Devotions in the ancient way of offices. With psalms, hymns, and prayers for every day of the week and every holiday in the year. / Reformed by A person of quality, ; and published by George Hickes, D.D.

Proper Festivals.

Sundays in Advent.

All as in the Office of our Saviour, except

Invitatory.

Behold the day of our Lord draws n•• come let's Adore him.

1. Antiphon.

BEhold our Lord will appear, and n•• fail to make good his Promises. he delay a while, expect; for he sure•• will come, and deliver us. Alleluja.

2. Ant.] Come, O thou Son of Rig••¦teousness, and Fountain of eternal Ligh•• Come, and illuminate those that sit •• Darkness, and in the shadow of Death, •• guide our Feet into the ways of Peace.

3. Ant.] Come, O thou hope of •• Gentiles, and the desir'd of all Nation•• Come, and redeem us from the Vassal•• of Sin, into the only Liberty of serv•• thee. Alleluja.

4. Ant.] Prepare now thy ways, O my Soul, before the Lord, make thy Paths ••trait before the Face of our God; for he will come again with Glory, to judge ••oth the quick and the dead; and blessed ••re they who are ready to meet him. Alleluja, Alleluja, &c.

V. Our Lord will come to judge the World.

R. Our Lord is come to redeem the World.

Let us pray.

O GOD, by whose Providence thy Church has appointed the solemn Time of Advent to fore-run the Comme∣moration of our Saviour's Nativity, and prepare its way in our Hearts! Grant us, we humbly beseech thee, so devoutly to employ this Holy Season, in meditating on the Prophecies, and gracious Preparati∣ons of the World, for the coming of the Messias; and on the infinitely greater Mercies he brought along with him, and has left behind him: that our Spirits may be raised, to celebrate the great Feast of his Nativity with due Joy and Exultation, and thereby better disposed to expect his Second Coming, who with thee and the

Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, One God, World without End. Amen.

Nov. 30. St. Andrew.

All as in the Office of Saints, except

1. AS soon as St. Andrew saw the Cross afar off prepar'd for his Martyrdom, he was transported with Joy; and trium∣phantly saluted it as the happy Instrument of his approaching Glory. Alleluja.

2. O blessed Cross, on whom our Savi∣our was offered up, for the Sins of Man∣kind. Oh! that I may always be ready to embrace thee, as becomes the Disciple of him who was Crucified upon thee. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

St. Andrew's sole Glory was in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom the World was Crucified to him, and he unto the World.

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose Grace kindled in the blessed Apostle St. Andrew, so ardent a Love of his Master, that it flam'd out in vehement desires of his Cross; Grant that our devout celebrating the Memory of his holy Race, and happy Reward, may quicken thy Grace in our Hearts; and encourage us with Confidence and Joy, to undergo whatever Sufferings thy Providence casts in our way, and grant they may be serviceable to glorifie thee, and advance thy Truth, and secure the attainment of our eternal Salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who with thee and the Holy Ghost, li∣veth and reigneth, One God, World without End, Amen.

Dec. 21. St. Thomas the Apostle.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. THE other Disciples said to Thomas, we have seen the Lord; but he said unto them, Except I shall see in his Hands the print of the Nails, and put my Finger into the print of the Nails, and thrust my Hand into his Side, I will not believe.

2. After eight Days Jesus came in, the Doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be with you.

Then said he to Thomas, Reach hither thy Finger, and behold my Hands; and reach hither thy Hand, and thrust it into my Side, and be not Faithless, but Be∣lieving.

3. Thomas now no longer able to resist so clear an Evidence, cry'd out to Jesus, My Lord, and my God!

Antiphon.

O admirable sweetness of our Saviour's Spirit! Thomas was absent, and incredu∣lous, and peremptory; and our Lord for∣gives him All, and restores him to his Fa∣vour, with the easie Penance of a gentle Reproof.

V. Because thou hast seen, O Thomas, thou hast believed.

R. Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

The Prayer.

O GOD, whose condescendence, to convince the Incredulity of thy Apo∣stle St. Thomas, has turn'd his Hardness to Believe, into a means of facilitating more

the Faith of thy Church! Grant, Lord, we beseech thee, that this Festival Memo∣ry of this glorious Apostle's attesting our Risen Saviour, may quicken our Hearts, not only in words, but in Life and Death, like him, exemplarily to confess thy Son Jesus, our Lord and our God, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all Ho∣nour and Glory. Amen.

Dec. 25. Christmas-Day.

All as in the Office of our Saviour, except,

Invitatory.

To Day, for us, our Lord was born; come let us Adore him.

1. O Joyful Tidings, worthy of an An∣gels Mouth! Behold, to us was born, this Day, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Alleluja.

2. Wonderful Signs, to seek the New∣born King of Heaven and Earth! you shall find him wrapt in Swadling-cloths, and laid in a Manger. Alleluja.

