FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY I 707 Irons (W. J.) D.D. Psalms and Hymns for the Church, printed within red lines, la. sq. 8vo, cloth, 4s 6d 1875 Inscribed "R. R. Chope, from Mrs. Irons, Nov. 23, 1883." Affixed at the end are two MS. Hys., apparently from the pen of Dr. Irons. See No. 761, below. « PSALMS AND HYMNS FOR THE CHURCH. PSALMS AND HYMNS FOK THE CHUKCH, WRITTEN KJ/ WILLIAM J. IKONS, D.D. PREBENDARY Or ST. TAUL'g AND RECTOR OF ST MARY "WOOLN'OTH, London : LONGMANS & Co., PATERNOSTER ROW e^WLEi I QEORQE STREET, MANSION HOUSE, PREFACE A few of these Hymns have been known in various "Collections" throughout the Church, the writer having granted the use of them whenever he has been asked to do so; and nearly all are sung in the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth — most of them having been written for that and the other Parishes where, during the last thirty years, he has had the happiness to minister. Some " Psalms " mingled with the Hymns are from a Manuscript Volume of Translations from the Hebrew. Their partial introduction here, may tend to chasten our modern tone, by the solemn ethos of the ancient dispensation, ever dear to the Church. It may be some explanation of their very literal character to add, that the Volume of translated "Psalms" thus referred to is intended rather to be exegetical and will, when completed, present in double pages, and columns ; lj The Hebrew arranged in parallels ; 2, A Metrical English Version, line by line ; 3, A Targum, or Historical " Interpretation' and 4, A Gloss, or Spiritual sense from the Fathers. PREFACE. The present is the only authorized edition of the "writer's Hymns and Translations hitherto completed. Some have been inserted, (obviously unintended for congregational use,) as suggestive of devotions for special occasions. Among them may be mentioned the six, on the Transfiguration (185-190). The service for that Festival (August 6) having been unaccountably lost among us, the Transfiguration of our Lord has been deprived, perhaps, of somewhat of the prominence which its connexion with the Incarnation would naturally claim; and these Hymns may be a help to reflec- tion on the whole sacred mystery. So also the Hymn (95) on the Hexaemeron may be noticed as having its own use : and a personal Meditation (123) entitled " Desire after God." W. J. I. Si. Mary ll'oo/uot//. Lent, 1875. (N.B.—The Organist of St. Mary Woolnoth,W. H. Essex, Esq., has selected Music for this Book. Tunes from the Works of H. Lahee, Esq., and of the Rev. R. R. Chope, are used among us, and to Dr. Stainer, of 8t. TauVs, and others, our thanks are due.) PSALMS AND HYMNS FOE THE CHUKCH. Universal Praise. "Let every thing that hath breath Praise the Lord."— Pi. cl. 6. Praise, praise the Lord, all heaven and earth, One thankful voice send up to God ; His Name exalt Who gave us birth, And fill with song His high abode. 2 Praise, praise Him, all ye sons of light, Angels in brightest form arrayed ; His love adore, extol His might, Own Him by Whom ye all were made. 3 Ye sons of men, redeemed from death, New light Divine for you hath shone ; Ye felt the touch of God's own breath — Lead ye creation's antiphon. 4 O joy for man to speak for all ! For sun and moon that rule the hours, Stars in their courses musical, Winds, waters, fires, and lowlier powers. 5 Lift high the everlasting hymn, Let mortals join the immortal host ; Men, angels, cherubs, seraphim, Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. hymns of pkaise. Praise from Man. " His Praise shall ever be in my mouth."— Ps. xxxiv. 1. Can earthly voices fitly sing Thy praises, Thou eternal King ? Yet who, O Lord, should silent stand, Among the creatures of Thy hand ! 2 Could we by searching find out Thee, Our hymns might not more worthy be ; At best we only know in part, But we can give Thee all our heart. 3 Thy " sons of light " the song began, When Thou createdst earth and man ; O when shall man, forgetful long, Reply with one united song ! 4 We thank Thee that the wise and great Are not alone to celebrate The everlasting Father's care, But all may mingle praise and prayer. 5 Yes, Thou art praised through earth and sides, Praised by the wisdom of the wise, Praised by the humble, pure and true, With adoration ever new. 6 " Glory to God !" for heaven's own voice Thus bids creation to rejoice ; Thy creatures all, Thy saints the most — Praise Fatiieu Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. HYMNS OF PRAISE. 6 Daily Praise for God's Providence and Goodness. • " My lips shall speak of Thy Praise, when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes."— Ps. cxix. 171. 3. To Thee, O God, our praise belongs ! For heaven and earth their anthems pour ; And angel hosts with choral songs 'Circle Thy throne for evermore. 2 And Thou dost not our songs despise, But as a father hears his child, So dost Thou listen from the skies, O God, our Father reconciled ! 3 Without the shining of Thy face, How mournful this dark world would be ; With suppliant heart we seek Thy grace, O heavenly Guide, we look to Thee I 4 And as our tongues confess Thy name, So may our hearts Thy statutes prize ; As now Thy glory we proclaim, So may we praise Thee in the skies. 5 There cherubim and seraphim " To Thee continually do cry ;" And Father Son and Spirit hymn, For ever One, the Lord most High. Amen. * Used in some Churches as a ' Children's Hymn,' on special HYMNS OF PRAISE. MOENING. I Awaked, for the Lord sustained me."— Ps. iii. 5. O God, our Life, our Love, our Fear ! Ouce more Thy rising light we see ; We slept, but Thou wast ever near, "We wake, and we are still with Thee. 2 Good angels, at thy loved behest, Left us to slumber, not alone ; O bid them now to guard us, lest We dash our foot against a stone ! 3 The mists of silent night dissolve, Life's onward pathway must be trod ; Fill Thou our hearts with one resolve, — " In that we live, we live to God." 4 This life is one continual birth, Thy constant gift, O Lord Divine ! Let us not hide in this poor earth What Thou hast given, which still is Thine. 5 The stars which shone upon our sleep. Though veiled in light yet stand on high, There wait Thy will, and vigil keep, 'Till evening sees them in our sky. 6 And then may their sweet radiance shine, On duties done, and sins forgiven ; On hearts made calm by grace Divine, And resting as in sight of heaven. 7 Thou, the Life, the Truth, the Way, Blest Trinity, Thy presence give ! ' Our light by night, our cloud by day,'- — For only in Thy life we live. Amen. HYMNS OF PRAISE. Evening. " The Darkness hideth not from Thee.''— Ps. exxxix. 12. "It shall come to pass that at Evening-time it shall be light. "— ZecA.xiv. 7. O. Evening has come, once more the veil of night Is drawn around us by the hand Divine ; Yet both alike, the darkness and the light, The evening and the morning, Lord, are Thine. 2 Sweet is the silent hour which Thou hast given, For nature asks some pause, as in distress ; Eternal life is only known in heaven, There man can live and know no weariness. 3 And yet, in all the unconscious world around, There is no pause, only the spirit waits, Like traveller for some mountain-city bound, Tarrying before the dawn without the gates. 4 Our moral life stands still awhile, as though Probation were suspended all night long : Thought comes at times and says it is not so — Some work goes on, that we may rise more strong. 5 O Lord, we live and move and rest in Thee ! The darkness is not dark if Thou be there ; When '• the day dawns and all the shadows flee," Then shall true life begin in purer air : 6 And we shall know Thee, dwelling evermore In light no eye hath seen, nor yet can see ; And Father Son and Spirit there adore, One glorious God, Eternal Trinity. Amen. b HYMNS OF PRAISE. Sabbath. " The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabhath."— S. Mark ii. 28. 6, Hail holy Rest ! calm herald of that Day, When all the toils of time shall pass away ; First gift of God, as life on earth began, We welcome thee, O Sabbath made for man ! 2 Lord of the Sabbath, lift our hearts to Thee, That in Thy light we now may all things see ; By Thee created, loved, redeemed, and blest, In Thee alone is everlasting rest. 3 Now on the way to our eternal home, To Thee, true Sabbath of our souls, we come ; In all our path, though countless mercies shine, The glory and the brightness, Lord, are Thine. 4 If in the cool of day we find Thee near, Thy voice awakes no dark foreboding fear ; We hear Thy step in every rustling breeze, Thy shadow glances from the waving trees. 5 Our land enjoys her Sabbaths, Lord, and still Thy " peace on earth" breathes soft from vale to hill : Yet lives the hope, wherever man hath trod, " A rest remaineth for the sons of God." 6 Rest, rest for laden souls whose prayers arise, And in Thy name find access to the skies ; Rest in absolving love, while we confess, Since Thou can'st cleanse from all unrighteousness. 7 And most before Thine altar as we bow, And in Thy Presence feel Thy mercy now; The Father Son and Spirit we adore, And find " this is our Rest for evermore. " Amen. HYMNS FOR ADVENT. (I.)—" It shall be said in that day, lo This is our God."— Isa. xxv. 9. " Our God shall Come, and shall not keep silence." — Ps. 1. 3. , Thou art our God, we exalt Thee, we praise Thee, Faithful and true are Thy counsels of old ; Hymns of thanksgiving Thy people shall raise Thee, Hailing the mercy Thy prophets foretold. 2 Bright is Thy coming, and tempests long hovering, Over our world are dispersed by Thy grace ; Thou shalt " destroy all the face of the covering," Mantling the sinful, and hiding the base. 3 This is the joy that enkindles our praises, This the glad song of creation's new birth ; God shall wipe sorrow and tears from all faces, God shall give paradise back to our earth. 4 This is our God, lo for Him we have waited, This is the Lord, and He cometh to save ; Peace to the world that His mercy created, Triumph o'er sin, and o'er death and the grave. 5 Thou art our God, and we praise Thee, we bless Thee, Wonderful things our Redeemer hath done ; Great in Thy power and Thy love we confess Thee ; Father and Spirit and well beloved Son. Amen. b ADVENT. (II.) — "Andlo a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand."- Etv. xiv. 1. 8. I LOOKED, and in the shadowy land Where holy souls are waiting, I saw upon Mount Sion stand The Lamb still mediating ; And twelve-fold thousands with Him stood, Redeemed for ever by His blood — Veiled angels all prostrating. 2 And thence, like waters' solemn roar, Or thunders' mighty noises, A sound of harps came evermore, Mingled with endless voices : And " none can learn that song," but they Who to that world have passed away, Where man with God rejoices. 3 They " the first-fruits," with Christ on high, Begin the new creation ; But all who follow faithfully, Shall share the great salvation : When Christ shall come His own to seek, The wise, the just, the pure, the meek, Of every tribe and nation. 4 Hope can rejoice and faith be glad, While mingling in the chorus Of praise, for joy that may be had In that bright world before us : When to our Father's home above, And to the HOLY Sim hit's love, Our Saviour shall restore us. Amen. ADVENT. (III.)— "He Cometh to Judge the earth." — Ps. xcviii. 9. . I saw, and lo a great white Throne Midway from heaven descending ; And there was One who sat thereon, With myriad hosts attending : The everlasting angel-quires, And " ministers like flaming fires," Telling the day of Judgment. 2 The great Archangel sweeping by, With Trumpet's mighty clangor, Awakes the world and fills the sky, With sound of God's dread anger. The first of men, the last of all, Stand in their order, " great and small," Before the throne of Judgment. 3 The Books are opened, and from them Goes forth the awful sentence, Which shall acquit or shall condemn — Nor pause for new repentance. The issue of earth's long dark strife, The records of the Book of life, Reveal the unerring Judgment. 4 O move we to that Day of fear, With prayers and deep confessions ! So let His mercy find us here, And blot out our transgressions. Thus may we stand before Christ's bar, And He will see us as we are, Absolved, before the Judgment. Amen. 1" ADVENT. (IV.) ''Tin.- Homing spread u[ on the mountains.*' — Jo< i i 10. Clouds around the mountains breaking, Bring the morning's solemn sigh ; Murky lights the distance streaking, Warn us of the reddening sky. Be ye ready, For the Day of God is nigh. 2 Through the earth and o'er the ocean, Angel armies go before ; Voices, in the dread commotion, Echo — " time shall be no more." Be ye ready, For the Judge is at the door. o Lo the Son of man appearing, With the starry sign unfurled ; Heaven is gazing, earth is fearing, At the terrors roundllim hurled. Be ye ready, For " He comes to judge the world." 4 Now, O Saviour, new-create us ! By Thy grace touch every heart; Now from sinners separate us, Let us not from Thee depart. Make us ready, To be with Thee as Thou art. 5 Saints and angels high in glory Brighter crowns than OUTS will wear; May we cast ourselves before Thee, Praising Thee that we are there ! In their anthems, All Thy ransomed ones niiy share. ADVENT. 11 u Come ye blessed !" Thine own greeting, And our Father's loving call; With the Spirit's voice repeating, " Blessed," blessed are they all, Who in glory, At their Father's footstool fall. Amen, (V .)— " Every eye shall see Him."— Bev. i. 7. 11, E eh old He comes with clouds, All gaze — no eye is dim ; They too who pierced Him rise, and crowds Shall wail because of Him. 2 Yet even so, Lord, come ; Hast Thou not warned us all, " The days are shortened " now, lest some Of Thine elect might fall ? o Prepare us for that day, While time is hastening on ; That we, with all Thy faithful, may Stand clear before the Throne. And if the world around Haste sinful to its doom, Let " all who will " in Thee be found, Then " come, Lord Jesu. come !" " The Sri kit and the Bride " Wait for the Eternal Son ; So shall our God be glorified, The Blcrsc'd Three in One. / Amen. 12 RETREAT. (For Advent, Lent, and special times.) (I.)—" He saw them toiling in rowing."— S. Mark vi. 48. 12. God Incarnate, once again Might we see Thy sacred form ! Only rest for weary men, Only Saviour in the storm. " Bid us, Lord, to come to Thee," In the night-watch on the deep ; Fearless then we walk the sea, Thou our sinking steps wilt keep. 2 We are toiling on the wave, Thou hast seen our tossing bark ; Thou, and Thou alone can'st save, Thou our light when all is dark. Onward, onward must we speed, Pausing not on life's rough sea, — " If it be Thyself indeed, " Bid us, Lord, to come to Thee." 3 Strength of ours will not avail, Faithless fears pierce not the sky ; Thoughts that make the guilty quail, Stir within us as we cry. O Thou rest for sinful men ! Shew Thyself, for Thou art peace ; Thou, the haven we would gain, Where the tempest's terrors cease. 4 Multitudes who throng Thee there, Sinful once, and lost as we, Thrilled by heaven's immortal air, Find their endless life in Thee. RETREAT. 13 " God with us," on high adored 'Midst the saints and angels host, " Holy, holy, holy Lord," Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Meditation. (II.)—" Thou art with me.''— Ps. xxiii. 4. 13. " I am not alone," — " The Father Who is with me" works within, And stirs that sacred life which loves to own Goodness, and shrinks from sin. 2 Never quite alone ; No, not in deepest solitude of soul, For even there I have communion With the majestic whole. 3 Nothing satisfies ; We know we cannot trust in earthly things, Our hearts will seek their level, and must rise To the pure upper springs. 4 Thou, eternal God, What is this longing but a faith in Thee ? To find Thy presence, or avert Thy rod, Is all in all to me. 5 O, I could not bear This sense of being, lacking the true bliss, Unless my God had come to me to share A human life like this ! G Thou, Lord Jesu Christ, Art with the Father and the Spirit One; And to the " heart that talks of Thee," repliest- Thou shalt not be aloue. Amen. 1 1 RETREAT. Litany to the Hoey Trinity. (ITT.)— " There is mercy with Thee, therefore shalt Thou be feared."- Ps. cxxx. 4. 14:. God the FxVTHEr in the sky, God the Son enthroned on high, God the Spirit always nigh ; We adore Thee ever. 2 Father, in Thy love we trust, Thou hast formed us from the dust, We and all Thy children must Rest on Thee for ever. 3 Saviour Christ, Son of God, Who on earth our path hast trod, " By Thy staff and by Thy rod," Rule and guide us ever ! 4 Holy Spirit, Lord of Grace, Since we are " Thy dwelling-place," Let not sin Thy work efface, Help us now, and ever. 5 Lord have mercy, bow Thine ear ; Christ have mercy, calm our fear ; Lord have mercy, O draw near, — Mercy, mercy ever ! G Are we not Thy chosen ones, Thy baptized though wandering sons ? Yet the prodigal who runs To Thine arms, finds mercy. 7 Though our sins are known to Thee, Our temptations Thou can'st see, Turning from them all, we flee Only to Thy mercy. RETREAT. 15 8 Deeply fallen, as we are, Love, that knows no let nor bar, Hails us " coming from afar," To our Father's mercy. 9 God our Father in the sky, God the Son enthroned on high, God the Spirit always nigh ; We adore Thee ever. Amen. Hymn to Christ. (IV.)— " Which was, and is, and is to come."— Bcv. i. 7, & 15. Thou "Alpha and Omega, First and Last," Who dost in glory reign ; Thou from eternal ages ever wast, And Thou shalt come again. 2 All praise to Thee, " Who livest and wast dead," And now on high dost dwell, Still bearing in Thy hands, as Thou hast said, " The keys of death and hell." 3 Thy voice is in the churches, day and night, Promise and warning come ; Thy starry mysteries shine, and sevenfold light, And conquerors' crowns for some. 4 And when at last we see Thy lightning form, And hear Thy God-like tone ; May we behold, through earth's last clouds and storm, The rainbow round the throne. Amen. lb RETREAT. Litany to the Holy Spirit. (V.)—" The Lord is that Spirit."— 2 Cor. iii. 17. 16. Now let my soul with God retreat, Thou knowesi all my wants to meet ; All grace is Thine, true Paraclete, O Lord my God ! 2 If to the wilderness I go, " Led up by Thee," I there may know, The tempter's power to overthrow ; O Lord my God ! 3 And as from trial I return, Help me of Jesus Christ to learn, Till all my " thoughts within me burn,' O Lord my God ! 4 So lead me daily Christ to see, Bring fco my mind His " follow Me," To break each chain and set me free, O Lord my God ! 5 And since I " know not how to pray," Make me to seek of Him the way. While prostrate with my heart I say, " My Lord, my God." f> Tf conscience owns " one thing I lack," True Btedfastness to keep the track, So hold me, that I fall not back, O Lord my God ! 7 Teach me to reckon all things loss — Of man as clay. <>f earth as dross — Pot the true knowledge of the Cross ; Lord my God ! Amen. RETREAT. 1 1 Prayer to Christ. (VI.)—" His Name shall be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us."— S. Matt. i. 23. 17. " God with us," the Saviour In every time of need ! Our hearts to Thee ascending, For help and mercy plead. 2 Hast Thou not shared our sorrows, And breathed deep human sighs ? And yet dost wear man's nature, In yonder peaceful skies. 3 Thyself hast borne our sickness, And carried our complaint, When our " whole head was weary, " And our whole heart was faint.* 4 And still Thy " Name is Jesus," Saviour of the soul ! Still, if Thou speak in mercy, " Thy servants shall be whole." 5 Thine eye is resting on us, Though in the crowd we kneel ; From Thee " goes forth a virtue " Thy contrite ones to heal. 6 Send from above and help us, From heaven Thy pure abode ; Our " heart and flesh are longing " For Thee, the living God." Amen 18 RETREAT. Beatitudes. (VII.)— " lie opened His mouth and taught them."— S. Mitt. v. 2. 18. Lord, Thy voice hath spoken, And we hail the sound — " Blessings " Thou hast scattered All our pathway round. 2 Blessing for the Poorest — Their's is rest in heaven ; Blessing to the Meekest, Here on earth is given. 8 Blessing for the Mourners — Comfort, sure and calm : And for hearts of Mercy, Mercy's richest balm. 4 Blessing for the Peaceful, Sons of heavenly race : For the Pure, all Blessing — They shall see God's face. 5 Blessing for the Righteous, Who in truth endure : Blessing for the Martyrs, For their crown is sure. C Blessing, praise, and honour Be to Thee, O Lord ! Father Son and Spirit, Ever be adored. Amen. 19 HYMNS FOR CHRISTMAS. Looking for Ciikist. (I.)--" Lot us now po even unto Bethlehem, and see this great thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." — S. Luke ii. 15. 19. Hail to Thee, O Saviour mine ! Hail Emmanuel, Lord Divine ; Endless life from Thee begins, Jesu, Saviour from our sins. 2 Child of Mary, Brother, Friend, Once again to man descend ; Knowing our infirmities, Touch our souls and bid them rise. 3 Let our inmost spirit glow, While to Bethlehem we go ; If the day be dark and long, Cheer us with the angels' song. 4 Worn and sinful we would bow, Lowly at Thy birth-place now ; Son of Man, and Lord Divine, On Thy waiting suppliants shine. 5 Thee we seek, the Truth, the Life, Refuge from earth's toil and strife ; Give salvation from our sin, Peace with God, and peace within. G Bid the sudden choirs on high, Fill once more our nightly sky ; And proclaim the glorious morn, When " to us the Son is born." Amen 2 I CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS DAY. (II.)— " A multitude of the Heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace to men of good will." — S. Luke ii. 13. 20 M Glory to God in the highest " is ringing, Clear from afar it is echoing still ; " Glory to God," for the angels are singing " Peace upon earth to the men of good will." 2 " Glory to God," as the prophets foretold it, Over the ages the Promise was cast ; Paradise heard it, and now we behold it, 11 Seed of the woman," we hail Thee at last. 3 " Glory to God," for as dews of the morning, Songs of Thy Birthday are filling the air ; Shepherds of Bethlehem give us the warning, Child of the Virgin, we welcome Thee there, 4 " Glory to God," let the glad exultations Sound through the world, bringing peace to the wise, M Joy for all people " — " Desire of the nations," — Echo the tidings in songs to the skies. 5 We too, with Shepherd and Magi and Angel, Prostrate before Thee our homage would bring ; Hail Thee the Saviour, the Christ, the Emmanuel, Own Thee our Prophet, our Priest, and our Kiug. Amen. CHUISTMAS. The Evening. 21 (HI.)—" I am the Light of the world."— S. John ix. 5.— Eph. v. 14. (Translation from the Greek— 2d Cent. Bel. Sac. Routh. ix.) 21, 22, Hail Glorious Light, pure from the Immortal Sire O Jesu Christ, the holy, heavenly, blest ! Now as we watch the setting sun retire, And stars of evening shine upon our rest ; The Father Son and Spirit of God we praise ; Thou, Lord, art ever worthy to be sung, Life-giving Son of God ! — with blameless tongue, So may the world one voice of worship raise. Amen. OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. (I.)—" Praise the Lord, all ye His servants."— Rev. six. 5. Glory, honour, praise, and blessing, Be to Thee, O Lord, most High ! Every tongue Thy Name confessing, Here on earth, and through the sky. 2 Even voiceless nature's glory, Sun and moon, or silent star, Sings the everlasting story Of Thy brightness, from afar. 3 Issuing from their sinless mansions, Angels, with Divine delight, Hymn Thee, through the broad expansions Sparkling with those worlds so bright. 4 We ki redeemed from earth, 1 ' are gifted To pour forth our lowlier praise ; Till, in that pure sphere uplifted, We rejoice with fuller grace ; 22 OCTAVE OF CILRISTMAS. 5 Hear the "welcome, " come up hither," Enter the eternal door ; Know the joys that cannot wither, Join the song for evermore ; 6 Praise Thee, holy, holy, holy, Father Son and Spirit blest; Praise Thee ever, praise Thee solely, And in Thee find endless rest ! Amen. (II.)— ""What is man that Thou art mindful of him \"—IIeb. ii. (Translation from the Hebrew. — ft. viii.J 23. Lord, our Lord, Thy Name how great, through all the world is known ! But high above the heaven is set Thy Glory's awful throne. 2 The feeblest notes of infants' song have strength Thy praise to sound ; By Thee the weak subdue the strong, and all Thy foes confound. 3 If to Thy heavens I lift mine eyes, and mark Thy finger there ; The moon and stars that light the skies, Thy wondrous Name declare. 4 How wilt Thou stoop to think of us, offspring of mortal race ! The son of man exalting thus with visits of Thy grace. 5 Hast Thou not made him lower now, than the bright sous of heaven ? And yet he wears upon his brow the lordship Thou hast given. OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. 23 6 To rule Thy works is surely his, by right Divine, for Thee ; Beneath his feet all enemies are placed by Thy decree : 7 And gentle flocks in pastures wide, and cattle of the plain, Or birds of heaven, or fish that glide cleaving the pathless main : — 8 Lord, our Lord, with loud acclaim, to Thee Thy creatures call, And hail the glory of Thy Name, Eternal Lord of all. Amen. (m.)— " It is a good thing to sing 1 Praises unto our God ; yea, a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful." — Ps. cxlvii. 1. ( Translation from, the Hebrew. — Ps. clj 24. O Praise God in His holiness on high — praise ye His mightiness, in all the sky ! 2 praise Him in His glorious works below— sing ye His praises, and His greatness shew. 3 Praise Him aloud, with trumpet's thrilling voice, praise Him with harp and psaltery's glad noise. 4 Praise Him, with timbrels of the moving quire, praise Him, melodious pipe and sacred lyre. 5 Praise Him with cymbals' clear rejoicing sound — praise Him with cymbals,while the shouts abound. 6 Let every thing that breathes His praise outpour- join ye the Lord's high praise for evermore ! Hallelujah. 24 OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. Father of Love. ° (TV.)— " Doubtless Thou art our Father."— Isa. lxiii. 16. 25. Father of love, our Guide and Friend, O lead us gently on ! Until life's trial time shall end, And heavenly peace be won. 2 We know not what the path may be, As yet by us untrod ; But we can trust our all to Thee, Our Father and our God. 3 If called, like Abraham's child, to climb The hill of sacrifice ; Some angel may be there in time, Deliverance shall arise. 4 Or if some darker lot be good, O teach us to endure The sorrow pain and solitude, That make the spirit pure ! 5 Christ by no flowery pathway came, And we, His followers here, Must do Thy will, and praise Thy name, In hope and love and fear. 6 And 'till in heaven we sinless bow, And faultless anthems raise ; O Father Son aud Sri hit, now Accept our feeble praise ! Amen. • Used frequently at Confirmations, and aluo for " New Year's Day '■ Bcrvicca. OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. 25 " Magnificat." (V.)— 4 ' Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to Thy word."— S. Luke i. 38. 26. " My soul doth magnify the Lord," And God my Saviour sing ; His mighty power and grace have wrought For me this wondrous thing. 2 O joy of heaven, to see the face Of the Beloved Son ! Lo from henceforth the world shall own, What for the world is done. 3 The Lord of all hath not despised His maiden's low estate ; And thus proclaims His love to those Who for His mercy wait. 4 So could the generations gone, His faithful promise tell ; And generations yet to come The song of praise shall swell. 5 Sing, every heart that hears His Name, Flow on, the rolling years ; With Jesus' fame fill every land, Until He re-appears. 6 His grace for ever shall endure, According to His Word ; And they who wait for Him shall be " For ever with the Lord." Amen 26 OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. Antiphons to the Magnificat. (VI. )— " The Frophets and the Tsalms concerning Me."— S. Lake xxiv. » l {Translation from the Latin. 9 ) 27. O Wisdom of the Highest ! Word Divine, Proceeding from God's mouth in days of old, And sweetly ordering all, to us incline — COME ! and Thy holy ways to us unfold. 