Jesus Christ the just, now become an object of malediction for the sins of his people, claims for those departed objects of our solicitude, that gracious pardon announced by the prophet to repentant Israel; his sacred merits we presume to offer in atonement for what is due to human frailty.
SECRET.
LOOK down favourably, we beseech thee, O Lord! on the sacrifice we offer for the souls of thy servants: that as thou wast pleased to bestow on them the merit of Christian faith, thou wouldst also grant them its abundant reward. Through, &c.
AT THE PREFACE.
IT is truly meet and charitable, it is a holy and wholesome thought, that we address thee, O Lord God omnipotent! on behalf of those who have departed this life, that thou wouldst grant them a place of rest and eternal happiness. O Jesus! who, dying for mankind, arose again glorious and immortal from the dead; who ascended into heaven, triumphed over death, and led captivity captive; thou art to come again in great power and majesty to judge the living and the dead: we humbly address thee in favour of the souls recommended this day to thy mercy; give them a share in those eternal joys which the eye hath not seen, the ear hath not heard, nor hath it entered the heart of man to conceive. (1 Cor. xi. 9.) There, amidst the elect and celestial choirs, let them proclaim, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God of Sabaoth; the heavens and the earth are full of thy glory. Hosanna to him who is on high. Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
