A manual of praiers vsed by the fathers of the primatiue Church for the most part within the foure first hundred yeares of Christ, & al before the end of the sixt hundred yeare: diuided into seueral chapters. Wherin by the very praiers of the Apostles, and their successors, (here related without anie word or sillable, added or altered) al the cheifest questio[n]s now in controuersie, are inuincible proued for the holy doctrine of the present Roman Church; by which we are instructed how to beleeue, and what to practise in deuotion. By R. B. P.

PRACTISE AND PRAIERS OF THE PRIMATIVE CHVRCH .

How Man is or may be iustified : but not by Faith onely . Chapter 1.

WHosoeuer wil be saued ; S. Athanasius Creede . before al thinges it is needeful that he hold the Catholick Faith . Which except euerie one shal keepe whole and inuiolate ; without doubt , he shal perish for euer . And the Catholicke Faith is this , that we worship one God in Trinitie , and Trinitie in vnitie &c. But it is necessarie to eternal saluation , that he also beleue faithfully , the Incarnation of our Lord Iesus Christ &c. At whose coming , al men must rise with their bodies ; and render accompt of their owne deedes . And they which haue done good things shal go into life eternal : & they which haue done euil thinges , into euerlasting fire . This is the Catholick faith , which except euerie man faithfully and firmly beleue , he can not be saued .

August . meditat . cap. 33. O Lord , I besech , intreate , and desire thee , increase my faith , increase my hope , increase my Charitie . Cause vs by thy grace , to be alwaies stedfast in fatih , and effectual in worke , that by right faith , and worthy workes of faith by thy mercie , we may come to eternal life .

August . Serm. 39. de verbis Domini . Decline from euil and do good , & when thou hast done this , secure expect life ; and then boldly thou shalt say ; O Lord , I haue done what thou hast commanded , pay vnto me what thou hast promised .

S. Ephrem Ser. de laude omnium Martyrum . O most holie Martyrs , we besech you , that you would intreate our Lord for vs wretched sinners , that he would powre his diuine grace vpon vs , which may continually lighten and illuminate our heartes with the beame of holie Charitie , by which we may be able to loue him with al our heart , and with al our minde .

Gregor. natal . SS. Innocent . These Innocents none aboue two yeares old , could haue actual faith : much lesse the new found faith . O Lord help vs we besech thee , by the praier of those Sainctes , which not yet able to professe thy Sonne with humane voice , were crowned with celestial glorie , for his Natiuitie . O Lord we besech thee , let them obtaine for vs , puritie of mindes , whose innocencie , we solemnly celebrate .

O God looke vpon vs , and make , S. Iacobus in Mis. that our Oblation sanctified by the holie Ghost , be acceptable for propitiation of our sinnes , & those sinnes which the people by ignorance haith committed : and for the rest of the soules of them which are departed before vs .

O Lord God , Seuerus Patriarch . Alexand. de tit . Bap. graunt vnto vs that with ioy we may keepe and fulfil thy commandementes al the daies of our life .

There remaine ( saith the holie Apostle Paule ) Hope , Faith , and Charitie , S. Gaudentius Bririen . Epis. Ser. 10. ad Neophitos , An. 386. 1. Cor. 13.13 . these three : but the greatest of these is Charitie . Faith is that , by which we conf●sse the Trinitie to be of one substance . Hope is that , by which we hope the Resurrection of the flesh ; and rewardes to be hereafter for merites . Charitie is that , by which we so loue Christ , that we would suffer our selues with a willing minde , to be put to death for his name . But because al which are baptized in the Apostolick faith , beleue surely in the Trinitie , and hope for thinges to come : yet al can not say forth of affection with the holie Apostle , Who shal seperate vs from the loue of Christ ? tribulation ? or distresse ? or persecution ? or famine ? or nakednesse ? or daunger ? or the sword ? Therfore some of our water pottes hold two measures , Hee there expoundeth Christs first miracle of water turned into wine , some pots holding two measures others three . Io. 2. but some three measures . Therfore our Lord Iesus rich towards al , and oueral who cal vpon him , vouchsaife to geue , that we may receiue three measures perfect in his loue . Also that without warre of persecution , constant in the loue of God , with prepared mindes , for al suffering of present paines , we may wel Merite the Renowmed crowne of a vanquishing conscience , by the triumph of secret conflict .

Gotticum Mis. sale antiquis . To. 6. Bibl. SS. Part. Let vs with praier , besech our holie and blessed God of reward , entreating for our brethren and sisters , by whose ministerie & cost , they which are needy in the Church , do not suffer want , that our Lord wil communicate spiritual riches vnto them , which geue releefe of worldly substance , to the pouertie of faithful soules by our Lord Iesus Christ .

Merciful God , graunt vnto the praiers of thy seruantes , that whosoeuer ; ●indful of thy heauenly precept●s , do minister necessaries to the poore , may be crowned with incorruptible & heauenly glorie , of thy miseration & mercie , by our Lord Iesus Christ . Amen .

O God from whom Iudas the traitor receiued the punishment of his offence , Supr. Ord. Rom. antiq. in ser. S. i● caena Domini . and the theife the reward of his confession : graunt vnto vs the effecte of our holie petition , that as our Lord Iesus Christ in his Passion , gaue to them both the stipendes of their merites ; so he wil bestow vpon vs the grace of his Resurrection .

Christ our God and our Lord , Missa Indor antiq. who by his grace hath made vs worthie to receieu his precious Bodie and Bloud : graunt that we may please him in our wordes , deedes , and thoughtes , that this Sacrament which we haue receiued , and shal receiue , be vnto vs a pledge of remission of our debtes , and great hope of Resurrection from the dead .

O Lord our God , Can. vniuers . seu Mis. Ethiop . make vs pure & cleane from al il odoures of feines , & worth i● of thy 〈◊〉 ●nd 〈◊〉 .

O louer of men , make us iust without spotte , with gladnes al the daies of our life . O Lord our God , protect , nourish , and gouerne vs , by the powers of the Princes of thy Angels . Seperate vs from al euil workes , conioine vs with al good workes by Christ thine only Sonne .

Aug. l. medit. cap. 20. O house of God , bright and bewtiful , I haue loued the dwelling place of the glorie of our Lord my possessor and maker . Speake thou , aske thou him , that he may make me worthie of the participation of thy glorie . I do not dispaire to obtaine it ; olny let thy merits help me .

Mis. Indor . antiq. O my Lord , I besech thee , that this oblation , may be to vs , o my Lord , a loosing of our debtes , & remission of sinnes , and new life in the heauenly kingdome .

Muzarab . in fest. S. Iacobi . O Lord my God , graunt to me so to receiue the bodie and bloud of thy Son , our Lord Iesus Christ , that by it I may merite to receiue remission of al my sinnes , and to be filled with thy holie Spirit , 〈◊〉 our God , who liuest & reignest world without end . Amen .

O God by whom we reproue the errour of them which think , August . lib. 5. soliloq. c. 1. there be no merites of soules with thee .

O Lord let blessed Agatha the Martyr , Gregor. in natal . S. Agathae . who hath bene acceptable to thee both by merite of Chastitie , and profession of thy vertue : obtaine Pardon for vs .

O holie and blessed Paula : Hieronim . epist. 27. ad Eustochium , thy faith & workes , associate thee to Christ .

That Praiers , Sacrifice , suffering persecution for Christ , Almes-deedes and other good workes , done in grace are meritorious . Chapter 2.

O Lord we reuerence the memory first of the glorious alwaies Virgin Marie , Mother of God , Gregor. l. Sacrament . in Ordnar . Missae . et Mis. Rom. antiq. and our Lord Iesus Christ . Also of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs Peter and Paul , Andrew , Iames , Iohn , Thomas , Iames , Philip , Bartholomew , Mathew , Simon and Thadee : Linus , Cletus , Clemens , Xistus , Cornelius , Ciprian , Laurence , Chrisogonus , Iohn & Paul , Cosmas & Damianus , and of al thy Sainctes ; by whose merites and praiers , vouchsaife to graunt , that in al thinges , we may be defended by the helpe of thy protection .

Gregor. l. Sacram . in natal . S. Io. Baptist . O God almightie , we besech thee that by the intercession of B. S. Iohn Baptist , we may be defended . That he may obtaine indulgence and fauour for vs , that we may be helped by his merits ; that by his patronage meriting it , we may haue increase of securitie .

Graunt we besech thee , that thy familie , by the intercession of thy forerunner , blessed Iohn Baptist , may be freeed from al sinnes , and merite to come to him whom he foretold .

S. Ephrem . O most gentle God , by the praiers of the Mother of God , euer a Virgin , and the heauenlie armie , and company of Angels , Cherubins , Seraphines Prophets , Martyrs , godlie Rulers : by the intercessions of holie Religious people , & supplications of al the blessed , haue mercie on me thy creature .

O God mercifully heare vs , Gregor. sh● . in Octau . Apost. & graunt that by the merites of blessed Peter , & his coapostle Paule , we may obtaine , the glorie of eternitie .

O God almightie we besech thee , In vigil . S. Andr. Apost. that blessed Andrew thy Apostle , may obtaine help for vs . Let vs be protected by his merites .

† † Pelag. 2. epist. 4. ad Episco . Germ. et Gal. Greg. in vigil Apost. Pet. & Paul . in praef. S. Gregory teacheth the like prayers of the Church before his time of the other Apostles , in particular , S. Iames , S. Mathew , S. Iohn , S. Thomas , Matthias , Philip , Iames. O Lord it is worthie and iust , right and helping to saluation , humblie to pray thee , that thou , o eternal Shepheard , wilt not forsake thy flocke , but wilt keepe thy people with continual protection , by thy blessed Apostles , that it may be gouerned by the same Rulers , who being the vicars of thy work , thou hast appointed Pastours to rule it .

† †

Gregor. sup. in natal . SS. Abdon et Sennen .

Natal . S. Hermet .

O God graunt to thy seruantes , that by the merites of thy Sainctes , Abdon and Sennen making intercession for vs , we may deserue to be deliuered from al aduersities .

O Lord let the intercession of blessed Hermes thy Martyr , not cease to pacifie thy iustice , and make our seruice deuout vnto thee .

Natal . S. Cornel. et Ciprian . O Lord by the intercession of thy Sainctes Cornelius and Ciprian , turn● from vs al euils , which we iustly deserue .

Nntal . S. Georgii . We humbly besech thee o God omnipotent , that by the intercession of B. George , thy Martyr , thou wilt graunt vs worthilie to serue thee . O Lord cleanse vs from al guilt of our sinnes , by the intercession of blessed George thy Martyr .

Natal . S. Anastas . Graunt o Lord , that the guiftes , which we offer , may be to the helpe of our saluation , the merite of blessed Anastasia making intercession for vs .

Natal . S. Cecil . O God we besech thee , that by the intercession of blessed Cecilie , we may deserue to receiue the benefites of thy guift .

Natal . S. Saturn .

S. Greg. sup. hath aboue 50. other the like , vsed by the Church before his time .

Prudentius to S. Vincentius in Him . S. Vincentii .

O God graunt vs to be helped by the merites of blessed Saturninus thy Martyr .

O twice renowmed , be present now & receiue the humble wordes of them that pray vnto thee , and be an effectual oratour for our offence at the throne of the Father . We besech thee by thy self , by that prison , the increase of thy 〈◊〉 ; by thy bondes , flames , hookes , the block of thy prison ; by those potsheardes , (a) (a)

The pauement of his prison strowed with sharp peeces of potsherdes , wheron his naked body after other torments , did lye .

Sophron. Hierosol . Encom . Angel .

by which thou obtained victory , by which , we that come after thee , with reuerence kisse thy bedde : haue mercy on our praiers , that Christ being pacified wil not impute our sinnes vnto vs .

O most laudable and excellent spirits , openly propose the infinite mercy of God , praying the bountiful & gentle God , that by your intercession , he wil vouchsaife to admitte , al the afflictions , and sicknes , & calamities , which in al my life I haue suffered , for a recompence of my sinnes , and release & pardon of the condemnation and greauous tormentes which I haue iustly deserued , & accompt them in their steade and place .

Of the Communion of the Church 〈◊〉 with the Triumphant by Praier & honour to the Saincts there , by vs on earth : & their patronage vnto vs and first of the most B. Virgin Marie . Chapter . 3.

S. Ephrem orat . de laudibus Sanctis . Dei matris . O Virgin vouchsaife , that I thy seruant may praise thee . Haile most bright , & most bewtiful vessel of God , Haile Ladie Marie fuf of grace : Haile among women most blessed Virgin . Haile most shyning starre , from which Christ went forth . Haile most glorious light , Mother and Virgin . Haile Ladie higher then al. Haile song of the Cherubins , and Himne of Angels . Haile peace , ioy , and saluation of the world . Haile gladnes of mankind . Haile praise of the Fathers , and honour of the Prophets . Haile bewtie of Martyrs , and crowne of Sainctes , Haile glorie of the godlie . Haile most excellent ornament of the heauenlie holies . Haile most worthie miracle of the world . Hail tree of life , ioy , and pleasure . Haile quiet Hauen , and deliueresse of those that be troubled . Haile the helper of them that be in daunger . Haile ●●ou●● of grace and consolation . Haile refuge of sinners . Haile hope of al that be vertuous , and afflicted with aduersities . Haile Queene and defence both of men and women . Haile most glorious Mediatrix of the world . Haile doare of heauen . Haile opening of the gates of Paradise . Haile key of heauens , & the kingdome of Christ .