2 Loud and Redeemer of Thy chosen flock, By whom the Angel of the Covenant gave To Moses the dread law from Sinai's rock— Com K ! and with stretched-out arm arise and save. 13 THOU Root of Jesse, to whose standard fly All nations, while their silent kings must bow ; Gentiles shall bend before Thy majesty— O Come ! and haste to our deliverance now. 4 SCEPTRE of Israel, Heir of David's line, The keys of government with Thee are found, To open or to shut, with power Divine — Come ! save the souls iii death and darkness bound. 5 o Dawning Splendor of eternal day ! Thou Sun of Righteousness sel up on high ; ,1 from above Thy clear all-quickening ray— Come ! shine on those who in death's shadow lie. • TheM * ren Antiphons, used in theancienl Services to introduce the Nativity, were knows by the initial words "Q Bapientia !" [Prw. viii. 22-82 Wisd viii. l.) -" O Adonai ! " (& >d.iii.3-7.)— "OBadix Jeaae!" i,; ••<, ciavis David!" (Ira.Bdi.8S. Rev. m. o Oriena Splendor!" [Mai. iv, 2. Wisd. vu. 86.)— "OBex '•' (Is,,, vii. U. 8. Matt. L83.) 7 ) Gentium !" [Hagg.'ii. 7.) "O Emmanuel t be sung cither separately, aa Authems, or as on OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. 27 C King of the nations, long Desire of all; Thou, Corner-stone uniting all with Thee ; Formed from the clay for Thee, to Thee we call- Come ! that man may Thy salvation see. 7 Emmanuel, King, and Lord of all art Thou, The Expectation of our waiting race ; Saviour, and Lawgiver, we hail Thee now — O Come ! and bring to us Thy saving grace. Amen. Messiah's Name. (VII.)— " Unto us a Child is born."— Isaiah ix.6. ^$8." Wonderful" Saviour, veiling Thy bright glory, Thou from on high hast come, with God-like grace ; Augels of Bethlehem part Thy way before Thee, And lo the Virgin Mother sees Thy face. 2 " Counsellor " glorious,Who in Heaven's calm session, Wast with the Highest, ere His works began ; Dwelling in light eternal, Thy possession, Now of the Virgin Mother, Thou art Man. 3 " Father of ages," evermore unfolding, All things shall bow to Thee, Incarnate Son, Yielding at last to God, the All-upholding, — Child of the Virgin Mother, it is done. 4 Hail to Thee, " Mighty God," all worlds adore Thee, Thou changest not, Thy kingdom shall not cease ; Sorrow and sighiug flee away before Thee, Son of the Virgin Mother, " Prince of Peace !" Amen 28 OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. " Benepictus." (VIII.)— "His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake and praised God."— S. Luke i. G4. 29. Blessed be the Lord, The God of Israel's race ! For He hath come to visit us, And save us by His grace. 2 Redeemer, Lord of might, And heir of David's throne, Foretold by heaven-taught prophets' lips, And by His saints made known. 3 Salvation from our woes, Deliverance from our fears ; According to His faithful word, Pledged in the former years ; 4 His oath to Abraham, To save from all our foes ; That we might serve him holily, Till life on earth shall close. 5 Blest Prophet of the Highest, Thou didst His way begin ; And teach the path of penitence, The pardon of our sin ; 6 And tell the Love of God, " The Day-spring from on high,'* Light to the darkened soul, and peace To those about to die. Amen. OCTAYE OF CHRISTMAS. 29 "Nunc Dimittis.' (TX.)— "Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."— S. Luke ii. 30. 30. Enough, enough, Thy saint had lived, When he had seen Thee, Lord ; And he was ready to depart, According to Thy word. 2 Thou, to Thy servant, Lord, hadst said, He should not taste of death, Till Christ had come to smile on him, And watch his parting breath. 3 And Thou salvation hast prepared, For all who wait for Thee ; — O Light to lighten sinful men, Let us Thy glory see ! 4 Let not our eyes be closed in death, Till we have known Thy grace ; Shine on us now, that we may then 11 Behold Thee face to face." 5 Over our world Thy light has gone, Teach us to prize our lot, Lest we be found at last with those Who comprehend it not. C Lord, we would fold Thee in our arms, And take Thee to our heart ; But pray Thee rather, hold us up, Lest we from Thee depart ! Amen. 30 octave of christmas. " The Name of Jesus." (X.)—" He called His Name Jesus."— S. Matt, i 25. 21. O Name above all names adored. Thou Jesu Christ, our only Lord ! The peace of God, the ' joy unknown,' Is Thine to give, and Thine alone. 2 Now through the bright expanse above, Thy Name declares the eternal love ; All heaven to Thee in homage bends, The song of all to Thee ascends. 3 And here on earth, the sons of men At Jesus' Name revive again ; Our calm in sorrow, end of strife, Our " Eesurrection and our Life." 4 O Word from heaven, true Name of grace, Jesus, the Saviour of our race ; Once more we feel God's kindling breath, Through Thee, " we cannot taste of death." 5 As to our Father we draw nigh, Thy Name finds welcome in the sky ; And prayers in every time of need Arc heard, for Thou dost intercede. C In the dark hour of sin's despair, Thy Name awakes the only prayer ; Its wondrous power the pardon wins, O Jesu, Saviour from our sins. 7 Thy grace, O Jesu Christ our Lord, Thy love, O God, to man restored ; Thy fellowship, O Spirit blest, Be now and evermore confessed ! Amen. octave of christmas. 31 Christ's " Holy Innocents." (XI.)— "They are without fault before the throne of God."— Rev. xiv. 5. 32, O who are they so pure and bright, Before the throne arrayed in white ? They stand serene, and calmly fair, As conscious of high welcome there. 2 See from afar, a lengthening band Of lowly penitents, that stand With angels gladdening their abode ; But who are these so near to God ? 3 That starry crown around their brow Tells of their sacred glory now ; Blest virgin souls who faultless come, From font of grace, or martyrdom. 4 " And in their mouth is found no guile," Christ's " holy innocents," whose smile Shines purer from their knowing not, Upon their souls sin's conscious blot. 5 These, these are they, the undeftled, The child-like saint, the saint-like child ; Marked with Christ's cross, or earth's dark frown , But wearing there that starry crown. G O help us, Saviour, by Thy grace, Near Thee to win that heavenly place ; Now following where Thy footsteps trod, " Blameless and harmless sons of God !" Amen. -■■■'■ " ■ ' i ■■ '■ 32 octave of christmas. Thanksgiving. (XII.)—" "Whoso offereth Me thanks and praise he honoureth Mo." I's. 1. 23. 33. Thanks be to God ! for meet and right It is to sing His praises ; Thanks be to God ! each child of light The voice of rapture raises. The glorious Lord doth build His church, His place of rest ; The Lord Himself hath healed Hearts wounded and oppressed ; O give our God the glory ! 2 He tells the number of the stars, And by their names He calls them ; He breaks His people's prison bars, And marks whate'er befalls them. O sing unto the Lord, Upon the harp give praise ! For benefits outpoured On us His favoured race ; O give our God the glory ! 3 He maketh health and joy abound, And peace in all our borders ; Since might in Him alone is found, To rule the world's disorders. For not to every land His mercy yet is known ; Let us before Him stand, Praise Him the THREE in One ; O give our God the glory ! Amen. I 33 FROM CHRISTMAS TO PENTECOST. 11 Epiphany." " We have seenHis Star."— S. Matt. ii. 2. 34- Look up to heaven, lo, Stars are there ! — The holy patriarch gazed on high, And choirs of light, serene and fair, All sang the shining prophecy ; 2 ' That God would all men bless, by One Who should be born of Abraham's race; * And " Abraham saw from far " his Son, Full of immortal truth and grace. 3 Then clouds rolled on, and hid the light, And there was darkness over head : Is there no Star to cheer the night ? — ' I see it not,' a prophet said ; 4 ' But there will rise o'er Judah's land, A Light I shall behold from far,' — Though still in solitude will stand The Balaam, while he sees the Star. 5 who are wise ? who pure in heart ? For joy to them God's Star appears ; For them the clouds asunder part, The mists dissolve, the darkness clears. b They hail the Light on Bethlehem's crest, They watch the glory slanting down ; It settles on the Virgin's breast, And shines, the Heaven-born Jesus' crown. 7 There know they the Incarnate Son, And clouds are past, and starry night ; The days of darkness all are gone, He is their " Everlasting Light." Amen. 34 from ciiristmas " Te De um." " The mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."— Col. 35. We praise Thee, our God !— to Thee, Father, our hymns once more ascend ; Thy mei cy still is new, and we Hail with new song our changeless Friend ; And nay our gratitude now rise, To find acceptance in the skies. 2 And O Thou holy undefined, Who once didst condescend to be Of woman born, a lowly Child, Receive our humble minstrelsy ! And le t it mingle with the song Which angels evermore prolong. 3 And Thou, the Spirit of all grace, O Holy Ghost, the Comforter ! The Church is Thy blest dwelling-place. And we would seek Thy presence here ; Here we have been baptized and blest, Here by Thy grace our souls would rest. 4 Thy face, O Lord, our angels see ! &j\<1 yet they watch us from above ; So while our hearts are fixed on thee, May we our earthly duties love ; Then when the thiugs of time depart, We siudl be with Thee where Thou art, Anion. to textecost. 35 Psalm of Praise. " In the midst of the Church -will I sing praise."— Ueb. ii. 12. {Translation from, the Hebrew. — Ps. cxlviii.) 36. Praise ye the Lord from heaven, O praise Him in the height ! Praise Him, all ye His angels, praise Him ye armies bright. 2 Praise Him, sun and moon ! praise Him, light starry sky ; Praise Him, the heaven of heavens, and waters from on high. 3 O let them praise the Lord ! for at His Word they rose ; He makes them stand for ever, unerring laws He chose. 4 Praise ye the Lord from earth, ye dragons and all deeps ; Fire, hail, and snow and vapour, storm-wind, His Word that keeps. 5 The mountains and all hills, fruit-trees and cedars sing ; The beasts and all the cattle, sea-fowl, and bird on wing. 6 Earth's kings, and all her peoples, princes and judges wise ; Young men and also maidens, old men with children rise. 7 O let them praise the Lord, His Name on high alone ; Above the heaven and earth, His glory ever known ! 36 FROM CHRISTMAS 8 He shall exalt His nation, while all His saints adore; For Israel is His people, near Him for evermore. 9 Glory to God the Father, Glory to God the Son, Glory to God the Spirit — Eternal Three in one. Amen. The Blessed Man. "His delight is in the Law of the Lord."— Pa. i. 2. {Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. i.) 37. O what blessings crown the Man who never trod the path where evil counsels guide ! Nor in sinners' haunts was bold to tarry, nor amidst the scorners to abide. 2 Ever in Jehovah's law rejoicing, meditating on it, day and night ; Like a tree by living waters rooted, he will bring forth all his fruit aright : 3 And his leaf shall not decay nor wither, but his work shall prosper in his hand : Not so, sinners — they like chaff shall perish, by the stormy wind swept o'er the land. 4 They who sin will not endure the Judgment, nor the guilty with the just ascend ; Every good man's path Jehovah kuowcth ; all the ways of sin in ruin end. TO PENTECOST. 37 Glory be to Father Son and Spirit, Glory be to God, the One in Three ; From everlasting unto everlasting, Glory, glory to the Trinity. Amen. Creation and Revelation. O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer."— Ps. xix. 15.) {Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. xix.) 38. Lo the Heavens, an open Volume, setting forth God's glorious praise I And the work His hands created, yonder firmament displays. 2 Day by day the light returning, upward springs, and glory tells ; Night by night anew responding, with the growing knowledge swells. 3 Speech is silent, words unuttered, voices all-unheard below ; But yon outline is extended, through our world the teachings go. 4 And the sun knows his pavilion, bridegroom-like he meets the day ; Joyful as some mighty chieftain, hasting on his wonted way : 5 From the heaven's far end proceeding, tracks his circuit to its close ; Nothing secret, nothing hidden, through his fiery path he goes. 38 FROM CHRISTMA.S A nti- Strophe. 6 But the Lord's own Law, all perfect, turns the soul to loftier things ; And His Covenant unfailing, to the simplest, wisdom brings. 7 Visitations from Jehovah, all are just and glad the heart ; His Commandments, pure and searching, to the eyes true light impart. 8 Fear of Him, how penetrating ! and it stands for ever sure ; True His Judgments, always righteous, they together shall endure. 9 M ore than gold shall these be sought for, more are they than finest gold ; Sweeter than the drops of honey purest honeycomb may hold : 10 Yea far more — in them Thy servant often hears a warning sound ; And in keeping them devoutly, recompense with Thee is found. 11 Who, Lord, can count his wanderings ! cleanse from secret things my soul ; Keep me back from all presumptions, let them not my will control. 12 ^o in Thee may I be perfect, and from mortal sin set free ; Inn. .cent from dark offences, and accepted, Lord, with Thee. TO PENTECOST. 39 Epode 13 Let Thy favour rest upon me, on my words, my thoughts, my heart ; Thou, O Lord, my sure Redeemer, Thou my Rock, my Refuge, art ! "The Lord on the Waters." "I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth."— Gen. vi. 17. (Translation from tfoi Hebrew. — Ps. xxix.) 39. O give to the Lord, ye children of grace, O give to the Lord all honour and praise ! O give to the Lord fit songs for his Name, And bowing before Him, His worship proclaim 1 2 The Voice of the Lord on the waters was heard ; By God in His glory the thunder was stirred ; The Voice of the Lord was above and around ; As o'er many waters He uttered His sound. 3 The voice of the Lord in strength did awake ; The Voice of the Lord in majesty spake ; 40 FltOM C111USTMA8 The voice of the Lord smote cedars, that stood 111 loftiness crowning All Lebanon's wood. 4 High Lebanon toss'd, overthrown by His voice ; And Sirion fled, like a steer, at the noise. The voice of the Lord bade lightning flash out ; The voice of the Lord made deserts to shout. 5 The desert of Kadcs did fear as He spake ; The voice of the Lord made wild hinds to quake ; And forests untraversed with fragments were strown ; "While we in His temple His majesty own. 6 The Lord was the Judge, when the deluge swept on ; And still He remaineth a King on His throne. The Lord to His people all strength will increase ; His people He crowneth with blessings of peace ! ■ ■ TO PENTECOST. 41 "Words from the Cross. (I.)—" Father Forgive them, for they know not what they do."- -S. Luke xxiii. 34. 40. To Whom but Thee, God of grace, Shall laden souls for mercy seek ? O turn not Thou away Thy face, But pardon to the contrite speak ! 2 Our countless faults before Thee lie, Our secret sins beneath Thy glance ; And all must bear that scrutiny, The light of Thy dread countenance. 3 We have no worthiness to bring, No plea but this — that Christ has died, And to His cross alone we cling, Sheltered by Jesus crucified. 4 Behold, God, Thy sacrifice, And from Thy mercy-seat look down ; Refuse not our sad litanies, Nor on our poor repentance frown ! 5 Send from the cross our pardon true, That voice which bids us hope and live — " Father, they know not what they do, " Father, Thy sinful sons forgive." 6 So cleansed and pardoned we will raise Our everlasting songs to Thee ; And Father Son and Spirit praise, One God to all eternity. Amen. (ir.)- 41. -" My God, My God, why hast Thou Forsaken Me."— S. Matt, xxvii. 46. Thy Presence, Lord, is heaven to those Who Avith '• the saints in light " repose; 42 FROM! CHRISTMAS. And we, Thy sinful servants here, Only have peace if Thou be near. 2 But who Thy searching may endure, Or who be found absolved and pure, If Thou shouldst be extreme, O Lord, To mark each thought, or deed, or word ! 3 Yet though our sins Thy Spirit grieve, Hast Thou not said, ' I will not leave ? ' Blest promise for each soul's distress, I will not leave thee comfortless. 4 Lord, when the tempter's power is strong, And evil thoughts all round us throng: And sin's dark tempest onward rolls, Speak Thou to our distracted souls. 5 From Calvary's hill that pleading cry Once echoed to the throne on high ; Still bid it through the darkness break, u My God, my God, O why forsake ! " 6 O Father, visit now Thy sons, Saviour, bring back Thy banished ones, SPIRIT Divine our hearts upraise ; One God, accept our prayer and praise ! Amen. (TIT.)—" Jesus saith I Thirst !"— S. John six. 23. 4:2 . Je.su, Who for us didst bear Thirst and hunger, toil, and care ; Jesu, not untouched art Thou, When beneath our griefs we bow ; Hear the voice of our complaint, Hear us, for our spirits faint. TO PENTECOST 43 Earthly burdens on us press, Thou hast known their sveariness ; Thou art God, as well as Man, And dost all our sorrow scan ; But it will not learn restraint, Till Thou nearest our complaint. Prayer is weak, " our throat is dry," Thou canst hear a spirit's cry ; Thru rememberest we are dust, In Thy mercy is our trust ; Hear for us Thy Spirit's plaints Interceding for the saints. Thou, Son of Man, bast known How " the body presses down ,5 Thoughts that soar above the earth, Thirsting for the heavenly birth ; Rising to the Trinity, Three in One, and One in Three ! Amen (IV.)—" To-day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."— S.Luke xxiii. 43. 43» Thou our God Who hearest prayer ! Our hearts would heavenward rise, Though cherubs guard with holiest care, The gate of Paradise. 2 Father, Thy boundless love we trust, Our faith on Thee relies ; We plead, while prostrate in the dust, Thy promised Paradise. 3 And Thou Who on the Cross hast died, Our wondrous Sacritice, 44 FROM CHRISTMAS. Grant to us sinful, by Thy side, Sweet hopes of Paradise. 4 Spirit Divine, by Whose blest gift, The guilty yet may rise ; Send us some grace our souls to lift Towards our true Paradise. Our sorrows, tears, and sighs ! Calm us, when bowed beneath Thy rod, "With thoughts of Paradise. O Father Saviour Spirit blest, Whose glory fills the skies ; Eternal God, grant us to rest With Thee in Paradise ! Amen. (V.)—" Jesus therefore saw His Mother."— S. John xix. 26. 44. Son of God in glory reigning, Where adoring angels bow ; Son of Man, our flesh sustaining In the Father's presence now ; Thy compassions cannot fail, Advocate within the veil. 2 Thou art " not ashamed to call us Brethren," with Thyself allied; In all trials that befall us, All affections crucified ; Thou hast sounded here below, Every depth of human woe. 3 In Thy last dread hour of sorrow, When uplifted from the earth, TO PENTECOST. 45 Musing on the awful morrow, Leaving her who gave Thee birth ; To the sepulchre's dark brink, Of Thy mother Thou didst think. 4 " Pierced by that sharp sword " of anguish, With Thy well-loved friend she stood ; They beheld Thee slowly languish, Saw " the water and the blood ; " Friend and mother sorrowing there, Knew Thy mercy, felt Thy care. 5 Son of Man, our nature wearing, Thou didst love us to the end ; Son of God, our heaven preparing, Christ, our everlasting Friend ; Brought once more to God by Thee, Man adores the Trinity. Amen. (VI.)— "He said, It is Finished. "—S. John xix. 30. 45. Lord, ' is it finished ? ' — God of grace Thy mercy holds us still in life ; Thy strength we ask, to run our race, And win our victory in the strife. 2 We would not always live below, Absent from Thee, our chief est joy ; Kbr would we die, until we know That we are fit for Thine employ. 3 Not till the sacred work within, Our long rebellious will controls ; Not till the triumph over sin Is wrought in our regenerate souls. 46 FROM CHRISTMAS. 4 Lord, are we able yet to drink The last deep cup of suffering man ? Thou knowest — for we dare not think, Nor venture yet to say " we can." 5 But when our work is wholly done, And grace is strong, and sin is dead, Then may a glorious heaven be won, And we be found in Christ our Head. C And "it is finished " then shall be The Father Son and Spirit's praise ; The song of our eternity, Anthem of everlasting days. Amen. (VII.)— " Father into Thy hands, I commend My spirit."— S. Luke xxiii. 46. 46. Faithful Creator, Lord Divine, Hear Thou our prayers for we are Thine ; Offspring of Thy all-quickening breath, Sons of our God, in life and death ; " Doubtless Thou art our Father " still, Though we are slow to learn Thy will. 2 Thou Holy One, Thou " only Good," What grace of Thine have we withstood! And Thou hast lengthened out our day, Bidding our wayward hearts obey ; While heaven in wonder contemplates The love which for the sinful waits. 3 Still as " our heart doth talk of Thee," ( ; rant us, O Lord, Thy face to see ; Thou Who hast formed us from the dust, Teach us to give Thee all our trust TO PENTECOST 47 Yield up our will, and at Thy word Answer, u behold Thy servant Lord 1" So, when Thy voice is heard again, M Return, return, ye sons of men," Fearless while earth's last thunder rolls, May we " commend to Thee " our souls ; And praise, with heaven's immortal host, The Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. " SURSUM CORDA. " When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."— Ps. lxi. 2. 47. " Why art thou weary, O my soul, " And why cast down within me ?" Though floods of sorrow o'er thee roll, Thy Father's eye hath seen thee ; From dangers thus thy life He keeps, From shallow shores to safer deeps, The storm is sent to win thee. 2 All things within, without, around, Most prove unsatisfying ; And comes there not from all a sound, The echo of our sighing, Telling that earth may never be Our home of immortality, Or rest for souls undying ? 3 Father, I hear Thy warning voice, Midst fears the soul appalling, 48 FROM CHRISTMAS No sunny days of earthly joys Could stay the shadows falling : Sun-lighted times are types of heaven, Dark nights to calm the heart are given, Man to his God recalling. 4 Lift thyself up, O weary heart, And claim thy high election, Strength for the cross will He impart, "Who tasted man's rejection : Joint heirs with Christ, on things above, The joys of God's eternal love, Must set their whole affection. 5 " Lift up thy heart !" — His church's chant, Tells of the joy before us ; Such bliss as heavenly love can grant, His promises assure us : Sing all our souls, with full accord, " We lift them up to Thee," O Lord, In Eucharistic chorus. C Lift Thou my heart, God, to Thee, Thou joy of .all creation ! Almighty gracious TRINITY, Receive my whole oblation : O might I come e'en to Thy scat, My Father, Saviour, Paraclete, The God of my salvation! Amen. to pentecost. 49 The Sacrifice once Offered. (Translation from the Latin. — "0 Salutaris.") [Introit. — O Lamb of God, That takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. — O Lamb of God That takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace.] 4:8. Thou Health-giving Sacrifice, Who openest wide the gates of heaven ! Earth's weight of sorrow on us lies, By Thee be strength and succour given. So to our Lord, the One, the Three, Shall everlasting glory rise ; Who life and peace, eternally, Gives in our home beyond the skies. Amen. Times of Trouble. (I.)— "Nevertheless My loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him."— Ps. lxxxix. 33. 49. Thou Mighty Father, God of peace, Send forth the Spirit of Thy love ; Bid strife and angry tumult cease, Till earth grow calm, like heaven above. 2 Our sins provoked Thy judgments, Lord, And we against Thy mercy strove ; O be our pardon now restored, Our hearts made calm for heaven above ! 3 To Thee our sorrows all are known, And Thou in kindness dost reprove ; Peace is Thy gift, and Thine alone, The perfect calm is heaven above. 4 Yet send us here some sign of rest, Thine olive-branch, celestial Dove, 50 FROM CHRISTMAS Till with the Trinity all-blest, "We know that calm of heaven above. Amen. (II.)— " In wrath remember mercy. "—Hal. iii. 2. 50. LOBD, in Thy wrath Thou thinkest yet On mercy to Thy saints ; On Thee our waiting hopes are set, Remember our complaints. 2 Of old the Flood, with thunders loud, Rose till Thine anger stayed ; But then Thy 'bow was in the cloud,' Thy promise surely made. 3 Earth at Thy word her treasure yields, Summer and winter come ; Our seed-time and our harvest-fields, To cheer our hearth and home. 4 And though the angel of Thy wrath, With Pestilence may strike ; Midway he pauses in his path, When prayer is made aright. 5 Lord of all power and might, Who dost With goodness all thiDgs fill, Thou Father Son and Holy Ghost, Refresh Thy people still. Amen. (TTT.) —"Thou knewest not the time of thy Visitation."— S. Luke xix. 44. 51. Teach us, O God, in trouble's hour, To " see our signs," and know Thy hand ; The sky grows red, the storm clouds lower, Comes there no judgment on the laud V f TO PENTECOST. 2 Surely for them who walk in pride, Thy heavy chastisements are stored ; And we may hear Thee sternly chide— " Shall I not visit ? saith the Lord." 3 If now Thy hand be lifted up, Let not our hardened hearts deride ; But humbly ' drink the bitter cup,' And in Thy mercy still confide. 4 Lo Egypt, Babylon, and Tyre, And Salem to Thy judgments bow ; And wilt Thou not of us require To ' know our visitation ' now ? 5 If in our hearts the sin be found, Which helped to bring the chastening rod ; Now may our penitence abound, And we confession make to God. 6 Father and Lord, O stay Thine hand ! Saviour, in Thy great name we plead, Spirit of love, renew our land, And for the sinful intercede. Amen. 51 (TV.) — " To whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not ? " — Heb. ill. 18. 52. " To-day, if ye will hear His voice, While it is called to-day," Turn from the world, and seek the joys That will not pass away. 2 Night cometh, and the end draws near, The reckoning is at hand ; 52 FROM CHRISTMAS The Judge of all will soon appear, And we before Him stand. 3 The Lord God, merciful and good, For us has waited long ; And borne with our ingratitude, Our wilfulness and wrong. 4 Kneel we, and hear His voice repeat, " O harden not your heart !" They who despise His mercy-seat Shall hear Him say — Depart. 5 Father, Who yet our world dost love, Saviour, for us Who died, Blest Sanctifier from above, In us be glorified. Amen. The Seven Penitential Psalms. (I.)— "O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine ind igrnation. "—Ver. i. (Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. vi.) 53. Not in Thine anger, Lord, rebuke, not in Thy heavy wrath chastise ; In pity on my weakness look, while this frail form before Thee lies 2 My soul is utterly cast down — how long, O Lord, how long to wait ! Return, and with deliverance crown, save, for Thy goodness, Lord, is great. 3 For who in death remembers Thee ? who in the grave Avill praise Thy name ? — By night I sought Thee mournfully, yet to my tears no solace came. TO PENTECOST. 53 4 My eye is dim with weeping long, and grief the failing sight destroys ; Yet cease your scoffs, O sons of wrong ! for God will hear His servant's voice. 5 The Lord my heart's petition knows, the Lord this lowly prayer will own ; Ashamed will be my subtle foes, ashamed, and suddenly cast down. (TI.) — " Blessed is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven " — Ver. i. {Translation from the Hebrew. — Pa. xxxii.) 54. O what joys are his whose sin is pardoned, whose iniquities are blotted out ! Joy that God the guilt no more remembers, and the heart conceals no treacherous doubt. 2 While within my lips I kept the secret, quaking terror shook me, all the day ; Night and day, Thy hand was heavy on me, smitten as by summer's burning ray. 3 I will own my sin, O Lord, before Thee, mine iniquity I have not hid ; 1 resolved to tell out my transgressions, and Thou hast forgiven the wrong I did. 4 All that seek for God beseech His mercy, in the time when mercy may be found ; Surely when the flood of judgment riseth, it will not the pardoned soul confound. 5 Thou, O God, my Hiding-place my Refuge ! my salvation all to Thee belongs ; 54 FROM CHRISTMAS Thou wilt compass me around with goodness, welcome me with more than conqueror's sougs. 6 For I hear Thy word — ' I will instruct thee, ' teach thee in the way that thou shouldst go ; 1 Ever guide and help thee by My counsel, ' with Mine eye the path of safety shew.' 7 Only let not us, like beasts that perish, (horse or mule, unknowing of our God), Chafe at Thy restraints, Thy rule withstanding, owning not the chidings of Thy rod. 8 Mighty sorrows will await the wicked, but the faithful soul shall mercy know ; Therefore in the Lord rejoice ye righteous, 'till your heart with gladness overflow. (IH.)