Confirmation is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, to enable us to arrive at the state of perfect Christians, and to strengthen the spiritual life of grace which we received at baptism. It is called Confirmation, from its effect, which is to confirm and fortify those who receive it with the necessary dispositions, in the possession of the true faith, to arm them against their spiritual enemies, and to complete and finish in them the sanctification which baptism had begun. In baptism we receive the character of the children of God; in confirmation we receive the strength of men, and the character of the soldiers of Jesus Christ, says St. Melchiades. In baptism we are enlisted under the standard of Christ crucified; in confirmation we are armed with the shield of faith, and enabled to combat against the devil, the world, and the flesh. In baptism we are regenerated, and receive the sanctifying grace of God for the remission of sins; in confirmation we are prepared for a spiritual warfare, and receive the Holy Ghost for a force and corroboration, that we may stand firm in the divine service, for the sake of Christ, with a holy vigour of spirit and constancy of mind, amidst the terrors of the severest trials and persecutions.
The effects of this sacrament appear visibly, not only in thousands of holy martyrs, but also in the apostles, who, after they had been confirmed on Whitsunday, by the Holy Ghost coming down upon them, were immediately changed into new men, and were animated by this Divine Spirit to that degree, that sufferings for the sweet name of Jesus became the subject of their glory. It is evident from Acts, viii. and xix., that the apostles practised confirmation, as a means to communicate the graces and gifts of the Holy Ghost to the faithful. It is of confirmation also that St. Paul makes mention, Hebrews vi. 1, 2, and 2 Corinthians i. 21, 22, where he expressly says: Now he who confirmeth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
The testaments of the most ancient writers plainly show, that the church of God, from the apostles' days, has always believed confirmation to be a sacrament of the new law, and administered it as such. Among the rest, St. Clement, a contemporary of the apostles, says, chap. 4, that he received this doctrine from St. Peter and other apostles; and therefore he exhorts all, without delay, to hasten to be signed by the bishop, that they may receive the seven-fold grace of the Holy Ghost, since he cannot be a perfect Christian who wilfully neglects this sacrament. Tertullian, St. Fabian, and St. Melchiades, who flourished in the second, third, and fourth centuries; St. Cyprian, St. Jerome, St. Ambrose, &c. have handed down the same doctrine: and St. Augustine, cont. lit. Petil. 2, c. 104, says in express terms, "The sacrament of chrism in the kind of visible seals, is sacred and holy, even as baptism itself." Moreover, it is plain from the 8th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, ver. 14, that the visible sign of the imposition of hands has annexed to it an invisible grace, viz. the imparting of the Holy Ghost. Consequently, confirmation is a sacrament, as it has all things necessary to constitute a sacrament, and is a visible sign of an invisible grace, &c.
The ordinary minister of this sacrament is a bishop only; and it was for this reason that St. Peter and St. John, who were both bishops, were sent to confirm the Samaritans, who had been converted and baptised by Philip, the deacon; which is an additional proof, that confirmation is a holy sacrament, and not a mere ceremony, as Calvin pretends; for were it only a ceremony that they had administered, why did not Philip, the deacon, who baptised the Samaritans, use that ceremony? Where was the necessity of sending two bishops to Samaria, as the apostles did?—Acts viii.
As water is made use of in baptism, so chrism is used in confirmation. Chrism is a sacred ointment, composed of oil of olives and balsam (or balm) of Gilead, solemnly blessed by a bishop on Holy Thursday. The unction, or outward anointing with chrism, represents the inward anointing of the soul with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; as the outward ablution with water in baptism, denotes the inward washing of the soul by the sanctifying grace of God. The oil, whose properties are to assuage our pains, to fortify the limbs, and to give a certain vigour to the body, represents the spiritual effects of the grace of this sacrament in the soul; and the balm, which is of a sweet smell, and whose property is to preserve bodies from putrefaction, represents the good odour or sweet savour of Christian virtues with which we are to edify our neighbours after having received this sacrament. The form of words used in conferring this sacrament is this: I sign thee with the sign of the cross, I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Whilst the bishop pronounces the form, he makes the sign of the cross with the holy chrism, upon the forehead of each person that is to be confirmed, to give them to understand, that no worldly fear or shame is to deter them from confessing Christ crucified; but that they are openly to profess the doctrines and maxims of his gospel, and live as becomes members of his church in spite of the ill example and corrupt maxims of the world. Hence Tertullian says, lib. 1. adv. Marc. "The flesh is anointed, that the soul may be consecrated. The flesh is signed, that the soul may be fenced. The flesh, by the imposition of hands, is shadowed, that the soul, by the spirit, may be illuminated."—This is what the bishop prays for, when turning himself towards those that are to be confirmed, with his hands joined before his breast, he says, May the Holy Ghost come down upon you and the power of the Most High keep you from all sins.—Amen. A little blow is given on the cheek to the persons confirmed, to imprint in their minds, that they are to be ready to bear with meekness and patience, all crosses, persecutions, trials, affronts, and injuries, for the sake and glory of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. At the same time the bishop says, Peace be with thee, to signify that the true peace of God, which, as St. Paul says, exceeds all understanding, is chiefly to be found in patient suffering for God and his truths. Lastly, the bishop prays for those who have been confirmed, that the Holy Ghost may ever dwell in their hearts, and make them temples of his glory. After which be dismisses them with his blessing, &c.

