Chapter XIX: Part V: The Public Thanksgiving After Communion (5)

Lesson. _Revelation_ vii. 2, 12. _In those days:_ Behold I, John, saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying: Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, till we have signed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them that were signed, an hundred forty-four thousand were signed, of every tribe of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Judah, were twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Nephtali, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Manasses, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Zebulon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand signed. {470} After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and tribes, and peoples and tongues; standing before the throne and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and they cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and the ancients, and the four living creatures; and they fell down before the throne upon their faces, and adored God, saying: Amen. Benediction, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honour, and power, and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel. _Matthew_ v. 1, 12. _At that time:_ Jesus seeing the multitude, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek; for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice; for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you untruly, for my sake; be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. Credo.

Commemoration _of the_ Faithful _departed_.

2nd November.

Epistle. 1 _Corinthians_ xv. 51, 57. _Brethren:_ Behold I tell you a mystery: We shall all indeed rise again; but we shall not all be changed. {471} In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again incorruptible; and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. And when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: _Death is swallowed up in victory, O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?_ Now the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel. _John_ v. 25, 29. _At that time:_ Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: Amen, amen, I say unto you, that the hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so he hath given to the Son also to have life in himself: and he hath given him power to do judgment, because he is the Son of man. Wonder not at this, for the hour cometh wherein all that are in the grave shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And they that have done good things shall come forth unto the resurrection of life: but they that have done evil unto the resurrection of judgment.

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Common Of Saints.

For The Vigil Of An Apostle,

Which May Be Read On The Festival Day.

Lesson. _Ecclesiastes_ xliv. _and_ xlv. The blessing of the Lord is on the head of the righteous man. Therefore did the Lord give him an inheritance, and assign him a part among the twelve tribes; and he found grace in the sight of all flesh. And he made him great to the terror of his enemies, and by his words he tamed monsters. He rendered him glorious in the presence of kings, and gave him his commandments in the sight of his people, and showed him his glory. For his faith and meekness he sanctified him, and made choice of him among all flesh: and publicly gave him his precepts, and the law of life and discipline, and highly exalted him. He settled with him an eternal covenant, and encompassed him with the girdle of righteousness: and the Lord hath put on him a crown of glory.

Gospel. _John_ xv. 12, 16. _At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you that you should go, and should bring forth fruit: and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Of a Martyr and Bishop.

Epistle. _James_ i. 12, 18. _Dearly beloved:_ Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life which God hath promised to them that love him. {473} Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils, and he tempteth no man. But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured. Then when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death. Do not err therefore, my dearest brethren. Every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creatures.

Gospel. _Luke_ xiv. 26, 33. _At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it: lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or, what king about to go and make war against another king, doth not first sit down and think whether he be able with ten thousand, to meet him that with twenty thousand cometh out against him. Or else, whilst the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.

Of a Martyr not a Bishop.

Lesson. _Wisdom_ x. 10, 14. The Lord conducted the just man through the right ways, and showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things: made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. {474} In the deceit of them that over-reached him, she stood by him, and made him honourable. She kept him safe from his enemies, and she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the pit, and in bands she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and showed them to be liars that accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

Gospel. _Matthew_ x. 34, 42. _At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies against they of his own household. He that loveth his father and mother more than me, is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.

Of Many Martyrs.

Epistle. 1 _Peter_ i. 3, 7. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his great mercy hath regenerated us into a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that cannot fade, reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are kept by faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you shall greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a little time made sorrowful in divers temptations; that the trial of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found unto praise, and glory, and honour, at the appearing of Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Gospel. _John_ xv. 5, 11. _At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: I am the vine, you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire, and he burneth. If you abide in me, and my word abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you. In this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much fruit, and become my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things have I spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled.

Of A Confessor And Bishop.
Lesson _and_ Gospel, _as in page_ 79.

Of A Confessor Not A Bishop.

Lesson. _Ecclesiastes_ xxxi. 8. 11. Blessed is the man that is found without blemish; and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. Who is he, and we will praise him, for he hath done wonderful things in his life. Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting, He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them. Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.

