Further: since in the self-same commentary
of Luke the third hour is demonstrated as an hour of prayer, about which
hour it was that they who had received the initiatory gift of the Holy Spirit
were held for drunkards; and the sixth, at which Peter went up on the
roof; and the ninth, at which they entered the temple: why should we not
understand that, with absolutely perfect indifference, we must pray
always, and everywhere, and at every time; yet still that these three hours, as
being more marked in things human-(hours) which divide the day, which
distinguish businesses, which re-echo in the public ear-have likewise ever
been of special solemnity in divine prayers? A persuasion which is
sanctioned also by the corroborative fact of Daniel praying thrice in the
day; of course, through exception of certain stated hours, no other,
moreover, than the more marked and subsequently apostolic (hours)-the
third, the sixth, the ninth. And hence, accordingly, I shall affirm that Peter
too had been led rather by ancient usage to the observance of the ninth
hour, praying at the third specific interval, (the interval) of final prayer.
These (arguments), moreover; (we have advanced) for their sakes who think
that they are acting in conformity with Peter's model, (a model) of which
they are ignorant: not as if we slighted the ninth hour, (an hour) which, on
the fourth and sixth days of the week, we most highly honour; but because,
of those things which are, observed on the ground of tradition, we are bound
to adduce so much the more worthy reason, that they lack the authority of
Scripture, until by some signal celestial gift they be either confirmed or else
corrected. "And if," says (the apostle), "there are matters which ye are
ignorant about, the Lord will reveal to you." Accordingly, setting out of
the question the confirmer of all such things, the Paraclete, the guide of
universal truth, inquire whether there be not a worthier reason adduced
among its for the observing of the ninth hour; so that this reason (of ours)
must be attributed even to Peter if he observed a Station at the time in
question.