Q. Can this sacrament of confirmation be received more than once?
A. No; because, like baptism, it imprints an indelible character or spiritual mark in the soul, which always remains.
Q. Is there any spiritual kindred contracted in confirmation?
A. Yes; the godfather or the godmother contracts the same spiritual kindred as in the sacrament of baptism.
Q. Is confirmation absolutely necessary to salvation?
A. It is not so necessary but that a person may be saved without it; yet, when a favourable opportunity offers for receiving it, it would be certainly a sin to neglect so powerful a help to salvation, and deprive ourselves of the benefit of this holy sacrament, which our blessed Redeemer was mercifully pleased of his infinite goodness to institute, as the never-failing means in his church to communicate his divine spirit to his followers. It would be a still more grievous crime to neglect confirmation through contempt, disregard, or want of faith. It is to a wilful neglect of this sacrament that the holy fathers attribute the downfall of several apostates from the true religion.
Q. What kind of persons stand most in need of the grace of this sacrament?
A. Those who are most exposed to temptations against faith, or to persecutions upon account of their religion.
Q. At what age may a person be confirmed?
A. Ordinarily speaking, the church does not give confirmation to children before they are seven years old; but defers it till they come to the use of reason, and are sufficiently instructed and prepared. Fathers and mothers should take care to have them carefully instructed in the Christian doctrine, and regularly prepared to be presented to the bishop for confirmation at the proper time, before they have received the Blessed Eucharist. If their children be lost through ignorance, they shall answer for it to God.
Q. What are the dispositions necessary for receiving the sacrament of confirmation worthily?
A. A person must be free from the guilt of mortal sin, and in the state of grace; for the holy spirit of wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sins.—Wisdom i. 4. He must also be well instructed in the principles of the Christian faith, according to his age and capacity, and have a proper sense of what he is doing.

Q. In what manner then must a person prepare himself for confirmation?
A. First, he must examine his conscience diligently, and if he find it charged with wilful sin, he must take care to purge it by a good sacramental confession; for it would be a grievous sacrilege to presume to receive the sacrament of confirmation, knowingly in the state of mortal sin.—Secondly, he must prepare himself some days before by devout and humble prayer, frequently and fervently calling upon God to dispose his soul for receiving the Holy Ghost, who communicates his gracious gifts and favours in proportion to the dispositions with which they are received.
Q. As confirmation is ordained for the sanctification of souls, why do not all who receive it become saints?
A. The fault is entirely their own. God on his part is ready to bestow all the graces necessary to enable them to become saints; but, alas! how few are disposed to improve and co-operate with them as they might and ought! How few make the proper use of them! How many on the contrary resist them, like the stiff-necked Jews! How many contristate and extinguish the divine spirit, as the apostle expresses it! How many banish this heavenly guest from the temple of their souls by falling into mortal sin, and thus obstruct the operation of this holy sacrament!
Q. Is a person obliged to receive the sacrament of confirmation fasting?
A. No. There is no strict obligation or precept for it, though to fast on the eve and day of confirmation is a laudable custom, and conformable to the practice of the primitive church.
Q. Why are the fervent exercises of piety and devotion required before confirmation?
A. For two reasons: First, because our Saviour has assured us that his heavenly Father will give his good spirit to them that ask it.—Luke, xi. 13. Secondly, in imitation of the apostles, who, during the ten days between the ascension of our Lord and the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, retired from the noise and tumults of the world, and continued with one accord in prayer, with Mary the Mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.—Acts, i. 14.

Q. Why are we to invoke the Holy Ghost in particular?
A. Not that we are to neglect praying to the Father and the Son also, as we know that all the three persons are but one and the same God; but because the work of our sanctification, the pouring down the grace of God into our souls, and all the heavenly favours and helps that are necessary for conducting us in the way of salvation, are the effects of the divine love, and are by a peculiar approbation attributed in a special manner to the operation of the Holy Ghost, as it is the love of the Father and of the Son, and as it is from God's love that all grace, all virtue and sanctification, flow and proceed.

A Prayer Before Confirmation.

O God of infinite goodness and bounty, who has been pleased, at my baptism, to make me a Christian, to sanctify my soul with thy grace, and to honour me with the glorious title of thy child; which, alas! for my part, I have so wretchedly corresponded with, and have even forfeited a thousand times by my sins: behold, notwithstanding all my ingratitude, and my repeated treasons, which thou hast so long and so patiently endured, thou art still pleased, not only to invite me to return to thee, and to offer me thy mercy, but also to call upon me at this time, to come and present myself, in order to receive the greatest of all thy gifts, even thine own most Holy Spirit; to be consecrated to thee by his unction; to be made a strong and perfect Christian, and a soldier of thy Son. O may all heaven and earth praise thee, bless thee, and glorify thee for ever, for all thy mercies, goodness, and bounty to me. And now, dearest Lord, I desire to come, because such is thy will and my duty, to receive this great sacrament of Confirmation; that I may like thy apostles, be baptised with the Holy Ghost, and be endowed with power from on high; and like them be changed by divine grace, into another man, in such manner as henceforward to live up to the dignity, and to fulfil every part of the duty of a soldier of Christ! and to preserve and maintain even to death, that purity and sanctity which become the temple of the living God. But, O my God, how far am I from being worthy to approach this heavenly sacrament! How can I expect that thy Holy Spirit should come into my inward house, to make it his temple, which has been so long possessed by unclean spirits? Where are the dispositions in me, which the apostles brought, and which all Christians ought to bring along with them, to the receiving of the Holy Ghost? O! I acknowledge myself infinitely unworthy; I confess and detest from the bottom of my heart, all my past uncleanness and abominations; I humbly crave thy mercy and pardon, through Jesus Christ thy Son; and beg, through him, that thou wilt be pleased to cleanse my soul from all its filth with his precious blood, and to give me thy grace to come to this sacrament with that humility, faith, and devotion, which is most agreeable to thee. O Divine Spirit, do thou prepare my soul for thyself! Behold, I come, desiring to give up myself to thee for all time and eternity, that thou mayest ever live and reign in my soul; and O let my whole soul henceforward he perpetually subject to thee, and let nothing in me ever more rebel against thee. Amen.

Those who are preparing themselves for the sacrament of Confirmation, may likewise breathe forth, from time to time, the following short Ejaculations:

Come, Holy Ghost, who replenisheth the hearts of the faithful, descend into my soul, and make it the place of thy abode.

Come, O Divine Spirit, take full possession of my heart, and kindle in it the fire of thy divine love.

Enter into my soul and abide there for ever, to be my light, my guide, and my strength.

