structed in the Christian faith to believe positively that the
saints heard our prayers". He mentions the learned work of Serrarius
called "Litaneutici seu de Litaniis etc." as an instance of the
writings, in which "innumerable passages have been cited from ancient
writers to prove, that the invocation of saints is more ancient than
the eighth century. But most of those passages do not refer to the
invocation of saints, but to prayers made to God for the intercession
of saints". Palmer, vol. I, p. 278. We consider that there is little
difference in principle between these two things: we shall however, to
satisfy him, quote only one passage from an ancient Oriental liturgy.
"Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for me to the only begotten
Son, who was born of thee, that he may forgive me my offences and
sins, and may receive from my feeble and sinful hands this sacrifice,
which in my weakness I offer on this altar, through thy intercession
for me, O holy Mother". (From the ancient liturgy used by the
Nestorians called the liturgy of the holy apostles. Renaudot, t. II.
See bishop Poynter's Christianity, Note E: and ancient inscriptions
in Rock's Hierurgia, p. 347 and foll.) Though we have the _innumerable
ancient_ passages above-mentioned in favour of the Catholic doctrine,
yet shall we call Mr. Palmer's attention to the following passage of
his own work. Speaking of secrecy, he says: "this primitive discipline
is sufficient to account for the fact, that very few allusions to
the liturgy or eucharistic service are found in the writings of the
Fathers". I, p. 14. His fears of _heresy and blasphemy_ arising from
the invocation of Saints may be calmed by the simple perusal of the
doctrine of the church taught by the Council of Trent, sess. 25. "The
holy synod commands all bishops and other teachers--_diligently to
instruct the faithful, teaching them_ that the Saints reigning with
Christ offer to God their prayers for men; that it is _good and
useful_ to invoke them with supplication, and to have recourse to
their prayers, help, and assistance, in order to obtain benefits _from
God through his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who alone is our Redeemer
and Saviour_". Accordingly we say in the litany "Lord, have mercy on
us: holy Mary _pray for us_" etc.]

[Footnote 123: We shall say nothing of sculptured figures taken
from the catacombs, such as the statues of the good shepherd and
S. Hippolitus now in the Vatican, or the numerous