3. O blessed Harmony of the Celestial Quires! Glory be to God on high, on Earth Peace, Good Will towards Men.

Antiphon.

The Shepherds came to Bethlehem with speed, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Infant laid in a Manger.

V. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoyce therein. Alleluja, Alleluja.

R. This is the day in which the Lord was made; come let us rejoyce. Alleluja, Alleluja.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who every Year givest a fresh Birth to the Devotions of thy Church, by the welcome Festivity of our Saviour's Nativity! Grant us, we beseech thee, with such devout Affections, to en∣tertain this first humble rising of the Sun of Righteousness to us, as may better dis∣pose, and stronglier engage us to follow him through the whole painful course of his Life, which, like a Giant, he rejoyc'd to run, enlightning the World with thy Truth, and inflaming it with thy Love, till in the end we arrive at his eternal rest, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who with thee and the Holy

Ghost, liveth and reigneth, ever One God, World without End. Amen.

Decemb. 26. St. Stephen's-Day.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. ST. Stephen, full of Grace and Courage, was so glorious a Saint in the sight of the People, that none could resist the Wisdom and Spirit by which he spake. Alleluja.

2. He cut their Hearts with undaunted Reproaches of them and their Fathers, as Betrayers and Murderers of the Just One, and those that foretold his Coming. Al∣leluja.

Antiphon.

When they gnash'd their Teeth at him, he looked stedfastly upon God, and prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my Soul; and kneeling down, with a loud Voice, cryed, Lord, lay not this Sin to their Charge.

V. He saw the Heavens open'd he saw and enter'd.

R. He saw by his Faith, and enter'd by Charity.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who in thy first Martyr St. Stephen, hast vouchsaft thy Church an eminent Example of perfect Christi∣anity! Kindle in our Hearts, we beseech thee, a zealous emulation of his Graces; that imitating his Constancy here in as∣senting thy Truth, and his Charity in praying for our Persecutors, we may, with him, hereafter, receive the Crown of eternal Life, through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Decemb. 27. St. John Evangelist.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. THis is the Favourite Disciple that lean'd on our Lord's Breast, at his last Supper, and to whom were reveal'd the Secrets of Heaven. Alleluja.

2. This is he in whom meet all those glorious Titles of Apostle, Evangelist, and Prophet, of Martyr, Confessor, and Vir∣gin. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

This was he who above all those glori∣ous Titles, delights in this one incompara∣bly greater than them all, The Disciple whom JESUS loved.

V. The scalding Oil could not hurt his chaste Body.

R. Nor Banishment into Pathmos ex∣clude his free converse with Angels.

Let us pray.

O GOD, by the Prerogative of whose special Grace, the Blessed Apostle St. John obtain'd that transcendent Cha∣racter of The Beloved of his Master, and after became the great Doctor of mutual Charity over all the World! Grant, we beseech thee, that his Sacred Memory may excite us also, and encourage us to have the same purity of Body and Mind, and steady love of thee, and sincere Charity one for another; and that we may aspire after some share in that blessed Title, and its happy Consequents, thy Grace here, and thy Glory hereafter, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth One God with Thee, and the Holy Ghost World without End. Amen.

Dec. 28. Holy Innocents.

All as the Office of Saints, except.

1. GOD withdrew his only Isaac, and left a thousand happy Lambs to be Sacrific'd in his stead, and accepted for his sake. Alleluja.

2. Herod meant to destroy, but behold he saved; his diligent Cruelty secur'd the hazard of their Infant State, and by shed∣ding their Blood, effected their Baptism. Alleluja.

3. These were brought from amongst Men, the first Fruits of God, and the Lamb, and in their Mouth was found no Lye; for they are without Spot before the Throne of God.

V. Weep not for thy Children Rachel! behold they Are,

R. Be comforted, they are Kings, and reign with Christ for ever. Alleluja, Alleluja.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by the Martyrdom of the Holy Innocents, hast taught thy Church, that no Age, or occasion of Suf∣fering for our Saviour, is exempt from high Reward! Grant, we beseech thee, that our celebrating their Festival, may make us adore this gracious dispensation of thine, and however severely it may seem at any time to treat us or our Relati∣ons, our Hearts may be confirm'd in a hopeful resignation to thy Will, and as∣sured Trust, that all leads to eternal Ad∣vantage, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jan. 1. New-Years-Day.

Invitatory.

TO Day our Lord was Circumcis'd, and receiv'd the sweet and saving Name of JESUS. Alleluja. Come let us Adore him.

1. To Day our Saviour, that was Lord of the Law, and by his perfect Purity ab∣solutely exempt, undertook for us the smart of Circumcision, and dishonour of

being reckon'd among Sinners. Alle∣luja.

2. To Day was given the Name above every Name, that at the Name of Jesus every Knee should bow, of things in Hea∣ven, of things on Earth, and things un∣der the Earth. Alleluja, Alleluja, Alle∣luja.

