Then the bishop shall write the alphabet along the pavement, [Footnote 691] first from east to west, then from north to south, the chorus saying the Psalm, Fundamenta ejus.
[Footnote 691: In the treatise of the Mart. Remigius, De Dedicatione Ecciesiae, we have the following explanation of this singular custom: 'A thing which might appear puerile, unless it had been instituted by men, great in dignity, spiritual in life, apostolical in discipline. In all things of this kind, the Lord by His example hath gone before us: and what He hath done, remaineth unchangeable in his successors. What is understood by the alphabet save the beginnings and rudiments of sacred doctrine? Whence S. Paul, "Ye have need that one teach you again, which be the first principles of the oracles of God." Therefore the bishop writeth the alphabet, to signify that he teacheth the pure doctrine of the gospel. He writeth the alphabet twice, and that in the figure of a cross, to signify that the Passion of Christ is set forth by the gospel in its purity. He writeth it in the angles of the church, because by them be set forth the four corners of the world. He beginneth from the east, because the gospel began from the Jews.'
There is probably some reference to the Saviour's stooping down, and writing in the sand. We may also compare those singular and rare bells, in which the only inscription round the crown consists of the letters of the alphabet.]
The Bishop. O God, make speed, etc.
Response. O Lord, make haste, etc.
The Bishop. Glory be, etc.
Response. As it, etc.
Then followeth the exorcism of the salt, and the water, and the ashes.
Then the bishop maketh the sign of the cross at the four corners of the altar, with hyssop, going round it seven times. The chorus sing the Psalm, Miserere mei Deus. Then the bishop sprinkleth the water three times round the church: the chorus singing Deus noster refugium. Then the bishop sprinkleth the water over the altar: the chorus singing Qui habitat. Then the bishop sprinkleth the whole church inside with the water thrice: to signify the Church's inward faith in the Trinity: and once outside, to signify the one baptism. The chorus sing Fundamenta ejus; and while the priests are ascending the turrets, Jacob beheld a ladder, etc., and the Psalm Deus noster refugium.
Then the bishop entereth the church: and sprinkleth water on the pavement in the form of a cross: the chorus singing Benedicite, omnia opera.