Greater Double

(1st Vespers)

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

(2nd Vespers)

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

First Vespers

(if it be said)

In churches dedicated to St. Paul, or if his Feast be not celebrated on its own day, First Vespers is said as follows :

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Ego plantávi, * Apóllo rigávit, Deus autem increméntum dedit, allelúja.

Ant.    I have planted, * Apollos watered, but God gave the increase, alleluia.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Ant.    Ego plantávi, Apóllo rigávit, Deus autem increméntum dedit, allelúja.

Ant.    I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase, alleluia.

Ant.    Libénter gloriábor * in infirmitátibus meis, ut inhábitet in me virtus Christi.

Ant.    Most gladly therefore will I rather glory * in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Ant.    Libénter gloriábor in infirmitátibus meis, ut inhábitet in me virtus Christi.

Ant.    Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ant.    Grátia Dei * in me vácua non fuit, sed grátia ejus semper in me manet.

Ant.    The grace of God * which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but his grace abideth ever in me.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Ant.    Grátia Dei in me vácua non fuit, sed grátia ejus semper in me manet.

Ant.    The grace of God which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but his grace abideth ever in me.

Ant.    Damásci  præpósitus * gentis Arétæ regis vóluit me comprehéndere : a frátribus per murum demíssus sum in sporta, et sic evási manus ejus in nómine Dómini.

Ant.    In Damascus * the governor under Aretas the king was desirous to apprehend me ; by the brethren in a basket was I let down by the wall, and so escaped I his hands, in the Name of the Lord.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Ant.    Damásci  præpósitus gentis Arétæ regis vóluit me comprehéndere : a frátribus per murum demíssus sum in sporta, et sic evási manus ejus in nómine Dómini.

Ant.    In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king was desirous to apprehend me ; by the brethren in a basket was I let down by the wall, and so escaped I his hands, in the Name of the Lord.

Ant.    Ter virgis cæsus sum, * semel lapidátus sum, ter naufrágium  pértuli pro Christi nómine.

Ant.    Thrice was I beated with rods, * once was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, for the Name of Christ.

Psalmus 116.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum, omnes Gentes: * laudáte eum, omnes pópuli :
2  Quóniam confirmáta est super nos misericórdia ejus: * et véritas Dómini manet in ætérnum.

Psalm 116.  Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; * praise him, all ye peoples.
2  For his mercy is confirmed upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

Ant.    Ter virgis cæsus sum, semel lapidátus sum, ter naufrágium  pértuli pro Christi nómine.

Ant.    Thrice was I beated with rods, once was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, for the Name of Christ.

Capitulum           2 Tim. 4. 7-8.
Bonum certámen certávi, cursum consummávi, fidem servávi.  In réliquo repósita est mihi coróna justítiæ, quam reddet mihi Dóminus in illa die justus judex.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        2 Tim. 4. 7-8.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Egrégie Doctor, Paule, mores ínstrue,
Et nostra tecum péctora in cælum trahe;
Veláta dum merídiem cernat fides,
Et solis instar sola regnet cáritas.

By holy lore may Paul, thy Church's Doctor, teach
Our earth-bound souls to strive the heavenly goal to reach:
Till that which perfect is shall shine with fuller glow,
And that be done away which here in part we know.

Sit Trinitáti sempitérna glória,
Honor, potéstas atque jubilátio,
In unitáte, quæ gubérnat ómnia,
Per univérsa æternitátis sæcula.  Amen.

Now to the Trinity eternal glory sing;
All honour, virtue, might, and hymns of gladness bring;
He rules the universe in wondrous Unity,
And shall, through all the days of vast eternity.  Amen.

Church of St. Paul-outside-the-Walls, Rome

V.  Tu es vas electiónis, sancte Paule Apóstole.
R.  Prædicátor veritátis in univérso mundo.

V.  Thou art the chosen vessel, O holy Paul the Apostle.
R.  Preacher of truth to the whole world.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Sancte Paule Apóstole, * prædicátor veritátis et doctor Géntium, intercéde pro nobis ad Deum, qui te elégit.

