The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

374 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.somany modern prayer-composers whose roundedperiods are directed rather to tickle the ears of menthan to pierce the clouds.You are probably familiar with the EpiscopalBook of Common Prayer, and have no doubt admiredits beautiful simplicity of diction. But perhaps youwill be surprised when I inform you that thisPrayer-Book is for the most part a translationfrom our Missal.Let us now reverently follow the officiating Priestthrough the service of the Mass.You see him advance from the Sacristy and standat the foot of the altar, where he makes an humbleconfession of his sins to God and His saints. Hethen ascends the altar, and nine times the divineclemency is invoked in the Kyrie Eleison, ChristeEleison. He intones the sublime doxology, Gloriain Excelsis Deo ; sings the collects of the day, readsthe Lesson or Epistle, chants the Gospel, when thesermon is usually preached. Next, he recites theNicene Creed, which for upwards of fifteen centurieshas been resounding in the churches of Christendom. Then you perceive him making the oblationof the bread and wine. He washes the tips of hia"fingers, reciting the words of the Psalmist : I willwash my hands among the innocent, and will encompass Thy altar, O Lord." He isadmonished, bythis ceremony, to be free from the least stain, JDTheview of the sacred act he isgoing to perform.Preface and Canon follow, including the solemn