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 I

 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS 
 AND THE BOOK BELOVED
 
 MOTHEB CHURCH
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS 
 ANDTHE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 A MYSTERY PLAY 
 
 BY 
 
 MARIE E. J. HOBART 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 "LADY CATECHISM AND THE CHILD " 
 
 LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 
 
 91 AND 93 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 
 
 LONDON, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA 
 
 MCMVII
 
 Written for St. Agnes' Sunday School, Trinity 
 
 Parish, and presented by the Children 
 
 of the Sunday School on the 
 
 Eve of St. Agnes, 1906. 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1906, BY 
 MARIE E. J. HOBART 
 
 First Edition, November, 1906 
 Reprinted, November, 1907
 
 J^etrtcatefc 
 to 
 
 9* ** %

 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS 
 AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY y. , 
 
 Christopher, A Servant of Mother Church &►*' 
 
 First Little Pilgrim 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim 0t** 
 
 Mother Church /'-' B 
 
 Matins &&»>*> 6 i *U* Matrimony « 4** ^ w •**« 
 
 Evensong «- Visitation of Sick***? ^^4*2 
 
 Litany <FW^^ Requiem #* t^ 1 
 
 Baptism iktt Churching of Women/W/? ^ */*&* 
 
 $lt#^Lady Catechisms Maris Stella '■ i£rxcL.ffi/ 
 
 Confirmation Visitation of Prisoners ftr^v 
 
 Eucharist Song of Harvest Home^ f> 
 
 ^ I ^]. Psalter zpUtftrns Family Prayer 
 
 Ordinal €aw<Mr^/tft^u^ - 
 Articles of Religion^ 
 
 The Bookbinder L 
 Lectionary Preface fbOW*\ 
 
 Calendar Ratification 
 
 A Child of St. Agnes 
 Flower Girls, Acolytes, a Standard Bearer
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 Mother Church .... Frontispiece 
 
 To face page 
 
 Aye, verily, the sign of God's love . . 4 
 
 We are pilgrims from the Land of Dark- 
 ness ...... 8 
 
 I am about to show you the great Christian 
 
 act of worship ..... 24 
 
 Arise, thou incomparable young prince . 40 
 
 Come with me, thou Book Beloved, and 
 
 let us take the World for Christ ! . 52
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS 
 AND THE BOOK BELOVED
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS 
 AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 SCENE 
 
 A RUDE, WAYSIDE CROSS, WEATHER- 
 STAINED AND OVERGROWN WITH VINES. 
 OPPOSITE THE CROSS, A RUSTIC BENCH 
 FOR TRAVELERS' USE. 
 
 A bell in the village Church tower rings 
 the hour of noon. Enter Christopher. 
 He wears a straw hat, and carries a 
 sickle and a little sheaf of wheat, because 
 he comes from working in the fields. He 
 stands opposite the Cross, and looks at it 
 attentively for a few moments. 
 
 Christopher. — At this hour the Saviour of 
 
 the World stretched forth His 
 arms upon the Cross, for our 
 redemption. Holy Church bids 
 us cease our work for a mo- 
 ment to pray for those who
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 dwell in the region and shadow 
 of death, that in their darkness 
 light may spring up. 
 
 He lays aside his hat and his sheaf and 
 sickle, and kneels before the Cross, where 
 he remains in an attitude of deep devotion. 
 Enter the two Little Pilgrims. The younger 
 of them sinks down wearily on the rustic 
 bench. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — Let us rest awhile, my 
 
 sister, the way is long, and 
 the sun is very hot. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Yes, the way is long, but 
 
 brother, when our quest is fin- 
 ished, we will remember no 
 more the weariness of the jour- 
 ney, so great will be our joy. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — (After a slight pause, 
 
 looks up and sees the Cross.) 
 The Sign! My sister, the Sign ! 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Aye, verily, the Sign of 
 
 God's love, and one praying 
 
 4
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 beside it. Now blessed be the 
 Lord God of our Teacher who 
 hath led us in the right way ! 
 
 Christopher rises from his knees, picks up 
 the sickle and sheaf and turning sees the 
 Little Pilgrims. 
 
 Christopher. — God be with you, gentle pil- 
 grims ! 
 
 The Two Little Pilgrims. — (bowing low) And with 
 
 thee, fair stranger ! 
 
 Christopher. — I see by your apparel that ye 
 
 are come from afar. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Yes, we are little pilgrims 
 
 from the Land of Darkness. 
 
 Christopher. — And what seek ye, so far from 
 
 your native land ? 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — We seek Holy Church. 
 Christopher. — (with surprise) Holy Church ! 
 
 The Little Pilgrims draw back, somewhat 
 disconcerted. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — (timidly) We thought when 
 
 we saw thee kneeling yonder 
 
 5
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 (pointing to the Cross), that 
 thou knewest Holy Church, 
 and couldst direct us where to 
 find her. 
 
 Christopher. — (eagerly) Aye, verily I know her, 
 
 for she is my own sweet 
 Mother. I only marvelled that 
 ye should know her, since ye 
 say that ye are come from the 
 Land of Darkness. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — We know Holy Church 
 
 in name only, her have we 
 not yet seen. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — But, craving your pardon, 
 
 fair sir, we cannot tell our 
 errand to anyone, saving only 
 to Holy Church, for such was 
 the command laid upon us by 
 our good Teacher who sent us 
 hither. 
 
