FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY is, a/? i r ^ THE Sunday Scho BY TREADWELL WALDEX, RECTOR OF ST. CLEMENT S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. NEW AND REVISED EDITION. BOSTON: E. P. DUTTON AND COMPANY. ftfturcl Dublfsljers. 1866. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by Treadwell Walden, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Connecticut. riverside, Cambridge: stereotyped and printed by h. 0. houghton. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BISHOPS. TYe have examined, with a good deal of care, the Sunday-School Frayer-Book of the Rev. Mr. Walden. It seems to us eminently cal- culated to cultivate, in the young, a knowledge and love of the truth as it is in Jesus, and also liturgical tastes and habits, and to train them to enter early into an appreciation and practical use of the Book of Common Prayer, the spirit of which it has thoroughly imbibed. We are happy to anticipate for it a wide and growing usefulness, and give it very cordially our approval. JOHN WILLIAMS, Bishop of Connecticut. . ' JOSEPH C. TALBOT, Assistant Bishop of Indiana. B. B. SMITH, Bishop of the Trot. Ep. Church in the Diocese of Kentucky. ALFRED LEE, Bishop of the Trot. Ep. Ciiurch in the Diocese of Delaware. W. M. GREEX, Bishop of Mississippi. HENRY J. WHITEHOUSE, Bishop of the Diocese of Illinois. THOMAS ATKINSON, Bishop of North Carolina. HENRY W. LEE, Bishop of the Diocese of Iowa. THOMAS ML CLARK, Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island. WILLIAM HENRY ODENHEIMER, Bishop of New Jersey. H. B. WHIPPLE, Bishop of Minnesota. WM. BACON STEVENS, Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. THOMAS H. TAIL, Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas. ROBERT H. CLARKSON, Missionary Bishop of Nebraska and Dakota. GEO. M. RANDALL, Missionary Bishop of Colorado. JOHN B. KERFOOT, Bishop of Pittsburgh. I have examined the Sunday-School Prayer-Book of the Rev. Mr. Walden, and regard it as a skilful application of right principles to the accomplishment of a difficult end, for satisfying a want practically much felt. As such, I heartily concur in the opinion that it is likely to be of great use, and deserves general adoption. WILLIAM ROLLINSON WHITTINGHAM, Bishop of Maryland. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EARLIEST EDITION. I like the general plan and execution of the work very much, and doubt not that it will contribute to enliven the devotions of the Sunday School, to cultivate in the hearts of children the spirit of prayer, and to form an enlightened attachment to the Book of Common Prayer. ALONZO POTTER. I have examined with some care and much pleasure this Sunday- School Prayer-Book. That it will much interest the children who use it I have no doubt ; and in many respects — as in the construction of the collects — it is, I think, strikingly felicitous. The compiler has made a valuable contribution to this department of liturgical literature, and I do not doubt that it will be adopted in many places Avith satisfaction and profit. GF.nTj^-p BURGESS. CONTENTS. PAGB PREFACE -5 TABLE OF LESSONS 8 THE ORDER FOR OPENING SCHOOL 11 A Praver for the Children as a Congregation 13 THE LITANY 14 A General Thanksgiving 16 THE COMMANDMENTS.. 17 A Collect for Grace to fulfil the Promises made in Baptism ... 19 A Collect identical with the Lord's Praver 19 THE ORDER FOR CLOSING SCHOOL: 20 The Creed 20 The Lord's Praver 21 THE COLLECTS 22 For the First Sundav in the Month 22 " Second " " " 22 " Third " " " 22 " Fourth " " " 23 " Fifth " " " 23 Advent 23 Christmas 24 Epiphan v 24 Lent 24 Sunday next before Good Friday 25 Easter". 25 Ascension 25 Whitsunday 26 Trinity Sunday 26 For the inward and spiritual Grace of Baptism 26 For those about to be Baptized 27 In view of Confirmation 27 For those about to be Confirmed 27 For a sick Child 23 Thanksgiving for a recovery from Sickness 28 Prayer to be read at or after the Funeral of a Child 29 For S. S. Festivals, Picnics, &c 29 For Missions - ...30 iv CONTENTS. THE PSALTER, — for Sundays, Festivals, &c ©» s s§f *& o> a> a> a> X! J2 -c.3 HHHH EH i •a-s ^ t2 dH fed oT So S "3 |§lttf§i}i§£g||2 1 aj a; ■^ a In! *■ — o «> ^ a « -» •OS « .« e »> 13 2^3 "-H 3!~: rHT T! 1 . a ."* S3 . Tel 3 7 ^XMxtfHfXXH - -U 4J S3 *3 -^ « ^ -u 03 h- ei "2 5*3 , si™ a OS m 3 23 s uagesim gesima quagesi uday in 8*8 S<« ci«2 OQ 03 & rl CJ CO •* tO «£> W r-« THE TABLE OF LESSONS. && Tj5-«.ec2r^ . ^ • ** . • t» • ed • ra ea 9 S 5 k * * x 1< > * * x > x >>•-.-•- .^ >>*****--?:::•-*::: .i * * * ~ 3 e=> M «» S e -^ fl J< ids ^ r-^-i^=-^--J5s 5 3" * ' i2i2 9*'' «5"" *3* =-5='- --i='~j!£^=j:=^ sc.5 l?=i 11 §>» « J= » * 1 3 a a 3 35 a a ga as N30^*»ODQ?rirHNCO'»iUO»t-OOCSO»-if , v|«-*>».^r2l-X'CiO'-M»-» ^ gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual help ; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy name ; and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. /^kUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy ^ Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespas- against us. And lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon us, and remain with us forever. Amen. COLLECTS SUNDAYS, FESTIVALS AND ESPECIAL OCCASIONS. FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. BLESSED Jesus, our Teacher, our Saviour and our Lord, who, when Thou wast twelve years old, didst sit in the midst of the Doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions, and didst astonish them with Thine understanding and an- swers; Be graciously pleased to make our childhood like Thine, that, by learning and understanding Thy holy Word, we may be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason for the hope that is in us. Grant this, O blessed Jesus, who art with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY. (~\ LOUD, our heavenly Father, whose dearly beloved ^-^ Son left us an example, that we should follow His steps, who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth ; Give us grace that we may walk, even as he walked in His holy Childhood, and also increase in wis- dom as we increase in stature, and in favor with God and man ; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY. r\ ALMIGHTY God, grant that like Thy servant ^-^ Timothy, who, from a child, knew the Holy Scrip- tures, we may have grace and power diligently to search and study them, and so to become wise unto Balvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus ; who liveth and COLLECTS. 23 reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY. f\ MERCIFUL God, in whose temple the prophet ^ Samuel ministered, being a child, girded with a linen ephod, to whom, when but a child, Thou didst call in the night, and reveal Thyself; make us also, we earnestly beseech Thee, Thy chosen children ; make us always glad to be in Thy temple ; speak to us also by Thy Holy Spirit ; and may we know Thy voice, and ever hearken to Thy word, and ever live to Thy glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR THE FIFTH SUXDAY. 1VTOST Merciful Father, who, when the Hebrew lit- -*-"-■- tie ones were perishing, didst send out Pharaoh's daughter to find the infant Moses, to adopt him as her son, and to make him learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians ; Grant that all children, now cast away in a wicked world, may be rescued by Thy Holy Apostolic Church, taken to be her children, instructed in the knowl- edge of Christ, and in all the wisdom of God ; that so, like Moses, they may become earnest followers of Thee, and leaders of others in Thy way ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ADYEXT. ^T To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Christmas. f\ GOD, who didst cause Thy servant John the Bap- ^-^ tist to be born of the same kindred as Jesus, and to be a child at the same time with Him ; Grant that we, who by baptism were made members of the Family of Christ, when, by reason of our tender age, we knew Him not, may remember that He was once as young as we ; and when like John, we shall have grown and waxed strong in spirit, give us grace also to perceive and know that He is One mightier than we, who shall ever bap- tize us with the Holy Ghost, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 24 COLLECTS. CHRISTMAS. 1 To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Epiphany. f~\ HOLY Jesus, who, as at this time wast born of ^ the Virgin Mary, and didst become a child not only to save us, but to be as one of us ; Grant us grace that we may never forget that we have precious souls to save, and may never cease to love Thee who came to save them, and always remember that, as Thou wast once of our stature, so we are to grow up to the meas- ure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen, EPIPHANY, AND THE SUNDAY AFTER. % To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Lent. r\ BLESSED Lord God, who, by a star didst re- ^ veal to the heathen that Christ the Sun of Right- eousness had risen ; Give us the heart to earnestly desire that Thy Name shall be known through all the earth, Thy saving health unto all nations ; and make us, we be- seech Thee, so ready to give and so ready to work, that our offering may become like a glad star, revealing the Saviour to them who know Him not ; all which we ask through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. LENT. ^" To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Easter. f~\ HOLY Jesus, who wast forty days and forty nights ^-^ in the wilderness, tempted of the devil, and who didst cast him behind Thee, when angels came and ministered unto Thee ; Give us grace, we earnestly beseech Thee, to withstand the temptations which beset us ; to resist the devil that he may flee from us, and to believe Thine own word, that the angels of such weak and little ones do always behold the face of Thy Father in Heaven ; and if it be Thy will, O Lord, may they become minis- tering spirits and guardian angels unto us ; Grant this, O blessed Jesus, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost art one God, world without end. Amen. COLLECTS. 25 THE SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY. ^ To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Easter. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we praise and bless Thy holy Name, for Thy tender love to us and all mankind, in giving Thine only begotten Son Jesus Christ for our redemption, who was betrayed into the hands of wicked men, and suffered death upon the cross, that by His blessed death and sacrifice, all who believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. And we earnestly beseech Thee to forgive us all our sins past, and grant us grace to serve and please Thee in newness of life, for the sake of the same Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. EASTER. TI" To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Ascension Day. f\ GOD, who, by Thy prophet Elijah, didst raise the ^-^ widow's child from the dead, and. by Thy prophet Elisha. didst raise the son of the Shunammite to life, but, especially through Thine only begotten Son, didst raise from the dead the little daughter of Jairus ; Grant, if any of us should die while we are yet children, that, we being raised by Thine almighty power, through Thy blessed Son, who once Himself died, and rose again for us, may ever live with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life, the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. ASCENSION OR THE SUNDAY AFTER. T To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Whitsunday. r\ LORD Jesus Christ, who didst take little children ^~s in Thine arms and bless them, and to whom the children in the temple cried Hosanna ! now that Thou hast ascended up to the right hand of the Father, let Thy love continue with us, lift us up in the arms of Thy mercy, make us glad to sing Thy praises in the sanctuary, and to follow Thee faithfully all the days of our lives ; whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost we worship and glorify as one God, world without end. Amen. 26 COLLECTS. WHIT SUNDAY. If To be said with the collect for the Sunday until Trinity Sunday. f\ GOD, Holy Ghost, who, as at this time, wast sent ^-^ down from Heaven upon the disciples, and didst be- come that other Comforter, who should teach them all things ; Make us ever mindful that Thou wast present at our baptism, and wilt hereafter teach us all things, if we be ready to learn, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Giant this, O blessed Spirit, whom with the Father and the Son together, we worship and glorify as one God, world without end. Amen. TRINITY SUNDAY. If To be said -with the collect for the Sunday until Advent. f~\ ETERNAL God — whom no man hath seen at ^-^ any time, and whom no one may behold and live — who dvvellest in a light no man may approach unto — and yet whom our souls may see, through Thy Son Je- sus Christ, and our hearts may feel, through Thy Holy Spirit — who art the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, — three persons, and one God — make us to stand in awe of Thee as Thy creatures, and yet love Thee as Thy children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Collect for the Inward and Spiritual Grace of Baptism. FROM THE CATECHISM. f\ GOD the Father, who hath made us and all the ^-^ world; O God the Son, who hath redeemed us, and all mankind; God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth us, and all the people of God ; Grant that we who have received the outward and visible sign of Baptism, in the Name of the ever blessed Trinity, may receive the ful- ness of its inward and spiritual grace : and may indeed die unto sin, and live unto righteousness, that we, who are, by nature, born in sin, and the children of wrath, may be made, more and more, the children of grace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. COLLECTS. 27 A Collect for those about to be Baptized. ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON TRAYER. A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, -^*- we irive Thee humble thanks, that Thou hast vouch- es safed to call us to the knowledge of Thy grace, and faith in Thee ; Increase this knowledge and confirm this faith in us evermore ; Give Thy Holy Spirit to this child who is about to be received into the congregation of Christ's flock, that he may be born again, and be made an heir of everlasting salvation. Grant that, being signed with the sign of the Cross, hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, but manfully fight under His banner, against sin, the^vorld, and the devil ; and continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. A Collect in view of Confirmation. FROM THE CATECHISM. f\ MERCIFUL and gracious God, grant us Repent- ^-* ance whereby we may forsake sin, and Faith, where- by we may steadfastly believe Thy promises made to us in baptism, that we, who by reason of our tender age, did then make a solemn promise and vow by our sureties, may be able ourselves to perform them, and be ready, before the congregation, to ratify and confirm the same, and acknowledge ourselves bound to believe and to do all those things, which our sponsors then undertook for us ; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. A Collect for those about to be Confirmed. ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. A LMIGHTY and ever-living God, we make our -^- humble supplications unto Thee for these Thy servants, upon whom, after the example of Thy holy Apostles, Thy servant the Bishop will soon lay his hands, to certify them, by this sign, of Thy favor and 28 COLLECTS. gracious goodness toward them. Let Thy fatherly hand, we beseech Thee, ever be over them ; let Thy Holy Spirit ever be with them ; daily increase in them Thy manifold gifts of grace: the spirit of wisdom and under- standing, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and fill them, Lord, with the spirit of Thy holy fear, now and forever ; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. For a Sick Child. ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON TRAYER. A LMIGHTY God, and merciful Father, to whom -^*- alone belong the issues of life and death ; Look down from heaven, we humbly beseech Thee, with the eyes of mercy, upon the child now lying upon the bed of sickness, and for whom our prayers are desired. Visit him, Lord, with Thy salvation. Deliver him, in Thy good appointed time, from his bodily pain, and save his soul, for Thy mercies' sake ; that if it should be Thy good pleasure to prolong his days here on earth, he may live to Thee, and be an instrument of Thy glory, by serving Thee faithfully, and doing good in his generation. Or else receive him into those heavenly habitations, where the souls of those who sleep in the Lord Jesus, enjoy per- petual rest and felicity. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Thanksgiving for a Recovery from Sickness. ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. f~\ GOD, who art the giver of life, of health, and of safe- ^-^ ty ; we bless Thy Name, that Thou hast been pleased to deliver from his bodily sickness, this, Thy child, who now desireth to return thanks unto Thee, in the presence of all Thy children. Gracious art Thou, O Lord, and full of compassion to the children of men. May his heart be duly impressed with a sense of Thy merciful goodness, and may he devote the residue of his days to an humble, holy, and obedient walking before Thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. COLLECTS. 29 At, or after, the Funeral of a Child. OGOD, Thou hast taken one from the midst of us. He has gone before, and we are left behind Lord! make us to know our end, and the measure of our days, what it is. — that we may know how frail we are ! For our days are determined — the number of our months is with Thee. Thou hast appointed our bounds, that we cannot pass. We may at any moment die. Thou, only, knowest which of us shall go next. And Thou, only, know- est who of us shall live to grow op. ]\Iake us to lay this to heart, and begin now to live above the world, to seek Thee early, to remember Thee in the days of our youth, and to lead such a life, that, by the blessing of Thy Holy Spirit, our gracious Lord and Saviour, who died to redeem us, shall say unto us, when we are called away: -Come! ye blessed children of my Father!" u Forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heav- en ! " Grant us this for His Name's sake. Amen. A Collect for Sunday- School Festivals. "TV TOST gracious and merciful God, who by Thy -L*-*- prophet Zechariah didst foretell of Jerusalem that it should be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof, and whose blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ didst observe the children playing in the market-place, we heartily thank Thee for our health and strength, and for all the blessings of our happy youth ; and we earnestly beseech Thee to grant that in all our amusements and enjoyments we may avoid those things that are contrary to Thy will, so that in our laughter and joy, in our pastimes and games, we may feel that Thou art looking on to love and bless us, and wilt finally bring us into the streets of the heavenly Jerusalem, there to be happy forever in the presence and joy of Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and praise forever and ever. Amen. 30 COLLECTS. For Missions. O MERCIFUL GOD, who didst send Thy Son Jesus Christ into the world, to teach not only us, but all man- kind, and to die not only because of our sins, but for those of all the world, and to save not only our souls, but the soul of eveiw fellow-creature, make us, we beseech Thee, to earnestly desire that every one on earth should enjoy the inestimable benefits of the Go-pel. Save, we beseech Thee, the poor heathen children in distant lands, who sit in darkness and ignorance. And save also the children who live in this our own land, who never go to church, who wander about the streets, and who have never been taught Thy way. O move us to work and to give and to deny ourselves, in order that Thy ministers may preach Thy Gospel more in foreign countries, and that Thy people may build more churches and Sunday-schools in this. So that, at last, blessed God, all the world may be gathered, like sheep, into one fold, under one Shep- herd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE PSALTER 1 These Selections may be said by the Reader and children alternately, or sung antiphonally by the children themselves. The Selections * for the Festivals and Fasts are in two parts. The First Part, (which is the scriptural delineation of the fact or doctrine commemorated,) shall be said by the Reader and children. The Second Part which is from appropriate Psalms, shall immediately follow, either said, as the other, or sung antiphonally. If If there be time, the Second Part of the Selection for the Church Season that may be passing, may follow the Selection for the Sun- day. SELECTION FIRST. FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IX THE MONTH. From Psalms cxlvii., cxlviii. (jrREAT is our Lord, and great is His power ; Yea, and His wisdom is infinite. O sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving ; Sing praises upon the harp unto our God; Who covereth the heaven with clouds, And prepareth rain for the earth ; And maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains, And herb for the use of men ; Who giveth fodder unto the cattle, And feedeth the young ravens that call upon Him. The Lord's delight is in them that fear Him, And put their trust in His mercy. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem ! Praise thy God, Zion ! For He hath made fast the bars of thy gates, And hath blessed thy children ivithin thee. 32 THE PSALTER. O sing unto the Lord a new song ! Sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth ! Sing unto the Lord and praise His name ! Be telling of His salvation from day to day ! Declare His honor unto the heathen, And His wonders unto all people. For the Lord is great and cannot worthily be praised ; He is more to be feared than all gods. O praise the Lord of heaven ! Praise Him in the height! Praise Him, all ye angels of His ! Praise Him, all His hosts ! Praise Him, sun and moon ! Praise Him, all ye stars and light I Praise Him, all ye heavens ! And ye waters that are above the heavens ! Let them praise the Name of the Lord : For He spake the word and they were made ; He com- manded and they were created. He hath made them fast forever and ever ; He hath given them a law which shall not be broken. Praise the Lord upon earth, Ye dragons, and all deeps ! Fire and hail ; snow and vapors ; Wind and storm fulfilling His word! Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars ! Beasts and all cattle ; Worms, and feathered fowls ! Kings of the earth, and all people ; Princes, and all judges of the earth ! Young men and maidens ; Old men, and children ! Praise the Name of the Lord ; For His Name only is excellent ; and His praise above heaven and earth. He shall exalt the horn of His people, All His saints shall praise Him ; THE PSALTER. 33 Even the children of Israel, Even the people that serveth Him. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. SELECTION SECOND. FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. Psalm xxxiv. _l WILL always give thanks unto the Lord ; His praise shall ever be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord ; The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. praise the Lord with me, And let us magnify His Name together. 