The compleat office of the Holy Week with notes and explications / translated out of Latin and French ; published with allowance.

THE NIGHT-OFFICE ON Holy-Thursday, FOR THE FRIDAY AT MATTINS.

FIRST NOCTƲRN.

PSALM 2.

The Royal Prophet describes the Persecutions which the Jews and Gentiles raised against the Messias and his People. 2. He describes the Eternal and Temporal Generation of the Messias, and the Extent of his Dominion over the whole Earth, what Obstacle soever the Persecutors could do against it. 3. He re∣presents the Punishments wherewith God threatens the Wicked: For so the Apostle St. Peter explicates this Psalm, in the Fourth Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

Ant. The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes came together in one: against our Lord, and against his Christ.

WHy did the Gentiles rage, and peo∣ples meditate vain things?

The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes came together in one, against our Lord, and against his Christ,

Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us.

He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh at them: and our Lord shall scorn them.

Then shall he speak to them in his wrath: and in his fury he shall trouble them.

But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy hill, preaching his precept.

The Lord said to me, Thou art my Son, I this day have begotten thee.

Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gen∣tiles for thy inheritance, and thy possession the ends of the earth.

Thou shalt rule them in a rod of iron, and as a potters vessel thou shalt break them in pieces.

And now ye kings understand: take in∣struction, you that judge the earth.

Serve our Lord in fear: and rejoyce to him with trembling.

Apprehend discipline, lest sometimes our Lord be wrath, and you perish out of the just way.

When his wrath shall burn in short time, blessed are all that trust in him.

Ant. The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes came together in one: against our Lord, and his Christ.

PSALM 21.

Our Lord JESUS CHRIST pronounced the first Words of this Psalm when he was fastned to the Cross; and they contain the Prophecy of his bitter Passion. And the Royal Prophet ha∣ving represented the Pains and Sufferings of the Son of God, then speaks of his Glory and Empire; and at last shews us the Advantages that accrue unto the Faithful, and for which they ought to render Thanks unto God. This Divine Saviour, who could not be guilty, having put himself in our place, incurred our Obligations, contracted our Debts, and satisfied for our Crimes. Likewise this Psalm presents unto us, That the Sins of Men, wherewith he had loaded himself, deserved that his Fa∣ther should abandon him to all imaginable Misery, that thereby he might satisfie the Rigor of his Justice in all things; and if he addressed this Complaint, My God, my God, Why hast thou forsaken me? it was not in his own Person he spoke it; but in the Person of this wretched Infirmity of the Flesh, wherewith He was clothed; 'twas in the Person of the Members of his Mysti∣cal Body, foreseeing the Desires and Demands they would offer to his Father and himself, by an inclination of Nature, and by a Human Motion of being delivered from Torments and Death. For, What did our Saviour desire to be delivered from Sufferings aad Death, who came only to that end into this World? Or why did he speak thus, as if what hapned unto him was against his will, he who had power to render his Soul to God, and to take it again, without any ones being able to take it from him? These Words therefore of this Psalm represent those who in their Miseries pray unto God to be freed from them. Moreover God shews us, that his Eternal Father did not free him from the

Power of the Jews, (who scoffed and scorned him to death) as before he had saved Noe from the Deluge, Lot from the Fire from Heaven, Isaac from the Sword that threatned his Head, Joseph from a Womans slanderous Accusations and the horror of a Pri∣son, Moyses from the Fury of the Egyptians, Rahab from the Destruction of his City in Jericho, Susanna from false Witnesses, Daniel from the Den of Lions, the Three young Hebrew Chil∣dren from the Flames that environ'd them: Whereby he in∣structs us what we are to desire and beg by the Grace of the New Testament; and he teacheth us, that the End for which we are Christians, is not to enjoy Happiness in this temporal Life, wherein God often leaves us to the Rage of our Enemies; but that 'tis the Eternal Life which under the Name of Christians we must endeavour to attain unto; considering, that he from whom we take that Name, was used in such like manner before us.

Ant. They have divided my garments a∣mongst them, and upon my vesture have cast lot.

GOd, my God, have respect to me: why hast thou forsaken me? far from my salvation are the words of my sins.

My God, I shall cry by day, and thou wilt not hear: and by night, and not for folly un∣to me.

But thou dwellest in the holy place, the praise of Israel.

In thee our fathers have hoped: they ho∣ped, and thou didst deliver them.

They cried to thee, and were saved: they hoped in thee, and were not confounded.

But I am a worm, and no man: a reproach of men, and out-cast of the people.

All that see me have scorned me: they have spoken with the lips, and wagged the head.

He hoped in the Lord, let him deliver him: let him save him because he will him.

Because thou art he that hast drawn me out of the womb: my hope from the breasts of my mother.

Upon thee I have been cast from the ma∣trice: from my mothers womb thou art my God, depart not from me.

Because tribulation is very nigh: because there is not that will help.

Many calves have compassed me: fat bulls have besieged me.

They have opened their mouth upon me, as a lion raving and roaring.

As water I am poured out: and all my bones are dispersed.

My heart is made as wax, melting in the midst of my belly.

My strength is withered as a potsheard, and my tongue cleaved to my jaws: and thou hast brought me down into the dust of death.

Because many dogs have compassed me: the counsel of the malignant hath besieged me.

They have digged my hands and my feet: they have numbred all my bones.

But themselves have considered and beheld me: They have divided my garments among them, and upon my vesture have cast lot.

But thou, O Lord, prolong not thy help from me: look tward my defence.

Deliver, O God, my soul from the sword: and mine only one from the hand of the dog.

Save me out of the lions mouth: and my humility from the horns of unicorns.

I will declare thy name to my brethren: in the midst of the church I will praise thee.

Ye that fear our Lord, praise him: all the seed of Jacob, glorifie ye him.

Let all the seed of Israel fear him: because he hath not contemned nor despised the peti∣tion of the poor.

Neither hath he turned away his face from me: and when I cried to him, he heard me.

With thee is my praise in the great church: I will render my vows in the sight of them that fear him.

The poor shall eat, and shall be filled, and they shall praise our Lord that seek after him: their hearts shall live for ever and ever.

