Some of the psalms are prophetic, descriptive of Our Saviour's coming, His office, and His reign. These correspond to the Joyful Mysteries. Other psalms are lamentations for sin, and prayers for deliverance from sufferings and enemies. These correspond to the Sorrowful Mysteries. Then again there are those which are hymns of thanksgiving and praise, psalms of victory. These correspond to the Glorious Mysteries. The fifteen larger beads denote the mysteries of the Rosary. The arrangement of the Rosary in this form, with its meditation on the mysteries, is generally credited to St. Dominic. It matters not whether the Rosary of to-day was given to the saint by the Blessed Virgin herself, who is said to have appeared to him, or whether it was the result of an inspiration of grace. It has proved its title to heavenly origin by its fruits. "A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit; neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit; wherefore, by their fruits you shall know them."
The one great object of this devotion is to impress upon men the truths connected with the Redemption. When the number, the piety, the heroic virtues of those joined together in the devotion of the Rosary are considered, it must appear manifest that this form of prayer is simply irresistible with God.
Just think of the number of holy souls joined in the confraternities of the Rosary, some still in the world, others in religious
