But ere we were born thou didst think of us and providedst a method of securing to us the gifts of salvation,

Having selected a number of choice disciples, and thoroughly instructed them in thy heavenly doctrine,

That they might perpetuate the memory of thee, and be witnesses to all nations of thy stupendous works;

Thou confirmedst their mission by giving to them the power of miracles, and inflamedst their hearts with the fire of thy holy spirit.

They went forth and every where proclaimed thy law, and undauntedly preached the divinity of their crucified master.

Deep in the breasts of the faithful did they write thy gospel, and sealed it by the effusion of their own blood.

Their successors were the guardians of the same precious treasure, and were solicitous to convey it unchanged to future ages.

Thus has the Catholic faith descended to us, and thus shall it be continued to the end of the world.

Blessed be thy wisdom, O Lord! that has established in thy church these marks of truth, and opened our eyes to see them!

Blessed be thy power that has wrought such miracles to confirm thy doctrine, and inclined our hearts to believe it.

How many souls are unfortunately deluded, and lose themselves in the wilderness of heresy,

While we are led by thy providence in the straight and only way to bliss!

How many nations lie miserably immersed in the darkness of barbarism and unbelief,

While we enjoy a clear noonday, and are continually cheered by the saving light of faith!

O infinite goodness! who hast freely chosen to pour forth thy blessings upon us, though so unworthy of them,

As it is from thee alone we receive these graces, to thee alone let us return our fervent thanks.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

Ant. I will praise thee, O God! all my life, and to thy throne I will lift up my hands.

CHAPTER.-1 Pet. 5.

THE God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, when you have suffered a little, will himself perfect, and confirm, and establish you. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn.

My God! I have my breath from thee,
The power to speak and sing;

Shall not my voice then, and my song,
Praise thee, our glorious king?

Thou hast endowed me with a soul,
With power to judge and choose;
Shall then my mind, or my free will,
Its acts to thee refuse?

But more I have from thee and hope,
Than I can speak or think;

Thy blessings first refresh, then fill,
Then overflow the brink.

But though my voice and fancy are
Too weak to sound thy praise;
Yet both shall strive thy glorious name,
High as they can to raise.

Glory to thee, eternal God!

Thrice holy three in one;

Thy power by all be magnified,

While time its course doth run. Amen.

V. Before man are life and death, good and evil;

R. That which he chooses, shall be given him.

I fenced my vineyard in, planted it with the choicest vines, and built a tower in the midst thereof. What more should I have done to it than I have done?

V. O Lord! hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.

O God! whose wise and just providence has prepared eternal joys for those who ob

serve the precepts of thy law, and everlasting torments for such as refuse to obey thee; grant, we beseech thee, that the knowledge of this essential order which thou hast established, may continually direct our choice, inducing us to shun the broad and enticing road of enjoyment, which leads unto death; and to walk steadily on in the narrow path, that leads to endless happiness; through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.

COMMEMORATIONS, page 53.

VESPERS.

OUR Father, &c., page 59.

Ant. A good conscience is a source of continual peace, and a foretaste of heavenly joys.

Psalm XLVII.

LORD! how securely and quietly do they live who are in a state of grace, and the objects of thy favor!