3. O blessed Jesus! make good to us thy blessed Name, and save us from our Sins, that now we may begin a New Year of Virtue, and cancel by Repentance all the Failings of the Old. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

After eight Days the Child was Cir∣cumcis'd, and his Name was called JE∣SUS, as the Angel had appointed before his Conception in the Virgin's Womb.

V. Our Infant Lord endur'd the Knife.

R. To circumcise the Concupiscence of our Hearts.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who for our Example didst command thy beloved Son to submit his pure and Innocent Flesh, to the rigour of the Law, and for encouragement of

our Hope, mad'st choice of that sweet and amiable Name JESUS! teach us, we beseech thee with Readiness, and Humi∣lity to obey thy Sacred Laws, how cross soever to our unmortified Passions, and in all our Necessities, with Joy and Confi∣dence, to call on that Holy Name, in which what e'er we ask we are promised to be granted, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ our only Saviour. Amen.

Jan. 6. Twelfth-Day.

Invitatory.

TO Day the Wisemen brought Presents to our Lord, Alleluja. Come let us Adore him.

1. Alleluja, Alleluja, Alleluja. This is the privileg'd Festival that comes forth a∣dorn'd with the Glory of three Miracles. To Day the Wise-Men were led by a Star to the Cradle of our Lord, and falling down ador'd him, and offer'd him their Presents of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, Alleluja.

2. To Day our gracious Redeemer vouchsaf'd his Presence at a Marriage-Feast, and there first publish'd to the

World his Divine Power, turning Water into Wine. Alleluja.

3. To Day our blessed Saviour was Baptiz'd by St. John, and the Holy Ghost descended visibly upon him, and a Voice was heard from Heaven, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Alleluja, Alleluja.

Antiphon.

Now were the first Fruits of the Gentiles consecrated unto the Lord, and that Sa∣cred Prophecy happily fulfill'd, The Gen∣tiles shall come to thy Light, and Kings to the brightness of thy rising. Alleluja.

V. The Sages entering found the Child with Mary his Mother;

R. And falling down ador'd, and of∣fer'd him Gifts.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by the guidance of a miraculous Star in the Heaven, did'st lead the Gentiles to the sight of the more mi∣raculous Sun of Righteousness, newly risen to the World in a Stable! grant, we hum∣bly beseech thee, that enlighten'd and en∣flam'd by the Memory of this wonderful Providence, our Eyes and Hearts may be

more lively fixt on thy Goodness, still as graciously working towards the accom∣plishment of thy Promises, to call at length the Jews to the saving Knowledge of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever One God, World without End. Amen.

Jan. 25. The Conversion of St. Paul.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

Invitatory.

THis Day was the great Apostle of the Gentiles miraculously converted to the Christian Faith. Alleluja.

1. This Day did our Lord appear from Heaven, in a glorious Light, to the great astonishment of the Persecuter Saul, and those that travell'd with him, and in a most stupendous manner brought him over to the Christian Faith.

2. So that henceforward he became a chosen Vessel to bear the Name of Christ, before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the Children of Israel.

3. He undauntedly preach'd the Faith he had once destroyed, and laboured more abundantly for its Propagation, and at length laid down his Life in defence of it. Alleluja, Alleluja.

Antiphon.

He has preach'd, and lived, and died.

R. And received his eternal Reward.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who hast made the Light of thy Gospel to shine through the World, by the preaching of thy blessed Apostle St. Paul, whose miraculous Con∣version we now thankfully Commemorate! Grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that we may always keep in Mind, and diligently practise the Doctrines he taught, and may resolutely follow his Example, and being faithful unto Death, may at last receive a Crown of Life and Glory in the highest Heavens, through Jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour. Amen.

Feb. 2. Candlemas.

All as in the Office of our Saviour, except,

Invitatory.

TO Day our blessed Lord was presented in the Temple. Alleluja. Come let us Adore him.

1. To Day the Blessed and Holy Mo∣ther of God, in most humble obedience, per∣form'd the common Rites of Purification, and presented her most Holy Child Jesus in the Temple, and for the little price of five Shekels, redeem'd the World's inesti∣mable Redeemer. Alleluja.

2. To Day the devout Simeon took our Lord in his Arms, and knowing nothing now could make him happier but the Joys of Heaven; sung aloud this glad farewel to all the World. Now lettest thou thy Ser∣vant depart in Peace according to thy Word, for mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation. Alleluja.

3. To Day the Holy Widow, and Prophetess Anna, who had spent her Life in Fasting and Prayer, and in the Ser∣vice of the Temple, came happily in, and

saw our Lord, and spake gloriously of him to all that expected the Redemption of Israel. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

Behold the Lord, thy mighty Governor comes unto his Holy Temple; be glad, O Sion, and rejoyce to meet thy God.