— " Put me not to rebuke, O Lord, in Thine anger."- -Ver. i.) {Translation from the Hebrew. — Ft. xxxviii.) 55, Let not Thine anger, Lord, arise, Nor bid Thy wrath, if Thou chastise, With hottest terror glow : For now Thy judgment's arrowy steel Enters my soul, Thy hand I feel, Thy dread displeasure know. £ Health fades at Thy rebuking voice, "While anxious thought all peace destroys, By reason of my sin : Above my head the torrents roll ; Too deej) a weight for human soul, Sinks heavily within. TO PENTECOST. 55 3 All bruised and wretched as I lie, My sin seems plain to every eye, And follies not unknown : Or sorrow-struck, and bent with grief, All day I roam, nor find relief, But one perpetual moan. 4 With fever-heat this body shrinks, And health departs, and vigour sinks, My flesh and spirit faint : Feeble and wholly broken now, I cry to Thee, for only Thou Can'st read my heart's complaint. 5 All my desire to Thee is known, No secret, Lord, my spirit's groan, Nor aught from Thee concealed : This panting heart, and withered strength, Or how my eye-sight fails at length, — To Thee is all revealed. 6 And some who loved me stand aside, While kinsmen from afar deride, And they who seek my life Fear not to utter hurtful things, And by their false imaginings, Increase the live-long strife. 7 But as the deaf man nothing knows, Or as the dumb his mouth will close, So I refuse to hear ; Nor vainly a remonstrance make, Thee, Lord, for all my hope I take, O Lord my God appear ! 56 FROM CHRISTMAS 8 I mused of mockers at my fall, My failing steps, they mark them all, And magnify the wrong : And then I know my halting will, ISo that continual sorrows still To all my ways belong. 9 Nor will I seek the sin to hide, Although my heart is terrified, With evils that abound ; Yea though my enemies are strong, And they who do all hateful wrong Are multiplied around. 10 But ill for good if they requite, Yet I in goodness will delight ; O Lord, forsake not me ! Be not from me far off — Thou Good Lord make haste to help me now, And my Salvation be ! (IV.)— "Have mercy on me, Lord, for Thy great goodness."— Vcr. i. (Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. li.) 56. " Onn be merciful to me !" Boundless goodness dwells with Thee ; Bid Thy grace its fulness shew, Over my offences flow ; And baptize from every sin, Cleansing from the guilt within. *2 All my trespasses arc known, All my sin I daily own ; TO PEXTECOST. 57 Sin against Thy likeness done,* Trespass ' wrought before the sun ; ' And Thy sentence justly stands, Clear and true as Thy commands. 3 Born at first a fallen man, From my mother sin began ; Thou dost inward truth require, Wisdom pure is Thy desire ; Cleanse me wholly O my God, Touch me by the sprinkled blood ! 4 Wash me, so shall I be clean, (Fairer than the snow is seen ; ) Make me peaceful gladness feel, Thou hast crushed and Thou canst heal ; On my sin O cease to look ! Blot the trespass from Thy book. God, make Thou my spirit pure, All my soul for Thee secure ; Cast me never from Thy face, Nor withhold Thy Spirit's grace ; Give me back the joy to be Ever freely serving Thee. Sinful men from me will learn, How to God their souls may turn ; Thou from deadliest sin canst clear, God, God my Saviour, hear ! So my tongue shall preach Thy praise, And declare Thy righteous ways. ( * Such is the sense given by S. Athanasius ; and as shewn in the " Spiritual Gloss " on the Psalms, prepared from the Fathers.) ' '■ ' «■" 5S FROM CHRISTMAS 7 O my Lord, these lips unseal ! Then may I Thy praise reveal ; Sacrifice Thou askest not, Else it freely should be brought ; Holocausts no favour win, Offerings may not shelter sin. 8 Contrite hearts, Thy sacrifice, Thou, O God, wilt not despise ! Unto Thee Thy servant calls, 4 Bless Thy city, build her walls ; » There may holiest Sacrifice, Heavenward from Thine altar rise. (V.) — "Hear my praver, O Lord, and let my crying come unto Thee."- Vcr. i. (Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. cii.) 57. O Lord, hear Thou my prayer 1 My cry ascends to Thee ; Hide not Thy face in troubles hour, But quickly answer me. 2 My days like vapour melt, My bones with heat are dried ; This smitten heart is withered grass, My bread of life denied. 3 The voice of my lament, Thrilling the bones, is heard, Mournful as desert pelican, Or midnight's lonesome bird ; 4 Or one whose wakeful n >te Pines on some cheerless roof ; TO PENTECOST. 59 While all day long reproaches sound, Loud auger and reproof. In dust and ashes, grief As for my bread I take ; And mingled tears, through hours of thirst, All my refreshment make. Beneath Thy frown I lie, I feel Thy wrath profound ; For Thou hadst raised me up, but now Hast cast me to the ground : And slowly failing days Their lengthening shadow cast Over the pale and barren field, All life and brightness past, 8 Thou, O our Lord on high , Remainest ever sure 1 And the memorial of Thy name In Israel shall endure. 9 Thou shalt arise, and send Solace for Zion's grief ; The time to pity her is come, Set time for her relief. 10 Thy servants watch the stones Of loved Jerusalem ; The sacred city's very dust Has now a charm for them. 11 The Gentile lands will fear Thy great and holy Name ; And kings beholding from afar Shall own Jehovah's fame, 60 FROM CHRISTMAS 12 When God shall Zion build, And make His glory shine : Then will He hear the humblest prayer, Despise not even mine. 13 Write it for days to come, Our nation's second birth, His praise, Who looks from highest heaven, And condescends to earth. 14 He hears the captives sigh, The heirs of death recalls ; His Name, once more in Zion told, Shall ring through Salem's walls. 15 Nations shall gather there, And worship at His feet ; And the wide kingdoms of the earth, In solemn service meet. 16 Mv strength Thou humblest here, My days are shortened now ; Spare me, my God, nor cast me off — From age to age art Thou. 17 Earth Thou hast formed of old, And heaven Thy hands have made ; But they shall perish, Thou remain, They like a garment fade ; 18 A vesture given by Thee, Thy glories to enfold ; And it shall change, — all, all be changed, Be feeble and wax old. TO PENTECOST. 61 19 Ani Thou art He alone, Whose years no end shall see ; But they who serve Thee shall abide For evermore with Thee. (VI.)—" Out of the deep have I called to Thee Lord."— Fer. 1. (Translation from the Hebrew, — Ps. cxxx.) 58. From the deep profound, I lift my voice to Thee, God above ; Hear Thou in heaven, with condescending love, Thy servant's mournful sound. 2 If our sinful deeds Live in Thy sight, all wrong that we have done, O who may stand before Thy judgment throne ? — But still our frailty pleads ; 3 * Mercy with the Lord ! '— • And therefore men will fear Thy Name so great, Therefore to Thee I look, for Thee I wait, And rest upon Thy word. 4 Now my prayers ascend, Eager as watchers for the break of morn, O more than watchers ! — Israel, long forlorn, Hope onwards to the end. 5 From the Lord begins Abounding grace, that flows in mighty streams ; He will absolve the souls that He redeems — Save Israel from his sins. ♦S.Hilary, expounding the " D* Pro/undis," and the Latins gene- rally, (with the Vulgate), render this " propitiatio." See also the "Spiritual Gloss" on the Ps?Jms, as referred to above. (And also S. Athanasius.) 62 FROM CHEISTMAS. ( VII.)— " Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to ray supplication."— Ver. 1. [Translation from the lltbrcw. — Pa. cxiiii.) 50. Lord, hear my prayer, bow down Thine ear, an.l to Thy suppliant's voice attend ; " Faithful and just," to me draw near, or, answer from Thy presence send. 2 And not in judgment, Lord, come nigh j who in Thy sight is wholly just ? My foe pursues ; and, near to die, my life is sinking in the dust. 3 Dark seem the places of the grave, and there the dead of ages wait : My spirit fails, and wave on wave rolls on, and I am desolate. 4 Yet I remember days of old, muse of the wonders of Thy hand ; Yearning Thy mercy to behold, my soul is like a thirsty land. 5 Lord, hear me, lest my spirit shrink, O hide not Thou Thy face from me 1 Or else I must in darkness sink ; make me Thy early goodness see. 6 Thou art my trust, entire and whole, shew me the way that should be trod ; To Thee alone I lift my soul, save me — I hide myself in God. 7 Teach me Thy will, since Thou art mino, Thy Spirit leads to righteousness ; -I | : TO PENTECOST 63 Revive me by Thy power Divine, and bring my soul from this distress. 8 In Thy great mercy yet bestow upon my foes a j ust award ; My soul's oppressors overthrow, — " behold I am Thy servant, Lord !" Day of Wrath. "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that Day!"— 2 Tim. i. 18. (Translation from the Latin. — " Dies Irce.") 60. Day of Wrath, O Day of mourning I See once more the Cross returning — Heaven and earth in ashes burning. 2 what fear man's bosom rendeth ! When from heaven the Judge descendeth, On Whose sentence all dependeth. 3 Wondrous sound the Trumpet flingeth, Through earth's sepulchres it ringeth, All before the Throne it bringeth. 4 Death is struck, and nature quaking, All creation is awaking, To its Judge an answer making. 5 Lo the Book, exactly worded, Wherein all hath been recorded^ Thence shall judgment be awarded. 6 When the Judge His seat attaineth, And each hidden deed arraigneth, Nothing unavenged remaineth. 64 FEOM CHRISTMAS 7 What shall I, frail man, be pleading ? Who for me be interceding, When the just are mercy needing ? 8 King of majesty tremendous, Who dost free salvation send us, Fount of Pity, then befriend us. 9 Think, kind Jesu, my salvation Caused Thy wondrous Incarnation — Leave me not to reprobation ! 10 Faint and weary Thou hast sought me, On the Cross of suffering bought me ; Shall such grace be vainly brought me ? 11 Righteous Judge of retribution, Grant Thy gift of absolution, Ere that reckoning-day's conclusion. 12 Guilty now I pour my moaning, All my shame with anguish owning, Spare, O God, Thy suppliant groaning ! 13 Thou the sinful woman savest — Thou the dying thief forgavest, And to me a hope vouchsafest. 14 Worthless are my prayers ?nd sighing, Yet, good Lord, in grace complying, Rescue me from fires undying. 15 With Thy favoured sheep, O place mo I Nor among the goats abase me, But to Thy right hand upraise me. 16 While the wicked are confounded, Doomed to flames of woe unbounded, Call me, with Thy saints surrounded. TO PENTECOST. (35 17 Low I kneel, with heart-submission, See, like ashes, my contrition, Help me, in my last condition. Requiem. 18 Ah that Day of tears and mourning ! From the dust of earth returning, Man for Judgment must prepare him ; Spare, God, in mercy spare him ! — Lord, Who didst our souls redeem, Grant a blessed Requiem. Amen. " Time of the End." — Dan. xii. 4. " Exhort one another .... and so much the more as ye Bee the Day approaching." — Heb. x. 25. [Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. xii.) ol. Now, Lord, Salvation send ! Saints from the earth are gone, Truth's voice is pausing, and the End Seems hastening on. 2 And man his Friend betrays, Speaking with treacherous tongue ; And subtle lips, and heartless ways, That fear no wrong. 3 Yet, from His lofty seat, The Lord in wrath destroys Alike the lips of base deceit, And tyrants' noise. 4 They boast that they are great, Speaking with hollow pride, 4 We rule ourselves alone, and hate 1 All rule beside.' 66 FROM CHRISTMAS. 5 Thus are the poor brought low, And, bending to their lot, The needy sigh, O Lord, as though Thou hearest not ! 6 Yet has Thy word gone forth, ' I will arise and save ; ' Meanwhile the vaunting sons of earth Thy judgments brave. 7 That word so clear and sure, O Lord, Thy servants find ; From earthly dross by fire made pure, Seven times refined. 8 It stands for ever fast, Thy truth the promise gave ; Thou, from this sinful world at last, Wilt surely save. [9 As yet, bold sin awhile Prevails on every hand, And walks in triumph, — for the vile Now rule the land. FOR THE HOLY WEEK. Palm Sunday. " Behold thy King cometh, He is just .... and having Salvation.' Ztch. is., y. 62. ' Is not This our King and Prophet T — Ring hosannas, wave the palm, Let the children from the temple Echo back the people's psalm ; TO PENTECOST. 67 « Blessed is the Son of David," Blessed is the Christ of God, Welcome to the hill of Zion, Deck the pathway, strew the sod 1 2 ' Meek and lowly One,' He cometh, And the anthem greets His ears ; Lo the city lies before Him, But He sees it through His tears ; Looking from the Mount of Olives, Towers, and marble temple rise ; — Is thy peace, O well-loved Salem, 11 Hid for ever from thine eyes ?'' 3 Sees He now, in solemn vision, Calvary " without the gate ?" Israel fallen — " house and city " Left unto her desolate ?" Yes, O Saviour all-enduring ! Thou wast watching every heart — Which would love Thee, which forsake Thee, Which would do the traitor's part. 4 Pity, Lord, man's hollow praises, Then or now, which greet Thee thus ; " By Thy Cross, and by Thy Passion " O have mercy yet on us ! Now Thou reignest with the Father, And the Spirit evermore ; Lord, look down upon Thy servants, Who repent, and would adore. Amen. _l 68 FROM CHRISTMAS The Monday. — S. Matt. xxiv. Rev. xi. 15-19. "What shall be the sign of Thy Coming? "S. Matt. xxiv. 3. 63. The storms of tribulation Gather on Salem's brow, And long-spared indignation Goes forth against her now. " See'st thou these glorious buildings ? — " Yet there shall not be found " One stone upon another, 11 Not levelled with the ground." 2 That Temple and its marvels, The dream of glorious days, The tokens of God's Presence Are passing from the gaze ; The Angel's trumpet sounding, O'er God's Jerusalem, Proclaims to her lost children, No respite now for them. 3 That Home of sacred promise, Where prophets' gifts were felt, The Urim and the Thummim, Where God himself had dwelt ; All, all had long been forfeit — That altar's holy spark, The cherubim of glory, The secrets of the ark. 4 And now the lingering ritual, The smoking sacrifice, (The Priests' and Levites' service), In fire of judgment dies TO PENTECOST. 69 Listen, for angels utter Great voices in the heaven ; 1 The world, and all its kingdoms, ' Henceforth to Christ are given 1* 5 And lo the heavenly Elders, Bright hierarchs of the sky, Fall down upon their faces, And worship God most High ; And judgment on the nations Must take its solemn path ; Long buried generations, Will know the time of wrath. G The lightnings and the voices, Throughout the concave run ; And thunder, hail and earthquake, Proclaim that all is done. The door of heaven is open, And through the vista fair, The covenant and the temple Are seen all shining there. 7 Then, high among God's secrets, The shrine He loved so well Re-enters the deep glory, Where God must ever dwell : The Lord, the Lord Almighty, Is, was, and shall remain ; " His great power " He has taken, And evermore shall reign. Amen. 70 FROM CHRISTMA.S The Tuesday.— S. John xii. 23-43. "He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him now."— S. Matt, xxvii. 43. (Translation from the Helrew. — Fs. xi.) 64-. Since on the Lord I calmly rest, who to my soul shall say — 1 Flee like a bird that builds her nest 1 in mountains far away ?' 2 For, should the wicked bend his bow, the arrow from his string Will strike no righteous heart, nor so the dark destruction bring. 3 When the foundations lie around in rude disorder thrown, The just may not in peace abound, nor safety here be known ; 4 Yet God in His own temple dwells, the Lord on high we trust ; His eyes behold, His anger quells, the children of the dust. 5 And He the righteous always proves, And tries him, as He will ; The wicked and the deeds he loves, " The Lord abhorreth " still. [ 6 Snares He will rain, and storms of fire, brimstone and fearful wind, Pour on the wicked in His ire, ' till they their portion find. 7 The righteous Lord has sure delight in righteousness and grace ; TO PENTECOST. 71 The just at length shall know the sight of God's all-glorious face. ] The Wednesday. — S. Matt. xxvi. 6-16. "The Son of Man goeth, as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is Betrayed." — S. Mark xiv. 21. " My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death." — S. Matt. xxvi. 38. (Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. xiii.) 65. " how long ! how long !" Wilt thou for ever, Lord, my soul forget ? Or shall Thy face be hid in darkness yet ? How long, Lord, how long ! 2 O how long, how long Shall this lone heart to daily musings wake, And the stern foe his frequent onset make ? How long, O Lord, how long ! 3 O Lord God on high ! Send down some answer from Thy throne of light, And grant new vision to my fading sight, Else I must sleep, and die. 4 Shall my angry foe Exult as when some conqueror destroys ? Will not my soul's oppressors all rejoice, To see me thus laid low ? 5 In Thy mercy, Lord, I trust, and rest for ever in Thy love, And praise Thy Name, O glorious Lord above, My Hope, my sure Reward ! 72 FROM CHRISTMAS. The Thursday.— S. John xiii. 23-35. "A new Commandment I give unto you."— S. John xiii. 34. (Translation from the Latin. — " Pangc lingua.") 66, Hail each tongue, with adoration, Christ's mysterious Body slain ! Precious Blood, for our salvation Shed, our ransom to obtain ; Fruit of noble generation, King of nations Thou shalt reign. 2 Given to man, He condescended From a Virgin to proceed ; Through our world His course He wended, Scattering here the precious seed ; Then at length, His sojourn ended, Closing all with solemn deed. 3 Now the Feast is ordered duly, See Him with the Twelve repose ; All the law accomplished fully, Legal meats no more He knows ; Other Food He gives them truly, 'Tis Himself His hand bestows. 4 " Word made Flesh " — the Bread He taketh, At His word 'tis " meat indeed ;" Wine, " the Blood of Christ " He maketh, And, if doubting sense recede, To the heart sincere that quaketh, Faith confirms the lofty creed. 5 To such Sacrament up-rising, We with solemn reverence bow ; TO PENTECOST 73 For the ancient sacrificing, Yields to holier ritual now ; Faith assists, with grace surprising, If our sense be faint and slow. To the Father, thanks unending, To the Son, all glory be ; Honour evermore ascending, Blessing, power, and majesty ; With the Spirit's praises blending, In one song eternally. Amen. GOOD FRIDAY.— S. John xix. " Sacrifice, and Offering, and Burnt Offerings, and for Sin, Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the Law ; then said He, Lo I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first that He may establish the Second. In the which will we have been sanctified through the Offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all."— Heb. x. 8-10. (Translation from the Latin. — "Ave verum.") D/« Hail true Body Incarnated, Blessed Virgin Mary's Son ; O true Sufferer immolated On the cross, for man alone ! Thou Whose side, all pierced through, With the " blood and water " flowed, Be to us heaven's foretaste true, When we breathe our souls to God : Hear, O gracious Holy One, Blessed Virgin Mary's Son ! Amen. 74 from christmas "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabaciithaxi !" " Jesus, 'when He had cried again [S. Luke xxiii. 46) with a loud voice yielded up the Ghost."— S. Matt, xxvii. 50. {Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. xxii.) 68. My God, my God, why dost Thou forsake Me, O far from Me, and from My voice distressed ! 2 By day I call, wilt Thou no answer make Me ? Night cometh, but to Me no silent rest ; 3 Yet Thou, O Holy One, art Israel's God confessed ! 4 In Thee our fathers did of old confide — Confide, and then at length deliverance came ; 5 They found escape when unto Thee they cried, Confiding, they were never put to shame ; 6 But Me, a worm and no man, all deride, Reproached, despised, I bear My people's blame : 7 And all beholding Me can scoff and rave, And curl the lip, and shake the head, and jeer; — 8 ' Cast Thyself on the Lord, and let Him save, 1 Now be Thy Help, since Thou to Him art dear !' — 9 Thine from My mother's womb, to Thee I gave Trust, at My mother's breast, and knew no fear ; 10 I have been cast on Thee, from then till now, Yes, from My mother's womb, my God art Thou. 11 O be not, then, far off ! distress is near, And now there is no helper, Lord, but Thee ; 12 Foes all around like angry bulls appear, Strong, as from Bashan, they encompass Me ; 13 They open wide the mouth, as if to tear, Like the fierce lion roaring furiously. TO PENTECOST. 75 1 '■>\ led. J 14 Like water I am spent, My bones all start, Like melting wax within Me is My heart, 15 Like potsherd dried, My strength has ceased to nVw My tongue is cleaving to My palate now, To dust of death Thou soon wilt bring Me low, 16 On every side, by dogs of hate surrounded, (While more and more the evil hosts abounded, My hands are pierced, My feet are rudely wounded. 17 And all My bones, I may count up, and know, They stare, as. if they gazed upon My woe. 18 Foes will divide My garments at the last, And for My vesture then the lot will cast. 19 But Thou, O Lord, be Thou not far from Me ! My only Strength, send succour speedily ; 20 Save from the sword, My soul so full of fear, Save from the dog, the life that still is dear, 21 Save from the lion, open-mouthed to tear, (Since from the unicorn Thou once didst spare ;) 22 So to My brethren I Thy name will sing, And hallelujahs in the church shall ring. 23 All ye that fear the Lord, O give Him praise, All seed of Jacob, join your tuneful lays ; Adoring hymns, all seed of Israel raise. 24 For He hath not despised the Poor Man's lot, Nor hath He hid His face, and answered not, He cried to God, nor was His prayer forgot. 25 Of Thee, My praise in the great Church shall tell, My vows be paid, with those who love Thee well ; 76 FROM CHRISTMAS 26 While poor men keep their Feast, filled with Thy praise, All they who seek the Lord the song shall raise ; Your heart shall live with joy in coming days. 27 Our distant tribes shall pause, and turn to Thee, "While all the Gentiles bow adoringly ; 28 For in our realm the Lord shall be enthroned, And Ruler of the Gentiles will be owned. 29 Earth's mightiest keep their feast, and worship Thee ; " Dust comes to dust," at last all bend the knee ; No living soul withstands that first decree. 30 But a new race His service shall proclaim, The future age shall own Jehovah's name ; 31 And they shall come, and tell His righteousness, And people yet unborn His deeds confess. } } Easter Eve. * Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell."— Ps. xvi. 11. 69. u He Suffered, and was Buried,"— Thou, O Christ ! For me hast borne the curse, the mortal pain ; Thou Who wast One in glory with the Highest, Hast died, to win me to Thyself again. 2 For man had fallen from Thee, his Paradise, Though mercy looked upon him even then ; And wondering angels in their far-off skies Saw Thee " delighting in the sons of men." 3 I cannot reach the abyss of " that great love," (First to the shepherds sung,on Bethlehem's plain), And yet that awful joy, all joys above, Of God's Compassion, ever must remain. TO PENTECOST. 77 4 Still from the Cross we hear the calming voice, And in our hearts the echoes talk of Thee ; There each may kneel and weep, and then rejoice — " He loved me, and gave Himself for me ! " Magdalene Going to the Sepulchre. " In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Mnglalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."— S. Matt, xxviii. 1. "Mary Magdalene, and Mary of James, and Salome, had bought srweet spices that they might come and anoint Him." — S.Mark, xvi. 1. " The women also which came with Him from Galilee .... came very early in the morning."— S. Luke xxiii 55. xxiv. 1. " Mary Magdalene cometh while it was yet dark unto the sepulchre." — S. John xx. 1. 70, We 'thought it had been He' Whose love 'would save ' His people from their sins ' — He pardoned me, The Magdalene ! — Come to His stony grave, come we, it is dark, man shall not see. Dark, dark — all, all is dark since He is dead : might I in that rock but rest my head ! Who has such claim to be with Him, as I ? And said not some, 'that they with Him would die?' But yet He calls me not ; ah what surprise Of heaven, if even now my Lord should rise ! — His spirit has gone down to those that sleep, Our waiting fathers — what joy for them ! Come with me, daughters of Jerusalem, Come with me to the dark cold rock, and weep. 78 FROM CHRISTMAS The Twelve Scattered. " The sheep shall be scattered."— £. Matt. xxvi. 31. 71. Silent Night, O darkness of the dead ! A few hours since, and Jesus full of grace Sat with His chosen, Blessed the mystic Bread, And poured the Cup, and joined the Hymn of praise ! 2 Where now are they who sat around ? — Is John Tending the lonely Mother in His stead ? Is Judas, who betrayed the Holy One, "Gone to his place ?" and have the rest all fled ? 3 Is Peter weeping ? — are "His brethren" gone ? What was that word — " the Shepherd I will smite, " The sheep shall all be scattered far " to-night ? — He saw, He knew it all, and He is Dead. "DOMINE, ReFUGIUM." " As yet they knew not the Scripture, that He must rise again." S. John xx. 9. (Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. xc.) 72. Thou, Lord, to us a dwelling-place hast been, From generation unto generation ; 2 Before the lofty mountains had been seen, And Thou hadst formed the world, and all creation, Onward, from age to age, O God, is Thy duration ! 3 At Thy command, man turns to dust again, Thy voice is heard, 'Return, ye sons of men !' — 4 A thousand years to Thy all-searching eye, Are but as yesterday when fleeted by, Or the night watch departing silently. TO PENTECOST. 79 5 They are poured out and spent, like sheep they pass, When morning cometh changing like the grass ; 6 Lo in the morning it is fresh and clear, And in the evening all cut down and sere ; 7 So in Thine anger have we been consumed, And in Thy fearful wrath to trouble doomed ; 8 Our evil deeds before Thee, Thou dost place, All secrets, in the brightness of Thy gaze ; 9 Our time is shortened by Thy wrath alone, Our years like a departed dream are gone ; 10 The days of life are threescore years and ten, And if to fourscore years we may attain, The strength is weariness and grief and dread, For soon it is cut down, and we are fled. 11 "Who knoweth, Lord, Thine anger's awful path, Great as man's terror in the day of wrath ! 12 O make us know the reckoning of our days, And bring our hearts to wisdom's perfect ways ! 13 Return O Lord, — how long time shall we wait ! Repent Thee of Thy servants' low estate ; 14 Refresh us in the Morning with Thy grace, So may we give Thee thanks through all our days. 15 Cheer us, for this our time of lowliness, The seasons we have seen of deep distress j 16 For if Thy mighty deeds we may behold, Thy majesty will to our sons be told. 17 The beauty of the Lord, on us descend — 'Work of our hands,' establish and befriend 'Work of our hands,' O strengthen and defend nd! J 80 FROM CHRISTMAS EASTER. (I.)— "Woman, why weepest thou ?"— S. John 13. 73. " The Lord is risen !" lo, at His tomb Angels in shining robes appear, Flashing a glory through the gloom, With heavenly voice, " He is not here !" 2 Then Mary saw Him ; faithful heart, First in repentance, sure in love ; And heard His voice — ' In haste depart, * And say, I go to God above.' — 3 " Tell it to Peter !"— Had he kept Remembrance of Christ's parting glance ? — Then with what joy his spirit leapt, Once more to see That countenance ! 4 Where were the rest ? those chosen men, All full of fear, in dread suspense, — They met that night ; and Jesus then " Sudden appears," they know not whence. 5 Thomas was absent — loving doubt All, less than certainty, denied ; 1 1 will not think it true, without ' Touching once more His hands and side !' 6 Again He came, when they were met ; Shall not His servants all adore ? — 1 Thomas, reach out thy finger yet, 'And touch My wounds, and doubt no more I' Amen. TO PENTECOST. 81 (TI.)— " Now is Christ Risen from the dead."— 1 Cor. xv. 20. 