ; nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war any
more.
5. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk
in the light of the LORD.
2. Top of the mountains, and yet flow unto it : the
possibility of all things to Grace.
3. By inviting others, helping ourselves the
very promise for a Sister.
Sion theZ0a// Heb. x. i.
4. The sword with its cross shape the battle
against self, the subsequent fertilizer of
others.
" Freed from every stain of evil,
All their carnal wars are done," &c.
5. Ye, and us, as in v. 2.
FOR MEDITATION 179
Isaiah v. 1-4.
1 Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song
of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well-
beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill :
2 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
winepress therein : and he looked that it should
bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild
grapes.
3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and
men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me
and my vineyard.
4 What could have been done more to my vine
yard, that I have not done in it ? wherefore, when
I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought
it forth wild grapes ?
1. Religious Life.
Advent.
A Song of my Beloved ; hers, of course, yet
His, because hers.
2. Fenced.
Stones gathered out.
Planted.
Vine.
Choicest.
Tower.
i8o THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Winepress.
rightly read, seven graces ; the last, as being
highest, that of suffering.
3. Those who from the vineyard are at rest;
those who are in other vineyards still.
Isaiah xxix. 17-22.
17 Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon
shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful
field shall be esteemed as a forest ?
1 8 11 And in that day shall the deaf hear the
words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall
see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the
LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the
Holy One of Israel.
20 For the terrible one is brought to nought,
and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for
iniquity are cut off :
2 1 That make a man an offender for a word?- and
lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate? and
turn aside the just for a thing of nought?
22 Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed
Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob
shall not now be ashamed? neither shall his face
now wax pale?
17. = S. Matthew xix. 30.
FOR MEDITATION 181
1 8. = Rev. v. 5.
Original ) gin>
Actual J
19. Notice the parallel with the Beatitudes here
and in v. 20.
21. 1 S. Matthew xxvi. 61.
2 Tribute-money.
3 Barabbas.
22. l S. John xix. i.
2 S. John xix. 2.
Isaiah Ixii. 6-n.
6 IF I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O
Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day
nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD,
keep not silence.
7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and
till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
8 The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and
by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more
give thy corn to be meat for Thine enemies ; and the
sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for
the which Thou hast laboured:
9 But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and
"praise the LORD ; and they that have brought it
together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.
10 Go through, go through the gates ; prepare ye
the way of the people ; cast up, cast up the high-
1 82 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
way ; gather out the stones ; lift up a standard for
the people.
ii Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the
end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion,
Behold, thy salvation cometh ; behold, his reward is
with him, and his work before him.
6. Not only Priests, but the Hours.
8. Take it as applied to the Blessed Sacrament :
then, no more, unworthy reception.
9. =S. Matthew xxvi. 29.
10. See how lovely, taken of our LORD : Ascen
sion that His people may follow :
" And with many He may enter
Whence He had come down alone. "
Isaiah Ixiv. 1-5.
1 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that
thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might
flow down at thy presence.
2 As when the melting fire burneth, the fire
causeth the waters to boil, to make Thy Name
known to thine adversaries, that the nations may
tremble at thy presence ?
3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked
not for, thou earnest down, the mountains flowed
down at thy presence.
4 For SINCE the beginning of the world men
have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither
FOR MEDITATION 183
hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he
hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh
righteousness, those that remember thee in Thy
ways : behold, thou art wroth ; for we have sinned :
in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
1. A reference to the tradition (Jewish) of the
spark, at Exod. xxxiii. 18.
2. " And terrible to evil spirits."
3. Exod. xxxii. 27.
4. The First Paradise.
5. " Love,/#7, peace," &c.
Thy, "nevertheless not My will, but Thine
be done."
" I am the LORD, I change not ; therefore ye
sons of Jacob are not consumed."
Isaiah Ixv. 23-25.
23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth
for trouble ; for they are the seed of the Blessed of
the LORD, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they
call, I will answer ; and while they are yet speak
ing, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock : and
dust shall be the serpent s meat. They shall not
1 84 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the
LORD.
23. Religious Houses.
Therefore they shall labour, and bring forth
with trouble, not for.
Because He, the Blessed of the LORD, insti
tuted them. S. Matthew xi. 29.
24. = Isaiah Ixv. i.
i S. John iv. 19.
25. A triplicity of good and evil wonderfully to
be worked out.
Baruch v.
5 Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and
look about toward the east, and behold thy children
gathered from the west unto the east by the word
of the Holy One, rejoicing in the remembrance of
God.
6 For they departed from thee on foot, and were
led away of their enemies : but God bringeth them
unto thee exalted with glory, as children of the
kingdom.
7 For God hath appointed that every high hill,
and banks of long continuance, should be cast down,
and valleys filled up, to make even the ground, that
Israel may go safely in the glory of God.
8 Moreover even the woods and every sweet-
smelling tree shall overshadow Israel by the com
mandment of God.
FOR MEDITATION 185
9 For God shall lead Israel with joy in the light
of his glory with the mercy and righteousness that
cometh from him.
v. 5. If commanded to arise, then " I will bring
forth My Servant, the East ( = Branch).
Zech. iii. 8.
v. 7. The future unity of the Church : an Advent
prayer Thy kingdom come.
v. 8. " All the trees of the field shall clap," &c.
The Cross on earth, her happiness and
safety in Paradise.
Sweet -smelling: the wounded myrrh -tree,
therefore producing incense.
Hebrews x.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence,
which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye
have done the will of God, ye might receive the
promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come
will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith : but if any
man (he) draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure
in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto
perdition; but of them that believe to the saving
of the soul.
1 86 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
v. 35. Present: as in S. James i. 12 : "when he
is tried."
v. 36. Cf. that with the other Advent promise :
Is. xl. 10, " His reward is with Him,"
to work out the two parallel truths.
v. 38. Not any man, but he; and so, the dan
ger, after any amount of help, of finally
falling.
No pleasure, not even for the past; and
so, Ezek. xviii. 24.
Isaiah xvi.
1 Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land
from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the
daughter of Zion.
2 For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast
out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at
the fords of Arnon.
3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy
shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday ;
hide the outcasts ; bewray not him that wandereth.
4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab ; be
thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler :
for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth,
the oppressors are consumed out of the land.
5 And in mercy shall the throne be established :
FOR MEDITATION 187
and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle
of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and
hasting righteousness.
v. i Ye, the Religious House.
The Lamb. The Daily Sacrifice.
The land.
Sela : the Dove or loneliness.
The mount of : the mount looked forward
to by
v. 2 As they say, What lovelier description can
there be of the passage of those, once
daughters of Moab; over the Jordan?
No; over the fords; (Arnon is rest.)
Think that well over.
v. 4 GOD S command to the world : " Surely the
wrath of man shall praise Him."
i Timothy iv.
13 Till /come, give attendance to reading, to
exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which
was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of
the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself
wholly to them ; that thy profiting may appear to
all.
i88 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
1 6 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doc
trine; continue in them : for in doing this thou
shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
v. 13 Take that "7" in the highest sense, and
v. 14, of the vow ; and is it not lovely as
applied to a Sister ?
i Thessalonians v.
1 8 In every thing give thanks : for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 9 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is
good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you
wholly ; and I pray God your whole spirit and
soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will
do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
v. 1 8. And the Friday* says, more especially,
why. His Cross and your Cross (what
ever it may be).
v. 19. " O pledged one, O vowed one, O dear
* Being originally arranged for the second Friday in Advent
FOR MEDITATION 189
one, pledged to the Cross, vowed to the
Man of Sorrows, dear to the Conqueror
of Satan, to whom is the command, if not
to thee ? " Rupert of Deutz.
v. 20. That we must, through much tribulation,
enter into the kingdom of GOD ; that
they most must suffer here, who would
be nearest and dearest there.
v. 21. That wholly, and that whole: to whom do
they chiefly apply ?
v. 24. Faithful: the Vow, and its Response from
Him.
Ecclesiasticus 1.
1 1 When he put on the robe of honour, and was
clothed with the perfection of glory, when he went
up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holi
ness honourable.
1 2 When he took the portions out of the priests
hands, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar,
compassed with his brethren round about, as a young
cedar in Libanus : and as palm trees compassed
they him round about.
13 So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory,
and the oblations of the Lord in their hands, before
all the congregation of Israel.
14 And finishing the service at the altar, that
he might adorn the offering of the most high
Almighty.
1 90 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
15 He stretched out his hand to the cup, ana
poured of the blood of the grape, he poured out at
the foot of the altar a sweet-smelling savour unto
the most high King of all.
1 6 Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded
the silver trumpets, and made a great noise to be
heard, for a remembrance before the most High.
17 Then all the people together hasted, and fell
down to the earth upon their faces to worship their
Lord God Almighty, the most High.
Take it of The High Priest, and see how beauti
fully it comes out.
\
Isaiah Ixvi. 20-23.
20. And they shall bring all your brethren for an
offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon
horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules,
and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusa
lem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring
an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the
LORD.
21. And I will also take of them for priests and
for Levites, saith the LORD.
22. For as the new heavens and the new earth,
which I will make, shall remain before me, saith
the LORD, so shall your seed and your name
remain.
23. And it shall come to pass, that from one new
FOR MEDITATION 191
moon to another, and from one sabbath to another,
shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the
LORD.
20. All instruments of luxury, pleasure, bodily
ease, corporal endowments, to be devoted
how ?
in a clean vessel.
21. A text used over and over again by Priests
to a Religious House.
22. Rev. xxi. i, and the connection.
23. Realise how the Jewish feasts are used to
show how " old things shall pass away
behold all things are become new."
SUBJECTS FOR MEDITATION IN LENT.
Prayer.