All the ends of the earth shall remember, and be converted to our Lord.

All the families of the Gentiles shall adore in his sight.

Because the kingdom is our Lords: and he shall have dominion over the Gentiles.

All the fat ones of the earth have eaten, and adored: in his sight shall all fall, that descend into the earth.

And my soul shall live to him: and my seed shall serve him.

The generation to come shall be shewed to our Lord: and the heavens shall shew forth his justice to the people that shall be born, whom our Lord hath made.

Ant. They have divided my garments amonst them, and upon my vesture they have cast lot.

PSALM 26.

The Church declares unto us, That we ought not to fear any thing in the Persecutions and Troubles of this Life, since God provides for our Conduct and Salvation: And what Assi∣stance are we not to expect from him, since his only Son was sacrificed for us? And what should we fear, since by his Death he hath overcome whatever could prejudice us? since he hath ascended into Heaven, there to give a Refuge and Sanctuary, which in all our Sufferings and Necessities is open to us; since from his Throne of Glory he pours upon us his Graces, to san∣ctifie us, to conduct us, to make us surmount all Obstacles to our Salvation, and to make our Patience the Shame and Confu∣sion of our Enemies? Therefore we must be careful lest we render our selves unworthy of his Protection; we must take heed lest the Apprehensions of our Adversities make us commit unlawful Actions; we must be very careful to keep exactly his Commandments, and employ our selves wholly to serve him, in expectation of that eternal Felicity he has promised.

Ant. False witnesses have risen up against me, and iniquity hath lied to it self.

OUr Lord is my illumination, and my salvation: whom shall I fear?

Our Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?

Whilst the harmful approach me, to eat my flesh.

Mine enemies that trouble me, themselves are weakned and are fallen.

If camps stand together against me, my heart shall not fear.

If battel rise up against me, in this will I hope.

One thing I have asked of our Lord, this will I seek for: That I may dwell in the house of our Lord all the days of my life.

That I may see the pleasantness of our Lord, and visit his temple.

Because he hath hid me in his tabernacle: in the day of evils he hath protected me in the secret of his tabernacle.

In a rock he hath exalted me: and now he hath exalted my head over mine enemies.

I have gone round about, and have immo∣lated in his tabernacle an host of jubilation: I will sing and say a psalm unto our Lord.

Hear, O Lord, my voice, wherewith I have cried to thee: have mercy on me, and hear me.

My heart hath said to thee, my face hath sought thee out: thy face, O Lord, I will seek.

Turn not away thy face from me: decline not in wrath from thy servant.

Be thou my helper, forsake me not; nei∣ther despise me, O God my Saviour.

Because my father and my mother have forsaken me: but our Lord hath taken me.

Guide me, O Lord, in thy way: and di∣rect me in the right path, because of mine enemies.

Deliver me not into the souls of them that trouble me: because unjust witnesses have risen up against me, and iniquity hath lied to it self.

I believe to see the good things of our Lord, in the land of the living.

Expect our Lord, do manfully: and let thy heart take courage, and expect thou our Lord,

Ant. Unjust witnesses have risen up against me, and iniquity hath lied to it self.

VERSICLE, taken out of the One and twentieth Psalm.

The Church shews us, That the Prophets have with such exactness described every Particular of our Saviour's Passion, that they have even mentioned the Division of his Garments amongst the Soldiers.

V. They have divided my garments a∣mong them.

R. And upon my vesture they have cast lot.

THE FIRST LESSON, Taken out of the Second Chapter of the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremy.

HETH.

OUr Lord hath meant to destroy the wall of the daughter of Sion: he hath stretched out his cord, and hath not turned away his hand from the destruction: and the fore-wall hath mourned, and the wall is de∣stroyed together.

TETH.

Her gates are fastned in the ground: he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes in the Gentiles: there is no law, and her prophets have not found vision from our Lord.

JOD.

The ancients of the daughter of Sion have sitten on the ground, they have held their peace: they have sprinkled their heads with dust, they are girded with hair-cloth: the virgins of Jerusalem have cast down their heads to the ground.

CAPH.

Mine eyes have failed for tears, my bow∣els are troubled, my liver is poured out on the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people, when the little one and the suck∣ing fainted in the streets of the town.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Convert unto the Lord thy God.

RESP.

The Church represents unto us, That 'twas through the just Judgment of God that those Calamities befel the Jews, which were foretold by the Prophet Jeremy, because they offered such Indignities to the Son of God, our Lord JESUS CHRIST.

All my friends have forsaken me, and those that laid snares for me have prevailed against me; and looking furiously upon me, gave me most cruel stripes, and gave me vineger to drink. He whom I loved hath betrayed me.

V. They threw me among the wicked, and they spared not my soul: And looking furi∣ously on me, &c.

II. LESSON.

LAMED.

THey said to their Mothers, ••here is the wheat and wine? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they fainted as the wounded in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the

city, when they yielded up the ghosts in the bosom of their mothers.

MEM.

Whereto shall I compare thee, or whereto shall I liken thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? Whereto shall I make thee equal, and comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Sion? For great is thy destruction as the sea; who shall heal thee?

NUN.

Thy prophets have seen false and foolish things for thee: neither have they opened thy iniquity, to provoke thee to penance; but they have seen false burdens and banishments for thee.

SAMECH.

All that passed by the way have clapped their hands upon thee: they have hiss'd and mov'd their head upon the daughter of Jeru∣salem, saying, Is this the city of perfect beau∣ty, the joy of all the earth?

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Convert unto the Lord thy God.

RESP.

The Church declares unto us the Blindness and Obstinacy of the Jews, who could not be brought to Repentance, neither by the Exhortations of the Prophet Jeremy, and other Prophets, nor

by the Admonition of Jesus Christ, though accompanied by ma∣ny Miracles, nor by those Wonders done at his death, that by Repentance they might have avoided those Miseries that threat∣ned them: Whereas a Malefactor and a Thief, who had never seen Christ do any Miracles, and whereof the Jews had been so often eye-witnesses, yet persisted in their Wickedness of Cruci∣fying him; whilst the Thief considering the Wonders on the Cross, publickly acknowledged he was God, and confessed his Sins with a true Repentance.