1 sought the Lord and He heard me ; Yea, He delivered me out of all my fear. They had an eye unto Him, and were lightened; And their faces were not ashamed. Lo, the poor crieth, and the Lord heareth hira ; Tea, and saveth him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them thai fear Him. And delivereth them. O taste, and see, how gracious the Lord is : Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. fear the Lord, ye that are His saints ; For they that fear Him lack nothing. The lions do lack and suffer hunger ; But they who do seek the Lord shall want no mannei of thing that is good. Come, ye children, and hearken unto me : 1 will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that lusteth to live, And would fain see good days ? Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips, that they speak no guile. 34 THE PSAXTER. Eschew evil and do good ; Seek peace, and ensue it. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, And His ears are open unto their prayers. The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, To root out the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them, And deliver eth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, And will save such as be of an humble spirit. Great are the troubles of the righteous ; But the Lord delivereth him out of all. He keepeth all his bones, So that none of them is broken. But misfortune shall slay the ungodly ; And they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord delivereth the souls of His servants ; And all they that put their trust in Him shall not be destitute. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION THIRD. FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. From Psalms cxxxix., xix. LORD, Thou hast searched me out and known me ; Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising ; Thou under standest my thoughts long before. Thou art about my path, and about my bed ; And spiest out all my ways. For lo, there is not a word in my tongue, But Thou, Lord, knowest it altogether. Thou hast fashioned me behind and before, And laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me 1 cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go then from Thy Spirit? Or whither shall I go then from Thy presence 9 THE PSALTER. 35 If I climb up into heaven, Thou art there ; If 1 go down to hell, Thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning, And remain in the uttermost parts of the sea ; Even there also shall Thy hand lead me, And Thy right hand shall hold me. \? I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me; Then shall my night be turned to day. Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee but the night is as clear as the day ; The darkness and light to Thee are both alike. I will give thanks unto Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made ; Marvellous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect ; And in Thy book were all my members written ; Which day by day were fashioned, When as yet there was none of them. How dear are Thy counsels unto me, God ! how great is the sum of them ! If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand ; When I wake up, I am present with Thee. Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart ; Prove me, and examine my thoughts. Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me ; And lead me in the way everlasting. The law of the Lord is an undefiled law converting the soul ; The testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart ; The commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, and endureth forever ; The judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 36 THE PSALTER. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold. Sweeter also than honey, and the honey comb. Moreover, by them is Thy servant taught ; And in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can tell how oft he offendeth ? cleanse Thou me from my secret faults. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be alway acceptable in Tliy sight, Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION FOURTH. FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. From Psalms cxxxvi., ciii. \J GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious : And His mercy endureth forever. O give thanks unto the God of all gods : For His mercy endureth forever. O thank the Lord of all lords : For His mercy endureth forever. "Who only doeth great wonders : For His mercy endureth forever. Who by His excellent wisdom made the heavens : For His mercy endureth forever. Who laid out the earth above the waters : For His mercy endureth forever. Who hath made great lights : For His mercy endureth forever. The sun to rule the day : For His mercy endureth forever. The moon and the stars to govern the night : For His mercy endureth forever. Who remembered us when we were in trouble : For His mercy endureth forever. And hath delivered us from our enemies : For His mercy endureth forever. THE PSALTEK. 37 Who givetb food to all flesh : For His mere// endureth forever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven : For His mercy endureth forever. O give thanks unto the Lord of lords : For His mercy endureth forever. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, Long suffering, and of great goodness. He will not alway be chiding ; Neither keepeth He His anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins ; Nor rewarded us according to our wickedness. For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the sarrii ; So great is His mercy also toward them that fear Him! Look how wide also the east is from the west ; So far hath he set our sins from us. Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children ; Even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear Him. For He knoweth whereof we are made ; He remembereth that we are but dust. The days of man are but as grass ; For he flourisheth as a flower of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone ; And the place thereof shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear Him ; And His righteousness upon children's children ; Even upon such as keep His covenant, And think upon His commandments to do them. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION FIFTH. FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IX THE MONTH. From Psalois xi., xiii. JL HE Lord is in His holy temple; The Lord's seat is in heaven. 28 COLLECTS. gracious goodness toward them. Let Thy fatherly hand, we beseech Thee, ever be over them ; let Thy Holy Spirit ever be with them ; daily increase in them Thy manifold gifts of grace: the spirit of wisdom and under- standing, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and fill them, Lord, with the spirit of Thy holy fear, now and forever; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. For a Sick Child. ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON FRAYER. A LMIGHTY God, and merciful Father, to whom ■*■*- alone belong the issues of life and death ; Look down from heaven, we humbly beseech Thee, with the eyes of mercy, upon the child now lying upon the bed of sickness, and for whom our prayers are desired. Visit him, Lord, with Thy salvation. Deliver him, in Thy good appointed time, from his bodily pain, and save his soul, for Thy mercies' sake ; that if it should be Thy good pleasure to prolong his days here on earth, he may live to Thee, and be an instrument of Thy glory, by serving Thee faithfully, and doing good in his generation. Or else receive him into those heavenly habitations, where the souls of those who sleep in the Lord Jesus, enjoy per- petual rest and felicity. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Thanksgiving for a Recovery from Sickness. ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. f\ GOD, who art the giver of life, of health, and of safe- ^-' ty ; we bless Thy Name, that Thou hast been pleased to deliver from his bodily sickness, this, Thy child, who now desireth to return thanks unto Thee, in the presence of all Thy children. Gracious art Thou, O Lord, and full of compassion to the children of men. May his heart be duly impressed with a sense of Thy merciful goodness, and may he devote the residue of his days to an humble, holy, and obedient walking before Thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. COLLECTS. 29 At, or after, the Funeral of a Child. OGOD, Thou hast taken one from the midst of us. He has gone before, and we are left behind Lord! make us to know our end, and the measure of our days, what it is, — that we may know how frail we are ! For our days are determined — the number of our months is with Thee. Thou hast appointed our bounds, that we cannot pass. We may at any moment die. Thou, only, knowest which of us shall go next. And Thou, only, know- est who of us shall live to grow up. Make us to lay this to heart, and begin now to live above the world, to seek Thee early, to remember Thee in the days of our youth, and to lead such a life, that, by the blessing of Thy Holy Spirit, our gracious Lord and Saviour, who died to redeem us, shall say unto us, when we are called away : " Come ! ye blessed children of my Father ! " " Forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heav- en ! " Grant us this for His Name's sake. Amen, A Collect for Sunday-School Festivals. "IVTOST gracious and merciful God, who by Thy .111. prophet Zechariah didst foretell of Jerusalem that it should be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof, and whose blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ didst observe the children playing in the market-place, we heartily thank Thee for our health and strength, and for all the blessings of our happy youth ; and we earnestly beseech Thee to grant that in all our amusements and enjoyments we may avoid those things that are contrary to Thy will, so that in our laughter and joy, in our pastimes and games, we may feel that Thou art looking on to love and bless us, and wilt finally bring us into the streets of the heavenly Jerusalem, there to be happy forever in the presence and joy of Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and praise forever and ever. Amen. 30 COLLECTS. For Missions. O MERCIFUL GOD, who didst send Thy Son Jesus Christ into the world, to teach not only us, but all man- kind, and to die not only because of our sins, but for those of all the world, and to save not only our souls, but the soul of every fellow-creature, make us, we beseech Thee, to earnestly desire that every one on earth should enjoy the inestimable benefits of the Gospel. Save, we beseech Thee, the poor heathen children in distant lands, who sit in darkness and ignorance. And save also the children who live in this our own land, who never go to church, who wander about the streets, and who have never been taught Thy way. O move us to work and to give and to deny ourselves, in order that Thy ministers may preach Thy Gospel more in foreign countries, and that Thy people may build more churches and Sunday-schools in this. So that, at last, O blessed God, all the world may be gathered, like sheep, into one fold, under one Shep- herd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE PSALTER. H These Selections may be said by the Reader and children alternately, or sung antiphonally by the children themselves. The Selections 1 for the Festivals and Fasts are in two parts. The First Part, (which is the scriptural delineation of the fact or doctrine commemorated,) shall be said by the Reader and children. The Second Part which is from appropriate Psalms, shall immediately follow, either said, as the other, or sung antiphonalI\ T . Tf If there be time, the Second Part of the Selection for the Church Season that may be passing, may follow the Selection for the Sun- day. SELECTION FIRST. FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IX THE MONTH. From Psalms cxlvii., cxlviii. VJTREAT is our Lord, and great is His power; Yea, and His wisdom is infinite. O sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving ; Sing praises upon the harp unto our God; Who covereth the heaven with clouds, And prepareth rain for the earth ; And maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains, And herb for the use of men ; Who giveth fodder unto the cattle, And feedeth the young ravens that call upon Him. The Lord's delight is in them that fear Him, And put their trust in His mercy. