Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/435

Saviour. "While others," says a pious author, “ boast of ribbons and stars, which are worn and gazed on because they are badges of worldly honour, conferred by the great ones of the earth, you should think it the greatest happiness, the greatest honour, to bear that holy ensign of the King of kings, which is expressive of his greatest mysteries.” Therefore, far from refraining from this sacred sign, which would point you out as a Christian to utter strangers in the furthest quarter of the globe, you should always make it openly and without hesitation. Remember, however, that you are to be guided in this most particularly by prudence, which should direct and accompany every action to make it virtuous. You cannot make the sign of the Cross too frequently, or too openly at present, nor perhaps in future, if you be in the bosom of a Catholic and pious family; because you will be sure of that sacred sign being duly reverenced; but there are occasions in which it would be more prudent to refrain from making the sign of the Cross outwardly, as often as you are now accustomed to make it. For example, to make the sign of the Cross when the clock strikes, as at home you are in the habit of doing, may perhaps expose that sacred sign, as likewise the cause of piety in general, to laughter and derision. Therefore, on that account, through respect for the sign of -the Cross, and not from any apprehension of drawing ridicule on yourself, you would do letter to confine yourself to that elevation of heart to God, and simple thought of the passion which should always accompany the outward sign of the Cross, to make it meritorious and salutary. Be careful, however, not to confound those occasions with others in which your not making the sign of the Cross may be taken, if not for a denial