Come, Holy Ghost, with all thy gifts, and fill my soul; enlighten, direct, and conduct me in all my ways. Strengthen me against all the assaults of self-love, remove from me all vicious shame, and inspire me with a Christian courage.

O grant that I may make the gospel the rule of my life. Preserve me from the corruption of sin, and from the pernicious maxims of the world. Give me grace, O God, to do thy will in all things. Enlighten my eyes, O Lord, that I may never sleep in death.

O uncreated fire, when wilt thou consume whatever is imperfect in my soul.

Inebriate my soul with thy holy love, O thou sovereign beauty.

O may I never forget the obligations that are contracted, by being enlisted a disciple of the cross, in the sacrament of confirmation.

O grant that I may ever have before my eyes the duties thereunto annexed, and that I may live henceforward according to the spirit of a true and perfect Christian.

"Short ejaculations of this kind, frequently darted from an humble and fervent heart, penetrate the clouds, pierce the paternal heart of the Father of Mercies, and draw down an ample benediction on those pious souls to whom they become familiar by practice and habit; this manner of prayer is highly commended by the saints, and was one of the principal excercises by which the ancient solitaries arrived at the highest perfection. It has this peculiar advantage, that one can practise it at all times, on all occasions, and in the midst of external employment, without being exposed to the danger of vain glory, as it is secretly performed in the closet of the heart. It is short and easy, does not distract or fatigue the mind, but keeps up the fervour of the spirit, and attention to the divine presence."

A Prayer After Confirmation.

O my God, I now desire to adore thee, bless thee, and glorify thee, for ever, for all thou hast done for me, and for thy whole church, both of heaven and earth. I would now gladly join both my heart and my voice with all thy angels and saints in heaven, and with all that fear thee and love thee on earth, in giving perpetual praise to thee for thy infinite goodness, and in particular for that love thou hast shown to me this day. I give thee thanks from the bottom of my heart, for having sent down the Holy Spirit into my soul, with all his gifts and graces. O let him now take full possession of my soul; let this heavenly unction penetrate into the very centre of my interior; let his divine wisdom ever preside there, may it ever enlighten me with his gifts of understanding, and dispel all my darkness: may it direct me with his counsel, strengthen me with his fortitude, instruct me with his knowledge, make me ever fervent in all good, with his piety and godliness and let his divine fear ever restrain me from evil. And now, dear Lord, since thou hast been pleased, by this sacrament, to consecrate and sanctify my soul for thyself, and to make it thy temple, be pleased also to drive far from it, by thy grace, all that may violate or profane it, or render it any ways disagreeable to thy eyes. O keep it for ever for thyself, and restrain Satan from ever entering into it any more. O let it be a house of prayer, in which thou mayest be ever worshipped, in spirit and in truth, and suffer it not to be made any more a den of thieves. Give me grace also to fulfil, with perfection, every branch of the duty of thy soldier,—which glorious title thou hast conferred on me this day: arm me completely for the warfare in which I am happily engaged, and stand by me in all my conflicts, to crown me with victory. O make me faithful unto death, and bring me safe through all the dangers of my mortal pilgrimage, to the crown of everlasting life: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

N. B.—Here repeat the Hymns, "Creating Spirit, come posses;" and, "Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams," which are inserted, with the Latin, at the end, under the head of Whit-Sunday.

The Psalter Of Jesus.

"There is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved."—Acts. iv. 12.

This Psalter is divided into three Parts; each part consisting of five Petitions, and each Petition prefaced by a tenfold repetition of the sacred name of Jesus. As it is not to be run over in too hasty a manner, but performed with the utmost reverence and recollection, the whole may be said without interruption; or, each Part at three distinct periods of time; according to the leisure which persons may find, after discharging the indispensable duties of their several states and conditions of life.

First Part.

"At the name of Jesus let every knee bend, both in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and let every tongue acknowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father."—Philippians ii.

The First Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) thou God of compassion, have mercy on me, and forgive the many and great offences I have committed in thy sight. Many have been the follies of my life, and great are the miseries I have deserved for my ingratitude. Have mercy on me, dear Jesus, for I am weak; heal me, O Lord, for I am unable to help myself. Deliver me from an inordinate affection for any of thy creatures, which may divert my eyes from incessantly looking up to thee. For the love of thee, grant me henceforth the grace to hate sin, and out of a just esteem of thee, to despise all worldly vanities.

Have mercy on all sinners, I beseech thee, dear Jesus; turn their vices into virtues; and making them sincere lovers of thee, and observers of thy law, conduct them to bliss in everlasting glory. For the sake of thy glorious name Jesus, and through the merits of thy bitter passion, have mercy also on the souls in purgatory. O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me. Our Father. Hail, Mary.

The Second Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) help me to overcome all temptations to sin, and the malice of my ghostly enemy. Help me to spend my time in virtuous actions, and in such labours as are acceptable to thee. Enable me to resist and repel every inordinate emotion of sloth, gluttony, and carnality. Render my heart enamoured of virtue, and inflamed with desires of thy glorious presence. Help me to merit and preserve a good name by a peaceable and pious life, to thy honor, O Jesus! to my own comfort, and the edification of others.

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. as in the first petition. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Third Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me effectual strength of soul and body, to please thee in the performance of such virtuous actions as may bring me to thy everlasting joy and felicity. Grant me, O most merciful Saviour, a firm purpose to amend my life, and to make atonement for the years past; those years, alas! which I have lavished, to thy displeasure, in vain or wicked thoughts, evil words, deeds, and habits. Make my heart obedient to thy will, and ready, for thy love, to perform all the works of mercy. Grant me the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which, through a virtuous life, and a devout frequenting of thy most holy sacraments, may at length conduct me to thy heavenly kingdom.

