ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST constitutes the house of the heavenly dwelling, wherein we may alway bless Him. The Voice of the future Church, or of the Apostles. The voice of them counselling that men lifting up pure works of their hands, without anger of heart, or discordance of voice and work, standing in the courts of the present Church or in the future house of the LORD, should bless Him. Finally, the fifteenth step unites those who are busied with righteous works throughout the six ages of life to the nine orders of angels, in order to restore the tenth order. The Voice of the Saints. The Voice of the Church in time to come. For blessing.

VEN. BEDE. After the counsels of natural affection he now in due order advises that a happy combination to praise the LORD should be stirred up with the most burning zeal of love. In the first part, the Prophet invites to bless the LORD, when he addresses the aforesaid people in the plural number. Behold now, praise the Lord. Then he blesses the people singly, because holy unity is the beauty and strength of the Church. The Lord bless thee out of Sion.

It is well to describe in what way these steps or degrees attain to Jerusalem above. In the first step he describes horror of the world, after which haste is made to the pursuit of all virtues. In the second, the power of divine protection is explained, and it is shown that nothing can oppose it. Thirdly, it is said to be a great joy to dwell in GOD’S Church with a pure mind. Fourthly, he teaches that amidst whatsoever troubles, we ought constantly to trust in the LORD, until He hear us in pity. Fifthly, he warns us that when delivered from dangers, we ought not to ascribe anything to ourselves, but all to the power of the LORD. Sixthly, the confidence of the truly faithful Christian is compared to the strongest mountain. Seventhly, it is said what plenteous fruits they reap who sow in tears. Eighthly, it is said that nothing which any one does of his own will abides, but that those things only are very strong which are built up by the LORD. Ninthly, man is declared to be made happy by the fear of the LORD, and all things profitable to be granted unto him. Tenthly, he pours patience, recommended by the words of the Church, into the devout. Eleventhly, he calls out of the deep to the LORD, that it may be felt how great is the divine power in rescuing man. Twelfthly, the virtue of meekness and lowliness is set forth. Thirteenthly, the promise of the holy Incarnation, and the truth of the sayings [concerning it] is established. Fourteenthly, union is urged on spiritual brethren, over whom the LORD’S blessing and eternal life are shown to hover. Fifteenthly, that perfect love is stirred up to the praises of the LORD, beyond which love there is nothing greater to be said nor more glorious to be found, as the Apostle testifies, for “GOD is love.” This number also includes this mystery, that when the five bodily senses, whereby frail humanity contracts all its sin, are overcome by the might of the blessed and undivided Unity, that brings us to the top of the fifteen gradual Psalms.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Of David. Concerning the Priests whom he appointed to busy themselves by night in the ministry of the LORD. Spiritually, it is the doctrine of life.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. Of the people to come.