V. He comes in the disguise of a poor Child;

R. Yet has he provided those that di∣scern'd and attest him.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who vouchsafest us this Day to commemorate the blessed Virgin's presenting in the Temple her self to be Purified, and her Son to be Redeemed, according to the Law! Give us Grace, we beseech thee, to adore and praise the Con∣descendence of thy Providence, that by such great Examples teaches us our Duty; and we beseech Thee grant us Grace so to follow them, that by our Lives, as well as Words, we may confess our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son to be the Light of the Gen∣tiles, and the Glory of thy People Israel; who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth One God, World without End. Amen.

Ash-Wednesday.

All as in the Office of Wednesday, except,

Invitatory.

COme let us Fast, and Mourn, and Pray; for our Lord is Merciful and Just.

Remember, O Man, that Dust thou art, and to Dust thou shalt return.

Antiphon.

All Flesh is Grass, and the Pride there∣of as the Flower of the Field, the Flower fades, the Grass withers, the Body dies, and leaves the naked Soul to Judgment.

V. Remember Man, that Dust thou art;

R. And to Dust thou shalt return.

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose Providence introduces thy Church to the sober Discipline of Lent, by the consideration of our Mor∣tality, that Dust we were, and to Dust we shall return! Grant that the Medita∣tion of the Sufferings and Cross of our Redeemer, may lay all proud Conceits in

the Dust, and make our selves feel that we are highly honoured, if by whatever Crosses, or Self-denial, or Mortifications here, we partake of thy eternal Glory hereafter, through the Merits of our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

The Annunciation.

All as in the Office of our Saviour, except,

1. TO Day the Arch-Angel was sent from God to the Virgin Mary, and presented her this honourable Salutation: Hail, full of Grace, our Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among Women.

2. Behold thou shalt conceive, and bear a Son, and thou shalt call his Name Jesus; he shall be Great, and call'd the Son of the most High; and of his Kingdom there shall be no End.

3. Then blessed Mary said, Behold the Handmaid of the Lord, be it to me according to thy Word.

Antiphon.

To Day the Holy Ghost came upon he blessed Virgin, and the Angel said, The

most High shall over-shadow thee, &c. and Mary said, Behold the Handmaid of the Lord, be it to me according to thy Word.

V. The Angel said, Hail, Mary full of Grace.

R. Holy Elizabeth saith, Blessed art thou among Women.

Let us pray.

O Eternal God, who didst send thy Holy Angel in Embassy to the Holy Virgin Mother of our Lord, to manifest the Incarnation of thine eternal Son! Give us all her Purity, Modesty, Piety, Prudence, and Obedience; That we may conceive our blessed Saviour in our Souls, nourish him with most ardent Affections, and bring him forth in a Life of Piety and Obedience, that he may dwell in us, and we in him, for ever.

Passion-Sunday.

All as in the Office of our Saviour, except,

Invitatory.

BEhold the Passion of our Lord draws nigh, Come let us Adore him.

1. O that my Head were Waters, and mine Eyes a Fountain of Tears, that Day and Night I may weep for my own Sins, and for my Saviour's Sufferings.

2. What, O my Jesu, could our Weak∣ness want, that thou hast not done? What could our Malice invent, that thou hast not suffer'd?

3. Far be it from us to Glory in any thing but the Cross of Christ, by whom the World is crucified to me, and I unto the World.

Antiphon.

Look up, O my Soul, on thy crucified Lord, look up, and see the utmost extre∣mity of Divine Love; already he had car∣ried on to a fair degree the Work of our Redemption, in Fasting and Praying, in Travelling and Preaching, in doing Mi∣racles,

and bearing Injuries; but now to finish all with an incomparable Charity, he suffers even Death it self, and Death upon the Cross.

V. What, O Jesu, could our Weakness want, that thou hast not done!

R. What could our Malice invent, that thou hast not suffer'd!

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by the mortifying Di∣scipline of Lent hast graciously dispo∣sed us for that solemn Season of closer Preparation to celebrate the Memory of our Saviour's bitter Passion! make us now, we beseech Thee, so devoutly attend to, and thorowly meditate every Circumstance of this dear Mystery, that it may melt our Hearts with such tender Compassion, as may kill in us all Sin, the sole cause of his Sufferings, and fit us by perfect Love of Him, for a happy part in his glorious Re∣surrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Palm-Sunday.

All as in the Office of our Saviour, except

Invitatory.

TO Day our Saviour enter'd Jerusalem in Triumph; Come let us Adore him.

1. Rejoyce, O Daughter of Sion; shout for Gladness, O Daughter of Jerusalem! behold thy King comes to thee Meek, and sitting upon an Ass, &c.

2. Strew the way with Triumph, and cry aloud Hosanna, blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

3. Lift up thy Voice, and cry: This is the Lord whom we have long expected, he himself is come to redeem us; Come let us rejoyce in his Salvation.