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Fourth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) comfort me, and grant me grace to fix in thee my chief joy and only felicity; inspire me with heavenly meditations, spiritual sweetness, and fervent desires of thy glory; ravish my soul with the contemplation of heaven, where I hope to dwell everlastingly with thee. Bring thy unspeakable goodness to my frequent recollection, and let me always with gratitude remember thy gifts; but when thou bringest the multitude of the sins whereby I have so ungratefully offended thee, to sad remembrance, comfort me with the assurance of pardon; and by the spirit of true penance purging away my guilt, prepare me for the possession of thy heavenly kingdom.

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Fifth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) make me constant in faith, hope, and charity. Grant me perseverance in virtue, and a resolution never to offend thee. May the memory of thy passion, and of those bitter pains thou didst suffer for my sake, fortify my patience, and refresh my soul under every tribulation and adversity. Render me a strenuous professor of the Catholic faith, and a diligent frequenter of my religious duties. Let me not be blinded by the delights of a deceitful world, nor my fortitude shaken by internal frauds or carnal temptations. My heart has for ever fixed its repose in thee, and resolved to contemn all things for thine eternal reward.

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Lord Jesus "Christ, for our sakes, became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Philippians ii.

Hear these petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and grant me the grace frequently to repeat and consider them, that they may serve as so many easy steps, whereby my soul may ascend to thy knowledge and love, and to a diligent performance of my duty to thee and my neighbour, through the whole course of my life.— Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. I believe in God.

Second Part.

Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee bend, both in heaven, on earth, and under the earth," &c, as in part the first, page 492.

The Sixth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) enlighten me with a spiritual wisdom, whereby I may arrive at a knowledge of thy goodness, and of every thing which is most acceptable to thee. Grant me a perfect apprehension of my only good, and a discretion to regulate my life accordingly. Grant me wisely to proceed from virtue to virtue, till at length I enjoy a clear sight of thy glory. Forbid it, dear Lord, that I return to the sins of which I accused myself at the tribunal of confession. Let others be edified by my pious example, and my enemies mollified by my good counsel.

Have mercy on all sinners, &c, as before, page 493. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Seventh Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me grace inwardly to fear thee, and avoid every occasion whatsoever of offending thee. Let the threats of the torments prepared for sinners, the dread of the loss of thy love and of thy heavenly inheritance, always keep me in awe. Suffer me not to slumber in sin, but rather rouse me to repentance, lest through thine anger I may be overtaken by the sentence of eternal wrath, and endless damnation. Let the powerful intercession of thy blessed mother, and of all thy saints, but above all, thine own merits and mercy, serve as a rampart between my poor soul and thy avenging justice.—Enable me, O my God! to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, and the apprehension of thy sacred judgments. Make me a more humble and diligent suitor to the throne of thy mercy.

Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Eighth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me the grace truly to love thee, for thine infinite goodness, and those excessive bounties I have received, or shall ever hope to receive from thee. Let the recollection of thy benignity and patience conquer the malice and wretched propensity of my perverse nature. May the consideration of the many deliverances, frequent calls, and continual helps, I have received from thee during the course of my life, make me blush at my ingratitude. Ah, what return dost thou require of me for all thy mercies, but that I love thee! And why dost thou require it? Because thou art my only good!—thou art my dear Lord! the sole object of my life; and I will diligently keep thy commandments, because I truly love thee.

Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Ninth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me the grace always to remember my latter end, and the account I am to give in after death; that so my soul may be always well disposed, and ready to depart out of this life in thy grace and favour. At that important hour, by the powerful intercession of thy blessed mother, the glorious assistance of St. Michael, and my good angel, rescue my poor soul, O Lord, from the snares of the enemy of my salvation. Remember then thy mercy, O dear Jesus! and hide not thy face from me on account of my offences. Secure me against the terrors of that awful period, by causing me now to die daily to all earthly things, and to have my conversation continually in heaven. Let the remembrance of thy death teach me to set a just value on life; and the memory of thy resurrection encourage me to descend cheerfully to the grave.

Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Tenth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) send me my purgatory in this life, and thus prevent me from being tormented in the cleansing fire which awaits those souls who have not been sufficiently purified in this world. Vouchsafe to grant me those merciful crosses and afflictions which thou seest necessary for weaning my affections from things here below. Suffer not my heart to find any repose but in sighing after thee, since no one can see thee, who loves any thing which is not for thy sake. Too bitter, alas! will be the anguish of the soul that desires to be united to thee, and whose separation is retarded by the heavy chains of sin. Keep me then, O my Saviour, continually mortified in this world, that being purified thoroughly with the fire of thy love, I may pass from hence to the immediate possession of thee in everlasting glory.

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. &c. as at the conclusion of the fifth petition, page 495.

Third Part.

Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee bend," &c., page 492.

The Eleventh Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me grace to avoid bad company; or, if I should chance to come in the midst of such, preserve me from being infected with the least temptation to mortal sin, through the merits of thine uncorrupt conversation among sinners. Art thou not always present, O Lord? and wilt thou not take an exact account of all our words and actions, and judge us accordingly? How then dare I converse with liars, slanderers, drunkards, or blasphemers; or with such whose discourse is either vain, quarrelsome, or dissolute?—Repress in me, dear Jesus, every inordinate affection to carnal pleasures, and to delights of taste; and strengthen me by thy grace to avoid such company as would enkindle the flames of those unruly appetites. May thy power, thy wisdom, and thy fatherly compassion defend, direct, and chastise me; and cause me to lead such a life here amongst men, as may qualify me hereafter for the conversation of angels.

Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Twelfth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me the grace to call on thee for help in all my necessities, and frequently to remember thy death and resurrection. Wilt thou be deaf to my cries, who hast laid down thy life for my ransom? or canst thou not save me, who took it up again for my crown? Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee. Whom have I in heaven but thee, O my Jesus! from whose blessed mouth issued such balmy words? Thou art my sure rock of defence against all mine enemies, and my gracious assistant in every good work. I will, then, invoke thee with confidence in all my trials and afflictions, and when thou hearest me, O Jesus! thou wilt have mercy on me.

Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Thirteenth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) enable me to persevere in a virtuous life, and never to grow weary in thy service till thou rewardest me in thy kingdom. In pious customs, holy duties, and in all honest and necessary employments, continue, O Lord, to strengthen me, both in soul and body. My life is nothing on earth but a pilgrimage towards the heavenly Jerusalem, to which he that sits down, or turns out of the way, can never arrive. May I always, O Jesus! follow thy blessed example. With how much pain, and how little pleasure, didst thou press on to a bitter death, that being the assured way to a glorious resurrection. Let me frequently meditate on those severe words of thine: He only that perseveres to the end shall be saved.

Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Fourteenth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me grace to fix my mind on thee, especially whilst I converse with thee in time of prayer. Check the wanderings of my fanciful brain, put a stop to the desires of my fickle heart, and suppress the power of my spiritual enemies, who at that time endeavour to withdraw my mind from heavenly thoughts to vain imaginations. Thus shall I joyfully look on thee as my deliverer from all evil, and thank thee as my benefactor for all the good I have received, or hope to obtain. I shall be convinced that thou art my chief good, and that all other things were ordained by thee only as the means of engaging me to fix my affections on thee alone; that by persevering till death in thy love and service, I might be eternally happy. Let all my thoughts, O beloved of my soul! be absorbed in thee, that my eyes being shut to all vain and sinful objects, may become worthy to behold thee face to face in thy everlasting glory.

Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.

The Fifteenth Petition.

Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me the grace to order my life with reference to my eternal welfare, sincerely intending, and wisely referring all the operations of my soul and body towards obtaining the reward of thy infinite bliss and eternal felicity. For what else is this world but a school for the tutoring of souls created for eternal happiness in the next? And how are they educated but by an anxious desire of enjoying God, their only end? Break my froward spirit, O Jesus! by the reins of humility and obedience. Grant me grace to depart hence with the most sovereign contempt of this world, and with a heart overflowing with joy at the thoughts of going to thee. Let the memory of thy passion make me cheerfully undergo every temptation or suffering in this state of probation, for love of thee; whilst my soul, in the mean time, languishes after that life of consummate bliss and immortal glory, which thou hast prepared for thy servants in heaven. O Jesus! let me frequently and attentively consider, that whatsoever I may gain, If I lose thee, all is lost; and that whatever I may lose, if I obtain thee, all is gained.

Have mercy on all sinners, &c, as in page 493.

The Rosary Of
The Blessed Name Of Jesus.

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips, and my tongue shall declare thy praise.

Incline unto my aid, O God.

O Lord, hasten to help me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Five Mysteries Of The First Part.

I.—The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Meditation.

The Son of God assumes human flesh, of the pure blood of the blessed Mary ever virgin, and is made man in her womb.

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory be to the Father, &c.

II.—The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Meditation.

The Saviour of the world is born for our redemption; his mother remaining a virgin.

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

III.—The Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour being eight days old, begins to suffer for our sins, and his blood already flows for us. He is circumcised according to the law, as if he had been himself a sinner.

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

IV.—Our Lord Jesus Christ is found in the Temple.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour being twelve years old, shows himself more than mortal, by his knowledge and wisdom, teaching the very teachers of the Jews.

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

V.—The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Meditation.

The Saviour of the world is baptised by St. John. The eternal Father declares him to be his Son.

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

The Prayer.

O Jesus! whose name is above all names; that in the name of Jesus every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and in hell; who, at the time appointed by the eternal wisdom, assumedst flesh in the womb of the blessed Mary, ever virgin, and thus became the Son of David, whose birth gladdened men and angels; who began so early to suffer for us, and to shed, on our account, that blood that washeth away the sins of the world; whose eternal wisdom appeared at the age of twelve years; to whose baptism all heaven was attentive; grant to us to celebrate those mysteries to thy honour and our own salvation: who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, for all eternity. Amen.

The Five Mysteries Of The Second Part.

I.—Our Saviour washeth his Disciples' feet.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour, to show us an example of humility, and how much we ought to serve each other, descended so low as to wash the feet of his disciples, though he is the God whom heaven and earth adore.

O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

II.—The Prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour, knowing his passion to be now at hand, is so affected with the thoughts of it, and so oppressed with the load of our sins, that he prays to his almighty Father, that the bitter cup might pass away from him.

O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

III.—Our Saviour is apprehended.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour, as if he had been no more than mortal, yields to the power of men, and permits himself, for our redemption, to be apprehended, as if he were a malefactor.

O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

IV.—Our Saviour carries his Cross.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour, being torn with scourges, and pierced with thorns, to expiate our sins, is compelled to carry the cross on which he is to die, and moves on in anguish and sorrow towards the place of his execution.

O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

V.—The Descent of our Saviour into Hell.

The Meditation.

The soul of our Saviour being separated by death from the body, descends to that place where the saints were expecting their redemption.

O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

The Prayer.

O Jesus, whose name is above all names; that at the name of Jesus every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and in hell; whose mysterious humiliation and sorrows, appointed for thee on account of our sins, appeared in the washing of the feet of thy servants and creatures, in thy distress, and prayer, and bloody sweat; in thy being secured and brought before tribunals as a criminal; in thy bearing the load of the cross, and in the separation of thy soul from the body, and its descent to the regions below: grant to us to celebrate these mysteries to thy honour and our own salvation; who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, for all eternity. Amen.

The Five Mysteries Of The Third Part.

I.—The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Meditation.

The soul of our Lord Jesus Christ, which had been separated from the body, is re-united to it, by a miracle of the Almighty power; and that body, which had been dead, rises to die no more.

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

II.—The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Meditation.

The body of our Lord Jesus Christ ascends to the highest heaven, where the Saviour of mankind sitteth at the right hand of God, the almighty Father.

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

III.—Our Lord Jesus Christ sends down the Holy Ghost.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour, now seated at the right hand of God, his almighty Father, sends down the Holy Ghost, to inspire and animate his disciples, that they may be qualified to publish to mankind his cross and his glory.

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

IV.—Our Lord Jesus Christ crowning the blessed Virgin and Saints.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour, having by his passion, resurrection, and ascension, opened the way for the sons of Adam to heaven, which they had lost by sin, bestows on his Mother and his saints a crown of immortal glory.