R. The vail of the temple was rent, and all the earth trembled. The thief cried from the cross, saying, Be mindful of me, O Lord, when thou shalt come into thy kingdom.

V. The rocks were rent, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints that slept, rose.

And all the earth trembled.

III. LESSON. Taken out of the Third Chapter.

ALEPH.

I The man that see my poverty in the rod of his indignation.

ALEPH.

He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, and not into light.

ALEPH.

Only against me he hath turned, and hath converted his hand all the day.

BETH.

He hath made my skin old, and my flesh, he hath broken my bones.

BETH.

He hath built round about me, and he hath compassed me with gall and labor.

BETH.

In dark places he hath placed, as the ever∣lasting dead.

GHIMEL.

He hath built round about against me, that I go not forth: he hath aggravated my fet∣ters.

GHIMEL.

Yea, and when I shall cry, and ask, he hath excluded my prayer.

GHIMEL.

He hath shut up my ways with square stones, he hath subverted my paths.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Convert unto the Lord thy God.

RESP.

The Church shews us, That God being offended at the Ingra∣titude and Wickedness of the Jews, on whom he had bestowed

so many Testimonies of his Affection, punished them according to their Crimes.

R. My chosen vine, I have planted thee: how art thou converted into bitterness, that thou shouldst crucifie me, and deliver Ba∣rabbas?

V. I have hedged thee, and have picked the stones from thee; and I have built a tower: How art thou converted, &c.

R. My vine, &c.

SECOND NOCTƲRN.

PSALM 37.

In this Psalm the Royal Prophet presents us with the Duties of a true Penitent, which consist, First, To be sensible of the noisomness of our Sins. Secondly, To acknowledge that in Justice we deserve all sorts of Punishments and Chastisements, since our Sins are so great and so many. Thirdly, To deplore our Offences with so sensible a Grief, that in comparison of that internal Sorrow which we bear in our Souls, we contemn all out∣ward Afflictions, being prepared against all Adversities. Fourth∣ly, That when these Troubles befal us, we must suffer them patiently, and with a quiet spirit. Fifthly, We must patiently undergo Injuries and Affronts from our Enemies, by always keeping a guard on our Tongues and Ears, that we may neither understand nor utter any thing passionately. Sixthly, We must beg of God, that the Sufferings we undergo, may not be the Ef∣fects of his Wrath, but the Chastisments from his Father; that is, That what we suffer may serve for our Correction, thereby to be freed from the Torments of Hell. At last we must put all our Hope and Trust in the Bounty and Goodness of God.

Ant. And they did violence which sought my soul.

LOrd, rebuke me not in thy fury: nor chastise me in thy wrath.

Because thy arrows are fast sticked in me: and thou hast fastned thy hand upon me.

There is no health in my flesh at the face of my wrath: my bones have no peace at the face of my sins.

Because mine iniquities are gone over my head: and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me.

My scars are putrified and corrupted, be∣cause of my foolishness.

I am become miserable, and am made crooked, even to the end: I went sorrowful all the day.

Because my loins are filled with illusions: and there is no health in my flesh.

I am afflicted, and am humbled exceeding∣ly: I roared for the groaning of my heart.

Lord, before thee is all my desire: and my groaning is not hid from thee.

My heart is troubled, my strength hath forsaken me, and the light of mine eyes, and the same is not with me.

My friends and my neighbors have ap∣proached, and stood against me.

And they that were neer me, stood far off: and they did violence which sought my soul.

And they that sought me evils, spake va∣nities, and meditated guiles all the day.

But I as one deaf, did not hear: and as one dumb, not opening his mouth.

And I became as a man not hearing, and not having reproofs in his mouth.

Because in thee, O Lord, have I hoped: thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God.

Because I said, Lest sometimes my ene∣mies rejoyce over me: and whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things upon me.

Because I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is in my sight always.

Because I will declare my iniquity, and I will think for my sin.

But mine enemies live, and are confirmed over me: and they are multiplied that hate me unjustly.

They that repay evil things for good, de∣tracted from me, because I followed good∣ness.

Forsake me not, O Lord my God: depart not from me.

Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.

Ant. And they did violence which sought my soul.

PSALM 39.

The Church, according to the Explication of St. Paul, in his Epistle to the Hebrews, chap. 10. do's represent to us in this Psalm, with what Fervor and Confidence we ought to expect the

Effects of God's Mercy, considering, that as he would render himself our Benefactor by all ways imaginable, so he was not only contented to give us our Being, and all things requisite to our Preservation; but he would shew us how infinite his Good∣ness was, by the Mystery of our Redemption, whereof he made us Partakers, by the Torments and Death of our Saviour, our Lord JESUS CHRIST, who fulfilled the Will of his Eternal Father, came into the World, and offered himself upon the Cross, to satisfie for us to his Divine Justice, and to clear us the way to our Justification; and that we might give God the Ho∣nor of a Sacrifice, which is due to him from every Creature, as being the most perfect manner of Adoration, and Acknowledg∣ment of the Sovereignty of his Being, and that which could not always be given him by Victim, and other Legal Offerings, too distant from his Dignity; and that he only permitted them here∣tofore as Representatives of this Divine Victim of his dear Son, who has abolish'd the first Sacrifice, to establish this second. And thereby we see, First, How much we are obliged to a Re∣turn for that Benefit, both by Praises and Thanksgiving. Se∣condly, That JESUS CHRIST shews us, that in resuming that Figure for us, he acted not his own Will, but that of his Fa∣ther. How much more then are we obliged to a just neglect of our own Will, and to do the Will of God, that we may be freed from that Confusion wherein the Wicked must be buried? Thirdly, By the Prayers which Christ made in his Sufferings, he teacheth us, That 'tis needful to keep our selves always with wonderful vigilancy on our guard, and to follow our Prayers with a fervent assiduity, to prevent us from falling into Tempta∣tions during our Conflict in the continual Dangers of this Life.

Ant. Let them be confounded and ashamed, that seek my soul, to take it away.

Expecting, I expected our Lord: and he hath attended to me.

And he heard my prayers, and brought me out of the lake of misery, and from the mire of drags.