Antiphon.

And the multitude that went before him, and that follow'd, cry'd, Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

V. The Stones would have cryed, so should they have held their Peace.

R. And own'd the divine Author of so many gracious Miracles.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by this Day's Solemni∣ties revivest to us the Memory of our Saviour's Triumph, ushering in his Passion, teach us, we beseech Thee, from this per∣fect Instance, the fickleness of this World's chiefest Glories, and mortifie in us our e∣steem of its best deserv'd Applauses, and bring our Hearts chearfully to expect a Cross after them, as the highest way to our eternal Glory with Thee, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, World with∣out End. Amen.

Easter-Day.

All as in the Office for Sunday, except,

CHrist is risen from the dead, Alleluja, and become the first Fruits of them that slept. Alleluja.

2. The Lord of Life is risen again, and hath cloath'd himself with immortal Glory.

3. He that rais'd up Jesus, will also raise us up, Alleluja, and refine our vile Flesh into the likeness of his glorious Body.

Antiphon.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive Power, and Honour, and Worship, Blessing and Glory, &c.

V. O Death, where is thy Sting?

R. O Grave, where is thy Victory?

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose gracious Providence restores to thy Church the Face, and Voice of Holy Exultation by the Trium∣phant Festival of our Saviour's Resurrecti∣on! Grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that the Joy that shines in our Looks, may flame in our Hearts, and by purifying them, make us by thy Merits, O Jesus, worthy of those high and glorious Hopes, so firm∣ly seal'd to us by this Days experience, of rising again at last from our Graves, and rejoycing thenceforth for ever, in a state of blissful Immortality, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Easter-Munday and Tuesday, and all Sundays after until the Ascension.

All as in the Office for Sunday, except,

1. OUR Lord that was dead and bury'd rose again the third Day, loosing the Bonds of Death and Hell, as it was impossible he should be holden of them.

2. He left his Grave, but not our Earth, till he had rais'd a cloud of Witnesses to his Resurrection. Alleluja.

3. Every Day of Forty he appear'd to some or other of his Disciples to confirm their Faith, and open their Understandings, and to prepare their Hearts to bear his Ascension. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

Christ the third Day rose again accor∣ding to the Scriptures, and was seen of Cephas; after that of the Eleven, then of more than Five hundred Brethren together, moreover of James, and of all the Apostles.

V. Thy Testimonies, O Lord! are ren∣der'd most highly credible,

R. By so great a cloud of Witnesses en∣compassing us.

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose gracious Providence establish'd the important Faith of our Lord's Resurrection, by his frequent con∣versing with his Disciples and Followers, the space of Forty Days after, in all con∣vincing Circumstances! Grant, we hum∣bly beseech Thee, that by its proper Ef∣fects, our rising from dead Works may have our Conversation every way worthy of firm Believers of it, that by this Faith we may advance to that great Day, when no longer by Faith, but with these very Eyes, we shall see him for ever; who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth One God blessed for evermore. Amen.

St. Mark the Evangelist.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

BLessed art thou, faithful Writer of the Gospel of Peace, and Doer of the Work of an Evangelist, planting the Church of Alexandria.

V. How beautiful are the Feet of those,

R. That Evangelize the Gospel of Peace.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who most graciously sum∣monest thy Church to special Devo∣tions, by the Feast of thy Sons Blessed Di∣sciple and Evangelist St. Mark! Vouchsafe us, we humbly beseech Thee, both in Heart to adore thy Providence for so glo∣rious an Instrument of propagating the History of our Salvation to us, and in our Lives duly to copy out and shew our Faith in his Gospel, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost ever liveth and reigneth One God, World without End. Amen.

May 1. St. Philip and James.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. NOW it sufficeth thee, Philip, our Lord hath shewn thee the Father, and henceforth and for ever thou shalt see him Face to Face. Alleluja.

2. And thou holy James, Brother of our Lord, art gloriously happy in enjoying for ever the same blissful Vision. Alleluja.

3. These are two of those precious Stones that Found and Adorn the Heaven∣ly Jerusalem. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

St. Philip, the powerful Apostle of the Scythians, both Crucified and Stoned, a∣scended to his Master. And Blessed James, the long reverenc'd Bishop of Jerusalem, thrown down from the top of the Temple, and brain'd with a Club, breath'd out his Soul in Prayer for his Murderers.

V. The senseless World thought their End dishonourable.

R. But behold their Lot is among the Blessed.

Let us pray.

O GOD, by whose Grace the Blessed Apostles St. Philip and St. James, water'd with their Blood the Heavenly Seed, which they had with long Sweat own o'er the World! Redouble, we be∣seech Thee, the Devotions of thy Servants, by celebrating together their happy Me∣mories; and grant that our Faith, so glo∣riously confirm'd, may fructify into Holy Lives and Deaths, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ascension-Day.