O LORD, in union with all that Thou didst for
us, and for me, Thy unworthy servant, in the Forty
Days of Thy Fast, I desire to offer this Meditation
and Prayer to Thee : Who livest, &c.
THE WORDS OF THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST.
(Two only are worked out.)
S. Matthew ii.
"That I may come and worship Him also."
192 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Him in this Lent.
Remember the sacrifice to be brought.
i. Of resisting temptations before yielded to
of
of
and, whatever it cost, to offer these as a sacrifice.
2. Of denying self in things lawful; in keeping
under the body, and bringing it into sub
jection (rising at once, &c.) : as regards
mental self-denial.
3. Of works of love resolved upon, such as
These, the great divisions of Lent worship.
Then, also:
To join yourself in spirit to those Blessed ones
who have in times past gone hence by the same
road.
But also implies prayer for those with whom you
live;
That / may come and worship,
and that they may come too.
And then, that all this be deeply and thoroughly
in earnest.
Herod s warning to the contrary.
Not now, the Child in the Manger,
but, the Man of Sorrows in the Desert,
so to be prepared at Easter to worship the
Monarch to whom all power is given in Heaven
and in earth.
FOR MEDITATION 193
Yet, both as the Man of Sorrows,
and as the triumphal Conqueror,
to come to Him with the love of a faithful Bride.
S. Luke iv. 22.
" Is not this Joseph s son?"
1. The hard every -day work which made them
think so.
Thus look at
(solemn words as they are, they are the Truth)
your Husband, whose heart is safely to trust
in you
in the poor little shop,
making the most of every minute of time ;
and only (as the Apocryphal Gospels tell us)
when ordinary earthly labour failed, employing
a miracle.
2. Their contempt of little things.
And yet from those little things came
All Salvation.
All Love.
All that we hope here or hereafter.
3. Their mistake Joseph s Son.
Thus He was mistaken.
How must His own expect in their turn
to be mistaken ?
N
194 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
4. Compare S. John vi. 42.
" Whose father and mother we know."
The contempt of what we have close at hand,
natural ; and we, never to be discouraged at it.
And so, the Carpenter s Son
has hallowed all earthly work.
OTHER SUBJECTS FOR LENT.
i.
S. John xiii. 1-5.
2.
S. John xiii. 6-15.
3-
S. Matthew xxvi. 30-35.
4-
S. Luke xxii. 25-27.
S. John xiii. 13-17.
S. Luke xxii. 28-30.
Then to say the prayers of the 2nd Station :
and (without any discouragement if not yet able
entirely to do so) to endeavour to devote yourself
anew to the service of our LORD.
FOR MEDITATION 195
5-
First, to say these Psalms, with especial reference
to our LORD as the GOD of all Consolation, and
Strength, and Hope.
3, n, 23, 27, 30, 40, 43.
Then to meditate and pray over (the continua
tion of the Passion.)
S. John xiii. 18-25.
S. Matthew xxvi. 23-25.
S. John xiii. 26-30.
6.
First, to say the Collect in the Paradisus, of
Canisius, " before a representation of CHRIST cruci
fied" and the first of S. Bridget; before the
Crucifix : and then, to meditate and pray over
S. John xiii. 31-38.
S. Luke xxii. 3134.
Then to say some of the other Collects of S.
Bridget.
7
To say the Collect before the Crucifix, as last
time.
Then to meditate and pray over
S. John xiv. 1-14.
196 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
8.
S. John xiv. 15-23.
9-
S. John xviii. i.
S. Matthew xxvi. 31-44.
S. Luke xxii. 4246.
S. Matthew xxvi. 45, 46.
10.
S. John xviii. 2, 3.
S. Mark xiv. 43-45.
S. John xviii. 4-9.
S. Luke xxii. 49.
S. Matthew xxvi. 51-54.
S. John xviii. n.
S. Luke xxii. 51.
ii.
S. John xviii. 19, 20.
S. Matthew xxvi. 5961.
S. Mark xiv. 58, 59.
S. Luke xxii. 66.
S. Mark xiv. 60, 61.
S. Luke xxii. 67, 68.
S. Matthew xxvi. 63, 64.
S. Luke xxii. 70.
S. Matthew xxvi. 65, 66.
FOR MEDITATION 197
12.
(Holy Week.)
S. Luke xxii. 63-65.
S. Matthew xxvii. i, 2.
S. John xviii. 28-31.
S. Luke xxiii. 2.
S. John xviii. 32.
S. Matthew xxvii. 12-14.
S. John xviii. 33-38.
S. Matthew xxvii. 33, 34.
S. Mark xv. 23, 25, 27, 28.
S. Luke xxiii. 34.
S. John xix. 23, 24.
S. Matthew xxvii. 36, 37.
S. John xix. 19-22.
S. Matthew xxvii. 39-43.
S. Luke xxiii. 36-43.
S. John xix. 25-27.
S. Matthew xxvii. 45-47.
S. John xix. 28, 29.
S. Matthew xxvii. 49.
S. John xix. 30.
S. Luke xxiii. 46.
198 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
SKETCHES AND HINTS FOR MEDITA
TIONS IN EASTER-TIDE.
Prayer.
O LORD JESUS CHRIST, in union with all that
Thou didst for us, and for me, Thy unworthy
servant, in the Great Forty Days, between Thy
Resurrection and Ascension, I desire to offer to
Thee this meditation and prayer: Who livest.
S. John xx. 11-18.
n Stood without.
So pride keeps us from entering into the Passion,
stood without weeping.
and as she wept, she stooped down,
(so humility disposed her to enter)
and looked into the Sepulchre.
Here examine how far a want of humility may
have hindered, or may now hinder, from following
our dear LORD thoroughly in His Passion.
1 2 And seeth two Angels.
Her greater love; the others only saw
one.
FOR MEDITATION 199
14 And knew not that it was JESUS.
Because He came in another form.
It may have been so with you.
The Gardener.
And think how far He is to be called so with
reference to the Resurrection.
Think, also, how He loves to hide Himself from
those dearest to Him. " Let me go, for the day
breaketh."
2 Kings ii. 2, 4, 6.
17 Touch Me not.
Because He now desires a purely spiritual
love : to be loved by faith, not sight.
The sight is for the next world.
2.
S. Luke xxiv. 2-5.
S. Matthew xxviii. 5.
S. Luke xxiv. 6-8.
S. Matthew xxviii. 7.
S. Mark xvi. 8.
S. Matthew xxviii. 9, 10.
S. Luke xxiv. 9, 10.
S. Matthew xxviii. 5.
Be not affrighted, for I know, &c.
Think how true that is of every fear, of every
true follower of the LORD.
200 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
That ye seek JESUS not, that is risen, or that
shall be glorified, but, that was crucified.
Like S. Martin; looking for the prints of the
nails.
S. Luke xxiv. 6.
Remember, &c.
Suggesting that this Angel had been present
himself, probably as the guardian angel of one of
the Maries.
S. Matthew xxviii. 7.
S. Mark especially mentions S. Peter as to re
ceive the message.
Why S. Mark?
v. 10. Be not afraid : notice how that may be
said of His appearance in the Holy Eucharist.
My brethren : though they had all forsaken Him.
May it not also be " My love," " My fair one," in
spite of very much weakness ?
S. Luke xxiv. 10.
Notice how women chosen to take this message
to the Apostles.
3
S. Luke xxiv. 33-35.
S. Mark xvi. 14^
S. John xx. 19.
FOR MEDITATION 201
S. Luke xxiv. 37-40.
S. Mark xvi. 14.
S. John xx. 20.
S. Luke xxiv. 41-43.
S. Luke xxiv. 33.
The eleven still, though one absent :
the Communion of Saints.
35 How He was known of them, &c.
Ask yourself that as a question, which
they then related as a history.
With great privileges in receiving Holy
Communion, the life should be more
and more formed and hallowed by them.
S. John xx. 19.
The shut doors.
" I seek for JESUS in repose,
When round my heart its chambers close."
The partial unbelief" for fear of the Jews."
He saith unto them, Peace, &c.
S. Luke xxiv. 38, 39.
The gentleness of His " upbraiding."
Pray that His Priests may be like-minded.
S. John xx. 20.
For self-examination concerning devotion in the
Presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
202 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
S. John xx. 21-23.
21 Said again, Peace.
The first peace given at Baptism.
The second, in Confession.
As My FATHER
and first, of Priests,
next, of all Christians, more especially
> of those dedicated to GOD.
As. Think how He was sent:
and for what yourself must be prepared.
He breathed on them.
Notice how often the external sign.
The leper : touched.
The children : laid hands on.
The blind man : anointed with the clay, &c.
Whose sins, &c.
" Thou shalt remember all the way that the LORD
thy GOD hath led thee," &c.
Remember your own first leading to this Sacra
ment, and how it has been since continued :
How often resolutions then made have been
broken :
How GOD has given grace to persevere and
advance.
Pray for the Priest, that he may receive abun
dance of the grace he needs :
FOR MEDITATION 203
And, lastly, for yourself, for grace more and
more to give up self-will :
To submit cheerfully to any penance :
In each Absolution to know more and more of
that peace which your dear LORD gave on that First
Easter Day.
5
S. John xx. 24-29.
24 The very name of twin implies, one taken,
and one left.
Not with them : and therefore he lost the LORD S
presence for a whole week.
However much to blame in refusing to believe ;
yet he knew where to look for the true marks of
our LORD.
All Christians must look for the marks of the nails.
All Sisters much more.
Which are those marks which you should look
for most ?
Perhaps: Instant and cheerful giving up your
own way, especially in things in themselves, and
at other times, good and right.
Constant watch over your words, &c.
#.27 Our LORD S patience in so receiving
Thomas.
^.28 Thomas answer ed,
for he could not speak till our Lord
had first spoken.
204 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
v. 29 Because thou hast seen, thou hast believed :
How both see, and believe ?
