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THE BOOK
OF
COMMON PRAYER
AND ADMINISTRATION OF
THE SACRAMENTS,
ACCORDING TO THE USE OF
THE UNITED CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND:
TOGETHER WITH
THE PSALTER
OR
PSALMS OF DAVID,
POINTED AS THEY ARE TO BE SAID IN CHURCHES,
WITH
EXPLANATORY NOTES
SELECTED FROM THE WORKS OF APPROVED WRITERS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.
LONDON:
SOLD BY G. AND W. NICOL, PALL- MALL; RIVINGTONS, WATERLOO- PLACE AND ST. PAUL'S CHURCH- YARD;
HARDING AND LEPARD, PALL- MALL- EAST;
AND MAJOR, FLEET- STREET.
1832.

Gb 37.80.
PRINTED BY W. NICOL, CLEVELAND- ROW, ST. JAMES's.
Univ.- Bibl.
Giessen

PREFACE.
In this Edition of the Book of Common Prayer, some particulars of the formation of the Liturgy, with explanations of many parts of the Services are given in Notes accompanying the Text, and compressed into a small compass, that they may be of easy reference, and that the size of the Book may not be unsuitable to general use. The substance of the Notes is to be found in the writings of others, and has been gathered from the well- known commentaries of Lowth, Patrick, Horne, Comber, Nicholls, Wheatley, Shepherd,& c. The object in view is distinctness and brevity; the only merit to which the Work pretends is selection, and a desire to be useful to those who may not have the opportunity of consulting such Authors; it has been thus arranged in the humble hope of impressing upon the mind of Youth especially, a sense of the beauty and excellence of the sublime Ritual of the Church of England.

PRAYER BEFORE SERVICE.
Assist me mercifully, O Lord, in these my supplications and prayers; and those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, or for my blindness I cannot ask; vouchsafe to give me through the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord!
PRAYER AFTER SERVICE.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight; and fulfil, O Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servant, as may be most expedient for me.

INTRODUCTION.
" LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his Disciples," was the request made to Our Lord, and considered so reasonable by Him, that He gave that form of Prayer which has ever since been the model for all our Devotions.
That the primitive Christians used set forms, is evident from the expressions to be found in the earliest Fathers. St. Basil, St. Chrysostom, and St. Ambrose, composed Forms of Prayer; and the Sacramentary of St. Gregory perfected the offices of the Church of Rome.
Out of these Liturgies were compiled the forms of public Service used in this kingdom before the Reformation; they were known under the several names of Breviaries, Missals, and Mass Books; these varying after the use of Sarum, of York, of Bangor, of Lincoln,& c; they were all in Latin.
The principle upon which the Fathers of our Church proceeded in the work of Reformation was, to depart no further from the Church of Rome than their sense of the purity of faith and worship required; they, therefore, continued those ceremonies which had been the practice of the primitive
Church.
The first step taken was in the year 1537, when a Book was published, called, The godly and pious institution of a Christen Man; containing the Lord's Prayer, Ave Maria, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Seven Sacraments.
V

INTRODUCTION.
In 1540 a Committee of Divines was appointed by K. Henry VIII. at the petition of the Convocation, to reform the Rituals and Offices of the Church in 1544, the King ordered the Prayers for Processions, and Litanies" to be put into English;" finally, in 1545, the King's Primer, set furth by the Kinges Majestie and his Clergie,& c. was published.
In the 1st year of Ed. VI. Anno 1547, upon the revision of the Missal after the use of Sarum,( the Mass- Book, at that time, in constant use in England) a complete Liturgy was arranged, under the title of the Book of the Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacrament,& c. after the use of the Church of England. This Book was revised 1551, by Cranmer and others, when, besides other alterations, the sentences, exhortation, confession, and absolution, were prefixed to the Lord's Prayer, and the Liturgy brought to the same form in which we now use it: on the 1st. Nov. 1552, it was first used in" Paule's Church, and the like through the whole Citie." But, this 2d. Book of Ed. VIth., or( the Book of the 5th. Year, as it is also called) and the Act of Uniformity, passed by K. Edward, were all repealed by Queen Mary, 1553, who determined to restore the Roman Catholic Religion.
Upon the accession of Queen Elizabeth, 1558, the jurisdiction of the Crown, over the estate Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, was restored, all Foreign interference abolished, and learned Divines appointed,( among these are the names of Parker and Grindal), to frame, from K. Edward's two Liturgies, a Book for the use of the Church of England; the result was, the establishment of K. Edward's 2d. Book, with some little variations. In the 1st. year of K. James,( 1603) there were some alterations and additions, made at a conference at Hampton Court, at which the King himself presided, and Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury, took part. vi

INTRODUCTION.
At the restoration of Charles II.( 1661) a revision of the Liturgy took place at the Savoy, twelve Bishops, and twelve Presbyterian Divines being appointed; among the former, are the names of Sheldon, Bishop of London, and Sanderson, Bishop of Lincoln. Some alterations were effected; principally, the Epistles and Gospels were taken out of the last translation of the Bible, made in the time of K. James, ( those before being from what is called Cranmer's Translation) and some of the occasional Services were added. Since this period, the alterations have been few, and not of any importance.
:
' The Book of Common Prayer' thus framed, is acknowledged to come nearer to the primitive patterns, than the Liturgies of other reformed churches: by impartial judges, it will be owned to be so judiciously contrived, that the wisest may at once exercise their knowledge and devotion, yet so plain, that the most ignorant may pray out of it with understanding its doctrine is pure and primitive; its ceremonies few and innocent; its language significant and perspicuous. Such venerable dignity is spread around it, such an impressive tone of solemn truth accompanies it, it is distinguished by such fervent piety, such unaffected, and comprehensive Charity, that it is at once delightful to the ear, and engaging to the understanding! No human composition can be compared with it!
He who has been familiar from his earliest infancy with this admirable Liturgy; who has lisped its contents in parental arms, and has been taught in his progress to manhood to regard it with veneration, will assuredly derive solace from it through life, and especially in that hour, " when Nature sinks to rest."

CONTENTS.
A Table of Proper Lessons and Psalms.
The Calendar, with the Table of Lessons.
The Order for Morning and Evening Prayer.
The Creed of St. Athanasius.
The Litany.
Prayers and Thanksgivings upon several occasions.
The Collects, Epistles, and Gospels, to be used
throughout the Year.
The Order of the Ministration of the Holy Communion.
The Psalter, or Psalms of David.
The Ministration of Publick Baptism of Infants.
The Catechism, with the Order of Confirmation.

THE ORDER HOW THE PSALTER AND THE REST OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE IS APPOINTED TO BE READ.
THE Psalter shall be read through once every Month, as it is there appointed, both for Morning and Evening Prayer; but in February it shall be read only to the twenty- eighth or twentyninth Day of the Month.
And, whereas January, March, May, July, August, October, and December, have One- and- thirty Days apiece; it is ordered, that the same Psalms shall be read the last day of the said Months which were read the day before: so that the Psalter may begin again the First Day of the next Month ensuing.
The Old Testament is appointed for the first Lesson at Morning and Evening Prayer; so as the most part thereof will be read over every year once, as in the Calendar is appointed.
The New Testament is appointed for the second Lesson at Morning and Evening Prayer, and shall be read over orderly every year thrice, besides the Epistles and Gospels; except the Apocalypse, out of which there are only certain Proper Lessons appointed upon divers Feasts.
And to know what Lessons shall be read every day, look for the day of the Month in the Calendar following, and there ye shall find the Chapters that shall be read for the Lessons both at Morning and Evening Prayer; except only the Moveable Feasts, which are not in the Calendar, and the Immoveable, where there is a blank left in the Column of Lessons, the Proper Lessons for all which days are to be found in the Table of Proper Lessons.
And note, that whensoever Proper Psalms or Lessons are appointed; then the Psalms and Lessons of ordinary course appointed in the Psalter and Calendar( if they be different) shall be omitted for that time.
Note also, that the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, appointed for the Sunday, shall serve all the week after, where it is not in this Book otherwise ordered.
b

PROPER LESSONS
To be read at Morning and Evening Prayer, on the
Sundays, and other Holy- days throughout
the Year.
LESSONS PROPER FOR SUNDAYS.
Sundays of Advent.
1
2
3
4
Sundays after
Christmas.
1
2
Sundays after the
Epiphany.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Septuagesima. Sexagesima. Quinquagesima. Sundays in Lent.
1
2
3
4
5
6
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson. Easter- Day.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Sundays after
Easter.
1
2
3
4
5
Sunday after Ascension Day.
Mattins.
Isaiah 1
5
25
30
37
41
44
51
55
57
59
65
Genesis 1 3
9 to v. 20
19 to v. 30
27
39
43
Exodus 3
9 Matt. 26
Exodus 12
Romans 6
Numb. 16
23, 24
Deut. 4
6
8
X
12
Evensong.
Isaiah 2
24
26
32
38
43
46
53
56
58
64
66 Genesis 2 6
12
22
34
42
45 Exodus 5
10 Heb. 5. to v. 11
Exodus 14
Acts 2 v. 22
Numb. 22 25 Deut. 5
7
9
13

LESSONS
Whit- Sunday.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Trinity- Sunday.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Sundays after
Trinity.
1
23456789
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
PROPER FOR SUNDAYS.
Mattins.
Deut. 16. to v. 18
Acts 10. v. 34
Christmas- Day. Ash- Wednesday. Good- Friday. Easter- Day. Ascension- Day.
Whit- Sunday.
King Charles Mart.
Genesis 1
Matthew 3
Joshua 10
Judges 4
1 Sam. 2
12
15
2 Sam. 12
21
1 Kings 13
18
21
2 Kings 5
10 19 Jerem. 5
35 Ezek. 2
14
20
Daniel 3
Joel 2 Habak. 2
Proverbs 2
11
13
15
17
9, 10, 11
Evensong. Isaiah 11
Acts 19. to v. 21
Genesis 18 1 John 5
xi
Joshua 23 Judges 5
1 Sam. 3
13
17
2 Sam. 19
24
1 Kings 17
19 22
2 Kings 9
18
23
Proper Psalms on certain Days.
Mattins. 19, 45, 85 6, 32, 38 22, 40, 54 2, 57, 111 8, 15, 21
48, 68,
Jerem. 22 36
Ezek. 13 18
24
Daniel 6
Micah 6
Proverbs 1
3
12
14
16
19
Evensong. 89, 110, 132 102, 130, 143 69, 88, 113, 114, 118 24, 47, 108
104, 145,
79, 94, 85
King Charles Rest. 124, 126, 129, 118 King's Accession. 20, 21, 101

LESSONS PROPER FOR HOLY- DAYS.
Mattins. Proverbs 20 23
St. Andrew. St. Thomas Apost. Nativity of Christ. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. St. Stephen.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson.
St. John Evang.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Innocents' Day. Circumcision. 1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Epiphany.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson.
Conversion of St.Paul.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson. Purification of the Virgin Mary. St. Matthias. Annunciation of of our Lady. Wednesday before Easter.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Thur. before Easter
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Good Friday. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Easter- Even.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Monday in Easter
Week.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Is. 9. to v. 8 Luke 2 to v. 15
Eccles. 5 Rev. 1.
Jer. 31 to v. 18
Proverbs 28
Eccles. 4
Acts 6. v. 8. and Acts 7. v. 30 to 55 ch. 7. to v. 30
Genesis 17 Romans 2
Isaiah 60
Luke 3 to v. 23
Wisdom 5
Acts 22 to v. 22
Wisdom 9 19
Ecclus. 2
Hosea 13
John 11. v. 45
Daniel 9 John 13
Gen. 22 to v. 20
John 18
Zech. 9
Luke 23. v. 50
Exodus 16
Matt. 28
Evensong. Proverbs 21 24
xii
Is. 7. v. 10 to 17 Tit. 3. v. 4 to 9
Eccles. 6
Rev. 22 Wisdom 1
Deut. 10 v. 12 Coloss. 2
Isaiah 49
John 2 to v. 12
Wisdom 6 Acts 26
Wisdom 12 Ecclus. 1
3
Hosea 14
Jerem. 31
Isaiah 53
1 Peter 2
Exodus 13 Hebrews 4
Exodus 17
Acts 3

LESSONS PROPER FOR HOLY- DAYS.
Mattins.
Tuesday in Easter
Week.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
St. Mark. St. Philip and
St. James.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Ascension- Day.
1 Lesson. 2, Lesson. Monday in
Whitsun- Week.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Tuesday in Whitsun- Week.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
St. Barnabas.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
St. John Baptist.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson.
St. Peter.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
St. James.
St. Bartholomew.
St. Matthew.
St. Michael.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
St. Luke. St. Simon and
St. Jude. All Saints.
1 Lesson.
2 Lesson.
Exodus 20
Lu. 24. to v. 13 Ecclus. 4
7
John 1 v. 43
Deut 10
Lu. 24 v. 44
Ecclus. 10 Acts 14
Malachi 3
Matthew 3
Ecclus. 15 Acts 3 Ecclus. 21
Gen. 11 to v. 10 Num. 11 v. 16 to
( ver. 30
1 Cor. 12
1 Cor. 14 to v. 26
24
35
Evensong.
1 Sam. 19 v. 18
Deut. 30
1 Thes. 5 v. 12 1 John 4 to v. 14
( to ver. 24
Genesis 32 Acts 12 to v. 20 Ecclus. 51
Job 24, 25
Wis. 3 to v. 10 Heb. 11 v. 33 & ch. 12 to v.7
Exodus 32
1 Cor. 15
xiii
Ecclus. 5
9
2 Kings 2
Ephes. 4 to v. 17
Ecclus. 12 Acts 15 to v. 36
Malachi 4 Matt. 14 to v. 13
Ecclus. 19 Acts 4 Ecclus. 22
29 38
Dan. 10 v. 5 Jude, v. 6 to 16 Job 1
42
Wis. 5 to v. 17 Rev. 19 to v. 17

xiv
1 A
2 b Genesis 1 Matth. 1
3
5
f Epiphany
9
13
9 b
10 C
11 d
12 e
13 f
14
16 b
17 C
18 d
19 e
20 f
JANUARY, XXXI. DAYS.
MORNING PRAYER.| EVENING PRAYER.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Circum.
21 g
22 A
23 b
24 C
25 d
26 e
15 17 19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
38
40
42
44
46
2
3
4
27 f
50
28 g Exodus 2
29 A
4 30 b 6 to v. 14 31 c
8
6678901234
5
11
15
16
6889
17
18
1222
19
20
21 22
1223
Conv. of St. Paul
48
23
24
25
26
27
28
Gen. 2 Rom. 1 4
- 6
8
08888 GGGE80288888888845
16
26
34
37
39
41
43
47
49
Exod. 1
234
567898
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1 Cor. 1
23456
790112
FEBRUARY, XXVIII. DAYS.
And in every Leap- Year XXIX Days.
| MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. 1 d Exod. 10 Mark 1 Exod. 11 1 Cor. 13 Pur.V.M.
2
14
15
16
2 Cor. 1
5 A
6 b
с 8 d
9 e
10 f
12 A 13 b 14 C 15 d
16 e
17 f
18 g
19 A
20 b
21 C 22 d 23 e
24 f S. Matth.
25 g
26 A
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
33 Lev. 18 20 Num. 11 13 16
20
22
24 27
31
27 b
28 c
29
35 Deut. 1 3
57718
13
2
3
46968
5
7
9
10
11
124410
12
13
14
15
16
Lu. 1 to 39
1 ver. 39
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 Matth.7
13
15
7
17
19
21
23
32
34 Lev. 19 26
Num. 12
14
17
122
21
23
25
30
32
36
Deut. 2 4
6
8
10
12
==
14
623456TBGHSL 456
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Gal. 1
2
3
Ephes. 1
2345
Rom. 12
THE CALENDAR.

XV
1 d
2 e
3
4 g
5 A
6 b
7 C
8 d
e
9 10 f
11 g 12 A
13 b
14 C
15 d 16 e
17 f
18 g
19 A
20 b
21 c
22 d
28 C
29 d
MARCH, XXXI. DAYS.
| MORNING PRAYER. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Deut. 15 Luke 12 17
13
19
14
21
15
24
26
28
30
32
34
Joshua 2
30 e 31 f
895
10 24
Judges 2
4
6
8 10
23 e
12 14 16
24 f
25 g Ann.V.M
26 A
18
27 b
20
Ruth 1 3 1 Sam. 1 3
4
6
==
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
RHM2345OTOGHRRN
John 1
6
7
8
9
10 11
123456
12
13
14 15 16 17
18
EVENING PRAXER.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Deut. 16 Ephes. 6 18
Phil. 1
20
22
25
27
5793
29
31
33
Joshua 1 1 Thes. 1
3
23
Judges 1 3
5
7 9 11 13 15 17
2
3
4
Coloss. 1
19 21 Ruth 2 4 1 Sam 2
2
3
4
2
3
4
5
2 Thes. 1
2
3
1 Tim. 1
2,3
4
5
6
2 Tim. 1
2
3
4
Titus 1 2,3 Philem. Heb. 1 2
CADCUCT
12
13
14 f
15 g
16 A
17 b
18 c
19 d
20 e
21 f
22 g
23 A
24 b
25 c
26 d
APRIL, XXX. DAYS.
MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. 1 Sam. 5 John 19 1 Sam. 6.
Heb. 3
7
8
4
10
5
12
6
14
7
16
8
29 g 30 A
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
14
16
18
20
St. Mark
22 24
27 e
28 f 1 Kings 2
27
29
31
2 Sam. 2
4
6
8
10
12
4
6
20
21
Acts 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
TUT
HT
17
18
19
20
21
22
22
23
24
25
26
27
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
2 Sam. 1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
1 Kings 1
3
5
7
9
10
11
12
13
James 1
2
3
4
5
1 Peter 1
2
3
4
5
2 Peter 1
2
3
1 John 1
2
3
4
5
2,3 John
THE CALENDAR.

xvi
MAY, XXXI. DAYS. MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. 1 b St.Philip& James. Jude
2 c
1 Kings 8 10
3 d
Acts 28 1 Kings 9 Rom. 1 Matth. 1 11 2 2 13 3₁ 4
4 e
12
14
3
15
16
17
5
18
6
20
7 A
8
b
9 c
22
10 d 2 Kings 2
11 e
4
12 f
13
g
14 A 15 b 16 c
17 d
18 e
19 f
20 g 21 A 22 b 23€ 24 d 25 e
26 f 27 g
28 A 29 b 20 c 31 d
6
8
10
lobod
720
12
14
16
18
20
22
24 Ezra 1 4 6 9 Nehem. 2 5
8
10
Esther 1 3
4567
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 21 22 23 24 25 263 27 28 Mark 1
57915
19
21
2 Kings 1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
Ezra 3 5 7 Neh. 1 4
6
9 13 Esther 2 4
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1 Cor. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 13 14
==1 e 2 f
3 g
6 с
7 d
8 e
13 c
14 d
15 e
16 f
17 g
18 A
19 b
20 c
21 d
22 e 23 f 24 g 25 A
9 f
10 g
11 A St. Barn.
12 b
JUNE, XXX. DAYS.
MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Esther 6 1 Cor. 15 8 16 Job 1 2 Cor. 1 2
3
4
5
6
1 Lesson. 12 Lesson.
Esther 5 Mark 2 3
4
5
26 b
27 C 28 d
9 Job 2 4
6
8
10
12
14
16
19
21
23
26, 27
29
31
33
35
37
39 41 St. John Prov. 1 3 5 7
29 e St. Peter
30 f
9
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 Luke 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Baptist.
8
9
10
11
12
3
RE
579135
11
13
17, 18
20
22
24,25
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
Prov. 2
4
6
8
10
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 Gal. 1 2
3
4
5
6
Eph. 1
2345
6
THE CALENDAR.

1 g 2 A
4 C
5 d
6 e
7 f
g
10 b 11 c 12 d
13 e
14 f
15 g
16 A
17 b
18 c
| MORNING PRAYER.
1 Lesson. Prov. 11
13
15
17
19
21
23
19 d 20 e 21 f
22 g
23 A
24 b
25 c
26 d
27 e
28 f
JULY, XXXI. DAYS.
29 g
30 A
31 b
25
22
27
29 Eccles. 1 3
5
7
9
11
Jer. 1 3
5
3579
7
9
11
13
3567
15
St. James
17
19
EVENING PRAYER. 2 Lesson. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Luke 13 Prov. 12 Philip. 1
14
14
15
16
16
18
17
20
18
22
19
24
20
26
21
28
22
23
31 Eccles. 2 4
24 John 1
21
23
25
27
123456
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
111
15
56
16
17
18
19
6
8
10 12 Jer. 2
4680246
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
2
3
4
Coloss. 1
2
DAAN SAWN44444
3
1 Thes. 1
2
5
2 Thes. 1
2
3
1 Tim. 1 2, 3
6
2 Tim. 1
1234
Titus 1 2,3 Philem.
Heb. 1
23
1 c
2 d
3 e
5 g
6 A
7 b
8 c
9 d
10 e
11 f
12 g 13 A 14 b
15 c 16 d
17 e
18 f
19 g 20 A
21 b
22 C
23 d
24 e
25 f
AUGUST, XXXI. DAYS.
MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER.
1 Lesson. Jer. 29 31
2 Lesson. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. John 20 Jer. 30 Heb. 4 32 21 5 Acts 1
33
34
6
35
36
7
37
38
8
39
40
42
44
47
49
51
Lam. 1
29 C
30 d
31 e
41
43
45, 46
48
50
52 Lam. 2 4 Ezek. 2
6 13
18
34 Daniel 2
LE3U
4
6
8
St.Barth.
10
12
26 g
27 A Hosea 2, 3
28 b
5,6
8
10
12
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
23456
555555
13 14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Matth. 1
35
Ezek. 3
743
14
33
Daniel 1
3
5
7
9
11
Hosea 1
4
7
9
11
13
9
10
11
12
13
James 1
2
3
4
5
1 Peter 1
2
3
4
5
2 Peter 1
2
3
1 John 1
2
3
4
5
2,3 John Jude
Rom. 1
THE CALENDAR.

xviii
1 f
3 A
4 b
c
5
6 d
7 e
8 f 9 g 10 A 11 b 12 c 13 d
e 15 f 16 g 17 A 18 b 19 c 20 d 21 e 22 f
23 g
24 A
25 b 26 c 27 d 28 e 29 f 30 g
SEPTEMBER, XXX. DAYS.
MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Hosea 14 Matth. 2 Joel 1 Rom. 2 Joel 2 3 3 3 Amos 1 4 Amos 2 3
4
5
4
5
5
6
6
7
9
Jonah 1 4 Micah 2 4 6 Nahum 1 3 Hab. 2 Zeph. 1 3 Haggai 2 Zec. 2, 3 6 St.Matth. 8
10
12
14 Malachi 2 4 Tobit 2 St. Mich. 4
7
8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23
111
24
25
26 27 28 Mark 1
23
8
Obad. Jon. 2,3 Micah 1 3
5
7 Nah. 2 Hab. 1 3 Zeph. 2 Haggai 1 Zech. 1 4, 5
9
11 13 Mal. 1 3 Tobit 1 3
6
6
7
8
9
10 11
12
13
14 15 16 1 Cor. 1 2
3
4
5
556
6789OTQ3
10
11 12 13
14
15
LT
1 A 2 b
3 с
4 d
5 e
6 f
OCTOBER, XXXI. DAYS.
| MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER.
1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Tobit 7 Mark 4 9 5 11
1 Lesson, 2 Lesson. Tobit 8 1 Cor. 16 10
2 Cor. 1
6
12
13
14
Judith 1
Judith 2
7 g
8 A
9 b
10 c
11 d
12 e 13 f 14 g 15 A 16 b 17 C 18 d 19 e
20 f 21 g 22 A 23 b
3
5
7
9
11
13
15 Wisd. 1 3 5 7 9 St. Luke 11
13
15
17
19
Ecclus. 2
24 C
25 d
26 e 27 f
8
28 g Sim.& Ju.
29 A
10
30 b
12
31 c
14
4 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 Lu.1 to39
1. ver. 39
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11
12
LILL
13
14
15
16
17
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 Wisd. 2 4
6
8
10
12
14
89
16
18
Ecclus. 1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
135
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 13
Gal. 1
2
3
4
5
6
Ephes. 1
2
3
4
5
6
Philip 1
2
3
4
Coloss. 1
THE CALENDAR.

xix
2 e
3 f
7 с
d
e
13 b
14 c
15 d
16 e
17 f
NOVEMBER, XXX. DAYS.
| MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER. 1 Lesson. 12 Lesson.11 Lesson. 2 Lesson. All Saints
18 g
19 A
20 b
21 c
22 d
23 e
24 f
25 g
26 A
27 b
Ecclus. 16 Luke 18 Ecclus 17 Coloss. 2
18
19
19
20
20
21
22
21
23
24
22
25 to v. 13
27
23
29
24
31
John 1
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
51 Baruch 2 4 6 Bel& Dr. Isaiah 2 4
6
8
10
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 12 13 14 15 16
17
18
19
20
28 c
29 d
21
30 e St. Andr. Acts 1
28 30 to 18 32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46 to v.20
48 50 Baruch 1 3 5 Hist. Su. Isaiah 1
357913
11
3
4
1 Thess. 1
2
345
2 Thess. 1
2
3
1 Tim. 1
2,3 4
5
6
2 Tim. 1
2
3
4
Titus 1 2, 3 Philem. Heb. 1 2
3
4
5
6
DECEMBER, XXXI. DAYS.
1 Lesson. 12 Lesson. f Isaiah 14 Acts 2
MORNING PRAYER. EVENING PRAYER. [ 1 Lesson. 2 Lesson. Isaiah 15 Hebr. 7 17 8
3
16 18
4
19
9
5
22
10
20, 21 23
6
24
11
25
12
13
James 1
SADCUC
10 A
11 b
12 c
13 d
14 e
15 f
27
29
30 g
31 A
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
51
53
Thom.
16
17 A
18 b
19 c
20 d
21 e St.
22 f
23 g
24 A
25 b Chr. Day
26 c 27 d
St. Steph.
St. John
28 e
29 f
55
57
59
Innocents
61
63
65
7 to v.30
7 v. 30
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
3456
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
49
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
66
2
3
4
5
1 Peter 1
234523234
2 Peter 1
1 John 1
5
2 John
3 John
Jude
THE CALENDAR.