And hath set my feet upon a rock, and hath directed my steps.

And he hath put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God.

Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in our Lord.

Blessed is the man whose hope is the name of our Lord; and hath not had regard to va∣nities, and false madness.

Thou hast done many merveilous things, O Lord, my God: and in thy cogitations there is none that may be like to thee.

I have declared, and have spoken: they multiplied above number.

Sacrifice and oblation thou wouldst not: but ears thou hast perfected to me.

Holocaust, and for sin thou didst not re∣quire: then said I, Behold, I come.

In the head of the book it is written of me, that I should do thy will: my God, I would, and thy law in the midst of my heart.

I have declared thy justice in the great church: lo, I will not stay my lips, Lord, thou hast known it.

Thy justice I have not hid in my heart: thy truth and thy salvation I have spoken.

I have not hid thy mercy and thy truth from the great council.

But thou, O Lord, make not thy commise∣rations far from me: thy mercy and thy truth have always received me.

Because evils have compassed me, which

have no number: mine iniquities have over∣taken me, and I was not able to see.

They are multiplied above the hairs of my head: and my heart hath forsaken me.

It may please thee, O Lord, to deliver me: Lord, have respect to help me.

Let them be confounded and ashamed to∣gether, that seek my soul, to take it away.

Let them be turned backward, and be ashamed, that will me evils.

Let them forthwith receive their confusi∣on, that say to me, Well, well.

Let all that seek thee rejoyce, and be glad upon thee: and let them that love thy sal∣vation, say always, Our Lord be magnified.

But I am a begger, and poor: our Lord is careful of me.

Thou art my helper, and my protector: my God, be not slack.

Ant. Let them be confounded and asha∣med, that seek my soul, to take it away.

PSALM 53.

The Church proposes unto us a Model of a most perfect Prayer. First, We must beg nothing of God, but what tends to our Salvation. Secondly, We must beg of him, in the Name of our Saviour JESUS CHRIST; for there is no other Name given to Man whereby he can be saved. Thirdly, We must have a firm Faith, not mistrusting the Omnipotency of God. Fourth∣ly, We must regard God as our Judge, who renders to every one according to his Actions. Fifthly, We must put our chiefest Confidence in the Mercy of God, and in the Truth of his Pro∣mises, and not in our own Merits. Sixthly, We must demand

his Assistance and Grace, so to love Justice, as that no Persecu∣tion may sever us from it. Seventhly, We are not to beg Pu∣nishments for the Wicked through any Motive of Hate or Re∣venge; but through a Motive of Charity, that they might mend whilst there was the least hope of their Correction, and that by their Punishments others might avoid their Crimes; and that Sin being thus destroyed, God alone might reign in the World. Eighthly, We must also beg, That as the force of the Evils of this Life may no way shake our Courage, so the Al∣lurements of Prosperity may not charm our Senses and Affecti∣ons, but that we may wholly adhere to God, and glorifie him. Ninthly, That we may glorifie God as we ought, we must offer our selves unto him in a Spirit of Destruction and Sacrifice; that is, in a Spirit of Penance. Tenthly, The Service we offer unto God must be free, and not servile or constrain'd. God must be served with a full and entire Affection. Eleventhly, We must likewise acknowledge we cannot have this Will, unless the Grace and Spirit of God deliver us from our Evils; therefore with our whole heart we must beg it of him.

Ant. Strangers have risen up against me, and the strong have sought my soul.

O God, save me in thy name, and in thy strength judge me.

O God, hear my prayer with thine ears, receive the words of my mouth.

Because strangers have risen up against me, and the strong have sought my soul: and they have not set God before their eyes.

For behold, God helpeth me: and our Lord is the receiver of my soul.

Turn away the evils to mine enemies, and in thy truth destroy them.

I will voluntarily sacrifice to thee, and will confess to thy name, O Lord, because it is good.

Because thou hast delivered me out of all tribulation, and mine eye hath looked down upon mine enemies.

Ant. Strangers have risen up against me, and the strong have sought my soul.

V. False witnesses have risen up against me.

R. And iniquity hath lied to it self.

IV. LESSON. Taken out of the Treatise of St. Augustin on the Sixty third Psalm.

In this Lesson the Church represents unto us, That JESUS CHRIST being our Chief, has taught us not only by his Words, but also his Example, how we are to surmount our present Calamities, and to hope after the future Goods; by shewing us, that what Power soever our Persecutors have to kill this mortal Flesh, yet they cannot hurt the Soul, if, being assisted by the Grace of God, she be not overcome with their Malice, and con∣sent to do Evil. There is this difference 'twixt CHRIST's and our Sufferings, that ours depends not always on our own Will: It is necessary that we one day must die, which being due to our Sins, is of Necessity and Justice. But JESUS CHRIST did not suffer Torments and Death because he would, and when he would, and after that manner as it pleased him; and being the same God with his Eternal Father, he could not die and remain al∣ways equally in his Glory. Secondly, By his Sufferings and Death he hath merited and acquired to us Life everlasting; but by our Sufferings and Death we can neither merit nor acquire it, unless it be in him, and by him, and with him.

MY God, thou hast protected me from the assembly of the malignant, from the multitude of them that work iniquity. Let us now consider our Chief. Many Mar∣tyrs

have suffered such Torments, but none with so much splendor as the Chief of Mar∣tyrs; for their Sufferings received Lustre from his. He was defended from the Fury of the Wicked, both by God's and his own protection: 'Twas he defended his own Flesh, and this Human Nature wherewith he was clad; for he was the Son of Man, and the Son of God. The Son of God, because of his Form God (being of the same Essence with his Eternal Father): The Son of Man, because he took on him the Form of a Slave; having power to separate his Soul from his Body, and to resume it again, what could his Enemies then do against him? They killed his Body, but his Soul they could not touch. Be attentive: Our Lord was not contented to exhort the Martyrs only with his Words, but would also fortifie by his Example.

RESP.

The Church confirms us, by the Words of JESUS CHRIST, in what St. Augustin hath taught us in the precedent Lesson, That this Divine Saviour suffered neither Torments nor Death because that he would, when he would, or after what manner he desired.

