Vigils.--Vigils are the _Evens_ before certain Feasts. In the ancient use of the Church, Festivals were {271} commonly ushered in by the attendance of preceding vigils, or watchings all the night as a preparation for the solemnities of the following day, and were observed with fasting and prayer. Vincent, Rule of Saint.--St. Vincent of Lerins who died A.D. 304 has always been revered in the Church and is known as the author of the saying, "Quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus, creditum est," meaning what has been done or believed _always_, _everywhere_ and _by all_ is to be accepted. The principle involved in these words is the test of orthodoxy and the sanction for the Church's usages. St. Vincent's rule, therefore, still holds good, for nothing can be of the Faith, as necessary to be believed unless it can satisfy the tests of antiquity, universality and general consent. (See TRADITIONS; also UNDIVIDED CHURCH.) Virgin Mary.--(See BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.) Virtues, The Cardinal.--The four virtues, namely, Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude, which Solomon sets forth in the Book of Wisdom, VIII, 7, are called Cardinal Virtues because they are most important in the Christian Life. They may be briefly defined as follows: PRUDENCE, choosing the right and knowing what means to employ for accomplishing it. JUSTICE, rendering to all their dues. TEMPERENCE, the virtue of self-control in all things. FORTITUDE, bravery in doing God's Will. Virtues, Theological.--(See THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES.) Visitation, Episcopal.--(See BISHOP'S VISITATION.) Visitation of Prisoners.--The title of an Office {272} in the Prayer-book. It is not contained in the English Prayer-book but was taken from the Irish Book of Common Prayer of 1771 and inserted in the American Prayer-book in 1789. This is a very comprehensive and appropriate Office, proving of great value to the Clergy who are called to minister to the spiritual wants of prisoners.