THE ORDER FOR
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER,
daily to be said and used throughout the Year.( A)
THE Morning and Evening Prayer shall be used in the accustomed place of the Church, Chapel, or Chancel; except it shall be otherwise determined by the Ordinary of the place. And the Chancels shall remain as they have done in times past.
And here is to be noted, that such ornaments of the Church, and of the Ministers thereof, at all times of their ministration, shall be retained, and be in use, as were in this Church of England, by the authority of Parliament, in the second year of the reign of King Edward the Sixth.
A. Prayer is the lifting up of the soul to daily converse with God. Morning and Evening sacrifice was ordained by God himself( Exod. 29; 38, 39.), upon which account the primitive Christians constantly observed these two solemnities of prayer. Our established Liturgy is called a" Book of Common Prayer" as containing Forms of Prayer, which people, met together do with united hearts and affections, offer up in common supplication to God.
XX

MORNING
THE ORDER FOR
AND EVENING PRAYER,
DAILY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
TAt the beginning of Morning or Evening Prayer, the Minister shall read with a loud voice some one or more of these Sentences of the Scriptures that follow. And then he shall say that which is written after the said Sentences.( B)
( 1) WHEN the wicked man turneth away 1. The ignorant and
from his wickedness that he hath committed, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Ezekiel xviii. 27.
( 2) I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Psalm li. 3.
( 3) Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Psalm li. 9.
( 4) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm li. 17.
( 5) Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, cold and external, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joel ii. 13.
is
( 6) To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him: neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us. Daniel ix. 9. 10.
shewn their danger, and their road to repentance.
2. The negligent are admonished not to delay.
3. Addressed as support to the fearful.
4. The doubtful of God's favour are exhorted to faith
in his mercy. 5. The formalists,
B
are cautioned, in God's words to the
( 7) O Lord, correct me, but with judge- 7. See note 3.. ment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring
1
hypocritical Jews. 6. See note 4.
me to nothing. Jer. x. 24. Psalm vi. 1.
( 8) Repent ye; for the kingdom of Heaven 8. See note 2. is at hand. St. Matth. iii. 2.
B. These sentences are chosen as admonitions suited to the various tempers and dispositions.

1. See note 4, p. 1.
2. See note 3, p. 1.
3. See note 1, p. 1.
5. We are invited to prayer at all times, with thanksgiving;
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
( 1) I will arise, and go to my Father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. St. Luke XV. 19.
( c) DEARLY beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins 4. We are instructed and wickedness;( 4) and that we should not
how to pray.
dissemble nor cloke them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy.( 5) And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we most chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as the soul.( 6) Wherefore I pray and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice, unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying after me;
6. especially at the time present.
( 2) Enter not into judgement with thy servant, O Lord; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Psalm cxliii. 2.
( 3) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us: but, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 St. John i. 8. 9.
c. The exhortation applies the foregoing sentences, and exhorts to the performance of the following Confession; thereby connecting them both. We must truly repent ere we can be worthy to thank, praise, or pray unto God." Before thou prayest, prepare thine heart." Ecclus. xviii. 23. Neither the Greek or Roman church have this Form.
2

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
TA general Confession( D) to be said of the whole Congregation after the Minister, all kneeling.
( 1) ALMIGHTY and most merciful Fa- 1. An acknowledge.
ment that we have offended the omnipotent Author of our being by sins of omission and
commission.
ther; We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. ( 2) But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
T The( E) Absolution, or Remission of sins, to be pronounced by the Priest alone, standing; the people still kneeling.
( 3) ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our
2. A petition for pardon, and for the grace of prevention.
3. A declaration of mercy, and an assurance of pardon on our faith and reLord Jesus Christ, who desireth not pentance.
( D) Confession of sins forms part of all Christian Liturgies. It was the custom of the primitive church: but, in the church of Rome, the Priest and congregation confess for themselves separately; thereby breaking that union which in our church subsists between the Minister and the People. We are directed to kneel in the humble posture of suppliants. We find this form in the 2d edition of K. Edward's Common Prayer Book.
( E) Our church maintains that, a power of remitting sins is derived from the Apostles, to their successors in the ministry, to be pronounced by the Priest alone publicly, conditionally of penitence, and in the name of God! In the church of Rome the absolution is given privately by the Priest. This form is in the 2d ed. of King Edward's Common Prayer Book. At the last
3

1. St. John. 20. 23.
2. An admonition to implore the Holy Spirit, to enable us to perform these conditions.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live( 1); and hath given power, and commandment, to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins: He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel.( 2) Wherefore let us beseech him to grant us true repentance, and his holy Spirit, that those things may please him, which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure, and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people shall answer here, and at the end of all other prayers, Amen.( F)
T Then the Minister shall kneel, and say the Lord's Prayer( G) with an audible voice; the people also kneeling, and repeating it with him, both here, and wheresoever else it is used in Divine Service.
3. The Introduction.( 3) OUR Father, which art in Heaven,
4. Petitions relative to God.
( 4) Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it
review of the Liturgy( 1661) Priest was inserted for Minister, to limit the reading of it to the office of Priest, who is directed to stand in token of his authority; the people kneeling in humble devotion.
F. Amen implies our assent and seal to that we have uttered. When in italicks, as at the end of the Collects,& c. it is said by the people alone, signifying" so be it, O Lord," as in the Prayers offered in our behalf by the Minister. The use of this word has prevailed in all ages, according to the records of Scripture-" And all the people shall answer, and say, Amen."Deut. 27. 15.
G. In King Edward's first book, the service began with the Lord's Prayer. In 1551, all that now precedes this Prayer was added as a preparation to the addressing the Almighty: for this

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
is in heaven.( 1) Give us this day our daily 1. Petitions relative bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we to ourselves. forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power and the glory, for ever and ever.( H) Amen.
T Then likewise he shall say.( 1)
( 2) O Lord, open thou our lips. Answer. And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
( 3) Priest. O God, make speed to save us. Answer. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Here all standing up,( K) the Priest shall say,
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
2. Ps. li. 15. We ask to be freed from that fear of God's displeasure, which seals our lips. 3. Ps. 40. 16; 70. 1. Hosannah: Save us now Lord,' help us in the duties we are about to perform.
is the first Prayer of our Liturgy. The Roman church directs the Priest to read the Prayer, the people to say it secretly. Our church enjoins all to repeat it aloud, and in the most humble posture of religious worship.
H. This Doxology, or form of giving praise to God, was added at the last review of the Common Prayer Book. It is taken from St. Matt. Gospel, vi. 13. It is generally used when the office is matter of praise, as here after the Absolution.
I. It was the practice of the Jews to recite their public Hymns and Prayers by course; the primitive Christians did so; and all old Liturgies contain short sentences, wherein the People answer the Priest. These are therefore called" Responses." The design being, by grateful variety, to keep up the attention, both Priest and People ought mentally to offer up what is vocally expressed by the other.
K. A posture of respectful worship of God, when engaged in acts of praise and thanksgiving; derived to the Christian, from the Jewish church.
The office thus far Penitential, now becomes Eucharistical.
5

1." Hallelujah."
2. The 1st semichorus exhort to join in the praise of God;
3. and to worship him,
4. for his might, majesty, and goodness,
5. in the creation of all things.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
Priest.( 1) Praise ye the Lord.( L) Answer. The Lord's Name be praised. T Then shall be said or sung this Psalm( M); IN THE MORNING SERVICE; except on Easter- Day, upon which another Anthem is appointed; and on the Nineteenth day of every Month it is not to be read here, but in the ordinary course of the Psalms.
Venite, exultemus Domino.
Psalm xcv.( N)
( 2) COME, let us sing unto the Lord: let us heartily rejoice in the strength of
our salvation.
( 3) Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving: and shew ourselves glad in
him with Psalms.
( 4) For the Lord is a great God: and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are all the corners of the earth and the strength of the hills is his also.
( 5) The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands prepared the dry land.
L. The English of Hallelujah' a word so sacred that the church of old scrupled to translate it. In the first Liturgy of K. Ed. 6, it was appointed to be sung un- translated, from Easter to Trinity Sunday. The answer of the people shews their desire to join in the praise of God. The response was introduced at the last revision in 1661.
M. The Church orders this and the other Psalms to be said or sung: the one is the Parochial, the other, the Choir Service. Anthem is from Antiphon, a Hymn, sung alternately," As the angels sing one unto another." Is. vi. 3.
AIN. In the Latin service, this is called the Invitatory Psalm. We mutually invite each other, being come into his presence, to sing unto the Lord. It has been used in all Christian Liturgies; and the Jews confess it belongs to the times of Messiah. 6

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
( 1) O come let us worship, and fall down: and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts: as in the provocation,( 2) and 2. Heb. 3.7. as in the day of temptation in the wilderness;
( 3) When your fathers tempted me: proved me, and saw my works;
3. The Psalmist speaks in the person
us to beware of disForty years long was I grieved with this of Jehovah, warning generation, and said: It is a people that do obedience. err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways.
Unto whom I sware in my wrath: that they should not enter into my rest.( 4)
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.
T Then shall follow the Psalms in order as
they are appointed. And at the end of every Psalm throughout the Year, and likewise at the end of Benedicite, Benedictus, Magnificat, and nunc dimittis shall be repeated,
( 0) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;( 5)
1. These verses are sung by the responding semichorus.
Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
T Then shall be read distinctly with an audible voice the First Lesson,( P) taken out of the Old Testament, as is appointed in the Calen4. Because of its certain punishment. Deut. 32. 15.
5. We declare our
faith in the blessed Trinity, making it the subject of our Praise.
o. A hymn of praise, paraphrased upon the song of the Seraphim, Isa. vi. 3. giving equal worship to every person of the Trinity, in opposition to the Arian heresy. The western church added" As it was in the beginning," to shew that this was the primitive faith.
P. Having according to the exhortation set forth God's most 7

1. After the example of our Saviour, who stood up to read in the Synagogue, the same posture of reverence and regard is here ordered.
2. This 1st part is an Act of Praise offered to God, by us and all creatures, both on earth and in heaven.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
dar, except there be Proper Lessons assigned for that day: He that readeth so standing and turning himself, as he may best be heard of all such as are present( 1): and before every Lesson the Minister shall say, Here beginneth such a Chapter, or Verse of such a Chapter, of such a Book: And after every Lesson, Here endeth the First, or the Second Lesson.
After the first Lesson shall be said or sung, IN THE MORNING SERVICE,
The Hymn called Te Deum Laudamus, in English, daily throughout the Year.( o)
Te Deum Laudamus.
( 2) WE praise thee, O God: we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee: the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud: the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
worthy praise,' we now proceed to hear his Most holy word.' The Jews read Moses and the Prophets in their synagogues, and the primitive Christians the Scriptures in their congregations: but the Romish church read only small fragments of the Scriptures, and those in Latin. Our church rectifies this error, and directs that the Old Testament be read once, and the New Testament thrice in the year, and in the vulgar tongue. The Books of Chronicles are omitted for their similarity to the Books of Kings: the Book of Isaiah is read, being most prophetical, just before Advent. Upon Saints' Days, chapters are selected from moral books, as the Proverbs.
Q. This excellent Hymn, introduced into our offices in the sixth century, is said to have been composed by St. Ambrose, ( A.D. 376) first sung at the baptism of St. Augustin, and since then, repeated daily by the people with devotion and delight. It divides itself into three parts, and, in its original form, each division consisted of ten versicles. The name is derived, like most other Psalms and Hymns, from the first words in the Latin original.
8

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
To thee Cherubin, and Seraphin: continually do cry.
( 1) Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Sabaoth; Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty: of thy Glory.
1. Thrice Holy, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: a paraphrase on the Song of the
The glorious company of the Apostles: heavenly Host; Is.1. praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets: praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs: praise thee. ( 2) The holy church throughout all the world: doth acknowledge thee;
The Father: of an infinite Majesty;
Christ's ascension; Ps. 24. 8.
Thine honourable, true: and only Son; 3. Alluding to Also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter. Thou art the King of Glory: O Christ.( 3.) Thou art the everlasting Son: of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man: thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death: thou didst open the kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God: in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come: to be our Judge.
( 4) We therefore pray thee, help thy servants: whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints: in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people: and bless thine heritage.
Govern them: and lift them up for ever. Day by day: we magnify thee;
And we worship thy Name: ever world without end.
( 5) Vouchsafe, O Lord: to keep us this day without sin.
2. This 2d part is a Confession of Faith, declaring the general consent unto it, and the particulars of it.
4. This 3d part is a Supplication for the whole church; grounded upon faith in Christ;
C
5. and, especially, for ourselves; with an
earnest request that
O Lord, have mercy upon us: have mercy we may be enabled
to possess our souls
upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us: as in patience. our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted: let me never
be confounded.

TOr this Canticle.
Benedicite, omnia Opera.( R)
1.The praises of God,( 1) All ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord praise him, and magnify him
sung heaven, are re- echoed in succession by the works of His hand," for whose pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4. 11.
2. In their splendour, these speak the glory
of God.
3. The elements shew forth the power of their Almighty Creator.
4. The seasons attest his immutability.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
5. Ps. 148. 8.
for ever.
O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Sun, and Moon, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
Oye Stars of Heaven( 2), bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
Oye Showers, and Dew, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Winds of God, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Fire and Heat( 3), bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Winter and Summer( 4), bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Dews, and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Ice and Snow( 5), bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
R. This Canticle, or Song of Praise, called also Benedicite, ( from the first words in the Latin;) and the Song of the Three Children, because it is reported to have been sung by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when cast into the burning fiery furnace, is a paraphrase of the 148th Psalm. It was an ancient Hymn in the Jewish church, and adopted from very early times into the Christian worship. Although seldom used in our Service, it contains a noble acknowledgement of the glory of God in the works of creation.
10

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
O ye Nights, and Days( 1), bless ye the 1. Ps. 74. 17. Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Lightnings, and Clouds, bless ye the Lord praise him, and magnify him for ever. O let the Earth bless the Lord: yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Mountains, and Hills( 2), bless ye the Lord praise him, and magnify him for ever. O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Seas, and Floods( 3), bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Whales, and all that move in the Waters( 4), bless ye the Lord praise him, and magnify him for ever.
bless ye the
O all ye Fowls of the Air, Lord praise him, and magnify him for ever. O all ye Beasts, and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever. Oye Children of Men( 5), bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O let Israel bless the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye Servants of the Lord( 6), bless ye the Lord praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify
him for ever.
O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord: praise him, and magnify him
for ever.
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael( 7), bless ye the Lord praise him, and magnify him
for ever.
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.
11
2." Break forth into singing, ye mounIs. 44. 23;
tains. 49. 18.
3. Ps. 96. 11; 1 Chr. 16. 32.
4. Every living creature that moveth,
( Gen. 1.21.) is appealed to in the order of creation.
5. Above all, let every immortal soul " praise the Lord."
6." Praise our God, all ye his servants: and
ye that fear the
Lord, both small and great, saying, Alleluia! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Rev.19.6.
7.Namely, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. See Dan. 1.7.

1. Or, low estate,' referring to the obscurity of her condition.
2. The Virgin thus signifies her humble faith in the wisdom and goodness of God, who made her the instrument of bringing into the world' the desire of all nations.
3. The hopes of those Kings, who sprang from David, to be the Parents of the Messiah, were thus overthrown.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
In like manner shall be said or sung
IN THE EVENING SERVICE The Psalms in order as they are appointed. Then a Lesson of the Old Testament, as is appointed; And after that, Magnificat,( or the Song of the blessed Virgin Mary), in English, as followeth.
( s) Magnificat. St. Luke i. 46. MY soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his hand maiden.( 1)
For behold from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name.( 2)
And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.
He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. ( 3)
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy, hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham, and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father,& c.
As it was in the beginning,& c.
s. This divine canticle was uttered by the Virgin, on her receiving the confirmation of the angel's declaration to her, and may be reckoned, therefore, the first fruits of the spirit. According to the stile of the Jewish prophecies, spiritual blessings are described by temporal imagery. In the words of her, who rejoiced in reflecting on the accomplishment of the promises of the Lord, do we justly rejoice, knowing that those prophecies are fulfilled, which have just been recited in the first Lesson. The Magnificat forms part of the service of the reformed church, both of Holland and of Germany.
12

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
Or else this Psalm; except it be on the Nineteenth Day of the Month, when it is read in the ordinary course of the Psalms.
( T) Cantate Domino. Psalm xcviii.
( ¹) 0
SING unto the Lord a new song: for he hath done marvellous things. ( 2) With his own right hand, and with his holy arm: hath he gotten himself the victory.
( 3) The Lord declared his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
( 4) He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel: and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
( 5) Shew yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands: sing, rejoice, and give thanks. Praise the Lord upon the harp: sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.
With trumpets also and shawms: O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord the King.
( 6) Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is: the round world, and they that dwell therein.
1. The Anthem is opened by the full chorus.
2. The 1st semi- chorus sing this verse.
3. The 2d respond.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
4. The full chorus extol his mercy and
truth.
5. The 1st semichorus exhort all
to the praise of Messiah.
6. The 2nd call upon inanimate nature.
Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord:( 7) for he cometh to judge the earth.
With righteousness shall he judge the rious reign. world
and the people with equity. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
7. The full chorus sound forth his gloT. This Psalm may be used instead of the Song of the inspired daughter of David; it is more peculiarly appropriate when the first Lesson treats of some great temporal deliverance granted to the people of God. The sublimity of the imagery seems to point out David as the author of it.
13

1. A prophetic thanksgiving for the redemption of mankind;
2. of which the inspired Priest foresees and foretels the immediate accomplishment.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
Then shall be read the second Lesson, taken out of the New Testament,( u) and after that,
IN THE MORNING SERVICE,
The Hymn following; except when that shall happen to be read in the Chapter for the Day, or for the Gospel on St. John's Day.
Benedictus.( v) St. Luke i. 68.
( 1) BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel: for he hath visited, and redeemed his people;
And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us: in the house of his servant David;
As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets: which have been since the world began;
That we should be saved from our enemies: and from the hands of all that hate us;
( 2) To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers and to remember his holy covenant;
To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham: that he would give us;
u. By this harmony of the Lessons, and by the order in which they are read, the understanding is enlightened: for that which is in the Old Testament, and is under shadow, is, in the New, brought forth into the open sun. The Minister in reading the Scriptures is( as Aaron was) the mouth of the Lord to the people, and is directed to stand, signifying his authority in addressing the people from God. Be it our care to hear with reverence these words of God, saying in our hearts," All that the Lord hath spoken, we will do."
v. This sublime Anthem of praise was uttered under the influence of the Holy Spirit by Zacharias the Priest, upon the occasion of the circumcision of his son, John the Baptist, when his speech was restored, after the birth of the child.
Its appointment to be read after the Gospel Lesson, is liarly appropriate.
14
pecu

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies: might serve him without fear; In holiness and righteousness before him: all the days of our life.
( 1) And thou, Child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his
1. Zacharias apostro phizes his son as the harbinger of the
ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people for the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God: whereby the day- spring( 2) from on high hath 2. the hope of Israel! visited us;
To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: and to guide our feet into the way of peace.( 3)
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.
Or else this Psalm.( w) Jubilate Deo.( x) Psalm c.
( 4) Be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
5. One of the choir extol the greatness
( 5) Be ye sure that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of and power of God. his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and speak good of his
Name.
3. John i. S.
4. The Psalm is opened by the full chorus.
w. This Psalm was introduced into this part of our Service in K. Ed's 2d Book, and is more generally used than the foregoing.
x. This Anthem bears in the Bible the title of a" Psalm of praise." It was first composed for a form of public thanksgiving, to be sung by course at the oblation of the Peace- offering, and is most appropriately appointed after reading the Second Lesson, as it peculiarly relates to Gospel times.
15

1. The full chorus conclude in declaring the loving- kindness of the Lord.
3. in the advent of the Christ,
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
( 1) For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
4. according to the prophecy of Isaiah. Ch. 49.
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.
( Y) Nunc Dimittis. St. Luke ii. 29.
2. A Hymn of Praise( 2) LORD, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy
for redemption,
IN THE EVENING SERVICE,
After the Lesson of the New Testament as it is appointed; Nunc Dimittis, or the Song of Simeon, in English, as followeth.
word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.( 3) Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel.( 4)
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.
Y. The author of this Hymn is said to be that holy Doctor whom the Jews called Simeon the Just, son of the famous Rabbi Hillel: one who opposed the opinion of the temporal kingdom of the Messiah. He uttered it under the influence of the Holy Spirit, on the presentation of Christ in the Temple, the promise being thus fulfilled to Simeon, that he should not die till he had seen the Messiah. It is adopted into the public service of all christian churches; Greek, Latin, Reformed, and Roman; and used to be sung by Saints and Martyrs before their death. Though we have not yet beheld our Saviour with our bodily eyes, to the eye of faith, he is exhibited to us in the Gospel; we should, therefore, ever be ready to bless God,' and' depart in peace.' This Hymn may be used as a direct address to God by every devout Christian.
16

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
Or else this Psalm; except it be on the Twelfth Day of the Month.
Deus misereatur. Psalm 1xvii.( z)
( 1)
GOD OD be merciful unto us, and bless us: and shew us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us:
( 2) That thy way may be known upon earth: thy saving health among all nations.
( 3) Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the people praise thee.
( 4) O let the nations rejoice and be glad: for thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.
( 5) Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the people praise thee.
( 6) Then shall the earth bring forth her increase: and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
( 7) God shall bless us: and all the ends of the world shall fear him.
Glory be to the Father,& c.
As it was in the beginning,& c.
Then shall be said or sung the Apostles'
Creed( A) by the Minister and the People,
1. A Levite opens the supplication,
2. which another
continues.
3. The chorus proclaim universal praise.
4. A Levite resumes.
5. The chorus repeat the praise.
6. Another Levite declares the bounty of heaven.
7. The praise of Jehovah, from pole to pole, reiterated by the full chorus.
z. This Psalm of David was introduced here in K. Ed's. 2d. Liturgy. It is a prayer prophetic for the sending of salvation, and of anticipated praise to God for those who should witness the accomplishment of the promised blessing. Most properly, therefore, is it appointed after we have heard out of the Epistles in what manner this salvation appeared to us and to all
men.
A. This Creed, it is most probable, was not drawn up by the Apostles themselves, but being that rule of faith that had been current in the church, from the beginning of the Gospel, and having been framed in the Apostolick age, it is on that account called the Apostles' Creed. It is placed between the third part of the daily service, namely, the Lessons, and the fourth, the petitions, that we may express our faith in that we have heard, as the ground of that we would ask.
D

1.We first profess our faith in Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and then declare the most important doctrines of our religion.
2. Universal: the Jewish church consisted but of one nation.
3. Spiritual fellowship with all Holy persons, that now live, or have departed in the faith and fear of God.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
standing( B): except only such days as the Creed of St. Athanasius is appointed to be read.
( 1) I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into Hell; The third day he rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholick( 2) Church; The Communion of Saints( 3); The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen.
( c) And after that, these Prayers following, all devoutly kneeling; the Minister first pronouncing with a loud voice,
( D) The Lord be with you. Answer. And with thy spirit.
B. We are to repeat this Creed standing, for reverence; we are to make open profession of it, and are personally to avow our assent to each and every article: for it is at once a declaration of Faith, a Manual of Devotion, and a Directory of Practice. To turn towards the East, where the altar is usually placed, is an antient custom; and St. Paul directs( Phil. 2. 10.) that" at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow."
c. The Church having acknowledged her sins in the confession, having her conscience purified by the absolution, her affections being animated with praise in the Psalms, her understanding enlightened by His Most Holy Word in the Lessons, her hopes strengthened by her public assent to the true faith in the Creed, now enters solemnly on supplication and prayer.
D. This form ofsalutation between the Minister and the people, denotes a transition from one part of the service to another: it 18

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
Minister. Let us pray.( E) Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
T Then the Minister( F), Clerks, and people, shall say the Lord's Prayer with a loud
voice.
( 1) OUR UR
Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil, Amen.
T Then the Priest standing( G) up shall say,
O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us. Answer. And grant us thy salvation.( 2) Priest. O Lord, save the Queen. Answer. And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.( 3)
1. As we subjoined this Prayer to our
confession to urge our pardon, we now prefix it, as a summary, to our sup plication.
2. A petition as in the Sunday Collect; for the Queen and 3. as in the Collects royal Family:
was of early use in the Christian Liturgies, and is expressive of that mutual charity, without which we are not fit to pray.
E. These words are used here as in ancient Liturgies, for an excitation to our thoughts and devotion. The short and pathetic Litany that follows, is a direct invocation to the three Persons of the Trinity. In the Greek church, the words Kyrie Eleeson' were thrice repeated; but the Latin, adopting the form, changed the 2d versicle into Christe Eleeson.'
F. This word was first inserted in the 2d Book of K. Ed. 6. Clerks were appointed soon after the Reformation to assist the Clergy in the different services, and the practice continued until the end of the reign of Charles I.
G. The Priest is directed to stand when, as here, he offers up the sacrifices of prayer and thanksgivings of the church for the people; but, when as a man, of like infirmities with ourselves, he asks for pardon and grace, he is commanded to kneel. These versicles contain the epitome of the following prayers, and the result is a natural harmony of correspondence between them. 19