Ant. on Magnif:  O holy Apostle Paul, * preacher of truth, and teacher of the Gentiles, pray for us to God who chose thee.

Oremus.
Deus, qui multitúdinem Géntium beáti Pauli Apóstoli prædicatióne docuísti : da nobis, quæsumus ; ut, cujus natalítia cólimus, ejus apud te patrocínia sentiámus.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who, through the preaching of thy blessed Apostle Paul, hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine forth upon the Gentiles : grant, we beseech thee ; that we who keep the Feast of his birth, may feel the effectual succour of his intercession.  Through.

Ant:  Tu es pastor óvium, Princeps Apostolórum, tibi tráditæ sunt claves regni cælórum.

Ant:  Thou art Shepherd of the sheep and Prince of the Apostles; God hath given unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

V.  Tu es Petrus.
R.  Et super hanc petram ædificábo Ecclésiam meam.

V.  Thou art Peter.
R.  And upon this rock I will build my Church.

Oremus.
Deus, qui beáto Petro Apóstolo tuo, collátis clávibus regni cæléstis, ligándi atque solvéndi pontificátum tradidísti : concéde ; ut intercessiónis ejus auxílio, a peccatórum nostrórum néxibus liberémur : Qui vivis et regnas.

Let us pray.
O God, who didst bestow upon thy blessed Apostle Saint Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and the power to bind and to loose, loose us, we beseech thee, at his mighty intercession, from all the bands of our sins.  Who livest and reignest.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Compline of Sunday
 

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn
 

Invitatory and Hymn

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Egrégie Doctor, Paule, mores ínstrue,
Et nostra tecum péctora in cælum trahe;
Veláta dum merídiem cernat fides,
Et solis instar sola regnet cáritas.

By holy lore may Paul, thy Church's Doctor, teach
Our earth-bound souls to strive the heavenly goal to reach:
Till that which perfect is shall shine with fuller glow,
And that be done away which here in part we know.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn. 

First Nocturn

Ant.    Qui operátus est * Petro in apostolátum, operátus est et mihi inter Gentes : et cognovérunt grátiam, quæ data est mihi a Christo Dómino.

Ant.    He that wrought * in Peter to the apostleship, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles, and they perceived the grace that was given unto me of the Lord Christ.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18.  Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cæli egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18.  Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    Qui operátus est Petro in apostolátum, operátus est et mihi inter Gentes : et cognovérunt grátiam, quæ data est mihi a Christo Dómino.

Ant.    He that wrought in Peter to the apostleship, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles, and they perceived the grace that was given unto me of the Lord Christ.

Ant.    Scio cui crédidi, * et certus sum quia potens est depósitum  meum serváre in illum diem justus judex.

Ant.    I know whom I have believed, * and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day, a just Judge.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 33.  Benedicam Dominum