74. Sing, with all the sons of glory, Sing the Resurrection song ! Death and sorrow, earth's dark story, To the " former days " belong ; Even now the dawn is breaking, Soon the night of time shall cease, And, in God's own likeness waking, Man shall know eternal peace. 2 what glory, far exceeding All that eye has yet perceived ! Holiest hearts, for ages pleading, Never that full joy conceived. God has promised, Christ prepares it f There on high our welcome waits ; Every humble spirit shares it, Christ has passed the eternal gates. 3 "Life eternal !" heaven rejoices, Jesus lives Who once was dead ; Join, O man, the deathless voices, Child of God, lift up thy head. Patriarchs from the distant ages , Saints all longing for their heaven, Prophets, psalmists, seers and sages, All await the glory given. 4 " Life eternal !" O what wonders Crowd on faith — what joy unknown, When, amidst earth's closing thunders, Saints shall stand before the throne. 82 FROM CHRISTMAS to enter that bright portal.' See that glowing firmament, Know, with Thee O God immortal, M Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent !" Amen. (IlX)— " He is not here, for He is Risen, as He said."— S. Matt, xxviii. 6. 75. Joy of joys ! He lives, He lives, Jesus Who salvation gives ! Rising in the early gloom, Lo His glory fills the tomb ; All the earthly guards are fled From the mansion of the Dead ; Listen, for the angels say, " See the place where Jesus lay :" 2 " Enter, if ye seek for Him ! "— There the light shall not be dim ; At His head, and at His feet, Mark the clothes and winding sheet, All in sacred order seen, In the grave where Christ has been ; So He left it; all was done, ' Ere the rising of the sun. 3 Earth was trembling — Jesus rose, Calmly passing through His foes ; " Death hath no dominion now," " Captain of salvation " Thou. TO PENTECOST. 83 Jesu, Conqueror of the grave, Jesu Master, strong to save, Teach our hearts the unearthly bliss Of a purer world than this. Bid the powers of darkness fly, For the morn is drawing nigh ; Shew to us the shining way, Us the children of the day ; Onward, onward, in the road Radiant with the light of God, — God the Father and the Son, And the Spirit, ever One. Amen. (TV. )— "Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God."— Col, hi. 1. 76. " If we be risen with Christ," O let Our hearts' affection heavenward rise ; Nor in the things of earth forget , That our true home is in the skies. 2 Surely our aspirations meant That we " eternal life " would know ; And shall we now shrink back, content To find our all in things below ? 3 Who has not feared, at times, to die ? Who has not had the hope to live ? If it be bondage here to sigh, Shall we not hail what Christ can give ? 84 FROM CHRISTMAS 4 He gives far more than Adam lost ; — Still hear we, " thou shalt surely die ?" Our Saviour has the barrier crossed, " Believe and live " is His reply. 5 Lord we believe, help Thou our faith, That when earth's latest hour is past, We may be conquerors in death, Through Thee " may overcome at last." Amen. (V.)—" Him, God raised up the third day."— Acta x. 40. {Translation from the Hebrew. — Pa. xxx.) 77. Thee, Lord, I praise in loftiest song, For Thou hast raised Me from the dust'; No voice of triumph, from the throng Of foes around, might shake My trust ; To Thee have I poured out My soul, And Thou, my God, hashnade Me whole. 2 Thou from the depths beneath didst bring The life that failed, and bade it rise ; Now let Thy saints with gladness sing, Offering INJemorial Sacrifice, How brief His wrath — His love how strong ! An evening tear — a morning song. 3 Ere now, in prosperous hour, at length I paused, as if for tarrying here ; Thy goodness gave Me peace and strength, Then Thou didst hide, and all was fear ; Again I called on Thee to save, And bowed Thy tender love to crave ; — TO PENTECOST. 85 4 ' Why should this life-blood fail ? — shall we 1 Thy truth forego, Thy praise forget ? ' Hear, Lord, and still all gracious be, 1 God, be Thou ourHelper yet !' — Now move the choir with gladsome voice, Be sackcloth changed for welcome joys. 5 My song of glory, psalm of praise, Shall not be silent in that choir ; O Lord my God, to Thee I raise My grateful voice, with one desire ; To praise Thee ever, Thee alone, And Thee my great Salvation own J VI.)—" We are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls." —1 S. Pettr ii. 25 {Translation from the Hebrew.— Ps. xxiii.) 78. The Lord Himself my Shepherd, no want my soul can know ; He guides me in green pastures, where peaceful waters flow. 2 He will restore my wanderings, my fainting steps reclaim ; In righteous pathways lead me, to glorify His Name. 3 If in death's shadowy valley I walk, I know no fear ; My Shepherd's staff sustains me, my Shepherd's rod is near. 86 TR0M CHRISTMAS 4 Thou slialt prepare a Table, amidst surrounding foes ; My head with Oil anointed, my Chalice overflows. 5 Goodness and mercy surely shall follow all my way ; Till I in God's own dwelling find an immortal day. Rogations. " Your life is hid with Christ in God .... mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth."— Col. iii. 3, 5. {Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. xxvii.) 79. O Lord, my Light, my Saviour, whom can I ever fear ? Strong in Thy strength and favour, I live, if Thou be near. 2 Though evil hosts surrounded, to smite with eager frown ; And treacherous foes abounded, yet were they soon cast down. 3 If still the strife be rising, I fear no earthly arms ; No clang of war surprising, can stir my soul's alarms. 4 I have one aspiration, with Thee, Lord, to abide, In prayer and adoration, where Thou art glorified. TO PEXTECOST. 87 5 Should trials overtake me, in Thy pavilion sure, Thy secret place shall make mo as in a rock secure : 6 My head in joy then rises above the hostile horde ; And with glad sacrifices And psalms, I praise the Lord. 7 Lord, hear my earnest speaking, in mercy answer me ; To Thee my heart is seeking, Thy face I long to see. 8 Nor in displeasure hide Thou that face of glorious light ; In mercy, abide Thou my Saviour, and my Might ! 9 No earthly father heedeth, my want no mother knows ; But all His servant needeth, The Lord alone bestows. 10 Then lead me, Lord' and teach mo in the clear path of right ; Lest watchful foes should reach me, (for wrong is their delight.) 11 And let not their oppressions my weary soul annoy ; Else might their false professions My rising hope destroy : 12 Only I know how surely Thy promise rules the strife ; 88 FROM CHRISTMAS Thy goodness pledged securely, now in the land of life. 13 Wait, faithful hearts, and tarry, be strong, and trust His word ; His truth shall not miscarry, wait ever on the Lord. ASCENSION. (IJ— "While He blessed them, He was parted from them."— S. Luke xxiv. 61 " They returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet."— Acts i. 12. 80. Yet once more, behold Him standing, Jesus, with His own " Eleven ;" Hear His voice — " all power is given Me, " It is Mine, in earth and heaven:" 2 Go, My servants, bear My witness To the ' utmost ends of earth ; ' Death's dark barrier now is vanquished, Man may know his second birth : 3 " Go baptize " the waiting nations, In that Name to man revealed ; " In the Father Son and Spirit " — Fount of life, and love unsealed; 4 Tarrying 'till the " promised Spirit n From My Father I shall send ; Mighty gifts ye shall inherit, "lam with you to the end : " 5 And the Baptism I have given you, And that Blood which did atone, And the Spirit from God descending, In this Witness shall be One! Amon. TO PENTECOST. 89 (II.)— "Thou art Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedee."— Beb. v. 6. 81. Triumphant Lord, Thy work is done, Thy toil is o'er, Thy victory won. O aid Thy servants in their strife, Help us to win the crown of life I 2 Presenting Thine own Sacrifice, Our prayers like incense round Thee rise ; For " Thou art Priest for ever," Thou Art interceding for us now. 3 by Thy spotless wondrous Birth, And by Thy bitter Death on earth, And by Thy Rising from the grave, Ascended Lord Thy people save ! 4 "Thou art the King of Glory," Thine All honour, praise, and powerDivine ; One with the Father now confessed, And with the Spirit ever blest. Amen. (III.)— "We have not an High Priest "Who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities."— Heb. iv. 15. 82. O Saviour, now at God's right hand, High Priest within the veil ; For us before the altar stand, For us with God prevail ! 2 All our infirmities were Thine, And now all power on high ; To Thee for grace and strengthDivino, We lift our suppliant cry. 3 Heavenward we look ; yet Thou hast said, That u Thou art with us" still: 90 FIIOM CHRISTMAS. Saviour, Who livest and wast dead, We wait, and do Thy will ; 4 Thy sacred death in mystery shew, Till Thou again shalt come ; And now Thy grace and mercy know, And find Thy Church our home. 5 But lo, O Lord, in triumph raised, Eternal is Thy throne ; "One with the Father," Thou art praised, And with the Spirit, One. Amen OCTAVE OF THE ASCENSION. (I.)—" These all continued with one accord in prayer . . . with the women* and Mary."— Acts i. 14. 83. " Thou, Lord, Which know'st the hearts of all," Thy Church's ever present aid : Thine ear was open to their call, While Mary with Apostles prayed. 2 Still, faithful to Thine own command, They, the true servants of their Lord , Waited, at first a broken band, Till oneness was by Thee restored. 3 For never might the realm of heaven Forfeit an Apostolic throne ; Matthias numbered with the Eleven, The sacred choir again is one. 4 Lonely Apostle, it was thine, To take the traitor's vacant scat, Witness with them the love Divine, And hail the coming Paraclete. TO PENTECOST. 91 5 We in their fellowship abide, We with the Twelve would followers be ; Disciples of the Crucified, Adorers of the Trinity. Amen. (II.)— " Lord, Thou art God, "Which hast made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that in them is. Who by the mouth of Thy serA-ant David h:ist said, why did the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing I ''—Acts iv. 24-25. "Thou art gone up on high."— Ps. lxviii. 18. Eph. iv. 8. {Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. xxiv.) 84:. Eautii and its fulness, Lord are Thine, the world and all that dwell below ; Built on the flood by power Divine, firm 'stablished, while the waters flow. 2 Who on the Lord's own mount will stand ? who in His holy place abide ? Chaste be the heart and pure the hand, calm, true, and clear of earthly pride. 3 Him will the Lord with favour bless, his Saviour crown with sure reward ; — So now to Thee Thy people press, and Jacob seeks Thy face, O Lord ! (Selah.) Lift up your heads on high, Ye doors, ye ancient gates ! The King of Glory draweth nigh, — And lo He waits. 92 FROM CHRISTMAS 5 Who is this Glorious King ? — The Lord, the Mighty One, It is the Lord all-conquering, The Lord alone. 6 O lift your heads on high ! Xe doors, ye ancient gates ; The King of Glory draweth nigh, — And lo He waits. 7 " Who is This King of Glory ?" The Lord of Hosts alone, He only reigneth gloriously, King on His throne. (Selah.) Veni Creator.' u Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind! "—Acts ii. 2. {Translation from the Latin.) 85. O come, Creator Spirit come ! Enter our minds, Thy sacred home ; Come, with Thy heavenly grace, to fill Souls Thou hast made, to do Thy will. Thou, our true Paraclete, come nigh, The wondrous Gift of God most High. 2 0" Living Water," " Flame of Love ! " O " Holy Unction " from above ! Come, " Seven-fold Gift," take Thine abode, Come, " Finger of the living God." Come, " Promise of the Father," given To touch our lips with words of heaven. TO PENTECOST 93 Kindle our senses, part by part, Pour Thine own love in every heart ; And all infirmities of ours Strengthen with Thy abiding powers. Keep far from us the treacherous foe, And make us all Thy peace to know. Lead Thou our way — no hurtful care, No ill can come, if Thou be there ; To us the heavenly Father shew, Help us the Son Himself to know. Spirit of Both, our faith receive, And make us ever more believe. Father and Son, Whose praises meet In Thine, all holy Paraclete ! O let us now Thy mercy feel, Its fulness to our hearts reveal ! So may the Son for ever send The Spirits grace till time shall end. Amen. WHITSUNTIDE. (I.)— "Ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you Comfortless."- S. John xiv. 17, 18. 86. Eternal Spirit, God of grace, Look down from heaven Thy dwelling-place ; Make known to us Thy power and love, And on Thy new creation move. 2 By Thee were all the prophets taught, And saintly deeds of old were wrought ; Through Thee we know " The Holy One," The Promised Seed, the Virgin's Son. 04 FROM CHRISTMAS 3 He. for the joy of His elect, Bade us Thy coming to expect ; O " Comforter, the Holy Ghost," The glory of the Pentecost ! 4 Fill Thou our house — on every head Let some celestial grace be shed ; Thy Font, Thy Word, Thine Altar bless, And clothe Thy Priests with righteousness. 5 For Christ proclaims with voiceDivine, " All that the Father hath is Mine ! " And we, His own regenerate, Now for His " quickening Spirit " wait. 6 Spirit of Grace our souls revive, The " promise" of our Father give ; Christ's " I in them, and Thou in Me " — The presence of the Trinity. Amen. " The Washing of Regeneration, and Renewing of the Holy Ghost." (II.)— " Repent and be Baptised every one of you, for the Remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost : for the Promise is for you, and for your Children." — Acts ii. 39. 87. Lord of the sinless world above, Saviour, bow down Thine ear and hear ; While we, the children of Thy love, Within Thy holy Church appear ; Bearing upon our brow Thy sign Of grace and peace, the Cross divine. 2 " We of Thy fulness have received," And "grace for grace " a plenteous shower ; And though Thy Spirit we have grieved Too oft, since our Baptismal hour; To Thee we come, that here we may Confess and be absolved and pray. TO PENTECOST. 95 For though, O God, Thou art so high, Yet for the lowliest Thou dost care ; And children may ' hosanna ' cry, Rejoicing in Thy house of prayer. Thus to Thy Church on earth is given, To be the type and pledge of heaven. Therefore we praise Thee, mighty Lord, For blessings here, for hopes above ; And in our choral hymn record Our Church's care, our Saviour's love ; With angels' and archangels' host, Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Confirmation. (IH.)—" And He put His Hands on them, and Blessed them." — S. Mark x. 16. 88. Blest voice of love, wordDivine, Lord, Thou hast called young children Thine, " Of such shall heaven's bright kingdom be." On childrens' heads Thy hand was laid, And child-like innocence was made Holy, when touched O Lord by Thee ! 2 "To Him that loved us " we would raise As sons of God our inmost praise, " To Him that washed us from our sins." In heaven that song is sounding now, There, saints and crowned martyrs bow, Already their pure joy begins. 3 " They rest not day and night," but cry— u Thrice holy Lord, the heavens on high, " And all the earth Thy glory fills. 96 FROM CHRISTMAS 11 They rest not " — earth's exulting hymn Is echoed by the cherubim, Beyond the everlasting hills. 4 Yet in that choir, what sounds more dear, More welcome to the Eternal ear, Than blameless joy of children's songs ? — To Thee, the glorious Lord alone, The Father, Saviour, Holy One, Creations homage all belongs. Amen. First Communion. — S. John vi. 31-58. (IV.)—" He that cometh to Me shall never hunger, and he that belicveth on Me shall never thirst."— 8. John vi. 35. 89. Come, child of grace, immortal heir Of everlasting joys ; Now at the altar kneel in prayer, Dismiss earth's pomp and noise ; Listen, for lo " the Lord is there," And you may hear His voice. 2 " His word is near,'' and He can do The marvels that He said ; He speaks, the Saviour ever true, "Who liveth, and was dead;" " This is My Body given for you — " This is the Blood " I shed ! 3 And though unworthy to receive Such Presence of the Lord, O " be not faithless, but believe " That new creating word, TO PENTECOST. 97 "Which comes from God," and can achieve More than the world hath heard. It lies beyond the eye of man, And all earth's scrutiny ; A secret of the heavenly plan, Known to the Eternal Tiikee, Mystery that angels cannot scan, — Come, " handle Me, and see ! " Am-en. The Heavenly City. (V.) — " Come hither, and I will shew thee the Bride, the Lamb's wife,"— Rev. xxi. 9. (Translation from the Latin. — " Ccelestis Urbs.") 80. Thou Heavenly New-Jerusalem, Vision of peace in prophets' dream, With living stones built up on high, And rising to yon starry sky ; In bridal pomp thy form is crowned, With thousand thousand angels round. 2 O Bride betrothed in happy hour, Thy Father's glory is thy dower ; Thy Bridegroom's grace is shed on thee, Queen of all joy, eternally; To Christ allied, thy Prince adored, Bright shining " city of the Lord." 3 Behold with pearls all glittering stand Thy peaceful gates, and still expand ; By grace and strength divinely shed, Each mortal thither may be led ; 98 FROM CHRISTMAS. Who, kindled by Christ's love, will dare In earthly sufferings now to share. 4 By many a salutary stroke, By many a weary blow, that broke And shaped, with workman's skilful care, Stones for that mansion bright and fair, They all are " fitly framed," to lie In their appointed place on high. 5 Pure and well pleasing in Thy sight, Parent most high, enthroned in light, And for Thine Only Son most meet, And Thee, all-glorious Paraclete ; To Whom, praise power and glory rise, For ever through the eternal skies. Amen. THE WORD OF GOD. (VI.)—" They shall all he taught of God."— S. John vi. 45. 91. Now Thy voice is sounding, And Thy grace abounding, Lord, let mercy reach us, And Thy Spirit teach us. 2 Cover our repentance, Lord, with thine own sentence ; Calm our soul's confusion, By Thine absolution. 3 When our knees are bending, Or our psalms ascending, May our hearts draw near Thee, Ever love and fear Thee. TO PENTECOST. 99 4 And before Thine altar, Let us never falter ; O Thou blessed Jesus, There from sin release us ! Amen. The Martyr of Christ. (VTI.)— " These are they which came out of great tribulation."— Hev. vii. 14. ( Translation from the Latin. — " Deus Tuorum militum.") 92. O God, of all the saintly host The portion, crown, and great reward ; While of Thy Martyr's praise we boast, Absolve us from our sin, good Lord I 2 Thy Martyr knew not earthly joy ; And the fond arts of vain deceit He spurned, as stained with dark alloy ; Then mounted to the heavenly seat. 3 Sufferings he dared, and boldly stood, With hardy zeal endured the pains ; And pouring out for Thee his blood, Eternal gifts he now obtains. 4 Therefore in prayer of suppliant power, We ask Thee, O Thou Saviour dear ! In this Thy Martyr's triumph-hour, Save from all ill Thy servants here. 5 All praise and endless glory meet, Be to the Father and the Son, And Thee, all Holy Paraclete, While everlasting ages run. Amen (100) FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY ; AXD OTHER FESTIVALS. " QUICUNQUE VULT." (Commonly called the Creed of S. Athanasius.) " He thought it not robbery to be equal with God . . . but was found in fashion as a man."— Philip, ii. t>8. 93. Is thy soul " athirst for God ? " • wouldst thou win " salvation ?" — Thou must have the heavenly Faith, " taught each tribe and nation." " If thy heart receive " it not, purely keep and cherish ; Know, the unbeliever's lot surely is " to perish." 2 Catholic that Faith remains, sung " through all the ages ; " ' God is One, and God is Three,* known by saints and sages. But the Persons of the Three are confounded never ; Nor the Substance, all Divine, may we dare to sever. 3 For " the Father sent the Son," and the Spirit Supernal ; Yet the " Godhead is but One," equal, co-eternal. " All the Father hath is Mine "— (this the " First-Born " sheweth ;) And the Holy Spirit Divine " depths of Godhead " knoweth. • X.J;. The passages in inverted commas arc direct words oi Scrip- ture, or Scripture atinstons, expressing the Creed in every pari ; toe whole if compared with both the Greek and Latin, will be found t<> represent the exact sense of each passage.— (The Hymn is adapted for i onaL or Recessional use; and suitable music has been written bj Dr. btamcr.) TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 101 God the Father uncreate, " of Himself existeth ; " " In Himself the Son hath life ; " and the Spirit consisteth With the Father and the Son ; All uncomprehended, And, beyond creation's bounds, in One Godhead blended. Father, on the eternal throne — "in His bosom " dwelling Son and Spirit, the Three in One Majesty excelling. Yet in that eternity, One E ;ernal liveth ; And to " all things that exist, "life and being giveth." One uncomprehended God, One supreme, almighty ; One not three in Deity, Uncreate and mighty. Father, Thou art " God most high ; " " Son, Thy throne abideth ; " God the Spirit, " One with Thee ; "— Godhead none divideth. Father Lord, the Son is Lord, and the Spirit most Holy ; Yet not three Lords — only One, One Divine Lord, solely. Thus the truth in Christ proclaims " Father Son and Spirit," Equal Lord, and equal God ; — we the Faith inherit : 102 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 8 For such Faith is Catholic, no three Gods professing ; u Father Son and Spirit," each, God and Lord confessing ; God the Father, made of none, Unoriginated ; God " the everlasting Son," " First-born," uncreated ; 9 God the Holy Spirit Divine, in One Godhead, flowing From the Father and the Son, evermore out-going. Yet three Fathers there are not, nor three Sons, nor Spirits, But the Three are Unity ; — this the Church inherits. 10 In this Trinity, adore None before the Other ; None is greater, none is less glorious than another. Thus repeat we, — " Faith in God," " Father Son and Spirit," u One in Three, and Three in One ; "- u who hath ears shall hear it ! " 11 Art thou still " athirst for God?"— wouldst thou win " salvation ? " Thou must have true " Faith in Christ, and His Incarnation. " Faith in Christ " as God and Man, we can own no other ; Godhead " of His Father had," Manhood from His mother. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 103 12 Perfect God, and perfect man, soul and body wearing ; "With the Father One," as God,— (this His voice declaring :) Yet as " Son of man " He owns God His Father " greater; " For the perfect manhood bows to the One Creator. 13 Thus the Godhead " changes not," though " our manhood taking ; " Oneness true, of God and man, in Christ's Person making ; God and man in Christ have found Union none can sever ; As our body and our soul, will be man for ever. 14 He for our " salvation " died, and to hell descended ; u On the third day rose again," then " to heaven ascended." " On the throne at God's right hand," — God the Father's giving, — He " will sit until He comes," "Judge of dead and living." 15 " In their bodies all will rise " — M every tribe and nation ; " And " to Him give up account," of earth's long probation. Thty that have done good then pass to the joys immortal ; Sinners hear Him say " depart " to the fiery portal. 101 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 1G Sucb is Catholic belief; in thy heart, O cherish Humble faith in all its truth ; lest thou darkly perish. " Father Son and Spirit " praise — join the angels' singing ; Hear the echoes from the past, onwards ever ringing ! Amen TO THE TRINITY. "And these Three are One."— 1 & John v. 7. (Translation from the Italian. — "Alia Trinita.") 94. To the Trinity Eternal, Join we all in adoration ! Trinity all praise excelling, Unity in mystery dwelling ; Thou, to all of life the Giver, But Thy people's Joy, for ever. 2 Now we bless Thee, mighty Father, Thine own Son with Thee adoring ; Now we hymn the Spirit's praises, Earth to heaven the anthem raises ; Heaven Thy glory not containing, God o'er all creation reigning. 3 To the Trinity Eternal, Join we all in adoration ! Trinity all praise excelling, Unity in mystery dwelling ; Thou, to all of life the Giver, But Thy people's Joy for ever. Aiv.cn. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 105 Hymn of Creation.* (Hexaemeron.) "In the Beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth." — Gen. L 1. 95. Awake ! all choirs Divine ring out The chorus that shall never die ; Ye sons of God prepare to shout Your gladness to the echoing sky ; Creation stirs — and on the flood There moves sublime the Spirit of God. God's voice is heard, " let there be Light ! " — And lo the radiance leaps to sight ; Darkness divides, its reign is done, " Evening and morn, — the Day is One." — Now through the wide mysterious air, And over the abyss below, The hymns of glory come and go, And "it is good," the Lord is there. Spread forth, ye Heavens intense and clear I Lift up your fair ethereal form Out of the waters, clustering near In regions of the cloud and storm. — At once the obedient heavens respond, And towards the crystal sphere beyond Created vision, bear on high The stately arch from sky to sky. — And evening came and morning rose ; Her " Second Day " Creation knows. * A Refrain, e.g. 'Alleluia,' or 'All praise to God,' or 'Praise ye the Lord,' is admissible at the end of many of the lines, as the music or chant may require. (Or, if a plain tune be preferred, the " Old Hundredth " might suffice : repeating the music, when there are six lines in any passage.— Or a chant might be adapted.) 106 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. Fall back, ye Waters, to your deeps, While the Dry-land its margin keeps ! — So each in reverent order stood, At that command, and " all was good." Then subtle Life, a wondrous birth, Goes forth from God to forms of earth ; Herbs yield their seed, and trees for fruit Strike in the earth their genial root. The evening paled, the morn came on, And " the Third Day " in glory shono. Then stood the Sun on high : Earth felt The instant quickening of his ray ; And saw the mists before him melt, As warmer grew the kindling day. Soon the sweet seasons learn their round; The spring-time, and the time of rest, With alternating grace abound, Submissive to the high behest. The meek Moon, rising from afar, Leads from below the evening star ; And guides through heaven the mystic fires, All streaming on, in sparkling quires, Marshalled in beauty, night or day, " And all is good," for all obey. The evening in deep shade goes down, " The Fourth Day " wears its sunny crown. The Sun-light shining from above, Life in the flood begins to move ; — TRINITY AND OTIIER FESTIVALS. 107 The air is quick beneath the sky, Fresh forms of beauty upward fly ; The mighty ones, in ocean's bed, Flock into life at God's decree ; u All being good," for God had said 11 Live and be blessed,*' in earth and sea. Evening was peace, and morn was bright, To greet " the Fifth Day's " holy light. Yet grows the Life ; all multiplied, New creatures in new order stand, Or rove the hills or forests wide, " All, all is good," at God's command. But shall not now this Life be brought Beneath one rule, a sacred whole ? — Now be the crowning glory wrought, One creature formed for high control. Again a voice was heard from Heaven, Through the hushed air the echoes roll, — " Let us make man ! " — to man be given " God's image," loftiest sign of grace, That there be read in man's clear face, " Our likeness " breathed upon his soul. — Evening and Morning saw and heard That " Sixth Day " work, — no voices stirred. " God rested," — all things love His will : He calls the Sabbath, ' Peace be still !' 108 trinity and other festivals. "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty." "Praise God in His Holiness."— Ps. cl. 1. 9 3. " Glorious in Holiness," fearful in that glory, Touch our lips with sacred fire, while we Thy praises sing ; "Who will not confess Thee, who will not adore Thee ? Thou art God from everlasting, Father, Saviour, King. 2 While on earth we worship, all our heart rejoices, Joining in the " Holy, Holy, Holy," of the skies ; Song of " thousand times ten thousand " rapturous voices, Swelling with the fulness of eternal harmonies. 3 " High and lofty One," O Thou Whose name is Holy ! Humblest prayers are kno wn to Thee, and contrite hearts' complaints ; And Thou makest now Thy dwelling with the lowly, Great and marvellous are all Thy works, Thou King of saints. 