The sacrament of the eucharist was never, since its institution, administered without the due observance of certain appointed ceremonies and prayers. These, of course, would be characterised during the first century of the existence of the church by a greater simplicity than in after years: and this, solely because many just reasons for the addition of other prayers and rites had not arisen, or they could not from the violence of persecution be allowed their due weight. But as time went on, and the role of the saints and martyrs increased, commemorations of them were added and collects, and hymns and antiphons were increased in number, and the faithful sought to show their deep reverence for the service itself by a greater solemnity in its performance; all which was well-fitting to the church of Christ when she was no longer driven to celebrate her mysteries in secret places, and hurriedly, and with the constant dread of cruel interruption.