1 and 2.as in the Collect for the Clergy and People;
3. as in the following Collects for Peace;
4. as in the following Collects for Grace.
5. Peace is used in Scripture for all earthly blessings.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
Priest. Endue thy Ministers with righteousness.( 1)
Answer. And make thy chosen people joyful.
Priest. O Lord, save thy people.( 2) Answer. And bless thine inheritance. Priest. Give peace in our time, O Lord.( 3) Answer. Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.
Priest. O God make clean our hearts within us.( 4) Answer. And take not thy holy Spirit from us.
Then shall follow three Collects;( H)
IN THE MORNING SERVICE;
The first of the Day( 1) which shall be the same that is appointed at the Communion; the second for Peace; the third for Grace to live well. And the two last Collects shall never alter, but daily be said at Morning Prayer throughout all the Year, as followeth; all kneeling.
The second Collect, for Peace.( K)
O God, who art the author of peace( 5) and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that
H. These Prayers are called' Collects' because they are a brief collection of all things necessary for soul and body. The form of them is directed to the Father, through the Son, beginning with the motive that induces us to ask, naming some great and comprehensive blessing desired, and concluding with the ground of our hope, namely, the intercession of Christ.
1. On every day, or season, there is something more particularly recommended to our meditation by the church.
K. This Collect is translated from the Latin, being taken out of the Sacramentary of Gregory the Great.
20

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
we,( 1) surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The third Collect, for Grace.( L)
( 2) Lord our heavenly Father, Almighty
and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this Day; defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
but
In Quires and Places where they sing, here followeth the Anthem.
In like manner, three Collects,
IN THE EVENING SERVICE;
The first of the Day; the second for Peace; the third for Aid against all Perils: which two last collects( M) shall be daily said at Evening Prayer without alteration.
The second Collect for Peace.( N)
God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the
1. We pray for outward Peace that all danger may be averted from the body.
2. We petition the
Father,
whose mercy we are come to this morning of our existence; for Grace through the day, to avoid all evils that may hurt the soul.
L. This Collect is taken principally from the Greek Liturgy. M. Both these Collects were in use in the Western church. Peace and grace are blessings united in Scripture, 2 Cor. 1. 2; the former comprises all temporal, the latter all spiritual good. The compilers of our Liturgy, thus closed the Morning and Evening Services; adding, only, the Prayer of St Chrysostom and the blessing.
N. This Collect is translated from a prayer in the Sacramentary of Gregory the Great, compiled before the year 600.
21

1. We pray for inward Peace, that we may say with David," I will lay me down in Peace,'& c. Ps. 4. 8.
The darkness of our understandings, as well as of the night.
3. The introductory part is grand and solemn, and the language throughout, noble and sublime.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
world cannot give:( 1) that both our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
The third Collect, for Aid against all Perils.( 0)
LIGHTEN our darkness( 2) we beseech
thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
T In Quires and Places where they sing, here followeth the Anthem.( P)
Then these five Prayers( o) following are to be read here, except when the Litany is read, and then only the two last are to be read, as they are there placed.
A Prayer for the Queen's Majesty.( R)
( 3)
Lord, our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords,
o. This Collect is taken from one in the Greek Liturgy. In the morning we beg security against the troubles of the world; in the evening for peace to our minds when we take
our rest.
P. The church thinks this the most proper place for singing, there being a sort of division in the service. The foregoing Collects respect ourselves; the following respect others.
2. The first and third of these prayers were added, by order of Queen Elizabeth, being framed from Gregory's Sacramentary; the second, by order of James I. the first Protestant Prince that was married and had children. They were all three, till the late review, printed at the end of the Litany; yet, they connect well with the preceding Collects, for the blessing of Peace is conveyed to us on earth through our temporal rulers, and that of Grace is derived to us through our spiritual governors.' R. Heathens, Jews, and Christians, all mankind, have agreed
"
22

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
the only Ruler of princes, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth( 1); Most heartily we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen VICTORIA; and so replenish her with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that she may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: Endue her plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant her in health and wealth long to live( 2); strengthen her that she may vanquish and overcome all her enemies; and finally, after this life, she may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Royal Family.( s) ALMIGHTY God, the fountain( 3) of all
goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless Adelaide the Queen Dowager, and all the Royal Family: Endue them with thy holy spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Clergy and People.( T) ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who
alone workest great marvels; Send down upon our Bishops, and Curates( 4), and all Congregations committed to their charge,
1. See the Psalms for Queen's accession.
2. That is, in welfare and prosperity; we ask not for conquest, or aggrandisement, but for Grace in this world; and for Peace
hereafter.
3. We apply to the Fountain of goodness to supply the branches, as well as the root of the tree, with the blessings of
Grace and Peace.
4. Those generally unto whom are comcare of souls.
mitted the cure, or
to pray for their Sovereigns. This prayer breathes that spirit of untainted loyalty which is characteristic of the church of England.
s. The King's sons, in the days of Cyrus, were commanded to be prayed for.( Ezra 6. 10.) Tacitus relates the same custom in his days, and it has very generally continued.
T. The Scripture is full of Prayers for the church of God, and the pastors thereof: the Shepherd and his Sheep, that will hear his voice, make up the church described by Christ.( John c. 10.) To gather this church, and preserve it from the power of the heathen, is a striking miracle of divine love.
23

1. We ask the blessing of the" dew of
heaven,"( which alone giveth the encrease) on the labours of the pastors, and on the obedience of the flock.
2. This prayer is addressed to the Son himself, laying claim to his blessed promise. Matt. 18. 20. In general, we address the Father through the Son.
3. The benedictory Prayer of St. Paul.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.
the healthful Spirit of thy grace( 1); and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom.( v)
( 2) ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered together in thy name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
2 Cor. xiii.( w)
( 3) THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Here endeth the Order of Morning and Evening Prayer throughout the Year.
v. This prayer is from the eastern offices, taken out of the middle of the Liturgy of St. Chrysostom, an illustrious bishop of the Greek church, and perhaps more judiciously placed at the end of ours. In the 1st Book of K. Ed. it stands at the end of the Litany. In the old Common Prayer, the Morning and Evening services concluded with the Collect for the Clergy and People. w. The service is closed with a blessing which was highly esteemed in the earliest times; no one ventured out of the church till he had received it. The Form used by the Jews was ordained by God himself, Numb. 6. 24. This Christian blessing is founded on the revelation of the Trinity, intimating that it is derived from the love of God, obtained through the grace of our Lord, and conveyed to us by the Holy Spirit.
24

AT MORNING PRAYER.
Upon these Feasts;( 1) Christmas- day, the 1. Thus appointed, Epiphany, Saint Matthias, Easter- day, As- this Creed is said cension- day, Whitsunday, Saint John Bap- about once a month. tist, Saint James, Saint Bartholomew, Saint Matthew, Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Saint Andrew, and upon Trinity Sunday, shall be sung or said at Morning Prayer, instead of the Apostles' Creed, this Confession of our Christian Faith, commonly called the Creed of Saint Athanasius,( 2) by the Minister and people standing.
Quicunque vult.( A)
WHOSOEVER will be saved: before all
things it is necessary that he hold the Catholick Faith.
Which Faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled: without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.( 3)
2. Every article of this Creed is a reply to an error, or a heresy.
And the Catholick Faith is this: That we
worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in pel, can have no title
Unity;
to those hopes which that Revelation ofNeither confounding the Persons: nor di- fers to mankind. viding the Substance.( B)
E
3. He who rejects the promises of the Gos( A) This confession of our faith is framed from the writings of St. Athanasius, by Vigilius Tapsensis, an African bishop; or, as it has since been said, by Hilary, Bishop of Arles. It was admitted into the offices of the Roman church in 930, and, surviving through all the corruptions that arose in the Greek and Roman, was adopted by the whole Protestant church, and received into our Liturgy at the Reformation. It is not solely a declaration of faith, as the Apostolick Creed, but it is also an answer to, and a refutation of those errors, foretold by the Apostles, denying the Lord God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. It was, by Luther, called a bulwark to the Apostles' Creed;' for the doctrine of the Trinity, as here proposed, is the doctrine of the Gospel, and the doctrine of the primitive church.
( B) Natural religion teaches the belief in one God; the worship of a holy Trinity in Unity, is the distinguishing feature of the Christian religion, founded on Scripture Revelation, which teaches us to adore in deep humility a Father, a Redeemer, and a Sanctifier, in one bright effulgence of glory, which mortal eye can neither discriminate nor comprehend.
Univ.- Bibl. Giessen

W
1. We assert each to be perfect God, gratefully acknowledging in their distinct attributes the blessings conferred on sinful children.
2. In the Latin original it is" the Father immense,"& c. not comprehended within any limits; the sense intended to be conveyed.
3. The word of God is an exercise of Faith in all things, that cannot be comprehended of us.
AT MORNING PRAYER.
( c) For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son: and another of the Holy Ghost.( 1)
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one: the Glory equal, the Majesty co- eternal.
Such as the Father is, such is the Son: and such is the Holy Ghost.
The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate: and the Holy Ghost uncreate.
The Father incomprehensible,( 2) the Son incomprehensible and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible.
The Father eternal, the Son eternal and the Holy Ghost eternal.
And yet they are not three eternals: but one eternal.
4
As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated: but one uncreated, and one incomprehensible.( 3)
So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties: but one Almighty.
So the Father is God, the Son is God: and the Holy Ghost is God.
And yet they are not three Gods: but one God.( 4)
4." The Lord thy God is one God.' Deut. vi. 4.
So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord( 5): and the Holy Ghost Lord.
5." Every tongue should confess Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the
And yet not three Lords: but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Chrisglory of God the Fa- tian verity: to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord:
ther. Phil. 2. 11.
c. The Creed proceeds argumentatively, and in detail, to overturn the heresies that prevailed, by establishing those several attributes of the collective godhead, that require our joint worship, although exceeding the comprehension of finite minds. Sabellius taught that the three were one and the same person, three modes of expressing one God: and that the Father and Holy Ghost had suffered as well as the Son: Arius and Eunomius pretended that the Three were totally distinct substances, existing, and being present at different periods of time. 26

AT MORNING PRAYER.
So we are forbidden by the Catholick Religion: to say, There be three Gods, or three Lords.( 1)
The Father is made of none: neither created, nor begotten.
The Son is of the Father alone: not made, nor created, but begotten.( 2)
The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.( 3)
3." The spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father."
So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons: one Holy Ghost, See John 15. 26. not three Holy Ghosts.
And in this Trinity none is afore, or after other: none is greater, or less than another; But the whole three Persons are co- eternal together and co- equal.
So that in all things, as is aforesaid( 4): the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.( D)
He therefore that will be saved: must thus think of the Trinity.
Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.( 5)
For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man;( 6)
:
God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds( 7): and Man, of the substance of his Mother, born in the world;( 8) Perfect God, and perfect Man: of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting;( 9) Equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead and inferior to the Father, as touching his Manhood.
1. We maintain the positive distinctions of the Three; and, ascribing to all equality and eternity, deny plurality. 2. See Ps. 2.7.
4. Reference is made to the third sentence; it was then an assertion; it is now an inference, from what
has been shown.
5." God manifest in the flesh." 1Tim.3.16.
6." In the beginning was the word, and the Word was God."
7.Or, there is no covenant of redemption. 8. Or, the satisfaction of the cross will be of no vail.
9." The Word was made flesh, and dwelt amongst us." 0." God hath made
Who although he be God and Man: yet he that same Jesus is not two, but one Christ;( 0)
whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2. 36.
One; not by conversion of the Godhead
D. As in attempting to explain the Trinity, notions are advanced repugnant to the Unity, the church declares not only what is her Faith, but moreover, what is not so.
27

1." In him was life, and the life was the light of men." St. John 1. 4.
2. The remainder of the Creed relates to practical articles.
3. The end and purpose of the mysterious incarnation.
4. The infinite consequence as to our final happiness or misery.
5. See Mark 16. 16.
AT MORNING PRAYER.
into flesh: but by taking of the Manhood into God;( 1)
One altogether; not by confusion of Substance: but by unity of Person.
For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man so God and Man is one Christ;( E)
de..
( 2) Who suffered for our salvation scended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead.
Hin
He ascended into heaven, he sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty: from whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.( 3)
At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works.( 4)
And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire.( F)
This is the Catholick Faith( G): which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved.( 5)
Glory be to the Father,& c.& c.& c. As it was in the beginning,& c.& c.
E. This simile, the only one in the Creed, explains the mysterious union of the two natures in our blessed Saviour. If we cannot even comprehend the wisdom of God on earth, how shall we understand his hidden wisdom, in heaven: yet what exceedeth the comprehension of man, he may be required by his Creator to admit and believe.
F. We repeat our federal right in the merits of Christ, and in doing so, declare that, unless we perform our part, his is nullified to us. Anathemas, deriving authority from Scripture, ought to be considered as awful admonitions to intimidate the vain or interested from broaching wild and pernicious opinions.
G. Thus, does this Creed state, on the strongest grounds, that first great principle of Christian revelation, the importance and the necessity of a just Faith. Language fails when called upon to unfold the mysteries of heaven; but when this corrupt mortality shall be changed for immortal purity, then, shall the knowledge of the Most High be within the scope of created spirits, who shall comprehend His essence, and live in eternal adoration of His glorious attributes!
28

AT MORNING PRAYER.
THE LITANY.
Here followeth the( H) LITANY, or General Supplication, to be sung or said after Morning Prayer, upon Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,( 1) and at other times when it shall be commanded by the Ordinary.( J)
( K) O
God the Father,( 2) of heaven: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Father, of heaven: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
1. These last being days of fast for the betraying and fying our Lord.
cruci2. We have sinned against the Father by breaking his laws, and forgetting all that He hath done
for us.
H. Until the last Review( 1661) the Litany was designed to be a distinct service; the Morning Service was then" done betimes, and the people called together again to the Litany by the bell." The word Litany is used in the Christian church for" a common intercession to God when his wrath lieth hard upon us." Such is the 51st. Psalm, and such was that of Our Saviour, Luke 22. 44. As to the present form, namely, short requests by the Priests, to which all the people answer, St. Chrysostom saith, it is derived from the primitive age, and the Western and Eastern churches have ever since retained this way of praying.
J. The appointment of Litanies may be traced in the Old Testament, as when the Priests were ordered( Joel 2. 17.) to supplicate for the house of Israel," weeping between the porch and the altar." The Litany was anciently directed to be thus recited. It was ordered by K. Ed. and Q. Eliz." that the Priest, and others of the choir, shall kneel in the midst of the church," and, in our cathedrals, to this day, it is the usual practice. In the fourth century, the Litanies( for there were many forms) were used in procession, the people walking barefoot: ours comes near to the sevenfold Litany, composed by Gregory the Great, A. D. 600, out of all the Litanies then extant: more copious than the Greek, and shorter than the Roman, it differs very little from those of the Lutherans, and may be divided into five parts.
K. The Invocations are an address for mercy; first, to each person acknowledging the distinct Godhead, and then to all in the unity of the glorious Trinity, urged because that we are " miserable," and that we are" sinners." It is a confession of 29

1. We have sinned against the Son by neglecting His Sacraments, and the precepts of His Gospel:
2. against the Holy Ghost, by resisting His calls, cherishing evil thoughts, and pursuing wicked
purposes.
3. Every sin against one person in the Godhead, is committed against the whole Trinity.
4. Before we ask for deliverance, we beg the mercy of forbearance.
5. We pray against iniquity of every kind and degree.
6. These words, refer always to the preceding petition.
7." Those things that come forth from the heart, they defile the man."
See Matt. 15. 18.
THE LITANY.
O God the Son( 1), Redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Holy Ghost( 2), proceeding from the Father and the Son: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son: have mercy upon us miser... able sinners.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity( 3), three Persons and one God: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
( L) Remember not, Lord, cur offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; neither take thou vengeance of our sins( 4): spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.
( 5) From all evil and mischief; from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation, Good Lord, deliver us.( 6)
From all blindness of heart; from pride, vain- glory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness,( 7) Good Lord, deliver us.
From fornication, and all other deadly sin; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil,
Good Lord, deliver us.
faith, as well as an epitome of the whole Litany; therefore, every one is to repeat these four verses after the Minister.
L. The Deprecations are prayers for removal of sin in the heart and life and of punishment temporal and spiritual: they are a paraphrase upon that part of the Lord's Prayer" deliver us from evil." The Eastern and Western churches do thus begin their Litanies.
30

THE LITANY.
From lightning and tempest; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from sudden death,( 1)
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all sedition, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and commandment, Good Lord, deliver us.
( M) By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation, Good Lord, deliver us.
By thine Agony and bloody sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension; and by the coming of the Holy Ghost,( 2)
Good Lord, deliver us.
In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our wealth; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgement,( 3)
1. The church from ancient time hath prayed against' sudden death.' Nature, Reason, and Religion direct us to do it. There are few
among us who would ask how long they have to live?'
2. All is summed up to strengthen and increase our faith:
3." That we may desire mercy of the Lord in that day." See 2 Tim. 1. 18.
Good Lord, deliver us.
( N) We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy church univer- 4. We intercede for sal in the right way;( 4)
the whole Christian church;
We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. That it may please thee to keep and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee, in righteousness and holiness of life thy servant VICTORIA, our most gracious reign; supreme Go5. and for the SoveQueen and Governour;( 5)
vernour of our church.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
M. In the Obsecrations we urge our petitions for protection in adversity, in prosperity, and under the most awful visitations of humanity; by virtue of the mysteries of our faith; by our redemption and santification; for the sake of all that Christ has done and suffered for us; and by his promise to send His Holy Spirit to be our guide and comforter.( See John 14. 16.)
N. This part of the Litany called' the Intercessions' is instituted by God, who commands us" to make intercession for all 31

1." The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord." Prov. 21. 1.
2. We intercede for
our spiritual Pastors, " the light of the world."
See Matt. 5. 14.
3. In the old Liturgy, " the whole Palace."
6. We next pray for the santification and
THE LITANY.
( 1) That it may please thee to rule her heart in thy faith, fear, and love, and that she may evermore have affiance in thee, and ever seek thy honour and glory;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to be her defender and keeper, giving her the victory over all her enemies;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to bless and preserve Adelaide the Queen Dowager, and all the Royal Family;
4. Then for our temporal Governors,
and for all that are execute justice, and to maintain truth; in authority."
See I. Tim. 2.
5. For all orders and degrees of men, and for all nations: See Ps. 28. 10.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 5) That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 6) That it may please thee to give us an heart to love and dread thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
improvement of those within the church;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 2) That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living they may set it forth, and shewit accordingly; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 3) That it may please thee to endue the Lords of the Council, and all the Nobility, with grace, wisdom, and understanding; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 4) That it may please thee to bless and keep the Magistrates, giving them grace to
men," and that it may not appear presumptuous in us, who are unworthy to pray for ourselves, we first acknowledge that we are sinners, and then proceed to ask all outward, and all inward blessings for others, as well as for ourselves; praying that the principles of virtue may be planted in our hearts, and the practice of it seen in our lives.
32

THE LITANY.
( 1) That it may please thee to give to all thy people increase of grace to hear meekly thy Word, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 2) That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 3) That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand; and to comfort and help the weak- hearted; and to raise up them that fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 4) That it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort, all that are in danger, necessity, and tribulation;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to preserve all that travel by land or by water, all women labouring of child, all sick persons, and young children; and to shew thy pity upon all prisoners and captives;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to defend and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and all that are desolate and oppressed;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 5) That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( o) That it may please thee to give and
( 1. See Matt. 25. 29; and Gal. 5. 22.)
2. for the conversion of those without; ( See 2 Peter, 2.)
3. and for the confirmation of the
weak.
See 1 Cor. 10. 12: and Ps. 145. 14.
4. We now implore assistance and comfort under bodily and mental affliction, and under all the cares of the world:
5. then for mankind in general, including even our enemies.
( o) The remainder of the Litany is in the form of prayers and supplications, the particular sentences of which are either taken out of Holy Writ, or else gathered from ancient Liturgies.

1. Lastly, we pray for and for what is necessary for the soul, as well as the body.
2. A renewed and earnest appeal to our Saviour;
3. for that mercy which is the sum of our hopes, and the essence of our petitions 4." Kyrie eleeson."
5. This sublime prayer imparts life and value to the foregoing offices.
THE LITANY.
preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so as in due time we may enjoy them;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 1) That it may please thee to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy Word;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. ( 2) Son of God: we beseech thee to hear us. Son of God: we beseech thee to hear us. O Lamb of God: that takest away the sins of the world;
Grant us thy peace. O Lamb of God: that takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon us.( 3) O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, hear us. Lord, have mercy upon us.( 4) Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Then shall the Priest, and the people with him, say the Lord's Prayer.( P)
( 5) OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.
P. The" Kyrie eleeson" was, usually in old Services, and so is in ours, placed before the Lord's Prayer, which by the ancients, was annexed to every office as well to show their esteem for it, as their humble opinion of their own compositions.
34

THE LITANY.
Priest. O Lord, deal not with us after( 1) our sins.
Neither reward us after our iniAnswer. quities.( Q)
Let us pray.( R)
O God, merciful Father, that despisest not
the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful( 2); Mercifully assist our prayers that we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils, which the craft and subtilty of the devil or man worketh against us, be brought to nought( 3); and by the providence of thy goodness they may be dispersed; that we thy servants, being hurt by' no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
( s) O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Name's sake.( 4)
1. After, in old English, signifies according to.'
2. We ask of Him, who knows the secret desires of our hearts, for aid in our prayers:
3. and that, we may feel and express a just gratitude for deliverance from enemies visible and invisible.
4. See Ps. 79.9.
O God, we have heard with our ears,( 5) 5. See Ps. 44. 1; and our fathers have declared unto us,
Q. We are all ready to say we suffer greatly, but the church will have us remember that we suffer justly.
In the primitive church, the whole Litany was repeated with sighs and tears; hitherto it hath dwelt long on no single subject, the remainder is of a different nature; our state here furnishes perpetual ground for sad reflection, and we express corresponding sentiments to our heavenly Father, making, as commanded, our thoughts known unto God.
R. The Deacon, in ancient services, was wont to call upon the people often-" Let us pray earnestly,-more earnestly,"- that is, that our prayers may be, such as St. James speaks of, active, lively, spirited prayers, for these are they which prevail with God. The Prayer against persecution that follows is of use in the Western church, and about 1,200 years old.
s. Instead of amen, the people answer in a short form of Scripture words, to which the Minister returns a scriptural address, and the congregation repeat their petition.
35

1. See 9th Chapter of Nehemiah.
2. We beg protection in mutual ejaculations of warmth; not that these will incline God to mercy otherwise than as they fit us for it.
3. See Mark 10. 47.
4. We urge our petitions with redoubled importunity. 5. Ps. 33. 22.
THE LITANY.
the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.( 1)
O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour.
( T) 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.
( 2) From our enemies defend us, O Christ. Graciously look upon our afflictions. Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts. Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people. Favourably with mercy hear our prayers. O Son of David, have mercy upon us.( 3) Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.( 4)
Priest. O Lord, let thy mercy be shewed upon us;
Answer. As we do put our trust in thee.( 5)
Let us pray.( U)
WE humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and for the glory of thy Name turn from us all those evils that we most righteously
T. We add the Doxology to the alternate supplications; and thus in our afflictions, as is befitting, give praise to God. We have the authority of the Book of Psalms for so doing.
U. The repeating this admonition towards the conclusion of the office, will usefully remind those who may possibly be growing languid and inattentive, in how important a work they are engaged. The Prayer for sanctifying our troubles, addressed immediately to the Father, was composed, as we now use it, above 1,100 years ago; it was corrupted afterwards, by entreating God to" turn from us all evil for the sake of the intercession of his Saints." We have reformed this, by asking that, if it be his pleasure to afflict us, we may trust in his mercy. 36

THE LITANY.
have deserved( 1); and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy,( 2) and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom.
AL
LMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord( 3) to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
2 Cor. xiii.( w)
THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Here endeth the Litany.
1. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? Job. 2. 10.
2. though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him. Job. 13. 15.
37
3.We confess the goodness of our Redeemer in disposing
our minds,( so variously inclined,) to join in prayer, and in encouraging our applications by His
explicit assurance of hearing us.
( w) We intreat for ourselves, and for one another, in the words of Scripture, the continual presence of the Holy Trinity: and if truly, in our Liturgy, we worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, in the Litany we worship Him in the perfection of beauty.
We now close this excellent and peculiar office of our church. God grant we may so use our devotion, that from praying to Him amidst the sorrows of this world, we may be taken, in his good time, to praise Him amidst the joys of the next, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS
UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
To be used before the two final Prayers of the Litany, or of Morning and Evening Prayer.( A)
PRAYERS.
T For Rain.( B)
O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all them that seek thy kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance; Send us, we beseech thee, in this our necessity, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to thy honour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Fair Weather.( B)
O Almighty Lord God, who for the sin of man didst once drown all the world, except eight persons, and afterward of thy great mercy didst promise never to destroy it so again; We humbly beseech thee, that although we for our iniquities have worthily deserved a plague of rain and waters, yet upon our true repentance thou wilt send us such weather, as that we may receive the fruits of the earth in due season; and learn both by thy punishment to amend our lives, and for thy clemency to give thee praise and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A. Although the various miseries of mankind are enumerated in the Litany, there are times when some great evils lie so heavy upon us, that solemn forms are requisite. Solomon, at the dedication of the Temple, supposes that especial prayers will be made in times of Drought, War, Pestilence, and Famine; and sublimely adds,( 1 Kings, 8. 33,)" Hear Thou in heaven thy dwelling place; and when Thou hearest, forgive." Both the Greek and Latin churches have several similar offices: from them these prayers are taken, and they are to be added to the Litany upon any such special occasion.
38