O immaculate , vnspotted , S. Ephrem orat . de sanctis . Dei genetrice . vncorrupted , chast Virgin , Spouse of God , our Ladie , only hope of the dispaired , help of the oppressed , and most speedie aide of those that runne vnto thee , and refuge of al Christians : admitte my praier , most vile , & vttered with vncleane lippes ; and also intreate thy Sonne my Lord and God , with thy motherly gentlenes , that he may also open vnto me , those most merciful bowels , of his pietie : and setting aside mine innumerable sinnes , conuert me to penance , and graunt me truly to fulfil his commandementes .

O merciful , gentle , and bountiful Ladie , be alwaies present vnto me ; in this life an earnest protecti●● and helper , driuing backe mine enemies inuasions , and bringing me to saluation , and in the last moment of my life , kepe my wretched soule , driuing farre from it the vgsome sight of wicked diuels , & in the terrible day of Iudgment , deliuering me from euerlasting damnation ; lastly making me heire of that inaccessible glorie , of thy Soone and God . Which by thine intercession and fauour I besech thee againe and againe , most holie Ladie , Mother of God , that I may obtaine by thy grace , mercie and gentlenes of thine only begotten Sonn our Lord , and God , and Sauiour Iesus Christ .

As thou art the Mother of the most merciful God ; so mercifully receiue me a sinner : be present with me , o merciful , gentle , & bountiful Virgin .

S. Ephrem in lamen . Sanctis . Dei genetricis &c. O immaculate and blessed Mother , ( without sinne ) of thy Sonne , & God of al , pure , sound , most sacred ; we praise thee , we blesse thee , as ful of grace , who broughtest forth Christ . We al prostrate ourselues to thee , we al besech thee . Deliuer vs o vnspotted , from al necessitie , from al temptations of the diuel . Be our Reconciliatrix and Aduocate in the hour of Iudgment . Deliuer vs from the fire to comand darknes : and vouchsaif vs the glorie of thy Sonne ; for thou art the most holie hope of Christians with God .

To whom be honour world without end . Amen .

O holie and immaculate Virgin Marie Mother of God , August . meditat . c. 40. and Mother of our Lord Iesus Christ , vouchsaife to make intercession for me , to him whose Temple thou deseruedst to be .

I besech the Intercession of blessed Marie the Virgin ; Ambros . orat . praeparat . that my praier may be effectual .

O holie Mother of God Virgin Marie , pray for vs . Greg. in Antiphonar .

O Queene of heauen and Ladie of earth , euer most holie Virgin , Io. Cassian . Coufes . Theolog. part. 3. Mother of God & our Lord Iesus Christ ; pray for vs and daily , yea continually make intercession for me thy seruant , and for al the holy Church of God , for remission of sinnes , purging of vices , for increase and perfection of vertues , for the peace and health of the faithful people , for the fruictes of the earth , for the stabilitie of the Church , the order of Sainctes , and for al seruantes of God , men and women , both liuing and departed , that by thy praiers and holie merites , God almightie may take mercie on a people ful of sinnes , here , and for euer .

S. Leander Liturg. Muzarab . infest . S. Iacobi . Haile o Queene , Mother of mercie , life , sweetenes , and our hope al haille . We that are the banished children of Eue do crie vnto thee . To thee we sigh groaning and weping , in this vale of teares . Therfore o thou our aduocate , turne those thy merciful eyes vnto vs , and shew vnto vs after this exile , blessed Iesus the fruite of thy wombe . O merciful , o ful of pitie , o sweete Virgin Marie . Pray for vs o holie Mother of God . That we may be made worthie of the promises of Christ .

Athanas . ser. de sanctis . Deipara To. 3. Harken o daughter of Dauid & Abraham , and incline thine eare to our praiers , and forgeat not thy people . We crie vnto thee , o most holie Virgin , remember vs , and render vnto vs for this litle speech , great guiftes out of the riches of thy graces , thou who art ful of grace . We vse these wordes for thy praise , If at anie time Himne , if at anie time praise , be offered vnto thee , either by vs , or anie creature , to thee I say our gracious Ladie , Queene , Mistris , Mother of God , Arke of the Sanctuarie . Al orders of Angels and earthly thinges pronounce thee blessed . We exalt thee with a great and lowde voice saying : Haile gratious , our Lord is with thee , o Mistris , and Ladie and Queene , and Mother of God , make intercession for vs .

O venerable Virgin , chast , S. Gregor. Nazian. in traged . Chri●● patiens . most happy , adorned with the garment of immortalitie , accompted as a Goddesse : be mercifuly present to my praiers , receiue my petitions .

O Ladie graunt that I may so depart forth of this life , that hauing thee so great a gouernesse of it , I may alwaies find thee for me a most acceptable Patronesse to thy Sonne . Suffer me not to be deliuered ouer as it were to be crucified and exposed to the scorne of him that is the sworne enemie & plague of al mortal men .

O maiden equalled by none in grace , Mother and Virgin , comly aboue al virgins , and the greatest , who excedest al orders of heauenly inhabitantes , Queene , Ladie , the good of mankind : be alwaies a frend to mortal men , and to me euerie where the greatest saifguard .

O thrice blessed Mother , o light of virgins , which inhabitest the most glorious Temple of heauen , free from the staines of mortalitie : now thou art adorned with the stoale of immortalitie , harken gently from aboue to my wordes , and I besech thee o Virgin , receiue my praiers .

S. Chrisostom . in mis. translated by Erasmus of Roterad . It is worthy and iust , to glorify thee Goddes Mother , & alwaies most blessed , & wholly vndefiled Mother of god more honourable then the Cherubins , and , incomparably , more Glorious , then the Seraphins , which without corcorruption , hast brought forth God : verily we magnify thee Goddes Mother .

O glorious Mother of God , who brought forth true God : pray vnto him to saue our soules .

O Mother of God , because thou art more excellent then al creatures , we which are not able to praise thee worthily , do freely besech thee , haue mercie vpon vs .

Haile ful of grace , our Lord is with thee . S. Andreas Archiepis . Hierosolym . ser. in salutat . S. Mar. Deiparae to . 2. Bibl. SS. Patr. An. 550. Haile organe of ioy , by which the condemnation of our offence is purged , and ful compensation of true ioy is made . Haile truly blessed . Haile illuminated . Haile magnificent Temple of Diuine glory . Haile consecrated Palace of the King . Haile bride chamber , in which humanitie was espoused to Christ . Haile elected to God before thou wert borne . Haile Goddes Reconciliation with men . Haile treasure of life which neuer fadeth . Haile heauen celestial , Tabernacle of the sunne of glory . Haile most ample feild of God , whom none other place but thou alone , could comprehend . Haile holie virginal earth , of which the new Adam by an vnspeakable framing , was formed ; which should restoare the old Adam to saluation .

Haile Marie ful of grace , S. Iacob . in mis. receiued in concil. 6. genral . Can. 32. our Lord is with thee ; blessed art thou among women , and blessed is the fruite of thy wombe ; for thou hast brought forth the Sauiour of our soules . It is worthie , it is worthie that we cal thee who art trulie blessed the Mother of God alwaies blessed & euerie way irreprehensible , & the Mother of our God , more honourable than the Cherubins , and more glorious then the Seraphins : who without corruption , hast brought forth God the word . We truly magnify thee the Mother of God , o ful of grace , to thee euerie creature maketh ioy , the companie of Angels , and mankind : thou who art the sanctified Temple , the spiritual paradise , the glorie of virgins , of whom God receiued flesh , and became a child , our God who is before the world : for he made thy belie his Throne , and thy wombe more spacious and large , then the heauens them selues . To thee o ful of grace , euerie creature doth gratulate ; glorie to thee .

Precat . Syriac . apud Seuer . Patriarch . Alex. in prec . Syr. to . 6. Bibl. SS. Patr. O holie Marie Mother of God , pray for vs , I say sinners . Amen .

O Mother of God , Queene of heauen , doare of paradise , Ladie of the worlde , begin praiers for my sinne .

Amen .

Eutichian . in vit. S. Theophili . O my blessed Ladie , and defence of mankind , the harbour and protection of them that flee vnto thee . I know o my Ladie Mother of God , that I haue greatly offended thee . For who o my Ladie hath hoped in thee and was ashamed ? or what man hath faithfully asked thy help , able to al thinges , & hath at anie time bene forsaken ? verly no man at anie time . Wherfore I a sinner also and wicked person , aske thy euer-during fountaine , from which cures do flowe to our soules , be merciful vnto me .

Of the same praying vnto , and honouring this most blessed Virgin Marie . Chapter . 4.

HAile ful of grace , S. Andreas Hierosol . in salutat . Angel . Serm. our Lord is with thee . He that said Let light be made , let the firmament , and the rest of the workes of wonderful creation , be made . Haile Mother of immeasurable ioy . Haile new Arke of glory , in which the spirit of God descending , rested ; Arke in which rested the sanctification of new glorie . Haile ornament of al Prophets and Patriarks , and most true praise of the vnsearchable oracles of God . Blessed art thou among women , and blessed is the fruite of thy wombe , and verily thou art trulie blessed , for God hath blessed thee a Tabernacle to him self . Blessed art thou among women , who alone hast gott the blessing which God had promised to the Gentiles by Abraham . Gen. 12. Verily thou art blessed , who art called the Mother of the blessed child Iesus Christ our Sauiour ; for whom the Gentiles crie , Math. 22. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of our Lord , & blessed the eternal name of his glorie . Blessed art thou among women , whom al generations proclame blessed , kinges do glorifie , whom Potentates adore , whom virgins both following and going before thee , do attend into the Temple of the King .

August . ser. 2. de anuntiat . et assumpt. B. Mar. O haphie Marie , and worthie of al praise . O Virgin , o glorious Mother of God , o high child-bearer , to whose bowels , the maker of heauen and earth is committed . O B. Marie , admitte our praiers within the sacrarie of thy Auditorie , and bring againe vnto vs grace of reconciliation . Obtaine what we aske and excuse that we feare ; for we finde none more excellent in merits , to pacify the Iudges anger , then thou art , who hast deserued to be the Mother of our Redemer & Iudge .

Succour those that be in miserie , assist the weake harted , comfort those that weepe , pray for the people , intreat for the Cleargie , make intercession for the company of Monkes , besech for the deuout woman sexe . Let al persons perceaue thy helpe , that celebrate thy name . Haue compassion vpon the afflicted , beare a merciful affection to vs that be pilgrims from heauen . present our wepinges vnto God , and for vs intreate him as thine owne sonne . We on earth are yet afflicted , intertained with iniuries , affected with reproches : do hunger , thirst , are detained in prison . But thou in heauen art preferred before al companies of virgins , thou folowest the Lambe whether soeuer he goeth . Thou in that most happy Region of the blessed , hast gotte the cheifest dignitie . To thee a kingly Queare of Angels is placed in the palace of the eternal King . And the King of kinges himself louing thee aboue al , with an embracing of loue , doth sociate thee to him seif , as his true Mother and comlie Spouse . Therfore , possessing these felicities , turne thy self to the saluation of our soules : assist the praiers of them that aske thee ; be careful daily to pray for the people of God , thou being blessed , didest deserue , to beare the Redemer of the world : who liueth , and reigneth , for euer . Amen .

August . supr. O blessed Marie , who is able worthily , to render dutie of thankes , & solemnitie of praises vnto thee , who , by thy singular assent , hast sucoured the world which was lost ? What praises shal the frailtie of man yeld vnto thee , who by thy negotiation alone , hast ? found the meanes to recouer it againe Wherfore receiue such as they be , very smale , such as they be , thankes vnequal to thy merites ; and when thou hast receiued our praiers , by praying , excuse our faultes .

Blessed among women , Andreas Cretens . in salut . Angel . in Encom . 2. dormit . Deipar . c. 8. pacify our Lord for his common creature . For so long as thou didest conuerse on earth , a litle portion of the earth had thee : but since thou art translated from earth , the whole world conteineth thee a common propitiatorie .

O Mother of God , cap. 12. supr. to vs that honor thee geue againe this reward of a litle guift , that we may haue more precious and resplendant then riches , humble praiers to thy Sonne and our Lord , and King , and God .

O vnspotted , S. Ephrem orat . de laudib . sanctis . Dei matris . and whollie pure Virgin , Goddes Mother , Queene of al , hope of the desolate , my most glorious Ladie , higher then the inhabitantes of heauen , more pure then the beames & brightnes of the Sunne , more to be honoured then the Cherubim , more holie than the Seraphim , hope of the Fathers , glorie of the Prophets , praise of the Apostles , and honour of Martyrs , ioy of Sainctes , and light of the godlie Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , ornament of Aaron , shynnig of Moyses , fleece of Gedeon , the Crowne of the companie of sarced Prelates , and al Sainctes and Virgins ; inaccessible for brightnes . By thee we are reconciled to Christ , my God , thy Sonne . Thou art the helper of those that sinne , and are destitute of aide , comfort of the world , renowmed deliuerer of the imprisoned . Thou the receiuer of orphanes . Thou the redemption of captiues . Thou the exultation of the sicke and saiftie of al. Thou the ornament , crowne , & ioy of virgins , haue mercie on me that am defiled , who with vetie manie sinnes , haue offended my Creator , my God , and Iudge , that most hateful Sathan do not glorie against me . O syncere Virgin , I haue none other trust . for thou , o inuiolate Virgin , art my harbour and readie helper . Lastly I am whollie vnder thy winge and protection . most renowmed Mother I besech thee with frequent teares , I lye prostrate to thee , o my Ladie , humbly crauing , that thy sweete Sonne , & geuer of the life of al , do not take me away , for manie sinnes which I haue committed .

Basilius Seleucus orat . 1. de verb. Incarnat . O thrice holie Virgin Marie , looke vpon us from heauen with a merciful eye , and now lead vs from hence in peace , place vs free from confusion before the Throne of the Iudge , and at last make vs partakers of the station at the right hand ; that from thence being taken to heauen together with the Angels , we may praise the increated , and Homousion Trinitie .