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem ! Praise thy God, Zion ! For He hath made fast the bars of thy gates, And hath blessed thy children within thee. 3 32 THE PSALTER. O sing unto the Lord a new song! Sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth! Sing unto the Lord and praise His name ! JBe telling of His salvation from day to day I Declare His honor unto the heathen, And His wonders unto all people. For the Lord is great and cannot worthily be praised ; He is more to be feared than all gods. O praise the Lord of heaven ! Praise Him in the height! Praise Him, all ye angels of His ! Praise Him, all His hosts ! Praise Him, sun and moon ! Praise Him, all ye stars and light ! Praise Him, all ye heavens ! And ye waters that are above the heavens ! Let them praise the Name of the Lord : For He spake the word and they zvere made ; He com- manded and they were created. He hath made them fast forever and ever ; He hath given them a law which shall not be broken. Praise the Lord upon earth, Ye dragons, and all deeps ! Fire and hail ; snow and vapors ; Wind and storm fulfilling His word! Mountains and all hills ; Fruitful trees and all cedars! Beasts and all cattle ; Worms, and feathered fowls ! Kings of the earth, and all people ; Princes, and all judges of the earth ! Young men and maidens ; Old men, and children ! Praise the Name of the Lord ; For His Name only is excellent ; and His praise above heaven and earth. He shall exalt the horn of His people, All His saints shall praise Him ; THE PSALTER. 33 Even the children of Israel, Even the people that serveth Him. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. SELECTION SECOND. FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IX THE MONTH. Psalm xxxiv. 1 WILL always give thanks unto the Lord ; His praise shall ever be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord ; The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. praise the Lord with me, And let us magnify His Name together. 1 sought the Lord and He heard me ; Yea, He delivered me out of all my fear. They had an eye unto Him, and were lightened; And their faces were not ashamed. Lo, the poor crieth, and the Lord heareth hira ; Tea, and saveth him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them thai fear Him. And delivereth them. O taste, and see, how gracious the Lord is : Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. fear the Lord, ye that are His saints ; For they that fear Him lack nothing. The lions do lack and suffer hunger ; But they who do seek the Lord shall want no mannei of thing that is good. Come, ye children, and hearken unto me : 1 will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that lnsteth to live, And would fain see good days ? Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips, that they speak no guile. 34 THE PSALTER. Eschew evil and do good ; Seek peace, and ensue it. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, And His ears are open unto their prayers. The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, To root out the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them, And delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, And will save such as be of an humble spirit. Great are the troubles of the righteous ; But the Lord delivereth him out of all. He keepeth all his bones, So that none of them is broken. But misfortune shall slay the ungodly ; Arid they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord delivereth the souls of His servants ; And all they that put their trust in Him shall not be destitute. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION THIRD. FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. From Psalms cxxxix., xix. LORD, Thou hast searched me out and known me ; Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising ; Thou understandest my thoughts long before. Thou art about my path, and about my bed ; And spiest out all my ways. For lo, there is not a word in my tongue, But Thou, Lord, knowest it altogether. Thou hast fashioned me behind and before, And laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me 1 cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go then from Thy Spirit? Or whither shall I go then from Thy presence 9 THE PSALTER. 35 If I climb up into heaven, Thou art there ; If 1 go down to hell, Thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning, And remain in the uttermost parts of the sea ; Even there also shall Thy hand lead me, And Thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me; Then shall my night be turned to day. Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee but the night is as clear as the day ; The darkness and light to Thee are both alike. I will give thanks unto Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made ; Marvellous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect ; And in Thy book were all my members written ; Which day by day were fashioned, When as yet there was none of them. How dear are Thy counsels unto me, God ! how great is the sum of them ! If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand ; When I wake up, I am present with Thee. Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart ; Prove me, and examine my thoughts. Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me ; And lead me in the way everlasting. The law of the Lord is an undefiled law converting the soul ; The testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart ; The commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, and endureth forever ; The judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 36 THE PSALTER. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold. Sweeter also than honey, and the honey comb. Moreover, by them is Thy servant taught ; And in keeping of them there is great reward. "Who can tell how oft he offendeth ? cleanse Thou me from my secret faults. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be alway acceptable in Tliy sight, Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION FOURTH. FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. From Psalms cxxxvi., ciii. O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious : And His mercy enduretli forever. O give thanks unto the God of all gods : For His mercy endureth forever. O thank the Lord of all lords : For His mercy endureth forever. Who only doeth great wonders : For His mercy endureth forever. Who by His excellent wisdom made the heavens : For His mercy endureth forever. Who laid out the earth above the waters : For His mercy endureth forever. Who hath made great lights : For His mercy endureth forever. The sun to rule the day : For His mercy endureth forever. The moon and the stars to govern the night : For His mercy endureth forever. Who remembered us when we were in trouble : For His mercy endureth forever. And hath delivered us from our enemies : For His mercy endureth forever. THE PSALTER. 37 Who giveth food to all fiesh : For His mercy endureth forever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven : For His mercy endureth forever. O give thanks unto the Lord of lords : For His mercy endureth forever. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, Long suffering, and of great goodness. He will not alway be chiding ; Neither keepeth He His anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins ; Nor rewarded us according to our wickedness. For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth ; So great is His mercy also toward them that fear Him! Look how wide also the east is from the west ; So far hath he set our sins from us. Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children ; Even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear Him. For He knoweth whereof we are made ; He remembereth that we are but dust. The days of man are but as grass ; For he flourisheth as a flower of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone ; And the place thereof shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear Him ; And His righteousness upon children's children ; Even upon such as keep His covenant, And think upon His commandments to do them. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION FIFTH. FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IX THE MONTH. From Psalms xi., xiii. JL HE Lord is in His holy temple; The Lord's seat is in heaven. 38 THE PSALTER. His eyes consider the poor, And His eyelids try the children of men. The Lord alloweth the righteous ; — But the ungodly, and him that delighteth in wickedness doth His soul abhor. Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire and brim- stone, storm and tempest : This shall be their portion to drink. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness ; His countenance will behold the thing that is just. Consider, and hear me, O Lord, my God ; Lighten mine eyes, that 1 sleep not in death. My trust is in Thy mercy, And my heart is joyful in TJiy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord because He hath dealt so lovingly with me ; Yea, 1 will praise the Name of the Lord Most Highest. I will give thanks unto Thee, Lord, with my whole heart ; I will speak of all Thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee ; Yea, my songs will I make of Thy Name, TJiou Most Highest. For Thou hast maintained my right and my cause ; Thou art set in the throne that judgest right. And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek Thee. O praise the Lord, who dwelleth in Zion ; Show the people of His doings. Thy mercy, O Lord, reacheth unto the heavens, And Thy faithfulness unto the clouds. Thy righteousness standeth like the strong mountains ; Thy judgments are like the great deep. Thou, Lord, shalt save both man and beast ; How excellent is Thy mercy, God! The children of men shall put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings, Tliey shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of Tliy house. THE PSALTER. 39 Thou shall give them drink of Thy pleasures as out of the river. For with Thee is the well of life ; and in Thy light shall we see light. O continue forth Thy loving kindness unto them that know Thee, And Thy righteousness unto them that are true of heart. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION SIXTH. FOR ANY SUNDAY IN ADVENT. PART I. A HERE was in the days of Herod a certain priest named Zacharias. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. And they had no child. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord, Standing on the right side of the altar of incense. The angel said, " Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard ; " Thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son and thou shalt call his name John." Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness, And saying, " Repent ye ! Repent ye ! for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ! "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight ! " All men mused in their hearts of John, Whether he were the Christ or not. John answered : " There cometh One, mightier than I, after me " Whose shoes 1 am not worthy to bear." The next day he seeth Jesus and saith : " Behold the Lamb of God ! " This is He of whom I spake ! n 40 THE PSALTER. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings ! That publisheth peace ! That bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, That saith unto Zion " Thy God reigneth ! " Awake ! awake ! put on Thy strength O Zion ! Put on thy beautiful garments, Jerusalem ! Behold ! the Lord God will come, with a strong hand ; And His arm shall rule for Him. Behold ! His reward is with Him. And His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom. Glory be to the Father, &c. T Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION SIXTH. PART II. From Psalm i. A HE Lord, even the most mighty God, hath spoken and called the world, From the rising up of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion hath God appeared in perfect beauty. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence ; There shall go before Him a consuming fire, And a mighty tempest shall be stirred up round about Him. He shall call from the heaven above, And the earth, that He may judge His people. Gather My saints together unto Me ; Those that have made a covenant with Me with sacrifice And the heavens shall declare His righteousness ; For God is Judge Himself. Hear, O my people, and I will speak ; I myself will testify against thee^ Israel. THE PSALTER. 41 I will not reprove thee because of thy sacrifices, or for thy burnt offerings ; Because they were not alway before me. Offer unto God thanksgiving, And pay thy vows unto the Most Highest. And call upon me in time of trouble ; So will 1 hear thee, and thou shalt praise me. Whoso offereth Me thanks and praise, he honoreth Me And to him that ordereth his conversation right, will 1 show the salvation of God. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION SEVENTH. PART I. FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE SUNDAY AFTER. U NTO us have been brought good tidings of great Unto us is born a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord ! Unto us a child is born ! ■ Unto us a Son is given ! The government shall be upon His shoulder, His Name shall be called — Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. He was the root and offspring of David, The bright and morning star. He was found a babe in swaddling clothes, Lying in a manger. The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God, For all the things that they had heard and seen. When He was brought into the temple Simeon took Him in his arms, And Anna, a prophetess, gave thanks likewise unto tlie Lord. His star was seen in the East, And wise men came from the East to worship Him. 42 THE PSALTER. When He was twelve years old, He sat in the midst of the Doctors, Both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished At His understanding and answers. He went down to Nazareth with His parents, And was subject unto them. He increased in wisdom and stature, And in favor with God and man. They brought young children to Him, That He should teach them. And he said " Suffer the little children to come unto me " And forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." He took them up in His arms, Put His hands on them, and blessed them. For this the glory of Lebanon hath come unto us, The fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together. To beautify the place of His sanctuary, To make the place of His feet glorious I "We are children crying in the temple Hosanna to the Son of David ! As Jesus said, " Yea, have ye never read : " Out of the mouth of babes and suckli?igs Thou hast perfected praise ! " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, Good will toward men. Glory be to the Father, &c. T[ Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION SEVENTH. PART II. From Psalms xlv., lxxxv., lxxii. _L HOU art fairer than the children of men ; Full of grace are Thy lips, because God hath blessea Thee forever. Gird Thee with Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Thou Most Mighty, According to Thy worship and renown. THE PSALTER. 43 Good luck have Thou with Thine honor : Bide on, because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness. Thy seat, O God, endureth forever ; The sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity ; Wherefore God, even Thy God, hath annointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy people, And covered all their sins. Thou hast taken away all Thy displeasure, And turned Thyself from Thy wrathful indignation. Turn us then, O God our Saviour, And let Thine anger cease from us. Show us Thy mercy, O Lord, And grant us TJiy salvation. Mercy and truth are met together ; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall flourish out of the earth, And righteousness hath looked down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall show loving kindness ; And our land shall give her increase. Righteousness shall go before Him, And He shall direct His going in the way. He shall come down like the rain into a fleece of wool. Even as the drops that water the earth. In His time shall the righteous flourish; Yea, and abundance of peace, so long as the moon endureth. His dominion shall be from the one sea to the other, And from the flood unto the world's end. All kings shall fall down before Him ; All nations shall do Him service. For He shall deliver the poor when he crieth, The needy also, and him that hath no helper. He shall deliver their souls from falsehood and wrong ,' And dear shall their blood be in His sight. 44 THE PSALTER. He shall live, and unto Him shall be given of the gold of Arabia. Prayer shall be made ever unto Him, and daily shall He be praised. His Name shall endure forever ! His Name shall remain under the sun amongst the pos* ferities which shall be blessed through Him ! Blessed be the Lord God, even the God of Israel ! Who only doeth wondrous things ! And blessed be the Name of His Majesty forever : And all the earth shall be filled with His Majesty. Amen. Amen. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION EIGHTH. PART I. FOR EPIPHANY, AND THE SUNDAY AFTER. W HEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, TJiere came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, Saying " where is He that is born king of the Jews ? " For we have seen His star in the Fast, and are come to worship Him." And lo ! the star went before them, Till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the child, They fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, They presented unto Him gifts. The Gentiles shall come to Thy light ! They shall come from the ends of the earth ! God is able of these stones, To raise up children unto Abraham. Doubtless Thou art our Father, O God ! Doubtless Thou art our Father, Though Abraham be ignorant of us, And Israel acknowledge us not. THE PSALTER. 45 Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer ! Thy name is from Everlasting. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, For all are one in Christ Jesus. If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, And heirs, according to the promise. " Go ye, therefore, into all the world, " And teach all nations" said Jesus. " And lo ! I am with you alway, " Even unto the end of the world! " So the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea ! The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the hid, The calf, the young lion, and fading together, And a little child shall lead them. Glory be to the Father, &c. T Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION EIGHTH. PART II. From Psalms xlvii., xlviii. \J CLAP your hands together, all ye people ! sing unto God with a voice of melody. For the Lord is high, and to be feared ; He is the great King upon all the earth, He shall subdue the people under us, And the nations under our feet. He shall choose out a heritage for us, Even the icorship of Jacob, whom He loved. God is gone up with a merry voice, And the Lord with the sound of the trump. O sing praises, sing praises unto our God ; sing praises* sing praises unto our King. For God is the King of all the earth : Sitig ye praises with understanding. 46 THE PSALTER. God reigneth over the heathen ; God sitteth upon His holy seat. The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham ; For God who is very high exalted, doth defend the earth as it were with a shield. Great is the Lord, And highly to be praised in the city of our God. The hill of Zion is a fair place, And the joy of the whole earth ; Upon the north side lieth the city of the great king ; God is well known in her palaces as a sure refuge. For lo, the kings of the earth are gathered, And gone by together. They marvelled to see such things ; They were astonished and suddenly cast down. We wait for Thy loving kindness, O God, In the midst of Thy temple. O God, according to Thy Name, so is Thy praise unto the world's end ; Thy right hand is full of righteousness. Let the Mount Zion rejoice, And the daughter of Judah be glad, because of Thy judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round about her; And tell the towers thereof. Mark *vell her bulwarks, set up her houses, That ye may tell them that come after. For this God is our God forever and ever ; He shall be our guide unto death. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION NINTH. PART I. FOR ANY SUNDAY EN LENT. JESUS being fuU of the Holy Ghost Was led by the Spirit into the wilderness ; THE PSALTEK. 47 And He was there forty days, Temped of the devil. And, when the devil had ended all the temptation, Behold! angels came and ministered unto Him. Hitherto, LoRD^hast Thou helped us ; Having obtained help of Thee, we continue to this day. Thou hast granted us life and favor; Thy visitation hath preserved our spirits ; "We are not worthy of the least of all Thy mercies ; Our iniquities have separated between us and Thee ; Father! we have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, And are no more worthy to be called Thy children. We do remember our faults this day ; Few and evil have our years been ; But Thou art full of compassion, and gracious, Long-suffering, plenteous in mercy, Keeping mercy for thousands, Forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Oh, remember not the sins of our youth ; According to Thy mercy, remember Thou us. Glory be to the Father, &c. \ Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION NINTH. PART II. Psalm li. .HAVE mercy upon me, God, after Thy great goodness ; According to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offences. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my faults, And my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, And done this evil in Thy sight ; 4 48 THE PSALTER. That Thou mightest be justified in Thy saying, And clear when Thou art judged. Behold I was shapen in wickedness, And in sin hath my mother conceived me. For lo, Thou requirest truth in the inward parts, And shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean ; Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Turn Thy face from my sins, And put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. O give me the comfort of Thy help again, And stablish me with Thy free Spirit, Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked, And sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, And my mouth shall show Thy praise. For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee; But Tlwu delightest not in burnt offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit : A broken and contrite heart, God, shalt Thou not despise. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION TENTH. PART I. THE SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY. eJ UDAS Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the Chief Priests, To betray Jesus unto them. And Jesus went forth with His disciples unto a place called Gethsemane, And Judas knew the place. THE PSALTER. 49 And Jesus said, u My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, " Tarry ye here and watch with me." And He went forward a little and kneeled down, And prayed, that if it were possible the hour might pass from Him. And being in an agony, He prayed more earnestly, And His sweat was as it were great drops of blood fall- ing down to the ground. Then cometh Judas with a band of men and officers, With lanterns, and torches, and weapons. And they took Jesus, and bound Him, and led Him away to the High Priest's house. Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. And the men that held Him mocked Him and smote Him ; Some began to spit on Him, and others smote Him with the palms of their hands. And they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pon- tius Pilate the governor, And Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. Then the soldiers stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe. Tliey platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head. They put a reed in His right hand, And they bowed the knee unto Him, and mocked Him, Saying, " Hail ! King of the Jews ! " And they smote Him with their hands, They spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Hi in on the head. And the people cried out, "Away with Him ! Away with Him ! Crucify Him ! Crucify Him ! " And the soldiers took off the purple robe, and led Him out to crucify Him. When they icere come to a place called Calvary, there they crucified Him. 50 THE PSALTER. Then the soldiers took His garments, and made foui parts, to every soldier a part, And for His coat, which was without seam, they cast lots. And the people stood beholding, and the rulers with them derided Him ; The soldiers also mocked Him. And they that passed by reviled Him, and railed on Him, wagging their heads, And saying, " If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross I " He trusted in God ; let Him deliver him now, if He will have him ! " The thieves also which were crucified with Him, cast the same in His teeth. And there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, "My God! my God! why hast Thou forsaken me!" They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall, And when Jesus had received the vinegar, He said, u It is finished ! " When He had cried again with a loud voice, He said, " Father, into Thy hands 1 commend my spirit." And having thus said, He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. And behold ! the vail of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. And the earth did quake, and the rocks rent, and the graves were opened. And all the people, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts and returned. And Joseph of Arimathea, a good man and a just, being a disciple of" Jesus, Went boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb which he had hewn out in the rock. THE PSALTER. 51 He rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Jesus, beheld where He was laid. Greater love hath no man than this : That a man lay down his life for his friends/ He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, And with His stripes we are healed. The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, And to give His life a ransom for many. In whom we have redemption through His blood, Even the forgiveness of sins. He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, And purify unto Himself a peculiar pteople, zealous of good works. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, Not imputing their trespasses unto them. God so loved the world that He gave His only begot- ten Son, That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. There is none other Name under heaven given among men Wiereby we must be saved. Glory be to the Father, &c. T Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. 52 THE PSALTER. SELECTION TENTH. PART II. From Psalms xxii., lxix., xl. IVlY God! my God! Look upon me; why hast Thou forsaken me? And art so far from my health, and from the words of my complaint ? And Thou continnest holy, O Thou "Worship of Israel ! But as for me 1 am a worm, and no man, a very scorn of men, and the outcast of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn ; They shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, say- ing, He trusted in God, that He would deliver him ; Let Him deliver him, if He will have him. The counsel of the wicked layeth siege against me ; They pierced my hands and my feet. They stand staring and looking upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not Thou far from me, O Lord ; Thou art my succor, haste Thee to help me ! I am become a stranger unto my brethren, Even an alien unto my mother's children. For the zeal of Thine house hath even eaten me ; And the rebukes of them that rebuked Thee are fallen upon me. I looked for some to have pity on me, But there was no man, neither found 1 any to comfort me. They gave me gall to eat ; And when 1 was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink. O Lord, my God, great are the wondrous works which Thou hast done. Like as be also Thy thoughts, which are to us-ward ; THE PSALTER. 53 If I should declare them, and speak of them, They would be more than I am able to express. Sacrifice and meat-offering Thou wouldest not, Bat mine ears hast Thou opened. Burnt offerings, and sacrifice for sin hast Thou not required : Then said 1, Lo, I come : In the volume of the book it is written of me, That I should fulfil Thy will, my God. I am content to do it : Tea, Thy law is within my heart. O Lord, let it be Thy pleasure to deliver me ; Make haste, Lord, to help me. Let all those that seek Thee be joyful and glad in Thee; And let such as love Thy salvation, say alway, The Lord he praised ! Thou art my helper and redeemer ; Make no long tarrying, my God! Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION ELEVENTH. PART I. EASTER. A ERY early in the morning, The first day of the week, When it was yet dark, As it began to dawn, Came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, To see the sepulchre. And they said among themselves, " Who shall roll away the stone from the door ? " And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away. And, entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting, And he said, " Be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus of Naz- areth, 54 THE PSALTEE. " He is risen ! He is not here ! " Christ is risen from the dead ! and become the jirst fruits of them that slept. For since by man came Death, By man came cdso the Resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, Even so in Christ shall all be made alive I The Lord is risen indeed ! May we be risen in Him ! For we were buried with Him, by Baptism, that, like as Christ was raised up by the glory of the Father, Even so we should walk in newness of life. So the promise that was made to the fathers, God hath fulfilled to us their children. Give unto the Lord the glory, The glory due unto His name ! Bring offerings ! Bring offerings, and come into His courts ! Glory be to the Father, &c. ^ Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION ELEVENTH. PART II. From Psalms lvii., cxvi., cxviii., xvi., xvii. AWAKE up, my glory ! Awake, lute and harp ! 1 myself will awake right early ! I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the people ; And 1 will sing unto Thee among the nations. For the greatness of Thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens, And Thy truth unto the clouds. Set up Thyself, O Lord, above the heavens ; And Thy glory above all the earth ! I am well pleased that the Lord hath heard the voice of my prayer ; Therefore will I call upon Him as long as 1 live. THE PSALTER. 55 The snares of death compassed me round ahout, And the pains of hell gat hold upon me. Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul ; For the Lord hath rewarded thee. Thou hast delivered my soul from death, I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I will receive the cup of salvation, And call upon the Name of the Lord. I will pay my vows now in the presence of all His people. Right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. The Lord is my strength and my song ; And is become my salvation. The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous ; The right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass. The right hand of the Lord hath the preeminence ; The right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass. I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened and corrected me ; But He hath not given me over unto death. Open me the gates of righteousness that I may go into them, And give thanks unto the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, The righteous shall enter into it. I will thank Thee, for Thou hast heard me, And art become my salvation. The same stone which the builders refused Is become the head-stone in the corner. This is the Lord's doing, And it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the Day which the Lord hath made ; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Help me now, O Lord ! Lord send us now prosperity. 56 THE PSALTER. Thou art my God, and I will thank Thee ; Thou art my God, and 1 will praise Thee. give thanks unto the Lord ; For He is gracious, and His mercy endureth forever. 1 have set God always before me ; For He is on my right hand, therefore 1 shall not fall. Wherefore my heart was glad, and my glory rejoiced •, My flesh also shall rest in hope. For why ? Thou shalt not leave my soul in hell ; Neither shalt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corrup- tion. Thou shalt show me the path of life ; in Thy presence is the fulness of joy ; And at Thy right hand there is pleasure forevermore. I will behold Thy presence in righteousness ; And when I wake up after Thy likeness, 1 shall be sat- isfied with it. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION TWELFTH. PART I. ASCENSION DAY, AND THE SUNDAY AFTER. JtlE showed Himself alive after his passion, Being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. He led them out as far as Bethany, and after He had spoken unto them He lifted up His hands and blessed them. And it came to pass while He blessed them. While they beheld — He was parted from them — A cloud received Him out of their sight ! He was received up into Heaven, And sat on the right hand of God, Angels, and Authorities, and Powers, Being made subject unto Him. And while they looked toward heaven, Two men stood by them in white apparel, THE PSALTER. 57 Who said : " Why gaze ye up into heaven ? " 77iis same Jesus, who is taken up from you, u Shall so come in like manner, " As ye have seen Him go into Heaven." And they returned from Mount Olivet, Praising and blessing God. When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive. In His Father's house are many mansions ; He is gone to prepare a place for us. It was expedient that He should go away, That the Comforter should come unto us. Even the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Ghost), Who should teach us all things. His Name shall endure forever, His Name shall continue as long as the sun, And men shall be blessed through Him : All nations shall call Him blessed. Glory be to the Father, &c. Tf Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION TWELFTH. PART II. From Psalms xxi., xxiv. X HE King shall rejoice in Thy strength, O Lord ; Exceeding glad shall he be of Thy salvation. Thou hast given him his heart's desire, And hast not denied him the request of his lips. For Thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of good* ness, And shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life of Thee ; And Thou gavest him a long life, even forever and ever. His honor is great in Thy salvation ; Glory and great worship shalt Thou lay upon him. 58 THE PSALTER. For Thou shall give him everlasting felicity, And make him glad with the joy of Thy countenance. And why ? Because the King putteth his trust in the Lord ; And in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not mis- carry. All Thine enemies shall feel Thine hand ; Thy right hand shall find out them that hate Thee. Be Thou exalted, Lord, in Thine own strength ; So will we sing, and praise Thy power. The earth is the Lord's, and all that therein is ; The compass of the world, and they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas, And prepared it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? Or who shall rise up in His holy place ? Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; That hath not lift up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his neighbor. He shall receive the blessing of the Lord ; And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek Him ; Even of them that seek thy face, Jacob ! Lift up your heads, O ye gates ! And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors ! And the King of glory shall come in ! Who is the King of glory ? It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, ye gates ! And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors ! And the King of glory shall come in ! Who is the King of glory ? Even the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory ! Glory be to the Father, &c. THE PSALTER. 59 SELECTION THIRTEENTH. PART I. WHITSUNDAY. J ESUS commanded the disciples not to depart from Jerusalem Until they were endued with power from on high, " For John, truly," said Jesus, " baptized with water, "But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." When the day of Pentecost was fully come, They were all with one accord in one place. And there came a sound from Heaven, As of a rushing mighty wind, And it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, And began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Likewise the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, For we know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit maketh intercession for us, Even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world seeth not, neither knoweth, But we know Him, For He diuelleth with us, and shall be in us. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, Gentleness, goodness, faith, temperance. There are diversities of gifts, But the same Spirit. What man knoweth the things of a man, Save the spirit of man, which is in him ? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, But the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God. That we might know the things that are freely given us of God. 60 THE PSALTER. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us ; Because He hath given us of His Spirit, Quench not the Spirit, And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. Glory be to the Father, &c. TT Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION THIRTEENTH. PART II. From Psalms lxviii., civ. O GOD when Thou wen test forth before the people ; When Thou wentest through the wilderness, The earth shook, and the heavens dropped at the pres- ence of God ; Even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God. Thou, God, sentest a gracious rain upon Thine in- heritance, And refreshedst it when it was weary. Thy congregation shall dwell therein ; For Thou, God, hast of Thy goodness prepared for the poor. The Lord gave the Word ; Great was the company of the preachers ! Thou art gone up on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men ! Praised be the Lord daily, even the God who helpeth us, And pour eth His benefts upon us. He is our God, even the God of whom cometh sal- vation ; God is the Lord, by whom we escape death. Thy God hath sent forth strength tor thee ; Stablish the thing, God, that Thou hast wrought in us. Sing unto God, O ye kingdoms of the earth. sing praises unto the Lord ! THE PSALTER. 61 Who sitteth in the heavens over all, from the begin- ning ; Lo I He doth send out His voice, yea, and that a mighty voice ! Ascribe ye the power to God over Israel ; His worship and strength is in the clouds. O Lord my God, Thou art become exceeding glo- rious ! Thou art clothed with majesty and honor I Thou deckest Thyself with light as with a garment, And spreadest out the heavens like a curtain. Who layeth the beams of His chambers in the waters, And maheth the clouds His chariot, and walheth upon the wings of the wind. He maketh His angels spirits, And His ministers a flaming jire. He bringeth forth grass for the cattle, And green herb for the service of men ; That he may bring food out of the earth, And wine that maketh glad the heart of man ; And oil to make him a cheerful countenance, And bread to strengthen man's heart. The lions roaring after their prey Do seek their meat from God, O Lord, how manifold are Thy works ! in wisdom hast Thou made them all ; The earth is full of Thy riches. So is the great and wide sea also, Wherein are things creeping innumerable. These wait all upon Thee, That Thou mayest give them meat in due season. When Thou givest it them, they gather it ; And when Thou openest Thy hand, they are filled with good. When Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled ; When Thou takest away their breath, they die, and are turned again to their dust. When Thou lettest Thy breath go forth, they shall be made; And TIwu shalt renew the face of the earth. 62 THE PSALTER. The glorious Majesty of the Lord shall endure for- ever ; The Lord shall rejoice in His works. The earth shall tremble at the look of Him ; If he do but touch the hills, they shall smoke. I will sing unto the Loud as long as I live ; 1 will praise my God while I have my being. And so shall my words please Him ; My joy shall be in the Lord. Prai.-e thou the Lord, O my soul ! Praise the Lord ! Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION FOURTEENTH. PART I. TRINITY SUNDAY, AND ANY SUNDAY AFTER. (jrOD is a spirit, and they that worship Him, Must worship Him in spirit and in truth. The eternal God is our refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms. Behold ! the heaven, and the heaven of heavens can- not contain Him. He goeth by us, and we see Him not ; whither shall we go from His Spirit ? With God, all things are possible. The eyes of the Lord are in every place. His wisdom is infinite, His ways past folding out. As the heavens are higher than the earth, So are His ways higher than our ways. In His hand is the soul of every living thin* And the breath of all mankind. The Lord is good to all ; His, tender mercy is over all His works. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, For God is love. The Lord our God is ONE LORD. There is One God, there is none but He. "o» THE PSALTER. 65 There is One God, and Father of all, Who is above all, through all, and in all. And the Word was with God, And the Word was God ! The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, Great is the mystery of godliness, God was manifest in the flesh ! God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Him- self! Yet no man can say Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The Father, of whom are all things, And we in Him. Jesus Christ, His Son, by whom are all things, And we by Him. The Holy Ghost, who dwelleth with us, And shall be in us. For thus saith the High and Holy One, that inhabiteth eternity. Whose Name is Holy : " I dwell in the High and Holy Place ! " With him, also, that is of a contrite and humble tpirit ! " We must seek Him, feel after Him. and find Him, Though He be not far from every one of us. For in Him we live and move, And have our being. He is our Father ; We are His offspring. He is the Son of the Father, We are His brethren. He is the Spirit of God, We are the temples of the Holy Ghost. The Grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, And the Love of God, 5 64 THE PSALTER. And the Fellowship of the Holy Ghost, Be with us all, evermore. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. TT Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION FOURTEENTH. PART II. Prom Psalms cxiii., lxxii., xviii., lxxi., Ixxxiv. W HO is like unto the Lord our God, that hath His dwelling so high, And yet humbleth Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth ! The Lord is my light and my salvation ; Whom then shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my life ; Of whom then shall I be afraid ? One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require : Even that 1 may dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the fair beauty of the Lord ? And to visit His temple. I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength ! The Lord is my strong rock, and my defence, my Saviour ; My God, and my might, in whom I will trust ; My buckler, the horn also of my salvation, and my refuge. For who is God, but the Lord ? Or who hath any strength, except our God? Thou, O Lord God, art the thing that I long for : Thou art my hope even from my youth. THE PSALTER. 65 Through Thee have I been holden up ever .-ince I was born ; My praise shall be always of TJiee. Thou, O God, hast taught me from my youth up until now ; Therefore will I tell of Thy wondrous works. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee ! In whose heart are Thy ways. For the Lord God is a light and defence ; The Lord will give grace and worship ; And no good thing shall He withhold from them That live a godly life. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous ! For it becometh icell the just to be thankful. For the word of the Lord is true ; And all His works are faithful. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made ; And all the hosts of them by the breath of His mouth. Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord Jeho- vah ; And blessed are the folk that He hath chosen to Him to be His inheritance. Glory be to the Father, &c. PKAYERS FOR PRIVATE USE. A Daily Private Morning Prayer, \ To be said at the bedside, after rising. GOD, my heavenly Father, I thank Thee for all Thy mercies, for taking care of me during the % night past, for watching over me all my life, for giving me food to eat, clothes to wear, a house to live in, kind friends to take care of me, but, above all, for sending Thy dear Son to die for me. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name ! God, I am weak and sinful and ignorant, and cannot do anything without Thy help. Give me strength, O God. Forgive me all my sins. Teach me to love Thee, and to look to Jesus Christ, as my dearest Friend and my blessed Saviour. And give me Thy Holy Spirit,. that I may honour and obey my parents, be gentle and kind to every one, and do nothing wrong in thought, in word, or irP deed. Bless my father and mother. Bless , and , and bring us all at last into Thine Eternal King- dom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (~\UR Father, etc. A Daily Private Evening Prayer. Tf To be said at the bedside, on retiring. MOST gracious and merciful God, again I thank Thee for all Thy goodness. For keeping me by Thy providence, through the past day from dangers both of soul and body, many of which I did not see. O PRIVATE PRAYERS. 07 forgive me for having so often sinned against Thee, when Thou hast been so kind to me. Give me Thy Holy Spirit to change my heart. Continue Thy care of me to-night. Be ever about my bed and about my path. Let me never forget that I am not too young to offend Thee, nor to be punished when I do wrong. Let me never forget that I need my Saviour now, and will need Him more and more the older I grow. Have mercy upon me for His sake, bless and preserve also my dear father and mother, and , granting all that I ask, if it be Thy will, through His blessed Name, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. *UR Father, etc. o A Morning Prayer. 66 1VTOW I wake, and see the light, -L-* 'Twas God who kept me through the night I will lift up my voice and pray, That He will keep me through the day." An Evening Prayer. t£ nVTOW I lay me down to sleep, -L^l I pray the Lord my soul to keep ; If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." An Evening Prayer. 17 RE on my bed my limbs I lay, -^ God grant me grace my prayers to say. O God ! preserve my mother dear, In health and strength, for many a year. And O, preserve my father too, And may I pay him reverence due. God bless my sister and my brother, And may we dearly love each other. And still, O God ! to me impart An innocent and grateful heart ; That after my last sleep, I may Awake to Thine eternal day." U 38 THE PSALTER. His eyes consider the poor, And His eyelids try the children of men. The Lord alloweth the righteous ; — But the ungodly, and him that delighteth in wickedness doth His soul abhor. Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire and brim- stone, storm and tempest : This shall be their portion to drink. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness ; His countenance will behold the thing that is just. Consider, and hear me, O Lord, my God; Lighten mine eyes, that 1 sleep not in death. My trust is in Thy mercy, And my heart is joyful in TJiy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord because He hath dealt so lovingly with me ; Yea, 1 will praise the Name of the Lord Most Highest. I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart ; I will speak of all Thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee ; Yea, my songs will I make of Thy Name, Tliou Most Highest. For Thou hast maintained my right and my cause ; Thou art set in the throne that judgest right. And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek Thee* O praise the Lord, who dwelleth in Zion ; Show the people of His doings. Thy mercy, O Lord, reacheth unto the heavens, And TJiy faithfulness unto the clouds. Thy righteousness standeth like the strong mountains ; Thy judgments are like the great deep. Thou, Lord, shalt save both man and beast ; How excellent is Thy mercy, God! The children of men shall put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings, They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of TJiy house. THE PSALTER. 39 Thou shall give them drink of Thy pleasures as out of the river. For with Thee is the well of life ; and in Thy light shall we see light. O continue forth Thy loving kindness unto them that know Thee, And Thy righteousness unto them that are true of heart. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION SIXTH. FOR ANY SUNDAY IN ADVENT. PART I. J.HERE was in the days of Herod a certain priest named Zacharias. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. And they had no child. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord, Standing on the right side of the altar of incense. The angel said, " Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard ; " Thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son and thou shalt call his name John." Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness, And saying, " Repent ye ! Repent ye ! for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ! "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight ! " All men mused in their hearts of John, Whether he ivere the Christ or not. John answered : " There cometh One, mightier than I, after me " Whose shoes 1 am not worthy to bear" The next day he seeth Jesus and saith : " Behold the Lamb of God ! " This is He of whom I spake I " 40 THE PSALTER. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings ! On O TJiat publisheth peace ! That bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, That saith unto Zion " Thy God reigneth I " Awake ! awake ! put on Thy strength O Zion ! Put on thy beautiful garments, Jerusalem ! Behold ! the Lord God will come, with a strong hand ; And His arm shall rule for Him. Behold ! His reward is with Him. And His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom. Glory be to the Father, &c. T Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION SIXTH. PART II. From Psalm i. JL HE Lord, even the most mighty God, hath spoken and called the world, From the rising up of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion hath God appeared in perfect beauty. Our God shall conie, and shall not keep silence ; There shall go before Him a consuming fire, And a mighty tempest shall be stirred up round aboui Him. He shall call from the heaven above, And the earth, that He may judge His people. Gather My saints together unto Me ; Those that have made a covenant with Me with sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare His righteousness ; For God is Judge Himself. Hear, O my people, and I will speak ; I myself will testify against thee^ Israel. THE PSALTER. 41 I will not reprove thee because of thy sacrifices, or for thy burnt offerings ; Because they were not alway before me. Offer unto God thanksgiving, And pay thy vows unto the Most Highest. And call upon me in time of trouble ; So will 1 hear thee, and thou shalt praise me. Whoso offereth Me thanks and praise, he honoreth Me And to him that ordereth his conversation right, will 1 show the salvation of God. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION SEVENTH. PART I. FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE SUNDAY AFTER. U NTO us have been brought good tidings of great Unto us is born a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord ! Unto us a child is born ! ■ Unto us a Son is given ! The government shall be upon His shoulder, His Name shall be called — Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. He was the root and offspring of David, The bright and morning star. He was found a babe in swaddling clothes, Lying in a manger. The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God, For all the things that they had heard and seen. When He was brought into the temple Simeon took i Him in his arms, And Anna, a prophetess, gave thanks likewise unto t/ie Lord. His star was seen in the East, And wise men came from the Hast to worship Him. 42 THE PSALTER. When He was twelve years old, He sat in the midst of the Doctors, Both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished At His understanding and answers. He went down to Nazareth with His parents, And was subject unto them. He increased in wisdom and stature, And in favor with God and man. They brought young children to Him, That He should teach them. And he said " Suffer the little children to come unto me " And forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." He took them up in His arms, Put His hands on them, and blessed them. For this the glory of Lebanon hath come unto us, The fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together. To beautify the place of His sanctuary, To make the place of His feet glorious! We are children crying in the temple Hosanna to the Son of David! As Jesus said, " Yea, have ye never read : " Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise ! " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, Good will toward men. Glory be to the Father, &c. T Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION SEVENTH. PART II. From Psalms xlv., lxxxv., lxxii. X HOU art fairer than the children of men ; Full of grace are Thy lips, because God hath blessea Thee forever. Gird Thee with Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Thou Most Mighty, According to Thy worship and renown. THE PSALTER. 43 Good luck have Thou with Thine honor : Bide on, because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness. Thy seat, O God, endureth forever ; The sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity ; Wherefore God, even Thy God, hath annointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy people, And covered all their sins. Thou hast taken away all Thy displeasure, And turned Thyself from Thy wrathful indignation. Turn us then, O God our Saviour, And let Thine anger cease from us. Show us Thy mercy, O Lord, And grant us TJiy salvation. Mercy and truth are met together ; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall flourish out of the earth, And righteousness hath looked down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall show loving kindness ; And our land shall give her increase. Righteousness shall go before Him, And He shall direct His going in the way. He shall come down like the rain into a fleece of wool. Even as the drops that water the earth. In His time shall the righteous flourish ; Yea, and abundance of peace, so long as the moon endureth. His dominion shall be from the one sea to the other, And from the flood unto the ivorld's end. All kings shall fall down before Him ; All nations shall do Him service. For He shall deliver the poor when he crieth, The needy also, and him that hath no helper. He shall deliver their souls from falsehood and wrong ,' And dear shall their blood be in His sight. 44 THE PSALTER. He shall live, and unto Him shall be given of the gold of Arabia. Prayer shall be made ever unto Him, and daily shall He be praised. His Name shall endure forever ! His Name shall remain under the sun amongst the pos* ferities which shall be blessed through Him ! Blessed be the Lord God, even the God of Israel ! Who only doeth wondrous things I And blessed be the Name of His Majesty forever : And all the earth shall be Jilled with His Majesty. Amen. Amen. Glory be to the Father, &c. SELECTION EIGHTH. PART I. FOR EPIPHANY, AND THE SUNDAY AFTER. W HEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Tliere came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, Saying " where is He that is born king of the Jews ? " For we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him?' And lo ! the star went before them, Till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the child, They fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, They presented unto Him gifts. The Gentiles shall come to Thy light ! They shall come from the ends of the earth! God is able of these stones, To raise up children unto Abraham. Doubtless Thou art our Father, O God ! Doubtless Thou art our Father, Though Abraham be ignorant of us, And Israel acknowledge us not. THE PSALTER. 45 Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer ! Thy name is from Everlasting. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, For all are one in Christ Jesus. If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, And heirs, according to the promise. " Go ye, therefore, into all the world, " And teach all ?iations," said Jesus. " And lo ! I am with you alway, " Even unto the end of the world/ " So the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea ! The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the kid. The calf, the young lion, and fading together, And a little child shall lead them. Glory be to the Father, &c. U" Then shall follow immediately the Second Part of this Selection. SELECTION EIGHTH. PART II. From Psalms xlvii., xlviii. O CLAP your hands together, all ye people ! sing unto God with a voice of melody. For the Lord is high, and to be feared ; He is the great King upon all the earth, He shall subdue the people under us, And the nations under our feet. He shall choose out a heritage for us, Even the worship of Jacob, whom He loved. God is gone up with a merry voice, And the Lord with the sound of the trump. sing praises, sing praises unto our God ; sing praises, sing praises unto our King. For God is the King of all the earth : Sing ye praises with understanding. 46 THE PSALTER. God reigneth over the heathen ; God sitteth upon His holy seat. The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham ; For God who is very high exalted, doth defend the earth as it were with a shield. Great is the Lord, And highly to be praised in the city of our God. The hill of Zion is a fair place, And the joy of the whole earth ; Upon the north side lieth the city of the great king ; God is well known in her palaces as a sure refuge. For lo, the kings of the earth are gathered, And gone by together. They marvelled to see such things ; They were astonished and suddenly cast down. We wait for Thy loving kindness, O God, In the midst of Thy temple. O God, according to Thy Name, so is Thy praise unto the world's end ; Thy right hand is full of righteousness. Let the Mount Zion rejoice, And the daughter of Judah be glad, because of Thy judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round about her; And tell the towers thereof Mark