PRAYERS.
T In the time of Dearth and Famine.( B)
O God, heavenly Father, whose gift it is, that the rain doth
fall, the earth is fruitful, beasts increase, and fishes do multiply; Behold, we beseech thee, the afflictions of thy people; and grant that the scarcity and dearth, which we do now most justly suffer for our iniquity, may through thy goodness be mercifully turned into cheapness and plenty; for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all Amen. honour and glory, now and for ever.
Or this.( B)
O God, merciful Father, who, in the time of Elisha the prophet, didst suddenly in Samaria turn great scarcity and dearth into plenty and cheapness; Have mercy upon us, that we, who are now for our sins punished with like adversity, may likewise find a seasonable relief: Increase the fruits of the earth by thy heavenly benediction; and grant that we, receiving thy bountiful liberality, may use the same to thy glory, the relief of those that are needy, and our own comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the time of War and Tumults.( B)
O Almighty God, King of all kings, and Governour of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom
it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, asswage their malice, and confound their devices; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
B. These prayers are deprecations; the two first were in the 1st Book of K. Ed. 6th. and there placed at the end of the Communion Service. In the 2d Book, these and the following were all inserted in the place where they now stand. We have the assurance of Scripture that fervent prayer" availeth much." " Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not."" And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."( James, 5. 17.) We are moreover directed to seek in prayer the aid of the Lord of Hosts, and God of Battle;( Ps. 108. 11.) and to implore the removal of such a heavy judgement as a grievous pestilence.( 2 Chr. 7. 13. 14.)
39
Univ.- Bibl. Giessen

PRAYERS.
In the time of any Common Plague or Sickness.( B)
O in
thine own people in the wilderness, for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron; and also, in the time of King David, didst slay with the plague of Pestilence threescore and ten thousand, and yet remembering thy mercy didst save the rest; Have pity upon us miserable sinners, who now are visited with great sickness and mortality; that like as thou didst then accept of an atonement, and didst command the destroying Angel to cease from punishing, so it may now please thee to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sickness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Ember Weeks, to be said every day, for those that are to be admitted into Holy Orders.( c)
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church by the precious blood of thy dear Son; Mercifully look upon the same, and at this time so guide and govern the minds of thy servants the Bishops and Pastors of thy flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred Ministry of thy Church. And to those which shall be ordained to any holy function give thy grace and heavenly benediction; that both by their life and doctrine they may set forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation of all men; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
c. Ember' is a word of uncertain derivation; either signifying ashes or abstinence: the latter being anciently accompanied with the act of sitting upon ashes, or sprinkling the head with them; it may be derived from a Saxon word, signifying course, for the Ember weeks are fasts in course, returning at fixed periods.
The Ember days are the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, after the first Sunday in Lent, the Feast of Pentecost, September 14, and December 13: the Sundays immediately following, are appointed by the 31st Canon of our church for the ordination of the Clergy.
40

PRAYERS.
Or this.( D)
ALMIGHTY God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church; Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great Name, and the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the High Court of Parliament,( E) to be read during their Session.
MOST gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for this kingdom in general, so especially for the High Court of Parliament, under our most religious and gracious Queen at this time assembled: That thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of our Sovereign, and her Dominions; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and Mediation of Jesus Christ our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
D. These two Prayers are intercessions; the latter is taken from the Scottish Liturgy; they were added at the last review. This appointment is in accordance with the custom of the Catholic Church, derived from the Apostles themselves.( Acts 13. 23.) A custom of the highest importance, to the end that we may have true and lawful shepherds apostolically ordained, and not hirelings.
E. This prayer is of like importance to the State, as that for the Ember Weeks is to the Church; both are so united and linked together by the laws of this realm. The primitive Christians prayed for the Senate of Heathen Rome: we ought not to show less devotion. The first and last parts were composed in the reign of Charles I.( it is said) by Dr. Bradbown; the intermediate part was new at the Restoration. The whole is written in the strain of intercession.
G

PRAYERS.
TA Collect or Prayer for all Conditions of men, to be used at such times, when the Litany is not appointed to be said.( F)
O the Creator and Preserver all we beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholick Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those, who are anyways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body or estate;[* eswhen any desire the pecially those for whom our prayers are de* This to be said
Prayers of the congregation.
sired,] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.
TA Prayer that may be said after any of the former.( G)
O and is ever to and to forgive, receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
F. This Collect is not taken from any other Liturgy: it has generally been ascribed to Bishop Sanderson. We are expressly commanded" to pray for all men,"( 1 Tim. 2. 1.): consequently, when the Litany is not used in the Morning, this prayer supplies its place, and it is always read in the Evening Service: in it we intercede for all nations on earth, for the uni. versal Church, for the piety of the faithful, and for the relief of the afflicted. It may therefore be called" the lesser Litany." G. This short and devout Collect is in the ancient Litanies of the Western church and, being drawn up in the expressive language of Scripture, bears strong marks of primitive devotion. It is also in some of Henry's Primers, but it is not in either of K. Ed's Books: it was restored to the Book of Common Prayer in the reign of Q. Elizabeth.
42

THANKSGIVINGS.
TA General Thanksgiving.( H)
AL LMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy
servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and lovingkindness to us, and to all men;[* particularly to those who desire now to offer up their praises and thanksgivings for thy late mercies vouchsafed unto them.] We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we shew forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
* This to be said
when any that have been prayed for desire to return praise.
For Rain.( K)
0 God our heavenly Father, who by thy gracious providence
dost cause the former and the latter rain to descend upon the earth, that it may bring forth fruit for the use of man; We give thee humble thanks that it hath pleased thee, in our great necessity, to send us at the last a joyful rain upon thine inheritance, and to refresh it when it was dry, to the great comfort of us thy unworthy servants, and to the glory of thy holy Name; through thy mercies in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
H. It being thought that our Liturgy wanted a distinct form of thanksgiving in addition to the" setting forth God's most worthy praise" in the Psalms and Doxologies, this was added at the Restoration, and is said to have been composed by Bishop Sanderson. It is a thankful summary of all God's mercies to us, ascending through all the variety of blessings received at his hands, from temporal to spiritual, from our entrance into the world, to our return to him again. Inol
43

THANKSGIVINGS.
For fair Weather.( K)
O
Lord God, who hast justly humbled us by thy late plague of immoderate rain and waters, and in thy mercy hast relieved and comforted our souls by this seasonable and blessed change of weather; We praise and glorify thy holy Name for this thy mercy, and will always declare thy loving- kindness from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Plenty.( K)
O Most merciful Father, who of thy gracious goodness hast
the prayers of
our dearth and scarcity into cheapness and plenty; We give thee humble thanks for this thy special bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving- kindness unto us, that our land may yield us her fruits of increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Peace and Deliverance from our Enemies.( K)
O art a tower of defence unto thy servants against the face of their enemies; We yield thee praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers wherewith we were compassed: We acknowledge it thy goodness that we were not delivered over as a prey unto them; beseeching thee still to continue such thy mercies towards us, that all the world may know that thou art our Saviour and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
T For restoring Public Peace at Home.( K)
O Eternal God, our heavenly Father, who alone makest men to be of one mind in a house, and stillest the outrage of a violent and unruly people; We bless thy holy Name, that it hath pleased thee to appease the seditious tumults which have been lately raised up amongst us; most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in thy holy commandments; and, leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, may continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for these thy mercies towards us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
44

THANKSGIVINGS.
For Deliverance from the Plague, or other Common Sickness.( K)
O
Lord God, who hast wounded us for our sins, and consumed us for our transgressions, by thy late heavy and dreadful visitation; and now, in the midst of judgement remembering mercy, hast redeemed our souls from the jaws of death; We offer unto thy fatherly goodness ourselves, our souls and bodies which thou hast delivered, to be a living sacrifice unto thee, always praising and magnifying thy mercies in the midst of thy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Or this.( K)
WE humbly acknowledge before thee, O most merciful Father, that all the punishments which are threatened in thy law might justly have fallen upon us, by reason of our manifold transgressions and hardness of heart: Yet seeing it hath pleased thee of thy tender mercy, upon our weak and unworthy humiliation, to asswage the contagious sickness wherewith we lately have been sore afflicted, and to restore the voice of joy and health into our dwellings; We offer unto thy Divine Majesty the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, lauding and magnifying thy glorious Name for such thy preservation and providence over us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
K. These occasional thanksgivings were composed in the reign of James I., and annexed to the Litany: in 1662, they were detached from it, and printed as they now appear. When our petitions may have been granted, and our desires fulfilled; when a calamity has been removed, or a blessing vouchsafed; it is the intention of the church that praise should be rendered to God in the words here prescribed, unless these be superseded by an especial form. Our Lord upbraided the ingratitude of the lepers, who," being cleansed, did not return to give thanks to God."( St. Luke, 17.17.)
45

THE
COLLECTS, EPISTLES, AND GOSPELS
TO BE USED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
COLLECT is a term of great antiquity. The ancient church called all those Prayers Collects which were made when the people were come together, and collected in religious assemblies. In earlier ages the Latin Collecta meant the Collection, or public recapitulation made by the Priest of the prayers privately offered by the People. It is now understood to signify any short comprehensive prayer, and, in our church more particularly, denotes the prayers prefixed to the Epistles and Gospels: for they are principally taken out of the portions of Scripture, appointed to be read on each Sunday, or Holyday. Most of the Collects now in use are contained in the Sacramentary of Pope Gregory the Great, who revised the offices of the church in the year 600. Our reformers, observing that many of them had been subsequently corrupted by superstitious alterations and additions, corrected some, and removed others; but retained all, the soundness of which was evident.
The EPISTLES are certain portions of the epistolary Books in the New Testament, which are so called because they were sent, by way of letter, by the Apostles, to the several places or churches to which they are inscribed: they contain many excellent rules and precepts for comfort and instruction in all conditions, and for help to explain many essential points and privileges of our religion.
The GOSPELS are taken out of the Books of the Evangelists, who relate the life and actions of our blessed Saviour; the doctrines that he taught; and the miracles by which he confirmed them. In honour of Him, whose words they convey, the church hath commanded them to be read and heard standing.
The Epistles and Gospels are said to have been selected by St. Jerome; and it appears certain that they have belonged to the same Sundays and Holydays for above 1200 years; since they are commented upon in those Homilies of the Fathers, said to have been preached, on the days to which these portions of Scripture are still appropriated.
46

COLLECTS.
It is admirable to see with what order and wisdom all is here disposed; the year is distinguished into two parts; one commemorates Christ's existence on earth, and the other, directs us to live after his example: for the first, are all the Sundays from Advent to Trinity; for the second, all from Trinity to Advent again: thus, in the first part, we are to learn the mysteries of the Christian religion; in the second, to practice that which is agreeable to the same; so that, passing through this world by the guidance of Our Saviour, we may come to our heavenly dwelling- place, there to remain with Him for ever.
Note, that the Collect appointed for every Sunday, or for any Holy- day that hath a Vigil( A) or Eve, shall be said at the Evening Service next before.
The first Sunday in Advent.( B)
The Collect.( 1)
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal( 2), through him who liveth 2. See 1 Thess. 4. and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
1. A Prayer for conversion from sin. Composed 1549; in the 1st. Bk. of K. Ed.
It is taken out of the Epistle and Gospel.
T This Collect is to be repeated every day, with the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas- Eve.
A. They were called vigils, because, in the primitive times, Christians used to be up all night before the great Festivals, exercising themselves in prayer, and that with watching, because of the persecution of their enemies. About the year 420, the nocturnal Vigils were abolished on account of some disorders that arose, and the Fasts only, with prayer, retained.
B. Advent was a Fast nearly coeval in its institution with the 47

The first Sunday in Advent.
The Epistle.( 1) Rom. xiii. 8.
1. We are directed to OWE no man any thing, but to love one
those graces sary to qualify us for the coming of the Son of God.
another for another hath fulfilled the law. For this, thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour( 2); therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep( 3): for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand( 4); let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on( 5) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
2. Any one within his reach and influence. Luke 10. 37.
3. A state of inactivity and danger.
4. Life wears away, a state of glory approaches: vices must be abandoned, and virtues acquired for defence against temptations.
5. Conform to.
6. Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem typical of His future Advent.
7. His knowledge and power are not less evident than his humility.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Matth. xxi. 1.
WH
WHEN they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them and bring them unto me( 7). And if any
Feast of the Nativity itself; it certainly had its beginning before the year 450. The church renews her annual service at this time, because she regulates her seasons by the course of Our Saviour, who, being the" Sun of Righteousness," began now, as the day star on high, to enlighten them that sat in spiritual darkness. Four Sundays are appointed as the preparation for the coming of Christ in the flesh.
48

The second Sunday in Advent.
man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion( 1), Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass( 2). And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them; and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way( 3). And the multitudes that went befor and that followed, cried, saying, H sanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest( 4). And when he was come into Jerusalem all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple; and overthrew the tables of the money- changers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and said unto them, It is written( 5), My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.( 6)
The second Sunday in Advent.
The Collect.( 7)
BLE LESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
H
1." Jerusalem." Is. 40. 9.
2. This prophecy was delivered by Zechariah, 500 years before.
3. An Eastern ceremony of respect, customary in public rejoicings.
4." Save now" in
the Heb.: an acclamation of praise and prayer.
5. Is. 56.7.
6. Jer. 7. 11.
7. A Prayer for help and profit in reading the Scripture; composed 1549; in 1st Bk. of K. Ed. It is taken from the Epistle.

1. The ends for which the Scriptures were designed, teach us the virtues we should W
acquire.
2. Him from whom these proceed.
3. Unanimously: Jew and Gentile.
4. Ps. 18. 49.
5. Deut. 32. 43. 6. Ps. 117. 1.
7. Is. 11. 10.
8. The destruction of Jerusalem typical of the dissolution of the
world: The one has
come to pass, and the other most surely
will do so!
The second Sunday in Advent.
The Epistle.( 1) Rom. xv. 4.
WHATSOEVER things were written aforetime, were written for our learning; that we through patience, and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation( 2) grant you to be like- minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind, and one mouth( 3), glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say, that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written( 4), For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy Name. And again he saith( 5), Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again( 6), Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, ( 7) There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
9. Language highly figurative. The success of the Gospel depended on the downfall of the Jewish state.
The Gospel.( 8) St. Luke xxi. 25.
AND there shall be signs in the sun, and in
the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken( 9). And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he
50

The third Sunday in Advent.
spake to them a parable, Behold the fig- tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass( 1), know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled: heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away.
The third Sunday in Advent.
The Collect.( 2)
O LORD Jesu Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
1. This prophecy, compared with history, forcibly manifests the divine mission of Christ.
2. A prayer that the labours of Ministers may be successful: composed 1662. Of Christ's first coming, we are told in the Gospel;
of his second coming, in the Epistle.
The Epistle.( 3) 1 Cor. iv. 1.
LE
ET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgement: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby jus. tified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord( 4). 4. See Phil. 3. 9. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God.
51
3. The divine will, concerning the salvation of mankind, foreshown to the
Jews, is now made known to all by the Apostles, and by the Ministers of the Gospel.

1. The Ministers of
the Gospel prepare the way of the second
The Gospel.( 1) St. Matth. xi. 2.
bearing testimony to Christ, by exhortation, and by reproof.
tist did of the first, by NOW when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see( 2): The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them( 3): And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me( 4). And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? a reed shaken with the wind( 5)? But what went ye out for to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? a prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet( 6). For this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee( 7).
2. Is. 35. 5.
3. Is. 11. 4; 61. 1. Such acts declared the presence of Him who came to fulfil these prophecies. 4. Is. 8. 14.
5. One unstable; of whom, the reeds of the wilderness are an apt figure?
6. For He declares the Messiah present to the people.
7. Matt. 11. 10.
The third Sunday in Advent.
8. A prayer for Grace, and assistance in our Christian course; appointed in some ancient Liturgies for the first Sunday in Advent.
The fourth Sunday in Advent. The Collect.( 8)
O LORD, raise up( we pray thee) thy
power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through the satisfaction of thy Son our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 52

The fourth Sunday in Advent.
The Epistle.( 1) Phil. iv. 4.
RE
EJOICE in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God( 2), which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The Gospel.( 3) St. John i. 19.
THIS IS is the record of John, when the Jews sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that Prophet( 4)? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness( 5), Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees( 6). And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet( 7)? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water( 8): but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not: He it is who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara( 9) beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
53
1. Serenity of mind, belongs, in a special manner, to a devout application to God by prayer.
2. The reconciliation made with mankind through our blessed
Saviour.
3. The testimony of the Baptist gives a sublime impression blessed Lord, and afof the divinity of our fords an example of true humility.
4. One of the Prophets raised from the dead?( Matt. 16.14.)
5. Is. 40.3.
6. The Sanhedrim sect. were chiefly of this
7. By what authority then dost thou administer Baptism? 8.To shew the nature of repentance as a preparation.
the Israelites, under 9. Aplace of passage; Joshua, passed the
river here.

1. A prayer for renovation and grace,
CHRISTMAS DAY.
The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birth- day of CHRIST, commonly called ChristmasDay.( c) The Collect.( 1)
faith and
unfeigned humility; ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy
composed 1549.
only- begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
2. The object of the incarnation, the completion of the prophecies, and the pre- eminence of the Christian dispensation are declared by
the Son of the living God, the Saviour of the world.
The Epistle.( 2)
Hebrews i. 1.
GOD, who at sundry times and in divers
manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any
c. This feast of our Saviour's Nativity had its beginning in the very early times of Christianity; it appears plainly to have been received all over the West, and the immemorial observation of it is an argument of its primitive institution. On this festival we commemorate the incarnation of the Son of God, that great mystery of godliness, the prime pillar of our religion, and the firm foundation of all our hopes and expectations. In the church of Rome, they have three Masses, or Services, upon this day, and our Church both excites and assists our devotion by an admirable frame of office. The use of the word Mass for festivals, as Christmas, Candlemas,& c. is of Saxon origin.
54

CHRISTMAS DAY.
2. Ps. 97.7.
3. Ps. 104. 4
4. Ps. 45.7.
time( 1), Thou art my Son, this day have I 1. Ps. 2.7. begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first- begotten into the world, he saith( 2), And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith( 3), Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith( 4), Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom: Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, ( 5) Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish, but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
5. An address to the 2d Person of the Trinity. Ps. 102. 25.
The Gospel.( 6) St. John i. 1.
6. Our Lord is represented to us both in
IN N the beginning was the Word, and the his divine and human nature. When the Son, in that nature that offended, gave satisfaction to the Father, Justice and Mercy met together!
Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not( 7). There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe( 8). He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own( 9), and his own 9.The Jewish nation. received him not. But as many as received
55
7. The revelation of the divine will, which the wicked receive not.
8. The light of the law shone only on the Jews. This light, on all mankind.

1. As the word of God.
2. All believing Gentiles.
3. The Divinity of the Word. See Ch. 2. 11. and Is. 40. 5.
4. A prayer that we may be stedfast in Faith and Charity, addressed to the 2d Person of the Trinity, in imitation of this proto- martyr.
Saint Stephen's Day.
him( 1), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name( 2): which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us( and we beheld his glory( 3), the glory as of the only- begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.
Saint Stephen's Day.( D)
The Collect.( 4)
GRANT, O Lord, that, in all our sufferings
here upon earth, for the testimony of thy truth, we may stedfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of thy first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
T Then shall follow the Collect of the Nativity; which shall be said continually unto New- year's Eve.
D. St. Stephen had been an early proselyte to Christianity, a man of singular holiness, and the first person chosen by the Apostles into the new- erected office of Deacons. He was brought before the Sanhedrim, or Jewish council, for preaching that the Jewish economy should be abrogated, and the temple destroyed, and was stoned under the pretended sanction of the law of Moses,( Lev. 24. 16: and Deut. 16. 7) by the two witnesses against him, and by all the people;( see 6th and 7th chap. Acts.)
The Festival of the Proto- martyr is fitly appointed immediately after the Nativity, as St. Stephen was the first of those 56

Saint Stephen's Day.
For the Epistle.( 1) Acts vii. 55.
1. That the soul was distinct from the body, and, when
STEPHEN, being full of the Holy Ghost, committed to the looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw
Lord, eternally
the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the happy, was the faith
of St. Stephen; his earnest prayer for his murderers, proves charity for all men.
right hand of God; and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
The Gospel.( 2) St. Matth. xxiii. 34.
BEHOLD, I send unto you prophets, and
wise men, and scribes; and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous
2. Our Saviour prophecies the destruction of Jerusalem, consequent upon her heinous sins.
blessed Martyrs who have laid down their lives for Him, from whose birth they received spiritual life. The Christian church hath, from the beginning, shown distinguished honours to those who have sealed their testimony with their blood: but, in providing that" the righteous should be had in everlasting remembrance," the memories of many have, in subsequent ages, been sanctified with little attention to their claims to such distinction; and the appeals to the departed,( at first a bold figure of speech,) having become a prayer to the dead for intercession, these unlawful addresses were abolished at the Reformation, and the celebration of festivals limited to those Saints that are mentioned in the New Testament.

1. The last prophet whose murder is mentioned by name in the Old Test. 2 Chr. 24. 20.
2. Yon Temple shall never again be filled with the glory of my
presence.
3. Till your nation be
converted.
See Gosp. 1st. Sun. Advent.
4. A prayer for the universal church,
taken from St.John's Gospel, St. Gregory's Sacr. and the Gothick Liturgy.
Saint John the Evangelist's Day.
Abel unto the blood of Zacharias( 1), son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not? Behold, your house is left unto you desolate( 2). For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.( 3)
Saint John the Evangelist's Day.( E)
The Collect.( 4)
MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church, that it being enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John, may so walk in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
E. St. John the Evangelist was by birth a Galilean, the son of Zebedee and Salome. He and his brother James were named by our Saviour" the Sons of Thunder"( Mark 3. 17.) for their peculiar zeal in his service. St. John was the most beloved of Christ's disciples, and was admitted to the more private passages of his life. After staying at Jerusalem with the blessed Virgin, who was committed to his care by his divine Master, he travelled to preach the Gospel in Asia, and was probably the founder of the seven churches.( Rev. 1. 4.) In the year of Christ, 92, he was carried prisoner to Rome, and there, before Porta Latina, was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil: so it has been asserted, but his life being miraculously preserved, he was banished to the island of Patmos, where he wrote his Revelations. To confute the heresy of Basilides, who denied the
58

Saint John the Evangelist's Day.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 St. John i. 1.
THAT which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life;( for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us( 2);) that which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ( 3). And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another( 4), and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness( 5). If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his Word is not in us.
The Gospel.( 6) St. John xxi. 19.
JESUS saith unto Peter, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord,
1. The Apostle, by appeal to the senses, demonstrates the
humanity of Christ; teaching that all cleanness is from " Him who hath
washed us in his own blood." Rev. 1.
59
2. In the actual person of Christ.
3. Being members of that community, of which the Father and the Son are the heads. Rom. 8. 17.
4. That is, we conjointly receive the blessings of the Father, through the
mediation of the Son.
5. All in this life are subject to offend; but, if we truly repent, we shall be renewed by His grace, and pardoned by His mercy.
6. Christ condemns idle curiosity: and prophecies that St. John should survive
the destruction of Jerusalem, often figuratively expressed by" His coming in judgment.'
divinity of our Saviour, he wrote his three Epistles; and, last of all, his Gospel, to supply the omissions of the other Evangelists. He died in the reign of Trajan.