All as in the Office of our Saviour, except,

Invitatory.

TO Day our glorious Jesus ascended in∣to Heaven, Alleluja. Come let us Adore him.

1. I have finished the Work which my Father gave me to do; and now it is time I return to him that sent me. Let not your Hearts be troubled, I go to my Fa∣ther, and your Father; my God, and your God. Alleluja.

2. Let not your Hearts be troubled, I go to prepare a place for you; and I will come again and receive you to my self; that where I am, there you may be also. Alleluja.

3. In the mean while, I will not leave you desolate, but will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, to dwell with you for ever.

Antiphon.

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a Cloud received him out of their sight.

V. This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven,

R. Shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who hast inspir'd thy Church to celebrate this Day the Memory of our Saviour's Ascension, when having fi∣nish'd on Earth the great Work of our Redemption, he carried up his glorified Humanity above the Clouds, to its eternal Rest! Grant, we beseech Thee, that ta∣king off our Eyes from these Vanities here below, we may stand continually looking after him into Heaven; and heartily ex∣pecting his Appearance thence again at the last great Day, may be always ready to obey his Call, and meet him in the Clouds, and follow him into those blissful Mansions, which he went to prepare for us, at thy Right-hand for evermore, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reign∣eth One God, World without End. Amen.

Whitsunday, Munday, and Tuesday.

All as in the Office of the Holy Ghost.

Trinity-Sunday.

All as in Sunday's Office, except,

Invitatory.

Come let us Adore the Sacred Trinity, Three Persons and One God. Alleluja.

1. THere are Three that bear Witness in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these Three are One. Alleluja.

2. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God, yet not Three Gods, but One God. Alleluja.

3. In this Adorable Trinity none is be∣fore or after other, none greater or less than other, but all the Three Persons are coequal, and coeternal. Alleluja.

V. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

R. Heaven and Earth are full of the Majesty of thy Glory. Alleluja.

Let us pray.

O Eternal Father, who by the visible descent of thy Son to redeem the World, and of thy Holy Spirit to sanctifie the Elect, hast wonderfully made thy Church's own Experience facilitate our Faith of the Incomprehensible Trinity! Grant us, we beseech Thee, in Heart and Voice, to profess this high and supernatu∣ral Truth, and rejecting all the fallacious Suggestions of short Reason, humbly to Adore Thee, Three coequal Persons, in the same indivisible Deity; till we come hereafter to thy blissful Presence, and see the Mystery reveal'd in thine own glorious Face, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever One God, World without End. Amen.

June 24. St. John Baptist.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. THis is the great Precursor of the World's Redeemer, the miraculous Son of Age and Barrenness. Alleluja.

2. In his Mother's Womb he was san∣ctified, and in his Nativity many shall re∣joyce.

3. This is that shining burning Light, who, despising the Pleasures and Conveni∣encies of the World, chose his Garments of Camels Hair, a Leathern Girdle about his Loins; and his Meat was Locusts and wild Honey. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

This is that Prophet, and more than a Prophet, of whom our Lord said, Among them that are born of Women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist, yet he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than He.

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose gracious Providence summons us this Day, to celebrate the Nativity of the great St. John Baptist! Grant, we beseech Thee, that as we fulfil the Prophecy of thy Holy Angel, by re∣joycing in his Nativity, we may improve both our selves and others, by imitating his Life, while every one of us in our se∣veral Capacities faithfully endeavour to learn of him, those excellent Lessons of Retir'dness, Mortification, Humility, and Self-denial, Zeal for Justice, and Courage in defending the Truth, and a generous Industry of Charity in all our Actions, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reign∣eth ever One God, World without End Amen.

June 29. St. Peter.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. THis Day was the Apostle St. Peter put to Death upon the Cross, after the Example of his Blessed Lord and Master.

2. This Pattern he left us of suffering for the Doctrine he taught, and in the Ser∣vice of the same Lord whom he had Preached.

3. For him did Christ our Redeemer pray, that his Faith might not fail; him did he commission to feed his Sheep, and admo∣nish'd him, when he was Converted, to streng∣then his Brethren.

4. And he both preach'd the Gospel, and died for it, confirming with his Blood the Truths he had delivered. Alleluja, Alleluja.

Antiphon.

To Day Simon Peter ascended the Cross, and faithfully finished the Course of his Apostleship.

V. He faithfully finished the Office whereto he had been Ordained,

R. And went to receive his great Re∣ward. Alleluja.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who sentest forth thy Apostle St. Peter to feed thy Flock, enabling him moreover to seal the Truth with his

Blood! Grant, we beseech Thee, that all the Bishops and Pastors of thy Church may duly imitate both the soundness of his Doctrine, and his steady Zeal for thy Glory, and the Salvation of Men, and that we, and all thy People, may diligent∣ly attend to, and practice what they teach, through Jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour. Amen.

