pleased the Holy Ghost to have it still retained in the Church of God. Its meaning may be said to be: "know that thy prayers are heard;" it is in substance, as if God condescended to return an answer to the supplicant, and graciously dismissed him, after having heard his prayers with a propitious ear. This interpretation has been approved by the constant usage of the Church of God: in the sacrifice of the Mass, when the Lord's prayer is said, she does not assign the word "amen," to the assistant, who answers, "but deliver us from evil:" she reserves it as appropriate to the Priest himself, who, in quality of interpreter between God and man, answers "amen," thus intimating that God has heard the prayers of his people. This practice, however, is not common to all prayers, but is peculiar to the Lord's prayer. In every other instance the assistant answers "amen;" because, in every other, it only expresses the acquiescence of the people, and the community of their desires and prayers; in this it is an answer, intimating that God has heard the petition of his supplicant.
The word "amen," by many interpreted differently.By many, the word "amen" is differently interpreted: the Septuagint interprets it, "so be it:" others translate it, "verily," or "truly;" Aquila renders it, "faithfully." Which of these versions we adopt, is a matter of little importance, provided we understand it to have the force already mentioned, that of the Pastor confirming the concession of what has been prayed for; an interpretation to which the Apostle lends the weight of his authority in his Epistle to the Corinthians; where he says: "All the promises of God are in him it is;[1] therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory."
It fixes attention, and enlivens hope.To us also this word is very appropriate, containing, as it does, some confirmation of the petitions which we have already presented at the throne of God, and fixing our attention when engaged in holy prayer; for it not unfrequently happens that, in prayer, a variety of distracting thoughts divert the mind to other objects. Nay, more, by this word we most earnestly beg of God that all our preceding petitions may be granted, or rather, understanding that they have been all granted, and feeling the divine assistance powerfully present with us, we cry out in the inspired words of the prophet: "Behold God is my helper; and the Lord is the protection of my soul;"[2] nor can we for a moment doubt, that God is moved by the name of his Son, and by a word so often uttered by the divine lips of him, "who," as the Apostle says, "was always heard for his reverence."[3]
THE END.