 Christopher. — Then will I lead you to her 
 
 without further delay, but stay, 
 
 6
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 ye are weary with your jour- 
 ney, rest here beside the Rood, 
 and I will run quickly and call 
 Mother Church, for she is not 
 far away. 
 
 Exit Christopher (running). 
 
 The Little Pilgrims look up at the Rood 
 with trustful love, then seat themselves at 
 its foot and rest their heads against it. 
 Music plays softly one verse of " The 
 Church's One Foundation!' 
 Enter Mother Church, preceded by Chris- 
 topher, who henceforth bears a cross, as he 
 is in attendance on Holy Church. 
 Mother Church walks quickly, looking 
 about her with tender anxiety. She wears 
 a white robe and mantle, a red cross 
 broidered on her bosom. She has also a 
 helmet and sword to show that we see her 
 as the Church Militant here in earth. At 
 her girdle she wears a bunch of keys. 
 
 Mother Church. — And where are these little pil- 
 grims who have come so far 
 seeking the Mother in whose
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 arms they should have been 
 cradled ? (Sees the Little Pil- 
 grims.) Ah! (She holds out 
 her arms to them.) 
 The Little Pilgrims have risen when 
 Mother Church first enters. They now 
 advance timidly, bowing very low. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Gracious Lady ! 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — Gracious Lady ! 
 
 Mother Church. — (gathering them in her arms) 
 
 Precious little lambs, for whom 
 the Good Shepherd died ! (A 
 pause during which Mother 
 Church looks at the Little 
 Pilgrims with loving interest. 
 She then leads them towards 
 the bench, and seating herself, 
 places the Little Pilgrims be- 
 fore her.) Now tell me, whence 
 are ye come, and what is your 
 errand with me ? 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — We are pilgrims from 
 
 the Land of Darkness.
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — We are come to ask thee 
 
 to teach us how to worship 
 God. 
 
 Mother Church. — And how did ye hear of God 
 
 in the Land of Darkness ? 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Gracious Lady, we had a 
 
 teacher. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — But only for a little while, 
 
 then he was set upon by wicked 
 men, and wounded so sorely 
 that presently he died. 
 
 Mother Church. — Who was your teacher, my 
 
 little pilgrims? 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — He was a servant of 
 
 thine, dear Lady. 
 First Little Pilgrim. — He was so good ! He 
 
 healed us of our sicknesses, 
 
 and restored many blind folk 
 
 to sight. 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — Aye, and he told us of 
 
 God, the Father of Heaven. 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Yes, and we know some- 
 
 9
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 what of the meaning of yonder 
 Sign, (pointing to the Rood) 
 
 Mother Church. — And what is the meaning of 
 
 yonder Sign, sweet little ones ? 
 
 The two Little Pilgrims together eagerly. — That 
 
 God so loved the world that 
 He gave His only begotten 
 Son that whosoever believeth 
 in Him should not perish, but 
 have everlasting life ! 
 
 Mother Church. — Verily and indeed, ye have 
 
 well learned the meaning of 
 the Cross, my little pilgrims. 
 God be praised for the faithful- 
 ness of His missionaries! He 
 will not forget their works and 
 labor that proceedeth of love, 
 which they have showed for 
 His Name's sake .... Did 
 this same, your teacher, send 
 you to find me? 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Yes, with his last breath 
 
 10
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 he bade us never rest until we 
 had found thee. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — For, said he, She alone 
 
 can teach you to worship the 
 Lord your God after the pat- 
 tern which was showed her in 
 the Mount. 
 
 Mother Church. — Ye have done well to obey 
 
 your teacher, and the Lord 
 shall reward your faith and 
 grant you your hearts' desire : 
 For ye were created to wor- 
 ship God, and the one purpose 
 and joy of life is this, perfectly 
 to love Him and worthily to 
 magnify His Holy Name. I 
 will therefore show you after 
 what manner the Church Cath- 
 olic doth worship God. (To 
 Christopher.) Christopher, hie 
 thee to yonder belfry, and ring 
 the bell for Matins. 
 
 ii
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Christopher. — Aye, my lady. (He salutes 
 
 and goes out.) 
 
 The chimes ring one verse of "Come, my 
 soul, thou must be waking" during which 
 Matins enters and takes her place before 
 Mother Church. She carries a banner 
 with the legend "Day by Day." 
 When the chimes have ceased playing, 
 Christopher enters and takes his place be- 
 hind Mother Church, and he does this 
 after the entrance of each of the Services, 
 etc., whom he summons. 
 
 Mother Church. — Matins, tell these little pil- 
 grims what is thy service in 
 the worship of the Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 Matins. — I call upon all Christians to 
 
 give their first thoughts to 
 God in the freshness of each 
 new day. I move them to 
 confess their sins humbly 
 before their merciful Father, 
 that they may receive His 
 most gracious pardon and 
 
 12
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 cleansing through the mouth 
 of His chosen ministers. Then 
 must they rise and praise God 
 with glad heart and voice, then 
 listen to His most Holy Word 
 that they may learn what is 
 His Will for them to do. Then 
 do they stand and confess their 
 Faith, then meekly kneeling, 
 pray for peace and grace, for 
 their rulers spiritual and tem- 
 poral, for all sorts and condi- 
 tions of men, and for all the de- 
 sires of their hearts as may be 
 most expedient for them. And 
 when they have thanked God 
 for all His loving kindness to 
 them, then are they com- 
 mended to the grace of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, and to the 
 love of God, and to the fel- 
 lowship of the Holy Ghost, 
 and so dismissed in peace to 
 
 13
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 their work. This is the order 
 for Daily Morning Prayer. 
 