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

V.—Our Lord Jesus Christ coming to Judge Mankind.

The Meditation.

Our Saviour will come in power and majesty, to judge the living and the dead, and to return to every one according to his works.

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [Ten times.] Glory, &c.

The Prayer

O Jesus, whose name is above all names; that at the name of Jesus every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and in hell; whose body, that was murdered by mankind, the Almighty raised from death, glorious and immortal; who, by thy ascension, triumphed over death, and led captivity captive; who, according to thy promise, sent down the Spirit, that proceedeth from the Father and the Son, the comforter and the enlivener; who, stretching forth the bounty of thy almighty hand, shed upon the chosen children of Adam, that glory that neither eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man; and who will come forth in power and majesty, to judge the living and the dead, before whose throne all mortals will appear: grant to us to celebrate these mysteries to thy honour, and our own salvation; who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God for all eternity. Amen.

"N.B.—The repeating of the above prayers or meditations, is not absolutely necessary. Those who cannot read or meditate on the mysteries, let them say the Creed beforehand in this Rosary, and in that of the blessed Virgin.
"The devotions belonging to this Rosary, or the Rosary of the blessed Virgin, do not bind under sin.
"N.B.—Those who are in the Society of the Rosary of the name of Jesus, may have the same plenary indulgence on New Year's Day, that is granted in the year of the Jubilee.

"On every second Sunday in the month,
"At the time of being received into the Society,
"At the article of death,
q "And on each day of the fifteen mysteries."

The Rosary Of The Blessed Virgin.

+

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Vers. Hail, Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee:

Resp. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Vers. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips.

Resp. And my tongue shall announce thy praise.

Vers. Incline unto mine aid, O God.

Resp. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

[From the Septuagesima to Easter, instead of Alleluia, say: Praise be to thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.]

Part The First.
The Five Joyful Mysteries,

To be said on all Mondays and Thursdays, the Sundays of Advent, and after Epiphany till Lent.

I.—The Annunciation.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the angel Gabriel saluted our blessed Lady with the title of "Full of Grace," and declared unto her the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Then say, Our Father, &c. once; and Hail Mary, &c. ten times.

[When the "Hail Mary" is repeated a tenth time, the Decade finishes with, "Glory be to the Father." &c.; then follows the Prayer. Which method is to be observed in beginning, and saying each part of the Rosary.]

Let Us Pray.

O holy Mary, Queen of virgins, through the most high mystery of the incarnation of thy beloved Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by means of which the work of our salvation was so happily begun, obtain for us, by thine intercession, light to be sensible of so great a benefit, which he hath bestowed upon as; vouchsafing thereby to make himself our brother, and thee, his only beloved mother, our mother also. Amen.

II.—The Visitation.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary, understanding from the angel that her cousin, St. Elizabeth, had conceived, went with haste into the mountains of Judea, to visit her, and remained with her three months.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O holy Virgin, most spotless mirror of humility, by that exceeding charity which moved thee to visit thy holy cousin, St. Elizabeth, obtain for us, by thine intercession, that our hearts may be visited by thy most holy Son, that being free from all sin, we may praise and give him thanks for ever. Amen.

III.—The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary, when the time of her delivery was come, brought forth our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, at midnight, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for him in the inns at Bethlehem.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O most pure Mother of God, by thy virginal and most joyful delivery, in which thou gavest unto the world thine only Son, our Saviour, we beseech thee obtain for us, by thine intercession, grace to lead such pure and holy lives in this world, that we may worthily sing without ceasing, both day and night, the mercies of thy Son, and his benefits to us by thee. Amen.

IV.—The Oblation of our blessed Lord in the Temple.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the most blessed Virgin Mary, on the day of her purification, presented the child Jesus in the temple, where holy Simeon, giving thanks to God with great devotion, received him into his arms.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O holy Virgin, most admirable mistress, and pattern of obedience, who didst present in the temple the Lord of the temple, obtain for us of thy beloved Son, that, with holy Simeon and devout Anna, we may praise and glorify him for ever. Amen.

V.—The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary having lost, without any fault of hers, her beloved Son in Jerusalem, she sought him for the space of three days, and at length found him the fourth day in the temple, in the midst of the doctors, disputing with them, being of the age of twelve years. Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

Most blessed Virgin, more than martyr in thy sufferings, and yet the comfort of such as are afflicted, by that unspeakable joy wherewith thy soul was ravished, at finding thy beloved Son in the temple, in the midst of the doctors, disputing with them, obtain of him for us, so to seek him and find him in the holy Catholic Church, that we may never be separated from him. Amen.

The Salve Regina.

Hail! holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished sons of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mournings, and weepings, in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile ended, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Vers. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

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

Let Us Pray.

O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant we beseech thee, that meditating upon those mysteries, in the most holy Rosary of the most blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise: through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Part The Second.
The Five Dolorous Mysteries,

To be said on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the Year, and on Sundays in Lent.

I.—The Prayer and Bloody Sweat of our Blessed Saviour in the Garden.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus was so afflicted for us in the Garden of Gethsemani, that his body was bathed in a bloody sweat, which ran trickling down in great drops to the ground.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c. as before.

Let Us Pray.

Most holy Virgin, more than martyr, by that ardent prayer which thy most beloved Son poured forth unto his Father in the Garden, vouchsafe to intercede for us, that our passions being reduced to the obedience of reason, we may always, and in all things, conform and subject ourselves to the will of God. Amen.

II.—The Scourging of our Blessed Lord at the Pillar.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ was most cruelly scourged in Pilate's house, the number of stripes they gave him being above five thousand. [As it was revealed to St. Bridget.] Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O Mother of God, overflowing fountain of patience, by those stripes thine only and most beloved Son vouchsafed to suffer for us, obtain of him for us grace, that we may know how to mortify our rebellious senses, and cut off all occasions of sinning, with that sword of grief and compassion which pierced thy most tender soul. Amen.