Benedícam Dóminum in omni témpore : * semper laus ejus in ore meo.
2  In Dómino laudábitur ánima mea : * áudiant mansuéti, et læténtur.
3  Magnificáte Dóminum mecum : * et exaltémus nomen ejus in idípsum.
4  Exquisívi Dóminum, et exaudívit me : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus meis erípuit me.
5  Accédite ad eum, et illuminámini : * et fácies vestræ non confundéntur.
6  Iste pauper clamávit, et Dóminus exaudívit eum : * et de ómnibus tribulatiónibus ejus salvávit eum.
7  Immíttet Angelus Dómini in circúitu timéntium eum : * et erípiet eos.
8  Gustáte, et vidéte quóniam suávis est Dóminus : * beátus vir, qui sperat in eo.
9  Timéte Dóminum, omnes sancti ejus : * quóniam non est inópia timéntibus eum.
10  Dívites eguérunt et esuriérunt : * inquiréntes autem Dóminum non minuéntur omni bono.
11  Veníte, fílii, audíte me : * timórem Dómini docébo vos.
12  Quis est homo qui vult vitam : * díligit dies vidére bonos?
13  Próhibe linguam tuam a malo : * et lábia tua ne loquántur dolum.
14  Divérte a malo, et fac bonum : * inquíre pacem, et perséquere eam.
15  Oculi Dómini super justos : * et aures ejus in preces eórum.
16  Vultus autem Dómini super faciéntes mala : * ut perdat de terra memóriam eórum.
17  Clamavérunt justi, et Dóminus exaudívit eos : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus eórum liberávit eos.
18  Juxta est Dóminus iis, qui tribuláto sunt corde : * et húmiles spíritu salvábit.
19  Multæ tribulatiónes justórum : * et de ómnibus his liberávit eos Dóminus.
20  Custódit Dóminus ómnia ossa eórum : * unum ex his non conterétur.
21  Mors peccatórum péssima : * et qui odérunt justum, delínquent.
22  Rédimet Dóminus ánimas servórum suórum : * et non delínquent omnes qui sperant in eo.

Psalm 33.  Benedicam Dominum

I will bless the Lord alway; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2  My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; * the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3  O praise the Lord with me, * and let us magnify his Name together.
4  I sought the Lord, and he heard me; * yea, he delivered me out of all my troubles.
5  Come ye unto him, and be enlightened; * and your faces shall not be ashamed.
6  Lo, the poor hath cried out, and the Lord heard him; * yea, and hath saved him out of all his troubles.
7  The angel of the Lord shall tarry round about them that fear him, * and he shall deliver them.
8  O taste, and see that the Lord is gracious: * blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9  O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints; * for they that fear him lack nothing.
10  The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger; * but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.
11  Come, ye children, and hearken unto me; * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12  What man is he that lusteth to live, * and would fain see good days?
13  Keep thy tongue from evil, * and thy lips, that they speak no guile.
14  Eschew evil, and do good; * seek peace, and ensue it.
15  The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, * and his ears are open unto their prayers.
16  The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17  The righteous have cried out, and the Lord heard them, * and hath delivered them out of all their troubles.
18  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, * and will save such as be of an humble spirit.
19  Great are the troubles of the righteous; * but the Lord delivereth him out of all.
20  He keepeth all his bones, * so that not one of them is broken.
21  But the death of the ungodly is most evil; * and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22  The Lord shall redeem the souls of his servants; * and all they that put their trust in him shall not be destitute.

Ant.    Scio cui crédidi, et certus sum quia potens est depósitum  meum serváre in illum diem justus judex.

Ant.    I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day, a just Judge.

Ant.    Mihi vívere  Christus est, * et mori lucrum : gloriári me opórtet in cruce Dómini nostri Jesu Christi.

Ant.    To me to live is Christ, * and to die is gain ; so God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 44.  Eructavit cor meum

Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego ópera mea Regi.
2  Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.
3  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.
4  Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.
5  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.
6  Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.
7  Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corde inimicórum Regis.
8  Sedes tua, Deus, in sæculum sæculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.
9  Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
10  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.
11  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.
12  Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.
13  Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.
14  Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.
15  Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.
16  Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.
17  Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.
18  Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.
19  Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.
20  Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sæculum sæculi.

My heart is inditing of a good matter; * I speak my works unto the King.
2  My tongue is the pen of a writer : * that writeth swiftly.
3  Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, * therefore hath God hath blessed thee for ever.
4  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou Most Mighty.
5  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty : * go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.
6  Because of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; * and thy right hand shall wondrously lead thee.
7  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the hearts of the King's enemies.
8  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, * whereby the daughters of kings have made thee glad in thy glory.
11  Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, * wrought about with divers colours.
12  Hearken, O daughter, consider, and incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father's house.
13  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and they shall worship him.
14  And the daughters of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * yea, all the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
15  The King's daughter is all glorious within; * in wrought gold clothed round about with divers colours.
16  Virgins shall be brought after her unto the King : * her neighbours shall be brought unto thee.
17  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * they shall be brought into the King's temple.
18  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou shalt make princes over all the earth..
19  They shall remember thy Name * throughout all generations.
20  Therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee for ever, * yea, and for ever, and world without end.

