Vexilla Regis

Originally written by Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson after World War I, these meditations are just as appropriate today with all of the wars surrounding us. THE present volume is an attempt to supply material and suggestions for prayer during the time of trouble now upon us, for those who desire more precise and individual aids than can be put forward by public authority. The compiler has followed more or less the lines indicated by the Offices of the Church, believing that so venerable and orderly a system must surely guide the soul more skilfully and effectively than can any spasmodic or emotional method. Further, since it is obvious that prayers consecrated by centuries, and, supremely, the words of Holy Scripture, offer more security in the approach to the Throne of Mercy than can any original compositions, he has done his utmost to use these so far as possible (especially the words of the Psalter) with but few adaptations even in the prayers he has translated; and has only composed a few others so far as he found it absolutelynecessary. Several of the prayers are taken, by kind permission of the publishers, Messrs. Parker & Son, at Oxford, from Bright's "Ancient Collects." He has drawn up a different scheme for each day of the week, suggesting by the titles of each a particular intention; and has added a number of detached psalms and prayers and other devotions, for each individual to use as it pleases him. The book, from the conditions under which it appears, has been drawn up very rapidly; and the compiler begs pardon for any slips or omissions of which he may have been guilty. Finally, since he believes that, along the broadest and deepest lines, England and her allies are fighting for the cause of justice and liberty against the assault of cruelty and tyranny, he has not scrupled to insert petitions that entreat, outright, for victory from the God of Battles.