III.—The Crowning of our Blessed Saviour with Thorns.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how those cruel ministers of Satan platted a crown of sharp thorns, and most cruelly pressed it on the most sacred head of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O Mother of our eternal Prince and King of Glory, by those sharp thorns wherewith his holy head was pierced, we beseech thee, that by thine intercession we may be delivered here from all motions of pride, and in the day of judgment from that confusion which our sins deserve. Amen.

IV.—Jesus carrying the Cross.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ being sentenced to die, bore, with the most amazing patience, the cross which was laid upon him for his greater torment and ignominy. Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O holy Virgin, example of patience, by the most painful carrying the cross, on which thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ bore the heavy weight of our sins, obtain of him for us by thine intercession, courage and strength to follow his steps, and bear our cross after him to the end of our lives. Amen.

V.—The Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, having arrived at Mount Calvary, was stripped of his clothes, and his hands and feet most cruelly nailed to the cross, in the presence of his most afflicted mother.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O holy Mary, mother of God, as the body of thy beloved Son was for us extended on the cross, so may our desires be daily more and more stretched out in his service, and our hearts wounded with compassion for his most bitter passion. And thou, O most blessed Virgin, graciously vouchsafe to help us to accomplish the work of our salvation, by thy powerful intercession. Amen.

Hail, holy Queen, &c. with the verse and prayer as before.

Part The Third.
The Five Glorious Mysteries,

Assigned for Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the Year, and Sundays from Easter until Advent.

I.—The Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, triumphing gloriously over death, rose again the third day, immortal and impassable.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c, as before.

Let Us Pray.

O glorious Virgin Mary, by that unspeakable joy thou receivedst in the resurrection of thine only Son, we beseech thee to obtain of him for us, that our hearts may never go astray after the false joys of this world; but may be ever and wholly employed in the pursuit of the only true and solid joys of heaven. Amen.

II.—The Ascension of Christ into Heaven.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, forty days after his resurrection, ascended into heaven, attended by angels, in the sight of his most holy Mother, his holy apostles and disciples, to the great admiration of them all.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O mother of God, comfort of the afflicted, as thy beloved Son, when he ascended into heaven, lifted up his hands and blessed his apostles, so vouchsafe, most holy Mother, to lift up thy pure hands to him for us, that we may enjoy the benefits of his blessing and thine, here on earth, and hereafter in heaven. Amen.

III.—The coming of the Holy Ghost to the Disciples.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, being seated at the right hand of God, sent, as he had promised, the Holy Ghost upon the apostles, who, after he was ascended, returning to Jerusalem, continued in prayer and supplication with the blessed Virgin Mary, expecting the performance of his promise.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O sacred Virgin, tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, we beseech thee, obtain by thine intercession, that this most sweet Comforter, whom thy beloved Son sent down upon his apostles, filling them thereby with spiritual joy, may teach us in this world the true way of salvation, and make us walk in the paths of virtue and good works. Amen.

IV.—The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin, twelve years after the resurrection of her Son, passed out of this world unto him, and was by him taken into heaven, accompanied by the holy angels.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O most prudent Virgin, who entering into the heavenly palace, didst fill the holy angels with joy, and man with hope, vouchsafe to intercede for us at the hour of death, that free from the illusions and temptations of the devil, we may joyfully and successfully pass out of this temporal state, to enjoy the happiness of eternal life. Amen.

V.—The Coronation of the B.V.M, in Heaven.

Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin Mary was, with great jubilee, and exultation of the whole court of heaven, and the particular glory of all the saints, crowned by her Son with the brightest diadem of Glory.

Our Father, &c.

Let Us Pray.

O glorious Queen of all the heavenly citizens, we beseech thee to accept this Rosary, which, as a crown of roses, we offer at thy feet; and grant, most gracious Lady, that by thine intercession, our souls may be inflamed with so ardent a desire of seeing thee so gloriously crowned, that it may never die in us, until it be changed into the happy fruition of thy blessed sight. Amen.

Hail, holy Queen, &c, with the verse and prayer as before.

Te Deum;

A Hymn which may be said after Mass, or on occasion of any public or private Thanksgiving.

The Prayer, Deus cujus.

O God, of whose mercies there is no number, and of whose goodness the treasure is infinite, we humbly thank thy most gracious majesty for the favours thou hast bestowed on us; ever beseeching thy clemency, that as thou grantest our requests when we humbly ask thee, so thou wouldst not forsake us, but dispose us for the rewards of the life to come. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

The Thirty Days' Prayer

To The Blessed Virgin Mary, In Honour Of The Sacred Passion Of Our Lord Jesus Christ;

By the devout recital of which for the above space of time, we may mercifully hope to obtain our lawful request.—It is particularly recommended as a proper devotion for every day in Lent, and all the Fridays throughout the Year.

