Common of Many Martyrs
Printed pages 18–29 · the Common of Saints
Common of Many Martyrs
At Mass. 1. Office.
O let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before thee; reward thou them, O Lord, sevenfold into their bosom. O let the vengeance of thy servants' blood that is shed be openly shewed upon the heathen in our sight.3
At Easter-tide, Alleluya, alleluya.
Ps. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance: thy holy temple have they defiled, and made Jerusalem an heap of stones.4
3 Ps. lxxix. 12, 13, 11. 4 Ib. 1.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 19 · open scan2. Office.
O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints: for they that fear him lack nothing. The lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.1
Ps. I will always give thanks unto the Lord: his praise shall ever be in my mouth.2
3. Office.
Let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God: let them also be merry and joyful.3
Ps. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.4
4. Office.
The people will tell of the wisdom of the saints, and the congregation will shew forth their praise: their name liveth for evermore.5
In Easter-tide, Alleluya, alleluya.
Ps. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for it becometh well the just to be thankful.6
5. Office.
But the salvation of the righteous cometh of the Lord: who is also their strength in the time of trouble.7
Ps. Fret not thyself because of the ungodly: neither be thou envious against the evil-doers.8
6. Office.
Thy saints give thanks unto thee, O Lord: they shew the glory of thy kingdom,9 alleluya.
Ps. I will magnify thee, O God my king: and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.10
1 Ps. xxxiv. 9, 10. 2 Ib. 1. 3 Ps. lxviii. 3. 4 Ib. 1. 5 Ecclus. xliv. 15, 14. 6 Ps. xxxiii. 1. 7 Ps. xxxvii. 40. 8 Ib. 1. 9 Ps. cxlv. 10, 11. 10 Ib. 1.
The following additional Office and Ps. are found in the S. Gradual:—
Office.
The poor crieth, and the Lord heareth him: yea, and saveth him out of all his troubles. (Ps. xxxiv. 6.)
Ps. I will alway give thanks etc. (Ib. 1.)
Of many martyrs not bishops.
Collect.
Almighty and everlasting God, grant us so worthily to venerate the merits of thy holy martyrs N. and N. that we may both be set free from present dangers, and be made meet for everlasting joys. Through etc.
Of many martyrs and bishops.
Collect.
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst kindle the flame of thy love in the hearts of thy martyrs and bishops N. and N., grant unto our hearts the same force of faith and charity, that as we rejoice in their triumphs we may also profit by their examples. Through etc.
1. Epistle. Heb. xi. 33–39.
Who through faith . . . good report through faith.
2. Lesson. Wisdom, iii. 1–8.
The souls of the righteous . . . for ever.
3. Lesson. Wisdom, v. 15–19.
But the righteous . . . invincible shield.1
4. Epistle. Heb. x. 32–38.
Call to remembrance . . . live by faith.
5. Epistle. I Cor. iv. 9–14.
We are made . . . I warn you.
6. Lesson. Prov. xv. 2–4, 6–9.
The tongue of the wise . . . after righteousness.
7. Lesson. Wisdom, x. 17–20.
God shall render . . . fought for them.
1 Followed by these words from Vulg.; “Then shall the promises go directly, and the Lord our God shall lead them to the appointed place.”
Warren, Part II, printed p. 21 · open scan8. Lesson. Ecclus. xliv. 10–15.
These were merciful . . . shew forth their praise.
1. Gradual.
The Lord is glorious in his saints, marvellous in his majesty, doing wonders.1
V. Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand hath dashed in pieces the enemy.2
2. Gradual.
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them: yea, and saveth them out of all their troubles.3
V. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and will save such as be of an humble spirit.4
3. Gradual.
O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints: for they that fear him lack nothing.5
V. But they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.6
4. Gradual.
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God: and there shall no torment touch them.7
V. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: but they are in peace.8
5. Gradual.
Let the saints be joyful with glory: let them rejoice in their beds.9
V. O sing unto the Lord a new song: let the congregation of saints praise him.10
6. Gradual.
Avenge, O Lord, the blood of the saints which is shed.11
V. The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air: and the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the land.12
1 From Exod. xv. 11. 2 Ib. 6. 3 Ps. xxxiv. 17. 4 Ib. 18. 5 Ps. xxxiv. 9. 6 Ib. 10. 7 Wisdom, iii. 1. 8 Ib. 2, 3. 9 Ps. cxlix. 5. 10 Ib. 1. 11 Ps. lxxix. 11. 12 Ib. 2.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 22 · open scan7. Gradual.
Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is: brethren, to dwell together in unity.1
V. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard: even unto Aaron's beard.2
V. For there the Lord promised his blessing: and life for evermore.3
8. Gradual.
Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler.4
V. The snare is broken, and we are delivered. Our help standeth in the name of the Lord: who hath made heaven and earth.5
1. Alleluya. V. Thy saints give thanks unto thee, O Lord: they shew the glory of thy kingdom.6
2. Alleluya. V. Thy saints, O Lord, shall flourish as a lily: and as the odour of balsam shall they be before thee.7
3. Alleluya. V. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye saints and righteous: God hath chosen you to be his inheritance.8
4. Alleluya. V. The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous.9
5. Alleluya. V. Let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God: let them also be merry and joyful.10
6. Alleluya. V. God rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, and guided them in a marvellous way.11
7. Alleluya. V. Our Lord is wonderful in his saints.12
8. Alleluya. V. The noble army of martyrs praise thee, O Lord.13
Tract.
They that sow in tears: shall reap in joy.14
V. He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed:
V. Shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.15
1 Ps. cxxxiii. 1. 2 Ib. 2. 3 Ib. 4. 4 Ps. cxxiv. 6. 5 Ib. 6, 7. 6 Ps. cxlv. 10, 11. 7 Ecclus. xxiv. 21; xxxix. 19 (Vulg.). 8 From Ps. xxxiii. 1. 9 Ps. cxviii. 15. 10 Ps. lxviii. 3. 11 Wisdom, x. 17. 12 Ps. lxviii. 36 (Vulg.). 13 Te Deum laudamus, verse 9. 14 Ps. cxxvi. 6. 15 Ib. 7.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 23 · open scan1. Sequence.
Alleluias softly sounding,
Chant the martyr's requiem;
Angel hosts in joy abounding,
Bright in heavenly glory gleam:
Holy, holy, holy, crying,
As Christ's herald doth beseem.
In the brilliant habitations
Where apostles throned in state
Judge all tribes and tongues and nations,
Shining with effulgence great,
These who all as loss have counted,
Lesser stars, in order wait.
Martyrs o'er the world victorious
Stand in raiment white arrayed,
Saints in snowy chaplets glorious
There are seen, who undismayed
Witnessed a good confession,
Ne'er the faith and truth betrayed.
Heaven is now their habitation,
Uttering words for triumph meet,
Chanting hymns of exultation,
Blending skill with voices sweet,
They before him lowly bowing,
Christ the King submissive greet.
Much the spirits sing thy praises,
Virgin choirs rejoice in thee,
All the heavenly host upraises
In harmonious jubilee,
Alleluia, alleluia,
To thy spotless purity.
Praise to thee who aidest ever
All who so thee glorify;
We to Christ with tuneful fervour
Lift our alleluias high:
In that kingdom fair and shining
May we sing unceasingly.
2. Sequence.
God is much to be admired
In the saints whom he inspired,
Great and wondrous acts they wrought,
Firmly 'gainst the world they fought.
Judges' threatenings they o'ercame,
Stripes could not their courage tame;
Vain each soft cajoling breath;
For their king they welcomed death.
Therefore now they triumph high,
Laurel-crowned in victory:
Following with duteous heed
Where Christ's holy footsteps lead.
To the Lamb, renowned Name,
Hymns they pour with sweet acclaim:
O may we who keep their day,
Join, through him, their bright array!
1. Gospel. St. Luke, vi. 20–23.
And he lifted up . . . great in heaven.
2. Gospel. St. Matt. v. 1–12.
And seeing the multitudes . . . reward in heaven.
3. Gospel. St. Matt. x. 23–26.
When they persecute . . . them not therefore.
4. Gospel. St. Luke, xxi. 14–19.
Settle it therefore . . . ye your souls.
5. Gospel. St. Luke, vi. 17–23.
And he came down . . . great in heaven.
6. Gospel. St. Luke, xxi. 9–19.
When ye shall hear . . . ye your souls.
7. Gospel. St. Luke, xii. 1–8.
Beware ye of the leaven . . . angels of God.
8. Gospel. St. Matt. xxiv. 3–13.
And as he sat . . . shall be saved.
9. Gospel. St. Luke, xi. 47–54.
Woe unto you . . . might accuse him.
10. Gospel. St. Mark, xiii. 1–13.
And as he went out . . . shall be saved.
11. Gospel. St. Mark, xiii. 5–13.
Take heed lest any man . . . shall be saved.
12. Gospel. St. Matt. x. 34–42.
Think not that I . . . lose his reward.
