5. c. 15. The
Syrians also practise this ceremony, as we learn from documents
published by Card. Borgia and Nairon. This rite is called the
_adoration_ of the cross. Let us not forget what is said in the Book
of Common Prayer in the solemnization of Matrimony "With this ring
I thee wed; with my body I thee _worship_". Such words of doubtful
signification must be interpreted from the doctrine of the church
which adopts them. Hanc veniam petimusque damusque vicissim. Now
the word _adorare_ used in our liturgy (derived from _ad_ and _ora_,
because persons when _adoring_ used to put their right hand to their
mouth; Plin. I. 28, c. 2. Apuleius in Apolog.) signifies not only to
pay divine worship, but also to venerate and even to salute. Thus
from the instances collected in Forcellini's Lexicon we may select the
following: "Primo autem septimum Germanici consulatum adoravi". Stat
in praef i. 4 Silv. Imo cum gemitu populum sic adorat: Apulei. lib 2.
Metam. The doctrine of the catholic church on this subject is as usual
clear and decided. The twenty-fifth session of the Council of Trent
decreed as follows: "The holy synod commands all bishops, and others
sustaining the duty and care of teaching, that they should diligently
instruct the faithful concerning the legitimate use of images
according to the custom of the catholic and apostolic church received
from the commencement of christianity, and the consent of the holy
fathers, and decrees of the sacred councils, teaching them .
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