 Mother Church. — Have ye understood this, my 
 
 children? 
 
 The Little Pilgrims. — Yes, gracious Lady. 
 
 Mother Church. — Christopher, ring now the Ves- 
 per bell. 
 Exit Christopher, after saluting. 
 
 The chimes play ■ ' The shadows of the 
 evening hours" during which Evensong 
 enters. Her banner bears the legend 
 " IVe magnify thee." She takes her 
 place at the left of Matins. 
 
 Mother Church. — Sweet Evensong, tell these 
 
 little pilgrims what is thy ser- 
 vice in the Church of God. 
 
 Evensong. — When "the shadows of the 
 
 evening hours fall from the 
 darkening skies," I call all 
 Christians to come and com- 
 mune with God before they 
 go to their rest. I bid them 
 again lay down the burden of
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 their sins and be forgiven. I 
 read them again from the 
 blessed Word of God. I lead 
 their songs of praise. Again 
 they confess their Faith and 
 make known unto God the de- 
 sires of their hearts, and so 
 they go in peace to their rest, 
 for God will lighten their dark- 
 ness and preserve them from 
 all perils and dangers of the 
 night. This is the Order for 
 Daily Evening Prayer. 
 Matins and Evensong now join hands. 
 
 Mother Church. — And thus ye see, my children, 
 
 that from the rising of the sun 
 even unto the going down of the 
 same God's name is praised. 
 See, therefore, that ye forsake 
 not the assembling of your- 
 selves together. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Nay, sweet Lady, but 
 
 rather will we be glad when 
 
 15
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 they say unto us (looking to- 
 ward Matins and Evensong), 
 " Let us go into the House of 
 the Lord." 
 
 Mother Church. — And now, dear Breviary, give 
 
 place a little that I may fur- 
 ther instruct these little ones. 
 (Matins and Evensong with- 
 draw to the back of the stage.) 
 Christopher, summon the Lit- 
 any to me here. 
 
 Exit Christopher, now and hereafter 
 
 saluting when he receives an order from 
 
 his Mistress. 
 
 The chimes are heard ringing, "Saviour, 
 
 when in dust to Thee." 
 
 Enter Litany. He wears a violet cassock 
 
 and over this a cotta, and he carries a 
 
 smoking censer. His banner bears the 
 
 legend, "Spare us, Good Lord!" 
 
 Mother Church. — Oh, Litany of the pleading 
 
 voice, tell these little ones how 
 thou first earnest into the 
 
 16
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Church and what is now thine 
 office therein. 
 Litany. — In days of yore, when the sins 
 
 of men had brought upon them 
 such righteous judgments as 
 war and earthquake, plague, 
 pestilence and famine, I called 
 the children of the Church to 
 repentance, and led them forth 
 in solemn procession through 
 streets and lanes and fields, 
 chanting aloud their humble 
 confession of sin, and their 
 supplication for mercy and re- 
 lief. In these days I call them 
 to church thrice in the week, 
 still to confess their sins, and 
 beseech their good Lord that 
 it may please Him to succour, 
 help and comfort all who are 
 in danger, necessity and tribu- 
 lation, and this, little pilgrims, 
 am I, the Litany or General 
 Supplication. 
 
 17
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — May God ever hear thy 
 
 voice and ours, good Litany ! 
 Litany withdraws and takes his place at 
 the left of Evensong. 
 
 Mother Church. — And now, my children, I will 
 
 show you a fountain of living 
 water through which all must 
 pass who would be living 
 members of Christ. (To Chris- 
 topher) Summon Baptism to 
 me anon. 
 
 Exit Christopher. Chimes play "Just as 
 
 I am" during which Baptism enters. 
 
 Her banner bears the legend " Wash 
 
 away thy sins." 
 
 Mother Church. — Thou keeper of the Mystical 
 
 Fountain, tell, I pray thee, 
 these little catechumens what 
 is thine office in the Church 
 of God. 
 
 Baptism. — My little catechumens, ye 
 
 know that all men are by 
 nature born in sin, therefore 
 
 18
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 standeth the font at the Church 
 door, that all infants may be 
 brought there so soon as they 
 are born, that they may be 
 washed from their sins in 
 this water of life, and given 
 grace to be Christ's faithful 
 soldiers and servants unto 
 their life's end. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — (to Mother Church) Since 
 
 God hath provided this Foun- 
 tain for all men, what doth 
 hinder us to be baptized ? 
 
 Mother Church. — If ye believe with all your 
 
 hearts, ye may. 
 
 The two Little Pilgrims. — (with earnest convic- 
 tion) I believe that Jesus 
 Christ is the Son of God. 
 
 Mother Church motions to Baptism, who 
 delivers her banner to the keeping of 
 Christopher, and taking one of the Little 
 Pilgrims by each hand, leads them away. 
 And as she does so the music again plays 
 
 19
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 softly, "Just as I am" Mother Church 
 rises, and signing Herself with the sign 
 of the Cross, goes over to the Rood where 
 she stands in silence, with bowed head, 
 devoutly giving thanks unto God, and 
 praying that the Little Pilgrims may lead 
 the rest of their lives according to this 
 beginning. 
 
 IV hen the music dies away, Baptism 
 enters again, leading the children whom 
 she presents to Mother Church. 
 