R. As to a thief are you come out with swords and clubs to apprehend me: I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not lay hands on me.

V. And when they had laid hands on JESUS, he said to them, I was daily, &c.

V. LESSON.

The Church represents unto us the Ingratitude and Impiety of the Jews, who after having received so many Benefits from the Saviour of the World, seen him purifie the Leprous, make the Lame to walk, cured all Sicknesses, drive Devils out of pos∣sessed Bodies, multiply the Loaves of Bread, appease the Tem∣pest, raised the Dead to Life; after having heard his Heavenly Doctrine, whereof he made them Partakers both by his Words and Actions; they not only were so obstinate as to draw no Ad∣vantage or the least Acknowledgment from them; but even crucified him on an infamous Cross, whereon they even exulted over him with extreme Insolency, persuading themselves, through a stubborn blindness, that he was not the Son of God, or the Sa∣viour of the World, because he suffered Death; and yet the Prophets shewed most evidently unto them what hapned in his Passion.

YOu know what was the Assembly of the wicked Jews, and what the Mul∣titude of them that work Iniquity. But what was that Iniquity? 'Twas that they would kill our Lord Jesus Christ. I have shewed you, said he, so many good works; and for which of them will you kill me? He comforted the Sick amongst them, he cured their Infirmities, he preached unto them the Kingdom of Heaven, he shewed them the Enormities of their Crimes, that they might hate them, but not the Doctor that cured them. But in stead of acknowledging the good he did them by these wholesom Reme∣dies, so great was their Ingratitude, that (as if tormented with a burning Fever) they were so transported against this charitable

Doctor, who came only to cure them, that they studied how to destroy him, as if thereby they would try whether he were true Man, and could die; or whether he were any thing above Man, and would not permit his own Death. We find their Discourse on this Subject in the Book of Wisdom: To a most shameful Death (say they) let us condemn him, for there shall be respect had unto him by his words; for if he be the true Son of God, he will deliver him.

RESP.

The Church shews us, That the Miracles done at the Death of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and which the Prophets foretold of him, were most evident Testimonies to the Jews, to have acknowledg'd him to be the Son of God and Saviour of the World, who had power to render up his Soul to his Eternal Fa∣ther, and to take it again, so as none could bereave him of her. 'Tis therefore that being nailed on the Cross, he pronounced the Twenty first Psalm, which describes his Passion, and gives the Reason of it, to wit, That by his Sufferings and Death he might satisfie God's Justice for the Sins of Mankind, wherewith he was charged; and that by his Example he might instruct us that we are not to become Christians only to enjoy this temporal Life, but that the Name Christian must make us Pretenders to Life everlasting.

R. Whilst the Jews crucified Jesus, dark∣ness covered the earth: and about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? And bowing his head, gave up the ghost.

V. And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And bowing down his head, &c.

VI. LESSON.

In this Lesson the Church shews us how the Jews put JESUS CHRIST to death.

THey have sharpned their Tongues as a Sword. Let not the Jews say, We have not killed Christ; for certainly 'twas therefore they delivered him into the Hands of Pilate the Judge, that so they might seem guiltless of his Death: For when Pilate said unto them, Do ye your selves put him to death; they answered, 'Tis not lawful for us to kill any one. Thus they would retort on the Judge the Injustice of their own Crime. But how could they deceive God, who is the true Judge? 'Tis certain, that what Pilate did, made him partake of their Guilt; but in comparison of the Jews, he is far more innocent: for he did what he could to deli∣ver him out of their Hands: And therefore having first caused him to be scourged, he shewed him unto them; not that he scourged our Lord out of design to persecute him, but thereby a little to appease their Rage, that by their beholding him so cruelly whipped, they might be satisfied, and desist from de∣manding his Death. And this he did. But when they still persisted, ye all know, he washed his Hands before them, and said, That he had nothing to do with it, and was cleansed

from the guilt of his Death: yet he put him to death; and if he be guilty for having con∣demn'd him against his will, are they inno∣cent who forced him to it? By no means. Because Pilate pronounced Sentence against him, and commanded him to be crucified, he is guilty of his Death. And ye, O Jews, have put him to death; and how have ye put him to death? With the Sword of your Tongues: For ye have sharpned your Tongues, and soaked them in his Blood, when ye exclaimed against him, saying, Cru∣cifie, Crucifie.

RESP.

The Church shews unto us, That the Prophet Jeremy, in his twelfth Chapter, did foretel this Insolence of the Jews against the Saviour of the World, who was willing to suffer this Out∣rage, that thereby he might obey the Decree of God's Provi∣dence.

R. I have delivered my beloved Soul into the Hands of the Wicked, and my Inheri∣tance became unto me as a Lion in the Wood: The Enemy cried out against me, saying, Let us assemble and make haste to devour him. They have set me in the remotest of the Wil∣derness, and all the earth wailed over me; because he was not found that would ac∣knowledge me, or do me good.

V. Men without mercy have risen up against me, and they have not spared my

Soul: Because he was not found that would acknowledge me, or do me good.

R. I have delivered my beloved Soul, &c.

THIRD NOCTƲRN.

PSALM 58. or 59.

In the Person of David the Church represents unto us CHRIST persecuted by the Jews, and by them put to death; yet that he begged from his Father, that he would not suffer these wicked People (who like mad Dogs were enraged against him) to triumph in his Death; but that by a quick Resurrecti∣on he would deliver him from their Hands; shewing thereby what we are to contemn in the Course of this Life, and what to hope for in all Eternity; and making us acknowledge, that all our Merits, and all the Good we do, is the pure effect of God's Mercy towards us; and that when he crowns our Deserts, he in reality crowns but his own Gifts. 2. The Church shews us the Chastisements God inflicted on the Persecutors of his Son, by banishing them out of their own Country, depriving them of all Honors, Power, and Authority, and by dispersing them over the whole World, like Slaves, Vaga∣bonds, and the Out-cast of all People.

Ant. From them that rise up against me, defend me, O Lord: because they have taken my soul.

DEliver me from mine enemies, O my God: and from them that rise up a∣gainst me, defend me.

Deliver me from them that work iniquity: and from bloody men save me.