Because he saw one thing, and believed another.
He saw the Wounds : he believed the Glory.
And the final blessing :
necessary for all ; oh, how much more necessary
for a Bride of CHRIST !
6
S. John xx. 1-14.
v. 2. Notice how the richest of the Apostles,
Nathanael, has now left all
v. 3. That night they caught nothing
Therefore be not discouraged at toiling
many days or nights too, apparently to as little
effect.
4. But when shore.
And so we too.
But the JESUS.
And how often that may have been
the case here.
6. Compare the two miracles. (S. Luke
v.)
net breaking not breaking
net cast on right side cast vaguely
fish numbered not numbered
with their mystical meaning.
v. 7. Love, then, first discovered Who it was.
Girt his fisher s coat. Compare 2 Cor. v. 2, 3.
FOR MEDITATION 205
S. John xxi. 719.
9. As if He would ennoble any menial office
done for His sake, by thus undertaking one for
His Disciples.
14. The third time : i.e. 9 to all together.
1 8. The lesson from S. Peter s trial: that, when
we have fallen, we must take it as a part of our
punishment to be doubted.
Feed My lambs : but it is not the same word as
Feed My sheep; it is rather, lead as a shepherd;
implying more need, and therefore more care.
v. 17. The faith of that appeal : notwithstanding
his fall ; try to imitate this.
v. 18. A verse most applicable to all Sisters.
v. 19. By what death. And so still, true of
them : crucifixion to the world.
And when He had, &c. : when He had forewarned
of pain and trial : then, Follow Me !
And notice this :
Our LORD desires Peter to follow Him, as He
walked on, as a kind of pledge of his following
Him even to death.
John will not be left behind, but, without being
ordered, quietly follows too.
Now, kneeling before the Crucifix, in your own
words, and with all your power, amplify that answer,
206 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
" LORD, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou
goest."
8
S. John xxi. 20 the end.
The last saying of Peter to our LORD for which
he was blamed.
If I will that he tarry
a great lesson for Sisters, either when anxious
to leave present work, or to have work of a differ
ent kind.
Then Follow thou Me :
Can this ever be thought and prayed over too
much ?
v. 25. The world could not contain them : that
is, bear or endure them,
if they should be written every one.
But it is your part, is it not ? to endure all :
to go wherever He calls,
to obey whatever He commands.
Leave partial virtues, and partial obedience to
the world.
And how far are you so obeying in every thing ?
9
S. Luke xxiv. 44-47.
S. Matthew xxviii. 18.
S. Luke xxiv. 48, 49.
FOR MEDITATION 207
S. Matthew xxviii. 19, 20.
S. Mark xvi. 15, 16.
This brings you to the Ascension.
10
ASCENSION EVE.
Acts i. 4, 5.
S. Luke xxiv. 50^
Acts i. 6-8.
S. Luke xxiv. 5o/, 51.
S. Mark xvi. 19.
Acts i. 9-11.
S. Luke xxiv. 52, 53.
S. Mark xvi. 20.
S. John xxi. 25.
S. John xx. 31.
Acts i. 7.
Which apply to yourself, to your own struggles
with temptations; it is not for you to know how
long you must struggle before victory ; but it is for
you to know that you will be victorious, if you
struggle long enough.
v. 8. Think of the various stages of the influence
of the HOLY GHOST in yourself.
Baptism.
Confirmation.
208 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
The Blessed Sacrament
Confession.
Vow of perpetual Chastity.
Poverty.
Obedience.
Do not all these give power ?
And ye shall be witnesses unto Me.
The very motto for a Sister.
v. 10. And while they steadfastly, &c.
The condition on which we can see .Him, either
as ascending or returning.
v. ii. Why stand ye gazing up into Heaven ?
The uselessness of thinking even of our LORD,
unless we try to follow Him.
S. John xx. 31.
That ye might believe, and that, believing, ye
might have life.
And, with the strength of so many Communions
and Absolutions, what kind of life ought this to
be?
ii
S. John xv. 26, 27.
S. John xvi. i-^f.
xv. 26. The Comforter. Is it nothing to know,
that, so universal among GOD S people is the feeling
of discouragement and dispiritedness, that thence
the HOLY GHOST takes His dearest Name ?
FOR MEDITATION 209
Even the Spirit of truth. Think how many
comforters, that are not spirits of truth !
And again, how often, when the truth is spoken,
it is spoken harshly and unkindly. Then here is
the blessing of both together.
v. 27. Ye also, &c.
Is not that the exact office of a Sister ?
And, because she has been with her LORD, if
not " from the beginning," at all events in a nearer
and dearer way than others ?
xvi. i. And if the Apostles might be offended,
how much more danger for us !
v. 2. They shall put you out of the synagogue.
We know a little about this, and probably may
know more. Therefore, we must pray very earnestly
that by no sin nor indiscretion of ours we may give
occasion to others to blaspheme.
v. 4. These things have I told you.
Having been warned, over and over again, of
future difficulties, now pray that, being forewarned,
you also may be forearmed.
ii.
i S. Peter iv. 7-11.
The connection between this and the feast.
The end of all things:
as to our LORD of all miseries, and sufferings,
in His Ascension.
o
THE VIRGIN S LAMP
The end of all things :
because His Ascension is the pledge of His
return.
The two previous rules :
be ye sober : self-denial :
and watch.
Then the main rule above all, charity.
Charity shall cover, &c.
as if showing us the virtue of that love, which is
but an offshoot of the love of our LORD, which
covered our sins.
As every man, &c.
For every talent, account must one day be
rendered.
If any man speak, &c.
For neglect of opportunities of teaching if
they were ever neglected, it would be a grievous
account.
As of the ability, &c.
Oh, how much need of prayer, that all ability
may be exerted to the utmost in His service !
12.
S. Mark xvi. 14-20.
See how exactly the promise then made to the
Apostles applies, in a certain sense, to Sisters.
In My name shall they cast out devils :
The conversion of sinners.
FOR MEDITATION 211
They shall speak with new tongues :
Is not this to be prayed for that all reserve,
all false shame, all shyness, may be ended as to
speaking to others of the things nearest and dearest
to your heart ?
They shall take up serpents :
The prayer : that she may not only meet with,
but go forth to encounter, difficulties and dangers.
And if they drink, &c.
Holiness and purity, and a heart fixed on
GOD, preserved in the midst of unholiness and
impiety and turmoil.
They shall lay hands, &c.
And these the duties of a Sister to the poor.
He was received up they went forth.
They went forth how ?
to what ?
and in what spirit ?
These are questions for a Sister.
And then what will her receiving up be ?
The servant is not above his LORD : but every
one that is perfect shall be as his LORD.
MISCELLANEOUS MEDITATIONS, CHIEFLY FOR
SEASONS OF ESPECIAL TOIL.
S. Luke xxi. i-io.
The rich man "the same LORD over all is
rich" "Worthy is the Lamb to receive riches"
212 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
The steward the conscience.
The debtors each opportunity of doing good.
Of each opportunity it may well be asked, How
much owest thou unto my Lordl how much, by
means of this, ought I to have done for Him ?
Then notice, that we are more tempted to slur
over sins of omission in some cases than in others.
The debtor that owed a hundred measures of wheat
was only let off for eighty ; he that owed the oil
for fifty. And notice the danger of a hurried
examination. Sit down QUICKLY, and write four
score. And ask GOD that, taking the steward as
the type of a Priest, he who guides you may never
be unjust to you, or to any one, by being satisfied
with your doing less than you ought to do espe
cially to those who, like you, are trying after the
highest life.
Genesis xxviii. 10-22.
v. ii. All night
because the sun was set.
and, notwithstanding the gloom and coldness, in
that night the place became Bethel.
Stones for pillows a time of trial turned into a
time of rest.
in that place to sleep as our dear LORD on
the Cross.
to sleep. Canticles v. 2.
FOR MEDITATION 213
v. 12. And he dreamed in the night, to a stranger,
GOD sends His special revelations.
And so the world would call a Sister s hopes,
dreams.
A ladder. . . . Heaven. Take any active
employment among others as such a ladder
indeed set on the earth, and, indeed (if you will),
reaching to Heaven.
Ascending; to assist those who themselves are
ascending.
Descending ; with message of comfort and
strength.
v. 1 3. The LORD stood above it for by that same
ladder He Himself ascended.
^.15. I will not leave thee ...of. And what is
that for a Sister ?
Isaiah liv. 5.
Isaiah Ivi. 5.
Cant. i. 4.
Rev. xiv. 3, 4.
v. 1 6. True of any house in which your duty lies,
if you WILL.
v. 1 8. The stone becomes a pillar, &c.
Our sufferings offered to GOD with the same
desire that our Blessed LORD offered His, and then
directly
v. 1 9. Luz becomes Bethel.
v. 20. In this way that I go the higher and
more perfect : bread to eat the Bread of Life ;
2i 4 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
raiment " if so be that being clothed," &c. ;
my FATHER S house in peace in the Vision of
Peace.
v. 22. But a Sister s vow is infinitely more; not
the tenth part but every single power and faculty
of body and soul ; herself, both here and hereafter.
Amen.
Isaiah xli. 10-16.
10. "Fear thou not." Notice how all GOD S
most loving messages begin so : Isa. xl. i., S. Mark
xvi. 6, S, Luke ii. 10. If true to all GOD S people,
much more to one His own in a more especial sense.
"I am with thee I am thy GOD." Then, refer
ence to the Blessed TRINITY. " I will strengthen
help uphold." " Of My Righteousness ; " namely,
which the HOLY GHOST works in His servants.
11. Notice the gradual victory over the Tempter
and his temptations; "ashamed" "confounded"
"be as nothing" "perish." Whatever you
already know of this gradual victory, GOD grant
you may learn tenfold as much !
