their armies, and their allies, for the sick and the afflicted, and in a word, for all who want assistance. Again, when we offer this Sacrifice, we commemorate those who have departed this world before us. We offer up that Christ who was sacrificed for our sins, propitiating him, who is so merciful, for them and for us."—He proceeds to the Lord's prayer, which is recited in the Mass, and dwells on its several clauses; and then prescribes the reverential manner, in which the body and blood of Christ are to be taken. Catech. Mystag. v. n. viii, ix, x. p. 327-8.-See page 221.
St. GREGORY OF NAZIANZUM, G. C.—“And where, and by whom, could God be worshipped in those mystic and elevating sacred rites, than which nothing, among us, is greater nor more excellent, if there were no Priesthood, nor Sacrifice —Knowing this, and knowing besides, that no one was worthy of this great God, this Sacrifice, and this Priesthood, who had not first offered himself a victim to the Lord -how should I dare to offer to him that external Sacrifice, that antitype of great mysteries, or to take up the name and habit of a Priest?” Orat. 1. T. 1. p. 3, 38.—“Julian, in impure and wicked blood, washes away his baptismal rite, opposing initiation to initiation-he defiles his hands, in order to purify them from that unbloody Sacrifice," through which we communicate with Christ, with his divine nature, and his sufferings.” Orat. iii. in Julian. T. 1. p. 70.
ST. OPTATUS OF MILEVIS, L. C.-See the quotation from him, p. 223.—“What is so sacrilegious,” &c.
St. AMBROSE, L. C.-Commenting on the appearance of the Angel to Zacharias, (Luke 1.) he says: “It were to be wished that, while we burn incense on our altars, and offer Sacrifice, the angel would assist, and become visible to us.