 Mother Church. — Thanks be to God ! For now 
 
 are ye delivered from the 
 power of darkness, and trans- 
 lated into the kingdom of His 
 
 dear Son But ye 
 
 must continue in the Faith, 
 grounded and settled, and 
 therefore I will now commit 
 you to the guardian whom I 
 have appointed for all Chris- 
 tian children. Christopher, 
 bid the Lady Catechism come 
 to me here. 
 
 20
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Exit Christopher. Music plays "Jesus, 
 tender Shepherd." Enter Lady Cate- 
 chism. She is dressed in white, and wears 
 a white veil. She carries a lily and a 
 white book. 
 
 Mother Church. — Lady Catechism, I commit 
 
 to thy loving care these little 
 Christians, with the dew of 
 baptism still upon their fore- 
 heads, that thou mayest teach 
 them their duty as children 
 of God. 
 
 Lady Catechism. — My little ones, I am the friend 
 
 of all Christian children. Ye 
 have heard that our dear 
 Mother hath given you to my 
 care. Come, therefore, to me 
 at the time appointed that I 
 may teach you those things 
 which a Christian ought to 
 know and believe to his 
 soul's health, and when I 
 have taught you, I will bring 
 
 21
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 you back to Mother Church 
 that ye may receive the Apos- 
 tolic Rite of Confirmation. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — We will do so most 
 
 gladly. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — And we will faithfully 
 
 learn all that thou hast to 
 teach us. 
 
 Mother Church. — Well said, my children. (Lady 
 
 Catechism withdraws.) I will 
 now show you this Apostolic 
 Rite of which the Lady Cate- 
 chism hath spoken. (To 
 Christopher) Summon Con- 
 firmation hither. 
 Exit Christopher. Music, " Onward, 
 Christian Soldiers" during which Con- 
 firmation enters. His banner bears the 
 legend "Strength to Persevere" 
 
 Mother Church. — Confirmation, tell these Little 
 
 Pilgrims what thou wilt do 
 for them. 
 
 22
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Confirmation. — Little Christians, in baptism ye 
 
 were made members of Christ, 
 children of God and inheritors 
 of the Kingdom of Heaven; it 
 is mine to crown those gifts 
 with Strength to Persevere. 
 Learn, therefore, what Lady- 
 Catechism hath to teach you, 
 and then come and receive in 
 the laying on of hands the 
 sevenfold gifts of the Holy 
 Spirit that ye may continue 
 unto your life's end in that 
 state of salvation unto which 
 it hath pleased God to call 
 you. 
 Confirmation withdraws. 
 
 Mother Church. — And now, my little ones, draw 
 
 near with faith and listen, for 
 I am about to show you the 
 great Christian act of worship, 
 ordained by Christ Himself as 
 a means of grace and pledge 
 
 23
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 of His love. Christopher, 
 ring now thy sweetest chime 
 to welcome Holy Eucharist. 
 Exit Christopher. Chimes play "And 
 now, O Father." 
 
 Enter Eucharist preceded by two little 
 girls strewing flowers from their baskets, 
 two little acolytes with lighted candles, an 
 acolyte with a banner on which is written 
 ''Lift up your hearts." 
 
 Mother Church. — (rising) Fair Missal, beholdl 
 
 here are little travelers from a 
 far country who would fain 
 know thee and what place 
 thou hast in the worship of 
 the Catholic Church. 
 
 Eucharist. — Nineteen hundred years ago, 
 
 in an upper room in the an- 
 cient city of Jerusalem, I was 
 called into the service of His 
 Church by the dear Lord of 
 us all. Since first He placed 
 in my hands His Holy Gifts, 
 
 24
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 I offer a perpetual memory of 
 His precious death and sacri- 
 fice until the glad day of His 
 coming, and do feed His faith- 
 ful people with these Holy 
 Mysteries that they may ever- 
 more dwell in Him and He 
 
 in them Is it not 
 
 meet, right and my bounden 
 duty that I should at all times 
 and in all places show forth 
 my Lord's death until He 
 come? 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — How wonderful ! 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — How beautiful! (to Mother 
 
 Church) But are we worthy 
 so much as to gather up 
 the crumbs under our Lord's 
 Table? 
 
 Mother Church. — (very tenderly) The property 
 
 of your Lord is always to 
 have mercy: He will not 
 
 25
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 weigh your merits, but will 
 pardon your offences ; there- 
 fore, be not afraid. 
 
 The two Little Pilgrims. — Oh, then, let us also 
 
 offer in His dwelling our obla- 
 tion with great gladness ! 
 
 Mother Church. — The Lord doth grant you 
 
 your hearts' desire, for now 
 ye who were sometimes afar 
 off are no more strangers and 
 foreigners but fellow citizens 
 with the saints and of the 
 household of God. 
 Eucharist withdraws. Her attendants 
 go off the stage. 
 
 Mother Church. — And now, that your mouths 
 
 may ever show forth His 
 praise, I will show you mine 
 ancient hymnal. (To Chris- 
 topher) Summon hither Psal- 
 ter. 
 
 26
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Exit Christopher. Chimes play ' ' Golden 
 Harps are Sounding." 
 Enter Psalter. She wears a wreath of 
 bay leaves and carries a harp. 
 
 Mother Church. — Thou Harp of Ancient Jewry, 
 
 what hast thou to say in this 
 day to the people of God? 
 
 Psalter. — 
 
 Mother Church. 
 