Ant.    Mihi vívere  Christus est, et mori lucrum : gloriári me opórtet in cruce Dómini nostri Jesu Christi.

Ant.    To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain ; so God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

STAND

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

Erant autem in Ecclésia quæ erat Antiochíæ, prophétæ et doctóres, in quibus Bárnabas et Simon, qui vocátur Niger, et Lúcius Cyrenénsis et Mánahen, qui erat Heródis tetrárchæ collactáneus, et Saulus.  Ministrántibus autem illis Dómino et jejunántibus, dixit illis Spíritus Sanctus : Segregáte mihi Saulum et Barnábam, in opus ad quod assúmpsi eos.  Tunc jejunántes et orántes imponentésque eis manus dimisérunt illos.  Et ipsi quidem missi a Spíritu Sancto abiérunt Seleucíam et inde navigavérunt Cyprum.

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.  So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Qui operátus est Petro in apostolátum, operátus est et mihi inter Gentes : * Et cognovérunt grátiam Dei, quæ data est mihi.
V.  Grátia Dei in me vácua non fuit, sed grátia ejus semper in me manet.
R.  Et cognovérunt grátiam Dei, quæ data est mihi.

R.  He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship, the same was mighty in me towards the Gentiles : * And they perceived the grace that was given unto me of the Lord Christ.
V.  The grace of God which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but his grace ever abideth in me.
R.  And they perceived the grace that was given unto me of the Lord Christ.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Et, cum veníssent Salamínam, prædicábant verbum Dei in synagógis Judæórum ; habébant autem et Joánnem in ministério.  Et, cum perambulássent univérsam ínsulam usque Paphum, invenérunt quemdam virum magum pseudoprophétam Judæum, cui nomen erat Barjésu, qui erat cum procónsule Sérgio Paulo, viro prudénte.  Hic, accersítis Bárnaba et Saulo, desiderábat audíre verbum Dei.  Resistébat autem illis Elymas magus (sic enim interpretátur nomen ejus) quærens avértere procónsulem a fide.

And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.  And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Bonum certámen certávi, cursum consummávi, fidem servávi : * Ideóque  repósita est mihi coróna justítiæ.
V.  Scio cui crédidi, et certus sum quia potens est depósitum  meum serváre in illum diem.
R.  Ideóque  repósita est mihi coróna justítiæ.

R.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith : *  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.
V.  I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
R.  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Saulus autem, qui et Paulus, replétus Spíritu Sancto, íntuens in eum dixit : O plene omni dolo et omni fallácia, fili diáboli, inimíce omnis justítiæ, non désinis subvértere vias Dómini rectas?  Et nunc, ecce manus Dómini super te, et eris cæcus non videns solem usque ad tempus.  Et conféstim cécidit in eum calígo et ténebræ, et circúiens quærébat qui ei manum daret.  Tunc procónsul, cum vidísset factum, crédidit admírans super doctrína Dómini.  Et, cum a Papho navigássent, Paulus et qui cum eo erant venérunt Pergen Pamphyliæ ; Joánnes autem discédens ab eis revérsus est Jerosólymam.

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.  Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.  Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Repósita est mihi coróna justítiæ, * Quam reddet mihi Dóminus in illum diem justus judex.
V.  Scio cui crédidi, et certus sum quia potens est depósitum  meum serváre in illum diem.
R.  Quam reddet mihi Dóminus in illum diem justus judex.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Quam reddet mihi Dóminus in illum diem justus judex.

R.  There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, * Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.
V.  I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
R.  Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Tu es vas electiónis, * sancte Paule Apóstole, prædicátor veritátis in univérso mundo.