O Virgin Mother of God and Christ , Canon vniuer . +sal . or mis. Ethiop . to . 6. Bibl. po●● . at al times carrie vp our praier with the elect of thy Sonne , that our sinnes may be forgeuen . Be ioyful o Lady because thou hast brought forth to vs the true light : pray for vs with him , that he wil haue mercie on our soule ; pray for vs in the sight of the Throne of thy sonne Iesus Christ : be ioyful , o immaculate , verily our Queene : be glad , o glorie of our parents , because thou hast brought forth vnto vs Emanuel : o verily Mediatrix before our Lord Iesus Christ . We humblie besech thee , that thou wilt be mindful of vs , that our iniquities may be blotted out .

Verily the blessed Virgin Marie was a great miracle : for what was , S. Chrisostom . apud Metaphrast . et Breu. Rom. 12. Septemb. or euer shal be found at anie time greater , or more renowmed then she ? She alone 〈◊〉 assed heauen & earth in renowme . What more holie then she ? Not the Prophets , not Apostles , not Maryrs , not Patriarches , not Angels , not Thrones not Dominations , not Seraphim , not Cherubim ; Lastly no other thing among thinges visible , or inuisible , can be founde greater or more excellent , The same is the handmaid and Mother of God . The same a Virgin & Mother . This is the Mother of him , who before al beginning , was begotten of his Father ; whom Angels and men acknowledge Lord of al thinges . Wil you know how much this Virgin is more excellent then the celestial powers ? They with feare & tembling do assist : she offereth Mankind to him whom she brought forth . By her also we obtaine Pardon of sinnes . Haile therfore o Mother , Heauen , Maiden , Virgin , Throne , of our Church the renowme , glorie , and firmament : pray for vs daily to Iesus , thy Sonne , and our Lord , that by thee we may finde mercie in the day of Iudgment , and obtaine those good thinges , which are laid vp for those that loue God , by the grace , and bountie of our Lord Iesus Christ wit● whom to the Father and Holie Ghost , be glorie , honour , and Rule , now and euer world without end . Amen .

O holie Mother of God , S. Ciril . Alet . homil. conit . Nestor . praise be to thee , for thou art the precious pearle of the world . Thou the vnquenchable lampe , crowne of virginitie , Scepter of true faith , indissoluble Temple containing him , who can no where be contained : A Mother and Virgin . Thou art blessed among women , Mother of him that cometh blessed in the name of our Lord . By thee the Trinitie is sanctifyed : By ●●ee the precious Crosse is celebrated and worshipped in al the world . By thee heauen doth ioy , the Angels and Archangels reioice , the diuels are driuen away , and man him self is called backe to heauen . By thee euerie creature , detained in the errour of Idols , is conuerted to the knowledge of the truth , & faithful men haue come to holy baptism , & churches are builded in al the world . Thou being helper , the Nations haue come to penance . What more ? By thee the only begotten Sonne of God , that true light , hath shyned to them that sat in darknes and shadow of death . By thee the Prohets foretold . By thee the Apostles preached saluation to the Gentiles . Who shal be able to expresse the greatnes of thy praises , o Marie , Mother and Virgin . Let vs extol her , adoring her Sonne , the immaculate Spouse of the Church . To whom be honour and glorie world without end .

Amen .

Of Praier and honour vnto the blessed Angels in heauen . Chapter . 5.

August . meditat . c. 20. O Ierusalem , the eternal house of God , next to the loue of Christ , be thou my gladnes and consolation . Let the sweete memory of thy blessed name , be the releife of my sorow & werisomnes .

Io. Cassian . ●●●●es . Theo. O holie Angels , holie Archangels , holie Powers , holie Potentates , log . part. 3. et August . meditat . c. 23. holie Principalityes , holie Dominations , holie Thrones , holie Seraphines , holy Cherubins , holie Michael , holie Gabriel , holie Raphael , and thou my holie Angel , to whom our common maker , hath committed me to be kept , and al you administring spirits , and heauenlie Citizens , & al orders of blessed Spirits make intercession and pray for me , a wretch , and your vnworthie seruant , & for al the Church of God , that we may be worthie of the promises of Christ , that by your praiers we may be ioyned to your B. felowship for euer .

Let vs aske that we may haue God ,

Nemetian . Datiu . Felix et Vict. epist. ad Ciprian . inter . epist. eius 7● . Mallabar . Indi in mis.

S. Sophron. Hierosol . Encom . Angel .

and Christ , and the Angels , fauourers vnto vs in al our actions .

We besech the Angel of peace & loue with praier and obsecration .

O you diuine armies of God , & immaterial , O Angels intellectual , & reasonable : But it is better by degree , & in order , to Praise , magnify , and cal vpon you . O Seraphines , Seraphines praied vnto . I besech you to cleanse the inward corners of my soule , from the filthes of sinne ; and vtterly expelling and putting away the darknes of my heart , lighten the internal senses of my minde .

Cherubins . O you Cherubins adorne me with the knowlege of the heauenlie word . Kindle anger in me against the old serpent and powerablie carrie me on high from the earth .

Thrones . O you Thrones , who are the seate-bearers and rest of God almightie , deliuer me from al deceipt and cursed work , and make me worthie of the glorie and Maiestie of God .

Dominations . O venerable Dominations , graunt vnto me that I may gouerne the passions of my minde , which corrupt the vnderstanding : and to the last breath of my life subdue the deceiptes of the diuel which greuosly hurt my soule .

Potentates . O Potentates , named agreable to your office , geue power vnto me against the visible and inuisible enemies , which rise against my soule , & labour to bring my mind into captiuitie , & endeuour to ouerthrow my waies .

Powers . O you immoueable and mightie powers , compasse me about with heauenly strength and power , that am weake and infirme , and make me apt , that I may manfully driue away , and tread vnder foote , those spritual snakes & scorpions .

O Principalities , Principalities . cheife in the third order of Angels , be faithfully present , and vse your careful diligence that I may triumphe ouer my most noysome enemies , and resist them without feare & wound euen to the end .

O you the rest of the Angels & Archangels , Archangels . Angels . I aske and besech your bounty , o you good & without blemish Angels and Archangels , o vndefiled spirits , I intreate your magnificence preserue my life without offence , my hope vnmoued , manners blamelesse , my loue towardes God and my neighboure perfect , and free from al transgression , I besech you leade and guide me with your hand , and direct me to euery way of saluation , and acceptable to God .

Al places are ful of Angels , Origen homil. 2. in Ezechiel . o Angel come receiue one cenuerted from old error , from doctrine of diuels , from iniquity speaking against God : and receiuing him as a good Phisitian , cherish , and instruct him : and cal vnto thee other fellowes of thy ministery , that al you together may instruct them to faith , which sometime were deceiued . Luc. 25. For there is greater Ioy in heauen for one sinner doing penance then nyntie nine iust .

August . in Iob. conc. 2 ad cap. 19. Haue mercy vpon me , haue mercy vpon me o my freindes . he seemeth to request the Angels to pray for him : or surely the Saincts to pray for a penitent .

August . l. meditat . c. 4. O holy Michael , holy Gabriel , holy Raphael , o you holy Quiets of Angels , and Archangels , I presume to aske you by him that hath chosen you , and of whose sight you reioyce , that you vouchsaife to pray for me to God a sinner .

S. Chrisost. in Liturg. O Michael Prince of the heauenly armie , we vnworthie do besech thee , that thou wilt defend vs by thy intercessions ; keepe vs with the shadow of thy winges of an immaterial nature . We fal downe , and without ceasing crie vnto thee : deliuer vs from daungers , as prince of the heauenly powers .

Victor Vticenc . l. 3. persec . Vandal . Hebr. 1.14 . Be present vnto me o you Angels of my God which are neuer absent constituted in your ministerie , for them that shal receiue the inheritance of saluation . Consider and behold , how Syon , the Citie of our God , is made vyle , become as it were polluted among her enemies . Al comlines and delightes , are gone from her countenance . Her Virgins & yong people brought vp in Monasteries , haue learned to treade sharp wayes ,

O you Angels , succour vs . Gregor. in agend . mortuor . Gregor. in Sacramentar . O God omnipotent , we humbly aske & intreate , that the intercession of Archangels , be vnto our Lord for vs , the Intercessions of Michael , and Gabriel , & Raphael , that we may appeare worthy before our Sauiour , by the intercession of the neene orders of Angels . The Thrones , & Dominations , and Principalities , and Powers : also Cherubins , and Seraphimes , vouchsaife to pray for vs .

O thrice most holie and much beloued , and reuerenced Prince , Sophron. Hierosol . Encom . Angel . S. Machael . and cheife of the Angels Michael , when at the last al those admirable thinges which are expected , shal be ended , by the sounde which thou shalt geue : then , o holy Arch-prince , teacher of those that erre , raiser of them that fal , defender of soules , preseruer of bodies , abandoner of diuels , and lightner of euerie creature : then I besech thee , vouchsaife to be present , a faithful Patrone of my soule .

O most holie Michael , illustrate my inward senses , and illuminate the internal eye of my soule , and strengthen my heart , tossed with the waues of this life and my mind bended downe to earthly things , lift it vp ward to heauenvly wisdom , and strengthen my weak handes against mine enemies expert in warr ; & fortify my feeble feete , that they forsake not the path that leadeth to heauen ; and cure the rest of the greifes of my miseries and laboures .

Michael signifieth , who as God . O Michael both in deede and name , I pray thee , and so much as I am able besech thee , that when I shal depart forth of this life , thou wilt appeare ioyful , & pacified , and shrowde me vnder the honoured couering of thy winges : & being deliuered from the narrow & darke places of hel , lead me into the roomes of the wonderful Tabernacle , leading me euen to the house of God .

S. Gabriel . O most heauenlie and excellent Angel Gabriel ; o Gabriel obtainer , and geuer of true gladnes : I often request and besech thee , that thou wilt l●uing visit me oppressed with great sicknes , and fil me with celestial vertue , and ioy of minde ; and being freed from the tormentes of Belial , and dangers both of visible and not visible enemies , by thine authoritie , and intercession to God , ioyne me to the companie of the iust & Sainctes ; and at last settle me in those places which flow with al delghtes .

O heauenly spirits , I desire to aske , and earnestly besech you , that when as the last gaspe of my life , I shal be compelled to goe forth of this earthen vessel , and you are to weigh in a balance , al mine actions , and take accompt of al things , which openly or secretly I haue designed , that then either al of you , or at least they whom God shal send forth of your order , to receiue mine vnhappy & wretched soule , wil shew your selues pleased & gentle vnto me ; & those weightes which I with my wicked deeds , haue desperatly burdened , you wil happily vnloade , and by al meanes and skil , as the ministers of our only mercicul God , disburden .

When the day of confundation cotheth , and the end of the world shal be , when the heauens shal tremble and the firmament shake , and the dreedful Iudge approach , and you going before his coming , shal runne ouer the boundes & endes of the earth , to gather together , al mortal men that are dead from the beginning of the world , and set them before the vncorrupt Iudge , for euery one to yeld accompt of euerie deede , euerie thought , and conceipt of minde : Then I besech you , and wil neuer cease to the end of my life to besech you , who behold al thinges , and performe the publicke ministeries of God , with authoritie , then I say , then I besech you , be mercifully present with me , and as the Princes of the most excellent King , spare me a wretch , and vnhappie , & by your intercession to God , deliuer me from that doleful and angrie sentence , that sendeth into euerlasting fyre . And contrariwise , make me , with al my partakers , & kinsfolkes , whose names and calling he knoweth , who knoweth al thinges , partaker of that ioyful & pleasant state & life that is voide of al sorow , and wanteth nothing ; and lastly pronounce me heire of that ioy which neuer endeth .

Of praier and honour to al the blessed Sanctes in heaven in general . Chapter . 6.

O House of God shyning and bewtiful , August . l. meditat . c. 20. I haue loued thy comlines , and the dwelling place of the glorie of our Lord , my possessor and maker .

Let my pilgrimage sigh vnto thee day and night : Let my heart be open vnto thee , my minde intende thee , my soule desire to come vnto the felowship of thy blessednes . I speake to him who made thee to possesse me in thee , because he hath made me and thee . And speake thou , aske thou him , to make me worthie of the participation of thy glorie .

I wil begin to throw downe my self vpon my knees , and pray vnto al Saincts , Origen in lament . to succour me , who dare not aske God for the exceding greatnes of my sinne , O ye Sainctes of God , with exceding sorow , teares , and weping , I besech you , that you wil fal downe before his mercies for me a wretch . Amen .

Cassian . Confes . Theolog. part . 3. See S. August . med. c. 23. O al you heauenly Citizens make intercession and pray for me a wretch , and your vnworthie seruant ; And also for al the holie Church of God , that we may be made worthie of the promises of Christ : that by your praiers we may be ioyned to your blessed felowship for euer .

O happie Sainctes of God , who haue now passed ouer the troublesome sea of this mortalitie , & are come to the Hauen of euerlasting quietnes , securitie , and peace , and deserued to be fellowes of the heauenly powers ; you are secure of your selues , be careful for vs . I besech you by him that hath chosen you , who hath made you such , of whose contemplation you now reioice , with whose bewtie you are now filled , by whose immortalitie and vnchangeablenes , you are become immortal and vnchangeable : be mindful of vs wretches , yet in the sea of this life , tossed with waters fownd about vs . Make intercession & pray for vs wretches , and verie negligent sinners , constantly , and without ceasing , that by the armes of your praiers , we may be carried to God . We sail as you know , by this great & vast sea , where the great wahle is readie to deuoure those that passe by . where there be daungerous places , Scilla , and Charibdis , with many others , in which men vnwares , and doubtful in faith , do suffer ship wrackes , wherfore in al thinges we want your help , we are carried on the tree , and by the Crosse of our Lord hope to passe ouer to harbour . Let the aduerse partes flee away , by the sight of the signe of Christ . Al you armie of the heauenvly country , pray , that by your merits & by your praiers , we may with our shippe saife , & marchandise preserued , happily enter into the hauen of eternal glorie ; where you are , where you reioyce , where you reigne with God with out end .