 My song is old, and yet ever 
 
 new, it is this, O Sion: 
 
 Praise God in His holiness: 
 
 praise Him in the firmament 
 
 of His power. 
 
 Praise Him in His noble acts: 
 
 praise Him according to His 
 
 excellent greatness. 
 
 Praise Him in the sound of 
 
 the trumpet: praise Him upon 
 
 the lute and harp. 
 
 Let everything that hath 
 
 breath : praise the Lord. 
 
 -Glory be to the Father, and 
 
 27
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost; 
 
 Everyone else on the stage. — As it was in the 
 
 beginning, is now and ever 
 shall be, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 Psalter withdraws. 
 
 Mother Church seats herself. 
 
 Mother Church. — I will now show you further 
 
 rites and ceremonies of the 
 Church according to the Ameri- 
 can Use, for remember this, my 
 children, I am your Mother, 
 and all that ye do concerns 
 me. Bring to me, therefore, 
 your joys and sorrows, let me 
 live with you your daily life. 
 Christopher, hie thee once 
 more to the belfry, and ring 
 us a merry wedding chime. 
 Exit Christopher. The chimes ring the 
 Wedding March of Mendelssohn, during 
 
 28
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 which enters Holy Matrimony. Her ban- 
 ner bears the device of a circle, and the 
 legend, " Let no man put asunder." 
 
 Mother Church. — Holy Matrimony, what hast 
 
 thou to say of Christian mar- 
 riage to these little pilgrims ? 
 
 Holy Matrimony. — When a Christian man and a 
 
 Christian maid will enter into 
 Holy Wedlock, they must 
 come and plight their troth 
 before God's altar. Then 
 will they be joined together 
 by Holy Church, and receive 
 God's blessing and His Heav- 
 enly Grace that they may so 
 live together in this life that in 
 the world to come they may 
 have life everlasting, and this 
 is the Solemnization of Matri- 
 mony. Those whom God hath 
 joined together, let no man put 
 asunder! 
 Holy Matrimony withdraws. 
 29
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 MotJier Church, — Let Visitation now attend me 
 
 here. 
 
 Exit Christopher. Music 'Abide with me." 
 Enter Visitation. Her banner bears the 
 legend " Yet will I trust Him." 
 
 Mother Church. — Visitation, speak to these little 
 
 pilgrims of thine office. 
 
 Visitation. — St. James doth tell us in his 
 
 pastoral letter to his scattered 
 flock that if any disciple be 
 sick, he is to send for the 
 elders of the Church that they 
 may pray over him. There- 
 fore, when any Christian is 
 sick, it is the duty of his 
 friends to give timely notice 
 to the Minister of the Parish, 
 who, coming to the sick per- 
 son's house, will pray for him 
 to the Father of mercies and 
 God of all comfort, and will 
 also show him that his sick- 
 
 30
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 ness is certainly God's visita- 
 tion to help him forward in 
 the right way that leadeth 
 unto everlasting life. This is 
 the Order for the Visitation of 
 the Sick. 
 Visitation withdraws. 
 
 Mother Church. — (Rising) Christopher, ring the 
 
 Requiem Bell! 
 Exit Christopher. The Chimes ring one 
 verse cf " When our hearts are bowed 
 with woe." Mother Church bows her 
 head, crossing her arms over her breast, 
 everyone on the stage follows her example, 
 the Little Pilgrims last of all, with won- 
 dering hesitation. After the Chimes have 
 ceased, there is a pause during which all 
 retain their attitude of sorrowful prayer. 
 Then suddenly the Chimes peal forth and 
 play, " The Strife is o'er." All lift their 
 heads and look glad. Enter Requiem, 
 dressed in white. On her banner is writ- 
 ten " The Lord is risen!" 
 
 Mother Church. — Sweet Requiem, thou com- 
 
 3i
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 forter of the sorrowful, tell 
 these little pilgrims how Chris- 
 tians feel about death. 
 
 Requiem. — Ye little pilgrims to the City 
 
 of God, Christians do not fear 
 to die, because their Lord hath 
 overcome death and opened 
 unto them the gates of ever- 
 lasting life. Therefore, when 
 a Christian lies down in peace 
 to take his rest, his friends 
 must never sorrow for him as 
 if they were without hope, for 
 the grave is only the open 
 door to our "long home." 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — How blessed are the 
 
 dead who die in the Lord! 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — May we so pass to our 
 
 joyful resurrection ] 
 Requiem withdraws. 
 
 Mother Church. — Summon me now the Church- 
 ing of Women. 
 
 32
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Exit Christopher. Music plays "By 
 cool Siloams shady rill" [tune "Ma- 
 noah"). Enter the Churching of Wo- 
 men. Banner " My heart rejoiceth." 
 
 Mother Church. — What is thine office, thou 
 
 happy one ? 
 
 Churching of Women. — When a Christian woman 
 
 receives God's great gift of a 
 little child, then should she, 
 like Hannah of old and like 
 Blessed Mary, come into the 
 house of God to return thanks 
 and to pray that she may 
 bring up her child in the fear 
 and nurture of the Lord, and 
 this is the Thanksgiving of 
 Women for their children. 
 Churching of Women withdraws. 
 
 Mother Church. — Call hither the Star of the 
 
 Sea. 
 
 Exit Christopher. Music " Eternal 
 Father, strong to save." Enter Maris 
 Stella. Banner " The Sea is His." 
 
 33
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Mother Church. — Why art thou called the Star 
 
 of the Sea? 
 