July 25. St. James.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. NO sooner was James the Son of Zebedee call'd by our Lord, but he immediately obey'd; and left Nets, and Boats, and Father, and all to follow Jesus.

2. He frankly profess'd the Divinity of his Saviour, and by his chearfulness to lose his Head for him, bare such Testimony to him, that King Agrippa sent him the first of the Apostles, a Martyr, to his Master. Alleluja.

V. Blessed James now enjoys his Mo∣ther's desire,

R. Seated at the Right-hand of Jesus in his Kingdom.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by the Feast of the Holy Apostle St. James, revivest in us the Memory of thy great Mercy to the World, in so glorious an Example of rea∣dily following our Saviour, both in this Life, and out of it! Grant us, we hum∣bly beseech Thee, at the Call of thy Grace, the same readiness to quit our Nets, and all Intanglements of worldly Affections and Interest, and apply our selves wholly, both to become our selves, and render others also worthy Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever One God, World without End. Amen.

Aug. 24. St. Bartholomew.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. HIS Skin, and all he had, and even Life it self, St. Bartholomew freely gave for the Testimony of the Truth, and for the Love of Jesus. Alleluja.

2. At the last Day he shall rise, and be cloathed again with his Skin, and in his Flesh he shall see God.

Antiphon.

This is that wise Apostle, who gladly put off his Skin, and quitted his Head it self, to receive a Crown of Glory. Alleluja.

V. He now Triumphs with those who come out of great Tribulation;

R. Cloathed in Robes washed white in the Blood of the Lamb.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by the Martyrdom of thy Blessed Apostle St. Bartholomew, refreshest in our Memories the glorious At∣testations which thy Providence has vouch∣saf'd the World for confirmation of thy Truth! Grant us, we beseech Thee, with such concern to reflect on the excessive Pains he took and suffered, for propaga∣ting the Gospel, and the superabundant Reward he now enjoys in thy blissful Pre∣sence, that our Faith may be strengthen'd, and more actively apply'd, to carry us on in the same Race, to the same happy End, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy

Ghost ever One God, World without End. Amen.

Sept. 21. St. Matthew.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. BE not discouraged, O my Soul, nor make thy past Offences unpardon∣able by Despair.

2. This is he who of a Sinner became a Preacher; and of a Publican was called to be an Apostle.

3. Fear not the Power of the Grace of God, but take heed of delaying to em∣brace it; take heed of refusing to obey it; take heed of relapsing into the Sins of which thou hast repented.

Antiphon.

St. Matthew, the Publican, busie at his Office, call'd by Jesus, but in passing by, straight arose, left all, and followed him. A wise Example to Sinners! And Jesus vouchsaf'd to Feast at his House with a great Multitude of Publicans for encou∣ragement to Converts.

V. Our Lord came not to call the Righteous,

R. But Sinners to Repentance.

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose powerful Call drew Matthew the Publican from the very receipt of Custom, to become an eminent Apostle and Evangelist in thy Church! Grant us, we beseech Thee, in celebrating the Blessed Memory of his Life and Death, worthy his high and extraordinary Voca∣tion, to advance thy Praise for so glorious an Example of thy Grace; and that com∣plying readily and faithfully with it, we may forsake all to follow Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sept. 29. St. Michael.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

Invitatory.

Come let us Adore the King of Angels.

1. HE has commanded his Angels to minister for our good. They shall bear us in their Hands, lest at any time we dash our Feet against a Stone.

2. Take heed that you despise not one of these little Ones, saith our Lord, for their Angels continually behold the Face of my Father. Alleluja.

3. In the sight of thy Angels will I sing unto Thee, O my God, Alleluja. I will Adore in thy Holy Temple, and confess unto thy Name. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

Praise our Lord all you Angels, Arch-Angels, and Thrones; Praise him all you Dominations, Principalities, and Powers; Praise him all you heavenly Hosts, ye Cherubims and Seraphims; Praise him all you glorious Quires of Blessed Spirits, praise him and magnifie him for ever.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by the Feast of St. Mi∣chael the Arch-Angel, summonest us to commemorate all the glorious Host of Heaven, who by thy appointment assist thy Elect against the Powers of Darkness! Grant us Grace, we beseech Thee, to ad∣mire and praise Thee for so high a Provi∣dence, and that we may with firmer hope pursue the holy ways of encreasing their Joy, by advancing our own Bliss,

through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever One God, World without End. Amen.

Octob. 18. St. Luke.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. WE commemorate this Day the great St. Paul's Disciple, and constant Companion in all his Travels. Alleluja.

2. We celebrate his Glory, who de∣serv'd to be divinely Recorded, Luke the most dear Physician and Brother, whose Praise is in the Gospel, throughout all the Churches. Alleluja.