4 Lord God Almighty, hear our adoration, — " Blessing glory and thanksgiving, honour, praise be Thine ! " 11 God of all our mercies," an.l " God of our salvation," At Thy footstool here we own Thy majesty Divine. Amen. " Come ye Blessed." " The Father sent the Son to he the Saviour of the World."—/ S. John iv. 14. 97. Our " God so loved the world " He made, That here He sent His Son to die ; The Son Himself, in love arrayed, Came down to bring the outcasts nigh. 2 O depth of grace, be "ore unseen ! We " cannot search," yet cannot doubt; Nor " who His counsellor has been " Can tell, — it is " past finding out." TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 109 3 But by His Spirit's power we may- Find access to our Father's home ; He shows " the consecrated way," And " through the veil, His flesh," we come. 4 Our eyes the King of saints may see, Our ears may hear the voice that spake Pardon and peace from Calvary ; — Our God forgives for Jesus' sake. 5 O from the great white throne at last To hear, " ye blessed enter in 1" And, sorrows tears and sighings past, Know He hat Washed us from our sin." 6 Thou seest, how for heaven we thirst, Thou knowest, Lord, our love of Thee ; Knowest, for " Thou hast loved us first,"— Else we might always exiles be. 7 ' Now to the hills from whence alone ' Our help can come, we lift our eyes •' O Father Spirit Saviour-Son, Look down upon us from the skies ! Amen. Isaiah's Vision of God. "In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord."— laa. yi. 1. 98. " I saw the Lord upon His throne, " High and uplifted, and His train " Filled all the temple," — He alone Holding the universal reign. 110 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 2 Above, there stood the Seraphim, Light in their wings, fire in their tongue ; I heard the everlasting hymn, The " Holy holy holy," sung. 3 The King of the immortal host, The Lord of all, mine eyes had seen ; — O Father Son and Holy Ghost, I felt Thy touch, and I was clean ! 4 One of Thy seraphs from above, To me Thy stricken servant came ; And from the altar of Thy love, Touched my pale lips with heavenly flame : 5 And sent the message, stern and clear, That God no heartless praise will own ; But they who worship must draw near, In spirit and in truth alone. Amen. Vision of God at Horeb. " Come up with Mc into the Mount, and be there."— Exod. xxiv. 12. 99. In Horeb's mount the Prophet stood, With Israel's elders all ; And high communion held with God, In heavenly festival ; — 2 " Like the paved work of sapphire-stone," The floor of light " was clear " Beneath His feet," the glory shone ;— And none but they were near. 3 But yet on them no handDivine Was laid, with gifts from Heaven ; TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. Ill Only to one, the prophet's sign Of power with God was given. 4 Elder and priest were there, to hear The Voice that called aloud, Bidding that prophet to draw near To God within the cloud ; 5 And higher up the mount withdraw, The mount with glory crowned ; Then there went forth the fiery law, While Israel stood around : 6 Far off they worship, — they of old God's splendors might not trace ; — But we in Jesus Christ " behold "The glory of His face." 7 We hear, " draw nigh to God, for so " He will draw nigh to you ;" And in His presence we may know His awful promise true. 8 All may approach who trust His word ; The greatest, or the least, Of those whose hearts are with their Lord, May share God's mystic Feast ; 9 O sacred Bread, O heavenly Wine I What joy with God begins, In that Communion allPivine, That cleansing from our sins. 10 And " higher up," when called to go, The faithful heart shall rise, And " secret things of God " will know, Now hidden from our eyes. Amen. 112 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. / S. Andrew. (Apostle.) " John stood, and two of his disciples, and looking npon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God. And the two disciples .... followed Jesus One of the two was Andrew."— S. John i. 35-40. 100, To Thee, Thou Lamb of God, we lift our eyes, O slain for us, our spotless Sacrifice ! No more by Jordan's wave we see Thee stand, But near the crystal sea, at God's right hand. 2 " Water of life " there issuing from the throne, The Lamb that " had been slain," in glory shewn, Our faith beholds on high, — nor ask we now, Like Thy first follower, " Lord where dwellest Thou ? 3 " Thou art gone up on high," yet Thou art here, And in Thy Church we know Thy presence near ; Apostles Thine, from distant Galilee, Repeat to us Thy summons, " follow Me." 4 We follow, and if yet our steps be slow, To none but Thee, O Saviour can we go ; By Andrew and his brethren Thou wast found, And we, if last, may with the first be crowned. 5 For we are one with Thine, and one with Thee, Thou King of saints, Who reignest gloriously, Hymned by the martyrs' throng, the angels' host, One God, The Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. S. Thomas. (Apostle. ) ''Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed."— S. John xx. 29 101, Jrcsu, true Lord of all the earth, What joy to angel choirs was given, To welcome here Thy wondrous Birth, Thou King of heaven. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 113 2 And O what sacred peace and rest, Were hers, the maiden undeflled, Pondering the mystery at her breast, Her heavenly Child ! 3 Blessed the eyes that looked on Thee, Seeing — for Thou the heart could'st draw, — What kings and prophets longed to see, And never saw. 4 Lord, our beatitude has been, In faith Thy promise to receive, " Blessed are they that have not seen, u And yet believe." 5 Risen Saviour, grant us now, Some token that, while waiting thus, We know Thy hands, Thy side, Thy brow, All pierced for us ! 6 " Believing we rejoice," again Thou shalt return, O Lord our Light ! And faith, no longer needed then, Shall change to sight. 7 So shall we see Thee evermore, And praise the Spirit and the Son ; Then prostrate cast our crowns before The Father's throne. Amen. S. Stephen. ( Proto-martyr.) " They saw the face" of Stephen, as " the face of an angel."— Acts vi. 15. 102. " Light of the world," O Lord we hail Thy dawning brightness, and adore ! Grey shines our sky, its lustre pale, Yet Bethlehem's Sun shall set no more. 114 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 2 Backward, to that horizon clear We look, where heaven stooped down to earth Some stars of night were lingering near, As set to watch the Saviour's Birth. 3 And then the morning air was stirred By angels, on their glad employ ; But soon prophetic tones were heard, Of sorrows mingling with the joy. 4 And sorrows came — but mightier Love Shone forth, and Thou wast glorified ; Thy Martyr saw Thee first above, 'Throned by the eternal Father's side. 5 He saw Thee, and Thy light on him, Made Stephen shine with angel-grace ; But now amidst the cherubim, He knows Thy glory face to face. 6 There " holy, holy, holy " One, Celestial ranks responsive cry ; All-holy Father, holy Son, And holy Ghost — the Lord most High • Amen S. John the Evangelist. (Apostle.) "The disciple whom Jesus loved."— S. John xxi. 20. 103. I SAW Thee by the lake Of stormy Galilee ; Jesu, I heard Thy voice that spake, And straightway " followed Thee." 2 I saw Thee on the plain, Where many stood around; And I was called by Thee again, And with Thy chosen fouud. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 115 3 I saw Thee " in the mount," And fainted at the sight ; Thy sorrows Thou didst there recount, While clothed in garments bright. 4 Then in that night of grace, How was Thy love confessed ! Mine was the near, most sacred place— I " leaned upon Thy breast." 5 And I was of " the three," In that dark garden-keep ; The tears of dread Gethsemane I saw, and sank in sleep. 6 I saw Thee on the Cross, The Mother near Thee stood, Bending beneath her wondrous loss, Watching Thy falling blood. 7 I saw Thee with " the eleven," Risen from Thy rocky grave ; Having all " power in earth and heaven," For ever ' strong to save.' 8 " Tarrying," through long eclipse, I saw Thee not awhile ; Then came Thine own Apocalypse, In Patmos 1 lonely isle, 9 Thy lightning-form was such, That I fell down as dead ; Until I felt Thy quickening touch, And " fear not !" Thou hadst said. 10 Led to heaven's open door, I stood, and heard alone, lib TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. The songs that go up evermore, To " Him upon the throne." 11 Lord, I shall see Thee yet, — The rainbow in the air, The open books, the white throne set, And all the nations there. Amen. The "Holy Innocents." " Rachel weeping for her children " . . . " would not be comforted."— S. Matt. ii. 18. 104. " A Voice was heard " on high, Sad echo from the earth ; — Shall mothers' wail, shall infants' cry. Proclaim the Saviour's Birth ? 2 We hear the prophet's word, And sounds of woe are dumb ; Sorrow and mourning turn, O Lord, To joy thai Thou art come ! 3 " Refrain Thine eyes from tears," Cease for the dead to weep ; " Thou shalt be comforted," yet cheers All who in Jesus sleep. 4 The innocent are taught To know no will but Thine ; And every earthly hope and thought, To yield to the Divine. 5 What is there here below, To which our hearts should cling ? Might we but rise at once, to know The world where angels sing ! Amen TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 117 Feast of the Circumcision of Christ. (Also called " New Year's Day.") 11 Circumcision is of the heart ; in the spirit, not in the letter."— Mom. ii. 29. 10 5. Most sacred hour ! when we review The course that we have trod ; Thankful, that we again renew The Covenant with our God ! 2 " Obedient to the law for man," Wi th consecrated rite, Our Saviour's life on earth began, God's will His one delight. 3 Help us, O Lord, to yield to Thee The time Thou yet may'st give ; To do Thy service, pure and free, And in Thy fear to live. 4 Give us, O God, a reverent heart, To own Thy will Divine ! As those whom Thou hast set apart, To be for ever Thine. 5 Teach us, like Christ, " Thy holy Child," Ourselves to dedicate To Thee— for He was "undenled, " From sinners separate." 6 To all our heavenly Father saith, Be quick submission given ; So let the " righteousness of faith " Shine as our " seal " for heaven. 7 Jesu, Thy Name our guiding star, Still beams upon our way ; 118 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. And following Thee, we see from far The dawning of the day. Amen. Epiphany. "When they saw the Star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." S, Matt. ii. 10. 106. Star of heaven, new glory beaming, In the firmament above ; Sign from God, to man benighted, Telling of the immortal love. Comest Thou, in angel brightness, Issuing from God's palace-gates, Where the festal throngs are meeting, Where for man the welcome waits ? 2 Star of heaven, not fixed in splendor Far above all mortal ken ; But with gentle ray descending, Shining on the paths of men, Men who yet have heavenward longings, And desire their God to know ; Star of heaven, light now our journey, Homeward as our footsteps go. 3 In the distance of the ages, Wise men saw thy cheering ray, Pointing them to Bethlehem's Infant, Guiding by a secret way ; 'Midst the tumult of the city, Thou wast hidden from their sight ; 'Parted thence — "O joy exceeding !" Once again they see thy light. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 119 Star of Heaven, still lead our wanderings, As we watch the light from God, Streaming calmly, beautifully, All along our lonely road ; Till we see the glory standing Over the abiding place, Where the Lord Himself is waiting, Full of glory, full of grace. Amen. The Conversion of S. Paul. (Apostle.) " He is a chosen vessel unto Me."— Acts ix. 15. 107. Light of Christ, Thy love is shining, ' Brighter than the noon-day sun ; ' "Who, such wondrous gra.ce declining, Could the ' heavenly vision ' shun ? Who the Saviour's voice reject, Calling to his own elect ? 2 Lord, though none around were hearing, We would listen to Thee now ; Falling low before Thee, fearing Even while asking " who art Thou ? " Speak within our hearts, and say, * I am Jesus, — rise and pray." 3 " Chosen vessels," called as truly As Thy servant Saul of old, We, like him, would serve Thee duly ; He has brought us to Thy fold, 11 Sinners of the Gentiles," we Find our refuge, Lord, in Thee. 120 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 4 %i Rise and be baptized " was spoken To us all, by Thy blest will ; Give us yet some holy token, That Thy hand is with us still. ' Take the scales from blinded eyes,' Bid us from the earth ' arise !' 5 And at last, in Thy high dwelling, That ' third heaven,' Thine own abode, Show the ' things beyond earth's telling,' Lofty mysteries of our God ; And to all who Thee confess, Give " the crown of righteousness ! " Amen. Purification of the Blessed Yirgin Mary. " Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."— Canticles vi. 10. 108. Who is This from Bethlehem coming? ' Like the moon, or like the sun ?' — Thou, O Christ, our flesh assuming, Thou the Virgin's " Holy One ! " Lo with Thee, the Mother kneels, In Thy House the law obeys, And Thy countenance reveals " God's Salvation," to the gaze Of the saintly seer, who waits Humbly in Thy temple-gates. 2 Suddenly, O King immortal ! As Thy prophets had foretold, Thou hast passed the sacred portal, Where " Thy glory dwelt " of old : L TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 121 Jemple, priest, and altar now, All in Thee are purified ; Splendor of all worship, Thou Wilt with all Thy saints abide. Glory to the Father, Son, And the Spirit, — Three in One. S. Matthias. (Apostle.) " None of them is lost but the son of perdition."— tf. John xvii. 11. 109. Father, we lift our eyes to heaven, And pray, with Christ our Guide : That we. whom Thou to Him hast given, May still in Him abide. 2 For we are by His Spirit sealed, His " brethren, and co-heirs," His mysteries are to us revealed, Beatitudes and prayers. 3 O keep us in the heaven-ward path ! Lest, if we wander now, " Son of perdition," " child of wrath," Be written on our brow. 4 Nor let the love of earthly hoard, Or passion, power, or pride, Withdraw our heart from Thee, Lord, Or turn our faith aside ! 5 And when Thy mystic Feast is spread, Graced by Thy Presence true, And when we hear the voice that said " Have I not chosen you ? " 122 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 6 Let us not be by earth enticed, To hasten from Thy sight, Like the dark traitor, who from Christ u Went out, and it was night." Amen. Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "All generations shall call me blessed ! "-S. Luke i. 48. 110. " All shall call thee blessed "— Age to age shall tell God the Father's message, Sent by Gabriel ; Graced by God the Spirit, God the Son's abode, — " All shall call thee blessed," Mother of our God. 2 " Blessed for thou barest Jesus in thy womb ; M Blessed " from the manger, Onwards to the tomb, And since thou returnedst To saint John's abode ; — " All shall call thee blessed," Mother of our God. 3 Thinking how the glory Of the Highest, sat Overshadowing Mary, Our " Magnificat " Echoes hers, as meekly From her voice it flowed ;— TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 123 " All shall call thee blessed,' Mother of our God. 4 Hath not God Almighty " Done for thee great things?" Making thee the mother Of the King of kings ? Thou the first to know Him, Veiled in flesh and blood ! — " All shall call thee blessed," Mother of our God. 5 Yet a higher glory, Yet a fairer crown, Shines for ever o'er thee, Than that sweet renown : For thou wast obedient To the heavenly word; — " All shall call thee blessed," Mother of our Lord. 6 But Thy praise, Jesu, Loftier songs employ ; Hearts for Thee exulting, Leap within for joy ; Joy, that God the Father Sent Thee from above ; Joy for the o'ershadowing Of the Spirit's love. Amen. 124 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. S. Mark the Evangelist. "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." — S. Mark i. 1. 111. Heaven, to the captive prophet's dream, Opened by Chebars lonely stream, " Visions of God " were there ; "With outspread wings the cherubs stood, The northern whirlwind swept the flood, Voices, and lightnings' glare. 2 Beneath the awful mystic forms, And through the lightnings and the storms, Man with his God appears ; — Lord God Almighty, grace is Thine, Love and long-suffering all Divine, To calm our rising fears. 3 O strong in mercy as in might ! For us the " glory of that light " Shines brighter than of old ; Thou comest not in cherub-state, No terrors round about Thee wait, For prophets to unfold : 4 Evangelist, with gentler word, Tells of Thy grace, Incarnate Lord, We ask no four-fold sign ; But Thee O " Son of God " we own, And with Thee on Thy Father's throne, The Spirit ever Thine. Amen. TRINITY AND OTIIEIt FESTIVALS. 125 SS. Philip and James. (Apostles.) ** Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us."— S. John xiv. 8. 112. Through weary ages, dark and lone, We toiled, as longing for the Day ; Now we rejoice, all wanderings done, O Jesu Christ, " Thou art the Way." 2 Long-lost in vain philosophies, Or turned to idol forms uncouth ; Wisdom was hidden from our eyes, ' Till Thee we saw, Thou art " the Truth." 3 Nor end of being could we find, All here was vanity and strife ; But Thou hast quickened heart and mind, — Jesu Christ. Thou art " the Life." 4 Thou heavenly Way, Thou Truth Divine, Thou Life immortal of the blest ; We wait 'till Thy full light shall shine, And we attain Thy heavenly rest. 5 Most patient Lord. Thou didst endure, When " Thy own brethren's " faith was slow; But James, at lust, was wise and pure, And led by Thee Thy truth to know. 6 We ask not more than Thou hast taught, Nor secrets search, for man too high ; — (As once Thy servuut Philip thought, To learn the mysteries of the sky.) 7 To " know the Father," through the Son, By the eternal Spirit's grace ; Be this our joy, and this alone, Until in heaven we see Thy face. Amen. 126 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. S. Barnabas. (" The son of Consolation.") " He was a good m;m, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord."— Acts xi. 24. 113. " We have an Advocate above," Jesus, true "Paraclete;" And Consolations of His love, Flow from His mercy-seat. 2 " Another Comforter," has coma From the eternal throne, Who with us dwells, " proceeding from ' k The Father and the Son." 3 " comfort ye My people ! " saith The voice of God the Lord ; And bid their love, and hope and faith, To kindle at My word : — 4 Forth went apostles in His Name, And one, beside the rest, " The son of Consolation " came, And " blessing, he was blest : " 5 From Cyprus' isle, his western seat, Gifts for " the brethren " brought ; And laid them at the apostles' feet, " Whose fellowship he sought. 6 Then the " apostle of the world," From Tarsus, by his hand Was led, and the bright sign unfurled Of grace for every land. 7 " comfort ye my people" all !— Swiftly the heralds pass ; — And on them may the mantle fall, Of gentle Barnabas ! Amen. a TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 127 S. John the Baptist. "I am the Voice of one crying in the wilderness , make straight i' of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias."— S. John i. 23. 114:. Breathed in the desert's lonely sigh, Hear we not now, " prepare the road ? " Is there no message from on high, " Make straight a pathway for our God ? " 2 " The Voice said, cry," then onward sped — And, to the herbless waste around, " "What shall I cry ? " the prophet said — While all was still to hear the sound : 3 ' All flesh of man like grass shall die, ' Cut down, when shines the sunniest hour ; 1 His glory, as this desert dry, ' Shall perish like the frailest flower.' 4 Yet mourn thou not for withered grass, And nature sinking in the sand ; For though the earth and heaven should pass, TheWord of God shall ever stand. 5 This is the Word, the eternal Word, Which the immortal Gospel tells ; And we the glorious sound have heard, While evermore its volume swells. 6 Sion, let the mountains ring, Wherever herald's foot hath trod ; To Judah's sods proclaim their Kiug, Say to the world, " behold your God ! " Amen. 128 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. S. Peter. (Apostle.) " Upon this Rock, I will build My Church."— S. Matt. xvi. 18. 115. Sounds not the voice of Jesus, From far-off Galilee, Still asking each disciple, " What thinkest thou of Me?" Nay, at our heart Thou standest, Faith hears " the Master's knock," And we adore Thee Saviour, " The Son of God," our " Kock." 2 " Revealed by God the Father," (Not " taught by flesh and blood,") We know Thee, true Messiah, " Son of the Living God." And while the world stands doubting, And faithless ones may mock, We hail Thee, " King of Israel," Our everlasting k ' Rock." 3 Thus did Thy chief Apostle Receive the truth Divine, And all Thy Church proclaims it, Along the sacred line. Thou knewcst Cephas " loved Thee," And saidst, " feed thou My flock ;" To Thee, O Christ, he leads us, " The Son of God," " our Rock ! " 4 Our God alone could save us, His grace can never fail : TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 129 Nor shall the gates of Hades Against His Church prevail. His are " the keys " celestial, Which endless joys unlock ; O " G-od of God " we praise Thee, " Eternal Son," our " Rock!" For though earth's winds and tempests, Against Thy Church may beat, Jso powers of sin or Satan Thy purpose can defeat. Built for " the house eternal," It stands through every shock, By heresies unshaken, Since " founded on the Rock." Thou God the Lord all-glorious, Almighty Trinity, O keep us ever steadfast, To this true faith in Thee ! That we may " know the Father," And " through the Son draw nigh," " Taught by the Holy Spirit," One God to glorify. Amen. S. James. (Apostle.) *' Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand and the other on Thy left, in Thy glory."— S. Mark x. 37. 116. "Who on earth," Saviour, " Who in heaven but Thee 1 " —Only in Thy favour, Life or joy can be : 130 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. Upward to Thy glory All our soul aspires, There to stand before Thee, With the angel quires. 2 Is it selfish longing, With our Lord to dwell, Where all saints are thronging ?- God, Thou know'st us well ! If some lower yearning Mingle with our love, Still our hearts are learning How to soar above. 3 " Who on earth," O Saviour, " Who in heaven but Thee," Knows our secret struggle, All our wants can see ! Is this, Lord, the baptism Earth-bound souls must pass, Ere they shine, all purely, At the sea of glass ? 4 Merciful and tender, How our Saviour spares ! While the seats of splendor, God on high prepares, For our self-denials, And for saintliest strife : Victors in stern trials, Win the crown of life. 5 Faithful souls desiring To be near Thy side, TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 131 Ever are aspiring To the glorified. — " Who on earth, O Saviour, " Who in heaven but Thee ! " Only to Thy Presence, Weary souls must flee. Amen S. Bartholomew. or, Nathanael. (Apostle.) 11 Behold an Israelite indeed, in -whom is no guile."— S. John i. 47. 117. " Thou art the Son of God," " The King of Israel, Thou ; " Lord, we would meet Thee on our road, And be Thy followers now. 2 Our brethren found the place, Where Thou with them would'st dwell ; We hail Thee in Thy home of grace, The Church, Thy Israel. 3 Thine eye did us behold, Before our heart obeyed ; As Thou didst see Thy saint of old, Beneath the fig-tree shade. 4 And though we could not be, Faultless in Thy pure sight ; Thy grace can form each heart for Thee, A guileless Israelite. 5 We know Thy word is true — u Hereafter we shall see 132 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. " Tilings greater " than apostles knew, And share them, Lord, with Thee. 6 Now angels come and go, "With mercies from the skies ; Hereafter Thou Thyself wilt shew Heaven opened to our eyes. 7 " Thou art the Son of God,"— That hymn, from every tongue, Shall echo through the blest abode, And be for ever sung. 8 Eternal Son !— Who dost There with the Father live ; To Thee, with God the Holy Ghost, Adoring love we give. Amen. S. Matthew the Evangelist. (Apostle.) •' He saw a man named Matthew, .... and He saith unto him follow Me."— S. Matt. ix. 9. 113. Praise Israel's God, with psalm and hymn, "Who, 'throned above the cherubim, Came down His saints to meet ; Fulfilled His promise, ever true, His, " there will I commune with you, " From off the mercy-seat." 2 " This God is ours," O Lord of grace! Hast Thou not made Thy dwelling-place With us, as Son of man ? No mystic cherub marks the spot, There is no land where we may not The Incarnate Glory scan. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 133 Fourfold Thy Gospel light has shone, And Matthew, Mark, and Luke and John, Henceforth Thy grace proclaim : But first the blessed Matthew told That which the prophet sang of old, And taught " Emmanuel's " Name. " Our God has come ! " — Lord Jesu Christ, Thou calledst Thine Evangelist, And now the world he calls ; For, taught by him, man knows Thy Name, And sees the Star of Bethlehem And there in worship falls. Amen. S. Michael, and all Angels. "Are they not all ministering spirits ? " — Beb. i. 14. " Michael the archangel .... contended about the body of Moses. S. Jude ! 119. Night is near — the sun declining Smiles on Mamre's golden plain ; Abraham, in the tent reclining, Bids some strangers to remain ; God ordaining, He should Angels entertain. 2 Isaac, on Moriah offered, Bound upon the altar lies ; Lo the deed of faith is proffered, And an Angel bids him rise. For the faithful, God provides the Sacrifice. 3 Angels coming down in glory, As at Bethel Jacob slept, 134 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. On the bright prophetic story- Lingered, and their vigil kept ; As he slumbered, Where that night he prayed and wept, 4 Moses, on the mountain standing, Learned at Horeb to adore ; Gave the Law, his God commanding, Then the voice was heard no more : But the Angel Of His Covenant went before. 5 Saviour Christ, with man remaining, Lowliest grace in Thee was shewn ; Angels all Thy way sustaining, — " Lest Thou dash against a stone ; " Angel guardians, Watching at Thy tomb, alone. 6 So for Thine Apostles, preachers Sent with sinful men to plead, Gifted prophets, pastors, teachers, — Angels serve in every need : They by Angels, From the tyrant world are freed. 7 All ye Angels, brightest, holiest, Hovering still where saints are hid, Souls and bodies, — guard the lowliest Ministering, as Michael did; At their rising, 44 Bear them up," when God shall bid. Amen. THINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 135 S. Luke the Evangelist. " It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order."— S. Luke i. 8. 120. The " promise of the Spirit," Our faithful Lord fulfils ; His church is surely rising, Upon " the holy hills." The air around His people Is laden with His word ; And signs of mighty changes, In heaven and earth are heard. 2 And yet the Lord may tarry ; For other signs appear, And angry powers of evil Fill timid hearts with fear. The words the Lord hath spoken, " Which cannot pass away," We hear, by rude blasphemers, Perverted day by day. O " Promise of the Father ! " O " Spirit of the Sou !" Bring to our clear remembrance All that our Lord hath done ; That it may be recorded, For coming times to know The wondrous loving-kindness That God to man could show. 136 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 4 The song of Bethlehem's angels, The mother's holy hymn, The visits to the temple, The light on Jordan's stream. The Teaching full of wisdom, The Parables of grace, The glory of mount Tabor, The brightness of His face. 5 Now be it fully written, From tablets of the heart, Before His loved apostles, All from the world depart. We deemed indeed His coming, 'Ere this, was drawing nigh, But if He waits, we also Will wait for Him, or die. 6 And while we pause, His glory Shall thought and heart employ, The tidings of His mercy Shall fill our tongue with joy. O grace above the angels, The sacred truth to tell — Of all His love at Calvary, His dark Descent to hell ; 7 And His most glorious Rising, And that same evening walk, Tor then with Luke and Clcopas, Once more He deigned to talk. — Now be His Spirit's unction, Upon us as we write ; And clothe His own Evangel, In words of living light ! Amen. TIUN1TY AXD OTHER FESTIVALS. 