the Priest in the public service prays not in the vulgar, but in
a dead language. Such, also, is the practice in the Jewish synagogues at
this day. The Rabbi reads the prayers in Hebrew, a language with which
many of the congregation are not familiar.

But is it true that the people do not understand what the Priest says at
Mass? Not at all. For, by the aid of an English Missal, or any other
Manual, they are able to follow the officiating clergyman from the
beginning to the end of the service.

You also observe _lighted tapers_ on the altar, and you desire to know for
what purpose they are used.

In the Old Law the Almighty Himself ordained that lighted chandeliers
should adorn the tabernacle.(428) Assuredly, that cannot be improper in
the New Dispensation which God sanctioned in the Old.

The lights upon our altars have both a historical and a symbolical
meaning. In the primitive days of the Church Christianity was not
tolerated by the Pagan world. The Christians were, consequently, obliged
to assemble for public worship in the Catacombs of Rome and other secret
places. These Catacombs, or subterranean rooms, still exist, and are
objects of deep interest to the pious stranger visiting the Eternal City.
As these hidden apartments did not admit the light of the sun, the
faithful were obliged to have lights even in open day. In commemoration of
the event the Church has retained the use of lights on her altars.

Lighted candles have also a symbolical meaning. They represent our Savior,
who is "the light of the world," "who enlighteneth every man that cometh
into the world," without whom we should be wandering in darkness and in
the shadow of death.

They also serve to remind us to "let our light so shine before men (by our
good example) that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who
is in heaven."

Lights are used, too, as a sign of spiritual joy. St. Jerome, who lived in
the fourth century, remarks: "Throughout all the Churches of the East,
before the reading of the Gospel, candles are lighted at mid-day, not to
dispel darkness, but as a sign of joy."

You also noticed the Priest incensing the altar. Incense is a striking
emblem of prayer, which should ascend to heaven from hearts burning with
love, just as the fragrant smoke ascends from the censer. "Let my prayer,"
says the Royal Prophet, "ascend like incense in Thy sight."(429) God
enjoined in the Old Law the use of incense: "Aaron shall burn
swee