3. To his Inspir'd Pen we owe the Gospel, and a faithful History of the be∣ginning of the Church, whom the Doctor of the Gentiles chose one of his Instru∣ments to build it.

Let us pray.

O GOD, whose special Grace render'd Luke the Physician a glorious Disciple and Evangelist, first curing himself, and then happily applying all his Life and Power to the Cure of others Souls! Grant us, we beseech Thee, by his Blessed Me∣mory, encouragement to emulate the bet∣ter Gifts, sanctifying, if not changing, our Temporal Vocations, to the highest Spiri∣tual advantage of our selves and others, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, our alone Saviour, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever One God World without End. Amen.

St. Simon and Jude.

All as in the Office of Saints, except,

1. THese are they that planted the Church of God with Preaching, and settled it with Miracles, and water'd it with their Blood. Alleluja.

2. They ventur'd their Lives among barbarous Nations, and converted vast Regions to the Faith of Christ.

3. They rejected the Flatteries of the World, and despised the Menaces of their Persecutors, and now for all they did, and for all they suffer'd, are eternally Re∣warded. Alleluja.

Antiphon.

The Disciple is not above his Master, nor the Servant above his Lord; it suffi∣ceth the Disciple if he be as his Master; and the Servant as his Lord.

V. If they have blasphem'd and slain the Master of the House,

R. How much more them of his Houshold.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who by a glorious Martyr∣dom called'st the Blessed Apostles, Simon and Jude, from their eminent La∣bours in thy Vineyard, to blissful Rest in thy Kingdom! Grant us thy Grace, we beseech Thee, to improve this devout Op∣portunity of celebrating their Memories, both by praising Thee for such excellent Masters, and pressing more lively on our selves their saving Doctrine and Examples, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

All-Saints.

As in the Office of Saints.

On the Saints Eves, which are kept with Fasting.

Invitatory.

BEhold the Feast of—is at hand, let us timely prepare our Hearts to ••tertain it, that so gracious a help to De∣••otion be not lost upon us.

1. In vain we commemorate the Joys ••f the Saints, when we do not imitate ••eir Vertues.

2. In vain do we keep their Feasts, ••hose Self-denials, Mortifications, and ••sts we do not imitate, which brought ••em to Bliss.

Let us pray.

O GOD, who inspirest thy Church, to fill and sanctifie the Year with ••stival Memorials of our Saviour, and •• most exemplary Followers, and to ex∣cite

and introduce our Devotions to ou•• Feasts, by the wholsome Discipline of •• Religious Fast! Grant to thy Servants, w•• most humbly beseech thee, by this Day•• obedient Mortification of our carnal Ap∣petites, to call in and purifie our Soul•• and fitly dispose them for the fruitful Ce∣lebration of to Morrow's great Solemnity through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son who with Thee and the Holy Ghos•• liveth and reigneth ever One God Worl•• without End. Amen.

Ember-Days.

Antiphon.

THE Harvest is great, but the La∣bourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that he would sen•• forth Labourers into his Harvest.

V. How shall we hear without a Preach∣er?

R. And how shall they preach unle•• they be sent?

Let us pray.

O GOD, by whose Providence thy Church from the beginning has set a-part certain Times for the solemnity of conferring Holy Orders, upon fitly pre∣par'd Persons, to supply still the Faithful with sanctified Masters of her Doctrine and Discipline, and enjoyn'd us all with extraordinary Devotions, to implore thy special Assistance to a work so much con∣cerning us all! Hear, we most humbly be∣seech Thee, thy Servants, that by the Mortification of our Bodies we may en∣crease the fervour of our Prayers, and vouchsafe our Governours the Grace of discerning Spirits to Ordain only such as are indeed fit for their sacred Functions; and give us the Grace of Reverence, and due Subjection to those so Ordain'd, as truly sent by Thee for our Edification, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy only Son, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, li∣veth and reigneth ever One God, World without End. Amen.

Rogation-Days.

Antiphon.

IF you ask the Father any thing in my Name, he will give it you, says our Lord; whose Word cannot fail. If you

ask and receive not, it is because you ask amiss, saith St. James.

V. Father, thou knowest we need all these things;

R. But more, by these our Needs to be drawn to look up to Thee.

Let us pray.

O GOD, by whose Holy Spirit thy Church ordains this a solemn time of Supplication for all our Necessities! Open, we beseech Thee, thy gracious Ears to the Prayers thou inspirest and drawest from our Hearts, and by granting us those Goods which thy Children with Humility and Resignation ask of Thee their Hea∣venly Father, so encourage our Devotion and Obedience, and so encrease our Hope and Love, that transcending all Particulars, as safely to be trusted in the Hand of thy Providence, our whole Souls may thirst af∣ter Thee thy self alone, who art our All in All for ever, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, One God bles∣sed for ever. Amen.

FINIS.