Because loe they have taken my soul: the strong have fallen violently upon me.

Neither is it mine iniquity, nor my sin, O

Lord: without inquity have I run, and gone directly.

Rise up to meet me, and see: and thou O Lord, the God of powers, God of Israel, at∣tend to visit all nations: have no mercy on all that work iniquity.

They will return at evening: and they shall suffer famin as dogs, and shall compass the city.

Behold, they will speak in their mouth, and a sword in their lips: because who hath heard?

And thou, O Lord, wilt scorn them: thou wilt bring to naught all nations.

I will keep my strength to thee, because thou art my receiver: my God, thy mercy shall prevent.

God will shew unto me concerning mine enemies: kill them not, lest sometimes my peoples forget.

Disperse them in thy strength: and depose them, my protector, O Lord.

The sin of their mouth, the word of their lips: and let them be taken in their pride.

And for cursing and lying they shall be talked of in consummation: in wrath of consummation, and they shall not be.

And they shall know, that God will rule over Jacob: and over the ends of the earth.

They shall be turned at evening, and shall suffer famine as dogs: and shall compass the city.

They shall be dispersed to eat: and if they be not filled, they will murmur also.

But I will sing thy strength: and will ex∣alt thy mercy in the morning.

Because thou art become my receiver, and my refuge in the day of my tribulation.

My helper, I will sing to thee, because thou art God my receiver, my God, my mercy.

Ant. From them that rise up against me, defend me, O Lord: because they have ta∣ken my soul.

PSALM 87.

This Psalm is a Prophecy of the Passion, Burial, and Resur∣rection of JESUS CHRIST; wherein the Royal Prophet repre∣sents unto us the Sufferings this Divine Saviour was to undergo, to satisfie the Rigor of the Justice of his Father, and that for the Sins of Man, wherewith he had loaded himself. Then, ha∣ving described his Burial, he proposes to us the Prayer he was to offer to his Eternal Father, to demand of him his Resurre∣ction, not only for himself (for being equal with his Father, he had no need of Prayers), that he might not be left in the Power of Death, (who alone was free among the Dead, and had power to leave his Soul, and take her again); but for us, that he might make us Partners with him of his New Life, and give us an Ex∣ample of perfect Patience and Submission to the Will of God. Then he shews us the Advantage we receive by the Resurre∣ction of our Saviour; making us acknowledge, that our Faith had been fruitless, if it had remained in the Sepulcher; for then our Sins had not been taken away. Death is the Effect of Sin; so that if our Saviour had not conquered Death, it might have been said, he had not triumphed over Sin,

Ant. Thou hast made my familiars far from me: I was delivered, and came not forth.

O Lord, the God of my salvation: in the day have I cried, and in the night be∣fore thee.

Let my prayer enter in thy sight: incline thine ear to my petition.

Because my soul is replenished with evils: and my life hath approached to hell.

I am accounted with them that descend in∣to the lake: I am become as a man without help, free among the dead.

As the wounded sleeping in the sepulchers, of whom thou art mindful no more: and they are cast off from thy hand.

They have put me in the lower lake: in the dark places, and in the shadow of death.

Thy fury is confirmed upon me: and all thy waves thou hast brought in upon me.

Thou hast made my familiars far from me: they have put me abomination to themselves.

I was delivered, and came not forth: mine eyes languished for poverty.

I cried to thee, O Lord, all the day: I stretched out my hands to thee.

Wilt thou do merveils to the dead: or shall physicians raise to life, and they confess to thee?

Shall any in the sepulcher declare thy mer∣cy: and thy truth in perdition?

Shall thy merveilous works be known in darkness: and thy justice in the land of obli∣vion?

And I, O Lord, have cried to thee: and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

Why dost thou, O Lord, reject my prayer: turnest away thy face from me?

I am poor, and in labors from my youth: and being exalted, humbled and troubled.

Thy wraths have passed upon me: and thy terrors have troubled me.

They have compassed me as water all the day: they compassed me together.

Thou hast made friend and neighbor far from me: and my familiars, because of mi∣sery.

Ant. Thou hast made my familiars far from me: I was delivered, and came not forth.

PSALM 93.

In this Psalm we are taught neither to repine at the Prospe∣rity of the Bad, nor to be troubled at the Afflictions of the Just; for God being Omnipotent and Sovereignly Good, being the Creator and chief Master of all things, would suffer no Ill in his Works, were he not sufficiently Powerful and Good to ex∣tract some Good even from Evil it self. He has thought fit, that 'tis better to draw Good from Bad, than not to permit Evil. Wherefore since we can no more doubt of his Power than Boun∣ty, we must patiently support all Ills that befal us, and believe that the Will of God is more beneficial for us, than our own Will or Desires can be. Let us then consider the Assistance he gives his faithful Servants, and the Rewards he promises unto them; and let us regard the Torments he prepares for the Wicked.

Ant. They will hunt after the soul of the just: and will condemn innocent blood.

OUr Lord God of revenges: the God of revenges hath done freely.

Be exalted, thou that judgest the earth: render retribution to the proud.

How long shall sinners, O Lord: how long shall sinners glory?

Shall they utter and speak iniquity: shall all they speak, that work injustice?

Thy people, O Lord, they have humbled: and thine inheritance they have vexed.

The widow and the stranger they have slain: and the pupils they have killed.

And they have said, The Lord shall not see: neither shall the God of Jacob understand.

Understand ye foolish in the people: and ye fools be wise at sometime.

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? or he that made the eye, doth he not con∣sider?

He that chastiseth nations, shall he not re∣buke: he that teacheth man knowledge?

Our Lord knoweth the cogitations of men: that they be vain.

Blessed is the man whom thou shalt in∣struct, O Lord: and shalt teach out of thy law.

That thou mayst give him quietness from the evil days: till a pit be digged for the sinner.

Because our Lord will not reject his peo∣ple:

and his inheritance he will not forsake.

Until justice be turned into judgment: and they who are near it, are all that are right of heart.

Who shall rise for me against the malig∣nant? or who shall stand with me against them that work iniquity?

But that our Lord hath holpen me: with∣in very little my soul had dwelt in hell.

