And
having thus purified their minds, let them enter upon the holy
fast-tide, and cleanse themselves by satisfaction against holy Easter,
for this satisfaction is as it were a second baptism. As in Baptism the
sins before committed are forgiven, so, by satisfaction, are the sins
committed after Baptism." Theodulf's Canons, A.D. 994 (Canon 36).
It is evident, says Johnson, that "holy night" means "lenten night," as
the context shows.
xi Incense in the Anglo-Saxon Church.
Dr. Rock, in his "Hierurgia Anglicans," states that incense was used at
the Gospel. In vol. i., quoting from Ven. Bede, he writes--"Conveniunt
omnes in ecclesium B. Petri ipse (Ceolfridas Abbas) thure incenso, et
dicto oratione, ad altare pacem dat omnibus, stans in gradibus,
thuribulum habens in menu." In Leofric's Missal is a form for the
blessing of incense. Theodore's Penitential also affixes a penance to
its wilful or careless destruction. Ven. Bede on his deathbed gave away
incense amongst his little parting presents, as his disciple, Cuthbert,
relates. Amongst the furniture of the larger Anglo-Saxon churches was a
huge censer hanging from the roof, which emitted fumes throughout the mass.
"Hic quoque thuribulum, capitellis undique cinctum,
Pendet de summo, fumosa foramina pandens:
De quibus ambrosia spirabunt thura Sabaea,
Quando sacerdotes missas offerre jubentur."
Alcuini _Opera_, B. ii,, p.
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