Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/434

 who professedly  deride  and  contemn  it. Next, you should make  the  sign  of  the  Cross  frequently. This is inculcated  by  the  example  of  the  primitive  Christians, who by  this  sacred  sign,  consecrated  themselves to God,  and  implored  his  blessing  in  every  action. It is  also  strongly  recommended  by  all  the  great saints and  fathers  of  the  Church; among  the  rest  by the  devout  St.  Ephraim,  who  says,  speaking  on  this subject: “ Cover thyself  with  the  sign  of  the  Cross, as with  a shield,  signing  with  it  thy  limbs  and  thy heart. Arm thyself  with  this  sign  at  thy  studies,  and at all  times,  for  it  is  the  conqueror  of  death — the opener of  the  gates  of  paradise — the  great  guard  of the  Church. Fail not  to  carry  this  armour  about with thee  in  every  place,  every  day  and  night,  every hour and  moment. Whether thou  art  at  work,  or eatest,  or  drinkest,  or  travellest,  or  whatsoever  else thou dost,  sign  and  arm  thyself  with  the  saving  sign of the  Cross. Sign with  it  thy  bed; and  whatever thou usest,  sign  it  at  first  with  the  sign  of  the  Cross, in the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of the  Holy  Ghost. This is  an  invincible  armour,  and  no one  can  hurt  thee,  if  thou  art  armed  with  it.”  Endeavour to  reduce  this  strong  admonition  so  fervently to practice, that  your  most  devout  and  ordinary  actions, the beginning  and  end  of  all  your  duties,  may  be  the sign of  the  Cross; but  be  particularly  exact  in  following the  directions  of  your  Catechism  on  this  head, and never  fail  to  make  it  with  faith,  devotion,  and confidence, ''in  all  temptations  and  dangers, and  before and  after  prayer. ''

Lastly, you  should  make  the  sign  of  the  Cross openly, because it  is  by  this  sign  that  you  show  yourself a Christian, and  prove  that  you  do  not  blush  at  the Cross and  humiliations  of  your  God  and  crucified