1. Till I come to destroy the city and nation of the Jews.
2. An Asiatick idiom, expressive of a great number.
3. A prayer for the imitation of Saints; taken chiefly from S. Greg's. Sacr.
See Ps. 8. 2. This passage is interpreted to be" the children crying in the Temple, Hosanna to the son of David." St. Matth. 21. 16.
The Innocents' Day.
which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, if I will that he tarry till I come( 1), what is that to thee? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, That that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.( 2)
The Innocents' Day.( F)
The Collect.( 3)
O Almighty God, who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength( 4), and madest infants to glorify thee by their deaths; Mortify and kill all vices in us, and so strengthen us by thy grace, that by the innocency of our lives, and constancy of our faith even unto death, we may glorify thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
F. The murder of these Infants, whose blood was shed in the cause of a new- born Saviour, slain by Herod's command because of the incarnation of our Lord, tended to the glory of God; inasmuch as it proved the miraculous preservation of Jesus, and verified the prophecy of Hosea," Out of Egypt have I called my Son." These tender plants, early translated to a state of bliss, were the first fruits unto God and the Lamb, unblemished," without fault before the throne of God."
Their murderer lived and died a monument of the divine justice.
60

The Innocents' Day.
1. The glories of Heaven; how pure they are, who shall
be received into those unspeakable joys!
For the Epistle.( 1) Rev. xiv. 1.
of an immense multitude chanting the praises of God.
I Looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's Name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder( 2): 2. Namely, the sound and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders; and no man could learn that song, but the hundred and forty and four thousand which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they which follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth: these were redeemed from among men, being the first- fruits unto God, and to the Lamb( 3). And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.
The Gospel.( 4) St. Matth. ii. 13.
THE Angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in
3. Because of the uncorrupted probity
of their minds.
4. Joseph fleeth into Egypt with Jesus
and his mother: the murder of the ina dream, saying, Arise, and take the fants at Bethlehem.
young child, and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word; for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying( 5), Ont of Egypt have I called 5. Hosea 11. 1.
my Son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth; and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was ful. 61

1. Jer. 31. 15. He speaks figuratively of the captivity of Babylon: prophetically of the murder of the infants. 2. Rama was in the tribe of Benjamin, which sprang from Rachel. She was buried in the fields of Bethlehem, where the infants were slain.
3. We were under the curse of the law
till Christ came. He
became the Son of
Man, that we might be the sons of God.
The same as for Christmas- Day.
The Epistle.( 3) Gal. iv. 1.
NOW I say, that the heir, as long as he is
a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all( 4); but is under tutors and governours, until the time ap4. By right of inheritance, yet in a state pointed of the father. Even so we, when we
were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world( 5): but when the fulness of the time was come( 6), God sent forth his Son, made of a woman( 7), made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father( 8). Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The Gospel.( 9) St. Matth. i. 18.
THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this
wise( 0): When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy
of bondage
5. under the rigid exaction of the law; 6." the time appointed"
7. made manifest in our nature;
8. The language not of servants, but of sons. Ps. 8. 15.
9. The history of Christ's nativity.
The Sunday after Christmas Day.
filled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet( 1), saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.( 2)
0. The Jewish espousals preceded the nuptials a year or six months.
The Sunday after Christmas Day.( G)
The Collect.
G. The primitive Christians observed the octave, or eighth day after the great festivals, repeating every day within that period some part of the service of the feast itself.
62

The Circumcision of Christ.
Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily( 1). But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost: And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS( 2); for he shall save his people from their sins.( Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.)( 3) Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth her first- born son: and he called his name JESUS.
The Circumcision of Christ.( H)
The Collect.( 4)
ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed
Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; thro' the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1. The publick punishment was stoning. Deut. 22. 23.
2. This name, in Hebrew, signifies" The Saviour."
3. Is. 7. 14. The prophecy is fulfilled in its signification; the Saviour, in his human nature is, God with us.
4. A prayer for the mortification of our minds and bodies. Composed 1549.
H. The institution of this feast is very ancient; in the 6th century there was a special service provided, but it being the regular octave of Christmas, it became included in the observance of that festival, until its revival as a distinct service at the Reformation. It was first observed in our English Liturgy, 63

The Circumcision of Christ.
1. St. Paul declares
The Epistle.( 1) Rom. iv. 8.
the ceremonial law superseded by the
" Righteousness of BLESSED is the man to whom the Lord will
the Faith," the Gospel dispensation. 2. To the Jew only, or, to the Gentile also?
not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also( 2)? For we say, that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteHow was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumousness.
3. Gen. 15. 6; 17. 24. cison( 3). And he received the sign of cir4. Of that heavenly country, typified by the earthly Canaan. Heb. 11. 14.
5. Through the grace of the Gospel, without the Mosaical law.
6. Christ is first revealed to the poor, the simple, the despised." Blessed are the poor in spirit," is the first beatitude.
cumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world( 4), was not to Abra. ham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith( 5). For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke ii. 15.
AND
ND it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath
1549. The church commemorates the obedience of Christ in " fulfilling all righteousness," one branch of the meritorious cause of our redemption. By His" sinless obedience" He was an" all- perfect sacrifice" to atone for our sins: He thus abrogated the injunctions of the Mosaic establishment, and put us under the terms of the Gospel.
64

The Epiphany.
made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child( 1.) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shep- shall be to all peoherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when
1." Good tidings of great joy, which
v. 10.
2. He was" made
eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child( 2), his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel under the law; to rebefore he was conceived in the womb.
deem them that were under the law." Gal. 4. 5.
The same Collect, Epistle, and Gospel shall serve for every day after unto the Epiphang.
The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.( 1)
The Collect.( 3)
O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only- begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant, that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. A prayer for admittance to the enjoyment of God in heaven; taken from
S. Greg. Sacr.
1. The ancient church called this feast, and that of Christmas- Day, Epiphaneia, the appearance, or Manifestation: that being the greater when Christ was manifested in the flesh; this the lesser, when by the star he was declared to the Gentiles. It is spoken of in the plural in the Latin church, because, on this day, the anniversaries of three manifestations are celebrated: that by the star to the Gentiles, in the Gospel; that of the glorious Trinity, at the baptism of Christ, in the 2d Lesson M. P.; and that of the first evidence of his Divine
K

The Epiphany.
The Epistle.( 1) Ephes. iii. 1. ha
1. The adorable mystery of the calling of
by
the Gentiles declared FOR this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles; if he have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you- ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the
Gentiles.
2. The calling of the mystery( 2)( as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the
3. Acts 10. 45; 11. 15. Spirit( 3); That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ, by the Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God( 4) given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given( 5), that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery( 6), which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent, that now unto the principali7. The Holy Angels. ties and powers in heavenly places( 7) might
Ps. 103. 20.
be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access( 8) with confidence by the faith of him.
4. Namely, the Apostolate.
5.1 Cor. 15.9.
6. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs with the Jews,
without obedience to the Mosaick Law.
8. To God the Father.
power at the marriage feast, in the 2d Lesson E. P. On this last account the title of the Theophany has been given. This feast has likewise been called" the day of the Holy Lights," it being anciently the custom to adorn the churches with tapers, to commemorate the baptism of Christ, who from that time became a light to those that sat in darkness. In this festival we celebrate the universal Parent, calling unto all mankind to offer unto the" Father in heaven" the oblations of religion and we present unto Him our souls and bodies, rich and fragrant offerings, acceptable unto God.
66

The Epiphany.
The Gospel.( 1) St. Matth. ii. 1.
WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of
Judæa, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there 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,( 2) and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes( 3) of the people together, he demanded of them, where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governour that shall rule my people Israel( 4). Then Herod, when he had 4. Micah. 5. 2. privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go, and search diligently for the young child, and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also( 5). When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star which they saw in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh( 6). 6. The productions And being warned of God in a dream that of Arabia and Sabea. they should not return to Herod, they de- Ps. 72. 10. parted into their own country another way.
67
1.The worship of the Magi, or Wise Men.
2." There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre
rael." Numb. 24. 17. shall rise out of is3. Those who wrote out the Scriptures; the Doctors of the Law.
5. The knowledge of our Lord's will, revealed to chosen witnesses, was
hidden from the
great and mighty of His own nation.

1. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr. and the Ambrosian Liturgy.
2. St. Paul exhorts
( 3) The Epistle.( 2) Rom. xii. 1.
us to make a spiritual use of the mys- I Beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
of
the Wise Men.
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world( 3); but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith( 4). For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
3. The corrupt principles of this world.
4. Let every one attend to that calling wherein he is placed.
5. The law required
the males from every
The first Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect( 1).
O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people which call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Gospel.( 5) St. Luke ii. 41.
part of the country NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every
to attend three
year at the of the passover. when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a
solemn festivals. ( Deut. 16. 16.)
J. The offices of the Sundays which follow continue to set forth Christ manifest in the flesh; His glory and divinity. 68

The second Sunday after the Epiphany.
day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance( 1). And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions( 2). And all that heard him were 2. Jesus manifests
astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about
y Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favour with God and man.
1. They travelled in large companies, as a security against robbers.
The Epistle( 4). Rom. xii. 6.
HAVING then gifts differing according to
the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with sim69
himself to the Jewish Doctors in his divinity, miraculously discoursing with them; in his humanity, by being subject to his earthly
parents.
The second Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.( 3)
3. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr. and the
AL LMIGHTY and everlasting God who Ambrosian Liturgy. dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. St. Paul exhorts all to be content with
their own calling,
to
talents with affectionate sympathy to the benefit of others.

The second Sunday after the Epiphany.
plicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.( 1) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another: not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;( 2) continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one towards another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
The Gospel.( 3) St. John ii. 1.
at a marriage feast:
the first miracle after AND the third day there was a marriage in
his baptism.
Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman( 4), what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews( 5), containing two or three firkins a- piece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water- pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governour of the feast( 6). And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was,( but the servants which drew the water knew,) the governour of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept 70
1. See 1 Cor. 12.
2. As you believe in immortality, submit
to affliction.
3. Jesus manifests
his divine presence
4. In ancient languages, the expression is used to females of all ranks, and conveys no disrespect.
5. They were for the guests to wash their hands before meals; it is still a Jewish practice.
6. It was usual for the Governor of the feast to bless the contents of the cup, ere he drank of it, and passed it to the guests.

The third Sunday after the Epiphany.
the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory( 1), and his disci- 1. His visible ples believed on him.
presence.
The third Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.( 2)
2. Taken from St. Greg. Sacr. and the
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, merci. Ambrosian Liturgy.
fully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 3)
Rom. xii. 16.
BE not wise in your own conceits. RecomProvide
pense to no man evil for evil. things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath( 4); for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.( 5) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Matt. viii. 1.
he
tain, great multitudes followed him. And behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man, but go thy way, shew 71
3. Revenge forbidden.
4. So David spared Saul. 1 Sam. 24.7.
5. A metaphor, from the softening of ore under hot coals.
6. Christ manifests his divinity, in the sublime language of
healing a disease, to humanity incurable.

1. In proof that thou art cleansed. Levit. 14. 2. 4.
2. A striking example of humility.
3. He was a Roman,
and a proselyte of
the gate. Luke 7.5.
4.This sentence upon the Jews, alludes to
their exclusion from
that
feast," where" light and joy" are the portion of the faithful.
The fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.
thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them( 1). And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed( 2). For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say unto this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel( 3). And I say unto you, That many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness( 4): there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self- same hour.
The fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.( 5)
1662.
tations. Improved O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
72
5. A Prayer for deliverance from, and

The fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Epistle.( 1) Rom. xiii. 1.
1. Subjection to the civil government enjoined; to the Jew,
LET every soul be subject unto the higher and to the Gentile;
Whosoever
powers; for no power but of of men. God: the powers that be are ordained of God. therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation( 2). For rulers are not a terror 2 Judgment' in the to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou original. then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same for he is the minister of God to thee for good( 3). But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake( 4). For, for this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.
The Gospel.( 5) St. Matt. viii. 23.
A
ND when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us, we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea( 6), and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes( 7), there met him two possessed with
L
3. The design of government is, to repress Vice, and support Virtue.
4. On the principle of the duty of obedience to the Ministers of God."
5. The storms of the world, and the wiles of the devil, restrained; intimating the Divinity of Christ.
6. To still the raging of the seas, is the Omnipotence. peculiar property of See Ps. 65.7; 107.29.
7. The ancient Gergesa, the Jerrash.

1. Evil spirits were then permitted more
influence over mankind; and the power of Christ over sin and satan, was thus manifested.
2.The miracle proved a punishment to the Jews, for contemning the law against unclean food.
3. A Prayer for the universal Church; taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
4. St. Paul exhorts to humility and charity.
The fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way( 1). And behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine, feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters( 2.) And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
The fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.( 3)
Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy Church
0 and household continually in thy true
religion, that they who do lean only upon the hope of thy heavenly grace may evermore be defended by thy mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 4) Col. iii. 12.
PUT
on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 74

The sixth Sunday after the Epiphany.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ( 1) dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
The Gospel.( 2) St. Matth. xiii. 24.
THE kingdom of heaven is likened unto a
man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came, and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares( 3)? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest( 4); and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
The sixth Sunday after the Epiphany.
The Collect.( 5)
O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; Grant us, we beseech thee,
75
1. The doctrine of the Gospel.
2. Through the subtilty of the devil, a
doctrine of truth and purity is obstructed by the
of false principles.
3. Rather," the darnel," a plant which resembles wheat, more than tares.
4. Punishment is reserved for the end of will command his the world, when God angels to sever the evil from the good.
5. A Prayer for admittance to the enjoyment of God in
heaven. Composed 1662. Before this, the Collect for the 5th Sun.
was repeated.

1. To overcome the power of the devil, and to make us the Sons of God, are the ends of Christ's manifestation in the flesh.
2. Which the present condition of human nature will not admit of.
3. Committeth no habitual sin.
4. A right faith is inconsistent with an unholy life.
5. And" bruise the serpent's head."
6. The Apostle declares with the Prophet" It is the Priest's lips that keep knowledge, and the people are to seek the law at his mouth." Mal. 2. 7.
The sixth Sunday after the Epiphany.
that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 St. John iii. 1.
BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father
hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is( 2). And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not( 3): whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous( 4). He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.( 5)
The Gospel.( 6) St. Matt. xxiv. 23.
THEN if any man shall say unto you, Lo,
here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that( if it were possible) they shall deceive the very elect. Be76

Septuagesima Sunday.
Immediately after the 2. Eagles were borne
hold, I have told you before. Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert( 1); go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the East, and shineth even unto the West; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together( 2). tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory( 3). And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the destruction of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
on the Roman standard and that nation was called to execute
divine vengeance on the body of the Jewish people.
ment; figurative of
Jerusalem. See Gos. 2d. Sun. Advent.
The Sunday called Septuagesima, or the third Sunday before Lent.( K)
The Collect.( 4)
O Lord, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world with out end. Amen.
1. Many of the im postors afterwards preached in the desert.
3. The signs of an approaching judg4. A Prayer for deliverance from judgments: taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
K. The first Sunday in Lent, being about forty days inclusive before Easter, was called Quadragesima, and the three Sundays preceding it obtained the distinctive names of Quinquagesima, Sexagesima, and Septuagesima, from the use of the successive round numbers. The observation of these three weeks is as 77

1. St. Paul refers to the Isthmian Games, held at Corinth, with strict preparatory discipline.
2.The Olympian garland was of wild olive and parsley. 3. That" crown of
glory that fadeth not away." 1 Ep. 5. 4.
4. In the similitude of the vineyard, our Lord gives the history of God's just dealings with mankind.
The Gospel.( 4) St. Math. xx. 1.
THE kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with
5. A Roman penny is the labourers for a penny a day( 5), he sent
about seven pence halfpenny.
them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market- place, and said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour( 6), and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive( 7). So when
6. The Jews began their day at sun- rise, and reckoned twelve hours in their day.
Septuagesima Sunday.
7. I will accept and reward all that work faithfully.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 Cor. ix. 24.
KA NOW ye not, that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown( 2), but we an incorruptible( 3). I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast- away.
ancient as the time of Pope Gregory. They are fasts preparatory to that of Lent, recalling us from the rejoicing on Christ's coming into the world, to reflect upon the cause of his so doing, namely, our sins and miseries.

Sexagesima Sunday.
even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers( 1), and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour( 2), and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong; didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way; I will give unto this last even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil,( 3) because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
The Sunday called Sexagesima, or the second Sunday before Lent.
The Collect.( 4)
O
Lord God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1. These were hired respectively at 12, at 3, and at 5 of our
2" Have continued one hour only."
3. In reference to that malignant aspect attendant on a
selfish and envious temper.
4. A prayer for deliverance from judgments. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
The Epistle.( 5) 2 Cor. xi. 19.
5. St. Paul declares that his sufferings and labours in the
YE suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves cause of Christ far
monial law.
are wise. ye a man of you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a teachers of the cereman take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as con79

1. Reminding you how reproachfully you have been used by false teachers.
2. The greatest severity the Jewish law permitted. See Deut. 25. 3. 3. The Roman punishment.
4. My sufferings for the Gospel.
5 A doxology annexed by the Jews to the naming of God.
6. The preaching of the Gospel illustrated by an instructive story: a usual mode of teaching in the East.
Sexagesima Sunday.
cerning reproach( 1), as though we had been weak: howbeit, whereinsoever any is bold, ( I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they the ministers of Christ?( I speak as a fool,) I am more: in labours more abundant; in stripes above measure; in prisons more frequent; in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes( 2) save one; thrice was I beaten with rods( 3); once was I stoned; thrice I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeying often; in perils of waters; in perils of robbers; in perils by mine own countrymen; in perils by the heathen; in perils in the city; in perils in the wilderness; in perils in the sea; in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness; in watchings often; in hunger and thirst; in fastings often; in cold and nakedness; besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.( 4) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore( 5), knoweth that I lie not.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke viii. 4.
WHEN much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the way- side, and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock, and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good 80

Quinquagesima Sunday.
ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundred- fold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear( 1). And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God( 2): but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God. Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts( 3), lest they should believe, and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among the thorns, are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground, are they, which in an honest and good heart having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.( 4)
The Sunday called Quinquagesima( L), or the next Sunday before Lent.
1. That is, attend, for it is matter of unspeakable import. 2.The hidden manner of God's dispensing His grace.
3 By suggesting idle fancies, and dissipating serious thoughts.
M
4. A firm and steady piety is not to be shaken by sufferings for the truth.
The Collect.( 5)
OLORD, who hast taught us, that all Composed 1549. our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which, whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee( 6): Grant this for thine only 6. See Jam. 2. 26. Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
5. A prayer for love and charity.
L. This Sunday has sometimes been called Shrove Sunday,

1. St. Paul's sublime eulogy of charity, that most excellent of all virtues.
2. See Ps. 131.
3. In false religion, as opposed to the Gospel:
2 John 3. 4.
4. Prophecy, therefore, is plainly temporary.
Quinquagesima Sunday.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 Cor. xiii. 1.
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men
and of angels, and have not charity, am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have no charity, I am nothing: And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself( 2), is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity( 3), but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, chey shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away( 4). When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also
the following Tuesday being Shrove Tuesday, from the Saxon word," to shrive,"" to confess." It was the ancient custom of the Roman church, on this day, to confess their sins, and to receive the blessed Sacrament, as a qualification for the more religious observance of Lent; but this has degenerated into taking leave of sports and merriments, by indulgence in them.
82

Quinquagesima Sunday.
I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity( 1).
The Gospel.( 2) St. Luke xviii. 31.
THEN Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And, they shall scourge him, and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things( 3): and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man( 4) sat by the way- side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David( 5), have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
83
1. For Faith endeth in vision, Hope in enjoyment but Charity endureth in Eternity!
2. Christ foretells distinctly his sufferings and death; the
literal fulfilment of the prophecies concerning the Messiah.
3. For their traditions taught that the Messiah should not
die. John 12.36.
4. Bartimeus. Mark 10. 46.
5. An expression that conveyed the acknowledgement that
He was the Messiah.

1. A Prayer for contrition. Composed 1549.
2. The prophet exhorts to repentance, and prescribes a public fast, with outward solemnity.
The first Day of Lent.
The first Day of Lent( M), commonly called Ash- Wednesday.
The Collect.( 1)
A4
LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
T This Collect is to be read every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the Day.
For the Epistle.( 2) Joel ii. 12. TURN ye even to me, saith the Lord, with
all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return, and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meatoffering and a drink- offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the
M. In imitation of Moses and Elias, and of our Saviour's fast in the wilderness, the primitive Christians appointed forty days of expiation and self- denial, preparatory to the feast of Easter, when the church directs the Holy Communion to be received by all Christians. We may trace this observance, traditionally, through Irenæus and Polycarp, to the time of the Apostles. The Israelites were expressly commanded by God to eat bitter herbs at the Passover.( Exodus 12. 8.) The church begins her Lent this day, to fill up the forty days, the omission of the Sundays, leaving but thirty- six fasting days. It was, anciently, a day of extraordinary humiliation, called" the head of Lent,"
84

The first Day of Lent.
people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet; let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar( 2), and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them( 3), Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
The Gospel.( 4) St. Matth. vi. 16. WHEN ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head( 5), and wash thy face, that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal( 6): But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
2. The altar of burne offerings stood before the porch of the temple. 2 Ch. 8. 12. The people occupied the mid- space in the
open court. 3. Forms of prayer were usually prescribed. Hosea 14. 2.
4. Our Lord enjoins private fasts to be
observed with inward sorrow and
humiliation.
5. Oil is used in the East, as much as
water.
6. It is an Hebraical mode of speech, to express, by a negative, a comparative value. Lu. 12. 4.
Ho. 6. 6.
and ashes were sprinkled upon the head as a memorial of mortality, hence the name Dies cinerum and Ash- Wednesday. The people also clothed themselves in sackcloth,( Is. 58. 5.) and notorious sinners were put to open penance.
This fast receives its name from a Saxon word" Lent," signifying" Spring." The season is indeed peculiarly apposite: universal Nature, about to array herself in purity and glory, accordeth with the church to the call of the Apostle, " Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Eph. 5. 14.
85

1. A Prayer for Chastity. Composed 1549. Addressed to the Son, acknowledging His divinity.
2. St. Paul approves himself a faithful minister, by the patient endurance of affliction.
3. Addressed by the Father to the Son; see Is. 49. 7.8.
4. Giving no just pre judice against either
our persons, or our functions.
5. Of the mysteries of God.
6. The Gospel.
7. Spiritual protection.
8. In contentedness of mind.
9. Christ's fasting and temptation.
0. Near Jordan, where he was baptised.
The first Sunday in Lent.
The first Sunday in Lent. The Collect.( 1)
O LORD, who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle.( 2) 2 Cor. vi. 1.
then, as workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain;( for he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee( 3): behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation;) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed( 4); but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge( 5), by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth( 6), by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness( 7) on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things( 8).
The Gospel.( 9) St. Matth. iv. 1.
THEN was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness( 0), to be tempted of the 86
WE VE

The second Sunday in Lent.
1. As Moses and
devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights( 1), he was afterward anhungred. And when the tempter came to Elias under the law him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But
had done.
he answered and said, It is written( 2), Man 2. Deut. 8. 3.
3. The Jews thus call Jerusalem.
4. Part of the roof of
one of the courts.
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city( 3), and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple( 4), and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written( 5), He shall give his angels charge 5. Ps. 91. 11. concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God( 6). Again the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written( 7), Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
6. Deut. 6. 16. Christ exposes an incorrect quotation from the Scripture, condemning, in the words of God, a distrust of his power.
Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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7. Deut. 6. 13. The word of God, truly applied, is a sure defence against the assaults of the devil.
The second Sunday in Lent.
The Collect.( 8)
8. A prayer for deliverance from, and support under, tempALMIGHTY God, who seest that we have tations. Taken from
to

1. St. Paul exhorts to purity and holiness.
2. Christians who behave themselves unsuitably, draw down vengeance on their own heads.
3. Sins of uncleanness, forfeit the privilege, and defeat the ends of our
christian profession.
4.Fervency in prayer, shall receive its reward.
5.A Syro- phoenician, ( Mark 7. 24.) and an idolatress: the first instance of his being invoked by a Gentile.
6. Our Saviour uses a proverbial expression of the Jews, who, calling themselves" children of God," likened other nations to" dogs."
The second Sunday in Lent.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 Thess. iv. 1.
WE VE beseech you, brethren, and exhort
you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk, and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus( 2). For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication; that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles, which know not God; that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter; because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you, and testified( 3). For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.
The Gospel.( 4) St. Matth. xv. 21. JESUS went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan( 5) came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David: my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said( 6), It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. Then Jesus an88

The third Sunday in Lent.
swered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith! be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
The third Sunday in Lent,
The Collect.( 1)
1. A Prayer for deli. verance from eneWE beseech thee, Almighty God, look mies. Taken from
S. Greg. Sacr.
upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 2) Ephes. v. 1.
BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet- smelling savour( 3). But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named amongst you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them; for ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light;( for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth,) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of dark. ness, but rather reprove them: for it is a
N
2. St. Paul admonishes to shun the
vices practised by
the
Gentile.
3. A Hebrew phrase, denoting acceptableness, applied to the sin- offering, as well as to the burnt- offering.( Lev. 4. 31; Gen. 8. 21.)

1. Discovered to deserve reproof.
2. An Evangelical paraphrase on the passage in Isaiah. chap. 26. 19; 60. 1.
3. Christ rebuketh
the blasphemous
The Gospel.( 3) St. Luke xi. 14.
clares the miserable JESUS was casting out a devil, and it was
state of the unbelieving Jews.
dumb. And it came to pass when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub, the chief of the devils. And others tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself, is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house, falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say, that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the( 4) finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace; but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me, is against me: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in, and dwell there; and the last state 90
The third Sunday in Lent.
shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved( 1) are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest, is light. Wherefore he saith( 2), Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
4. The power: the spirit of God.

The fourth Sunday in Lent.
of that man is worse than the first.( 5) And it came to pass as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lift up her voice, and said unto him, blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
The fourth Sunday in Lent.( N)
The Collect.( 1)
1. A Prayer for deliverance from judgements. Taken from
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, S. Greg. Sacr.
that we, who for our
worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Epistle.( 2) Gal. iv. 21.
TELL me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond- maid, the other by a free- woman. But he who was of the bond- woman, was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman, was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai( 3), which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free; which is the mother of us all( 4). For it is written; Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry,
5. See Heb. 6. 4. and 10. 26.
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2. St. Paul illustrates the difference between the legal and the evangelical covenant.
3. Agar represents the law which was given on Mt. Sinai, in the desert of Arabia, the earthly Jerusalem.
4. Sarah, the mother of Isaac, by virtue of the promise to Abraham, denotes the spiritual Jerusalem, the christian church.
N. This is generally called Midlent Sunday, and sometimes, the Sunday of refection, or refreshment, probably in allusion to the Gospel of the day.