12. The very thing for which you must pray
most earnestly of all : that, in time, you may
"seek them" in self-examination, and "not find"
them. And see from the end of that verse how
temptation in itself is not a sin; "they that war "
not that have warred.
FOR MEDITATION 215
14. Notice the new nature given with the new
name ; " thou worm Jacob " " ye men of Israel : "
the weakness, and sin, and earthliness of our own
nature the Prince that has power with GOD and
man. And again, the one in the singular, the other
in the plural; because now we are knit together
with all the servants of our dear LORD. Then
again, the Blessed TRINITY "the LORD," "thy
Redeemer," " the HOLY ONE."
15. This new instrument is the Cross: "new,"
for it was by a new way that our LORD conquered ;
" sharp," for think of Gethsemane and the Pave
ment and Calvary ; " having teeth," because made,
as it were, of so many passions. And if we take
this, then the mountains and hills of difficulties are
to disappear.
1 6. " Thou shalt fan them ; " we must make the
effort : " and the Wind shall carry them away "
the influence of that Blessed SPIRIT Who helpeth
our infirmities. And then the final blessing; in
our Country : " Thou shalt rejoice in the LORD."
Isaiah x. 24-27.
24. Notice the title "LORD GOD OF HOSTS."
Both because the help promised comes by the
ininistration of His heavenly hosts, and because of
the hosts of His people here, our brethren, in
whom "the same afflictions are accomplished."
216 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
" That dwellest in Sion." Remember the meaning
of the word : think what your expectation is ; and
how you, in a higher sense than others, ought to
be dwelling in Sion. Has it been so this very day?
Then the old message : " Be not afraid." Would
that come so often, unless there were great cause
for fear? " He shall smite thee." " In the world
ye shall have tribulation." (i Thess. iii. 4.) "His
staff after the manner of Egypt ; " that is, when the
rods were turned into serpents, Exod. vii. 12, for
the more resolved, as Moses then, we are to serve
GOD, the fiercer temptation we must expect.
25. "Yet a very little while." It is a Sister s
motto, though she often feel, as S. Bernard did,
" O LORD JESUS ! what a long little while this is !"
" The indignation :" that is, of Satan and his ser
vants. And how ?
26. Look at Judges vii. 24, 25. The Midianites
hemmed in at Bethabara (compare S. John i. 28),
and utterly destroyed at Jordan. So these spiritual
enemies begin to be conquered at Baptism, but not
finally subdued till death ; for he that is dead is freed
from sin. Oreb and Zeb destroyed at a rock and
at a vineyard: both wonderful types of the victory
we gain by our dear LORD over the world and
Satan. And above all, Gideon s men were (Judges
iii. 4) "faint, yet pursuing." Then, having heard
of Satan s rod, now we hear of our LORD S : " as His
Rod was upon the sea." So with the sea of this
FOR MEDITATION 217
troublesome world, making us a safe passage
through it, and so, finally, of the sea of death.
27. " In that day." All times of especial self-
dedication. Baptism, Confirmation, Vows ; but far
more gloriously, in that day when " the Egyptians,
whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again
no more for ever." " Burden," and "yoke." Sin
as a misery, and as a slavery. " Because of the
anointing." So i S. John ii. 20, 27. Or we may
take it of the anointing of our LORD, with His very
Name CHRIST, as our King, to help us.
IN NURSING, &c.
Psalm xxvi. 6-12.
6. Thine Altar. Generally taken of the Altar.
Now, apply it to self-oblation, particularly as to the
self-denial of the present work. And from your
own little Altar, look to that great Altar, in union
with the sacrifice of which all your acts of self-
sacrifice must be made.
And so. A lesson to be learned now, every hour
of the day, that there is only one strength in which
to succeed.
7. And that by self-denial and tenderness, you
have the privilege of being able to do.
8. The habitation in this case, our own little
2i8 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
oratory. The place, &c. The Blessed Sacrament.
Thine honour because our dear LORD S greatest
humility is His greatest honour. And so of the
Cross that is said, Isa. xxiv. 23.
9. Temptations more especially now to be ex
pected to discontent, weariness, listlessness.
10. See the two kinds of temptation. Not so
much the temptation to "wickedness" that is, the
left hand and so the weaker temptation is to
known sin. But the right hand is full of gifts
offers of thoughts of the superior happiness of other
states and conditions.
But as for me. The emphasis that " me " has
for one who has dedicated herself for ever to the
LORD ! Deliver me : in Thy time cause the trial to
cease, and be merciful unto me, while it lasts.
12. My foot standeth right. Yes, and if so, then
now is the time to proceed more than ever before.
Deut. viii. 2-9.
You are now in one of these " ways of the wilder
ness." So here is the lesson. " To humble thee,"
by showing your entire dependence on your dear
LORD, and your own weakness. " And to reprove
thee," as in i S. Pet. i. 7-9 ; " and to know what
was," &c. As with Abraham, Gen. xxii. 16; and
with Abraham s blessing: "and suffered thee to
FOR MEDITATION 219
hunger," as now, unable to receive the Bread of
Life daily. " But by every word." So that even
such a time as this, with no external privileges,
shortened times for prayer, &c., ought to be a time
of advance in the inner life.
4. " Thy raiment ;" that strength and armour put
on in time past: "thy foot;" your resolution of
running this especial race with patience.
5. And so these times of trial and deprivation
are only proofs of your LORD S love.
6. Notice the allusion to the Blessed TRINITY.
" To walk in His ways :" His ways of sorrow and
labour in this world ; His ways, when He shall be
followed whithersoever He goeth in the next.
7. The life of a Bride of CHRIST. " Fountains "
of grace that others have not, that spring out of
"valleys," greater humility and self-sacrifice.
" Depths " of GOD S love, which others cannot
understand.
8. Not only absolute necessaries to life, but
every kind of help.
9. " Bread without scarceness." Remember your
almost daily Communions in time past. "Whose
stones are iron," whose very troubles and hardships
give strength : " out of whose hills," &c. ; whose
difficulties actually give defence and courage, as
brass used for armour.
Earnest prayer to be led further and further into
this " good land."
THE VIRGIN S LAMP
3-
Psalm cxxii.
This " house of the LORD " is also taken of the
Cross : apply it to this case.
1. Glad. This must always be your prayer : to
more than acquiesce in these seasons of trial and
self-denial. It will not come all at once. And why
glad 1 } Because that house, however painful, is the
house of the LORD.
2. And therefore to us the Cross is the Vision of
Peace, and our feet shall stand there. Compare
" He hath set my feet upon a rock," &c.
3. The Communion of Saints, united in their
being fellow-sufferers with their suffering LORD.
4. "Thither:" namely, to the Cross. "The
tribes " of Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, every
righteous soul, to testify by the very name Martyr
or Confessor, to Israel, to the future generations of
the Church. " To give thanks." " Count it all
joy when," &c.
5. " There" is the seat of judgment; the great
test whether we are our LORD S, the touchstone
whether a Bride of CHRIST deserves that name,
willingness to suffer for Him. Again : it was the
seat of judgment when the two thieves were divided
by it ; and will be at the end of the world, when
the sign of the SON of MAN shall appear in Heaven.
FOR MEDITATION 221
" Of the House of David :" of those that suffer for
persecution, conflicts, troubles of all kinds, before
they attain to their kingdom, as the True David
attained to His.
6. " For the peace " of those that are thus tried :
that tribulation may bring forth patience, and
patience experience," &c. " They shall prosper."
They shall, indeed. If we suffer, we shall also
reign with Him.
7. "Walls:" because, as S. Anthony of Padua
says, tribulation defends. Exod. xiv. 2 2 /. / i Sam.
xxvii. 4; i Kings xvii. 3; Job ii. 13; Cant. ii. 14.
" Palaces," because it crowns.
8. " For my brethren and companions sake "-
" knowing that the same afflictions are accom
plished in your brethren which are in the world;"
but, above all things, because the Cross was, all
through His life, but more especially in its earthly
close,
9. The House of the LORD our GOD.
4-
2 Cor. i. 3-11.
3. The reference to the Blessed TRINITY, and
with respect to all Three Persons, as the GOD of
comfort. The Father of our LORD, the FATHER of
mercies, the GOD of all comfort. If there be need
222 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
indeed of comfort in a Sister s life, is there not a
supply here ?
4. See how careful He is to mention all tribula
tion, as well as all comfort ; and how He dwells on
the word over and over again ; ten times in five
verses : herein, then, more especially a Sister is
called to follow her LORD. He suffered, that He
might be able to sympathise; He was comforted,
that He might be able to comfort. It is hard
enough to bear, this life ; but if you can but learn
something of that text, " Ye shall be comforted in
Jerusalem," will you not have borne it well ?
8. Therefore, if S. Paul was not ashamed of
telling how much the effort cost, much more must
not we be. "Out of measure:" beyond GOD S
ordinary dealings, above strength; and yet notice
how elsewhere he says, " I can do all things :" and
then the last step, " despairing even " not of suc
cess or victory, but " life."
9. " The sentence :" that is, we had resolved to
give up all things, even life itself, for CHRIST S sake.
So, every Sister must have it ; so her own act and
deed in giving herself unreservedly to our LORD has
written the same sentence in herself. And then the
consequence : that we should not trust in ourselves :
that we should trust in GOD. Try more and more
to realise what is that omnipotence of strength,
which, by putting all your trust in your LORD, you
make your own.
FOR MEDITATION 223
10. And then the happy ending. Notice, again :
the work of the Blessed Trinity. The FATHER
delivered, by sending the SON ; the HOLY GHOST
delivers daily, and we trust that in the day of judg
ment our dear LORD will deliver us, entirely and
for ever.
11. " And by means :" the intercession of others.
5-
Proverbs xxxi. 1114.