Ant.    O holy Apostle Paul, * thou art the chosen Vessel unto God, to preach the Gospel throughout the whole world.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 46.  Omnes Gentes

Omnes Gentes, pláudite mánibus: * jubiláte Deo in voce exsultatiónis.
2  Quóniam Dóminus excélsus, terríbilis: * Rex magnus super omnem terram.
3  Subjécit pópulos nobis: * et Gentes sub pédibus nostris.
4  Elégit nobis hereditátem suam : * spéciem Jacob, quam diléxit.
5  Ascéndit Deus in júbilo: * et Dóminus in voce tubæ.
6  Psállite Deo nostro, psállite: * psállite Regi nostro, psállite.
7  Quóniam Rex omnis terræ Deus: * psállite sapiénter.
8  Regnábit Deus super Gentes: * Deus sedet super sedem sanctam suam.
9  Príncipes populórum congregáti sunt cum Deo Abraham: * quóniam dii fortes terræ veheménter eleváti sunt.

O clap your hands, all ye nations: * O shout unto God with the voice of joy.
2  For the Lord is high, and to be feared; * he is the great King upon all the earth.
3  He hath subdued the peoples under us, * and the nations under our feet.
4  He hath chosen out an heritage for us, * even the excellency of Jacob, whom he loved.
5  God is gone up with a merry noise, * and the Lord with the sound of the trump.
6  O sing praises, sing praises unto our God; * O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.
7  For God is the King of all the earth: * sing ye praises with understanding.
8  God shall reign over the nations; * God sitteth upon his holy throne.
9  The princes of the people are joined unto the God of Abraham; * for the strong gods of the earth are very high exalted.

Ant.    Tu es vas electiónis, sancte Paule Apóstole, prædicátor veritátis in univérso mundo.

Ant.    O holy Apostle Paul, thou art the chosen Vessel unto God, to preach the Gospel throughout the whole world.

Ant.    Magnus sanctus Paulus * vas electiónis, vere digne est glorificándus, qui et méruit thronum duodécimum possidére.

Ant.    Great and holy is Paul, * the Vessel chosen of God, meet indeed to be glorified, and to inherit the twelfth throne.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 60.  Exaudi, Deus

Exáudi, Deus, deprecatiónem meam : * inténde oratióni meæ.
2  A fínibus terræ ad te clamávi : * dum anxiarétur cor meum, in petra exaltásti me.
3  Deduxísti me, quia factus es spes mea : * turris fortitúdinis a fácie inimíci.
4  Inhabitábo in tabernáculo tuo in sæcula : * prótegar in velaménto alárum tuárum.
5  Quóniam tu, Deus meus, exaudísti oratiónem meam : * dedísti hereditátem timéntibus nomen tuum.
6  Dies super dies regis adjícies : * annos ejus usque in diem generatiónis et generatiónis.
7  Pérmanet in ætérnum in conspéctu Dei : * misericórdiam et veritátem ejus quis requíret?
8  Sic psalmum dicam nómini tuo in sæculum sæculi : * ut reddam vota mea de die in diem.

Psalm 60.  Exaudi, Deus

Hear my crying, O God, * give ear unto my prayer.
2  From the ends of the earth have I called upon thee, * when my heart was in heaviness, thou didst set me up upon a rock.
3  Thou hast conducted me, for thou hast been my hope, * and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
4  I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever, * and my trust shall be under the covering of thy wings.
5  For thou, my God, hast heard my prayer, * and hast given an heritage unto those that fear thy Name.
6  Thou shalt grant the king a long life, * that his years may endure throughout all generations.
7  He shall dwell before God for ever: * his loving mercy and faithfulness who shall search?
8  So will I sing praise unto thy Name for ever and ever, * that I may daily perform my vows.

Ant.    Magnus sanctus Paulus vas electiónis, vere digne est glorificándus, qui et méruit thronum duodécimum possidére.