We besech the Sainctes , S. Hieron●● . ad Psal. 15. that we be not seperated from thee : if we do not deserue to be cloathed with glorie , yet that we be not excluded from pardon .

I besech the intercession of the Apostles . Ambros . 〈◊〉 2. praep●r .

O holy Quiers of Patriarches , August . l. medit. c. ●0 . Prophets , Apostles , Euangelistes , Martyrs , Confessors , Preistes , Leustes , Monkes , Virgins , and al the iust ; I presume to ask you by him who hath chosen you , and of whose sight you ioy , that you wil vouchsaife to pray to God for me a sinner , that I may be deliuered from the iawes of the deuil , and from euerlasting death .

S. Chrisost. in mis. vers. a leone Tusco . O Apostles , Martyrs , and Prophets , Preistes , Confessors , and iust men , and holie women , who haue wel ended your combat , & kept your faith , being faithful to our Sauiour , pray for vs , that our soules may be saued . Amen .

Victor vticenc . l. 3. persecut. Vandal . O you Patriarches , of whom the Church which now laboureth on earth , is descended , make intercession for it . O you holie Prophets , behold how she is afflicted , whom you haue tuned forth with Prophetical praise . O you Apostles , be you intercessors for her , whom to gather together , you haue runne about al the world .

Paulin. Nolan . natal . 9. S. Felicis . O you holie prophets , who foretold the coming of God in our flesh : & you Martyrs , who with the slaughter of your bodies , & shedding of your bloud , haue geuen testimonie to the Lambe that was killed , and is aliue : I humbly besech you to be present with me .

The Infantes protomartyrs in the order of Sainctes , S. Ciprian . de stel . et mag. ●● Innocent . acquainted with the diuine secrets by their familier nearenes : vouchsaife to intreate the mercie of God for our laboures .

O most blessed Martyrs , who for our Sauiour , and the loue of him , haue frely and perfectly sustained tormentes , S. Ephrem set . de sanctis Martitib . & therfore are more familiarly ioyned to God : We intreate you , that you wil vouchsaife to make intercession to our Lord for vs wretches and sinners , and polluted with the filthines of negligence , that the grace of Christ may com vpon vs , to illustrate our heartes with the beame of his holy loue .

O most blessed men , o most glorious Martyrs of God , help me a wretch with your praiers , that I may obtaine mercie in that hour , when the secrets of men shal be manifest . Stande before the Throne of the Maiestie of God for me , that by your praiers , I may deserue to be saued , and with you to enioy eternal blessednes .

I aske the Sainctes by their intercession , to obtaine vnto me the goodwil of God . I aske and besech , that by the Intercession of al Sainctes , I may obtaine the help of God .

Theodoret. up . vit. vlt. he meaneth those Sainctes whose life he had written in ●hat history . I besech those Sainctes , whose life I have written , that they wil not despise me , liuinge farre from their spiritual companie , but draw me lying beneath , and lift me vp to the toppe of vertue , & ioyne me with them , that I may not only praise the riches of others , but my selfe may haue some occasion of praise , glorifying the Sauiour of al , both in deede and word , and thought .

Gregor. antiphonar . ad Proces . O Sainctes arise , and kepe vs humble sinners in peace .

Of praier and honour vnto some Sainctes on particular deceased before the Passion of Christ . Chapter . 7.

Origen in lament . O Father Abraham , pray for me , that I be not driven from the boundes , which I have greatly desired .

O blessed Iob , Origen . l. 2. in Iob. who liuest for euer with God , and remainest a conquerour in the sight of the King our Lord : pray for vs wretches , that the dreadful mercie of God , defend vs in al tribulations and deliuer vs from al oppressions of the diuel , and number vs among the iust , & inrol vs with those that are saued , and cause vs to rest with them in his kingdome , where we may continually magnify him with his Sainctes , Amen .

O blessed Iob , be a guide vnto vs , Olimpiodorus . in c. 15. Iob. & forsake vs not vntil thou haue directed vs vnto the plaine way in which we may trauaile saifly , & not erre from truth .

The Protomartyrs , Ciprianus de Stel. et magis . he meaneth the holy Innocentes put to death by Herode . which haue the first place in the order of Sainctes , and acquainted with diuine secrets by their most familiar nearnes : vouchsaife to entreate the clemency of God for our laboures , whom to this day deadly Herode persecuteth : with whose bloud , and death , the diuel delighteth . Therfore these translated from their cradles to heauen , are made Senators of the heauenly Capitol , and Iudges there , obtaining pardon for some without des●ruing .

Antipater Bostrens . Episcop. orat . in S. Io. Baptist . c. 3 See more supr. cap. 2. O Baptist , I besech thee graunt vnto me the hope of my Praier , and as thou art a voice , preserue vnto me sure & stable , the senses of the instrumentes of voice .

S. Ephrem Syr. l. de laudib . Ioseph . Patriarch . his prayer at the Tombe of Rachel his mother . O Rachel , Rachel , my Mother , behold Ioseph thy Sonne whom thou hast loued , what hath chanced vnto him . Behold he is ledde captiue as a malefactor . O Rachel , receiue thy sonne ; O mother , receiue me ; o my mother heare the mourning and bitter scriking of my heart ; mine eyes can no longer sustaine teares , neither my life sufficeth , to such lamentations and groaninges .

Of praier and honour vnto Sainctes in particular , deceased after the Passion of Christ . Chapter . 8.

S. Leo ser. 1. de I●●un . 10 mens. THe most blessed Apostle Peter , vouchsaife by his praiers , to helpe our praiers , fastings , and almes .

Blessd Peter and al Sainctes , S. Leo in ser. octau . Pet. et Pauli . that haue bene present with vs in manie tribulations , vouchsaife to help our praiers with the merciful God , through Christ our Lord . Amen .

O Peter , Ambros . in c. 22. Luc. prope finem . from whence may I cal thee to teach me what thou didst think when thou didst weepe ? from whence I say may I cal thee ? from heauen where thou art among the Queares of Angels , or from thy graue also ? because thou thinkest it no iniurie to be there from whence our lord arose ; teach vs what thy teares did profitt thee .

O Peter & Paul , Chrisost. ho●● . in natal . Apostol. Petri et Pnuli . To. 3. sur . Gal. 6. 2. Pet. 1. pray for vs continually , we besech you . performe your promises , for these are your couenantes , of one of you this ; come with me , & let vs not faint in good thinges . and of the other , that : I wil studie after my death , to make mention of you . Therfore do not forgeat your agreed couenantes , but you which are immediatly present to the B. Trinitie without beginning , aske for vs al thinges belonging to saluation .

O holy Paul Doctor of the Gentiles , and al you holie Apostles , Victor v● . l. 3. persec . V●●● . lament together with vs . We prostrate , aske by him who promoted you lowly fishers , to the highest Apostolical dignitie ; that you do not despise your wretched sinners .

Elpis hym . de Petro et Paulo . O Paul excellent Doctor , instruct our maners , and endeuour to translate vs in minde into heauen .

Mis. or cant . vniuer . Ethiop . O S. Paul , who hast receiued the Crowne , pray and make intercession for vs , that our soules may be deliuered by the multitude of the mercies of Iesus Christ , and his holy name .

Damasus de S. Andrea . O S. Andrew , cherish vs which be fainting , haue care of vs , that by the victorie of the Crosse , we may go to the countrie of heauen .

Mazarab . in offic. vesper . S. Iacob . O verily worthily , more holy Apostle , the shyning head of Spaine ; be a defendour , patrone , and saifguard to vs from heauen : driue away from vs , siknes , sore , and sinne . Be fauourable , that by heauenly help , we may possesse Ioy , obtaining the kingdome , may be adorned with eternal glorie ; that by thee we may escape hel .

Ciril . Alexand. hom. die Ioh. Euangelist . in Concil. Ephes. O Euangelist , o blessed Iohn , speak vnto vs some great and notable thing . O Apostle , open vnto vs the wel of life , graunt now that we may draw from thy fountaines . To S. Clement . Ephrem Episc. Chensonis de S. Clemente . An. 500.

O ornament of Martyrs , and glory of Sainctes , defend and kepe this company without harme by thy praiers . O most holie , driue-backe the cruel diuels with the dart of thine intercessions .

O holie Lawrence thou hast a double mansion , one of thy bodie on earth , Prudent . hym . 2. de S. Laurent . and an other of thy soule in heauen . There thou art a chosen Citizen of the vnspeakable citie , & wearest a celestial Croune aboue , in the euerlasting Court . I seeme to see a man glittering with illustrious pretious stones , whom the heauenly Rome hath chosen vnto her for an eternal Consul . What power is bestowed vpon thee , and what great office is giuen vnto thee , is expressed by the ioies of the Romanes , whose petitions thou yeldest vnto , what anie man doth humbly aske , he prosperously obtaineth . They aske , they offer , they honour , & no man departeth in sadnes , as though thou wert alwaies present , embracing in thy nurcing bosome ; thy countrie Citizens norish them with a fatherly loue . Among these , o honour of Christ , heart me also confessing the sinnes of my heart , and bewraying my deedes . I acknowledge and know my selfe vnworthy to be heard of Christ him selfe , yet I may receiue cure by his Martyrs my Patrones . O bountiful , heare thy Suppliant : & vnbind him from the bandes of the world .

August . l. 7. de Baptismo contia Donatist . c. 1. Blessed Ciprian , vouchsaife to helpe vs with his praiers , in the mortalitie of this flesh , as labouring in a dark cloude that by the guift of God , we may , so much as we can , imitate his good thinges .

To the same S. Gregor. Naz. orat . in S. Ciprian . in fine . O noble Maryr , looke downe mercifully on vs from aboue , and direct our speach and life , and feede this holy fold , or gouerne it , and so much as is possible dispose other thinges to the best .

To the 40. martyrs . S. Basil . ser. in 40. martyrs . Where two or three be gathered together in the name of our Lord , there is God . But where fourtie shal be , who wil doubt but God is present there ? He that is oppressed with anie distresse ; let him flee to these : he that doth ioy , let him pray to these . The one to be deliuered from thinges that be euil ; the other to continew in his ioyes . O holy Queare , o sacred order , o common kepers of mankind , most excellent fellowes of cares , offerers vp of praiers and Vowes , most potent Ambassadoures with God , the Starres of the world , Floures of the Churches .

O holie S. Albane , S. Amphibalus apud Capgratr . et alios in vit. S. Albani et Amphibali . I besech thee to pray to our Lord for me , that it wil please him to send his Angel to leade me securely that I be not hindered in my way , by the cursed enemie the diuel .

O holy Father Albane , who leauing thinges terrestrial , hast ascended the high seate of heauen with glorie : now we besech thee with earnest praier , thee who art our true glorie , vnbind by thy deuout praiers , the sinnes of thy seruantes . Pray for the English Nation , and for the euerlasting peace thereof , & obtaine for vs thy suppliants , the eternal ioyes of life , where Alleluya doth sound continually .

† † Gradual . antiq. et mis. Salisb . in fest. S. Albani . O Sainct Albane pray for vs . O S. Albane , make intercession for the soules of the deceased .

† † Litan . Angl. antiq. ante Baptist . et commned . animae . allowed by S. Amal. c. 18. litan . l. 1. de offic. O twice renuomed , descend hither a while , bringing Christes fauour with thee ,

To S. Vincentius .

Prudent . hym . 5. de . S. Vincent .

that our greeued senses , may feele the ease of pardon . Let no death now remaine , but the noble Soule receiue flesh againe ; that as it hath bene partaker of laboures and common daunger , so it may be coheire of glorie for euer .

Ptudent . in hym . 10. S. Romanni . martyr . O Romanus constant Confessor of Christ our God , be frendly vnto me , & moue the organe of my speachles mouth graunt me to declare the meruelous thinges of thy praises , for thou knowest that the dumme , may be made to speake .

Gregor. Nys . orat . de S. Theodoro mart . O blessed Theodorus , be Present vnto vs ; we want manie benefites Make intercession and pray for thy countries to our common King and Lord . We feare afflictions , we expect daungers . As a souldier defend vs , that the madde and wicked Barbarian , rage not against Churches or Altares ; that the prophane and impious , do not spurne the holy thinges , And if there be need of greater aduocation and praier , then assemble the companie of thy brethren Martyrs , and pray together for vs with them al. Let the praiers of manie iust blotte out the sinnes of the multitude & people , Moue Peters , stirre vp Paule , & also Iohn the Diuine and beloued Disciple , that they wil be careful for the Churches which they haue founded , for which they haue borne Chains , for which they haue suffered daungers and death : that heresses do not as thornes ouergrow the vineyard ; let not cocle choake vp the wheate , but by vertue of thine owne , and thy felowes praiers , o admirable man , let the Christian common wealth , become a feild of corne , which feild may remaine to the end in a fertile and fruitful foile , of faith in Christ , alwaies bringing forth fruit of eternal life .

O Felix , o Sainct of God ,

Paulin. Nolan . natal . 8.

Natal . 3. S. Faelicis .

o beloued of God , be a right hand , and most saife Towre of defence vnto me . Receiue the praiers of thy suppliants , and commend them to God . Intreate the dreadfull Maiestie of our Lord , that by thy abundā● praiers , and merites , he wil pardon our offences

O great Basile , Gregor. Naz. mon. in magnum Basilium , in fine . looke downe vpon vs from heauen , and either command my greife to go away , or help me , and perswade me so patiently to endure it , that when I shal at last depart from hence , thou maist receiue me into the eternal Tabernacles , and that with thee , I may behold the Blessed Trinitie in such maner as it is .