A Sister can only take this in one sense, and of
one Bridegroom.
11. Think of the unspeakable privilege, that He,
in Whom is all your trust, should condescend to
trust in you: and safely trust in you. See what
steady watchfulness, what constant and cheerful
obedience, what complete self-devotion it implies !
It is this which you wish for, and after which you
are trying. How near will you allow your LORD to
lead you to the fulfilment of this text ? " So that,"
&c. That is, so that He shall not need, not want
or lack, that spoil which she is to bring Him in :
not one of those good works which He has pre
pared for her to walk in.
12. " She will do Him," &c. And what a
humbling thought that ought to be that we should
ever have done Him, that there should be a possi
bility of our ever doing Him evil; evil to Him Who
224 THE VIRGIN S LAMP ,
endured the Agony, the Crown of Thorns, the
Scourging, the Cross, for our good. " All the
days " some at greater cost than at others. The
alabaster box which has to be brought will some
times cost much more than its usual price of three
hundred pence and ought you not to rejoice that
it will ?
13. "Wool and flax." The types of all the
substances, animal and vegetable, out of which
garments are made. So from everything which
comes before her, a sister must be preparing that
fine linen in which or not at all she must sit
down at the marriage-supper of the Lamb. And
so in ver. 14; at whatever trouble and cost, she
will find the means of serving GOD in everything,
how distant soever it seems at first to be from Him.
And how do the ships bring it ? By water : thus
referring again to the water of our Baptism.
6.
Proverbs xxxi. 15-21.
15. " She riseth-," &c., as her LORD, leaving her
an example, did also.
" Riseth " from this world in the night of trouble;
and so that others see her good works ("Giveth
meat," &c.)
1 6. "She considereth : " compare S. Matt. xiii.
44. And this great treasure is that perfect love
FOR MEDITATION 225
and self-devotion to which a Sister is pledged to
the end of her life. And notice : " she considereth
it," she reckons up, as S. Paul did, the sufferings
of this present time ; and then, finding them " not
worthy to be compared with the glory," she buyeth
it at the price of her whole self. And, as our LORD
is the true Vine, she, by her own self-denials, plants
a vineyard also; shows forth His example in her
self, in what she does and what she bears.
1 7. And next, you see how much courage this
asks. " She girdeth her loins with strength." The
strength has been given her; but she must use it
for herself. " Comfort " is only another word for
strength. GOD gives her that ; and she must apply
it to herself.
1 8. "She perceiveth," &c. There are times,
notwithstanding all discouragements, when advance
is perceived when the reward is with the sacrifice
the Cross not too heavy for the Crown. And so,
" her candle goeth," &c. Why? Because, "The
LORD is my light and my salvation." " Thou also
shalt light my candle."
19. A dear reference to the Cross as the in
strument by which the work of GOD S salvation,
"woven from the top throughout," was completed.
And you, in your own degree, must yourself take
up that Cross, and yourself work by it. For see
20. How our LORD, on that same Cross,
" stretched out His hands " to the very ex-
226 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
tremity of the transverse beam for "the poor;"
reached them forth, saying, Come unto Me, all
that labour and are heavy laden," &c., "to the
needy." Must you not follow Him in this also?
21. And then, no fear of coldness or want of
fervour for all her affections and desires; the
"household" of the faithful soul. They are all
purified and inflamed by the "scarlet" of the
King s own Royal Blood. And then, it may be
taken in the sense that the Church can never
fear the decline of love, being, as she is, beau
tiful with the scarlet of the Martyrs.
.7-
Isaiah 1. 5-11.
5. See Exod. xxi. 6. ; Deut. xv. 16. In the fullest
sense of the words, to be taken in a Sister s mouth,
vowed as she is " for ever " to her LORD S service.
Then : how He Himself served ; not disobedient ;
not unwilling.
6. Then His reward in this world ; where notice
how Isaiah describes the Passion even more min
utely than any of the Evangelists. He did all
this ; and what must those who seek to be closest
to Him expect ? The " bundle of myrrh " is very
bitter, as well as very healing.
7. The two parts of Christian warfare. GOD
helps us ; and then, and therefore, we help Him.
FOR MEDITATION 227
"The LORD GOD will help me," &c., "therefore
have I set " (not, has He set) " my face," &c. And
notice the gradual increase of confidence, " there
fore shall I not be confounded ; " then, " I know
that I," &c.
8. " He is near." That is what you must try
to realise in all your Crosses, that He after Whom
you are trying to bear them is really near. And
then it must follow : If GOD be for us, who can be
against us ? " Let us stand together." You may
take it in two senses ; either as the expression of
faith against enemies, or as a longing prayer to
stand quite close to our LORD. And so, that,
" Let him come near to me." Either my
enemy may come near, if he chooses, for he
can do no harm : or, Let my LORD, Whom I
love, let Him come near, and I must be safe.
Notice that change of number again : " Who is
he that shall condemn me ? Lo, they all," &c.
10. And this text must so often apply to every
Sister: "that obeyeth," &c. Surely, in the chief
sense, that Servant Who is now highly exalted,
and has a name above every name, (Isa. Hi. 13.);
but it may very well be taken of Confession. And
notice how it seems, from this text, to follow, that
true servants of their LORD must expect times of
depression. It does not say, but that walketh;
but simply, that walketh, as if this were almost a
part of Christian life. "Let him trust in the
228 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Name of the LORD." And you know what is that
Name, the strong Tower into which the righteous
runneth, and is safe.
8.
Isaiah xlii. 19.
The chief title of our dear LORD in Isaiah
"when he saw His glory, and spake of Him :" not
"Well-beloved SON, in whom," &c. : not "the
Brightness of His glory and the express Image"
&c. : but "Servant:" here lii. 13; liii. n;
xlii. i.
The lesson of service for a Sister.
1. To Him.
2. Then to others for His sake.
And she must be a servant, as He was, blind
and deaf.
How could He be blind when
" Thou spiest out all my ways."
When" Thou GOD seest me."
When (Hab. ii. i) from the watch-tower of His
Cross, He at once foresaw the whole future of His
Church and every member of it.
"Blind:" to difficulties; having no eyes or
sense for them : and so must a Sister be.
" I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills : " not
the hills of difficulty, as Zech. iii. 7 : S. Matt.
FOR MEDITATION 229
xxi. 21 ; but that hill where (Is. xxv. 10) is the
reward of them that overcome.
" Deaf:" to temptation " If Thou be the SON,
command these stones;" "cast Thyself down."
" If Thou do these things, show Thyself." "Let
CHRIST descend now from the Cross."
This last, a Sister s temptation from the begin
ning ; to lay down the Cross she has taken up,
when she feels its heaviness ; to turn back from
the plough ; to rest in the race.
No exemption from that to be expected; but
try to realise that : " Who is deaf as thy messenger
that I sent?"
9-
1. Exod. iv. 10-17.
2. Judg. vi. 13, 14,
3. Isa. vi. 5-8.
4. Jer. i. 7-9.
5. Esth. iv. ii.
These are the different discouragements or dis
tresses of those to whom GOD had given a true
work to do for Him. Let us see how our dear
LORD took all upon Himself: and then remember
that the servant is not above his Master ; and that
we could no more be without discouragement if we
are really His and the more, the more we try,
than without sorrow.
230 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
1. Moses excuse Compare that with Isa. liii. 2,
and also xlii. 19, and so again, 2. Cor. x. 10.
2. Gideon s excuse. Compare it with Micah
v. 2, and with S. John i. 46. And the remedy.
" The LORD looked upon him. And so pray that
you may be looked upon and then it will be, "Go
in this thy might."
3. Isaiah s excuse. Where notice that purification
cannot be without pain; it was the burning coal
which purified his lips. And compare that with
the cup that our dear LORD had to drink : how
the sins borne by Him who did no sin were purified
by His Passion, and the Captain of our Salvation
was made perfect through suffering. A Sister knows
that she is to expect suffering also, while the days
of her purification are being accomplished.
4. Jeremiah s excuse. "I am a child." This was
literally true : for he was then about ten or eleven.
With this compare S. John vii. 15 ; and yet re
member what our LORD did in that very child
hood which His Prophet urged as a discourage
ment
5. Esther s excuse. Danger : and we know how
our LORD went out to His sufferings, not as His
servants might, believing that there was danger,
but knowing the certainty of His death. " If I
perish, I perish," with Esther ; but with Him, " I
have a Baptism to be baptized with."
The conclusion : that all God s servants, even
FOR MEDITATION 231
His greatest Saints, have begun with terrible dis
couragements ; and His Grace overcame them.
So it may be now. Pray never to be really
discouraged, but that those words, 2 Cor. vi. 9, 10,
be fulfilled in you.
10.
S. Matt, xxviii. 20 /.
And to fulfil this promise, we know what our
LORD, though exalted to the Right Hand of the
FATHER, submits to endure still ; as
open blasphemy and unbelief;
fearful carelessness and negligence : and
want of love and earnestness even in the
presence of his own glorified Body. Make
these resolutions, or other such :
1. To endeavour to be more earnest than ever
in watching by our LORD ; more especially on the
monthly day of Reparation.
2. On occasion of Celebration for the sick, or
otherwise, where irreverence and carelessness are
to be apprehended, insist on making the arrange
ments yourself; thus preventing the sin in some
measure. Standing in so dear and close a relation
to the LORD there offered for you, it is your duty
and privilege to be more especially and openly
zealous for His honour.
3. Feeling bitterly any external dishonour offered
232 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
to your LORD, try more, every day of your life, after
such perfect holiness, and love, and purity, as
befits one who day by day receives that Body and
that Blood. And pray that all faithful Priests,
especially the Priest of your House, may so live,
as those who celebrate daily, ought to live.
ii.
Isaiah Ixv. 8-10.