 Maris Stella. — Because I am the Form of 
 
 Prayer to be used at Sea, and 
 like a star above the stormy 
 wave I guide the sailors to 
 their sure refuge. Then are 
 they glad because thev are at 
 rest. 
 Maris Stella withdraws. 
 Mother Church. — Summon Ihe Visitation of 
 
 Prisoners. 
 Exit Christopher. Music " JVeary of 
 earth and laden with my sin." 
 Enter Visitation of Prisoners. Banner 
 11 Deliver us from evil." 
 
 Mother Church. — Declare thine office to these 
 
 little pilgrims. 
 
 Visitation of Prisoners. — Our gracious God de- 
 
 sireth not the death of a 
 sinner, but would rather that 
 he turn from his wickedness 
 and live; therefore, the Church 
 
 34
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 sendeth her ministers into the 
 very prisons to pray for them 
 who are so tied and bound 
 with the chain of their sins, 
 that the pitifulness of God's 
 great mercy may loose them. 
 There is joy in the presence 
 of the angels of God over 
 every such sinner that re- 
 penteth. 
 
 Visitation of Prisoners withdraws. 
 Mother Church. — Summon now the Song of 
 
 Harvest Home. 
 
 Exit Christopher. Chimes play "Come 
 
 ye thankful people, come." 
 
 Enter Song of Harvest Home, bearing the 
 
 fruits of the Harvest. 
 
 Mother Church. — What is thy song, O Harvest 
 
 Home? 
 
 Song of Harvest Home. — My song is thanks- 
 giving to God who crowneth 
 the year with goodness and 
 who hath blessed our native 
 
 35
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 land with peace and pros- 
 perity. Therefore, we come 
 before His presence with 
 thanksgiving and show our- 
 selves glad in Him with 
 psalms, humbly beseeching 
 Him that He will increase in 
 our land true religion, that we 
 may be honest in the sight of 
 all men and evermore faithful 
 to our God. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — Happy are the people that 
 
 are in such a case! 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — Yea, blessed are the 
 
 people who have the Lord for 
 their God. 
 
 Song of Harvest Home withdraws. 
 Mother Church. — Let Family Prayer attend me 
 
 here. 
 
 Exit Christopher. Music "Home, sweet 
 
 Homey 
 
 Enter Family Prayer. Banner "As for 
 
 me and my house we will serve tlie Lord." 
 
 36
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Mother Church. — Family Prayer, what commis- 
 sion holdest thou from me? 
 
 Family Prayer. — To enter every Christian home 
 
 and there abide, for no family 
 life is right in thy sight, dear 
 Mother, unless it include daily 
 Family Prayer. 
 Family Prayer withdraws. 
 
 Mother Church. — I would now have the Ordinal 
 
 come hither. 
 Exit Christopher. Music " Come Holy 
 Spirit r 
 
 Enter Ordinal. His banner bears the de- 
 vice of a Dove. 
 
 Mother Church. — Who art thou, and what is 
 
 thine office and service in the 
 Catholic Church? 
 
 Ordinal. — I am the form and manner of 
 
 ordaining and consecrating 
 those men who for their learn- 
 ing and godly conversation 
 are apt and meet to exercise 
 
 37
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 their ministry to the honor of 
 God and to the edifying of 
 His Church. 
 
 Mother Church. — And what are the divers 
 
 orders of ministers thou art 
 appointed to make, ordain and 
 consecrate ? 
 
 Ordinal. — It is evident unto all men dili- 
 
 gently reading Holy Scrip- 
 ture and ancient authors that 
 from the Apostles' time there 
 have been these orders of 
 ministers in Christ's Church, 
 Bishops, Priests and Deacons. 
 
 Mother Church. — (to the Little Pilgrims) These 
 
 are the Shepherds appointed 
 by Christ to feed His flock, 
 see therefore, that ye, duly 
 considering whose authority 
 they have, do show them all 
 loving reverence and obe- 
 dience, and when they speak 
 
 38
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 unto you the word of God, 
 take heed how ye hear! 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — To all that the Lord saith 
 
 unto us by their mouth will 
 we hearken. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — And be obedient. 
 Ordinal withdraws. 
 
 Mother Church. — Call hither Articles of Religion. 
 
 Exit Christopher. Mttsic "Ancient of 
 
 Days." 
 
 Enter Articles. He wears a doctor s cap 
 
 and gown, and carries a scroll. 
 
 Mother Church. — What lesson hast thou for my 
 
 children, Articles of Religion? 
 
 Articles. — That we lean not to our own 
 
 understanding, lest we be car- 
 ried about with divers doc- 
 trines. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — From all false doctrine, 
 
 heresy and schism, 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — Good Lord, deliver us! 
 Articles withdraws. 
 
 39
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Mother Church. — My little pilgrims, ye have 
 
 now seen the worship and 
 service of the Catholic Church, 
 according to the American 
 Use, but lest any of these 
 several services or rites should 
 be neglected or lost, I will 
 presently bind them together 
 for you. Christopher, let my 
 Bookbinder know that I desire 
 his service anon. 
 
 Exit Christopher. Music "God Save the 
 King!" 
 
 Enter the Bookbinder, Edward VI, pre- 
 ceded by a page bearing the English 
 Standard, with the date, 1549. The 
 Bookbinder drops on his knee before Mother 
 Church, removing his crown. 
 