137 SS. Simon and Jude. (AposUts.) " Lord, manifest Thyself to u=> otherwise than to the world."— S. John xiv. 22. "Simon called Zealot." — S. Luke vi. 15; Acts i 13; S. Matt. xiii. 55. " Earnestly contend for the faith." — S. Jude 3. 121. Silent we watch the circling year, Count the Twelve Signs as they appear, Far, far above our atmosphere ; 2 Xow sinking slow, now just in sight, Or sending from on high their light, A pensive joy for deepest night. 3 To heavenlier visions if we yield, Lo then, beyond that starry field, A Twelve-fold Glory fresh revealed : 4 For God's pure firmament displays Apostles to the enraptured gaze, Clear Zodiac of His living rays. 5 There one by one in light they stand, And through the holy arch expand, As placed on high at His command. 6 Some Signs a look of mystery wear ; But we discern the Virgin fair ; And some the Watery symbols bear ; 7 Here Twain are shining — " brethren " bright, As though " contending " in their light, Each to be glorious in God's sight ; 8 Two Saints of Thine, they longed to feel Thy glory, Lord, with burning zeal, AVho prayed, u to us Thyself reveal ! " 9 So, Lord, Thy goodness yet make known ; And fix our gaze on heaven alone, Until we see Thee on Thy Throne. 138 trinity and other festivals. All Saints. " A great multitude, which no man could number .... stood before the throne." — Rev. vii. 9. 122. "God, in the council of His Saints, " Is greatly to be feared ;" — Heaven is Thy throne, but here on earth Thy glory has appeared. 2 God talked with man in Paradise, — O joy too quickly dim ! Then later, Enoch walked with God, And " God translated him." 3 So faithful Abraham heard Thy Voice, His Shield, his great Reward ; The father of Thy saints, he knew The secret of the Lord. 4 And Noah, Daniel, righteous Job, And all the prophets true, Blest witnesses of God and heaven, The life of glory knew. 5 Nor ceases yet the holy line, The King of saints has come ; And children of the kingdom now Flock to their heavenly home. 6 bright and pure ! they come, they corao — The crowned Apostles lead ; And joyous Martyrs all content For Christ their Lord to bleed. 7 Then follow on, with eager eye, The throngs that ages bring, To cast their crowns of Saintly grace Before the eternal King. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 139 8 Thought cannot reach that wondrous host, Withdrawn in yonder sky, The multitude no man can count, Whose record is on high. 9 The Saints who pored with loving gaze On all the sacred page ; — Jerome and Origen, who saved God's word for every age. 10 And fearless Saints, who held the Creed Of Christ incarnate God ; — Augustin, Cyril, Athanase, " Kesisting unto blood." 11 The Saints who lived the life of prayer, When faith was growing cold ; Yearning for sterner Discipline, As in the days of old. 12 The Saints who made the desert sing And blossom as the rose ; The Mission-Saints who brought us, where Baptismal water flows. 13 O let us all, in prayer and song, The Saintly roll record ; With hallelujahs loud and long, Praise the Eternal Lord ! Amen. Desire after God.' " And Job spake and said, Let the day perish wherein I was born V Job iii. 2, 3 (Translation from the Greek. — A Meditation of S. Gregory, Naz.) 123. Mother mine, why hast thou borne me, Given me toilsome thorny life ? 110 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. Was thine own lot clear from sorrow — Didst thou succumb in the strife ? Was it love that brought me hither, In men's varying paths to roam, Tilling fields, or crossing ocean, Chasing, fighting for their home ? 2 Would'st thou I had poet's glory ? Wore the athlete's laurel-crown ? Say'st thou, " God shall be thy portion," Though earth's sorrows cast thee down ? — Yet disease and powerless effort Force the agonising tear ; Joyful might I quit these sufferings, Mother mine, why am I here ! 3 Even when to God aspiring, Words relieve not half my mind ; Sacred glimpses flash upon me, God the Trinity I find ; Yet how quickly all escapes me, Like the lightning from the sky, Sinning round us brightly, swiftly, Vanished ere we fix our eye. 4 C ^uld I hold Thee, Lord,— that vision, Trinal Good of heaven and earth ! — Then I might rejoice in bein^. And no longer blame my birth : Save, save me, AVord Eternal ! Raise me hence to life above : There, pure minds shall circle round Thee, Where no cloud shall hide Thy love. Amen. TRINITY AND OTIIEU FESTIVALS. 141 The Goodness of God. " There is none good but One, that is God."— S. Matt. xix. 17. {Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. cxviii.) 124. Give thanks ! the Lord is good, His mercy is for ever : 2 Israel ! rise and say, His mercy is for ever. 3 And let His priests declare, His mercy is for ever : 4 And all that fear Him own, His mercy is for ever. 5 Cast down I called on God, He heard, and set me free ; 6 The Lord is on my side, man is not feared by me. 7 The Lord is for my help, my foes await His ban ; 8 better trust the Lord, than put your faith in man ! 9 better trust the Lord, than help from princes call ! 1 Though nations round me rise, His name shall conquer all. 11 They compass me with troubles, they compass me with fears ; But at Thy Name, Lord! the danger disappears. 12 They swarm around like bees, to die like thorns in fire ; And at Thy Name, Lord ! their terrors all expire. 142 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 13 man, that sought my fall ! God's mercies thus abound ; 1 4 The Lord, my strength and song, is my salvation found. 15 The voice of joy and peace, sounds where the righteous dwell ; The right hand of the Lord His enemies shall quell. 16 The Lord's right hand is great, the Lord's right hand is strong ; 17 1 shall not die, but live, His works shall fill my song ; 18 The Lord has chastened me, yet left me not to die ; 19 His righteous gates I pass, and praise the Lord most High. 20 Thy gates are righteousness, the righteous enter there ; 21 I thank Thee Thou dost grant salvation, to my prayer. 22 The Stone the builders scorned, in the head-corner lies ; 23 This is the Lord's own deed, and wondrous in our eyes. 24 This Day the Lord hath made, then let us joy to-day ; 25 Lord, I beseech Thee save, still prosper us, I pray. 26 O Blessed Be who comes, in the Lord's name to us ! With blessings we respond, out of His temple thus. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 143 27 God is the Lord, our Light, O bind the sacrifice ! And let our worship now before His altar rise. 28 I thank Thee, O my God ! and join the lofty praise ; 29 " Give thanks the Lord is good," Mercy through endless days I The Way of Holiness. * A highway shall be there, and a way ; and it shall be called the way of Holiness." — Isa. xxxv. 8. [Translation from the Hebrew. — Ps. cxix.) fr$ Blessed Innocence. (" Beati immaculati") 125. O the Blessedness of blameless living, ever walking in the Law Divine ! 2 the Blessedness T to be His Witness, and to God with all the heart incline I 3 Yea more blessed, to have done no evil, and in paths of goodness still to move ; 4 For Thou hast commanded that Thy Precepts, shall be honored with exceeding love. 5 O may all my ways be thus directed, every Statute of my God to own ! 6 So my face shall never be confounded, since I look to Thy Commands alone. 7 I will thank Thee with true heart's uprightness, as Thy righteous Judgments fill my thought ; 8. All Thy Statutes I will take to guide me, Thou, O God, at last forsake me not ! 114 TRINITY AND OTIIEE FESTIVALS. ^ Blameless Childhood. (* In quo corriget") 9 What can clear our youthful pathway 'till before Thy Word we bow ? 10 Since with my whole heart I sought Thee, leave me not a wanderer now. 11 In this heart Thy Word is hidden,' keeping me from doing ill, 12 And I bless Thee, Lord, for ever, thus for teaching me Thy Will. 13 With my lips have I been telling, of Thy Judgments all around ; 14 In the Way that Thou commandest, joy and weal alone are found. 15 There amidst Thy Precepts musing, on Thy Paths mine eye is set ; 16 Be Thy Statutes still my gladness, Let me not Thy Word forget. 3 Youthful Uprightness. (" Hetribue servo Tuo") 17 Send some favour yet to me Thy servant, that my life to come may keep Thy Word ; 18 Open Thou mine eyes to full discerning of the wonders of Thy Law, O Lord. 19 Here on earth am I, and quickly passing, hide Thou not what Thou would'st have mo do ; 20 See my soul in expectation pining, for Thy Judgments, all times just and true. 21 Thou hast warned the proud of malediction, if they leave what Thou hast said of old ; 22 Turn from me, O Lord, their vain reproaches, for Thy sacred Witness I uphold. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 145 23 Or should princes make decrees against me, on Thy Statutes shall Thy servant muse ; 24 My delights are in Thy Testimonies, nor Thy Counsels can my heart refuse. *| Natural Infirmity. ("Adhcesit pavimento") 25 To the dust my soul is cleaving, let Thy Word fresh life impart ; 26 All I am, I own before Thee, write Thy Statutes in my heart. 27 Make me think of all Thy Precepts, muse on all Thy marvellous ways ; 28 For my soul is faint and weary, 'till Thy "Word my life shall raise. 29 Take from me the way of lying, give me grace Thy Law to keep ; 30 Truth, truth only, have I chosen, for I know Thy Judgments deep. 31 Thus adhering to Thy Witness, set me, Lord, from scorners free ; 32 I will run in Thy Commandments, enlarge my heart for Thee ! Jl Manhood in its Trial. ("Legem pone") 33 Guide my way, Lord, be Thou my Teacher, then shall I continue to the end ; 34 Make me think thereon with stedfast purpose, and with all my heart Thy Law defend. 35 Ever in the path that Thou commandest, still direct, for that is my delight ; 36 Turn my heart to Thee, as Thy true Witness, lest some earthly gain attract my sight. 146 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 37 Keep Thy servant's eyes from vainly wandering, make me thus alive to all Thy Will ; 38 Set Thou up Thy word of Truth before me, let Thy holy fear restrain me still. 39 Make me shrink not from the world's reproaches, good are all the Judgments Thou shalt give ; 40 O behold my longing for Thy Precepts ! only in Thy Righteousness I live. ) "Need of God's Law. ("Et veniat super me.") 41 Come to me, O Lord, with Mercy, lest salvation's promise fail, 42 So shall I make answer rightly, when reproaching tongues assail. 43 Shut not up Thy Word in silence, while Thy Judgments I revolve ; 44 I will keep Thy Law for ever, ' ever, ever,' my resolve. 45 I shall walk, with heart enfranchised, as my prayer Thy Precepts sought ; 46 And shall make a good confession, when to kings' tribunals brought. 47 Thy Commands, my whole rejoicing, loving only them, I live ; 48 Unto them, with hand uplifted, all my meditation give. J Support in Trouble. ("Memor esto servi Tui") 49 Call to mind Thy Word unto Thy servant, for therein my steadfast hopes survive ; TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 147 50 This, my solace in the hour of trouble, this alone, has kept my soul alive. 51 And though proud men mock at my assurance, I have never from Thy Law declined ; 52 Thinking of Thy everlasting Judgments, peace and consolation, Lord, I find. 53 And I mark with terror how the wicked fear Thee not, but all Thy Law forsake ; 54 "While Thy Statutes are my psalms of gladness, as through life my pilgrimage I take. 55 On Thy Name by night I muse in darkness, from Thy Law resolving not to swerve ; 56 This is all to me, nor more is needed, while Thy sacred Precepts I preserve. )"| God found our only Portion. (" rortio meet, Domine") 57 I confess Thee, Lord, my Portion, all Thy sacred Words embrace ; 58 And with my whole heart beseech Thee, now to send Thy promised Grace. 59 All my own ways I have pondered, and to Thine I turn my feet ; 60 Hasting, for I cannot tarry, 'till obedience is complete. 61 'Midst surrounding snares of evil, ever is Thy Law in view ; 62 As I keep the nightly watches, Lord, I praise Thee, just and true. 63 Friend am I to those who fear Thee, those who have Thy Precepts sought : 64 Earth is full of Thy great Goodness, let me, Lord, by Thee be taught. 148 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. ft God's Goodness hitherto. ("Bonitatem fecisti") 65 Thou hast shown much Goodness to Thy servant, and already proved Thy Word to me ; 66 Give me yet, in knowledge and in judgment, all that Goodness more and more to see. 67 'Ere I was afflicted, I was wandering, now Thy Promise to my soul is dear ; 68 Thou art Good, and doest good for ever, make to me Thy Statutes always clear. 69 Proud men still may rise, and bear false witness, but Thy Precepts I shall keep aright ; 70 While their hearts wax gross and dull and hardened, I shall in Thy holy Law delight. 71 And I own it good that I was humbled, thus Thy Statutes have I learned to hold ; 72 Good to me the Law that Thou hast spoken, more than mines of silver and of gold. * God's Present Mercy. (" Manus tuce fecerunt me") 73 Since Thy hands have made and formed me, now my soul with wisdom bless ; 74 They who fear Thee will behold me, glad that on Thy Word I rest. 75 I have learned that Thou art righteous, Judgments come in faithful love ; 76 O send down Thy heavenly pity ! all Thy precious Promise prove. 77 Lord, I live on Thy compassions, in Thy Law, my joys how great I 78 False accusers still shall find me, in Thy Precepts meditate. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 149 79 They who fear Thee, my companions, know and love Thy Holy Name ; 80 In Thy Statutes always upright, I shall not be put to shame. |3 God's Help for Coming Trials. (" Deficit anima mea") 81 Now my spirit faints for Thy salvation, to Thy Word my stedfast hope shall cling ; 82 Now mine eyes are longing for Thy Promise, saying, " when wilt Thou Thy comfort bring f 83 Surely though I seem a shrunken vessel, in my heart Thy Statutes I enclose ; 84 Lord, how long time shall Thy servant linger ? and no Judgment overtake my foes ; 85 Foes who lay around me deepest pitfalls, men who have no pleasure in Thy Word ! 86 Thy Commandments yet I know are faithful, see these wrongful ones — and help me, Lord 1 87 Well nigh had they brought my soul to ruin, yet Thy Precepts I would not forsake ; 88 Quickly let Thy mercy now revive me, so shall I for Thee my Witness make. 7 God's Law Unchangeable. ("In aitemum, Domine."} 89 Lord, through everlasting ages, in the heavens Thy Word doth stand ; 90 Here on earth Thy Truth remaineth, firmly fixed at Thy Command. 91 By Thy Sentence all abiding, all are servants, Lord, to Thee ; 150 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 92 Had I not in this delightecj, I had perished utterly; 93 Xor can I forget Thy Precepts, source of life, and fount of joys ; 94 I am wholly Thine, O save me, since those Precepts are my choice \ 95 Sinful men my fall expected, I Thy Testimony chose ; 96 All perfections find their limit, Thy Command no hindrance knows. fo God's Law our Joy of Heart. ("Quomodo dilexi!") 97 How I love Thy Law, intensely love it ! day by day I give it all my mind ; 98 So beyond my foes I grow in Wisdom, all I ever need therein I find. 99 Here I learn far more than man can teach me, here upon Thy Testimonies pore ; 100 I have more experience than the aged, holding to Thy Precepts evermore. 101 I have kept me from the paths of evil, simply by adhering to Thy Word ; 102 From Thy Judgments I have not departed, Thou alone hast been my teacher, Lord. 1 03 O how dear to me Thy words of Promise 1 honey to my mouth is not so sweet ; 104 As I meditate on Thy true Precepts, hating every pathway of deceit. 3 God's Law our Light of Life. ("Lucerna pedibw meis") 105 Lord, Thy Word a lamp to guide me, Thou hast given, to light my way ; TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 151 106 I have vowed with stedfast purpose, all its Judgments to obey. 107 When my soul was deeply humbled, through Thy Word my life could rise ; 108 Freely offered vows, accept Thou, teach me Thy Decrees to prize. 109 Holding life in constant peril, I do not Thy Law forget ; 110 Evil ever would ensnare me, but I have not wandered yet. 111 Ever mine Thy Testimonies, gladness to my heart they send ; 112 Yes, this heart shall love Thy Statutes, ever, ever to the end. ft God and His Law our Refuge. ("Iniquos odio habui") 113 Doubtful, thoughts of God, Thy servant hateth, loving more and more all Laws of Thine ; 114 Now, O God, my shield, my place to hide in, all my hope is in the WordDivine. 115 Far from me be wilful evil-doers, I must heed the Law my God proclaimed ; 116 While I live, uphold me by Thy Promise, trusting Thee, I shall not be ashamed. 117 God sustain me ! Thou art my salvation, only on Thy Statutes can I lean ; 118 Thou hast overthrown rebellious wanderers, full of falsehood, evil ways are seen. 119 Thou wilt cast away like dross the wicked, to Thy Testimonies, Lord, I cling ; 120 Heart and flesh will fear, when Thou arisest, Judgment on the guilty ones to bring. J. 152 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. y God Judges His People. (" Feci judicium.") 121 If my work be just and lawful, leave me not to men of wrong ; 122 Thou my Surety, save Thy servant from oppressions of the strong. 123 Save me, for mine eyes are watching for the Promise to the just ; 124 Deal with me in Thy great mercy, since Thy Statutes are my trust. 125 I am Thine, give me wisdom, and Thy Testimonies show ; 126 Time it is the Lord should help me, evil men Thy Law forego. 127 Therefore love I Thy Commandments, more than gold, the finest gold ; 128 True and right I know Thy Precepts, falsehood in abhorrence hold. £ Wonders of God's Law. (" Mirabilia") 129 Wonderful are all Thy Testimonies, therefore. Lord, my soul preserves them still ; 130 Thy unfolding of Thy Law enlightens, so that simplest men may know Thy will. 131 Once with parted lips, and breath abated, fixed I stood, till Thy Commandment came ; 132 O turn Thou to me, to me be gracious ! as Thou art to all who love Thy name. 133 'Stablish Thou my steps upon Thy Promise, let no powers of sin my life control ; 134 But redeem me yet from earth's oppressions, keeping all Thy Precepts in my soul. TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 153 135 Make Thy Face to shine upon Thy servant, that shall fix Thy Statutes in my heart ; 136 Tears flow down my face, with constant sorrow, for the wicked from Thy Law depart. ¥ God is Just for ever. ("Justus es, Domine.") 137 Thou, O Lord, art ever Righteous, just and true Thy Judgments stand ; 138 Justice, Thou to us ordainest, faithfulness is Thy Command. 139 And a fervent zeal consumes me, when my foes Thy Words despise ; 140 For Thy Promise shineth purely, sacred in Thy servant's eyes. 141 Small am I, by men rejected, but Thy Precepts are my guide ; 142 Righteousness is Thine for ever, ever shall Thy Law abide. 143 Though afflictions overtake me, Thy Commands true joy shall give; 144 Ever just Thy Testimonies, teach me them, and I shall live. £ God and His Law our All. (" Clamavi in toto corded) 145 Lord, I call with my whole heart, hear me 1 I resolve Thy Statutes to observe ; 146 Constantly I make that call, save me, from Thy Testimonies lest I swerve I 147 For I rise before the early dawning, ever hoping for Thy faithful "Word ; 154 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 148 And I wake before the nightly watches, meditating on Thy Promise, Lord. 140 Hear my voice, in Thy abounding Mercy, quicken me, according as Thou wilt ; N " 150 For the evil hasten to pursue me, wandering from Thy Law, in paths of guilt ; 151 Thou, O Lord, art all unto Thy servant, Thy Commandments all, most just and pure; 152 This of ancient time has been Thy Witness, Thou hast fixed Thy Truth for ever sure. *"| Lowliness before God. (" Vide humilitatem") 153 Look on my affliction, O deliver ! for Thy Law I cease not to maintain ; 154 Plead my cause, O Lord, and now redeem me, by Thy promised Truth my life sustain. 155 Far from all the wicked is salvation, with Thy Laws they are in constant strife ; 156 But to me, how manifold Thy mercies, and Thy Judgments hold my soul in life ! 157 Many foes pursue, and still distress me, yet they make me not from Thee to slide ; 158 On beholding them, I mourn before Thee, grieving that Thy Word is not their guide. 159 See, Lord, how I have loved Thy Precepts 1 and in mercy be Thou life to me ; 1G0 Truth is of Thy Word the head and fountain, Just Thy Judgments are, eternally. \y Perseverance. { u Prindpes penecuH sunt") 1G1 PRINCES follow me with ceaseless hatred ; at Thy Word my inward fears abound ; I- TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 155 162 Then I hail Thy Promise, sure and faithful, Like a man who richest spoil has found. 163 Hating falsehood with a full abhorrence, ODly in Thy Law is my delight ; 164 Seven-fold praises daily I will give Thee, owning that Thy Judgments all are right. 165 Peace is theirs who love Thy Law, for ever, nothing found therein shall make them fall ; 166 I am waiting, Lord, for Thy salvation, As Thou biddest, and accept it all : 167 Keeping in my soul Thy Testimonies, loving them with all my strength and might ; 168 So I hold Thy Precepts, bear Thee Witness,— Lord, my ways are open to Thy sight. J"\ Salvation Drawing Nigh. (" Approjpinquet deprecatio") 169 Now my voice uplifted comes so near Thee, Lord, consider all Thy servant's cause ; 170 Let my prayer come even to Thy presence, faithful ever to Thy righteous Laws. 171 Then my lips shall utter forth Thy praises, when Thy Statutes Thou shalt make me know ; 172 For my tongue shall give a joyful answer, and to all, Thy just Commandments show. 173 While Thy hand is for my help uplifted, to maintain the Precepts of my choice ; 174 I am longing, Lord, for Thy salvation, and in Thy most righteous Law rejoice. 175 I shall live, and all my soul shall bless Thee, safety in Thy Judgment I shall find ; 176 Like a lamb I wandered, seek Thy servant, Thy Commandments fade not from my mind. 156 TRINITY AND OTHER FESTIVALS. "His Name, the Word of God." " Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away." — S. Luke, xxi. 33. 126. O Everlasting Word, eternal Good, Thy Voice to man speaks all Beatitude ; Thy Word of Power can make the powerless whole, Thy Word of Pardon heals the sinful soul. 2 Thy Word from Heaven proclaims our Second Birth,— " Go and Baptize," shall yet regenerate earth ; Thy Word of Grace now calms the stormiest fear, Thy Word of Life the countless dead shall hear. 3 Thy voice," I am the Christ," — " your Scriptures search,"" Thy law, " Upon this Rock I build My Church ;" Thy warning, " Go, sit down, and count the cost;" Thy call, — " I come to seek, and save the lost." 4 That mystery of Love, Thy Word so true, Abides — " This is My Body given for you ! " That Breath Divine, the pledge of Pentecost, It yet is ours — " Receive the Holy Ghost." 5 Lord Christ ! Thy " Words shall never pass away," They all shall judge us in the last dread Day ; Grant Thou the Word to bless us when we rise, Thy " Come ye blessed," welcome to the skies ! 6 The " Spirit and the Water and the Blood," Bear witness here to Thee, O Word of God ! And there, "The Father, Word, and Spirit" Three, Record the Truth in One, eternally. Amen. THIRTY AXD OTIIEB, FESTIVALS. 157 Rhythm of Aquinas. (Translation from the Latin.— "Adoro Te.") 127. I adore Thee truly, Outward signs Thou givest, All my heart surrenders In that contemplation, 2 Sight and touch and tasting But the faith, by hearing, I believe whatever Nothing can be truer 3 On the Cross, the Godhead Here no less, the Manhood Both alike confessing, Now I pray, — as near Thee 4 To Thy wounds, like Thomas, Yet "my God" I know Thee, Make me to believe Thee, Hope in Thee supremely, 5 Memorial Offering Living Bread Celestial, Grant my mind its longing, And to me that sweetness 6 Since, O Sacred Jesu ! Cleanse me from pollution, One pure drop descending, All the world's salvation, 7 Jesu, Who art hidden Give to me, I pray Thee, All unveiled to know Thee, Blessed in that Vision, hidden Deity ! God we cannot see. unto Thee alone, self for ever gone. fail the truth to find ; penetrates the mind. God's own Son has taught, than the word He brought. veiled its awful light, hides from mortal sight : with entire belief, prayed the dying thief. here I may not press ; and my Lord confess. ever, more and more ; love Thee, and adore. of Thy death, my Lord ! Life to man restored, thus on Thee to live ; ever deign to give. I from Thee am fed, by Thy Blood once shed, might suffice to win from the curse of sin. from these eyes of mine, that for which I pine ; face to face adore, Glory evermore I 158 MEDITATIONS. On the Collects for Sundays. Waiting for Christ. (Advent 1.J 128. u Father of lights," unchanging Love, All gifts of grace come down from Thee; Look from Thy mercy's throne above, And let our souls Thy glory see. 2 0" Light of Light," for Thee we wait ! " Trimming our lamp," for it is night ; 'Till, from within the eternal gate, Thy coming radiance meets our sight. 3 And Thou, enlightening Spirit, come, Over the deeps of sorrow move ; Out of this ever-growing gloom, Bid light arise, and truth and love. 4 Lord God Almighty, Thou hast dwelt Among us here, in lowly guise ; Thou our infirmities hast felt, That we with Thee might learn to rise. 6 O gird us ! " children of the day," With Thy own panoply Divine ; So, conquering earth, our spirits may In Thy immortal glory shine. Amen. collects for sundays. 159 Comfort of the Scriptures. (Advent 2.) 129. Open our eyes, O Lord ! and shew The wonders of Thy Law ; Thyself reveal, and we shall know More than the prophets saw. 2 " Thy Word is truth," each shining pago Thy countless saints have sung ; Its promises from age to age, From land to land have rung. 3 Yet, Lord, we cannot hear aright, Until we know Thy voice ; Nor bear the glory of Thy light, Nor in Thy truth rejoice : 4 "We scan in vain the mystic Roll, Sealed with " the seven-fold seal ;" Unless Thy Spirit touch our soul, And Thy great love reveal. 5 That love alone the seal can break, Or fix our hearts on Thee : Or truths of heavenly wisdom take, And bid us " come and see." 6 0" hope of everlasting life !" O welcome to the skies ! Message that calls from earth's poor strife, To peace that never dies. 7 Such faithDivine, such hope we hail, The " anchor of the soul," 1 Reaching to that within the veil,' Faith undefiled and whole. 160 collects for sundays. The Messengers of Christ, and "Stewards of His Mysteries." (Ad cent 3.) 130. We wait, as listenirg for the sound — ' Spread the highway, for God is near :' Darkness encloses us around, We watch for Day-spring to appear. 2 Thy way,0 Christ, who shall prepare ? " Friends of the Bridegroom," who shall stand, As Baptists in the desert air, To tell us of " the Lord at hand ?" 3 The " Messengers of peace," sent forth By Thee, when here Thy footsteps trod, Preaching, east, west, and south and north, O man, "be reconciled to God ;" 4 Live they not yet, in power and grace, The sons of Apostolic line ? Art Thou not with them " all the days," Even 'till the judgment-lightnings shine ? 5 The " Stewards of Thy mysteries " still In Thy unfailing presence trust, To touch and turn earth's wayward will, To seek " the wisdom of the just," 6 God, Thy saving message send, Let Thy redeemed now hear Thy Word ! Then to Thy waiting Church descend, When we are ready for our Lord." collects for sundays. 161 Hindrances in our way. (Advent 4.*) 131. Arise, Lord, but not in wrath, Draw near with Thy almighty grace ; " Sore let and hindered " in our path, Our suppliant voice to Thee we raise. 2 Past sins return, though long forgot, Fresh in our prayers, dark memories live ; But Thou, O Lord, remember not, Or, in remembering, still forgive ! 3 See how, around our heavenward way, Dread foes, and strong temptations throng ; O stir us ! that we rise and pray, For only then our souls grow strong. 4 We seek Thy mighty presence now, Xor fear to ask what that bestows ; Only to Thee our hearts can bow, And grace with Thee no limit knows. 