Gregor. Naz. orat . funebri in Athanas . Alex . Epis. in fine . O Athanasius , looke downe gently vpon vs from aboue , and direct this holy people , worshipper of the holy Trinitie , and nourish vs in peace , & defend vs . Direct vs in our combate , & receiue vs : and place vs with thy self , and those that be as thou art .

Gregor. Nis . ser. de vita S. Ephrem . O holy Ephrem , excellent Father & Doctor of the Church , standing by the heauenly Altare , and Prince of life , & together with the Angels , sacrificing to the sacred Trinitie : remember al vs , & obtaine pardon of sinnes for vs , that we may enioy the euerlasting blessednes of the celestial Kingdome , in Christ Iesus our Lord . To whom be glorie for euer . Amen .

To S. Martine . Fortunatus l. 1. vit. S. Martini . O merciful , haue mercie vpon me a wretch : that when the high Iudge of the world shal come , thou wilt procure that my sinnes be blotted out . Be a mediator betwene our Lord and me . Let thine intercession vnbind him , whom his offence doth binde . Let thy gentle pietie harken vnto me ; for with praier , thou art powerable with him whose thou art . what I aske , thou art able to doe , because he geueth al to his frendes .

I besech thee craue pardon , Fortunat. l. supr. thou who hast gotte the crowne , o sheephard , deliuer thy sheepe , that it be not lame nor shutte forth . Be vnto me a Medidiator betwene God and the guiltie . Be mindful of thy seruants by him whose light thou shalt see for euer .

O beloued of God , remember ,

To S. Honoratus .

S. Hilatius Arelaten . inv●ta S. Honra● . An. 450.

remember vs continually : Thou standest without blemish before God singing that new song , and following the Lambe whether soeuer he goeth . Thou that art a follower of him , be a Patrone vnto vs , an interpreter of our Praiers , an acceptable & strong Aduocate .

Make intercession for vs to our Lord Iesus Christ ,

To S Germanus .

Constantiu● . Presbiter in vita S Germ. l. 2. c. 7. An. 480.

To S. Simeo● Priscus . Theodoret. in Philotheo . in vita .

that we may deserue to obtaine the song of the heauenly Trmupet , the voice of that desired sound , and the ioyes of the holy Resurrection .

I desire Intercession which holy Simeon can geue , and I know I shal obtaine it . For he wil graunt my petition , Imitating the Bountifulnesse of our Lord .

Theodoret. invit . 8. Sanct. in vit. 10. I pray also , that I may haue the Intercession of holy Aphrates . I aske that I may also haue the Benediction of holy Theodosius .

To one S. Iames .

Theodoret. sup. vit. 22.

Holie Iames , vouchsaife with his praiers , to sustaine & vphold our weaknes , that being strengthned , we may receiue manie victories from others that haue gotten them against vs , and so depart out of this life with them as Conquerours .

Maximus Taur . bomil . de S. Agnete An. 430. O most blessed Agnes , glorious vnto Christ , bewtiful to the Sonne of God , and acceptable to al Angels , and Archangels : vouchsaife to remember vs we intreate thee , with what praiers we are able : that he who hath geuen victorie , of thy laboures vnto thee , wil bestow pardon of sinnes vpon vs .

S. Damasus de S. Agnete . O Agnes a true ornament , the bright image of shamfastnes , o noble Virgin I besech thee , fauour my praiers .

Prudent . hym . 14. de S. Agnete . Agnes o happie Virgin , o new glory , noble inhabitant of the heauenly towre : bow downe thy face , adorned with a double Diademe , vpon our vncleanes .

To S. Agatha . S. Damasus de S. Agatha . Thou shynest as a bride heauen , aske for me , fauour those which honour thee .

O holie & blessed Paula , S. Hieron . epist. 27. ad Eustochium . help with thy praiers the decaying old age of thy worshipper : thy faith and workes associate thee to Christ ; being present thou shalt more easily obtaine what thou askest .

THE OLD LITANIES vsed within the first 600 yeares . cited by Wallafridus Strab. l. de rebus Ecclesiast. 28. de lit . agend . S. Amalar. l 2. de eccl. offic. c. 28. Cermonial . antiq. tit. Lytan . and others . Chapter . 9.

LOrd haue mercie vpon vs .

Christ haue mercy vpon vs .

Lord haue mercie vpon vs .

O Christ heare vs .

O God the Father of heauen , haue mercie vpon vs .

O God the Sonne Redemer of the world haue mercie vpon vs .

O God the holy Ghost , haue mercie vpon vs .

O holie Trinitie one God , haue mercie vpon vs .

O holie Marie , pray for vs .

O holie Mother of God , pray

O holie Virgin of virgins , pray

O holie Michael , pray

O holie Gabriel , pray

O holie Raphael , pray

O al holie Angels & Archangels of God , pray

O al holie orders of blessed spirits , pray

O holie Iohn Baptist , pray

O al holie Patriarches & Prophets pray

S. Peter , pray

S. Paul , pray

S. Andrew , pray

S. Iohn , pray

S. Iames , pray

S. Mathew , pray

S. Bartholomew , pray

S. Symon , pray

S. Thadeus , pray

S. Mathias , pray

S. Barnabas , pray

S. Marcke , pray

S. Luke , pray

O al holie Apostles and Euangelistes , pray for vs .

O al holie Disciples & Innocentes , pray for vs .

S. Stephen , pray

S. Linns , pray

S. Cletus , pray

S. Clement , pray

S. Fabian , pray

S. Albane , pray

S. Cosmas , pray

S. Damian , pray

S. Primus , pray

S. Faelician , pray

S. Dionise with his felowes , pray

S. Victor with his felowes , pray

O al holy Martyrs , pray

S. Siluester , pray

S. Leo , pray

S. Ierome , pray

S. Augustine , pray

O al holy Confessors , pray

O al holy Monkes & Er●mi●e● , pray

S. Marie Magdaleine pray

S. Marie of Egipt , pray

This S. Margaret was in the primatiue Church , not she of Scotland . S. Margaret , pray

S. Scholastica , pray

S. Pernel , pray

S. Genouefs , pray

S. Praxedes , pray

S. Sotheris , pray

S. Prisca , pray

S. Thecla , pray

S. Afra , pray

O holy Virgins , pray

O al holy Sainctes of God men & women , pray for vs .

Of honour & reuerence to the holie bodies , and other Reliques of Sainctes . Chapter . 10

S. Ciril . Alex. apud Damas . l. 2. paral . cap. 7. WE honour the vessels of the bodies of Sainctes , and repay vnto them memory , as it were reward and wages of their vertue & magnanimitie of mind .

The noble reliques are pulled forth of their vnnoble sepulchre . S. Ambros . l. 9. epistol. 85. Reliques worshipped , lying vnder the Altar : Christ offered vpon the Altar . The Trophes of victorie are shewed vnto heauen . Let the triumphant victims succede vnto the place where Christ is the Sacrifice : But he who suffered for al , vpon the Altare : These redemed by his passion , vnder the Altare . This place I had appointed for my selfe , for it is worthie a priest should rest there , where a Preist accustomed to offer Sacrifice . But I yeald the right hand portion to the holy victims . This place belonged to Martyrs : therfore let vs burie the sacred reliques , & carrie them into worthie houses , and celebrate the whole day with faithful deuotion .

O thrice and four times , Prudent . hym of S. Laurence . o 7. times happie , that Citizen who celebrateth thee , & nearhād the seate of thy bones , who may lay himself downe neare them who sprincleth the place with teares , who presseth his brest vpon the earth , who offereth vowes in secret .

O blessed Apostles , what thankes shal we render vnto you , Chrisostom . ser. de Apostol. apud Metaphrast . who haue laboured so much for vs . O Peter , I remember thee , and I am amased . O Paule , I cal thee to mind , & rauished in mind , I am oppressed with teares . For what I may say , or what I may speake , beholding your afflictions , I know not . O peter , thou maist ioy , to whom it was geuen , to enioy the Crosse of Christ . Ioy thou also o Paule , whose head was cutte of with a sword . Let that sword be to me for a crowne ; and the nailes of Peter , for pretious Stones , infixed in my Diademe .

O who wil graunt vnto me to be rolled about the bodie of Paule , to be fastened to his sepulchre , to see the dust of that bodie , fulfilling the thinges , which as yet were wanting in Christ , bearing the signes of his woundes .

Prudent . to S. Vincentius in hym . S. Vincent . O double renoumed , we besech thee by thy handes , blocke of thy prison , by those potsheardes by which thou gainedst conquest ; by which we that come after , with reuerence kisse thy bedde , : haue mercy vpon our praiers .

S. Ciril . Hierosol . Cateches. 4. Here Christ verily was crucified for our sinnes , and if thou wouldest deny it , this place apparant disproueth thee . Blessed is this mount Golgatha , in which now , for him that was crucified , wel make ioy in him , and the whole globe of the earth is filled with wood of the Crosse by parcels .

When wil that day be , Hierom. epist. 17. in the persons of Paula & Eustoch . c. 8. that it may be lawful for vs to enter into the Sepulchre of our Sauiour ? to wepe in the Sepulchre of our Lord , and then to licke the wood of the Crosse ; and in mount Oliuet with our Lord ascending , to be lifted in desire and mind .

Praier for one in particular deceased . Chapter . 11.

GOd of his mercie forgeue to the departed out of this life , Dionis . Areopag . l. Eccle. hierarch . c. 12. contempl . al sinnes by humane frailtie and weaknes committed , and bring him into light , and the Countrie of the liuing , into the bosome of Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob ; into the Place voide of al greife , sadnes , and groaning .

Clem. Rom. Constitut. SS. Apostol. l. 8. c. 47. Let vs pray for al that rest in Christ , that our gentle God , who hath receiued his soule , wil forgeue him al offence , & being merciful vnto him , wil place him in the Region of the godly and blessed , in the bosome of Abraham , Isaac , & Iacob , with al that haue pleased him from the beginning of the world , and performed his wil , where there is no sorow , sadnes , or sighing .

God of Abraham , God of Isaac , and God of Iacob , God , not of the dead , but of the liuing because the soules of al do liue with thee , and the spirits of the Iust are in thy handes , and torment shal not touch them , for al that are sanctified , are vnder thy hand : Looke thou also now vpon this thy seruant whom thou hast receiued into the other life , and pardon him whatsoeuer he hath offended in . Assigne gentle Angels vnto him , and place him in the bosome of Patriarches , Prophets , and Apostles , and al that from the beginning of the world haue pleased thee , where there is no sorow nor horror , but the felowship of the godlie , and such as reioyce , and the blessed Countrie of the iust , beholding the glorie of thy Christ , by whom to thee be glorie , honour , worship , thankes , and adoration in the holie Ghost for euer . Amen .

O Lord of life , and death .

S. Gregor. Naz. orat . in funere Caesatis . By C. is meant Caesati●s the● newly deade , but may be vsed for any faithful departed .

Ambros . orat . de obitu Theodosii Imp.

o keeper and benefactor of our soules , receiue the soule of C. whom we commend to thy wisdome , by which al thinges are done , and hereafter in time conuenient also , receiue vs and gouerne vs in our flesh , so long as is profitable for vs .

O Lord who kepest litle ones , and sauest those that trust in thee , geue vnto thy perfect seruant , that rest which thou hast prepared for thy Sainctes . Let his soule returne thither from whence it came , where it can feele no sting of death : where it may know , that this death is not the end of man , but of sinne . For in that he is dead , he is dead to sinne , that there may now be no place for sinne . Amen .

O Lord we commend vnto thee , S. Leander 〈◊〉 spal . in Liturg. Mu●arab . in mis. de S. 〈…〉 cobo . the soule of thy seruant , that being dead to the world , he may liue to thee . And the sinnes which by frailtie of worldly conuersation , he hath committed , blotte thou out with the pardon of thy most merciful pietie , by our Lord . Amen .

In the name of our Lord Iesus , his soule , and al soules of the faithful deceased , by the mercie of God , rest in peace without end . Amen .

Antiquis vsus apud S. Albin . l. de diuin. offic. c. Quomodo moriturus olim prouidebatur . Our Lord raise him vp againe to euerlasting life , and be merciful vnto vs . Our Lord place him in the bosome of Abraham , and be merciful vnto vs .

Of praier , Sacrifice , Almes , and other good deedes , for al true faithful deceased . Chapter . 12.

Precat . Syrorum antiq. apud seuerum patriarch . Alex . in precat . Abecedar . To. 6. Bibl. 55. patr. Opardoner , and clenser ; o forgeuer , blotter out , and forgeating our manie , and great sinners withou number , and the sinnes of al thy faithful people : pardon o God , and haue mercy vpon vs . Remember vs o Lord God in the mercies that are from thee , and remember our soules , and the soules of our fathers , and brethren , and instructours , and of our deceased . Finally of al faithful deceased , children of thy holy and glorious Church . O Lord God , geue rest to their soules and bodies , and sprincle the dew of thy miserations vpon their bones . O Christ our King , take compassion , and be merciful vnto vs & them .

O thou my God , Armerians diuided almost a 1000 yeares from the Roman Church in their liturg . who geuest rest to the dead and raisest againe those that be buried : receiue the soules of thy seruants , which we haue remembred , and place them , o my Lord , in the blessed mansions of the house of thy Father , with Abraham , and Isaac , and Iacob , thy frendes , and with al Sainctes , that haue performed thy wil in the true faith and of thy Father , and thy holy Spirit for euer . Amen .

O Lord geue euerlasting rest vnto al which haue gone before vs in the faith of Christ . O Lord remember , haue mercy vpon , & shew fauour to the soules which rest ; pacify , illuminate them , & associate them vnto thy Sainctes in the kingdom of heauen , & make them worthie of thy loue .