If I said, My foot is moved: thy mercy, O Lord, did help me.

According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, thy consolations have made my soul joyful.

Doth the seat of iniquity cleave to thee: which makest labor in precept?

They will hunt after the soul of the just: and will condemn innocent blood.

And our Lord became my refuge: and my God the help of my hope.

And he will repay them their iniquity, and in their malice he will destroy them: the Lord our God will destroy them.

Ant. They will hunt after the soul of the just: and will condemn innocent blood.

VERSICLE, taken out of Psalm 108.

The Church having presented unto us, in the precedent Psalm, she Comfort we receive in our Sufferings, by considering the Power and Goodness of God, who created us, preserves and as∣sists us with his holy Protection; She admonisheth us in these following Versicles to consider the great Love God had for us,

since he delivered his only Son to death for our Salvation; So that by the Example of his Son our Saviour we might be more powerfully fortified in the Persecutions and Miseries of this Life.

V. They have spoken against me with de∣ceitful tongue.

R. And with words of hatred they have compassed me: and they have impugned me without cause.

VII. LESSON. Out of the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, chap. 4.

The Church teacheth us, That the Reason why the Son of God would become Man, and bear all our Infirmities, even to die for us, was, that thereby he might open the Heavens to us, and so enable us to enter into the Repose of eternal Tranquilli∣ty: And to enjoy so great a Benefit, we must live conformably to the Precepts of his Gospel, with the fidelity of a sincere Heart; and consider, that that Infinite Wisdom cannot be decei∣ved, which penetrates the most hidden Secrets of our Soul.

LEt us hasten therefore to enter into that rest; that no man fall into the same ex∣ample of incredulity. For the word of God is lively and forcible, and more piercing than any two-edged sword; reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joynts also and the marrows, and a discerner of the cogitations and intents of the heart. And there is no creature invisible in his sight; but all things are naked and open to his eyes. To whom our speech is. Having therefore

a great high-priest that hath entred the hea∣ven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold the confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot have compassion on our infirmi∣ties: but tempted in all things by similitude, except sin.

RESP.

The Church represents unto us, That this Sovereign Priest felt the Temptations and Infirmities of Humane Nature, by offering himself unto God for us as a Sacrifice and Victim.

R. They have delivered me into the hands of the wicked, and have cast me among the impious, and have not spared my soul. The strong are gathered together against me, and like giants have stood against me.

V. Strangers have rose up against me, and the strong have sought my soul. And like giants, &c.

VIII. LESSON.

The Church describes to us a holy Bishop in general, and a Pattern of one very particularly in JESUS CHRIST.

LEt us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in seasonable aid. For every high-priest taken from among men, is appointed for men in those things that per∣tain to God, that he may offer gifts and sa∣crifices for sins: that can have compassion on

them that be ignorant and do err, because himself also is compassed with infirmity: and therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself to offer for sins.

RESP.

The Church, in the precedent Lesson, having proposed unto us the Description of a Holy Bishop; in this she presents us, in the Person of Caiphas, with a Wicked one.

R. The wicked delivered Jesus to the chief princes of the priests, and to the elders of the people: But Peter followed him afar off, that he might see the end.

V. But they led him to Caiphas the prince of the priests, where the Scribes and Pharisees were met together.

But Peter followed, &c.

IX. LESSON.

The Apostle teacheth us, That as in the Old Law none could intrude himself to exercise the Function of Priesthood, with∣out a successive Vocation; so JESUS CHRIST intruded not him∣self into the Pontifical Dignity, but received it from God his Father. Then he treats of the Prayers, accompanied with the Sighs and Tears, JESUS CHRIST offered on the Cross, and which God accepted in regard of his Dignity, and the Love he bare to∣wards him as his Son. 2. The Apostle declares unto us the Excellency of CHRIST's Priesthood above that of Aaron's. 1. Because being Immortal, he was an Eternal Priest. 2. Because he was the Son of God, and one and the same God with his Father. 3. In being the Be∣ginning of our Salvation. 4. In that he offered up himself. 5. Because he needed not to have been offered up a Sacrifice for

his own Sins, he having none, nor being able to commit any, because he was the Source and Fountain of all Goodness.

NEither doth any man take the honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as Aaron. So Christ also did not glorifie himself, that he might be made a high priest: But he that spake to him, My Son art thou, I this day have begotten thee. As also in ano∣ther place he saith, Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedeck. Who in the days of his flesh, with a strong cry and tears, offering prayers and supplications to him that could save him from death, was heard for his reverence. And truly, where∣as he was the Son, he learned, by those things which he suffered, obedience: And being consummate, was made to all that obey him, cause of eternal salvation: called of God a high-priest according to the order of Mel∣chisedeck.

RESP.

The Church presents unto us the extremity of Christs suffer∣ings, and that by his Passion, he has given us an example of per∣fect Patience and Obedience.

R. My eyes are darkned with my tears; for he is far from me, that did comfort me. See all people, if there be any sorrow like to my grief.

V. O all ye that pass by this way, behold and see, if there be any grief like to my

grief. My eyes are darkned with my tears, because he is far from me, who did comfort me. See all ye people, if there be any grief like mine.

AT LAUDS.

Ant. GOod spared not his own Son, but delivered him for us.

Miserere mei Deus, &c. as before, p. 65.

PSALM 142.

The Church shews us, that in all our afflictions we must have recourse to Gods Mercy, with an humble confidence and faithful submission to his Will; and we must acknowledge, that our Sins brought on us our Miseries; and we must pray his Divine Maje∣sty to conduct us with his Holy Spirit, lest the extremity of our sufferings transport us to do unlawful Actions.

Ant. My spirit is in anguish upon me: within me my heart is troubled.

LOrd, hear my prayer; with thine ears receive my petition in thy truth: hear me in thy justice.

And enter not into judgment with thy ser∣vant: because no man living shall be justified in thy sight.

Because the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath humbled my life in the earth.

He hath set me in obscure places, as the dead of the world: and my spirit is in an∣guish upon me, within me my heart is trou∣bled.

I was mindful of old days, I have medita∣ted in all thy works: in the facts of thy hands did I meditate.