Ant.    Great and holy is Paul, the Vessel chosen of God, meet indeed to be glorified, and to inherit the twelfth throne.

Ant.    Bonum certámen * certávi, cursum consummávi, fidem servavi.

Ant.    I have fought a good fight, * I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 63.  Exaudi, Deus

Exáudi, Deus, oratiónem meam cum déprecor: * a timóre inimíci éripe ánimam meam.
2  Protexísti me a convéntu malignántium: * a multitúdine operántium iniquitátem.
3  Quia exacuérunt ut gládium linguas suas: * intendérunt arcum rem amáram, ut sagíttent in occúltis immaculátum.
4  Súbito sagittábunt eum, et non timébunt: * firmavérunt sibi sermónem nequam.
5  Narravérunt ut abscónderent láqueos: * dixérunt: Quis vidébit eos?
6  Scrutáti sunt iniquitátes: * defecérunt scrutántes scrutínio.
7  Accédet homo ad cor altum: * et exaltábitur Deus.
8  Sagíttæ parvulórum factæ sunt plagæ eórum: * et infirmátæ sunt contra eos linguæ eórum.
9  Conturbáti sunt omnes qui vidébant eos: * et tímuit omnis homo.
10  Et annuntiavérunt ópera Dei, * et facta ejus intellexérunt.
11  Lætábitur justus in Dómino, et sperábit in eo: * et laudabúntur omnes recti corde.

Psalm 63.  Exaudi, Deus

Hear my prayer, O God, when I make supplication to thee : * preserve my soul from the fear of the enemy.
2  Thou hast protected me from the gathering together of the froward, * and from the multitude of wicked doers.
3  Who have whet their tongue like a sword, * and have bent their bow a bitter thing, to shoot out their arrows in secret at the undefiled.
4  They shall shoot at him on a sudden, and shall not fear : * they are resolute in wickedness.
5  They have communed among themselves, how they may lay snares; * and they have said, Who shall see them?
6  They have searched after wickedness : * they have failed in their search.
7  Man shall come to the deep of his heart : * and God shall be exalted.
8  The arrows of children are their wounds : * yea, their tongues shall make them fall.
9  All they that saw them were troubled : * and every man feared.
10  And they have declared the works of God : * and understood that which he hath done.
11  The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and put his trust in him; * and all they that are true of heart shall be glad.

Ant.    Bonum certámen certávi, cursum consummávi, fidem servavi.

Ant.    I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.

STAND

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

If this Feast is reduced to a Simple, and Lesson ix is to be said for it, the following Lesson iv only is used.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Apóstolus Paulus, quem certe invénimus sine ullis méritis bonis, immo cum multis méritis malis, Dei grátiam consecútum, reddéntis bona pro malis, videámus quid dicat, sua jam propinquánte passióne, scribens ad Timótheum : Ego enim jam ímmolor, inquit, et tempus resolutiónis meæ instat.  Bonum certámen certávi, cursum consummávi, fidem servávi.  Ista útique jam mérita sua bona commémorat ; ut post bona mérita consequátur corónam, qui post mérita mala consecútus est grátiam.  Dénique atténdite quid sequátur : Súperest, inquit, mihi coróna justítiæ, quam reddet mihi Dóminus in illa die justus judex.  Cui rédderet corónam justus judex, si non donásset grátiam miséricors Pater?  Et quómodo esset ista coróna justítiæ, nisi præcessísset grátia, quæ justíficat ímpium?  Quómodo ista débita redderétur, nisi prius illa gratúita donarétur?

The Apostle Paul was a man who, when we first hear of him, had not only no merits, but a great many demerits.  But he received grace from God, who is the one that returneth good for evil.  And let us see in what sort of language, when the hour of his last sufferings was at hand, he wrote to Timothy.  He saith : I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand ; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.  Here he counteth his merits, whereon a crown was immediately to follow, just as grace had followed immediately on his demerits.  Listen to what cometh next : Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.  Unto whom would the Lord give a crown as a righteous Judge, if he had not first given grace, as a merciful Father?  And how would that crown be a crown of righteousness, if there had not first come grace which justifieth the ungodly?  How could a reward have been earned unless the power to earn it had first been given unearned?

