the language too of majesty, civilisation and science, as De Maistre
observes. Like her divine founder she is the same yesterday and
to-day: like the rock, on which she is built, she is proof against
the winds and waves; she is unchanged and unaffected by the wayward
caprices of fashion. Translations of her liturgy are published for the
use of those who are unacquainted with Latin so that they may either
join in reciting the prayers of the church, or say others which their
own devotion may suggest.

Having described the ceremonies of low-mass, we shall subjoin a brief
account of those customary at high-mass when celebrated in the papal
chapel: we shall thus avoid unnecessary repetitions in the course of
this work. The beginning of the mass is said by all persons within
the sanctuary: and the Pope recites it before the altar with the
celebrant. As His Holiness is the ecclesiastical superior of the
latter, and is habited in his sacred vestments, many benedictions are,
according to a general rubric, reserved to Him, which are otherwise
given by the person who sings mass. Thus He blesses not only the
incense, the water at the offertory, the subdeacon and deacon, the
preacher, when there is a sermon, and the people after the sermon
and at the end of mass, but also the Cardinals on several occasions,
and the celebrant himself before he offers up mass. "For without
contradiction (says St. Paul) that which is less is blessed by the
better". Hebr. VII, 7. He also, and not the celebrant, kisses the
book of the Gospel. The first cardinal priest present hands to Him the
incense, and also incenses him, kneeling down if the Pope be seated
at the time, and standing if the Pope stands[22], and therefore, he
is seated near the Pope during part of the Mass, that he may be ready
when his services are required.