1. The Jews interpret these words, from Isaiah 54. 1. of the times of Messiah.
2. We are not subject to the law typified by Agar; but we are children of the promise, typified by Sarah.
5. The spot to this day is designated the multiplication of bread.
The Gospel.( 3) St. John vi. 1.
3. The miraculous feeding of the five thousand.
sereth.
4. The Lake of Gene- JESUS went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias( 4). And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples( 5). And the Passover, a feast of the Jews was nigh. When Jesus then lift up his eyes, and. saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him; for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred penny- worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley- loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said( 6), Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and, when he had given thanks he distributed to the disciples( 7), and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disour Lord, it becomes ciples, Gather up the fragments that remain,
7. This example of
to
imitate.
92
The fourth Sunday in Lent.
thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband( 1). Now we brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit; even so it is now. Nevertheless, what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bond- woman and her son; for the son of the bond- woman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman( 2). So then, brethren, we are not children of the bond- woman, but of the free.
6. In this miracle we can spiritually discern that celestial manna, that bread of life which our Lerd was about to distribute to those that hungered and thirsted after righteousness.

The fifth Sunday in Lent.
that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley- loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world( 1).
The fifth Sunday in Lent.( o)
The Collect.( 2)
WE
TE beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1. The true Messiah, the Son of God.
2. A Prayer for deliverance from, and support under, afflictions. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
3. The rites and sacrifices of the law are
more
the types of a far greater, and perfect sacrifice. 4. Constructed by Almighty power, not the Mosaic building.
The Epistle.( 3) Hebr. ix. 11.
CHRIST being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle( 4), not made with hands; that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves; but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us( 5). For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new testament( 6), that by 6. The same word means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
as covenant in the original.
5. The blood of Christ corresponds to the Levitical sacrifice for sin: but
it extends its cleansing influence to the
soul.
o. This Sunday is called' Care Sunday,' or' Passion Sunday,' because now begins the Passion of our Lord.
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1. Christ exposeth the malice of the Jews, giving the example of mild forbearance under the grossest insults.
The Gospel.( 1)
St. John viii. 46.
JESUS said, Which of you convinceth me
of sin? and if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words; ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well, that thou art a Samaritan( 2), and hast Jew, this imputation a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil;
2. In the ideas of a
was most reproachful, implying idolater, schismatick.
but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory; there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death( 3). Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil: Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our Father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing; it is my Father that honoureth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am( 4). Then took they up stones( 5) to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
3." Death eternal." The Jews pervert his words, as if he spake of temporal death.
The fifth Sunday in Lent.
4. The same of whom Moses said" I am, hath sent me." Exod. 3. 14.
5. The Jewish punishment for blasphemy.
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The Sunday next before Easter.
The Sunday next before Easter.( P)
The Collect.( 1)
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, has sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Epistle.( 2) Phil. ii. 5.
LET this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God( 3), thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, ( 4) and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him( 5), and given him a Name which is above every name; that at the Name of Jesus every knee
1. A Prayer for humility and patience. Taken from S. Greg. brose's Liturgy, this Collect is for Good Friday.
2. The Apostle exhorts to humbleness
of mind.
3. The divinity of Christ declared.
4. His voluntary humiliation to mortality.
5. His exaltation, whereby human nature is carried purified into the presence of God; Him shall mankind adore.
P. In the Missals, this Sunday is called Palm Sunday, a name it still retains in this country. It was the day on which Christ came from Bethany to Jerusalem, and was received with great joy, some spreading their garments, others strawing branches of palm trees. Matt. 21. Till the era of the Reformation, in commemoration of this day, the people, in solemn procession, carried in their hands branches of palms; these were placed on the altar, and numerous benedictory Collects pronounced over them by the Priest; at Rome, the Box was substituted for the Palm, and, in England, the Yew. To this latter circumstance is attributed the yew- tree, generally to be seen in our ancient church yards.
95

1. The Passion and Death of Christ.
2. Appointed Procurator of Judea, by the Roman Emperor,
Tiberius.
3. A striking testimony to our Lord's innocence and integrity.
4. See account of his death, Acts 1. 18. 5. By the Jewish law, offerings could not be received from executioners.
6. Now called the " Holy Field," beyond the valley of Hinnom. 7. Zechariah 11. 12. It is supposed that by an early accidental mistake Jeremiah is here named.
8. The relation continues; all respecting Judas, comes in as a parenthesis.
The Sunday next before Easter.
should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.
The Gospel.( 1) St. Matth. xxvii. 1.
WHEN the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor( 2). Then Judas who had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned, in that I have betrayed the innocent blood( 3). And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself( 4). And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury( 5), because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's
field( 6) to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, the field of blood, unto this day.( Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet( 7), saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value, and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.)( 8) And Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then saith Pilate unto him, hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word, insomuch that the 96

The Sunday next before Easter.
governor marvelled greatly. Now at that. feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would( 1). And they had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus, which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him( 2). When he was set down on the judgment- seat, his wife sent unto him, say. ing, Have thou nothing to do with that just man( 3): for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified( 4). And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water( 5), and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children( 6). Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified( 7). Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him( 8), saying, Hail, King of the Jews. And 8. Ps. 69. 29. they spit upon him, and took the reed, and
0
1. A Roman custom an act of grace, to court popularity.
2. Who is able to stand before envy? Pro. 27. 4.
3. See Zec. 9.9; and Is. 45. 21-25.
4. Crucifixion was a Roman punishment, inflicted as the last mark of disgrace on robbers and murderers.
5. A custom of the Jews, declarative of
innocency.
Ps. 26. 6.
6. A fatal imprecation, most dreadfully
fulfilled.
7. The Romans always scourged those destined for Crucifixion.

The Sunday next before Easter.
smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; him they compelled to bear cross,( John 19. 17.) his cross( 1). And when they were come
1. Our Lord for some time bore his own
as was the custom.
unto a place called Golgotha( 2) that is to say, a place of a scull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet( 3), They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down, they watched him there; and set up over his head his accusation( 4) written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him; one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads( 5), and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days( 6), save thyself: if thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others, himself he cannot save: if he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour( 7) there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me( 8)? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took 98
2. Golgotha, in Hebrew; Calvary, in Latin; the form of the hill, resembling a human scull.
3. David, Ps. 22. 18.
4. It was a Roman practice to affix to the instrument of punishment the title of the crimes for
which the malefactor
suffered.
5. Ps. 22.7.
6. John 2. 19.
7. From mid- day. The Passover being at the full moon, there could be no eclipse. An extraordinary light had announced the birth of Christ; a miraculous darkness notified his death.
8. Ps. 22. 1. Our Lord thus applies the whole passage to himself.

Monday before Easter.
a spunge, and filled it with vinegar( 1), and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And behold, the vail of the temple( 2) 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 many bodies of saints which slept, arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly, this was the Son of God.
Monday before Easter.( 9)
For the Epistle.( 3) Isaiah lxiii. 1.
1. Ps. 69. 22. A beverage of the people in the East, and usually given to malefactors to allay their sufferings.
2. A curtain which separated the Holy place of the temple from the Holy of Holies: the rending of it, signified the abolition of the Mosaick ritual, and the removal of the partition between Jew and Gentile.
3. A prophecy of the second coming of Christ, and of the reWHO is this that cometh from Edom, with jection of the Jews. dyed garments from Bozrah? this that
2. This week was anciently called the" Great Week," the " Holy Week," the" Week of Fasts;" every day being devoted to religious observance, and the extremity of fasting; the refreshment being only bread, salt, and water. The church in the appointment of this sublime chapter of Isaiah for this day, considers this emblematick vision, described from v. 1 to 7, as applying to the death and passion of our Lord. With splendid Eastern imagery, the Prophet introduces himself as wondering at the appearance of an object of awful magnificence: it is Christ that is, under this figure, described returning to his capital, from the land of the enemy, after his passion: Idumea,( Edom) standing for the kingdom of darkness and death; Bozrah, the strong city of Edom, for the seat of the Prince of darkness. The latter part of the chapter contains prophetically a penitential confession and supplication of the Israelites in their present state of dispersion.
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1. In reply to the prophet, the Conqueror declares His Almighty power,
2. and then describes His triumph over the enemies of God; and of our souls.
8. No human succour, 49. 16.
4. Rather, I have trod,"" I have made,"& c.
5. See Deut. 7. 6; and 14. 2.
6. The second person of the by
the pillar of a cloud,
rescued the children of Israel. Exod. 13. 21; and 23. 20.
7 The destruction of a spiritual Pharaoh opened the passage into the true and beavenly Canaan.
Monday before Easter.
is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?( 1) I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?( 2) I have trodden the wine- press alone, and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury, and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help( 3); and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me, and my fury it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth( 4). I will mention the loving- kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness towards the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them, according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving- kindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie( 5): so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them( 6): in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit; therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he that put his Holy Spirit within him? that led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make him- self an everlasting Name( 7) that led them 100

Monday before Easter.
1. With the freedom of a courser, and the
through the deep as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? as a beast goeth down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people( 1), to make thyself a glorious Name. Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness, safety of cattle going and of thy glory: where is thy zeal, and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels, and of thy mercies towards me( 2)? Are they restrained? Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer, thy Name is from everlasting. O Lord, why hast thou made us
2. The multitude of thy mercies.
err."
to err from thy ways( 3)? and hardened our 3." Suffered us to hearts from thy fear? Return for thy ser. vants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while( 4): our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary( 5). We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; trodden down of the they were not called by thy Name.
5. Literally fulfilled. " Jerusalem shall be
Gentiles." Lu. 21.24.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Mark xiv. 1.
AFT
FTER two days was the feast of the passover( 7), and of unleavened bread; and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, not on the feast- day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany( 8), in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of Spikenard( 9), very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had
indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? for it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor and they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why
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4. In comparison of God's promise to the Jews of Canaan for
ever.
6. Christ instituteth his Supper, and is betrayed: he is denied by Peter.
7. The Feast began the 1st month; the on the 14th day of
seven days of unleavened bread followed, so that the festival lasted 8 days.
8. On the mount of
Olives, 15 furlongs from Jerusalem.
9. An aromatic plant East; the custom of that grows in the anointing the head was usual.

Monday before Easter.
trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me( 1): for ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them good; but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could; she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.( 2) And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. And the first day of unleavened bread,
3. On the Thursday.( 3) when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare, that thou mayest eat the passover? And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water; follow him: and wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the good- man of the house( 4), The Master saith, where is the guest- chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will shew you a large upper- room furnished and prepared( 5): there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth, and came into the city and found as he had said unto them and they made ready the passover. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat, and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, one of you, which eateth with me, shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, it is one of the twelve that dippeth with me in the dish( 6). The Son of Man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of 102
1. By shewing this respect unto me, in anticipation of my burial.
2. We ourselves are witnesses of the completion of this prediction.
4. Matt. 23. 8-10.
5. Having couches, spread with carpets, for the reception of guests.
6. It is an eastern practice to partake of liquid food at meals, by dipping bread into it.

Monday before Easter.
And he
Man is betrayed: good were it for that man if he had never been born. And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body( 1). And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them and they all drank of it. said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had sung an hymn( 2), they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended( 3) be- 3.Afraid to know me. cause of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered( 4). But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice( 5), thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane( 6): and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter, and James, and John( 7) and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy, and saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death; tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed, that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba( 8), Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from 8. The Chaldee for me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temp" Father." This prayer, uttered in anguish of soul, is a model of calm devotion, of deep and sober piety.
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1 The sign of" my body," as the lamb
is called the Passover.
2. After the Paschal feast, the Jews sung Psalms, from the
112th to the 119th.
4. Zechariah 13. 7. The Jews acknowledge this prophecy
to relate to the
Messiah.
5. The Jews reckon the first cock crowing at midnight; the second at day- break.
6." The place of oil on the presses, mount of Olives.
35
7. These disciples had witnessed the glory of His divinity at His transfiguration, they now behold Him in His humanity, suffering
the utmost pressure of affliction.

1. At once an example of suffering, and of patient submission.
2. John 7.30; 8. 20.
8. Ps. 2. 2.
4. To salute in token of regard, was a Jewish custom.
5. 2 Sam. 20. 9.
6. For, all that they recorded, was a " shadow of things to come."
7. The dress of the poor.
8. No testimony that could affect His life.
Monday before Easter.
tation: the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words( 1). And when he returned he found them asleep again, ( for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come( 2); behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders( 3). And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss( 4), that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him( 5). And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out as against a thief, with swords and with staves, to take me? I was daily with you in the temple, teaching, and ye took me not; but the Scriptures must be fulfilled( 6). And they all forsook him and fled. And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth( 7), and fled from them naked. And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests, and the elders, and the scribes. And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest; and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And the chief priests, and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death, and found none( 8). For many
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Monday before Easter.
bare false witness against him, but their wit ness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say( 1), I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the 2. The Jews, when
they named God, added" Blessed for ever;" hence the title here used.
Blessed( 2)? And Jesus said, I am; and ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven( 3). Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, what need we any further witnesses? ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death( 4). And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him( 5), and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. And as Peter was beneath in the palace( 6), there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: and when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest( 7). And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto( 8). he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto
1. John 2. 19. To speak disrespectfully of the temple, was blasphemy; a capital offence.
3. Considered the
certain indication of the Messiah. Dan. 7. 13; Rev. 1.7. 4. By the law of Moses, the punishment
was death.
5. Thus were the Scriptures fulfilled, ( Epistle forTuesday.) 6." The Court- yard," or" Common Hall."
7. A sad example of the frailty of human
nature.
But 8. All the Apostles were of Galilee.

1. The fall of the Apostle was great, but his repentance sincere and effectual.
2. The Prophet, in the person of Christ, foretells those sufferings which the Gospel details.
3. Considered in the East, the greatest indignity that can be offered. See 2 Sam. 10. 4; and Job. 30. 10. 4. See Ezek. 3. 8. 9.
5. Rather, Let him obey" the voice of his servant,"& c. namely, the Christ.
6. An image expressive of human devices, whose end is vexation.
7. Jesus accused, condemned, and crucified.
Tuesday before Easter.
him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice( 1). And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Tuesday before Easter.
For the Epistle.( 2) Isaiah 1. 5.
THE Lord God hath opened mine ear, and
I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair( 3): Ihid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed( 4). He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together; who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. Behold the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? Lo, they all shall wax old as a garment: the moth shall eat them up. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant( 5), that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled( 6). This shall ye have of mine hand, ye shall lie down in sorrow.tmat
The Gospel.( 7) St. Mark xv. 1. godt
sao de non
AND straightway in the morning the chief
priests held a consultation with the elders, and scribes, and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and) delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked 106

Tuesday before Easter.
him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it( 1). And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing( 2): so that Pilate marvelled. Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection( 3). And the multi- 3. See Acts 3. 14. tude crying aloud, began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?( for he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.) But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered, and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews( 4)? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Prætorium( 5); and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head: and began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews. And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him( 6), and bowing their knees, worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel 107
1." I am what thou sayest."
2. Knowing that it could avail nothing Is. 53. 7.
4. Whom many of you have acknowledged as the
Messiah?
5. Where the Roman
Prætor held his court.
6. The Epistle for the day.

1. Who afterwards! became Christians.
2. Given to criminals, to render them less sensible to suffering.
3. Isaiah 53. 12.
4. Chap. 14. 58; ( Gospel for Monday)
5. Thus confirming the prophecy. Ps. 22. 7. 8.
6. The Syro- Chaldaick dialect, St. Matthew gives the words from the Hebrew. Ps. 22. 1.
7" The rest said;" St. Matt. 27. 49.
Tuesday before Easter.
one Cymon a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus( 1), to bear his cross. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a scull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh( 2); but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves, the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith( 3), And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days( 4), save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves, with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save( 5). Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani( 6)? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying( 7), Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the vail of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
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Wednesday before Easter.
And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.( 1)
1. Supremely great in his death, as in his life!
Wednesday before Easter.
The Epistle.( 2) Hebrews ix. 16.
2. The insufficient sacrifices of the law,
sacrifice
of Christ.
WHERE a testament is, there must also of contrasted with the necessity be the death of the testator: for a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth. Whereupon, neither the first testament was dedicated without blood: for when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people( 3), according to the 3. Exod. 24. 3. 8. law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, This is the blood of the testament, which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry( 4). And almost all things are by the law 4. See Levit. 16. 14. purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these( 5). For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others( 6): for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world( 7) hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto 109
5. The ceremonies of the Temple pre- figured a spiritual purification.
6. Exod. 30. 10; Levit. 16. 34.
7. That is, at the completion of the Mosaic dispensation.

Wednesday before Easter.
men once to die, but after this the judge. ment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin( 1) unto salvation.
The Gospel.( 2) St. Luke xxii. 1.
NOW the feast of unleavened bread drew
nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they
3.This happened two might kill him; for they feared the people( 3).
days before the
Passover.
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude( 4). Then came the day of unleavened mults," in the Bible bread, when the passover must be killed.
4." Without tumargin.
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in( 5). And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest- chamber where I shall eat the passover with my disciples( 6)? And he shall shew you a large upper- room furnished; there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come he sat down, and the twelve Apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired( 7) to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in 110
1. Without farther offering for sin. Heb. 10. 10.
2. The celebration of the Passover; Christ's agony in the garden.
5. Matt. 26. 18; Mark 14. 13.
6. Rev. 3. 20.
7." I have heartily desired:" in the Bible margin.

Wednesday before Easter.
the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves( 1). For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise, also the cup after supper( 2), saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me, is with me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goeth as it was determined; but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed. And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and they that exercise authority upon them, are called benefactors( 3). But ye shall not be so: But he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, getes, or Benefache that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth( 4). Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations( 5). And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel( 6). And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.( 7) And he said unto him, Lord I am ready to go with thee, both into prison and to death( 8). And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this
4. John 13.4-14.
111
1. The Jews drank at the Passover the cup of blessing, as the sign of the blood of the Lamb, their covenant with God.
2. This cup, so blessed, was therefore understood to be a cup of praise, and sign of a new covenant established by the blood of Christ, about to be shed.
3. It was the vanity of many princes to affect the title Euer5. My trials and sufferings.
6. Spiritual blessings are represented by what is considered to constitute earthly happiness.
7. John 21. 15-17.
8. A vain confidence in his own strength
and virtue.

Wednesday before Easter.
day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them( 1), But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, That this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors( 2) for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough( 3). And he came out, and went as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place( 4), he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down( 5), and prayed saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
6. From the pressure And being in an agony( 6) he prayed more
of the sins of the
whole world. 7. Isaiah 53. 3.
earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground( 7). And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus, to kiss him( 8). But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss? When they who were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said( 9), Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear,
112
1. Warning them that their Ministry was about to begin.
2. Isaiah 53.12.
3. Meaning that no use was to be made of such weapons.
4. The garden of Gethsemane. Matt. 24. 41.
5. The Jews usually stood when they prayed.
8. See Ps. 38. 12.
9. These words are addressed to the soldiers; by healing the servant, he shewed he had the power to preserve himself.

Wednesday before Easter.
and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple( 1), and the elders who were come to him, Be ye come out as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house and Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire( 2) in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him, as he sat by the fire, and Passover. earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him; for he is a Galilean( 3). And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked( 4) upon Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people, and the chief priests, and the scribes, came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe and if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of Man sit on the right hand of the power of God( 5). 9
1. Magistrates' in some translations.
2. Snow and frost are known in Judes, at the period of the celebration of the
3. The disciples of Jesus were chiefly from Galilee.
4. What must have been the effect of this look, on the heart of
St.
5. See Ps. 110. 1.
and Acts 7. 55.

1." It is as ye say, " I am.
ووو
2. That he makes himself equal with God.
3. St. Paul reproves the Corinthians for profaning the Lord's Supper, and details its institution.
4. Literally, " Schisms.
5. It was a practice with the early Christians, to partake of
the Sacrament after supper, as well as in the morning. 6. Alluding to the " Agapæ," or" Love Feasts:" banquets, at which much disorder prevailed.
Thursday before Easter.
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am( 1). And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth( 2).
Thursday before Easter.( R)
The Epistle.( 3) 1 Cor. xi. 17.
IN this that I declare unto you, I praise you not; that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions( 4) among you, and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they who are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper( 5): for in eating every one taketh before other his own supper; and one is hungry, and another is drunken( 6). What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the
R. On this day, our Saviour washed the feet of his disciples as a token of humility and charity: and, after the celebration of the Passover, instituted the Sacrament of his Supper; to commemorate which, he gave commandment to his disciples: hence this day is called Dies Mandati; thence Mandate, or Maundy Thursday. Maund was also an ancient name for a basket with handles; and baskets of provisions were on this day distributed by the clergy, to relieve the poor. Penitents that had been excommunicated on Ash- Wednesday, were, on this day, re- admitted into the church; the Bishop calling to them, in the name of Christ;" Come, ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Ps. 34. 11. 114

Thursday before Easter.
a token of His blood.
same night in which he was betrayed took bread( 1); and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me( 2). After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me( 3). For as often as ye eat 3. and wine drank, as this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come( 4). Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord( 5). But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation( 6) to himself, not discerning the Lord's body( 7). For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened( 8) of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.( 9) Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
1. See the Gospels for Monday and Wednesday.
2. It is bread, therefore, that is eaten in
the Eucharist;
4. A proof that the institution was figurative of the death
of Christ.
5. To offend against this institution, is to profane its sanctity.
6." Judgement:" 7.Not distinguishing between the religious memorial and common food.
8. Temporal, not eternal punishment, is here signified. 9. St. Paul exhorts to
examine," and to communicate; not disobey the comto abstain, and thus mands of God.
1. The passion and death of our Saviour
The Gospel.( 1) St. Luke xxiii. 1.
THE whole multitude of them arose, and is again described.
led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar( 2), saying, That he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him, and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests, and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stir115
2. They laid to my charge things that I
knew not. Ps. 35. 11.

1. Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee, the same who had beheaded John..
2. See Luke 9.9.
3. His military officers, or attendants.
4. The Ruler of the
Jews being naturally jealous of the Roman Governor.
5. Who must be well acquainted with your laws and
customs.
6. As an admonition to him.
7. To obtain his release, he proposes a lesser punishment.
Thursday before Easter.
reth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod( 1), who himself was also at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad; for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him( 2). Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war( 3) set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together; for before they were at enmity between themselves( 4). And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, and the rulers, and the people, said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod( 5): for I sent you to him; and lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 1 will therefore chastise him( 6), and release him. For of necesity he must release one unto them at the feast. And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:( who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison). Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go( 7). And they were instant with loud voices, requiring 116

Thursday before Easter.
that he might be crucified: and the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required( 1). And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus( 2). And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But John 19. 17. Jesus turning unto them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For behold, the days are coming( 3), in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us( 4). For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry( 5)? And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified him; and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do( 6). And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding; and the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, and saying, If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors, which were hanged, railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself, and us. But 117
1. See Ps. 2. 2; and Acts 4. 27.
2. Our Lord himself carried the Furca, or transverse beam.
3. At the siege of Je- rusalem, they experienced so severe a famine, that, it is recorded, a mother eat her sucking child. 4.Hoseal0.8; Is.2.19.
5. A figurative expression proverbial to the Jews: that is, if God suffers the righteous to be thus tormented, what shall be the judgment of sinners. Ez. 20.47.1 Pet. 4.17.
6. The last legacy bequeathed by our Sa viour was, forgiveness of his enemies!

9
1.This penitent thief, discovered Christ in the crucified Jesus;
2. and had the just notion that the Messiah's kingdom was not a temporal, but an heavenly one.
3. The crimes of the sinner are not recorded for imitation, nor the mercies of God, as a ground for presumption.
4. See John 10. 18.
Good Friday.
the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation( 1)? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom( 2). And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To- day shalt thou be with me in Paradise( 3). And it was about the sixth hour and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the vail of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost( 4). Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things that were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
5. These three Collects are in all Offices, with little variation but neither of them are in the Breviaries of Pius V. and AL
Clem. VIII.
Good Friday.( s)
The Collects.( 5)
LMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for
s. This day received its name from the blessed effects of our Saviour's sufferings; His expiation for the sins of the whole world, and His obtaining eternal redemption for us, by the shedding of his own blood. Among the Saxons, it was called Long Friday, on account of the long fastings they then used. The commemoration of this day hath been observed from the very
first age of Christianity, with the strictest fasting and humiliation.
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Good Friday.
which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
( 1)
whose Spirit the whole body of the church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
( 2) MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of a sin.. ner, but rather that he should be converted, and live; Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Hereticks, and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Epistle.( 3) Heb. x. 1.
THE law having a shadow of good things
to come, and not the very image( 4) of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect for then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year( 5). For it is 119
ceding Collect, are prayers for the uni versal Church.
2. A Prayer for unbelievers, in which the church prays that the effect of Christ's death may be as universal as the design of it.
3. The Jewish sacrifices typified that allsufficient one, the oblation of the Son
of God.
4." The Substance," in the Syriack version; the truth or reality.
5. Upon the annual day of expiation, the Priest deplored the sins of past years.