8. First, we think of that speech of our LORD S,
the most difficult that He ever made: S. Matt.
xxvi. 29; which they generally take to mean all the
endurance of Martyrs and Confessors and others
that have bravely taken up the Cross, which
(S. Luke xxii. 16) is there "fulfilled in the King
dom of GOD." New because, proceeding from the
new heart and the new spirit GOD has given us,
and from the new law of love. Is fotmd. By
whom? " My FATHER is the Husbandman :" and
compare S. Luke xiii. 7. In the cluster, i, All
derived from the True Vine ; but, 2, not in the
single grape: showing forth either the Communion
of Saints, or the variety of graces that go to make
up the Christian life of any follower of CHRIST.
One saith. Who, but He that ever liveth to make
intercession for us ; the same Who also asks, " Who
hath despised the day of small things?" For a
blessing is in it. .That is the comfort in every
FOR MEDITATION
233
Cross, in every single act of self-denial, in every
day of uncongenial work. A blessing is in it, indeed,
if done heartily and simply for CHRIST S sake.
Days of suffering but a reward that cannot be
measured by days and years. That I may not
destroy them all. Compare that of the wise man :
" The multitude of the wise is the welfare of the
world."
9. See how the LORD and the servants, the
Head and the members, are separately spoken of.
There we have the King;
sprung (i) literally from
Jacob, and (2) supplanting
A seed out of Satan, " art by art to over-
Jacob. Mine throw;" as Jacob did Esau.
Elect shall in- Mine Elect Elect before the
herit it. world was, to save man :
shall inherit it, when His
own arm wrought salvation
for Him.
Out of Judahanin- \ There we have the subjects,
heritor, &c. My I Judah the true " Praise."
servants shall f Him Whose Name is
dwell there. praise.
My mountains: the earthly mountains of difficulty;
the heavenly mountain of glory. Shall dwell there.
" In My FATHER S House are many mansions."
10. And Sharon, &c. The place of roses i.e.,
of resisting to blood then the safe and everlasting
234 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
fold. The valley of Achor, once the place of sin
and suffering and death (Josh. vii. 24, 26), not
only now the door of hope (Hos. ii. 15), but also
the green pastures and still waters promised to the
faithful servant. " Our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory."
12.
Jeremiah xxxi. 9-14.
9. With weeping: here, as always, only one way
that of suffering and repentance, to GOD. With
supplications will I lead them : for the very power
and desire of prayer, as well as its answer, must
come from Him. RIVERS of waters. Notice the
abundance and difference of GOD S graces yet, for
all that, one way : A straight way, wherein they
shall not it does not say/<z//, but not even stumble.
Ephraim. And remember how he obtained the
right of the first-born by being signed with the
Cross.
10. So never be discouraged if sometimes per
mitted not to feel GOD S presence to be scattered,
as it were, from Him; and look forward to being
gathered (and so compare Isa. xl. n) in this world,
and kept for ever in that.
11. At what price we know; and, that being so,
it cannot matter how much stronger than us Satan
we
FOR MEDITATION 235
is, when our ransom has been paid : the LORD HATH
redeemed.
12. Even in the Church Militant; but still in
the height of Sion : therefore the wheat and the wine
our LORD S Body and Blood ; the oil the grace
of the HOLY GHOST ; the young of the flock those
whom, in our turn, we have been made the means
of leading right ; a watered garden hence, bringing
forth the flowers of different graces ; but not with
out our labours, as well as GOD S ; but if He sends
the rain and the dew, and gives the seed, we, at
least, must give the tillage.
13. In those three last clauses, notice, again, the
work of the Blessed TRINITY, and also the begin
ning, and progress, and end of Christian life.
14. Of the great High-Priest it is written : " He
shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be
satisfied." So also of the priests who derive their
priesthood from Him. With My goodness begin
ning at the Incarnation, continued on the Cross,
and at the Right Hand of the FATHER, a sacrifice
in the everlasting kingdom.
S. Mark viii. 1-9.
2. Have been with Me,
and yet have nothing to eat;
reminding of Isa. 1. 10, and teaching how
236 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
near we may really be to our LORD, when we seem
to feel least of His care.
Three days. Notice these constant references to
the Resurrection, as Exod. v. 3 ; Hos. vi. 2, and
here.
3. If I send them away they will faint. Try to
feel more and more how all strength, both to will
and to do, comes from your LORD ; and that if He
gave you up, you would faint indeed.
Divers of them but, with us, all of us came from
far, as in Eph. ii. 13.
4. Notice the a man: and think of that love
which does enable a mere sinful man to satisfy
GOD S people with the True Bread of Life.
6. To sit down. See how that is fulfilled, "in
quietness and confidence shall be thy strength."
And notice how, in this miracle, the two greatest
Sacraments were set forth :
The Holy Eucharist by the Bread,
Baptism by the Fishes ;
and how the greater blessing attended the fewer
loaves and the more people; as if to teach that,
though GOD will bless every work done for Him,
the harder work He will more abundantly bless.
14.
Psalm xx. (For one Nursing.)
\There cannot be a more appropriate Psalm^\
i. Day of trouble. Notice, day, and not night,
FOR MEDITATION 237
because " blessed is the man that endureth tempta
tion," &c.
Hear thee: which implies how constant must be
your call to be heard.
The Name of the God of Jacob : the Name, exalted
above every name, of Him Who revealed Himself
to Jacob, in the night, in danger, and in great fear.
2. Notice the Church militant and triumphant
3. All THY offerings, Who has not forgotten His
own : that as that was accepted, so, by virtue of it,
these may be.
BURNT sacrifice, as implying the pain it costs.
" He was a burning AND a shining light."
4. Thy heart s desire ; temporally, to be granted.
All thy mind the one thing desired of the LORD :
to be fulfilled.
5. The sorrow turning into joy.
6. Helpeth His Anointed, because He helps me,
Who am a member of the Head.
The LORD perform all thy petitions.
The wholesome strength of His Right Hand, which,
nailed to the Cross, healed our fallen nature.
7. Chariots \ t inanimate
and things and
horses. } ( animate.
The Name for the third time; doubtless, in re
ference to the Blessed TRINITY.
238 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
9. Save, LORD; the "Hosanna" that accom
panied our LORD S entrance into the earthly,
now addressed to Him in the Heavenly, Jeru
salem.
IS-
Eccles. iii. 6-8.
6. A time to get: at home, in many Com
munions, Confessions, Visits to the Blessed Sac
rament, Hours, times of private prayer in the
Oratory.
A time to lose: when called to GOD S more
outward service; must live, so to speak, on what
has been laid up ; must go in the strength of that
meat forty days.
A time to keep: namely, the remembrance of
past sins, till they are forgiven.
And a time to cast away : forgetting those things
that are behind, when they are a discouragement,
and a temptation to think struggling of no use.
7. The great art, in both its clauses, for one
ministering to others : when to comfort ; and when
comfort would be only false peace : when to blame ;
and when blame would only irritate or harden.
8. A time to love: and the time of all times is in
the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
A time to hate: surely, in Confession, the sins
which we have to mention.
FOR MEDITATION 239
A time of war : every hour of this life.
And a time of peace: the happiest and in the
Bible.
If we may but come to that time some day !
IN CASES OF TEMPTATION TO DISCOURAGEMENT.
[Say the Litany of the Sacrament^
i. The Blessed Sacrament as a Support.
Read i Kings xix. 5-8.
Meditate and pray over this : especially
Elijah s danger, v. 3.
discontent, v. 4.
isolation; v. 4.
weariness, v. 5.
ministry of the Angel
end of his journey.
2. The Blessed Sacrament as a Purification.
Read Isaiah vi. 5-8.
Meditate and pray over this : especially
Isaiah s vocation.
Former impurity.
Ministry (again) of the Angel.
And then not before readiness to go.
2 4 o THE VIRGIN S LAMP
3. The Blessed Sacrament as a Preparation for
Struggle.
Read Judges vii. 12-14.
Meditate and pray over this : especially
The multitude of the enemies.
The mean appearance of the cake : barley bread.
The time : night.
The voluntary coming so to speak of the loaf.
The utter destruction of the tent.
Sum up all these graces, and ask them for your
self before receiving.
ADDITIONAL PRAYERS FOR USE IN
TIME OF SICKNESS, &c.
To JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD.
[Claud. Vieuxmontius in Method. Confess.
JESU CHRIST, Father of mercies, have mercy
upon me Thy sorrowful creature. Help me in this
extremest need.
JESU CHRIST, my Creator and Redeemer, place
Thy Passion, Cross, and Death, between Thy
judgment and my soul. I yield myself wholly to
Thee, disown me not. I come to Thee, cast me
not out.
PRA YERS 241
Now, LORD, according to Thy will, deal merci
fully with me, and receive my soul in peace.
Into Thy hands, LORD, I commend my spirit,
for Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, Thou GOD
of truth. Let me hear the voice of JESUS, my
Leader, saying : This day shall thou be with Me
in Paradise.
n.
[Louis of Blois.
O LORD GOD, I am that miserable one, Whom
Thou in Thy Fatherly goodness didst create, and
whom Thou didst redeem by the most shameful
death of Thine Only-begotten SON. Thou only
hast power and dominion over me; Thou canst
save me according to Thine abundant mercy.
in.
[Dionysius the Carthusian.
Sweet JESU, I await neither life, nor death, but
only Thy good pleasure. I look for Thee : be it
unto me according to Thy will.
If Thou wilt that I die, sweet JESU, receive my
spirit. And when the last long evening shall be
come, let me rest for ever in and with Thee.
But if Thou wilt that I live, sweet JESU, this
I resolve, and for this I seek Thy grace : to amend
Q
242 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
the residue of my life, and to offer it wholly for a
sacrifice to Thee, for Thy glory, and according to
Thy pleasure.
IV.