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Gospel. _Luke_ xii. 35, 40. _At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands, and you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from their wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord, when he cometh, shall find watching: Amen, I say to you, that he will gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broke open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.

Of a Virgin And Martyr.

Lesson. _Ecclesiastes_ li. 1, 8. I will give glory to thee, O Lord, my King, and I will praise thee, O God, my Saviour. I will give glory to thy name, for thou hast been a helper and protector to me, and hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them that stood by, thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered: me according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from the roaring _lions_, that were ready to devour me. Out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions, which compassed me about: from the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt. From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue: my soul shall praise the Lord even to death, because thou succourest those that trust in thee, and deliverest them from the hands of the Gentiles, O Lord our God.

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Gospel. _Matthew_ xxv. 1, 13. _At that time:_ Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: The kingdom of heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go you rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered, saying: Amen, I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

Of Many Virgins And Martyrs.

Epistle. 1 _Corinthians_ vii. 25, 34. _Brethren:_ Concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give counsel, as having obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I think therefore, that this is good for the present necessity, for a man so to be. Art thou bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But if thou take a wife, thou hast not sinned. And if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned: nevertheless, such shall have tribulation of the flesh. {478} But I spare you. This therefore I say, brethren: the time is short: it remaineth, that they also who have wives, be as if they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as if they rejoiced not: and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as if they used it not: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But I would have you to be without solicitude. He that is without a wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please God. But he that is with a wife, is solicitous for the things of the world, how he may please his wife; and he is divided. And the unmarried woman and the virgin thinketh on the things of the Lord: that she may be holy both in body and spirit, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel. _Matthew_ xxv. 1, 13, _as in page_ 92.

Of a Virgin only.

Epistle. 2 _Corinthians_ x. 17; xi. 1, 2. _Brethren: _Let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord: for not he that commendeth himself is approved; but he whom God commendeth. [_Chap_. xi.] Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Gospel. _Matthew_ xxv. 1, 13, _as in page_ 92.

Of Holy Women.

Lesson. _Proverbs_ xxxi. 10. Who shall find a valiant woman? the price of her is _as of things brought_ from afar off, and from the uttermost coasts. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good and not evil, all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. {479} She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow, for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry; fine linen and purple is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates, where he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chananite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well to the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Gospel. _Matthew_ xiii. 44, 52. _At that time:_ Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kinds of fishes. Which, when it was filled they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just. {480} And shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things? They say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man who is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.

Anniversary Mass Of The Dedication Of A Church.

Lesson. _Revelation_ xxi. 2, 5. _In those days:_ I John saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the throne, saying: Behold the tabernacle of God with men, and he will dwell with them. And they shall be his people: and God himself with them shall be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things are passed away. And he that sat on the throne said: Behold I make all things new.

Gospel. _Luke_ xix. 1, 10. _At that time: _Jesus entering in, he walked through Jericho. And behold there was a man named Zacheus, who was the chief of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus, who he was, and he could not, for the crowd, because he was low of stature. And running before he climbed up into a sycamore tree that he might see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up he saw him, and said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down: for this day I must abide in thy house. And he made haste and came down, and received him with joy. And when all saw it, they murmured, saying: that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a sinner. But Zacheus standing said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor: and if I have wronged any man of any thing, I restore him four-fold. Jesus said to him: This day is salvation come to this house; because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Credo.

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For The Dead
_On the day of Decease or Burial._

Epistle. 1 Thessalonians iv. 12, 17. _Brethren:_ We will not have you ignorant concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with him. For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who have slept. For the Lord himself shall come down from heaven with commandment: and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ, shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. Wherefore comfort ye one another with these words.

Gospel. _John_ xi. 21, 27. _At that time:_ Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith to her: Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him: I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live. And every one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? She saith to him: Yea, Lord, I have believed that thou art Christ the Son of the living God, who art come into this world.

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Instructions And Devotions

For Confirmation.

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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. {488} 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. {489} 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.

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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. {491} 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_.

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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.

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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. {494} 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.

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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.

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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. {497} 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.