I have stretched forth my hands to thee: my soul is as earth without water unto thee.

Hear me quickly, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted.

Turn not away thy face from me: and I shall be like to them that descend into the lake.

Make me hear thy mercy in the morning: because I have hoped in thee.

Make the way known to me, wherein I may walk: because I have lifted up my soul to thee.

Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord, to thee I have fled: teach me to do thy will, be∣cause thou art my God.

Thy good spirit will conduct me into the right way: for thy name sake, O Lord, thou wilt quicken me in thine equity.

Thou wilt bring forth my soul out of tri∣bulation: and in thy mercy thou wilt destroy mine enemies.

And thou wilt destroy all that afflict my soul: because I am thy servant.

Ant. My spirit is in anguish upon me: within me my heart is troubled.

ANOTHER ANTHYMN.

The Church shews us the difference 'twixt Christ's and our Sufferings. Ours are the punishments of our Sins, and those of JESUS CHRIST are the effects of his Love towards us, that thereby he might open Heaven for such as honor him with a sin∣cere Heart; as the good Thief did, who beholding JESUS CHRIST hanging on the Cross all torn with stripes, overwhelm∣ed with shame and confusion; drinking Gall, covered with Spir∣tle, and so outragiously scoffed at by all the People; yet was he no ways scandaliz'd, but on the contrary, publickly acknow∣ledged he was God; he silenced his fellow Malefactor, who curs∣ed this Innocent; he confessed his Sins; he discoursed after a wonderful manner of the Resurrection, and prayed JESUS CHRIST who expired on the Cross, to be mindful of him when he came into his Kingdom.

Ant. The one thief said to the other, We indeed justly receive worthy of our doings; but what hath this man done? Lord, re∣member me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom.

The Psalm, Deus, Deus meus, ad te de luce vigilo, &c. as before, p. 69.

CANTICLE OF HABACCUC, Chap. 3.

The Prophet Habaccuc represents unto us under the Figure of the deliverance of the Israelites from the Captivity of Babylon and Egypt, the deliverance of the Faithful by our Saviour JESUS CHRIST from the slavery of Sin and tyranny of the Devil.

Ant. When my soul shall be troubled, O Lord, thou shalt be mindful of mercy.

LOrd, I heard thy hearing, and was a∣fraid.

Lord, thy work in the midst of years, quicken it.

In the midst of years shalt thou make it known: when thou art angry, thou wilt re∣member mercy.

God will come from the south, and the ho∣ly One from mount Paran.

His glory shall cover the heavens, and the earth is full of his praise.

His brightness shall be as the light, horns in his hands: there is his strength hid.

Before his face shall death go: and the de∣vil shall go forth before his feet.

He stood and measured the earth, he be∣held and dissolved the Gentiles: and the mountains of the world were broken.

The hills of the world were bowed, by the ways of his eternity.

For iniquity I saw the tents of Ethiopia, and the skins of the land of Median shall be troubled.

Why wast thou angry with the rivers, O Lord? or was thy fury in the rivers, or thine indignation in the sea?

Who wilt mount upon thy horses, and thy chariots salvation.

Raising thou wilt raise up thy bow: the oath to the tribes which thou hast spoken.

Thou wilt cut the rivers of the earth.

The mountains saw thee, and were sorry, the gulf of water passed: the depth gave his voice, the height lifted up his hands.

The sun and the moon stood in their habi∣tation: in the light of thine arrows, they shall go in the brightness of thy glittering spear.

In fretting thou wilt tread down the earth: in fury thou wilt astonish the Gentiles.

Thou wentest forth the salvation of thy people: salvation with thy Christ.

Thou struckest the head out of the house of the impious: thou hast discovered the foundation even to the neck.

Thou hast cursed his scepters, the head of his warriors, them that came as a whirlwind to disperse me.

Their exultation, as his that devoureth the poor in secret.

Thou madest a way in the sea for thy hor∣ses, in the midst of many waters.

I heard, and my belly was troubled: at the voice my lips trembled.

Let rottenness enter in my bones, and swarm under me.

That I may rest in the day of tribulation: that I may ascend to our girded people.

For the fig-tree shall not flourish: and there shall be no spring in the vines.

The work of the olive-tree shall de∣ceive:

and the fields shall not yield meat.

The cattel shall be cut off from the fold: and there shall be no herd in the stalls.

But I will joy in our Lord: and will re∣joyce in God my Jesus.

God our Lord is my strength: and he will make my feet as of the harts.

And upon my high places he the conqueror will lead me, singing in psalms.

Ant. When my soul shall be troubled, O Lord: thou shalt be mindful of mercy.

ANOTHER ANTHYMN.

The Church sets before us the Example of the good Thief, that by his Example we must have recourse unto Christ in all afflictions, and hope for Eternal Goods, which by his Death he has merited for us.

Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom.

PSALM.

Laudate Dominum de coelis, &c. as before, p. 74.

VERSICLE, taken out of Psalm 142.

The Church represents unto us the Blindness and Insolency of the Jews, who having put JESUS CHRIST to death, glorified therein as if they had vanquished him, and destroyed his Power, for they believed not he would triumph over Death by a speedy Resurrection.

He hath set me in obscure places.

R. As the dead of the world.

AT BENEDICTUS.

ANTHYMN.

The Church hath shewed us how Iniquity hath lied against it self; for the Jews Maugre all their Power, were enforced to pub∣lish JESUS CHRIST to be their true King; and whereas they thought by the punishment of the Cross to have destroy'd his Kingdom, they have thereby more powerfully established it.

They put over his head his cause written: This is JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

The Canticle of Zachary, Benedictus, &c. as before, p. 78.

V. Christ made himself for us obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Pater noster, &c. Miserere, &c. as before, p. 13. & 65.

THE PRAYER.

Respice Quoesumus, as before, p. 80.

AT COMPLINE.

As before, p. 82.

V. Jesus Christ made himself for us obedi∣ent unto death, even the death of the cross.

Pater noster, &c. Miserere mei Deus, &c. as before, p. 13. & 65.

THE PRAYER,

Respice Quoesumus, &c. as before, p. 80.