[The dying prayer of S. Laurence
Justiniani.
O LORD JESU, Life and Salvation of my soul,
receive me in the spirit of humility. I lay my
prayers before Thee, not trusting in my own right
eousness, but in the multitude of Thy mercies.
I, that lost sheep, return to Thee, the Shepherd ;
for I know Thy voice, but not the voice of strangers.
I beseech Thee, bring me back into the fold. Canst
Thou turn away from him who calls on Thee, and
seeks Thee ?
Didst not Thou say : He shall call upon Me, and
I will hear him ?
Behold, I cry with heart rather than with tongue.
Trouble is hard at hand, O LORD; and there is
none to deliver me, save Thou, good JESU.
But I ask not for the seat of those happy spirits,
who behold the Face of the most Holy TRINITY.
Only grant Thy servant some crumbs from Thy
most sweet table. This shall be abundance. And
O how much more than abundance, if below the
feet of the lowest of Thine elect, Thou shalt grant
me a little place.
PRA YERS 243
v.
[S. Macrina : recorded by
S. Gregory Nyssen.
Eternal GOD, send me the Angel of light, that he
may lead me to the place of refreshment, and to
the still waters, to the bosom of the holy Fathers.
Thou who didst quench the flaming sword, restoring
Paradise to him who hung beside Thy cross, and
sought refuge in Thy mercy : Remember me also
in Thy kingdom.
If through the frailty of my nature I have sinned
in word, or deed, or thought, forgive my transgres
sions, Thou who hast power on earth to forgive
sins, that I may find refreshment, and that when
my soul shall depart from my body it may be found
without spot before Thee, and Thou mayest receive
it blameless and stainless into Thy hands, as an
offering of incense in Thy sight.
VI.
[S. Jerome in the agony of death.
Holy JESU, my strength, my refreshment, my
helper and deliverer, in Whom I have hoped, Whom
I have believed, and Whom I have loved : perfect
Sweetness, Tower of strength, and my hope from my
244 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
youth up. Call me, O Guide of my life, and I will
answer Thee. Set at Thine own right Hand Thy
handiwork, which Thou, Creator of all things,
formedst out of dust, knitting it with bones and
sinews : unto which Thou, dying, vouchsafedst life
and mercy.
Call me, LORD, to die, for it is time, that dust
may return to dust, and the spirit may return to
Thee, Saviour, Who madest it. Open to it the
gate of life : For unto me, on the wood of the Cross,
while the thief hung beside Thee, Thou promisedst
that which Thou gavest him. Come, my Beloved ;
I will hold Thee fast, and will not let Thee
go : bring me unto Thy Home. Thou art my
glory and the lifter up of my head, my salvation,
and my blessing. Receive me, merciful LORD,
according to the multitude of Thy mercies.
VII.
[S. Jerome.
Verily, LORD, if I dare say so, Thou mayest not
turn away from me who seek to Thee, because
Thou art my GOD. Thy flesh is of my flesh. To
this end, leaving not Thy Father s side, Thou didst
put on my humanity, being made GOD and man,
and continuing as Thou wast before, in one and the
same Person. Therefore how greatly and wonder-
PRA YERS 245
fully can I have sinned, that I may not turn to Thee
trustfully, as to a Brother, and Thou shalt grant me
Thy Divine mercy ? Arise, then, O LORD, and cast
me not out utterly.
VIII.
[S. Jerome.
Let my supplication come before Thy presence,
LORD, and let Thine hand save me. Lo ! this is
the man who, going down to Jericho, fell among
thieves. I am wounded, and left half dead. Good
Samaritan, receive me. I have grievously sinned
in my life, and done evil in Thy sight. From the
sole of my foot to the crown of my head there is
no soundness in me.
Surely, except Thy cross had helped me, my soul
had merited a dwelling-place in hell. Holy JESU,
1 am one of those for whom Thou madest inter
cession. Thou didst pitifully shed Thy precious
Blood for me, cast me not out. I am that wander
ing sheep, call it back, good Shepherd, and take it
to Thy fold, that Thou mayest be justified in Thy
saying.
I have sinned before Heaven and in Thy sight,
and am no more worthy to be called Thy son.
Make me to hear of joy and gladness. Turn Thy
face from my sins. According to the multitude of
Thy mercies do away mine offences. Cast me not
246 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
away from Thy presence. Deal not with me
according to my sins, neither reward me according
to mine iniquities. But help me, O GOD of my
salvation, and for the glory of Thy Name deliver
me. Be merciful unto nie, according to Thy good
pleasure, that I may dwell in Thy House all the
days of my life, and praise Thee to ages of ages
with them that dwell therein.
IX.
[John Faber.
O most benign LORD JESU CHRIST, SON of the
Living GOD, glorious seed of David, Eternal King
of all mercy; for Thy most holy Death and Passion,
whereby I look for salvation, and acknowledge
Thee to be my only and most clement SAVIOUR : I
render thanks to Thee.
Thou hast made reconciliation for me to the
FATHER. Thy bitter Death hath merited eternal
Life for me. In this Thy Victory, I take consola
tion ; herein I repose all hope and confidence :
Thy triumph is my refuge in all my misery.
O most pitiful King, LORD JESU, Lover and
Redeemer of the poor and lowly, and of them that
are heavy laden with the burden of their sin, look
favourably upon me : show me Thy mercy, and blot
out all my sins.
PRA YERS 247
Forsake me not in so great anguish, O my Help,
my Strength, my Hope. In Thee have I trusted :
let me never be confounded ; rid me, and deliver
me in Thy righteousness. Incline Thine ear to me,
make haste to deliver me. Thou art the strong
rock of my salvation, and my place of defence.
For Thy Name s sake lead me, and keep me, for
Thou art my Strength.
Into Thy hands I commend my spirit, for Thou
hast redeemed me, O LORD GOD of truth. O
Eternal and merciful LORD, for Thy love s sake I
pray Thee to grant that I may continue steadfast
in true, sincere, Catholic, and Christian faith, and
so attain to everlasting joy. Remember me, and
have compassion upon me. Who now livest and
reignest in Thy kingdom : world without end.
Amen.
INTERCESSIONS FOR THE SICK.
[Dionysius the Carthusian.
O most sweet LORD JESU CHRIST, Mediator be
tween GOD and man : Who amidst Thine other
bodily sufferings on the Cross, didst will to thirst
sorely when Thou criedst, " I thirst : " we be
seech Thy Majesty that Thou wouldst now vouch
safe to kindle the soul of Thy servant with that
24 8 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
fire which Thou earnest to send upon earth; that
all his sins being thereby dried up, his soul and
body inflamed with the fire of Thy Love, may
thirst for Thee only, love Thee, seek Thee, find
Thee, and enjoy Thee. And vouchsafe, by the
merit of Thy most Holy Passion, to bring it in
gladness to joy everlasting.
O most sweet LORD JESU CHRIST, Father of
mercies, and GOD of all consolation, who in the
night of Thy most bitter Passion wast forsaken by
Thine Apostles, and didst abide alone amongst
Thine enemies : we intreat Thee, O LORD JESU
CHRIST, that now, in the passing of this Thy ser
vant, Thou wouldst not leave his soul in the hands
of evil spirits, but that by the virtue of Thy death,
Thou wouldst bring it to the place of rest, and to
the blessed Vision of Thyself.
O most merciful LORD JESU CHRIST, Com
fort of the afflicted, Who didst bear our sins
in Thine own Body, and didst deliver us from
eternal death ; in Thy most Holy Body there was
no soundness from the sole of the foot to the
crown of the head; Thou, who wast fairer than
the children of men, wast accounted as a leper :
we intreat Thy most tender loving - kindness
that Thou wouldst heal all the wounds of this
Thy servant ; that, cleansed from all his offences,
PRA YERS 249
and strengthened with spiritual consolations, he
may come with gladness to Thee, his most merci
ful FATHER and LORD. And, since he hath been
redeemed with Thy most Precious Blood, let him
bear also the marks of Thy Passion. Vouchsafe,
by the merit of all Thy sufferings, to bring him
with attendant angels to the most glorious Vision
of Thyself.
O JESU our GOD, enlighten the eyes of this Thy
servant, that he sleep not in death : lest his
enemy should say, I have prevailed against him.
Hear, O LORD JESU CHRIST, our prayers for
him ; enlighten his soul ; show the light of Thy
countenance upon him ; pour lowly gladness into
his heart. O LORD JESU CHRIST, we cry to Thee
with our voice for him. O Good JESU, from the
throne of Thy glory hearken unto our prayer.
Receive him, O LORD, in his passing, and gladden
his soul with the presence of the angels.
O JESU CHRIST, our LORD and GOD, judge
them who would hurt the soul of this Thy servant,
and quickly put to flight them who war against it.
Draw Thy sword, O Good JESU, against those who
persecute the soul of Thy servant, and say unto
his soul, I am thy salvation. O LORD JESU, be
Thou the salvation of Thy servant s soul, and its
Protector in all its trouble. Behold, O Good
250 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
JESU, the affliction of Thy servant; keep not
silence, and go not far from him. O Good JESU,
Saviour of souls, arise to help Thy servant, lest,
by the sight of the evil one, he should be parted
from Thee.
PRAYERS FOR THE DYING.
[Albertus Castellanus.
O most merciful LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst
vouchsafe to die for us upon the cross, we beseech
Thee that Thou wouldst offer to GOD the FATHER
Almighty, for the soul of this Thy servant, all Thy
Passion and bitterness, which Thou didst bear on
the hard cross for us, especially at that moment
when Thy most Holy Soul departed from Thy
most virginal and pure Body ; and deliver him in
this his departure from all passion and pains which
for his sins he hath cause to apprehend. Amen.
ii.
[Dionysius the Carthusian.