Good Friday.
1. Except, typically, in relation to the sacrifice of Christ.
not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins( 1). Wherefore, when he cometh into the world, he saith
Heb. 9. 9; Ro. 5.12. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but
See Gen. 3. 15.
a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt- offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure: Then said I, Lo I come( in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy 2. To bruise the ser- will, O God( 2). Above, when he said, Sa pent's head. crifice and offering, and burnt- offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the law: then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second( 3). By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering, and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down on the right hand of God( 4); from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his foot- stool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified: Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness( 5) to enter into the holiest( 6) by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way( 7), which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his flesh( 8); and having an High Priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with 120
3. The Apostle argues that the Jewish sacrifices being insufficient, Christ supplies their defects, and abrogates
the use of them.
4. Every other Priest " standeth" to repeat his office: but He" sat down"( Zec. 6.13.) on a throne of glory, having finished the work, the one all- sufficient sacrifice.
5." Liberty.
6. The presence of God in heaven.
33
7. Because it terminates in life eternal. 8. The High Priest passed under the veil into the Holy of Holies.

Good Friday.
pure water( 1). Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;( for he is faithful that promised); and let us consider one another to provoke unto love, and to good works; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching( 2).
The Gospel.( 3) St. John xix. 1.
1. Alluding to the sprinkling with water, under the law, ( Nu.19.19); a type of regeneration under the Gospel. Tit. 3.
2. The day of God's judgment on the Apostatizing Jews.
3. The crucifixion of Christ is described by an eye witness; the
PILATE therefore took Jesus, and scourged beloved Apostle.
him. And the a crown
of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the ws! And they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold
the man( 4)! When the chief priests therefore 4." Ecce homo!>>
and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law( 5), and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God( 6). When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment- hall, and saith unto Jesus( 7), Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me( 8), except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man
R
5. Against blasphemy.( Lev.24. 16.) 6. He suffered for declaring his divinity,
the Jews so understood the" Son of
God."
7.Apprehending that he was indeed a supernatural person.
8. A Jewish phrase, imparting a power to take the life of another.

Good Friday.
go, thou art not Cæsar's friend: Whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh
against
1. This allegation deperor Tiberius was most jealous of opposition to his government.
cided Pilate; the Em- Cæsar( 1). When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment- seat, in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour( 2): and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your king! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your king? the chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified: and they took Jesus, and led him away. And he, bearing his cross, went forth into a place called the place of a scull, which is called in the He.. brew, Golgotha: where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross( 3); and the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written( 4). Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part ( 5); and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which saith( 6), they parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now there stood by the cross
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2. St. Mark says the third hour; the time,
from 9 to noon, was usually so called: and that, from noon till 3, the 6th hour. Our Lord was crucified before Mid- day.
3. It was usual to set up public notices of those who suffered, signifying the crime of the condemned.
4. A mode of expression among the Jews, implying," It is done, and cannot be recalled."
5. The Roman soldiers, as the executioners, had the right to his garments.
6 Ps. 22. 18.

Good Friday.
of Jesus, his mother( 1), and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother( 2). And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst( 3). Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop( 4), and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said it is finished( 5): And he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath- day,( for that sabbath- day was an high day)( 6), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water( 7). And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled( 8), Abone of him shall not be broken. And again, another scripture saith( 9), They shall look on him whom they pierced( T).
1. At the cross of her divine Son, the prediction of Simeon received its full accomplishment. See Luke 2. 35.
2. He charges St. John to take care of her as His mother.
3. See Ps. 69. 21. Thirst always attends protracted torture.
about Jerusalem, 4. A plant growing with long branches similar to" a reed."
St. Matt. 27. 48. 5. The prophecies filled, and man's reand types were fuldemption was accomplished.
6. The Sabbath in the passover week; Lev. 23.10.
7.The water, flowing from the pericardium, was a proof of the reality of
8. Of the typical Paschal Lamb. Ex.12.46; Ps. 34. 20. 9. Zech. 12. 10; Rev. 1.7.
T. St. John published his Gospel long after the other Evangelists; in confirmation of them, and to remove heresies which already began to prevail, doubting the divinity of Christ.
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EASTER- EVEN( U).
The Collect( 1).
GRANT, O Lord, that as we are baptized
into the death( 2) of thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection, for his merits, who died, and was buried( 3), and rose again for us, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. The descent of the
The Epistle.( 4) 1 St. Peter iii. 17.
soul of Christ into
the place of depart- IT is better, if the will of God be so, that ye
ed spirits,
suffer for well- doing, than for evil- doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust; that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison( 5); which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing; wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water( 6). The like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth also now save us, ( not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1. A Prayer for mortification. There was none appointed before 1662.
2.Our spiritual death unto sin.
3. See Rom. 6.4.
exaltation of the nature in which He died, to the glory of heaven.
5. He spake, by that " Preacher of Righteousness," Noah, to all who lived before the flood.
6. As the waters bore up the ark, so will baptism preserve the Church; if, continuing in it, we obey the commands of God.
Easter Even.
u. This eve was, in the ancient church, celebrated with extraordinary devotions, with a multitude of lighted torches in the churches and houses, and a great confluence of all ranks of people: all which was designed to mark the Advent of that great light," the Sun of Righteousness," which the next day arose upon the world. The church of England provides for the religious exercise of her members, by calling upon them to meditate upon our Saviour's death, burial, and descent into hell.
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Easter- Day.
who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
The Gospel.( 1) St. Matt. xxvii. 57.
WHEN the even was come, there came a
rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple. He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus ( 2). Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock( 3); and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. Now the next day that followed the day of the preparation( 4), the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, after three days I will rise again( 5). Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch; go your way, make it as sure as you can. So they went and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the the stone( 6), and setting a watch.
EASTER- DAY.( v)
At Morning Prayer, instead of the Psalm, O come let us sing,& c. these Anthems shall be sung or said.
CHRIST our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast( 7);
1. The record of Christ's burial.
2. The bodies of crucified persons were usually left exposed and neglected; it was against the law
that they should hang all night on the tree. Deut. 21. 23. 3. A singular fulfilment of Prophecy. Is. 53. 9.
4. The 6th day of the week was" the day of the preparation:" " the next day," was the Sabbath; the
Jews begin their days at evening.
5. By seeking to prevent the fulfilment of the prediction, they established it beyond the possibility of contradiction.
6. See Daniel 6. 17.
7. Or," Holy day."
v. This was the birth day of our blessed Saviour to His state
125

1. Of the Jewish law.
2. With which Christ charges the Pharisees. Matt. 16. 12.
3. Because he hath conquered death 4. in the eterna! glory of the Godhead.
5. That ye may be fit partakers of heavenly joys.
6. By the man Adam; 7. by Christ made
man.
8. Isaiah 26 19.
9. A Prayer for grace and assistance in our Christian course; taken from S. Greg. Sacr. and the Gallic Liturgy.
Easter- Day.
Not with the old leaven( 1), nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness( 2): but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. V.7.
CHRIST being raised from the dead dieth
no more: death hath no more dominion over him( 3).
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God( 4).
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin: but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord( 5). Rom. vi.9.
CHRIST is risen from the dead: and become the first- fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death( 6): by man came also the resurrection of the dead( 7). For as in Adam all die: even so in Christ shall all be made alive( 8). 1 Cor. xv. 20. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
The Collect.( 1)
ALMIGHTY God, who through thine
only- begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech
of exaltation, as was Christmas Day, to His state of humiliation. The primitive Christians used this morning salutation, " Christ is risen," to which those saluted answered," Christ is risen indeed," or," and hath appeared unto Simon:" a custom still retained in the Greek church. Our church, supposing the same eagerness for the joyful news, as soon as by absolution we are made fit for rejoicing, begins her office of praise with appropriate anthems, calling upon us" to keep the Feast." It is well called" The Great Day,"" The Feast of Feasts,"" the highest of all Feasts," for, on this day, Christ ropened to us the door of life:" it is the day," says the Psalm126

Easter- Day.
thee, that, as by thy special grace preventing us( 1), thou dost put into our minds good desires: so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle.( 2) Coloss. iii. 1.
IF ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above( 3), not on things on the earth: For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God( 4). When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify there fore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry( 5): For which thing's sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience( 6). In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them( 7).
The Gospel.( 8) St. John xx. 1. THE first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene( 9) early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she
1." Going before us."
2. St. Paul exhorts to that purity and chacity without which will not avail.
Christ's
3. That home" eternal in the heavens." 4. For," it doth not yet appear what we shall be."
5. Because it engrosses the whole mind, and heart of man. 6.The heathen world. 7. In ungodly practices.
8. Christ's resurrection declared by the
angels. 9. With whom were
Joanna, and
Salome, the wife of Cleophas.
Mar. 16. 1; Lu. 24. 10.
ist," which the Lord hath made,"( Ps. 18. 24.) and this Psalm has always been part of the office of the day. Of the antiquity of the observance, there are innumerable testimonies ( see Acts 12. 4.), but the matter is not controverted; though the particular time for keeping the Festival has been disputed. Pius I. ordered the observance of Easter, for the Lord's day, after the 14th of March. We call it Easter- Day, from the old Saxon word Oster' to rise,' or the day of the the resurrection.
127

1. The other Evangelists speak only of her second message. Verse 18.
2. A proof that the body was not stolen by His disciples.
3. They understood the Prophets that the Messiah should not die, but abide for
ever.
4.The Apostle preacheth the universal redemption of mankind, as foretold to the Jews.
Monday in Easter Week.
runneth and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him( 1). Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together; and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre; and he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie; and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself( 2). Then went in also that other disciple which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead( 3). Then the disciples went away again unto their
own home.
Monday in Easter Week.( x)
The Collect.
The same as for Easter- Day.
For the Epistle.( 4) Acts x. 34.
PETER opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter
x. All this week was anciently kept holy, and, in some instances, the whole interval between Easter and Pentecost. All Fasts were suspended. Baptism, except in cases of necessity, was exclusively administered at this period, in memory of our now" rising unto newness of life." The newly baptized came each day to church in white garments, preceded with lights, in token that they had laid aside the works of darkness, and
128

Monday in Easter week.
is broken down; he that receiveth the Gospel, whether Jew or Gentile, shall be accounted heir of the promises.
2. Pardon of sins.
of persons; but in every nation he that fear- 1. The partition wall eth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him( 1). The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace( 2) by Jesus Christ;( he is Lord of all;) that word( I say) ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good( 3), and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he who was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness( 4), that through his Name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
3. To the body and the soul of man.
4. Jer. 31. 34; Mic. 7. 18.
The Gospel.( 5) St. Luke xxiv. 13.
5.Christ reveals himself to the two disciBEHOLD, two of his disciples went that ples at Emmaus.
same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs( 6). And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that while they communed together, and reasoned, Jesus himself drew
$
6. About7 miles west of Jerusalem; since, the Roman city Nicopolis.
were become children of light. Afterwards, when the baptized were generally infants, this custom was laid aside: but to mark the solemnity of the festival of Easter, our church hath set apart the two following days for religious reflection on this great article of our faith; and the Lessons appointed for these days are peculiarly appropriate to this purpose.

Monday in Easter week.
near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden( 1), that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these, that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad( 2)? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering, said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word, before God and all the people: and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel( 3): and beside all this, to- day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not his body, they came, saying, That they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us( 4) went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said; but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory( 5)? And beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself( 6). And they drew nigh unto the village whither they went; and he made as though he would have gone further: but they constrained him, saying, Abide with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were open7. See Numb. 22. 31; ed( 7), and they knew him; and he vanished
and Gen. 21. 19.
130
1. Through God's will, so disposing.
2. He said this to
give them an occasion to begin discourse.
3. Have proved to be our deliverer" the Messiah."
4. Peter and John.
5. Is it not by the Prophets foretold that the Messiah would
suffer ere He entered
on his kingdom? Isaiah 53.
6. Christ convinced their understandings, as reasonable beings, ere He appealed to their senses. 20

Tuesday in Easter week.
out of their sight( 1). And they said one to 1. See Chap. 8. 59. another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures( 2)? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon( 3). And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Tuesday in Easter- week.
The Collect.
The same as for Easter- day..
2. Was there not an unusual warmth of affection in us towards Him.
Univ.- Bibl. Giessen
3. To the penitent disciple, did Christ first shew this signal mark of kindness!
For the Epistle.( 4) Acts xiii. 26.
and brethren, children of the stock of
MEN EN Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God( 5), to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusasalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath- day( 6), they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, prophets" were read on the Sabbath. yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: and he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people( 7). And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second Psalm, Thou art my Son, this day 131
4. Paul preacheth at Antioch, to the believers of the Jewish law, the doctrine of salvation, through the death and resurrection of Christ. 5. Native Jews, devout Gentiles.
6. In the synagogue,
" the law and the
7. See the Gospel for this day and Sunday.

Tuesday in Easter week.
1. Ps. 2. 7; Heb. 1.5. have I begotten thee( 1). And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another Psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption( 2). For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man( 3) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses( 4). Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets ( 5); Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a
5. Is. 29.14; Hab- 1.5, work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
2. Is. 55. 3; Ps. 16. 10. Alluding to the absolute promise of the Messiah, and the fulfilment of the prophecies in the resurrection.
3. Jesus, the Christ.
4. By His atonement, perfect forgiveness is obtained, which the Mosaick sacrifices could not compass.
6. Christ convinceth
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke xxiv. 36.
His disciples of His
identity, that He was
verily a living man. JESUS himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see( 7); for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honey- comb. And he took it, and did eat before them( 8). And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Mo132
7.1 John 1.1.
8. To prove to them that His body was truly raised.

The first Sunday after Easter.
ses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures( 1); and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things( 2).
1. Man hoped in a future life for the soul: but He teaches them that the body, also, shall be raised unto life.
2. Ye shall have power from on high, to confirm this testimony. Acts 1.8.
The first Sunday after Easter.( v)
The Collect.( 3)
A¹
LMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness
( 4), that we may alway serve thee in pureness 4. See 1 Cor. 5.8. of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. A Prayer for conversion from sin;
composed for Easter Tuesday, 1549; fixed for this Sunday, 1662.
The Epistle.( 5) 1 St. John v. 4.
WHATSOEVER is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood( 6), even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood: and it is the Spirit that in the Holy beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
Eucharist.
5. Our new birth in baptism, by the resurrection of Christ, is explained.
6. By the water of baptism, and by the blood of the covenant
y. It was the ancient custom to observe the octave of the chief feasts, part of the service of the" High Feast", being repeated; from hence this Sunday has the name of" Low Sunday." It is also called" Dominica in Albis," or" Post Albas" that is," the Sunday of putting off the Chrysoms,"
133

1. The Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier.
2. The sacred Trinity.
3." This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17.3.
4. Jesus appoints his disciples stewards of the mysteries of God.
The Gospel.( 4)
St John xx. 19.
THE
same day at evening, being the first
day of the week, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you( 5). And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you( 6). And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever
7. Whosoever em- sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; braces my doctrines, and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are and shall truly reretained( 7).
pent, ye shall, by my authority, pronounce his pardon.
5. An usual form of salutation.
The first Sunday after Easter.
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ( 1): and these three are one( 2). And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son( 3). He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life; and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son, hath not life.
6. To preach in my name, as I did in His.
because, those baptized on this day laid aside the white robes, or chrysoms. The Epistle is addressed to the newly baptized. The services of all the Sundays after Easter express a joyful recollection of Christ's resurrection, and of the promise of the Comforter.
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The second Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.( 1)
1. A Prayer for the imitation of Christ.
AL LMIGHTY God, who hast given thine Composed 1549. only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle( 2). 1 St. Peter ii. 19.
2. Patiently to suffer for well- doing, after the example of Christ,
THIS is thank- worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffer- is acceptable to God. ing wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently; this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example( 3), that ye should follow his steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth( 4): who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not( 5); but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The Gospel.( 6) St. John x. 11.
6. Without Christ, no man can attain holiness, no man shall see the Lord.
JESUS said, I am the good shepherd: the ness; without holi good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hire135
3. He, who was in all things, tempted like as we are;
4. was a pattern of
innocence;
5. and of perfect patience.

1. Christ is thus referred to by the Prophets. Is. 40. 11. Ezek. 34. 12; 37. 24.
2. The Gentiles.
3. One holy undivided Church, under one head, Christ.
The third Sunday after Easter.
ling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd( 1), and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold( 2); them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd( 3).
The third Sunday after Easter.( z) The Collect.( 4)
4. A Prayer for the universal Church. Taken from
Greg. Sacr. and the ALMIGHTY God, who shewest to them
Ambrosian Liturgy.
that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's Religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
5. St. Peter exhorts those whose citizenship is in heaven, to pass the time of
sojourning here," in blameless obedience.
The Epistle.( 5) 1 St. Peter ii. 11.
DEARLY beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil- doers, they may by your good works,
z. Christians were accustomed to commemorate the anniversary day of( their Baptism) their new birth; they that were baptized at Easter the year before, came, therefore, about this period the year following, with oblations to the church. Our church appoints children to be baptized upon Sundays, and other holy days, that those present may be reminded of their own professions, and the Collect of this day alludes to this 136
custom.

The third Sunday after Easter.
which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake( 1); whether it be to the King, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil- doers, and for the praise of them that do well( 2). For so is the will of God, that with well- doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness; but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King( 3).
The Gospel.( 4) St. John xvi. 16. JESUS said to his disciples, a little while and ye shall not see me; and again, a little while and ye shall see me; because I go to the Father( 5). Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while and ye shall not see me; and again, a little while and ye shall see me; and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while and ye shall not see me; and again, a little while and ye shall see me? Verily, verily I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy( 6). A woman, when she is in travail, hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
T
1. The law of God enjoins to all submission to government.
2: The Jews resisted
obedience to their
Roman governors, on the plea that, the peculiar people of God, were a free
people.
3. The command is positive; religion is the principle of loyalty.
4. Christ comforteth his disciples with the
promise of His resurrection and ascension.
5. He intimates His death: and, after the short interval of three days, His reappearance to them.
6. If His return to earth for 40 days should be so just a cause of joy, what shall be the transport of the faithful, when they dwell
with the Lord for ever!

1. A Prayer for the love of God and His laws. Improved 1662.
2. We are to hearken to the Gospel, to meditate, and to do thereafter.
3. Unlike to the fountain of corporeal light, He neither rises nor sets, but is ever and ever unchangeable.
4. The Jewish zealots fiercely disputed for their own opinions. The nature of Christianity is meekness and gentleness.
5. Christ comforteth His disciples with the promise of the Holy Ghost.
The fourth Sunday after Easter.
( A) The Collect.( 1)
O
ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 2) St. James i. 17.
EVE
VERY good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning( 3.) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first- fruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God( 4). Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.
The Gospel.( 5) St. John xvi. 5. JESUS said unto his disciples, Now I go my
way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But, because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheles,
A. Easter and Whitsuntide having been formerly the seasons for baptizing, the Epistles and Gospels appointed for this period, which are very ancient, are all applicable to this Sacrament. The former, repeatedly exhorting to the habitual practice of duties which alone are answerable to the profession of Christians.
138

The fifth Sunday after Easter.
I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when
he is come, he will reprove( 1) the world of 1." Convince." sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement: Of sin, because they believe not on me: Of righteousness, because I go to my Father,
and ye see me no more: Of judgement, because the prince of this world( 2) is judged. 2. Satan was judged,
when our Lord overcame him, by the
obedience of His death. Heb. 2. 14.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me( 3): for he shall 3. By directing you
to the truths of the Gospel, and by the conversion of Jews and Gentiles.
receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, That he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
The fifth Sunday after Easter.( B)
The Collect.( 4)
come;
O LORD, from whom all good things do Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that be good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
4. A Prayer against
evil thoughts. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
B. This is sometimes called" Rogation Sunday," because upon the three following days supplications( by the Greeks called" Litanies," by the Latins" Rogations,") were offered up preparatory to the Ascension of our Lord. These were first appointed with processions to appease God's wrath, or to avert some impending calamities. At the Reformation, these processions were abolished; but, it was ordered, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, that the people, with the Curate, should, on 199

1. The Apostle exThe Epistle.( 1) St. James i. 22.
horts to the attainment of that wisdom
the will of God, and to do it."
unto salvation;" to BE ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of li2. Which freeth us
from the bondage of berty( 2), and continueth therein: he being
the Mosaick institution.
not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. ( 3) Pure religion, and undefiled before God and the Father, is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
3. The principles of Religion are, Love and Faith; the efects, benevolence and self- government.
4. Christ declareth prayers in His name, to be acceptable to the Father.
The fifth Sunday after Easter.
5." Parables."
The Gospel.( 4) St. John xvi. 23. VERILY, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs ( 5): the time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you;
some of these days, walk round the boundaries of parishes, and, at certain places, give thanks for the increase of the fruits of the earth, saying the 103d and 104th Psalms, and such like sentences, as" Cursed is he which translateth the bounds and doles of his neighbour." At their return to the church, they were to say the rest of the service, including the Litany and Homily of Thanksgiving.
140

The Ascension- day.
for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father( 1). His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own( 2), and shall leave me alone and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world( 3).
1. I came into the world to reveal the Father's will to mankind; having finished that work, I return to Him again.
2. Own home.'
3. Namely, the wickedness of the world, by expiating the sin of man upon the cross.
The Ascension- Day.( c)
The Collect.( 4)
4. A Prayer for heavenly desires. Taken
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, from S. Greg. Sacr. that like as we do believe thy only- begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
c. Forty days after His resurrection, our blessed Saviour publickly ascended, in our human nature, into heaven, and, by presenting to God the" first fruits," sanctified the whole race of mankind. The church, in thankful acknowledgement of this great and mysterious act of our redemption, observes this day with great solemnity; in the appointed Lessons and Gospel, preaching to us the Ascension of Christ in the type, and in the anti- type.
141

1. Christ's ascension from M. Olivet, in the presence of His Apostles; they are warned to prepare for His second coming.
2. St. Luke is the writer of the Acts.
3. There are eight distinct appearances recorded by the Sacred Historians.
4. Joel 2. 28.
5. There was an interval of ten days between our Lord's ascension and the day of Pentecost. 6. The idea of a temporal kingdom of the Messiah was, and is, the great delusion of the Jewish nation.
7. Deut. 29. 29.
8. The same bliss and glory which the Son of God enjoyed from eternity, He now, experiences in the highest heaven.
The Ascension- day.
For the Epistle.( 1) Acts i. 1.
THE former treatise( 2) have I made, O
Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen: to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs( 3); being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me( 4). For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence( 5). When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel( 6)? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power ( 7). But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight( 8). And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
142

Sunday after Ascension- day.
The Gospel.( 1) St. Mark xvi. 14.
JESUS appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned( 2). And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents( 3); and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God( 4). And they went forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirm. ing the Word with signs following.
Sunday after Ascension- day.( D)
The Collect.( 5)
O GOD the King of glory, who hast exalt. ed thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto thy kingdom in heaven; We beseech thee, leave us not comfortless; but send to us thine Holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us into the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
1. At His last appearance to the Apostles,
Christ sends them to preach His Gospel,
and ascends into heaven.
2. It was a mode of speech to put part for the whole; to " believe and be baptized," comprehended all the obligations of the Gospel;" unbelief," the obstinate rejection of the
word of God.
3. Acts 2. 4; 28. 3.
4.Angels did worship Him at His nativity; with triumphant Hosannahs, did the heavenly host receive Him into glory!
5. A Prayer for spiritual comfort. This
it had
Collect was a little been appointed for Ascension- day.
D. This is called Expectation Week: for now the Apostles were earnestly expecting the fulfilment of our Lord's promise, 143

1. The Apostle exhorts to abstain from evil, and follow after godliness.
2. Rather," continual love," that conscientious principle of beneficence, which should preside over all the desires of the heart.
3. Christ warns his disciples of the coming of the Holy Ghost, and of the duty imposed on
them.
4. The three distinct persons of the Trinity are here plainly described.
5. That ye may not fall off from the faith.
6. For, all violence and persecution is inconsistent with Christ's religion.
Sunday after Ascension- day.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 St. Peter iv. 7.
THE end of all things is at hand: be ye
therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity( 2) among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel.( 3) St. John xv. 26. and part of Chap. xvi.
WHEN the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me( 4). And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended( 5). They shall put you out of the Synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me( 6). But these things have I told you, that, when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.
to them to send" the Comforter."( St. John, 16. 7.) The venerable Bede is said to have repeated the Collect for this day, when on his death- bed.
144

Whit- Sunday.
( E) The Collect.( 1)
GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort, through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
1. A Prayer for illumination, or, a right
judgment in all things. Taken from
S. Greg. Sacr.
2.The descent of the Holy Ghost upon the
Apostles described.
For the Epistle.( 2) Acts ii. 1.
WHEN the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place( 3). And suddenly 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 it sat upon each of them and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance( 4). And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, fuse over the world and were confounded, because that every
4. By this inspired knowledge, they
were assisted to difthe word of truth.
3. Probably in the temple, at the hour of morning prayer, ( v. 15.); the Apostles were daily in the Temple.
E. This day was anciently appointed for solemn baptism, because, at this time, the Apostles were baptized" with the Holy Ghost and with fire," and because 3000 were, on this day, baptized by the Apostles.( Acts 2.3.) The name was, in all probability," White Sunday," so called, either from the multitude of white vestments,( the new baptized being clad in white for an emblem of their innocence and purity) or, because of that glorious light of heaven sent down upon the earth from the Father of lights. It has also been said that the name is derived from the French word," Huit," eight; being the eighth Sunday from Easter. It is called" Pentecost," from the word in Greek signifying fiftieth. There were fifty days from the Jews Passover to the giving the law to Moses on Mt. Sinai
U

1. Natives of a country despised by the Jews for their ignorance.
2. Every one was a judge of the extent of
the miracle.
3. Christ promiseth the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
4. The original word " Paraclete," expresses the several
offices performed by the Holy Spirit, interceding, exhorting, comforting. 5. Of the perpetuity of his influence, we are assured, to our great and endless comfort.
Whit- Sunday.
man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed, and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans( 1)? And how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born( 2)? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Lybia about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and Proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
The Gospel.( 3) St. John xiv. 15.
JESUS said unto his disciples, If ye love
me, keep my commandments: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter( 4), that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you( 5). I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know, that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me,
( Exod. 19. 16), and from the sacrifice of the death of Christ, there are fifty days to the time when the Holy Ghost came down upon the church to write the new law in our hearts. The days are counted from Easter Sunday, that being the morrow of the Jewish Sabbath after the Passover: thus God directed the Jews in the celebration of their" Feast of Weeks." " Ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days."( Levit. 23. 15, 16.) 146

Whit- Sunday.
shall be loved of my Father( 1); and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him,( not Iscariot,) Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him( 2). He that loveth me not, 2. Rev. 3. 20. keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my Name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you( 3): not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I( 4). And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.
1. The love of God is here described in its native purity and simplicity; the test which the Gospel directs is, to do His commandments.
3. A Hebrew form of bidding farewell.
4. This He says in
reference to His humanity; and, in respect of His divinity, ( c. 10. 29.)" I and my Father are one."
This period has been observed as a festival from the earliest Christian era, but the Whitsun- week was not entirely festival, like that of Easter; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were observed as Fasts, and days of supplication for a blessing upon the work of ordination, which was usually upon the next Sunday. The Gospel for Tuesday, alludes to the reciprocal duties of the Pastor and his flock, enjoining the latter to adhere to a faithful ministry," enduring sound doctrine," not" heaping to themselves teachers."
147

The Collect
The same as for Whit- Sunday.
For the Epistle.( 1) Acts x. 34.
THEN
HEN Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons( 2); but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ;( he is Lord of all;) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost( 3), and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him( 4). And we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly: not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God( 5), even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead( 6). To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision, which believed, were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also 7. A confirmation of was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
the admission of the Gentiles, and that the ceremonial law was abrogated.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God( 7). Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water that these should not 148
1.St. Peter preacheth Christ and his doctrine, to Cornelius and his company.
2. For the partition wall is broken down,
and Jew and Gentile are alike accepted to the terms of the Gospel.
3. Luke 4. 18.
4. John 3. 2.
5. John 15. 16.
6.Thus hath the Lord
withdrawn His terMonday in Whitsun- week.
rors giving a man to be judge of men.