Let vs bring forth our praiers , Liturg. Eccle. gotticae . asking of the pietie of our Lord , that he wil vouchsaife to place the soules of them that rest , in the bosome of Abraham , & admitte them vnto the part of the first Resurrection .

S. Iacob . liturg . Hierosol . O Lord graunt our oblation be grateful and acceptable , for the rest of the soules of them which are deceased before vs .

Epiphanius 75. haer. contra Aerium . Because , while we are in this world , oftentimes we be deceived , & err , both vnwillingly , and voluntary : we make memorie both of the lust , and sinners that are deceased ; for sinners , beseching the mercie of God .

Christom . to . 5. in mis. translated by Erasmus . O God have respect vnto vs , and remember al that are deceased in hope of the Resurrection , and life euerlasting , and cause them to rest where the light of thy countenence is seene .

Mis. Constantinopolt . ascribed to S. Andrew Apost. & S. Christom . O Lord as merciful , remember thy seruantes , & pardon whatsoeuer thinges they in their life haue offended in .

We Offer vnto thee this reasonable dutie for the faithful deceased , for our Brethren and Sisters , by the intercession of Patriarches , Prophets Apostles , Martyrs , Confessors , & al Sanctes .

O Lord remember our deceased Princes , Ethiop . in mis. ascribed to S. Matth. Apostle . Bishops , Kinges , and al that are dead in the true faith . O Lord remember al men and women thy seruantes , brethren and sisters , and al the faithful deceased , and resting in the signe of the true faith .

O Lord remember al those that sleepe in hope of Resurrection of euerlasting life , Liturg. Capadoc . auth. S. Basil . and refresh them where the light of thy countenance doth visit .

O Lord remember al thy seruantes , Gregor. in mis. Gelasius apud S. Albin . l. offic. c. de celebrat . missae . which haue gone before vs with the signe of faith , and rest in the sleepe of peace . O Lord we besech thee to graunt vnto them , and to al that rest in Christ , a place of refreshing and peace .

Euerlasting God , we humbly besech thee , that thy seruant , S. Barnab . or S. Ambros . in mis. meduil . for a Bishop . to whom thou hast geuen the gouernment of thy Church being now deliuered from the prison of flesh , and ioyned to the Prelates of Apostolick dignitie , may deserue to obtaine , the reward of eternal life .

My praise and my life , Augustin . l. 9. confes . c. 13. for father and mother . God of my heart , I besech thee for the sinnes of my mother ; heare me by the medicine of our woundes which hanged vpon the Crosse , & sitting at thy right hand , maketh intercession to thee for vs . I know that she delt mercifully , and with al her heart forgaue offences to them that had offended her . Therfore forgeue thou also her debts , if she hath incurred any , by so manie yeares after the water of saluation . O Lord forgeue her , forgeue her I besech thee ; enter not into iudgment with her . Let her rest in peace together with her husband .

Mis. S. Iacobi Apost. allowed Concil. general . 6. can. 32. O Lord our God , remember the soules of the orthodoxal , and true beleuers , from Abel the iust , vnto this day : Cause them to rest in the land of the liuing , in thy Kingdome , and delightes of paradise , in the bosome of Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , our holy fathers , from whence is banished , sorow , sadnes , and groning ; where the light of thy countenance , doth rule and shine continually .

S. Basil . in mis. receiued concil. 6. supr. c. 32. O Lord Creatour of bodies & soules , remember at thy heauenly Altare , al those that are departed forth of this wretched world , and refresh them in thy Tabernacle ful of bewtie . Passe them ouer beyond the horrible mansions of torment , and place them in thy light-some Tabernacles . Deliuer them from want of light , & from darknes , & take them forth of tribulation and greife , & let thy countenance appeare peaceable unto them , neither seuerly examine their former life . But whether in word or work , as men in flesh , they haue sinned , forgeue , and abolish their errours .

O holy Father , we besech thee for the soules of the faithful departed , Ambros . pre● . 1. praepar . to . 4. that they may haue eternal saluation , perpetual health , ioy and comfort euerlasting .

O Lord make an end of our sinnes , S. Leander hispal. et S. Isodor . in liturg . Muzarab . graunt ioy , to the afflicted , deliuery to captiues ; health , to the sicke , and rest to the dead .

O Lord our God , Liturg. Alexandr . ascribed to S. Marke Euangelist . geue rest to the soules of the faithful departed in thy holy Tabernacles in thy Kingdome , graunting vnto them the good thinges of thy promises , which the eye hath not seene , and the eare hath not heard , and haue not ascended into the heart of man , which thou o God , hast prepared for them who loue thy name .

O God geue rest and good memorie Seuer . Patriarch . Alex. l. de ritib. Baptismi . to all hauing societie with vs ; & to my father , and to my mother , & to my maister who brought me vp .

Io. Cassian . 3. part . confess . Theolog. O most holy Virgin , Mother of God , pray for al seruantes of God , men and women , both liuing and departed out of this life .

Praiers preparatorie , before receiuing the most blessed Sacrament of the Altare Christs true bodie & bloud . Chapter . 13.

S. Ignatius Epist. ad Romanos . I Doe not ioy in corruptible nourishment , nor in the pleasures of this life ; I desire the bread of God , the bread celestial , which is the flesh of Christ , the Soune of God ; and drink I desire his bloud , which is life euerlasting .

S. Dionisius Areopag . l. eccle. Hier. c. 5. in contempl . O diuine and sacred Misterie , vouchsaif to open the couerings of signifying signes which are about thee , and apparantly appeared and replenish the eyes of our vnderstanding , with a singular and manifest brightnes of thy light .

When thou receiuest the holy meate , Origen . in hom. 5. in diuersos Euang. locos . and that incorrupted banquet , when thou dost enioy the bread and cuppe of life ; thou dost eate and drinke the bodie and bloud of our Lord : Then our Lord entreth Vnder thy roofe , and thou therfore humbling thy self , imitate the Centurion and say , O lord I am not worthie that thou shouldest enter vnder my roofe .

O Lord our God , the heauenly bread , S. Iacob . Apost. in Liturg. See S. Ciril . Hierosol . catech. S. Mistag . life of al , I haue sinned against heauen , and before thee , and I am not worthie to be made partaker of thine immacuate misteries ; but as a merciful God , make me worthie of thy grace , that without condemnation , I may be partaker of thy holy bodie & pretious bloud , to forgeuenes of sinnes , and life euerlasting .

O Lord who dwellest aboue the Cherubim , Canon vniuersal . seu mis. Ethiop . ascribed to S. Mateew Apostle . and lookest downe vpon thy people , and inheritance : blesse thy seruants and their children ; graunt a portion to them that come to receiue of thy miraculous Table for purging of their mind , and remission of sinnes , & vnion of the holie Ghost , and health of soule and bo , die , & inheritance of the Kingdome of heauen . Amen .

Iacob . Apost. in mis. supr. Tast and see that our Lord is bountiful , who distributed into partes , & not diuided , and bestowed vpon the faithful , is not consumed , for remission of sinnes , and life euerlasting , now & euer & world without end .

Liturg. S. Marci Euangelist . O Lord God almightie , we besech thee , to driue away from our thought the darke assaultes of sinne , & make our mindes ioyfui with the brightnes of thy holie Spirit , that being increased with the knowlege of thee , we may worthily participate of those good thinges , which are proposed vnto thee , of the immaculate body , and pretious bloud , of thine onely begotten Sonne , our Lord , and God , & Sauiour Iesus Christ . Forgeue vnto vs al shew of sinnes , by thy manifold & vnsearchable goodnes , by the grace , and mercies , and gentlenes of thine only begotten Sonne , with whom to thee , be honour , & Rule , with the most holie , and good , and quitning Spirit .

O Lord our God , S. Basil . Anaphor . who out of the aboundance of thy grace , hast bestowed vpon vs al thinges : Thou geuest vnto vs more then we demand , & more bountifully then we vnderstand , thou dealest with vs : stretch forth o Lord , thy inuisible hand , and blesse thy seruantes , and handmaides , and clense them from al spotte of flesh and spirit , and vouchsaife vs to be made partakers of the body of thine only begotten Sonne , that with puritie and holines humble , we may offer our praiers to thee , and vnto thine only Sonne our Lord Iesus Crist , & to thy most holy Spirit , to be adored world without end . Amen .

O our God , Basil . sup let vs not be guilty of the Body & Bloud of Christ thy Sonne , nor sicke in mind , or bodie , because vnworthie we participate the sacred Mysteries : but rather graunt vnto vs , that vntil our last breath , we may please thee and be accompted worthie to receiue the sauing Sacraments of our Lord and Redemer Iesus Christ , nor to be vnworthie of his bodie and purging bloud ; but meete to receiue them , that by them being strenghned , clensed , and perfected , we may worthily besech thee , by that praier which thy only begotten Sonne hath taught vs , that we may crie with a pure heart and say . Our Father which are in heauen , halowed be thy name .

S. Ambros . l. 4. de Sacram. Tom. 4. Eras . praefat. in com . 4. Ambros . O high Preist and true Bishop Iesus Christ , who hast geuen for vs wretched sinners , thy flesh to eate , and thy bloud to drinke , cause me by thy grace alway to beleue and vnderstand , to thinke and firmly hold , to say and esteme of so great a misterie , that which is pleasing vnto thee , and profitable for my soule . O holy bread , o liuely bread , bread bewtiful , pure bread which did descend from heauen , and geuest life to the world , come into my heart , and cleanse me from al vncleannes of bodie and soule : enter into my soule , heale it within , and without . Be thou a perpetual saluation of my bodie and soule . Driue back from me the enemies which lye in waite for me . Let them depart from thy presence , that I being both without and within defended by thee , may come by ● ready path , to thy kingdome , where thinges are not handled with misteries , as in this time , but we shal see thee face to face , when thou shalt deliver thy kingdomes to God the Father & God shal be al in al. Then thou shalt fil me with thy self with a meruelous fulnes , that I shal neither hunger nor thirst for euer . Who with the Father and holy Ghost , liuest & reignest world without end . Amen .

O Lord make me worthie , Chrisost. in liturg . to . 5. by the Intercession of the vnspotted , our Lady , Mother of God , and euer Virgin Marie , that without condemnation I may receiue thy immaculate guist to remission of sinnes , to life euerlasting , purgation of euil cogitations , for illustration of thy commandements .

O Lord Iesus Christ , Gregor. in Sacramentar . Isodor . l. 1. offic. c. 1● . Sonne of the liuing God , who by the wil of thy Father , the holy Ghost cooperating , hast reuiued the world : deliuer me by this thy sacred body and bloud , from al mine iniquities , and al euils , & cause me alwaies to cleaue to thy commandemens , and suffer me neuer to be seperated from thee : who with the same God the Father and holie Ghost , liuest and reignest world without end . Amen .

O Lord my God , S. Leander in liturg . Muzarab . in fest. S. Iacobi . graunt vnto me so to receiue the Bodie and Bloud of thy Sonne our Lord Iesus , that by it I may deserue to haue forgeuenes of al my sinnes , and be replenished with thy holy Spirit , o our God , who liuest & reignest world without end . Amen .

Haile for euer , o most sacred flesh of Christ , for euer the greatest sweetnes . O Lord I am not worthy thou shouldest enter under my roofe , but only say the word , & my soule shall be cured . O Lord I am not worthie thou shoudest enter under my roofe , but only say the word , & my soule shal be cured . O Lord I am not worthie thou shoudest enter under my roofe , but only say the word , & my soule shal be cured . The Bodie & Bloud of our Lord Iesus Christ , preserue my bodie and soule vnto euerlasting life .

Amen .

S. Citil . Hierosol . mystag . catech 5. After receiuing of the bodie of Christ , I come to the Chalice of his bloud prostrate in maner of Adoration and worship saying . Amen .

Of Praiers & Thankes after receiuing of this most blessed Sacrament of the Altar , which is Christs true Body & Bloud . Chapter . 14.

HAuing receiued the pretious Body and pretious Bloud of Christ , S. Clem. Ro. constitut. Apostol. l. 8. c. 21. let vs geue thankes to him , who hath made vs worthie to receive his holy Misteries ; And we aske that they be not to vs for iudgment , but saluation , for the profit of our soule and body , for preseruation of godlines , for remission of sinnes , to life of the world to come .

O Lord God omnipotent , S. Clem. supr. l. 8. c. 22. Father of Christ , thy blessed Sonne : the hearer of them which rightly cal vpon thee , who knowest the intercessions of the silent . Let vs geue thankes vnto thee , for that thou hast made vs worthie of the participation of thy holie Misteries , which thou hast geuen vnto vs for confirmation of thinges wel knowne ; for keping of pietie , for remission of sinnes , because the name of thy Christ is called vpon ouer vs , and we are reconciled vnto thee : Thou who hast seperated vs from Communumcatinge with the vngodly , ioyne vs with those that be consecrated vnto thee , confirme vs in truth , by the coming of the holy Ghost , reueale thinges which we know not , fulfil thinges which are wanting , strengthen thinges knowne , defend Preistes vnspotted in thy seruice , preserue kinges in peace , Magistrates in iustice , the ayre in holsonnes , the fruites in fertilitie , the world in perfect prouidence . Represse warring Nations , conuert them that erre , sanctifie thy people , conserue Virgins kepe the married in faithfulnes , strengthen the ignorant , bring infantes vnto ripe age , confirme nouices , instruct Cathecumens , and make them worthy to be admitted to thy Misteries , and gather vs al together into the Kingdome of heauen , in Christ Iesus our Lord , with whom to thee and the holie Ghost , be Glorie , Honour , and Worship , for euer . S. Thomas Apost. apud Abdiam l. 9. hist. Apost. in S. Thomas Apostol. there the Eucharist was receiued in one kinde . Amen .