13. Gospel. St. Matt. x. 16–22.
Behold I send . . . shall be saved.
14. Gospel. St. Matt. xxiv. 1–13.
And Jesus went out . . . shall be saved.
In Easter-tide.
15. Gospel. St. John, xv. 1–7.
I am the true vine . . . done unto you.
1. Offertory.
O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places1: even the God of Israel, he will give strength and power unto his people; blessed be God,2 alleluya.
The Offertory is always to be concluded with Alleluya.
2. Offertory.
They that love thy name shall be joyful in thee: for thou, Lord, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous: and with thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him as with a shield.3
3. Offertory.
Be glad, O ye righteous, and rejoice in the Lord: and be joyful all ye that are true of heart.4
In Easter-tide, Alleluya, [alleluya.]
1 Or ‘in thy saints.’ 2 Ps. lxviii. 35. 3 Ps. v. 12, 13. 4 Ps. xxxii. 12.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 26 · open scan4. Offertory.
Let the saints be joyful with glory: let them rejoice in their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouth.1
At Easter-tide, Alleluya, alleluya.
5. Offertory.
Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler: the snare is broken, and we are delivered.2
6. Offertory.
O Lord, the very heavens shall praise thy wondrous works: and thy truth in the congregation of the saints,3 alleluya, alleluya.
7. Offertory.
O satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon: so shall we rejoice and be glad,4 alleluya.
1. Secret.
Of many martyrs [not being bishops].
Receive, we beseech thee, O Lord, the gifts of thy people in honour of the feast of thy holy martyrs; and make us to take part in their commemoration with a pure heart. Through etc.
2. Secret.
Of many martyrs, being bishops.
We offer these gifts to thy majesty, O Lord, in veneration of the glorious merits of thy holy martyrs and bishops N. and N., beseeching thee that as we exhibit reverence for them, we may obtain pardon for ourselves. Through etc.
1. Communion.
Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, alleluya: for it becometh well the just to be thankful,5 alleluya.
Alleluya, when said, is said after the Communion.
1 Ps. cxlix. 5, 6. 2 Ps. cxxiv. 6. 3 Ps. lxxxix. 5. 4 Ps. xc. 14. 5 Ps. xxxiii. 1.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 27 · open scan2. Communion.
A great multitude of sick, and they that were vexed with unclean spirits came unto him; for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.1
In Easter-tide, Alleluya, alleluya.
3. Communion.
The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air, and the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the land: according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die.2
4. Communion.
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die; but they are in peace.3
In Easter-tide, Alleluya, alleluya.
5. Communion.
I have chosen you out of the world, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.4
In Easter-tide, Alleluya, alleluya.
6. Communion.
For though they be punished in the sight of men, God proved them. As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt-offering.5
7. Communion.
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler.6
8. Communion.
I am the true vine, and ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit,7 alleluya, alleluya.
9. Communion.
But I say unto you, my friends, be not afraid of them which persecute you.8
1 Adapted from St. Luke, vi. 18, 19. 2 Ps. lxxix. 2, 12. 3 Wisdom, iii. 1, 2, 3. 4 From St. John, xv. 16. 5 Wisdom, iii. 4, 5, 6. 6 Ps. cxxiv. 6. 7 St. John, xv. 5. 8 From St. Luke, xii. 4.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 28 · open scan10. Communion.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in the light, saith the Lord: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the house-tops.1
11. Communion.
Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.2
1. Postcommunion.
Of many martyrs [not being bishops].
Rejoicing in the reception of thy sacrament, O Lord, we humbly beseech thee that thou wouldest make us to imitate the constancy of those whose merits thou vouchsafest unto us to celebrate. Through etc.
2. Postcommunion.
Of many martyrs, being bishops.
O God, who purifiest us by the reception of thy adorable sacrament, grant unto us, we beseech thee, the continued guardianship of thy saints, whereby we may be found fit to have a portion in the mystery of salvation. Through etc.
Of many martyrs, not being bishops.
[Collect.]
O God, who grantest unto us to celebrate the festival of thy holy martyrs N. and N., vouchsafe unto us the enjoyment of their fellowship in eternal bliss. Through etc.
Secret.
We offer unto thee, O Lord, these gifts of our devotion; grant that in honour of thy saints they may be pleasing unto thee, and that by thy mercy they may further our salvation. Through etc.
1 St. Matt. x. 27. 2 St. Matt. xxv. 40, 34.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 29 · open scanPostcommunion.
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, through the intercession of thy holy martyrs, N. and N., that what we have partaken of with our mouth, we may receive with a pure heart. Through etc.