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Tu es vas electiónis, sancte Paule Apóstole, prædicátor veritátis in univérso mundo, * Per quem omnes Gentes cognovérunt grátiam Dei.
V.  Intercéde  pro nobis ad Deum, qui te elégit.
R.  Per quem omnes Gentes cognovérunt grátiam Dei.

R.  O holy Apostle Paul, thou art the chosen Vessel unto God, to preach the Gospel throughout the whole world, *  By thee all nations have known the grace of God.
V.  Pray for us to God who chose thee.
R.  By thee all nations have known the grace of God.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

Proínde considerémus ipsa mérita Apóstoli Pauli, quibus dixit corónam redditúrum júdicem justum, et videámus utrum mérita ipsíus tamquam ipsíus, id est, ex ipso ei comparáta, an dona sint Dei.  Bonum, inquit, certámen certávi, cursum consummávi, fidem servávi.  Primo ista bona ópera, si non ea præcessíssent cogitatiónes bonæ, nulla essent.  Atténdite ítaque quid de ipsis cogitatiónibus dicat ; ait enim scribens ad Corínthios : Non quia idónei sumus cogitáre áliquid a nobis, tamquam a nobismetípsis ; sed sufficiéntia nostra ex Deo est.  Deínde síngula inspiciámus.

Let us now consider what were the merits of the Apostle Paul, which entitled him to look for a crown of righteousness from the Lord, the righteous Judge, and let us see whether these merits sprang from himself or were God's gift to him.  He saith : I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.  To begin with, these good works would have been nothing worth unless they had come from good thoughts.  Listen therefore to what this same Paul saith concerning good thoughts.  He writeth to the Corinthians : Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to think anything, as of ourselves ; but our sufficiency is of God.  Now let us take point by point.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Grátia Dei sum id quod sum : * Et grátia ejus in me vácua non fuit, sed semper in me manet.
V.  Qui operátus est Petro in apostolátum, operátus est et mihi inter Gentes.
R.  Et grátia ejus in me vácua non fuit, sed semper in me manet.

R.  By the grace of God I am what I am, * And his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but ever abideth in me.
V.  He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles.
R.  And his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but ever abideth in me.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Bonum, inquit, certámen certávi.  Quæro qua virtúte certáverit, utrum quæ illi ex semetípso fúerit, an quæ désuper data sit?  Sed absit ut tantus doctor ignoráverit legem Dei, cujus vox est in Deuteronómio : Ne dicas in corde tuo : Fortitúdo mea et poténtia manus meæ fecit mihi virtútem magnam hanc ; sed memoráberis Dómini Dei tui, quia ipse tibi dat fortitúdinem fácere virtútem.  Quid autem prodest bonum certámen, nisi sequátur victória?  Et quis dat victóriam, nisi ille, de quo dicit ipse : Grátias Deo, qui dat nobis victóriam per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum?

He saith : I have fought a good fight.  I should like to know in whose strength he fought.  In his own strength? or in strength given him from above?  God forbid that this great teacher should be supposed not to have known the Law of his God, who saith in the Book of Deúteronomy : Say not in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth ; but thou shalt remember the Lord thy God ; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.  And who is he that giveth the victory save he of whom this very same Paul saith : Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Saulus, qui et Paulus, magnus prædicátor, * A Deo confortátus convalescébat, et confundébat Judæos.
V.  Osténdens quia hic est Christus, Fílius Dei.
R.  A Deo confortátus convalescébat, et confundébat Judæos.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  A Deo confortátus convalescébat, et confundébat Judæos.

