This work of Dr. Smith’s cannot fail to be a welcome addition to any theological library. There are a great many works on canon law, it is true, but very few which give much information on the discipline of the church here, which is what priests in this country and those who are preparing for the priesthood principally need to understand.
The present volume goes far to supply this deficiency, and the author promises to supplement it soon by another, for which we shall look with interest. He has made a good choice in writing in English; there seems to be no need of choosing Latin for a book on this subject, and intended for this nation chiefly.
Footnotes
[1]. Meline, Two Thousand Miles on Horseback, pp. 225-226.
[2]. Noticias., pp. 15, 16.
[3]. Bancroft, Native Races, iii. 173, 174.
[4]. Piron, L’Ile de Cuba, pp. 48-52.
[5]. Hist. de la Louisiane, i. p. 335.
[6]. Missionary Adventures in Texas and Mexico.
[7]. Thus in the Mass she asks that the offerings be carried on high by the angels; in the Asperges, and Complin she begs God to send down his angels to cherish, guard, and protect all within the building; in the Itinerary she calls St. Raphael especially to protect all who travel; in the baptismal service she asks God to send an angel to guard the catechumen and lead him to the grace of baptism; in Extreme Unction, to give all dwelling, in the house a good angel guardian; the Commendation of the Departing Soul is a constant appeal to the holy angels; and the prayer after death asks that the departed soul may be received by the holy angels and brought to Paradise, her real country. She even asks that an angel be deputed to guard the grave.