5 God in Christ, make speed to save, Make haste, good Lord, to help Thine own ; Thy coming, promised long, we crave, Thou art our trust, and Thou alone. * The old Collect for this Sunday was, (as few Collects are,) addressed to Christ. 'J he change in the Collect as we now have it, alters this direc- tion of the prayer, and so far weakens the reference to the Advent. The former termination was " Qui Vivis." All the other Sunday Collects are substantially the same as in the Ancient Books, except two. 1p2 collects for sundays. The Word made Flesh, and dwelling among us. {The Nativity of our Lord.} 132. Father Omnipotent, Who Thine own Son hast sent, To take our flesh and be of woman born ; While angels sing of this, Their wonder, and our bliss, Heavenward we lift our eyes, this sacred Morn. 2 " Glory to God on high,"— Ring it through earth and sky, Lo " Peace for man," like dew from God, descends \ No more shall sin prevail, Hushed is the lonely wail, And in dim distance dies, and sorrow ends. 3 Thou Who hast come from heaven. Clothed with all power, and given To us on earth " to be the sons of God ;" Incarnate love and grace, Gift us to know Thy ways, — The shining pathway, to Thy bright abode ! 4 Hail to Thee, undefiled, Blest Virgin Mary's Child, And let our gladness please the earDivine ! From heaven's immortal air, Our Manhood resting there, We hear Thy glorious call, " Arise and shine I " collects for 8undays. 16^5 The Manhood, and the Godhead of Christ. ( The Circumcision.) 133. Thou, " one with us," the true high Priest, Born to endure the pains of earth ; Wearing our flesh, from sin released, Yet touched with sorrow from Thy Birth : — 2 Saviour, in man's own form confessed, And feeling all our nature can ; Thou knowest how on God we rest, We hail Thee God, and own Thee Man. 3 In " likeness of our sinful flesh," Yet " separate from sinners " still, Thou wast " God's image," coming fresh From Him, with perfect heart and will. 4 Can man be pure ? — yes, earth's dark strife, Jesu, Thy God-like grace sustains ; Sacred through Thee is human life, Which once was Thine, and Thine remains. 5 And we can all things do, if Thou Uphold us with a grace Divine ; — So lustre on the prophet's brow Once made Thy faithful servant shine. G O God from God, Man with men ! By Thee, to Thee, through Thee we live ; Shew us " Thy Law," and grant us then The power to rise, which Thou canst give. 164 COLLECTS FOlt SUNDAYS. Stars of Heaven. (I. — The Epiphany.} 134. " He made the Stars " on high; — Beyond this lower air, New light arrests the heaven-raised eye,- It is not darkness there. 2 He " made the eyes " that gaze, And hearts that here respond To voices, in that starry maze, From brighter worlds beyond. 3 Outposts of glory, set Above our earthly nights ; — Nor may we search the mysteries yet, Of those eternal heights. 4 But Faith and Hope, and Love, Reflected still within ; Stars, once enkindled from above, Now seen through clouds of sin ; 5 Beacons beyond earth's strife, To brighter worlds untrod; O signals of eternal life, Ye call us up to God 1 6 One Star of old came down , Hail to the joy it brings ; — It sparkles on the earthly crown, Of Christ the King of kings. collects for sundays. 165 "He calleth the Stars by their names." (II. — The Epiphany.) 135. Led by those Stars above, Here knowledge once began : Earth's treasures gained not the first love Of the deep heart of man. 2 Records of eldest time Tell how our longing sight Turned to the Signs of God, that climb The zenith of the night. 3 Strange science — to divine, That light of moon or star Might, in the heavenly courses, shine An influence from afar ! 4 Yet, if the blind were given, Even now, a sudden sig it, — Would they not watch that midnight heaven, With rapture of delight ? 5 Lamps of the sky, your rays " Govern the night " below, If towards the heavens our heart ye raise, By your immortal glow. 6 Pure Stars above, shine still ! — One ray from God's bright home May win from earth our wandering will, And fix the hearts that roam. 166 collects for sundays. Prayer for heaven ; and waiting on earth. (Epiphany 1.) 136. Children of earth, for heaven we seek, Lord let our voice now enter there ; For though with stammering lips we speak, The priest on high presents our prayer. 2 Sighs of the past breathe o'er us still, — And saints are longing for their joys ; We stand obedient to Thy will, Expecting, Lord, Thy answering voice. 3 M The eyes of all are raised to Thee," The prayers of all surround Thy throne ; Clients of mercy full and free, Our inmost wants to God are known. 4 We wait, O send some guiding star, " Light for the wise," to shew our way, To clear our vision where we are, And teach us to work on and pray ! 5 Make every prayer so true and clear, And so conform our will to Tliine, That when we kneel, and deem Thee near, Thy light before our souls may shine. 6 Lord, have compns.-im on us now, Lest in despondency we sink ; And give, when contrite spirits bow, More than they dare to ask or think. collects for sundays. 167 Prayer for peaceful life, while on our way. (Epiphany 2.) 137. This stirring world, with thronging cares, Arrests our sacred way ; Christ's foes and ours, whose countless snares Are set in close array. 2 Lord keep us, that we turn not back, And grant us quiet days ; An unmolested peaceful track, Led on " to. higher grace." 3 All things in heaven and earth are Thine, None can resist Thy will ; And we would feel the hand Divine, Restrain and guide us still. 4 Lord, let Thy strength be daily given, Thy light in darkest hour ; A thought from Thee, like dream from heaven, To stay temptation's power. 5 The joy to serve Thee here below, Our quickened souls would share ; The peace which saintly spirits know, In their immortal air. 6 O to be undisturbed in love And worship, Lord, of Thee I Beginning now, what we above May know eternally. 168 collects for sundays. Prayer for Protection in dangers (Epiphany 3.) 138. Sojourners and strangers, Seeking our true home, Meeting with rough danger^ As we onward roam : Strength is often failing, On destruction's brink, — Lord, Thy power prevailing Will not let us sink. 2 Troubles are molesting, But if Thou be near, On Thy succour resting, We shall have no fear. Lord Almighty, knowing All our feebleness, Grace, from Thee o'erflowing, Comforts our distress. 3 Now the shadows lengthen, And we count the hours Near the end, O strengthen Our fast-failing powers ; Thy right hand extending !— • All on Thee we cast, So, Thy love befriending, Gain our home at last. collects for sundays. 169 In our trial, we rest on God. {Epiphany 4.) 139. Exiles from paradise, through briar and thorn We wander now ; Toiling an unknown way, a look forlorn Is on our brow : The world is strange to us, since we were made For Thee our God ; and from Thy presence strayed. 2 Thou knowest. Lord, the radiant home we lost, And Thou alone ; So all the sorrows our first sin has cost, To Thee are known ; And we the sorrows bear, while joy is fled,— The golden morning of man's being, dead. 3 Our smitten memory nothing of that past Will now record ; But only finds, at Eden's gate shut fast, The flaming sword : — Save that Thy promise listening ears will meet, " Satan shall yet be bruised beneath your feet." 4 And prayer, awhile,is but a long complaint : — O Wind That blowest Fresh from God's mountains, come ! for we are faint, Good Lord, Thou knowest. Through parched and weary life, our toilings must Meet the dread sentence, and "return to dust." 5 God bear us through our trial ! let us lean Upon Thy hand ; For if Thou help not, with some grace unseen- We cannot stand In that amazing hour when from this strife We pass, and enter on the deathless life. 170 collects for sundays. The Church sustained dy Christ's Strength. {Epiphany 5.) 14-0. WHO sceth but our God alone, Our perils and our falls ? To Thee, our Father, all is known, Out of the deep it calls. 2 Hadst Thou not formed us just and good, In Thine "own image" here? O that we then had blameless stood, Nor knew of sin or fear ! 3 But now once more to Thee brought nigh, Within Thy home secure, Keep us, good Lord, until we die, And find our heaven is sure. 4 The promise to Thy Church is clear, Thy truth can never fail ; send the gift to persevere, Lest sin with us prevail ! 5 Lord, let Thy strength for every task, Our laboring souls prepare ; " Through Jesus Christ our Lord " we ask,— His Sacred Name our prayer. 6 Since on Thy grace alone we rest, O shield us by Thy power ! And be our Faith in Thee confessed, In life's departing hour. J_ COLLECTS FOR SUNDAYS. 171 Our Life is in Christ. {Epiphany 6.) 141. " In Him was Life,"— Eternal Word, From Thee the worlds began ; And God's creation is restored In Thee, the " Second Man." 2 " In Him was life " — our mortal foa Bound us in terrors long ; Deliverance by Thy power we know, And Thou shalt be our song. 3 " Life hid with Christ in God,"— is this Immortal hope made ours ? cleanse us, and, for that pure bliss, Now quicken all our powers ! 4 So when Thou shalt as Judge appear, We may be blameless found ; And " in Thy likeness " without fear, Be by Thy mercy crowned. 5 We know not, while we yet remain Amidst earth's sin and strife, The glory saints on high attain, In everlasting life. 6 That new creation of our God, Is all for which we long ; The calm of that supreme abode, Where white-robed myriads throne 172 collects 10r sundays. In Wrath He remembers mercy. (Septuagesima.) 142. Most Holy Lord, and Just, " And true in all Thy ways," Low bending to the dust, We supplicate Thy grace. If here our sins receive From Thee their punishment, And still Thy Spirit grieve — Since slowly we repent ; 2 Yet let Thy judgment come, While time of grace may last ; That so no heavier doom Be ours, when life is past. Most loving Lord of souls, We yield ourselves to Thee ; For perfect grace controls Thy just severity. 3 Thou God all-pure and wise, Deal with us as Thou wilt ; While sin before Thee lies, Cleanse us from all our guilt : Thy goodness we can trust, With hearts to Thee resigned ; O Father ever just, O Saviour ever kind ! COLLECTS TOR SUNDAYS. 173 TlIOU ART THE GOD OF MY STRENGTH. (Sexagesima ) 14:3. When in our prosperous hour, We raised our hand in pride, Vaunting our wisdom or our power, — Then God we have denied. 2 So Israel's prophet gave, As with his latest breath, Warnings that God alone could save, In trial or in death. 3 And when by troubles taught, God's armies were laid low ; " Not thine own arm," Israel, brought Deliverance from the foe ! 4 If, as the patriarch sighed, In our own might we trust, Our God on judgment will decide, To bring us to the dust. 5 See, Lord, for " we are not " High minded," but would yield, With lowliest look, and humblest thought, To all Thou hast revealed. 6 Thou knowest well ' whereof 1 Thy creatures all are made,' ' O hear us, since for strength enough To please Thee, we have prayed ! 174 collects for sundays. "Above all things put on Charity." (Qiunquagesima.') 144. God " Thou art Love," and Thou hast sent Thy Son from heaven's bright firmament ; To take our manhood, and to tell That loving name " Emmanuel." 2 Send now the Spirit of Thy Son, Imparting every grace in one ; That so, from earth's defilements free, "We learn the love of man, and Thee. 3 Long suffering, gentle, pure, and kind, And serving all, in Christ's own mind ; Let us from man to God ascend, And know the love that cannot end. 4 Here hope's fair radiance smiles on high, Oft-fading rainbow of our sky ; And faith shall soon be changed to sight ; But love is Thy immortal light. 5 " Thou knowest all things," and canst seo, O Lord, our earnest love of Thee : Yet would we learn in worlds above, " The height and depth and length of love 1 " 6 Saviour Who dost raise us thus, " To dwell in God, and God in us;" " Thine own, now in the world," defend, Since Thou dost " love them to the end ! " Amen. collects for sundays. 175 The Temptation. {Lent 1.) 14-5. Lord is it Thou ? — all pale and stricken, kneeling, In distant vision, far from mortal ken ? Godhead in earth's frail lowliness concealing, Thou "Who wast " fairer than the sons of men ! " 2 Is the dark tempter in the desert near Thee, — Is there no awe of Thee, in " this world's prince ? " Sees he " the Undefiled," and does not fear Thee ? — "What demon-thought could Thee " of sin convince?" 3 Forty dread days, O Saviour condescending, Didst Thou endure for us that wondrous strife ; Obedience to Thy Father's law defending, That we might learn of Thee the way of life. 4 Sin came, — as if for ' duty ' interceding, With treacherous plea, that 'needful food be given j' Sin came again, — as ' faith,' God's promise pleading, ' Trust in protection pledged to Thee by heaven ! ' 5 And earth's false promises of peace and splendor Gleamed last, before Thy meek and lowly soul : O majesty of man's pure self -surrender, Thine was the victory of divine control ! 6 Lord give us power, for watching, praying, fasting, Learning of Thee some cleansing abstinence ; So may we win, through Thee, peace everlasting, And here be blameless " from the great offence." 176 collects for sundays. Prayer for Purity. {Lent 2.) 146. Lord, Who art of purer eyes, Than to bear iniquities ; Turn Thy face from all our sin, Lest the sudden wrath begin ; This frail life Thy love controls, Cleanse, through Christ, our guilty souls. 2 Keep us in a contrite mind, To Thy perfect will inclined ; So our heart and members bless, Instruments of righteousness : If we faint, O Saviour, speak 11 Grace sufficient " to the weak ! 3 Thoughts of God, and hopes of heaven, Mingle here with earthly leaven ; Only Thou our God canst know How our purer longings glow. With a conscious second birth, — Yet are humbled soon to earth. 4 Let our weakness intercede, Let our very dangers plead With Thy love, as prayers expressed When, in terror all distressed, Words are failing, and we wait Suppliants at Thy mercy's gate ! C0LLECT8 FOR SUNDAYS. 177 Our DksiPwEs are seen by God. {Lent 3.) 14:7. Lord, look on our desires, — Deeper than words of man, Thou seest them all : And evermore we know to Thee they call, — Our soul aspires. 2 Strange as fresh airs from heaven, We find not whence they come, nor where begin, Kor whither go ; only they move within — As secrets given. 3 All that on earth have trod, Have had their object, all fulfil their tasks, Feeling for ends which their own nature asks ; — Man feels for God. 4 All keep their limits here, Save man, in whom dim hopes and longings rise ; Shall he despair- if yearning for the skies ? Or sink in fear ? 5 While our desires are pure, — Instincts of inward life, like highest thought That all may share, — we cannot deem them naught , But true and sure. 6 Our being, Lord, requires Another region, truth that never dies ; — Our very self we spread before Thine eyes ; See our desires ! 178 COLLECTS FOll SUNDAYS. In Wkath Hi: remembers Mercy, {Lent 4.) 14rO. Lord, let ns not. should love chastise, Be utterly cast down ; But read compassion in Thine eyes, Although Thou justly frown. 2 Thy past long-suffering-, our God, Back to our memory bring \ "With reverence let us own Thy rod, Yet to Thy goodness cling. 3 See how we pause, for strength from Thee, To bear the punishment Due to our sins, — just penalty In loving kindness sent. 4 Nor let us feebly backward shrink, Or fear the end to know ; But of those mercies ever thiuk, AY Inch from Thy nature flow. b O God "our Father," it is Thou,— Nor would our hearts repine ; We know Thy hand is on us now, But trust the loveDivine : C Love that blots out the sin, nor lets The guilty spot remain ; Not only all the wrong forgets, But takes away the stain. COLLECTS FOR SUNDAYS. 179 God's Goodness our Hope. (Lent 5.) 149. Signs of Thy Goodness all around, Through earth and sea and sky are found ; In every want to Thee we fly, Thou, Lord, canst all to us supply. 2 The creatures whom Thou first hadst made, With forms of lowlier life arrayed, Speechless and prayerless fitly stand, Asking for nothing at Thy hand. 3 But we Thine own true image bear, We speak to Thee, " Thou nearest prayer ;"' Fountain of good, exhaustless, free, Our nature is athirst for Thee. 4 Continual aspirations bring Our souls to the eternal Spring ; " Deep calls to deep," our prayer resounds, And to the depths of God it bounds. 5 Safe in Thy keeping have we stood, Knowing that " Thou alone art good," O help us still, — new succours send, And keep Thy servants to the end ! 6 It is Thy life, that moves within, Thy Spirit, when we rise from sin ; All heavenly thoughts from Thee come down, To call us to our promised crown. 180 collects for sundays. The Example of Christ. (Lent 6 ) 150. O might we live as Christ did live, And die as He could die ! No thought i?iie Holy Spirit grieve, No word our God deny : 2 Offer a life to God, one whole And spotless sacrifice ; To Him commend a sinless soul, When passing to the skies ! — 3 Such blameless, pattern, nothing less, Couldst Thou, Incarnate, give ; How can we reach Thy holiness ! How die like Thee, — or live ! 4 Lord, we are born of fallen race, Our nature prone to sin ; Only by Thy almighty grace, "New life can we begin. 5 To Thee we look, on Thee we gaze, Exemplar all Divine ; And let the brightness of Thy rays, Transform our will to Thine. 6 O dazzling hope, O promise sure ! " We shall be like our Lord ;" As " sons of God," once more made puro, By the " First-born " restored. collects for sundays. 181 "He opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers." (Easter Day.) lola In darkness,at the gate Of long-lost paradise, Suppliants of dreary ages sate, "With heaven-directed eyes, 2 Prisoners of hope, shut out By the dread sword of flame, To death, and sorrow, sin and doubt, ' Till the Redeemer came. 3 Thou Who hast overcome The terrors of the grave, Rising triumphant from the tomb, — Still shew Thy power to save. 4 Hast Thou not opened wide, The everlasting doors ? Through Thee, O loving Christ, That died, We tread the sapphire floors ! 5 Teach Thou these hearts to rise, Here strengthen all our powers, To move from earth, and win the skies, And find Thy heaven is ours. 6 While now in faith we gaze On Thee our Risen Lord ; We feel no more the cherub's blaze, But pass the flaming sword. 132 collects for sundays. Our IIising with Christ. (Easter 1.) 152. Eternal ! Who Thyself didst clothe With a created life on earth ; Most Holy One, Who didst not loathe The virgin's womb, a human birth : 2 While angels wondered, saints that slept Moved in their sleep, as at Thy call ; And Bethlehem's Infant smiled, or wept, The blessed mother " pondering all." 3 Yet deeper marvel was to come, When, for the long veiled world beneath, Thou didst descend to sin's dark home, Passing the silent bars of death. 4 So death and sin, twin powers of woe, The Incarnate conquers as He dies ; Their captives may deliverance know, In Jesus' Rising all may rise. 5 O Thou ! Destroyer of death's sting, The sin that brought us down to dust Art Thou not living yet, to bring Man to God's image, pure and just ? C Not only now is sin forgiven By Thee, but man is justified ; And death which once shut out our heaven, ►Shall never from Thy love divide. collects for sundays. 183 Humility of Christ. (Easter 2.) i53. love Profound ! Like one uncrowned. The King of Glory lays His robes aside ; O Majesty, brought low unto the ground, Here hast Thou died. 2 Yet now dost live ; And onee didst give The pattern of the glorious life of man : Henceforth new birth our nature might rece've ; Our peace began. 3 God's image clear, The character Divine, once marked on man, is seen in Thee, Thou blameless Second Adam,Who from fear And sin art free. 4 O might we turn From earth and learn A sweet humility, Lord, like Thine ! And, lowly following Thee, at length discern Thy life Divine. 5 For God's own rest, Where all are blest, We only enter, as we find repose From pride and self, — earth's passion all suppressed^ In that calm close. 184 collects for sundays. Danger of Wandering from Truth. {Easter 3.) 154-. Only in Thy people's dwellings There was light ; and all beyond, Lay the circle of deep darkness, Egypt's plague, a sterner bond Than the tyrant, fierce and wanton, Cast around his Hebrew slaves ; Light and freedom, God's own giving, Tell the glorious power that saves. 2 Yet, had sons of Israel wandered From their home, to seek the gloom, Had they not been justly smitten ? Stumbled on, and found their doom ? Thickening judgments bade Thy children, (Girdled in that solemn belt,) 1 Keep within,' lest they might quickly ' Darkness find, that would be felt.' 3 Now Lord, if among Thy chosen, Some depart from truths of Thine, In Thy pity yet restore them, To the home where Thou dost shine. In their inner life divinely, Let Thy " Israel " prize their creed ; Walking worthy of their calling, Since they have Thy truth indeed. collects for sundays. 18-: " Thou art the same, Thou changest not." (Easter 4.) 155. Unchanging Lord of all, Thy high and calm repose Is the true rest for which we call, While life here ebbs and flows. 2 And though our utmost thought Reach not that lofty range ; With inward hope our soul is fraught, Of good that will not change. 3 Nor ask we rest alone, But some more solid stay ; For our true self, while time moves on, Remains from day to day. 4 Nor death, that seems like rest, Is felt to be our goal ; For there are nobler ends confessed, Or longed for, in the soul. 5 We are — and memory tells That yesterday was ours ; Shadows of the unchanged, like spells, Evoke some coming powers. 6 Unchanging Lord, we can But look for the Divine ; "A rest remaining still"for man, "As Thou hast entered Thine." 7 Fix Thou our hearts above, And bid our faith expect Thy promises, Thy precepts love, Since we are Thine elect. 186 collects for sundays. "There is none Good but One.'* (Easier 5.) 158. Tnspirer of all true and holy souls, We look to Thee alone ; Thy Spirit going forth, O Lord, controls The restless thought, and the worn heart consoles, With peace before unknown. 2 So often as our minds, no longer still, For some new action stir, O come to us, and ere temptations fill Our lower nature, and disturb our will, Some timely grace confer ! 3 Come at the first, good Lord, and then abide, Thy strength alone prevails : And since we have distrust of all beside, W T e ask Thee to the end to be our Guide ; Knowing our frailty fails. 4 O Thou, the Holiness of all Thy saints, Wisdom of all the wise, We feel Thy presence in its sweet restraints, If Thou be near, the weakest never faints, And humblest souls may rise ; 5 Stars of the moral heavens, from Thee they shine,- Each in his orbit rolls, — Thy saints, clear sparkling with the love Divine, Lights in the firmament of Thy design, — All true and holy souls. COLLECTS FOR -SUNDAYS. 187 "NO MAN COMETH TO THE FATHER BUT BY Me." (Sunday after Ascension.) 157. " Thou hast gone up on high," — We needed to be shewn The only way to pass the sky, And know as we are known. 2 First-born before all time, Thou earnest down to man, That we the sacred heights might climb, Our place in heaven's own plan. 3 Our nature, as a robe Thou wearest, evermore ; Borne with Thee, from this earthly globe, Up where Thou wast before. 4 God's image from the first, Formed by the eternal Breath, Man for the Living God must thirst, And pass the bounds of death. 5 Yet was no access known To the Eternal One, Till from His bosom and His throne, Came the Beloved Son. 6 So only joy began, Heaven shone from Jesus' brow ; And he who sees the Son of man, Has seen the Father now. 7 And though in heaven adored, Lord God omnipotent, 11 Thou hast not left us orphans," Lord, But Thine own Spirit sent. 188 collects for sundays. " The Spirit of Truth." {Whitsunday.) 158. Giver of life, and light, — Spirit of Truth, Visit Thy people's sight, Spirit of Truth . Thou Who of old hast shone, Still " light on every one," — Spirit of Truth. 2 We wait for Thy pure ray, — Spirit of Truth, Tarrying, for Thee we pray, Spirit of Truth. Through darkness once we trod, Still following after God, — Spirit of Truth. 3 Promise for ages given, — Spirit of Truth, O lambent fire from heaven, — Spirit of Truth ! Love, Wisdom, Counsel clear, Strength, Knowledge, Godly fear, — Spirit of Truth. 4 Shew us the Father's grace, Spirit of Truth ; Seen in Christ's glorious face, Spirit of Truth. " For ever to abide," In us be glorified ; — Spirit of Truth. collects for sundays. 189 Visions of God. {Trinity Sunday. 9 ) 159. Lo through the open door of heaven, A sight of God in glory given, And One is seated there ! — High in the midst the mystic Lamb, Appears before the great " I am," His mercy to declare. 2 Inferior thrones are circled round, Elders of heaven, in radiance crowned, And forms of life and mind, Fourfold in mystery, pure and bright, Eyes that behold the Infinite, Above, before, behind. 3 There rises now the immortal hymn, From wondrous voiced cherubim, To Thee, Lord of all ! Then, as from thousand thousand strings The " holy holy holy " rings, The choirs in homage fall. 4 Join we the worship of the skies, And steadfast own the mysteries, Wherein the Eternal dwells I Confess the Three, adore the One, Prostrate before the unseen throne, Where the dread anthem swells. * The following Sundays, now reckoned as "after Trinity," were formerly called "after Pentecost" — and the Collects have some general likeness, and (with the Epistles and Gospels) have reference to the " Gifts of the Spirit,"—" love, joy, peace, &c.," moving and working in the hearts and lives of the regenerate. 100 collects for sundays, God our Strength, and Trust, and Love. (Trinity 1.) 160. Not to the High and Lofty One,— Eternity His home, — But to the Father through the Son, We by His Spirit come. 2 For who can reach the great ' First Cause,* Who search Thy Essence, Lord ? — No solemn course of changeless laws Can be with love adored : 3 Our conscious frailty seeks to learn Its purpose and its end ; To God our creatureship must turn, The Maker, Lord, and Friend. 4 " Speak we of strength ? lo He is strong," Yet goodness is His will ; He guards the right, restrains the wrong, — Is slow to anger still. 5 Lord, raise us more and more to know, And rest upon Thy love ; And, still by Thy long-suffering, shew The grace that rules above. 6 While Thy forbearance holds our soul In hope, and life, and light ; We ask of Thee Thine own control, To keep our ways aright. collects for suxday3. 191 Awe of God's Presence. (Trinity 2.) 161. I F we love Tnee > if we fear Tliee » Lord, Thou dost not frown ; Hearts yet longing to be near Thee, Sin may not cast down : Is it not some pledge of favour, Thou to us hast given, — "When we have but thoughts which savour Of our distant heaven ? 2 If in prayer, Thy shadow slowly Moving near, we feel ; Thou, Who visitest the lowly, Calm us as we kneel. WhilstThou art in silence gazing On Thy love we lean ; And some grace, all thought amazing, Comes from the unseen. 3 Truths eternal, loving, awful, Then upon us swell, In Thy presence,— things unlawful For man's lips to tell. Little knowing, darkly seeing All things " in a glass ; "— Soon the shadows will be fleeing, Then to light we pass. 192 collects fob sundays. Desire to pray. {Trinity 3.) 102. To Thee our soul is reaching out, God, the Good supreme, From earth's distractions, sin and doubt, Thou only canst redeem. 2 Some loving converse with the skies, We ask, some voice from heaven ; For deeply in us all there lies A hope which Thou hast given. S So, troubled thought to Thee returns, From all its wanderings here ; In joy or sorrow it discerns, Thy shadowy presence near. 4 If underneath earth's smiling fields, The fires mysterious glow, If fear, with lowly murmur, yields Sounds tremulous of woe : 5 Are they not signs of change on earth, To future things unknown ? The travail of another birth, Seen by our God alone. 6 Our souls' disturbance ever speaks The heavenward-rising prayer Of man's imprisoned will, that seeks, O Lord, some higher air ! 7 One word from Thee, this storm to still, Send forth, and calm is known ; O God conform our restless will, Entirely to Thine own ! collects for sundays. 193 God's Protection. (Trinity 4.) 163. Thou our Ruler, Thou our Guide, We are passing on ; Chastened, cheered and sanctified, 'Till the end is won. 2 In the barren wilderness, Strong were Israel's foes ; But to God, in each distress, Sudden prayer arose ; 3 On before, Thy angel went, Mighty to protect ; In the journey, field, or tent, Guarding Thine elect. 