R.  Saul who also is called Paul was by God made a great preacher, * From whom he increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews.
V.  Proving that this is very Christ, the Son of God.
R.  From whom he increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  From whom he increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Saulus, qui et Paulus, * magnus prædicátor, a Deo confortátus convalescébat, et confundébat Judæos.

Ant.    Saul, who also is called Paul, * was by God made a great preacher, from whom he increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 74.  Confitebimur tibi

Confitébimur tibi, Deus: *  confitébimur, et invocábimus nomen tuum.
2  Narrábimus mirabília tua: * cum accépero tempus, ego justítias judicábo.
3  Liquefácta est terra, et omnes qui hábitant in ea: * ego confirmávi colúmnas ejus.
4  Dixi iníquis: Nolíte iníque ágere: * et delinquéntibus : Nolíte exaltáre cornu :
5  Nolíte extóllere in altum cornu vestrum: * nolíte loqui advérsus Deum iniquitátem.
6  Quia neque ab Oriénte, neque ab Occidénte, neque a desértis móntibus: * quóniam Deus judex est.
7  Hunc humíliat, et hunc exáltat: * quia calix in manu Dómini vini meri plenus misto.
8  Et inclinávit ex hoc in hoc: verúmtamen fæx ejus non est exinaníta: * bibent omnes peccatóres terræ.
9  Ego autem annuntiábo in sæculum: * cantábo Deo Jacob.
10  Et ómnia córnua peccatórum confríngam: * et exaltabúntur córnua justi.

Unto thee, O God, shall we give thanks; * yea, unto thee shall we give thanks, and call upon thy Name.
2  We shall declare thy wondrous works * in mine appointed time, I will judge the righteous.
3  The earth is melted, and all that dwell therein : * I have established the pillars thereof.
4  I said unto the wicked, Deal not wickedly; * and to the ungodly, Set not up your horn.
5  Set not up your horn on high, * and speak not wickedness against God.
6  For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the desert hills : * for God is the judge.
7  He putteth down one, and lifteth up another : * for in the hand of the Lord there is a cup of strong wine full mixt.
8  And he hath poured it out from this to that, but the dregs thereof are not emptied, * all the sinners of the earth shall drink.
9  But I will declare for ever, * I will sing unto the God of Jacob.
10  All the horns of the ungodly also will I break, * and the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Ant.    Saulus, qui et Paulus, magnus prædicátor, a Deo confortátus convalescébat, et confundébat Judæos.

Ant.    Saul, who also is called Paul, was by God made a great preacher, from whom he increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews.

Ant.    Ne magnitúdo * revelatiónum extóllat  me, datus est mihi stímulus carnis meæ, ángelus sátanæ, qui me colaphízet : propter quod ter Dóminum rogávi ut auferrétur a me, et dixit mihi Dóminus : Súfficit tibi, Paule, grátia mea.

Ant.    Lest I should be exalted * above measure through the greatness of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me : for this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me ; and the Lord said unto me : Paul, my grace is sufficient for thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.
2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.
3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.
4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.
5  Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.
6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.
7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.
8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.
9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:
10  Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.
11  Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.
12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.
13  Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

The Lord hath reigned, may the earth be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles shall be joyful.
2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.
4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and trembled.
5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * the whole earth at the presence of the Lord.
6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in their vain gods.
8  Worship him, all ye his Angels : * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.
9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
10  For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.
11  O ye that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joy for such as are true-hearted.
13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Ant.    Ne magnitúdo revelatiónum extóllat  me, datus est mihi stímulus carnis meæ, ángelus sátanæ, qui me colaphízet : propter quod ter Dóminum rogávi ut auferrétur a me, et dixit mihi Dóminus : Súfficit tibi, Paule, grátia mea.

Ant.    Lest I should be exalted above measure through the greatness of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me : for this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me ; and the Lord said unto me : Paul, my grace is sufficient for thee.

Ant.    Repósita est mihi * coróna justítiæ, quam reddet mihi Dóminus in illa die justus judex.

Ant.    There is laid up for me * a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day.

COMMENTARY