O Lord Iesus , I besech , that this thy Sacrament , be vnto vs to life ; that it be to vs for remission of sinnes , for thy Passion was celebrated for vs . Thou didest drinke gaule for vs , that al bitternes of the aduersary might dye in vs . Also for vs thou didest drinke vineger , that our wearines might be comforted . Thou wert spitted vpon for vs , that thou mightest sprincle vs with immortal dew . Thou wast stricken with a brittle reede , to make firme our brittlenes to euerlasting life & eternitie . Thou wast crounned with thornes , to croune those which beleue in thee with the euerflorishing Laurel of thy loue . Further thou wast wrapped in a Syndon , to inuest vs with a certaine enwrapping of thy vertue . Thou wouldest be put in a new Sepulchre , to reforme new grace , a new world vnto vs . I desire this Eucharist be vnto vs to life , & the bowels of mercie , and grace of saluation , & health of our soules . Amen .

O Lord fil our mouth with thy praise , S. Iocobus Apost. in liturg . & replenish our lippes with ioy , that we may praise thy glory , and al the day thy magnificence . We geue thankes vnto thee o Christ our God , because thou hast vouchsaifed vs to be made partakers of thy body and bloud , to remission of sinnes , and life euerlasting .

O God who for thy manifold and vnspeakable bounty , hast condescended to the infirmitie of thy seruantes , & vouchsaifed to make vs partakers of this heauenly Table : condemne not vs sinners , for receiuing thine immaculate mysteries , but bountifully preserue vs in sanctification of thy holy Spirit , that we being made holy , may obtaine part & inheritance with al Sainctes , which from eternitie haue bene accepted of thee in the light of thy countenance , by the mercy of thine only begotten Sonne our Lord and God , and Sauiour Iesus Christ . Amen .

O Lord thou hast geuen vnto vs sanctification , and receiuing of the most holy bodie and pretious bloud of thine only begotten Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ . Bestow vpon vs also , the grace of thy good holy Spirit , and preserue vs without offence in faith : lead vs into perfect adoption , and Redemption , & into those future eternal fruitions . Amen .

Blessed be God , that blesseth & sanctifieth the receiuing of his holy , liuely , and immaculate Misteries , now & euer , & world without end . Amen .

We geue thankes to thee o our God , S. Basilius Anaphora . we exalt thee the Father omnipotent , & merciful , & praise thee Creatour of the world , and adore thee abounding with mercie and grace , because thou hast taken mercy vpon vs , and cleansed vs , and blotted forth our sinnes , and vouchsaifed vs the receiuing of thy holy & liuely Sacraments , which euen the Angels desires to behold : Therfore let their swetnes vnto vs a cleansing , & their participation , for remission of sinnes before committed by vs , and for a medicine of those in which we are yet conuersant : Finally for an auoiding and defence against those which hereafter may be committed by vs , and for ioy and exultation with Sainctes , who from the beginning haue pleased thee .

We geue thankes vnto thee , Chrisost. Liturg . o most gentle Lord Redemer of our soules , because at this present thou hast made vs worthy of thy heauenly and immortal Mysteries . Direct thou our way , kepe vs in feare , defend our life , strengthen our goinges , by the praiers and intercessions of the holy & glorious Mother of God , and alwaies Virgin Marie . O God he thou exalted aboue the heauens , and thy glory ouer al the earth , now and euer , world without end . Amen .

S. Leander et Isodor . in mis. Muzarab . in fest. S. Iacob . O Lord my God , Father & Son & holy Ghost , cause me alwaies to seeke & loue thee , and by this holie Communion which I haue receaued , neuer to depart from thee , because thou art God , and besides thee , there shal be none other for euer . Amen .

Being refreshed with the body and Bloud of Christ , we praise thee o Lord , Alleluya , Alleluya , Alleluya .

The Body of our Lord Iesus Christ which we haue receiued , and his holy bloud which we haue drunke , adhere fast vnto our bowels , o euerlasting almighty God , that it come not vnto vs to iudgment nor condemnation , but profit to saluation , and remedie of our soules vnto life eternal . Amen .

Liturg. gottic . O Christ Iesus , who hast effected an euening Sacrifice by the Crosse , in the euening of the world : vouchsaif to make vs new Sepulchres for thy Bodie .

Amen .

Of Sacramental Confession , a due preparation before receiuing the most blessed Sacrament of the Altare . Chapter . 15.

THere is yet an other hard and laborious remission of sinnes by penance , Origen . hom. 2. in leui● . when the sinner doth wash his couch with teares , & is not ashamed to tel his sinne to the Preist of our Lord , Psal. 32. & seeke remedie , according to that , I will pronounce against me , mine iniustice to our Lord : and thou hast forgeuen the wickednes of my heart .

Graunt o Lord , Mis. Ethiop . ascribe to S. Matth. Apost. as thou hast geuen vnto to thy Preistes , the preisty office in thy holy Church : so we besech thy goodnes and clemencie , o louer of men , that they may absolue vs thy seruantes , & al bowing downe their heades before thy sight in this thy holy Sacrifice .

I confesse to God almightie , S. Damas . S. Leander liturg . Muzarab . S. Anast . finair . l. de S. Sina● micralog . l. eccle. offic. c. ●3 . gem . animae antiq. rit . miss. c. ibi . 64. to the Blessed Marie euer Virgin , to the blessed Michael Archangel , to the blessed Iohn Baptist , to the holie Apostles Peter and Paul , and al Sainctes , & to you my ghostly Father , that I haue greuously offended in thought , word , and deede , by my default , by my default , by my greuous default ; Therfore I besech the B. Mary euer Virgin , blessed Michael Archangel , the holy Apostles Peter & Paul and al Sainctes , and you my ghostly Father , to pray vnto God for me .

Praxis eccl. antiqui ord. tit . confes . penitentialis . S. Albin . l. offic. eccle. c. in capite Iemnii . I confesse to thee o Lord , Father of heauen and earth , and to thee o good & most bountiful Iesus Christ , together with the holy Ghost , before thy holy Angels , and thy Preist , that I was conceiued in sinne , and borne in sinne , and norished in sinnes , and conuersing in sinnes after Baptisme , vnto this hour : I confesse also , that I haue sinned too-much , in pride , vaine-glorie , in proud lookes , and apparel , and al mine actions , in enuie , in hatred , in couetousnes aswel of honour , as money : in anger , frowardnes , in slouth , in glottonye &c. Here the penitent maketh particular confession of al his sinnes he can remember : which done before the Priest absolueth him , Antiq. eccle. Praxis apud S. Albin . Flac. Alcuin . supr. he addeth as foloweth . Manie surely , and innumerable others are my sinnes which I can not remember , in deedes , in wordes , in thoughtes ; for al which my wretched soule is sorowful and somtime afflicted with sharpe penance : therfore I humbly besech the counsail and iudgment also of thee who art ordained arbitratour and meanes , betwene God and man a sinner . And I humbly besech thee , that thou wilt be an Intercessor for the same my sinnes .

Because in these and al other vices , Praxis antiq. in ord. supr. in which humane frailtie can sinne against his Lord and maker , either in thought , word , or deede , or delight , or desire , I know and confesse my selfe to haue sinned , and to be guiltie in the sight of God , aboue al men . Therfore I humbly besech al you , o holy Angels of God , and al Sainctes , and thee o reuerend Preist , in whose sight I haue confessed al these thinges , that you may be witnesses vnto me in the day of Iudgement , against the diuel , aduersarie and enemie of mankind , that I haue confessed al these thinges . I also earnestly intreate thee , o Preist of God , to make intercession for me , and my sinnes , to our Lord God , that I may deserue to obtaine pardon and Indulgence for these , and al other my sinnes , by the merites & Intercessions of al Sainctes .

The Absolution by the Preist , is not for this place , but diuers formes therof are in the Ord. Rom. in S. Albin . sup. Canon uniuers . & others .

Of the external preisthood of Christs Church primarily consisting , in offering the most holy Sacrifice of Christians Christ his most pretious Body , & bloud for the liuing & dead . Chapter . 16.

S. Marcus Euangelist . in Liturg. O Lord , we offer this reasonable & vnbloudie Oblation , which al Nations offer vnto thee , from the rising of the Sunne , to the setting therof , from the north to the south ; because thy name is great among the Gentiles , & in euerie place , Incence , and Sacricfice , & Oblation , is offred to thy name .

S. Clem. Ro. Constit . Apost. l. 8. c. 5. Bishops power & office from the Apostles time . O Lord almightie , geue vnto him participation of the holy Ghost , that he may haue power to remitte sinnes according to thy commandement ; also to geue orders as thou hast charged , & of vnbinding al band , according to the power which thou gauest to thine Apostles , and to please thee in meeknes , & a cleane heart , offering vnto thee without offence alwaies , and without sinne , that pure and vnbloudie Sacrifice which by Christ thou hast appointed , the Mysterie of the new Testament .

O Lord , o Lord , S. Iacobus Apostol. in liturg . see mis. rom. antiq. who hast graunted vnto vs abiect sinners , and thy vnworthie seruantes , that with confidence we might come to thy holy Altare , & offer vnto thee this dreadful & vnbloudy Sacrifice for our sinnes & ignorances . O Lord let it please thee , that we may be ministers of the Sacrifice of thine immaculate Mysteries , & admitte vs coming to thy holy Altare , that we may be worthie to offer Sacrifice for our selues , and for those thinges which the people by ignorance hath committed . O God haue respect vnto vs , and behold this our reasonable dutie , and receiue it , as thou receauedst the guiftes of Abel , Sacrifices of Noe , Preistly duties of Moyses and Aaron , pacifyinges of Samuel , penance of Dauid , Incence of Zachary : as thou receiuedst this true worship of the hand of thine Apostles , so also from the handes of vs sinners , receiue by thy gentlenes , these guiftes proposed : and make that our Oblation , sanctifyed by the holy Ghost , be grateful and acceptable for propitiation of our sinnes , and those which the people by ignorance hath committed .

Liturg. Ethiop . ascribed to S. Matth. Apost. O Lord , our god , who receiuedst the Sacrifice of Abel , & Noe , & Abraham , and Elias , and Dauid , and the oblation of the poore widow in the holy Temple : So receiue the oblation of me , and al thy seruantes , offering in thy holy name ; & let it be a redemption for mine & their sinnes ; & as we offer , so render reward vnto vs in the world present , & to com world without end . Amen .

Enschius Cae. sariens . l. 1. Demonst. Euangelic. c. 10.

Malach. 1.11 .

From the rising of the Sunne , to the setting therof , my name is glorified among the Gentyles : and in euery place , incense & a pure oblation is offered vnto me . Therfore we Sacrifice to our Lord , most high Sacrifice of praise , we sacrifice to God the holy sacred Sacrifice , ful , and bringing sweetnes ; we sacrifice after a new maner according to the new Testament , a pure Oblation .

O Lord God receiue our Supplication , make vs worthie , Chrisost. in liturg . Constant . in offering praiers and the vnbloudy Sacrifice , for al thy people . Thou didest become Man , and wert our high Preist , and as the God of al , deliueredst vnto vs the Sacrament of this Mysterie and vnbloudy Oblation . Make me worthie indued with grace of Preisthoode , to assist to this thy holie Table , and consecrate thy holy Body & pretious Bloud . Graunt that I may offer these Sacraments vnto thee ; for thou art he which offereth , and he that is offered , he that receiueth , and he that is distributed Christ our God .

O Christ our God , S. Basil . liturg . eccl. Cappad . thou art he which offerest and art offered . O Lord thou hast shewed vnto vs that great Mystery of saluation , thou hast made vs , wretches and thy vnworthy seruantes , to be worthie ministers of thy holy Altar .

O Lord graunt , that our Sacrifice be acceptable , and receueable in thy sighr , for al our sinnes and ignorance of thy people .

Basil . liturg . Syror. Make vs worthie to offer this reuerend and vnbloudy Sacrifice , to put away our sinnes , and for an expiation of thy people , & those sinnes which by ignorance it hath committed , & for the quiet rest of them that are deceased . O Lord , holy of holies , God of powers , we offer vnto thee , this reuerend & incruental sacrifice for thy holy Churches which are from one end of the earth , to the other .

S. Barnab . Apost. and S. Ambros . in liturg . mediolan . Almightie euerlasting God , let this Oblation which I vnworthie do offer to thy pietie , for me a wretch , and for mine innumerable offences , be placable and acceptable vnto thee . We humbly aske and besech , that thou wilt accept and blesse these guiftes , these offerings these holy vnspotted Sacrifices which we offer vnto thee for thy Catholicke church . We aske and pray , that thou wilt receiue this Oblation in thy high Altare by the handes of thine Angels , as thou didest vouchsaife to receiue the guiftes of thy seruant Abel the iust , and which thy high Preist Melchizedech hath offered vnto thee .

Ambros . l. 4. de Sacramen . Being mindful of Christes most glorious passion , and Resurection from those below , and ascension into heauen : O Lord we offer vnto thee this immaculate Oblation , vnbloudy Sacrifice , this holy bread , and Chalice of eternal life : And we aske and pray , that thou wilt receiue this Oblation in thy high Altar by the handes of thine Angels , as thou didest vouchsaife to receiue the guifts of thy seruant iust Abel , and the Sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham , & which the high Preist Melchizedech , offered vnto thee .

O Lord , Ambros . l. 4 de Sacram. I being mindful of thy venerable passion , do come to thine Altare ( although a sinner ) that I may offer vnto thee the sacrifice which thou hast instituted and commanded to be offered in commemoration of thee , for our saluation . O high God , receiue it I besech thee , for thy holy Church , and for the people which thou hast gotten with thy bloud .