 Mother Church. — Arise, thou incomparable 
 
 young prince, and faithful son 
 of mine. (He rises) I have 
 sent for thee to do once more 
 thine ancient office, and to bind 
 
 40
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 for me this time the American 
 Use, but first tell these little 
 pilgrims who thou art, and 
 how thou becamest my Book- 
 binder. 
 
 The Bookbinder. — (turning to the Little Pilgrims) 
 
 Little pilgrims from Far 
 Cathay, I am Edward Tudor, 
 by God's grace sometime King 
 of Merrie England, and because 
 at the bidding of my sweet 
 Mother (lookingtoward Mother 
 Church), I, being guided by 
 Providence, and helped by the 
 good Bishops and learned 
 Doctors of my realm, did 
 gather up from Breviary and 
 Primer, from Procession and 
 Missal the scattered services 
 of the English Use, and did 
 cause them to be turned from 
 Latin into a tongue under- 
 standed by the people, to wit 
 
 41
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 our own dear English speech, 
 therefore, did this, my Liege 
 Lady, appoint me to be her 
 own Bookbinder, which office 
 is more to me than any earthly 
 crown. 
 
 Mother Church. — Proceed now with thy work, 
 
 my son. 
 
 The Bookbinder now ranges the differeiit 
 services in order one behind the other, 
 beginning with Matins and proceeding in 
 the order in which they are found in the 
 Prayer-Book. 
 
 The Bookbinder. — Shall I include with these the 
 
 Lectionary ? 
 Mother Church. — Aye verily. 
 
 The Bookbinder beckons with his hand. 
 Enter Lectionary. He carries a Bible and 
 a banner with the words "Read, Mark, 
 Learn." 
 
 The Bookbinder. — Who art thou ? 
 Lectionary. — I am the Order how the Holy 
 
 Scripture is appointed to be 
 
 42
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 read, for the Church doth de- 
 clare that God hath appointed 
 all Holy Scriptures to be 
 written for our learning, and 
 that we must read, mark, learn 
 and inwardly digest them. 
 From all blindness of heart 
 and from contempt of His 
 Word may God ever de- 
 liver us ! 
 
 Everyone on the stage, with hearty earnestness. — 
 
 Amen! 
 
 Lectionary is placed by the Bookbinder 
 in front of Matins. 
 
 Bookbinder. — (to Mother Church) Shall I 
 
 include Calendar? 
 
 Mother Church. — Do so, my son. 
 
 The Bookbinder beckons again. Enter Cal- 
 endar. Banner "Follow Me." 
 
 Bookbinder. — Who art thou ? 
 
 Calendar. — I am the Church Calendar, or 
 
 the Table of Feasts and Fasts. 
 
 43
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 I call upon all Christians to 
 follow year by year the foot- 
 steps of our Lord's most 
 blessed life. 
 
 Calendar is placed by the Bookbinder in 
 front of Lectionary. 
 
 Bookbinder. — Shall I include Preface? 
 
 Mother Church. — Yes, since the American 
 
 Church would always remem- 
 ber her high lineage and her 
 august parent, the Church of 
 England. 
 The Bookbinder beckons again. Enter Pre- 
 face. He bears a banner with the words 
 America. 
 England. 
 Gaul. 
 
 Asia Minor. 
 St. John. 
 XP. 
 
 Bookbinder. — What is the meaning of those 
 
 words upon thy banner? 
 Preface. — They declare the pedigree of 
 
 44
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 the American Church, for the 
 Church in these States is in- 
 debted under God to the 
 Church of England for her 
 first foundation and for a long 
 continuance of nursing care, 
 and the Church was first 
 brought to England by Mis- 
 sionaries from Gaul, and the 
 Church was planted in South- 
 ern Gaul by Missionaries from 
 Asia Minor, and St. John, the 
 Bishop of Ephesus, was the 
 Beloved Disciple of Christ, and 
 Christ is the Head of the 
 Church, to whom may we be 
 faithful unto death. 
 
 Preface is placed by the Bookbinder in 
 
 front of Calendar. 
 
 Bookbinder. — Shall I include Ratification? 
 
 Mother Church. — Do so, my son. 
 
 Bookbinder beckons. Chimes play " The 
 Star Spangled Banner." 
 
 45
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Enter Ratification, decked out with red, 
 white and blue. On her breast the date 
 "1789." 
 
 Ratification. — (taking her place in front of 
 
 Preface) I do declare and 
 certify that this is the Use of 
 the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church in the United States 
 of America. 
 The Bookbinder now takes a brave ribband 
 of scarlet and passes it abound the whole 
 Prayer- Book, fastening it in front of Rat- 
 ification with a large gilt buckle on which 
 is seen in goodly letters, * ' Common Prayer. ' ' 
 A slight pause. 
 
 Mother Church. — (rising) And now, my little 
 
 pilgrims, shall I not deliver 
 to you this book, and let you 
 depart in peace, since your 
 eyes have seen your desire, 
 the worship of the Catholic 
 Church? 
 
 The Little Pilgrims whisper together. 
 
 They hesitate and look troubled. 
 
 46
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Mother Church. — What is it, my little ones ? Do 
 
 not fear to tell me all that is in 
 your hearts ! 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — (after bowing low) Gra- 
 cious Mother, what shall it 
 profit us to take this book if 
 thou go not with us into the 
 Land of Darkness ? 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — Come thou with us, dear 
 
 Lady. Without thee we have 
 no altar, no priesthood, no 
 sacraments. 
 