Ever glorious and blessed Mary, Queen of Virgins, Mother of Mercy, hope and comfort of dejected and desolate souls; through that sword of sorrow which pierced thy tender heart, whilst thine only son, Christ Jesus our Lord, suffered death and ignominy on the cross; through that filial tenderness and pure love he had for thee, grieving in thy grief, whilst from his cross he recommended thee to the care and protection of his beloved disciple St. John; take pity, I beseech thee, on my poverty and necessities; have compassion on my anxieties and cares; assist and comfort me in all my infirmities and miseries, of what kind soever. Thou art the mother of mercies, the sweet consolatrix and only refuge of the needy and the orphan, of the desolate and the afflicted. Cast, therefore, an eye of pity on a miserable, forlorn child of Eve, and hear my prayer; for since, in just punishment for my sins, I find myself encompassed by a multitude of evils, and oppressed with much anguish of spirit, whither can I fly for more secure shelter, O amiable Mother of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, than under the wings of thy maternal protection? Attend, therefore, I beseech thee, with an ear of pity and compassion, to my humble and earnest request. I ask it through the bowels of mercy of thy dear Son, through that love and condescension wherewith he embraced our nature, when, in compliance with the divine will, thou gavest thy consent, and whom, after the expiration of nine months, thou didst bring forth from the chaste enclosure of thy womb, to visit this world, and bless it with his presence. I ask it through that anguish of mind wherewith thy beloved Son, our dear Saviour, was overwhelmed on Mount Olivet, when he besought his eternal Father to remove from him, if possible, the bitter chalice of his future passion. I ask it through the threefold repetition of his prayers in the garden, from whence afterwards with dolorous steps and mournful tears, thou didst accompany him to the doleful theatre of his death and sufferings. I ask it through the welts and sores of his virginal flesh, occasioned by the cords and whips wherewith he was bound and scourged, when stripped of his seamless garment, for which his executioners afterwards cast lots. I ask it through the scoffs and ignominies by which he was insulted; the false accusation and unjust sentence by which he was condemned to death, and which he bore with heavenly patience. I ask it through his bitter tears and bloody sweat, his silence and resignation, his sadness and grief of heart. I ask it through the blood which trickled from his royal and sacred head, when struck with a sceptre of a reed, and pierced with his crown of thorns. I ask it through the excruciating torments he suffered when his hands and feet were fastened with gross nails to the tree of the cross. I ask it through his vehement thirst, and bitter potion of vinegar and gall. I ask it through his dereliction on the cross, when he exclaimed: "My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me?" I ask it through his mercy extended to the good thief, and through his recommending his precious soul and spirit into the hands of his eternal Father before he expired, saying: "All is finished." I ask it through the blood mixed with water, which issued from his sacred side, when pierced with a lance, and whence a flood of grace and mercy has flowed to us. I ask it through his immaculate life, bitter passion, and ignominious death on the cross, at which nature itself was thrown into convulsions, by the bursting of rocks, rending of the veil of the temple, the earthquake, and darkness of the sun and moon. I ask it through his descent into hell, where he comforted the saints of the old law with his presence, and led captivity captive. I ask it through his glorious victory over death, when he arose again to life on the third day; and through the joy which his appearance for forty days after, gave thee, his blessed Mother, his apostles, and the rest of his disciples, when, in thine and their presence, he miraculously ascended into heaven. I ask it through the grace of the Holy Ghost, infused into the hearts of the disciples, when he descended upon them in the form of fiery tongues, and by which they were inspired with zeal in the conversion of the world, when they went to preach the gospel. I ask it through the awful appearance of thy Son at the last dreadful day, when he shall come to judge the living and the dead, and the world, by fire. I ask it through the compassion he bore thee in this life, and the ineffable joy thou didst feel at thine assumption into heaven, where thou art eternally absorbed in the sweet contemplation of his divine perfections. O glorious and ever blessed Virgin! comfort the heart of thy suppliant, by obtaining it for me.[Footnote 5]

[Footnote 5: Here mention, or reflect on your lawful request, under the reservation of its being agreeable to the will of God, who sees whether it will contribute towards your spiritual good.]

And as I am persuaded my divine Saviour doth honour thee as his beloved Mother, to whom he can refuse nothing; so let me speedily experience the efficacy of thy powerful intercession, according to the tenderness of thy maternal affection, and his filial, loving heart, who mercifully granteth the requests, and complieth with the desires of those that love and fear him. Wherefore, O most blessed Virgin, besides the object of my present petition, and whatever else I may stand in need of, obtain for me also, of thy dear Son, our Lord and our God, a lively faith, firm hope, perfect charity, true contrition of heart, unfeigned tears of compunction, sincere confession, condign satisfaction, abstinence from sin, love of God, and my neighbour, contempt of the world, patience to suffer affronts and ignominies, nay, even, if necessary, an opprobrious death itself, for the love of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.—Obtain likewise for me, O Sacred Mother of God! perseverance in good works, performance of good resolutions, mortification of self will, a pious conversation through life, and at my last moments, strong and sincere repentance, accompanied by such a lively and attentive presence of mind, as may enable me to receive the last sacrament of the Church worthily, and die in thy friendship and favour. Lastly, obtain, I beseech thee, for the souls of my parents, brethren, relations, and benefactors, both living and dead, life everlasting. Amen.

Hymns For Festivals.

Hymn for Advent.

Hymn for Christmas.

Hymn for Passion-Sunday, and Palm-Sunday.

V. Eripe me, Domine, ab homine malo.

V. Deliver me, O Lord, from the wicked man.

R. A viro iniquo eripe me.

R. And from the unjust man deliver me.

Hymn for Good-Friday,
(Plaint of the Blessed Virgin.)

V. Tuam ipsius animam pertransivit gladius.

V. A sword has pierced thy own soul.

R. Ut revelentur ex multis cordibus cogitationes.

R. That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Hymn for Easter.

[Transcriber's note: This is a better translation (with music) from St. Gregory's Hymnal. /files/23673/23673-h/English.html#No._28]

Hymns for Whit-Sunday.

V. Loquebantur variis linguis Apostoli, Alleluia.

V. The Apostles spoke in various tongues. Alleluia.

R. Magnalia Dei, Alleluia,

R. The wonders of God, Alleluia.

The Prayer.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost, didst instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the direction of the same Holy Spirit, we may relish what is right, and always rejoice in his consolations: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sequence for Whit-Sunday.

The Prayer.

O God, to whom every heart lies open, every will speaks its desire, and from whom no secret is concealed; purify the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, in order that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily praise thee: through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who with thee and the same Holy Ghost liveth, &c. Amen.

Hymns For Festivals.

Hymns for Corpus Christi, and for the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, on Holy Thursday.

V. Panem de coelo prÆstitisti eis. Alleluia.

V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven. Alleluia.

R. Omne delectamentum in se habentum. Alleluia.

R. Abounding with whatever is delicious. Alleluia.

[Transcriber's note: This is a better translation (with music) from St. Gregory's Hymnal. /files/23673/23673-h/English.html#No._52]

The Prayer.

Hymn at the Elevation.

Finis.