O high Preist and true Bishop Iesus Christ , who hast geuen vnto vs thy flesh to eate , and thy bloud to drinke , & hast put this Mysterie in vertue of the holy Ghost saying , So often as you do these , you shal do them in memory of me . I aske by the same thy bloud , the price of our saluation , I ask by this meruelous & vnspeakable Charitie , with which thou hast vouchsaifed to loue vs wretches , & vnworthy , that thou wouldest wash vs from our sinnes in thy bloud . Teach me thy vnworthy seruant whom thou hast vouchsaifed to cal vnto preistly function : teach me I besech thee , by thy holy Spirit , to handle so great a Mysterie , with that reuerence and honour , with that deuotion and feare , with which it behoueth , and becometh . For thy great clemency graunt me to celebrate the solemnities of Masse , with a cleane heart , and pure minde . For with how great contrition of heart , and fountaine of teares , with how great reuerence and trembling , with how great chastity of body and purity of soule , is that diuine and heauenly Sacrifice to be celebrated , where thy flesh in truth is receiued , where thy Bloud in truth is drunke , where lowest thinges are ioyned to the highest , earthly thinges to diuine , where the presence of holy Angels is , where thou meruelously and vnspeakably , art constituted Sacrifice and Preist .

We aske thee also o Lord , for the soules of the faithful departed , that this great Sacrament of pietie , be vnto them saluation , health , ioy , and refreshing .

O Lord let that inuisible and incomprehensible Maiestie of thy holy Spirit , descend , as long agone it did , vpon the Oblations of the Fathers , and make our Oblations thy Body and Bloud , and teach me an vnworthy Preist , to handle so great a Mysterie , with puritie of heart and deuotion of teares , with reuerence and dread , that thou maist receiue pleasedly and gently of my handes , for the saluation of al both liuing and dead .

We aske that the holy Ghost coming , Liturg. eccle. Hierosol . auct. S. Iacobo Apost. may with his holy , good , and glorious presence , sanctify and make this bread , the holy Body of thy Christ , & this Chalice , the pretious Bloud of thy Christ , that it may be vnto al receiuing of them , to remission of sinnes .

O louer of men , Liturg. Ethiop . we humbly besech thee , that thou wilt shew thy face vpon this bread , and Chalice , vpon this portable Altare : Blesse , sanctify , cleanse , and change this bread into thine immaculate flesh , and this wine into thy pretious bloud .

S. Basil . liturg . Cappadoc . O Lord Iesus Christ , our God , attend from thy holy Tabernacle , & from the Throne of the Glorie of thy Kingdome , & come to sanctify vs , & vouchsaife with thy powerable hand , to impart vnto vs thine impolluted bodie and pretious Bloud , and by vs , to al the people .

Basil . Anaphor . syr. O Lord , make this bread , the glorious Body of our Lord , Iesus Christ , for expiation of offences , remission of sinnes , and life euerlasting , to them that receiue it . Amen . And this Chalice the pretious bloud of our Lord God & Sauiour Iesus Christ , for expiation of offences , and forgeuenes of sinnes , & life euerlasting to them that receiue it .

Amen .

S. Chrisost. in liturg . Constant . O Lord send forth thy spirit vpon vs , and vpon these guiftes proposed , and make this bread the pretious body of thy Christ , and that which is in this Chalice , the pretious bloud of Christ thy Soone , transchanging them with thy holy Spirit .

Gel●si●s apud S. Albin . l. de diuin. 〈◊〉 . c. de cel●●●●● . missae . ●t S. Isodor . hisp●l . l. 1. de offic. c. 15. de mis. et or●ti●●● . O Lord we besech thee , that pacified . thou wilt accept this Oblation of our seruice , and of al thy family . Which Oblation , o God , vouchsaif we besech thee , in al thinges to make blessed , ratified , & acceptable , that it may be made for vs the body and bloud of thy most beloued Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ .

O lord we thy seruantes , and thy holy people mindful of so blessed passion , rysing from hel , and ascention into heauen of the same Christ , thy Sonne our Lord , do offer to thine excellent Maiestie , out of thy guiftes , a pure oblation , holy oblation , immaculate oblation , the holy bread of eternal life , and Chalice of euerlasting saluation . Vouchsaife to accept them , as thou didest the guiftes of thy seruant iust Abel , and the Sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham , & that which Melchizedech , thy high Preist offered vnto thee , holy Sacrifice , immaculate Oblation .

Humbly we besech thee , o god almightie , that as many of vs as shal receiue of this participation of the Altare , the holy Body and Bloud of thy Sonne , may be filled with celestial Benediction and grace , by the same Christ our Lord .

Amen .

S. Ciril . Hierosolymitan . catech. mystag. 5. O Lord , we offer this Sacrifice vnto thee , that we may remember al those , which before vs are departed from this world : First the Patriarkes , Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs ; that God by their praiers , wil receiue our praiers . We pray for our holy Fathers and Bishops : after we pray for al which are dead among vs , beleuing it to be the greatest help of soules , for whom is offered praier of that holy and dreadful Sacrifice , which is placed vpon the Altar . When we pray for the dead , although they be sinners , we offer vp Christ , who was slaine for our sinnes , that we may procure him who is most bountiful , to be merciful both to our selues and them .

Litur . gottic . O Lambe of God , that takest away the sinnes of the world , looke vpon vs , and haue mercie vpon vs . Thou art made vnto vs a Sacrifice , who art our Preist : Thou art our reward , who art our Redemer ; kepe vs whom thou hast redemed , from al euils .

What preeminence aboue al others , S. Peter & his Successors in his Sea Apostolick haue , in this sacred Preisthood . Chapter . 17.

O Peter , S. Chrisost. ser. in adorat . c. 26. to . 4. sur . the Rocke and firmament of the Church , highest topp of the Apostles ; I besech thee to be present this day , taking pitie vpon vs ; and in spirit , conuerse in this place .

O B. Peter , Victor . vticen . l. 3. persecut. vandal . why art thou silent for the sheepe and Lambes commited vnto thee by our common Lord , with great charge and carefulnes .

O good Shepheard , gentle Peter , Elpis hi●n . de SS. Petro et Paulo . receiue the praiers of them that pray vnto thee , and by authoritie committed vnto thee : Vntye the bandes of our sinne .

The confession of Peter , S. Hilarius com . in Matth. c. 16. vpon S. Peters confes . obtained plainly a worthie rewarde ; because he had seene the Sonne of God in man . Blessed is this man , who was praised to haue fixed his eyes , and seene more than a thing humane , Tu ei Christus f●lius Dei vi●i . not beholding that which was of flesh and bloud , but perceiuing by the reuelation of out heauenly Father the Sonne of God , and iudged worthy who should first acknowledge that which was in the Christ of God . O happy foundation of the Church in naming of thy new name , and a rock worthie of the building by that Rock which should dissolue the infernal lawes , and gates of hel , & al the cloisters of death .

O blessed porter of heauen gates , to whose wil the Keyes of the euerlasting entrie are committed , whose terrestrial Iudgment preuenteth the authoritie in heauen ; that what thinges on earth are bound or loosed , obtaine the condition of the same decree in heauen .

Gregor. in se●t . Cathedrae . S. Peeri . Apost. ●t in natal . O God , who didest bestow vpon S. Peter thine Apostle , the Keyes of the Kingdome of heauen , & geue vnto him the high Preistly power of binding and loosing : graunt , that by the help of his intercession , we may be deliuered from the bandes of our sinnes .

Gregor. l. 11. epist. 43. c. 44. ●● Leon 〈…〉sse . By how much you more feare the maker of al thinges , so much more you may loue his Church , to whom it was said . Thou art Peter , Matth. 16. and vpon this rocke wil build my Church , & the gaites of hel shal not preuaile against it : & I wil geue vnto thee the keyes of the Kingdome of heauen : & what soeuer thou shalt binde vpon earth , shal be bound also in heauen , and whatsoeuer thou shalt vnbind on earth , shal be vnbound in heauen . From whence it is not doubtful vnto vs , with how stronge a loue you bind your selues to him , by whom you desire to be vnbound from al the bandes of sinnes . Therfore I besech he may be the keeper of the Empyre , a Protector to you on earth , an Intercessor for you in heauen .

Let it be lawful for no man without daunger of his state , Concil. Rom. circ. An. 460. to violate either the diuine constitutions , or the Decrees of the Apostolike Sea . We pray , that by S. Peter these thinges be obserued for euer .

We , with al our Nobles , Constantinus magnus Imp. ad Syluest. Pap. Isodor . hispal. hist. Isodor . Iun. collect . can . Adrian . primus epist. ad Constant . et Iren. & the whol Senate , and my Lordes ; and al people , subiect to the Romane glory of the Empyre , haue Iudged profitable , that as S. Peter , semeth to haue bene constituted the Vicar of the Sonne of God on earth : so also the Popes , which are Successors of the same prince of the Apostles , Ado. vien . Chron. aetat. 6. &c. obtaine power of principalitie , more then the terrene meeknes of our Emperial serenitie , graunted from vs and our Empyre , choosing vnto vs the same Prince of the Apostles , and his successors , to be firme Patrons with God .

Pelag. 2. epist. ad illegit . Synod . Constantinop . An. 579. Pray , that the Ecclesiastical honour , be not euacuated in our daies ; nor at any time the Romane Sea , which by our Lordes inssitution , is the head of al Churches , may want , or be spoyled of her priuileges in any place .

Canon . vniuersalis or Ethiop . liturg . the. Preists praier . O Lord God almightie , who by the mouth of thine only begotten Sonne , our Lord God and Sauiour Iesus Christ , hast said to our Father Peter , Thou art a Rocke , and vpon this Rock wil I build my Church ; and the gates of hel shal not preuail against it ( to be shaked ) and I wil geue vnto thee the Keyes of the Kingdome of heauen : whomsoeuer thou shalt binde vpon earth , shal be bound in heauen ; & whomsoeuer thou shalt vnbind on earth , shal be vnbound in heauen . Let thy seruantes and handmaides be vnbound from the mouth of the holy Trinitie , the Father , the Sonne , and holie Ghost , and also from my mouth , thy seruant a sinner , & ful of offences .

What diuersitie of orders and degrees belongeth to true Preisthood , Vowes , Virginitie , Chastitie , & al degrees of the Church . Chapter . 18.

O Lord remember thy holy and only Catholicke , Liturg. S. Marci . and Apostolicke Church , from the endes of the earth , vnto the last endes therof , is diffused , and al thy people , and al thy foldes .

O Lord God omnipotent , we pray & besech thee , to preserue the most holy , and most blessed high Preist , Pope N. and most reuerend Bishop N : Preserue them vnto vs many yeares peaceably executing holy preisthood , for thy holy , and blessed wil , rightly administring the word of truth , with al orthodoxal Bishops Preistes , Deacons , Subdeacons , Lectors , singers , & Lay people .

S. Basil . Anaphor . concil. 6. general . O Lord remember the orthodoral Bishops , Preistes , Deacons Subdeacons , Lectors , singers , Monkes , perpetual Virgins , Widowes , Lay people liuing in al places .

S. Gregor. Sacramentar . Mis. antiq. et ord. ser. 6. Parasc . O Lord who didest breath vpon the faces of thine Apostles , & say vnto them , Receiue the holy Ghost , : so breath vpon vs thy seruantes , standing round about in the entrance of the holy ministerie , Bishops Preistes , Deacons , Lectors , Singers , and Lay people , with al fulnes of the Catholicke and Apostolicke Church .

O Lord remember our fathers , and brethren , which are dead in the true Faith , Preistes , Deacons , Subdeacons , Lectors , Monkes , liuing in perpetual chastitie .

Let vs pray for al Bishops , Preistes , Deacons , Subdeacons , Acolythites , Enorcistes , Lectors , Ostiaries , Confessors , Virgins , Widowes , and for al the holy people of God .

Liturg. S. Iacobi concil. 6. general . Let vs pray vnto our Lord for those which liue in Virginitie and Chastitie in Monasteries , and in venerable Mariage , and for our holy fathers & brethren that be exercised in mountaines , in caues , & holes of the earth .

Let vs besech our Lord , Missal . gottic . praying for our brethren , which haue vowed glorious Virginitie in body & minde , that the spirit of mercy may prosecute them euen to the consummation of their purpose .

O Lord behold sacred Virgins , and voluntarie chast persons , the pretious Margarites of thy Church , that with an equal estimation , they may keepe their bodies and spirit , with an inuiolate conscience of chastitie , by Iesus Christ our Lord . Amen .

O Lord , thou hast shewed vnto me , S. Thomas Apost. apud Abdiam l. 9. histor. in S. Thoma . that I am thine , for which I neuer tooke wife , that I might wholly intend to thee , lest the vse of coniugal loue , might diminish , or custome dissolue , the grace of thy Temple .

You Virgins , S. Ignatius ep ad Philadel . haue you only Christ in your praiers before your eyes , and his father , you being illuminate by the holie Ghost . God graunt I may enioy your sanctitie , as of Iesus the sonne of Naue , as of Melchizedech , as of Elizeus , as of Iohn Baptist , as of that beloued Disciple , as of Timotheus , as of Titus , as of Euodius , as of Clement , which ended this life in puritie .

Ambros . l. 4. de Sacrment . O King of Virgins , and louer of chastitie and integritie , with the heauenly dew of thy blessing , quench in my body , the nurishment of burning lust , that the tenure of chastitie of bodie and soule remaine in me . Mortify in my members the prickes of flesh , & al lasciuious motions , and geue vnto me true and perpetual Chastity , with the rest of thy guiftes , which please thee in truth , that I may be able to offer vnto thee the sacrifice of praise , with a chast bodie , & cleane heart .

Laus Deo .