 Mother Church. — ^looking out dreamily into the 
 
 distance, and speaking to her- 
 self) I hear again, echoing 
 down the ages, that voice that 
 came to me so long ago, float- 
 ing over the star-lit waters of 
 the ^Egaean, "Come over and 
 
 help us!" Oh! for 
 
 the spirit of Paul again ! 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — We so greatly need thee. 
 
 47
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 It is so sad in the Land of 
 Darkness. 
 
 First Little Pilgrim. — There are so many little 
 
 girls in the Land of Darkness, 
 
 and they have such a weary 
 
 time. I beseech thee, dear 
 
 Mother, go with us. 
 
 Second Little Pilgrim. — Mother! I beseech thee! 
 
 As they have been speaking Mother Church 
 
 presses hef hand to hef heart, and breathes 
 
 heavily. 
 
 Mother Church. — (passionately) Ye have touched 
 
 my grievous wound, little pil- 
 grims of the night. Ye have 
 indeed a right to call me, for I 
 was sent to you long ago, but 
 I can only go where men will 
 take me. God has chosen that 
 the light of the glorious Gospel 
 should be carried from one 
 country to another, not by an- 
 gels, but by the love and sacri- 
 fice of men. Thus went the 
 
 48
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 Apostles forth from Judaea to 
 Greece and Rome. Thus have 
 Missionaries in all ages gone to 
 Gaul and Germany, to England 
 and Scandinavia, and thus only- 
 can I now go into the Land of 
 Darkness. (She turns to the 
 audience) Oh ! my children, ye 
 hear this, ye hear these little 
 ones pleading for their Mother? 
 Will you not once for all rouse 
 you from indifference and sloth 
 and selfishness? Will ye not 
 remember the command of 
 your Lord, "Go forth into all 
 lands"? How shall ye answer 
 Him when He comes again? 
 He said while He was yet with 
 us, "Ye, ye are the light of the 
 world," and yet in many places 
 
 it is still dark still 
 
 dark (she turns 
 
 away.) Oh! who will teach me 
 
 49
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 a language in which to move 
 them? (She goes over to the 
 Rood, and bowing her head in 
 her hands, weeps silently.) 
 
 A voice from the audience. — Weep no more, Holy 
 
 Church. 
 
 Enter from the audience the Child of St. 
 Agnes. She runs up the aisle, and calls 
 again. 
 
 The Child of St. Agnes. — Weep no more, Holy 
 
 Church. 
 
 She mounts the steps to the stage, goes to 
 Mother Church and clasping her arms 
 about the waist of Mother Church, looks 
 up in her face. 
 
 The Child of St. Agnes. — Weep no more, sweet 
 
 Mother! 
 
 Mother Church. — (laying her hand on the Child's 
 
 head) And who art thou that 
 carestsomuch for thy Mother's 
 tears? 
 
 The Child of St. Agnes. — I am a child of St. Agnes' 
 
 50
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 School, and see! (holding up a 
 mite box) this is our Lenten 
 Offering. Thou shalt go into 
 the Land of Darkness, for we 
 will send thee! 
 
 Mother Church. — (takes the mite box into her 
 
 hand, and speaks to herself) 
 A little Child shall lead them 
 all ! (holds up the mite box) 
 Yes, I will go into the Land of 
 Darkness, for the love and sac- 
 rifice of my children will send 
 me there, (to the Child) Tell 
 the children of St. Agnes' Sun- 
 day School that I go, but that 
 they must keep me there, for I 
 must never turn back until the 
 light of the everlasting gospel 
 dispels the darkness, and the 
 world is Christ's. (She delivers 
 to the Child a banner on which 
 is written "The World for 
 Christ.") Take this banner to 
 
 5i
 
 r 
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 the children of St. Agnes, and 
 tell them that they are my little 
 missionaries, and that they 
 must be faithful to me unto 
 their life's end, and that they 
 must never let one day pass 
 without working and praying 
 and denying themselves until 
 the World is Christ's. 
 
 The Child of St. Agnes takes the banner. 
 Mother Church crosses the stage and lays 
 her hand on the hilt of her sword. 
 
 Mother Church. — And now come with me, Book 
 
 of Common Prayer, let us go 
 forth into the Land of Dark- 
 ness. Come with me, thou 
 Book Beloved, (draws her 
 sword and holds it above her 
 head) and let us take The 
 World for Christ! 
 
 Immediately the audience sings " Oh Sion 
 haste. ' ' During the singing of this hymn, 
 the actors pass out in slow procession, first 
 
 5 2
 
 THE LITTLE PILGRIMS AND THE BOOK BELOVED 
 
 the Child of St. Agnes with her banner, 
 then Mother Church, then the Book Be- 
 loved, then the Bookbinder, then Christo- 
 pher, and last of all the Little Pilgrims. 
 They pass down the main aisle, and out 
 of the big door to show that they are going 
 forth into the world. 
 
 THE END
 
 By the Same Author 
 
 LADY CATECHISM AND THE 
 
 CHILD 
 
 A MYSTERY PLAY 
 
 With a Preface by the Rev. W. T. 
 
 Manning, S. T. D., Assistant Rector 
 
 of Trinity Parish, New York. 
 
 With 7 Half tone Illustrations 
 
 i2mo, boards, 50 cents 
 
 Edwin S. Gorham . . . New York
 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 Santa Barbara 
 
 THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE 
 STAMPED BELOW. 
 
 Series 9482
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILI1 
 
 ■" ' III I ' 
 
 AA 001 037 263 9