4 Yet when they Thy law forsook, By some dark offence ; Swiftest judgment sternly shook All their confidence. 5 Even so Thy servants still, Day by day endure ; Only as they love Thy will, Is their pathway sure. 6 Earthly toils, with barren joys, Quickly will be past ; Moth corrupts, and worm destroys, Only heaven will last. 7 " Things that are not shaken." Lord, u Things that must remain ; " Changeless, steadfast as Thy "Word, Grant us to obtain. 194 collects eor sundays. God's peaceful Service on earth. {Trinity 5.) i64r. CrRANT us, Lord, a peaceful way, Thy word our staff, Thy love our stay, "With hearts to work, aud watch, and pray ;- " Thy Peace " on earth ! 2 If time should come, with discord rife, And we be mingled in the strife, Give us within a tranquil life ; Thy " Peace on earth." 3 Some quiet joy of rest with Thee, Through toilsome hours we long to see, From our own foes, and Thine set free ! Thy " Peace on earth ! " Thy faithful ones at times have fled From trials, deeming they were led, And had not where to lay their head ; Looking for heaven. Yet Lord we chose not thus our home, Nor from our humblest duties roam ; But wait wherever Thou wilt come ; And find it heaven. The sheltered vale where all is still, Or where the gentlest echoes fill The waving air from field and hill, May speak of heaven. Yet give some " hiding place ,: for prayer, Telling the son of peace is there, Away from earth's vain noise and glare; Shadow of heaven. collects for sundays. 195 Heavenly Joy jx God. {Trinity 6.) lOO. God who hast prepared on high, Beyond the far-receding sky ; For those who to Thyself draw near, Joys all uncomprehended here ! 2 Shed Thou abroad in all our hearts That which Thy gift alone imparts, The love that rises to Thy throne, Athirst for Thee, and Thee alone. 3 The child-like love that calls aloud, Answering, as from within the cloud, With "Abba, Father ! " hear our prayer, And for Thyself our hearts prepare. 4 Lord Christ, "Who hast gone up before, Opening our heaven's bright palace door, If we that bliss might never know, O would'st Thou not have told us so ? 5 Here through the fields of thought and time, Weary we wander, sink or climb, Nor, wandering, know we half our need, Nor pray unless Thou intercede. 6 For hearts by Thee alone are moved, We love Thee for Thou first hast loved ; And Thy amazing mercy hail. Which for the sinful can prevail. 7 Thou Spirit of the Holy One, Is not Thy work with us begun ? Still lead us upward, lead us on, Whither the loved High Priest has gone. 196 collects for sundays. Dependence on God. {Trinity 7.) 166. " Scarcely saved," yet saved by grace, Thy upholding, Lord, we ask ; Faith to stand in coming days, Strength to do a life-long task. 2 On the past we turn and look, All the peril now we know, Where the ground beneath us shook, And the dark wave moaned below : 3 Gently was Thy hand laid on, Seeing we were near our fall ; Though our steps had well nigh gone, They obeyed that sweet recall. 4 Now once more our souls would feel, Thy restraining, pardoning touch ; Calvary's power and grace reveal, Unto all that " love Thee much." 5 Lord of might and mercy, keep Those redeemed at such a cost ; Lest again, like erring sheep, We should wander, and be lost. G " Scarcely saved," yet saved by grace, More of hope and love we ask ; Stronger faith for coming days, Power to do our life-long task. collects for sundays. 197 Perceiving God's Providence. {Trinity 8.) 167. All-seeing God, Thy love sustains Our souls in life, and ever reigns ; Thou orderest all. With changeless truth, Thy gracious eye Is over all, through earth and sky, — Man's hour of birth, his time to die, Or sparrow's fall. 2 O let us see Thy hand, and know, As life's great changes come and go, That Thou art near ! We would not, like unconscious things, Just bear Thy sovereign orderings ; But rest beneath the cherub's wings ; With love, not fear. 3 No evil can molest us there, O God we are beneath Thy care, Our Father Thou ! Unseen, we can behold Thee still, And daily give to Thee our will, And with enduring grace fulfil Thy precepts now ; 4 And so in peace await the end, The Everlasting is our Friend, Our conscious trust ; And Thou. Christ ! our all is cast On Thee, till death and time are past, For Thou wilt bid us at the last, Rise from the dust. 198 collects tor sundays. The Gift to think rightly. {Trinity 9.) 168. Springs of life and thought and motion, Here are nrysteries all unread ; Even passions dark commotion Has a secret fountain-head ; O our God ! whene'er within us, Darkness struggles with the light, Then may Thy good Spirit win us To the true and clear and right. 2 Thou, Saviour Christ, desirest Pure, and wise, and holy hearts ! Thou, God of truth, requirest Truth in all the inward parts ! But we wait for Thy beginning, God's enlightening while we think ; If Thou aid not, we are sinning, Or we stand upon the brink. 3 Thought and act have " times and seasons,' Father, they are in Thy power ; Nor divine we half the reasons, Which may fix the day or hour, Of Thy wondrous Spirit's moving O'er the chaos of our souls ; But the thought that Thou art loving, Thou art good, all fear controls. collects for sundays. 199 Conformity of our Will to God's. {Trinity 10.) 169. What marvel, Lord is this, How human, how divine ! That we must choose our proper bliss, Yet make our choice with Thine. 2 In wilful solitude, Our hearts are never blest ; Nor in a lonely seeming-good, Find our sufficient rest. 3 Let us the secret learn, How will with will unites ; When from desires for self we turn, And find the best delights. 4 So teach our souls to choose As saints have made their choice ; Lest in our waywardness we lose The only lasting joys. 5 To feel with all the pure, To think with all the wise, Is heaven begun, and shall secure The hope of Paradise. 6 Thou highest Good ! while we To love Thee are but slow ; Our captive will is never free The peace of God to know. 7 Shew us,0 Lord, Thy way, And by Thy Spirit lead ! So shall our hearts with joy obey, Our wills be Thine indeed. 200 collects for sundays. God's Love Contests His Power. {Trinity 11.) 170. God, Thou only canst impart True faith in Thee ; for weary heart Bewildered thought, and labouring mind, Toil but in vain their God to find. 2 We cannot reach the sacred height Of power and glory infinite ; O would'st Thou rend the heavens above, And come to visit us in love ! 3 So to us, creatures of the hour, Thy mercy might transcend Thy power ! And give the overwhelming sense Of love that rules omnipotence. 4 God, our God, Thyself reveal, To us the depths of faith unseal ; Disperse the chilling mists that shroud Thy glory in so dark a cloud. 5 Might we but find Thee, God of love ! That truth were joy all joys above ; O send the Spirit of Thy Son, To kindle faith, and it is done ! 6 Our reason through the darkness gropes, And fails to grasp its glorious hopes ; Thou Who canst shine in densest night, Say to our souls, " let there be light ! " collects for sundays. 201 Tenderness of Conscience. {Trinity 12.) 1/1. Art Thou not listening for Thy children's prayers? Waiting till these reluctant hearts may move ? Father Divine, Thy sacred patience bears Our apathy, — withdraw not Thou Thy love ! O readier far to hear than we to pray, Surely 'tis Thou art " watching for the day I" 2 And though the shadows clear not, nor our will Springs to the coming light, but cowers in fear, Or shrinks from calls of conscience, to fulfil Thy sweet commands, when Thou Thyself art near ; Thy God-like mercy lingers long, to see How God-like " gifts to men " may work with Thee. 3 Haply the secret of Thy higher power Was touched, when from God's breath, and " like to Him,' A being that had will came forth, to tower Above created forms, in grandeur dim, To reach that glory which Thy love provides, Where " manhood taken into God " abides. 4 O pardon wilful deadness, and dark sins Which make our hearts in silent hours afraid ! If now, once more, a quicker life begins, O visit Thou the souls that Thou hast made ! And keep us evermore to God alive, As those who for the crown immortal strive. Amen. 202 collects for sundays. The special Gift to serve God faithfully. {Trinity 13.) 172. Only of Thy Gift it cometh,^ Gift divine and free, — That we here, O God, are praising, Serving Thee ! 2 Is it ' service ' yet, we render, When on God we call ?— Are we not Thine own, Thou gracious Lord of all ? 3 But because Thou art our Father, We can wait around, Making children's loving tokens All abound. 4 And we feel our God's approval, Know our Father's smile Now rewards ; though heavenlier duties Wait awhile. 5 Higher ministry, like angels ' He may yet bestow ; If we run in His commandments ; Here below. 6 Great and precious words of promise, He has surely given ; We shall find them all exceeded, In our heaven. COLLECTS FOR SUNDAYS. 203 Increase of Faith Hope and Love. {Trinity 14.) 173. O Lord " increase our Faith !" Be things Divine unfurled Before our souls, to vanquish death, And " overcome the world." 2 Lord, increase our Hope ! Or if we soon despond, Teach us, before we wholly droop, Of peace that lies beyond. 3 Lord, increase our Love ! Fixed on Thyself alone ; Affections set on things above, Earth's passions all unknown. 4 Thy promises are sure, And though obedience faints, Through Thee the humblest may endure, And rest among Thy saints. 5 If now our hearts aspire To Thee, our joy and peace, Wilt Thou not answer the desire, And faith and love increase ? 6 And loftier hope display Of holinessDivine, The lustre of the glorious day Which tells us we are Thine ? 204 collects for sundays. The Church's Perpetual Peace and Security. (Trinity 15.) 1/4:. Thou, Lord, in love proclaimest, That while the earth remains, Her seasons in due order, Thy Providence sustains. For all things in their courses, Obey Thine ordinance ; And keep their stately beauty, Nor know of fate or chance. 2 And yet when spring and summer, Or harvest days appear, The sounds of prayers and praises, Rise heavenward, full and clear ; "While Nature is responding, To her Creator's call, Man joins his suppliant homage, To Thee the Lord of all. 3 So in Thy new creation, Thy promise cannot fail, That " powers of hell shall never " Against Thy Church prevail," And yet with prayerful voices, Our frailty still must plead, That Thou wouldst keep Thy people, Peaceful in times of need. collects for sundays. 205 God cleanses and defends us in His Church. {Trinity 16.) 175. Long suffering Lord whose love has given The promise that Thy Church shall be A home of rest, the gate of heaven For all who to Thy mercy flee. 2 " Holy and One," was Thy design For all Thy Church, and yet we pray, Thy cleansing grace, Thy loveDivine, Perpetual succour day by day. 3 For slowly, step by step we rise, With faltering feet our pathway take, Or see the ladder to the skies In dreams, 'till Thou our souls dost wake. 4 We know Thy truth for ever lives, Thy word is steadfast as Thy throne ; Each victory that Thy mercy gives Tells of Thy faithfulness alone. 5 Lord leave us not, since Thou hast said, That Thou art with us all the days ; O God of peace, ' bruise Thou the head,' Of sin beneath us, by Thy grace ! 6 Lord we are one, Thy Church on earth, And saints withdrawn within the veil ; — All wait for that immortal birth, When trials shall no more assail. 206 collects for sundays, Preventing Grace. {Trinity 17.) I/O. We cannot see our way, unless A light from heaven move on before ; And if through gloom, awhile, we press, Lord, grant Thy presence all the more. 2 Make us content to do the right, And trust our safety in Thy hand ; And when we cannot " walk by sight," Assure us that " by faith we stand." 3 Or let us hear a " voice behind," " This is the way, walk surely there," So shall we move with restful mind, And cast upon Thee all our care. Grace "to withstand." {Trinity 18.) 177. THOU, only God, our hearts must fill, Thy dwelling, and Thy throne ; Love is entire — reserves of will Thou canst not own. 2 Nor God with mammon may divide Souls born for heavenly light ; Nor Christ with Belial be allied. Nor day with night. 3 Lord, on Thy side, against Thy foes, We in this strife would stand ; The tempter, world, and sin oppose, Led by Thy hand. collects foe. sundays. 207 Pleasing God. (Trinity 19.) 178. O God, we cannot please Thee as we would ; Thy law Divine Is yet by us but faintly understood, Though all around us rays of truth and good So purely shine ; To please Thee, we must now Thine image bear, And while on earth our heavenly garments wear. 2 Nor only so, but keep the robes of light Unspotted here : If angels are not faultless in Thy sight, And saints not always found to stand upright, Blameless and clear, Thou only canst uphold, — and yet the least Are safe in " Him in Whom Thou art well-pleased." 3 Thou Ever-Perfect ! while in Thee we dwell, And Thou in us ; The grace which Thou wilt give shall please Thee well, And of the everlasting goodness tell Which triumphs thus. And through the heavenly spheres the song shall run, Of man accepted in the Eternal Son. 4 to be pure, and pleasing in Thy sight, Essential Good ! Unearthly is the sound of that delight, Yet nothing less endures Thy searching sight, And nothing could ! — So, Lord, we must aspire in Thee to rest, And only in Thyself be pure and blest. ^08 collects for sundays. Contentment. {Trinity 20.) 179. Give us, O Lord, a cheerful heart, Iu all our earthy way ; Couteuted either to depart, Or longer here to stay. 2 For ' what can harm us ' while we see And do Thy heavenly will ? — 4 Or, if we suffer righteously, ' Are we not happy still ?' 3 So psalmist's and apostle's voice, The gentle words repeat, That all Thy servants should rejoice, And find Thy service sweet. 4 If there be work before us yet, Give Thou the time and strength, To do the task Thy love shall set, And win Thy smile at length. 5 Body and soul alike are Thine, Both to their duty spring, When summoned by the grace Divine, And all their ardour bring. 6 May we but find ourselves at last Owned faithful by our Lord, While at Thy feet our crown is cast, And Thou art our reward ! collects for sundays. 209 Pardon and Peace. (Trinity 21.) 180. Lord, Who hast loved us in our fall, And purchased our release ; Send forth Thy message now to all, — Pardon and peace. 2 Though all will not Thy gift receive, Nor from their bondage cease ; Yet will we hail the glad reprieve, — Pardon and peace. 3 And let Thy thrilling voice, Thy touch, Some loftier faith increase ; And speak, to all who " love Thee much," Pardon and peace 1 God's Household. (Trinity 22) 181. "Welcome sound to those who love Thee, Lord, Thy Church is our true home ; They who set the world above Thee, Forth from Thy blest presence roam ; Only Ruler, To Thy waiting household come 1 2 Have us in Thy gentle keeping, Finish what Thou hast begun ; Working, resting, waking, sleeping, Quick in Thy commands to run ; Lord accept us, — In our life, " Thy will be done ! " 210 collects for sundays. God the Author of all Godliness. {Trinity 23.) 182. Thy compassions fail not, O Eternal Deep !— Doubts and sins prevail not, From Thy love to keep Souls that own the chastening, Mercy on them lays, Souls still contrite, hastening To the fount of grace. 2 We, not only pardon, Or escape, would win ; But, lest goodness harden, Cleanse us, Lord, from sin I Sin, our souls' undoing, Would Thy mercy doubt ; By Thy sweet subduing, Be it now cast out : 3 Then on all our weakness, Saviour Christ, bestow Gifts of Thine own meekness, Which our souls may know. We are but beginners, Seeking things above ; Only pardoned sinners Trusting in Thy love. I COLLECTS FOR SUNDAYS. Restoring Grace. {Trinity 24.) 183* Lord, we would gladly bring to Thee, Hearts' truest service, pure and free ; Come, Deliverer .'^captives long, We hail Thee " stronger than the strong.** 2 And we beseech Restoring grace, Our marks of bondage to efface ; That injured powers of will and mind, May yet their full salvation find. 3 While we have stooped to earth and sin, The higher life has sunk within ; Frailties of many a former day, Still hinder when we come to pray. 4 Or, if by sin no longer bound, Some feebleness, O Lord, is found Too often to arrest the zeal, To serve with all the love we feel. 5 Our weakness on Thy strength we cast, Thou canst redeem us from the past ; And thrill us with the quick delight Of hearts that love and do aright. 6 Swift as the bird that springs on high, And fills with song the early sky ; So shall our spirits rise to Thee, When from the bands of sin set free. 212 collects for sundays. Reviving Grace. {Trinity 25.) 184. Shadows at the close of day, From the mountains far away, Darken as we journey on, And our strength is well-nigh gone. Hopes that brightened once, and still Linger, and arouse our will, Fade in later wearier hours, When exhausted are our powers. 2 Mighty Lord, Thy pitying eye Looks on our infirmity ; Give us heart the path to keep, Urge us up the heavenward steep ; Kindle new resolve within, Which from Thee the crown may win Gift us with the steadfast will, To attain Thy holy hill. 3 Fix our eye on that reward, Promised to Thy saints O Lord ! Plenteous grace to be increased, For the " faithful in the least ;" If, through lonely ways and dark, We are pressing towards the mark Of that righteousness sublime, Reached beyond the sphere of time. 213 THE TRANSFIGURATION. (For Devotions.) "Old things shall pass away." (I--) 18 O. Lord hast Thou not bowed down Thy heaven, And stooped to dwell with man on earth ? — Hail to thee, Palestina ! given As Eden for man's Second Birth ; The mountains round about thee stand, And, from the range of Lebanon, Enclose and guard the chosen land, To Carmel's height and Nebo's crown : — Seen even now from Sion's hill, Is not the world a glory still ? 2 But " Heaven and Earth shall pass away," Creation's beauty all dissolve ; As surely as primaeval Day First saw the sun on high revolve, And moon and stars in order greet The empyraeum with their light ; They all shall melt with fervent heat, Like vapour fade to elder Night : But while they perish, God remains, And King eternal, ever reigns. 3 —Yet one last look, O Son of God ! Thou here would'st give, all lovingly, On Nazareth, Thy long abode, And those blue waves, fair Galilee. — Stained by man's sin, earth might not last, — One pitying gaze, soon all is o'er ; Burnt, by the hastening judgment-blast, Like rocks on the Dead-sea's lone shore. He speaks, " The Faithful and the True," " Behold, I will make all things New ! " 214 THE TRANSFIGURATION. ^THIS MORTAL MUST PUT ON IMMORTALITY.* (II.-) 186. 'Ere these bright spheres began, Or earth, or conscious man, Knew the Creators summons, and " before " The Day was,' 1 — Ever-chvelling In light all light excelling, ' God, I was in Thy bosom evermore ! ' First-born before the ages,' then, 'And my delights of old were with the sons of men.' 2 " Lo now I come from Thee," Fulfilling Thy decree, As when of aDcient time this world was made : Death has swept o'er its face, God's image to erase, Yet man shall be in endless life arrayed ; Father, that Thy high will be done, " Thou hast prepared a Body " for the Eternal Son. 3 — From Bethlehem it began, " The Word Himself, made man ;" And now on Tabor's height the robelOivine, Clothing for flesh and blood, New, by the touch of God, My chosen ones shall see around Me shine ; And know e'er long the mystery true Of coming Life, — " This is My Body, given for yon ! n THE TRANSFIGURATION. 215 "He was Transfigured before them.' (Ill-) 187. ' Come with Me to yon mountain's brow,' — Hear we not Jesus' voice ? No multitude is with Him now, Nor weary earth-born noise. Three follow Him, — they know not how, — Disciples of His choice. 2 And soon before their gaze was One, In raiment of the skies ; His form, as glittering lightning shone, Dazzling to mortal eyes : And, 'ere the apocalypse is done, Elias, Moses, rise. 3 Then high discourse reveals to them The consummation near ; Lo Christ, in snow-bright diadem, Tells them, in accents clear, His death in loved Jerusalem ; — " The three " sink down in fear. 4 " Father the hour is come," Thy Son " Thy Name has glorified ;" Soon the last triumph shall be won, The Son of man have died ; The old creation's race be run, The new alone abide. 5 All reverent, see Elias fall, — The " still small voice " is heard ; And Moses, startling at the call, As though earth's graves were stirred. — " Hear My Beloved Son," to all Comes as the parting word. 21G THE TRANSFIGURATION. Moses and Elias talked with Him." (IV.-) 188. Of old, in fiery chariot, Elijah, heavenward borne, Earth's far-off future heeded not, Nor traced that distant morn, Lying beyond the prophet's thought, When man should be new-born. 2 Elijah felt the voiceDivine, Bid him to Tabor come ; Saw the Transfigured Manhood shine, Heard from the heavenly home, " This is My Son," — ' His law is Mine ;' — 1 AVait till the time shall come.' 3 So Moses heard ; and to his grave To 'bide the end has gone, In " God his dwelling-place " to have, His sepulchre unknown. — He saw The Prophet strong to save, And waits for Him, alone. 4 And Peter, James and John who went There to behold "Christ's Day," Bewildered in their high intent, " Not knowing what to say ;" Adown the slope their footsteps bent, Too much amazed to pray. 5 O God, the wonders of that state, Of the Transfigured Man, Dims our best vision here ! all wait For Thy unfolded plan, — The thought ' that Thou wilt Re-create, 1 — Formed 'ere the world began. THE TRANSFIGURATION. 217 "New Heavens, and new earth, wherein dwelleth Righteousness." (V.-) 189. O All-surpassing Splendor ! — one alone Of earthly race lias seen that vision fair ; The present G-od, the rainbow round the throne, And the elect, descending through the air, His Tabernacle, — He their glorious light ; For in His presence there can be no night. 2 " All New," — a higher world than had been made In the past-workings of omnipotence, Wills without sin, — Earth's precious stones displayed Tell faintly some Divine magnificence Of that regenerate sphere, the pure abode For sons and daughters of the Immortal God. 3 Those gates of pearl, those walls of burning light, Those twelve foundations, with apostles' names, That golden pavement, burnished clear and bright, Those mystic cherub wings with outspread flames, The Tree of Life, by God's own river laved, Sustaining all the " nations of the saved." 4 Ah, we sink down oppressed, — we cannot bear The contact now of that high element ! We must be changed, and pass this lower air, To learn Thy wonders, God Omnipotent. Lord of our world to come, Thy piercing light Transfigures all things to our longing sight. 5 And as we look through the dim-vistaed years, Watching Thee from Thy pure Incarnate Birth ; Vision on vision of Thy form appears, Thou Who art fairer than the sons of earth And if we faint, — it is but for Thy sake, To " Jesus only " would our souls awake. 213 THE TRANSFIGURATION. 11 There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." 190. (VI.-) No sorrow, and no sighing, world of peace undying ! There shall true life begin, No curse, no pain, no sin, Above, around, within ; We shall be changed. Transformed, from light to light, From grace, to glory's height ; To more than angels knew Of perfect, pure, and true, — For all things shall be new ; We shall be changed. Eternal life, with God, " Christ's joy " in spheres untrod ! When shall time's shadows fly, And morning fill the sky, When shall the Lord draw nigh, And we be changed ! Being, Truth, and Good ! Not 'wrapt in solitude, For " all things come of Thee," Then pass, if Thou decree, To that Eternity, Where Tiiou remainest. " Pure Act," transcending sense, By Thine omnipotence, The worlds arise, and fall ; — His car phenomenal Time stays, at Thy recall ; Whilst Tnou remainest. ilaus Deo. PSALMS AND HYMXS FOR THE CHURCH. 219 INDEX. Hymn All-seeing God 167 All shall call thee 110 Arise O Lord, but 131 Art Thou not listening- 171 A voice was heard 101 Awake all choirs 95 Behold He comes 11 Blest voice of love SS Breathed in the desert's 114 Can earthly voices 2 Children of earth 136 Clouds around the 10 Come child of grace 89 Come with Me 187 Day of wrath 60 Earth and its fulness 84 Enough, enough 30 'Ere these bright spheres 186 Eternal Spirit 83 Eternal, Who 152 Evening has come 5 Exiles from paradise 139 Faithful Creator 46 Fatherof lights 128 Father of love 25 Father omnipotent 132 Father we lift 109 From the deep 5S Giver of life 158 Give thanks, the 124 Give xisO Lord 179 Glorious in holiness 96 Glory, honor, praise 22 Glory to God 20 God be merciful 50 Godlncnrnate 12 Cod in the council' 122 God the Father 14 God, Thou art love 144 Grant us O Lord 164 Hail each tongue 66 Hail glorious light 21 H:il holy Rest 6 Hymn Hail to Thee 19 Hail true Body 67 Heaven to the captive Ill He made the stars 134 He suffered and was buried ... 69 I adore Thee 127 I am not alone 13 I looked, and in the 8 I saw and lo a 9 I saw Thee by the 103 I saw the Lord upon 98 If we be risen 76 If we love Thee 161 In darkness at the gate 151 In Him was life 141 In Horeb's mount 99 Inspirerof all true 156 Is not this our King 62 Is thy soul athirst for God 93 Jesu, true Lord 101 Jesu Who for us 42 Joy of joys 75 Led by those stars 135 Let not Thine anger 55 Light of Christ 107 Light of the world 102 Long-suffering Lord 175 Look up to heaven 34 Lo the heavens 38 Lo through the open 159 Lord, hast Thou not 185 Lord, hear my prayer 59 Lord, in Tt y wrath 50 Lord, is it finished 45 Lord , is it Thou 145 Lord, let us not 148 Lord, look on our 147 Lord of the sinless 87 Lord, Thy voice 13 Lord, we woidd 183 Lord, Who art of MO Lord, AVho hast ISO Most holy Lord 142 220 Index &c. (continued.) Hymn Most sacred hour 105 Mother mine 123 My God, my God, O why 68 | My soul doth magnify 26 | Night is near 119 j No sorrow, and 190 Not in Thine anger 53 | Not to the High 160 Now let my soul 16 Now, Lord, salvation 61 Now Thy voice is 91 O all surpassing 1S9 O Blessed be the Lord 29 O come Creator Spirit 85 O everlasting Word 126 Of old infiery 188 O how long, how long 6> O give to the Lord 39 O God of all the saintly 92 O God our life 4 ' O God, Thou only 170 O God we cannot 178 O God Who hast 165 O God with us 17 O Lord, hear Thou.. 57 O Lord increase 173 O Lor.l. my light 79 O Lord our Lord 23 O Love profound 153 O might we live 150 O Name above all 31 Only of 'Ihygift 172 Only in Thy people's 154 Open our eyes 129 O praise God in His 21 O .Saviour now 82 O silent night 71 O the blessedness 125 O Thou health-giving 48 O Thou our God 43 Our God so loved 97 O what blessing! 37 O what joys axe his 51 O who are they 32 O Wisdom of the Highest 27 praise Israel's God 118 Praise, praise the Lord 1 Praise ye the Lord 88 Scarcely saved, yet 188 Shadows at the close 184 Signs of Thy goodness 119 Silent we watch 121 Hymn Since on the Lord 64 Sing with all the sons 74 Son of God in glory 44 Sojourners and 138 Sounds not the voice 115 Springs of life and thought ... 168 Star of heaven 106 Teach us O God 51 Thanks be to God 33 Thee, Lord, I praise 77 The Lord Himself 78 The Lord is Risen 73 The promise of the Spirit 120 The storms of tribulation 63 This stirring world 137 Thou Alpha and Omega 15 Thou art the Son 117 Thou art our God 7 Thou hast gone up 157 Thou heavenly new 90 Thou Lord in love 174 Thou Lord to us 72 Thou, Lord, Which know' st ... 83 Thou mighty Father 49 Thou, only God, 177 Thou, one with us 133 Thou, our Ruler 163 Through weary ages 112 Thy compassions 182 Thy presence Lord 41 To-day if ye will 52 To Thee, Thou Lamb 100 To Thee, O God 3 To Thee our soul 162 To the Trinity Eternal 91 To Whom but Thee 40 Triumphant Lord 81 Unchanging Lord 155 We cannot see 176 We have an Advocate 113 AVelcome sound 181 We praise Thee, O our 35 We thought it had been 70 We wait as listening 130 What marvel 169 When in our prosperous 143 Who is this from 108 Who on earth, 116 Who seeth but our 140 Why art Thou weary 47 Wonderful Saviour 20 Yet once more 88 — ^4^u^n^ '~ Jiy lr~^ £~fr~~~/ s * >^-» ^: ' & /L , t-JU-L i«,* : *;l£;' ^H'. «&?<«* r j kmmM BifWrr ■ a w - Li 1 ■ .{.;; ■ ^ jjateM wa^ uMMA ' t^y » ut ' S * :^ • *>; ^. , .». < .. . < MMM— UwaMw