O LORD JESU CHRIST, Who hast redeemed us
with Thy precious Blood, let the soul of Thy
servant participate in Thy most holy Incarnation
PRAYERS 251
and Passion, and Thy most glorious Resurrection
and Ascension.
Grant him, O LORD, to be partaker in Thy most
holy Mysteries and Sacraments, in all the prayers
and benefits of Thy Church, and in all the blessings,
graces, merits, and joys of all Thine elect, who from
the beginning of the world have pleased Thee ; and
grant him with all Thy Saints to rejoice before
Thee for ever.
COMMENDATION OF THE DEPARTING SOUL.
[Albert. Castel.
i.
Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world.
GOD the FATHER, Who created
Thee.
In the Name of
GOD the SON of the Living GOD,
Who suffered for Thee.
GOD the HOLY GHOST, Who hath
been poured upon Thee.
Let Thy place be this day in peace, and Thy
dwelling in holy Sion, through CHRIST our LORD.
II.
Remember not the sins and offences of his
youth, O LORD, but according to the multitude of
2 5 2 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
Thy mercies, be mindful of him in the glory of
Thy brightness. Let the Heavens open to him, let
the Angels rejoice with him. Into Thy Kingdom,
LORD, receive Thy servant.
PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD.
Immediately after a Death.
LORD, have mercy.
CHRIST, have mercy.
LORD, have mercy.
Our FATHER.
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O LORD.
R. And light perpetual shine upon them.
V. From the gates of hell.
R. Deliver their souls, O LORD.
V. I believe verily to see the goodness of the
LORD.
R, In the Land of the Living.
V. Deliver not the soul of Thy turtle-dove
into the hands of Thine enemies.
R. And forget not the congregation of Thy
poor for ever.
V. LORD, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
PRAYERS 253
O GOD, to whom all things live, and in Whom
our bodies perish not, but are bettered by death ;
we humbly beseech Thee, that Thou wouldest call
to Thee the soul of Thy servant, N. Receive it
at the hands of the holy Angels; lay it in the
bosom of Abraham ; raise it up again in the last day
of great judgment, and whatsoever stains it hath
contracted through the snares of Satan, do Thou
pitifully and graciously wash away. Through
CHRIST our LORD. Amen.
n.
[S. Clement.
O GOD of Abraham, GOD of Isaac, GOD of
Jacob, GOD, not of the dead, but of the living,
for the spirits of all live unto Thee, and the souls
of the righteous are in Thy hand, and there shall
no torment touch them : Look also upon this Thy
servant, whom Thou hast received into the other
life, and forgive him wherein he hath sinned by
will or frailty. Let Thine Angels guard him, and
amidst Patriarchs, Prophets, and Apostles, and
all who in this world pleased Thee, place him
there, where are no sorrow, grief, or horror, but
fulness of sanctity and joy, and the blessed land of
254 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
the righteous, and of them that see the glory of
Thy CHRIST. Through Whom be glory, honour,
worship, thanksgiving, and adoration unto Thee, in
the HOLY SPIRIT, throughout all ages. Amen.
FOR A FATHER.
[S. John Damascene.
O LORD GOD, of infinite and unsearchable
goodness, grant my father a place of refreshment
and peace, and the brightness of the light of Thy
countenance. And remember not his old sins
against him, but according to Thy mercy, blot out
the handwriting of his transgressions, that he may
render glory to Thee throughout all ages. Amen.
FOR A FOUNDER.
We entreat Thy mercy, O LORD, for the soul of
our dear FATHER and FOUNDER N. N. : that dead
unto the world it may live unto Thee : and as Thou
wast pleased to raise him to the Priestly dignity, to
minister at Thine Altar upon earth, and to train up
souls for Thy service, so Thou mayest exalt him
and those whom he brought up for Thee to Thy
Right Hand in Glory. Through Thy mercy, O
our GOD, Who art blessed, and livest, and reignest
for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYERS 255
FOR ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
[Liturgy of S. James.
Remember, O LORD our GOD, GOD of the spirits
of all flesh, those whose memory we retain, and
those whose memory is lost, who have departed in
orthodox true faith, from righteous Abel even unto
this day. Cause them to rest in the Land of the
Living, in Thy Kingdom, in the joys of Paradise,
in the bosom of Araham, Isaac, and Jacob, and our
holy Fathers; whence sighing, and sorrow, and
grief are banished, where the light of Thy counte
nance reigns, and glows for ever. Direct the end
of our lives in peace, that it may be pure, accept
able, and free from sin, placing us beneath the feet
of Thine Elect, when Thou wilt, and how Thou
wilt, only without shame and sin : Through Thine
Only-Begotten SON, and our GOD and SAVIOUR,
JESUS CHRIST, to Whom alone it belongeth to
forgive sins on earth.
ANOTHER.
[Ancient Greek.
Remember, O LORD, our fathers and brethren,
who have fallen asleep in the hope of Resurrection
and of eternal life, and all who have departed in
faith and piety; and forgive them whereinsoever
256 THE VIRGIN S LAMP
they have sinned, consciously or ignorantly, in
work, word, or thought. And cause them to dwell
in a place of brightness, in a place of verdure, in a
place of refreshment, whence sorrow and sighing
have fled away, and the contemplation of Thy Face
rejoices all Thy Saints for evermore.
Grant to them and to us an entrance into Thy
Kingdom, participation in Thine unspeakable and
eternal blessing, and fruition of Thine endless and
blessed life. For Thou art the Life, and Resur
rection, and Rest of Thy departed servants, O
CHRIST our GOD. And to Thee be glory with
Thine Eternal and most Holy Father, and Thy
Good and Life-giving SPIRIT, now and ever, and to
ages of ages. Amen.
THE END.
Sanson 6 Co., Printers, Edinburgh.
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ENGLISH POEMS AND PROVERBS.
By George Herbert.
LONDON, OXFORD, & CAMBRIDGE.
, MESSRS. RIVINGTON S NEW PUBLICATIONS.
NEW PAMPHLETS.
BY THE RIGHT HON. SIR ROBERT PHILLIMORE, D.C.L.
JUDGMENT,
Delivered by The Right Hon. Sir Robert Phillimore, D.C.L,,
Official Principal of the Arches Court of Canterbury, in the case
of the Office of the Judge promoted by Sheppard z/. Bennett.
Edited by WALTER G, F. PHILLIMORE, B.C.L., of the Middle
Temple, Barrister-at-Law; Fellow of All Souls College,
and Vinerian Scholar, Oxford.
8vo. zs. 6a.
BY.THE REV. H. J. BURFIEID.
THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM:
A Sermon, preached at St. Mary s, before the University of Oxford,
on the Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 18, 1870.
BY CANOJT LIDDON.
ST. PAUL S AND LONDON:
A Sermon, preached at St. Paul s Cathedral, on the Fourth
Sunday after Epiphany, 1871.
Sve. 6et.
BY THE REV. C. F. TARVER.
"THE MEMORY OF THE JUST:"
A Sermon, preached in the Parish Church, St. Peter s, Thanet,
on the Third Sunday in Advent, December n, 1870, after
the Funeral of the Rev. John Hodgson, M.A., formerly
Vicar of St. Peter s, Thanet.
Svff. is.
BY THE REV. E. H. BICKERSTETH.
" THE TIME IS SHORT."
A Farewell Sermon, preached on Sunday, November 13, 1870, by the
late Rev. John Henry Holford, M. A., Incumbent of Trinity Church,
Gough -square, on resigning the Curacy of Christ Church, Hampstead.
To which is appended a Funeral Sermon, preached upon the Death
of his Friend and Fellow-labourer, on Sunday, December 18, 1870,
by the Rev. E. H. BICKERSTETH, M.A., V icar of Christ Church.
8v0. is.
LONDON, OXFORD, & CAMBRIDGE.
MSSXS. RIVING TON S NEW PUBLIC A TIONS.
Eight Volumes, Crown 8vo, $s. each.
A New and Uniform Edition of
A DEVOTIONAL COMMENTARY
ON THE
GOSPEL NARRATIVE.
BY THE
REV. ISAAC WILLIAMS, B.D.
FORMERLY FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEGE, OXFORD.
THOUGHTS ON THE STUDY OF THE HOLY GOSPELS.
Characteristic Differences in the Four Gospels Our ford s Manifestations of
Himself The Rule of Scriptural Interpretation Furnished by Our Lord
Analogies of the Gospel Mention of Angels in the Gospels Places of
Our Lord s Abode and Ministry Our Lord s Mode of Dealing with His
Apostles Conclusion.
A HARMONY OF THE FOUR EVANGELISTS.
Our Lord s Nativity Our Lord s Ministry (Second Year) Our Lord s Ministry
(Third Year} The Holy Week Our Lord s Passion Our Lord s Resur
rection.
OUR LORD S NATIVITY.
The Birth at Bethlehem The Baptism in Jordan The First Passover.
OUR LORD S MINISTRY. SECOND YEAR.
The Second Passover Christ with the Twelve The Twelve sent Forth.
OUR LORD S MINISTRY. THIRD YEAR.
Teaching in Galilee Teaching at Jerusalem Last Journey from Galilee to
Jerusalem.
THE HOLY WEEK.
The Approach to Jerusalem The Teaching in the Temple The Discourse on
the Mount of Olives The Last Supper.
OUR LORD S PASSION.
The Hour of Darkness The Agony The Apprehension The Condemnation
The Day of Sorrows The Hall of Judgment The Crucifixion The.
Sepulture.
OUR LORD S RESURRECTION.
The Day of Days The Grave Visited Christ Appearing The Going to
Emmaus The Forty Days The Apostles Assembled The Lake in
Galilee The Mountain in Galilee The Return from Galilee.
LONDON, OXFORD, dr> CAMBRIDGE.
/I
BV Neale
The virgin s lamp
111598