Tuesday in Whitsun- week.
be baptized( 1), which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
1. Outward baptism by water is ordained by Christ; a rite of initiation to the Gospel dispensation.
The Gospel.( 2) St. John iii. 16.
2. Christ sheweth to Nicodemus the love
GOD so loved the world, that he gave his of God to the world,
and the tion of unbelief.
only- begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world( 3), but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him, is not condemned: but he that believeth not, is condemned already; because he hath not believed in the Name of the only- begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light( 4), because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved( 5). But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Tuesday in Whitsun- week.
The Collect
The same as for Whit- Sunday.
For the Epistle.( 6) Acts viii. 14. were at
the
salem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost( 7):( for as yet he was fallen upon none of them; only they were baptized in 149
3. The whole race of mankind, propagated from Adam, and subject, through his transgression, to
everlasting death.
4. The divine light of revelation, to which, because of the iniquity of man, the darkness of evil is preferred.
5. Or rather," Discovered."
6. St. Peter and St. John, by imposition of hands, and giving
administer confirmation to the church at Samaria.
7. By the Apostles were conferred the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost.

1. The ordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost
are conferred by the Bishops and Priests on those baptized.
2. We are taught to beware of false teachers who arrogate the sacred office.
3. Sheepfolds were hired by those who brought sheep to sell for sacrifice; the
keeper, or" porter" opened the fold only
to the owner of the sheep.
4. In the East, the sheep, instead of being driven, followed the shepherd, when called, as dogs
do their master.
5. The door of God's sheepfold; the way
to salvation.
6. Pretending to be the Messiah.
7. The false teacher will make a prey of for their benefit and
advantage.
Trinity- Sunday.
the Name of the Lord Jesus).( 1) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
The Gospel.( 2) St. John x. 1. VERILY, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep( 3): to him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice( 4): and a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep( 5): all that ever came before me are thieves and robbers( 6); but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy( 7): I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Trinity- Sunday.( F)
8. A Prayer for a right and firm faith; it is in the sacramentary ascribed to Alcuinus the old
The Collect.( 8)
offices have another ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace
Collect for this day.
F. The solemn festivals, which, in the foregoing part of our annual service, have propounded to our consideration the 150

Trinity- Sunday.
by the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity( 1); We beseech thee, that thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
For the Epistle.( 2) Rev. iv. 1.
2. The first celestial vision, shewing the worship of the three
AFTER this I looked, and behold, a doct Persons in the Godwas opened and first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne: and he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone; and there was a rain.. bow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald( 3). And round about the throne were four and twenty seats; and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voices. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God( 4). And before the throne there was a sea of glass, like unto chrystal: and in the midst of the throne,
1. Rather," to worship the Unity in the power,"& c.
3. Under this symbol, was represented the holy Spirit of God.
4. Gen. 15. 17; Exod. 37. 23.
mysterious work of man's redemption, and the steps taken to accomplish it, lead us to that of the present day. We have been shewn the inestimable love of" the Father," by whom " the Son" was sent, and" the Spirit" shed abroad; most justly therefore does the church now call upon us to celebrate the mystery of the three Persons in the unity of the Godhead. No sooner had our Lord ascended into heaven, and God's holy spirit descended upon the church, but there ensued the notice of the glorious Trinity, this mystery was not clearly delivered
151

1. Denoting their wisdom and foresight. Isa. 6. and Ezek. 1.
2. This Creation Hymn, simple and sublime, is a fit example for the church - militant to follow, in anticipation of the eternal adoration of the church triumphant in heaven.
3. In token of homage.
4. The mystery of the Holy Trinity declared to Nicodemus.
5. A member of the
Sanhedrim.
6. He dared not own his belief, fearing to offend the other Pharisees and rulers.
7. He acknowledges the miracles to be an
evidence of the divinity of Christ.
8." Be born from above."
Trinity- Sunday.
and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind( 1): and the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come( 2). And when those beasts give glory, and honour, and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne( 3), saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
The Gospel.( 4) St. John iii. 1.
THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named
Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews( 5): the same came to Jesus by night( 6), and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him( 7). Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again( 8), he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his
to the Jews, because they, being always surrounded by idolatrous nations, would have easily mistaken it for a doctrine of plurality of gods; but, to a spiritual eye, it is discernible throughout the Old Testament. The observance of this day as the Feast of Trinity, is of late date; in ancient Rituals and Liturgies, it was considered as the octave of Pentecost.
152

The first Sunday after Trinity.
mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered( 1), Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these ngs( 2)? Verily, verily I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye be lieve not; how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man, who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up( 3): that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
The first Sunday after Trinity.( G)
The Collect.( 4)
1. Christ declares Faith insufficient, unless accompanied by the renewal of the mind, by the Holy Spirit.
2. Have not your Prophets foretold
X
that God will communicate His Spirit in the days of Messiah? Jer. 32. Ezek. 34.
3. Ye must also believe in the redemption of mankind, typified by the brazen serpent of Moses.
4. A Prayer for grace and assistance in our christian course.
OGOD the strength of all them that put Taken from S. Greg. their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good
G. In some old offices, this is called the 2d Sunday after Pentecost; in others, the first after the octave of Pentecost. The Church has now finished the celebration of the High Festivals,

1. The Apostle reminds us of that Spirit which the Lord promised for our comfort, and of the effect and sign of it," Brotherly love."
2. The love of God is, sober reason, not blind passion: reverence, not presumption: and,( above all), charity; religion fixes the heart on its treasure, and calls up the affections to heaven, to return them in fruitful showers to bless
the world.
The first Sunday after Trinity.
thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping of thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 St. John iv. 7.
ВЕ
ELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us( 2). Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us; because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may
having placed before us the great mystery of our Redemption on earth till the day of Christ's Ascension into heaven, with the sending down the Holy Ghost. In reflection upon these mysteries, she more especially adores the blessed Trinity; and continues so to do in the remaining Sundays until Advent. The general tenor of the Collects is, invocation to God for the assistance of the Holy Spirit, and for the bringing forth the fruits of it: the Gospels treat of the holy doctrines and deeds, and miracles of our Saviour; and, in the Epistles, we are reminded of all those graces, towards God and man, necessary to salvation. 154

The first Sunday after Trinity.
have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear( 1); because fear hath torment: he that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar( 2): for he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God, loves his brother also.
1. That is, is above all fear, disregards danger.
2. He advances inconsistent propositions. James 3. 14.
3. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we are shewn
the danger of the neglect of that love of man, which proceeds out of the I love of God.
The Gospel.( 3) St. Luke 16. 19.
THERE was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom( 4). The rich man also died, and was buried: and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried, and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they who would pass from hence to you 5. The invisible state cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence( 5). Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou would. est send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them,
155
4. It was the custom at the Jewish feasts for several guests to lie on one couch, so that the head of one was near the bosom of another. The Jews assign to Abraham the first place in the state of the blessed.
after death, is described by images borrowed from the present life, and from the objects of
our senses.

1. Is. 34.16.
2. An assertion verified by those who yet dare to reject the words of the Son of
God risen from the dead.
The second Sunday after Trinity.
lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets( 1); let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will
they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead( 2).
The second Sunday after Trinity. The Collect.( 3)
3. A Prayer for protection by God's providence; in 1662,
the order of it was in- O LORD who never failest to help and govern them whom thou dost bring up in thy stedfast fear and love; Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
verted; it was, originally," Lord make us,& c.& c. for Thou never,' "& c.& c.
4. The beloved disciple warns us of the
The Epistle.( 4) 1 St. John iii. 13.
hatred
the world, and shews MARVEL not my brethren, if the world
us the blessed fruits of true love to the Brethren.
hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren( 5). But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him; how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed, and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than 156
5. Charity is an evidence of being a true disciple of Christ; and hatred of being in a state of condemnation; hatred is the spirit of murder in the heart.

The second Sunday after Trinity.
our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. And whatsoever we ask( 1), we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment( 2). And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him: and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
The Gospel.( 3) St. Luke xiv. 16.
A
excuse.
CERTAIN man made a great supper, and bade many( 4); and sent his servant at supper- time to say to them that were bidden, Come, for all things are now ready( 5). And they all with one consent began to make The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind( 6). And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges( 7), and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled: For I say unto you, that none of those men( 8) which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
157
1." According to His will, and in faith." James 1. 6.
2. True Faith, and true Charity, are the sum of that duty God requires.
3. Christ sheweth how those that contemn the word of God shall be shut out of heaven.
4. This refers to the first declaration of the Messiah, by the Law and the Prophets:
5. the second summons denotes the coming of Christ, and His preaching to
the incredulous Jews.
6. Those brought in to supply the place of the Jews are, first, the Gentile proselytes;
7. and, 2dly, the idolatrous Gentiles,
to whom the subsequent tender of salvation was made. 8.The Jewish nation, who are given over to their infidelity.

The Collect.( 1)
1. A Prayer for protection by God's providence. Taken
from S. Greg. Sacr. O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to
hear us; grant that we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Apostle exhorts to humility, confidence in God, and watchfulness.
3. The original word beautifully expresses that grace which should attach to every act of the Christian.
4. Assuredly such an enemy we have, and we shall fail in the combat, unless aided by a strength superior to our own.
5. To us belong submission and fidelity.
6. In the parable of the lost sheep, and of the piece of silver, Christ shews that God's parental tenderness extends even to the sinner.
The third Sunday after Trinity.
7. The Publicans, alluded to, were called, in the Latin, Portitores; they were the servants of the tax gatherers, and were hated for their usual exactions.
Luke 3. 13.
The Epistle.( 2) 1 St. Peter v. 5.
ALL of you be subject one to another, and be clothed( 3) with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour( 4): whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever( 5). Amen.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke xv. 1.
THEN drew near unto him all the Publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them( 7). And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
158

The fourth Sunday after Trinity.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found
after the manner of men, doth He rejoice at the conversion of the meanest ofmy sheep which was lost( 1). I say unto you, 1. Thus, speaking That likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten fender. Matt. 18. 14. pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God( 2) over one sinner that repenteth.
The fourth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 3)
O GOD, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 4) Rom. viii. 18.
I
RECKON that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope( 5): because the creature itself also shall be de159
2. The" heavenly host," who welcomed the Saviour's birth with a hymn of
3. A Prayer for protection by God's
providence. from S. Greg. Sacr.
Taken
4.The Apostle shews we must cheerfully suffer with Christ, that we may be glorified with Him.
5. Liable to corruption, through the disobedience of Adam: yet, with the hope that the grave shall
be succeeded by the glory of life eternal!

1. That is, that the Gentile world hath long felt the frail state of human life;
2. anticipating a life beyond this.
3. Christ, in his sermon on the Mount, preacheth the duty of mercy, and forbids rash judgment.
4. Allusion is here made to the manner in the East of wearing the Hyke, a garment which they so fold over their person, as to carry provisions in the folds,
over the bosom.
5. Your Master has obeyed all the commandments He enjoins.
6. In allusion to a proverb common among the Jews; by sented a slight fault, by" beam,
is
one.
The fifth Sunday after Trinity.
livered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now( 1): And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first- fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves( 2), groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The Gospel.( 3) St. Luke vi. 36.
BE ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom( 4). For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them; Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master; but every one that is perfect shall be as his master( 5). And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye( 6)? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's
a great eye.
7. A Prayer for the
Peace of the Church.
The fifth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 7)
Taken from S. Greg. GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably
Sacr.
160

The fifth Sunday after Trinity.
ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 St. Peter iii. 8.
Christians.
BE ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a blessing( 2). For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his( Matt. 5. 44.) lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil( 3). And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good( 4)? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror( 5), neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
3. See Ps. 34. 16.
1. The Apostle exhorts, in the hour of the
affliction, to that certain fruit of trust in God's omnipotent protection.
2. Remembering your obligations as
4. Blessings shall be to him that leads a godly life.
5. Their threatnings.
6. The miraculous draught of fishes, and and Andrew, James the calling of Simon and John.
7. The sea of Galilee. ( Matt. 4. 18.)
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke v. 1.
IT came to pass, that as the people pressed
upon him to hear the Word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesareth( 7), and saw two ships standing by the lake; but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land and he sat down and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a 8. Intending to shew draught( 8). And Simon answering, said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing( 9); nevertheless, at
him the success of
his future preaching.
9. See Psalm 127.
Y

1. Rather," almost brake."
2. An awful acknowledgment of His divine perfection and power.
3. Thou shalt be employed more nobly; in drawing men from the gulf of ignorance and wickedness.
4. A Prayer for the love of God, and His laws. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
5. Our conformity to the death and resurrection of Christ, secures to us an interest in His promises.
6. The primitive practice of plunging the person under water, and raising it out again, was an apt figure of death and resurrection.
The sixth Sunday after Trinity.
thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net brake( 1). And they beckoned unto their partners which were in the other ship, that they should. come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord( 2). For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken; and so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon,
Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men( 3). And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
The sixth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect( 4).
O GOD, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man's understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 5) Rom. vi. 3.
of us as
baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death( 6); that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resur162

The sixth Sunday after Trinity.
rection; knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin( 1). For he that is dead, is freed from sin( 2). Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once( 3); but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ born but once, bapterm: we can be
our Lord.
tized, but once.
1. Those appetites of the body, which subject us to sin.
2. Is enabled to resist vicious inclinations.
3. The vital principle of the natural and of the spiritual life, is for a man's whole
The Gospel.( 4) St. Matth. v. 20.
JESUS said unto his disciples, Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees( 5) ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of 5. Who obey but the heaven. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time( 6), Thou shalt not kill: and
letter of the law.
time," by Moses.
whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of 6." To them of old the judgement( 7). But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judge ment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca( 8), shall be in danger of the council( 9): but whosoever shall say Thou fool( 1), shall be in danger of hell fire( 2). Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift( 3). Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison( 4). Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
163
4. Christ teaches a more pure and perfeet rule of life than what the law enjoined.
7. Such as is imposed by the lesser council. 8. A Syriack word for" worthless." 9. The judgement of
the Sanhedrim.
1. In the original, " Moreh," apostate. 2. Gehenna, the valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem; where such abominations were committed, that the Jews so called the place of torments for the
wicked.
3. Gifts and sacrifices were by the law an expiation for sin; 4.but Christ declares that, without charity and forgiveness, we cannot be accepted.

1. A Prayer that we may be truly religious. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
2. We may not live in sin, for we have consented to the service of righteousness.
3. This comparison to servitude made the metaphor peculiarly apposite to the Romans.
4. Ye have thereby abundance of contentment.
5. Christ feedeth a multitude with seven loaves, and a few fishes. Matt. 15. 29.
6. They came chiefly from Tyre and Sidon
and the heathen country.
The seventh Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 1)
Lo ORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle.( 2) Rom. vi. 19.
I speak after the manner of men, because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness, and to iniquity, unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness, unto holiness( 3). For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness( 4), and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Gospel.( 5) St. Mark viii. 1.
IN those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: and if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far( 6). And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And he
164

The eighth Sunday after Trinity.
commanded the people to sit down on the ground( 1). And he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes; and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat and were filled( 2): and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand. And he sent
them away.
The eighth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 3)
whose
ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 4) Rom. viii. 12.
BRE
RETHREN, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body( 5), ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage( 6) again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father( 7). The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs( 8); heirs of God, and joint- heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 165
1. As on the former occasion,( c. 6. 39.)
2. This miracle has a daily parallel in that omnipotent benevolence which feedeth us with the bread of heaven, and filleth all
things living with plenteousness!
3. A Prayer for deliverance from, and support under afflicS. Greg. Sacr.; improved 1662.
4. The Apostle exhorts us to avoid sin, and to seek holiness.
5. Evil dispositions, and acts of depravity.
6. The yoke and servitude of the Mosaic
rites.
7. Bond servants their masters by the might not address
term Abba.
8. By the Roman and Jewish laws, adoptnatural sons, in reed were equal with spect of inheritance.

I. Christ, in his sermon on the Mount, cautions His disciples against false prophets and false teachers.
2. Mankind may substitute profession and fervency for morality, but Christ requires obedience and practice.
3., A Prayer for fruitfulness in good works; and a right judgment in all things. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
4. The Sacraments of the Jews were types of ours, and their punishments examples for us.
5. Unto the doctrine taught by Moses; the passage of the Red Sea being typical of passing through the water of baptism. to
The ninth Sunday after Trinity.
The Gospel.( 1) St. Matt. vii. 15.
BEWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits: Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit: but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them( 2). Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
The ninth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 3)
GRANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the
Spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 4) 1 Cor. x. 1.
BRETHREN, I would not that ye should be
ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses( 5) in the cloud, and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink:( for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.) But with many of 166

The ninth Sunday after Trinity.
them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted( 1). Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play( 2). Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither
let us tempt Christ, as some of them also
1. The church of Corinth had been
guilty of crimes similar to those committed by the Jews.
2. Exod. 32. 6.
tempted, and were destroyed of serpents( 3). 3. Numb. 21. 6.
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer( 4). Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are writ. ten for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world( 5) are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke xvi. 1.
6. The parable of the unjust Steward, inculcates upon ChrisJESUS said unto his disciples, There was a tians the duty to use
as to promote their spiritual welfare, as to
advance their temporal interests.
certain man a steward; and the same was accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship( 7): I cannot dig, to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An 167
4. The destroying angel. Num.14.37. Samuel 24. 16.
5. The Jews counted three ages of the fore the law was world: the 1st, begiven; the 2d, under the law; the 3d, under the Messiah.
7. As Christ will reject those who negwhich they are aplect the duty to
pointed.

1. Not for dishonesty, but admitting his foresight. 2. Who should provide for their recep tion into everlasting habitations, ere by death they be removed from their stewardship.
3. As you cultivate earthly" Riches," so seek heavenly wealth.
4. A Prayer for the acceptance of our prayers. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
6. Objects of their former worship.
The tenth Sunday after Trinity.
hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended( 1) the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light( 2). And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness( 3); that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
The Epistle.( 5) 1 Cor. xii. 1.
5. Spiritual gifts are from God, and are diversely bestowed,
men.
for the benefit of all CONCERNING spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols( 6), even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed( 7); and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but 8. That one indiviit is the same God( 8), who worketh all in sible co- essential agent; the same all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is Lord, the same God. given to every man to profit withal. For to 168
7. The Jewish exorcists boasted that they were actuated by the spirit.
The tenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 4)
LE ET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The eleventh Sunday after Trinity.
one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom( 1); to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the self- same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1. These miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were bestowed on the church in her infant state.
AN
The Gospel.( 2) St. Luke xix. 41. Trail Jarudo fold wod bevis091 ND when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known( 3), even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes( 4). For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee;( 5) and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another( 6); because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation( 7). And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought, saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a 7. The time of the den of thieves. And he taught daily in the promised Messiah. temple.
2. Christ deplores the obstinate infidelity of the Jews, and resents the profanation of the Temple.
3. Rather, O that thou hadst known.
4. By wilful prejudices.
5. Titus surrounded Jerusalem with a
trench, to prevent the escape of the inhabitants.
6. The foundations even of the Temple were dug up; the stones were some of
them 67 feet long.
The eleventh Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 8)
O GOD, who declarest thy almighty power 1662.
most chiefly in mercy pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments( 9), may obtain thy gracious
Z
8. A Prayer for fruitfulness in good works. Improved
9. Previously," We running to thy promises.

1. St. Paul declares Christ's death and resurrection.
The Epistle.( 1) 1 Cor. xv. 1.
BR
RETHREN, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand: by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain( 2). For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures( 3); and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present; but some are fallen asleep( 4): after that, he was seen of James; then of all the Apostles: and last of all he was seen of me also( 5), as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God( 6). But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they( 7) so we preach, and so ye believed.
The Gospel.( 8) St. Luke xviii. 9.
in the
of the Pharisee and JESUS spake this parable unto certain
Publican.
which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee( 9) and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as 170
2. That is, ye are in a state of salvation,
if ye live suitably to
the faith delivered to you.
3. See 53d Isaiah, and the typical prophecy, Jonah 1. 17.
4." Are dead:" the expression in the original, conveys the happy anticipation of
a resurrection.
5. About two years after His ascension.
6. An example of " St. Paul's humility," and" of his zeal."
7. Or, the other Apostles
8. Christ sets forth
the true mode of
The eleventh Sunday after Trinity.
promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
9. A sect professing strict obedience to` the law, and presumptuously assuming superior purity.

The twelfth Sunday after Trinity.
other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican: I fast twice in the week( 1), I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican( 2), standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified( 3) rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
The twelfth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 4)
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who
art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire, or deserve; Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 5) 2 Cor. iii. 4.
SUCH trust have we through Christ to Godward: we are
of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death( 6) written and engraven in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away; how shall not the ministration of the Spirit( 7) be rather glorious? 171
1. The Jews fasted the 2d and 5th day of
the week.
2. A collector of the Jews, because taxes; despised by they dealt with the Gentiles.
3. Pardoned and approved by God.
4. A Prayer for pardon of sin. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
5. St.Paul shews that his ministry of the
Gospel is more glori
that of the
law; the Christian
dispensation, more
excellent than the Mosaic.
6. The ministration of the Covenant, which subjected every sinner to death by its curse.
7. That is, the office of preaching the Christian religion.

1. For the Gospel bringeth to believers, Life.
2. By healing the infirmities of the deaf and dumb, Christ sets an example of doing good for it's own sake.
3. He chose to represent the invisible efficacy of His power by outward signs. ( See Mark 8. 23.) 4. His word is imperative; ours must
ever be supplicatory! 5. He sought to avoid
ostentation and the opposition of the Pharisees.
6. As we expect of the Messiah.
The thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory( 1).
8. Believers are justified and blessed with Abraham, through the salvation of Christ.
The Gospel.( 2) St. Mark vii. 31.
JESUS departing from the coasts of Tyre
and Sidon, came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit and touched his tongue( 3) and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him Ephphatha, that is, Be opened( 4). And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man( 5): but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; and were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well( 6); he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
The thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 7)
7. A Prayer for fruitfulness in good
works. Taken from ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose
S.
only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 8) Gal. iii. 16.
To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, 172

The thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.
as of many; but as of one; And to thy seed, which is Christ( 1).
And this I say, That 1. See Gen. 12. 3.
the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect( 2). For if the inheritance be of the Law, it is no more of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the Law? It was added because of transgressions( 3), till the seed should come, to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator( 4). Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one. Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law( 5). But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
2. The promise to Abraham continued unalterable until its accomplishment in the advent of Christ
3.The rites of the law were added, to restrain the Jews from idolatry.
4. The promise was given to Abraham by God himself; the law to the Israelites, through the mediation of Moses. 5. Obedience to the law, did well consist
with faith in the
promise of God, through the atonement of His son.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke x. 23.
6. Christ magnifieth the happy state of the
BL
LESSED are the eyes which see the things church, and teacheth, in a beautiful parable, who is our neighbour.
that ye see. For I tell you, That many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. And behold, a certain Lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master what shall I do to inherit eternal life( 7)? He said unto him, What is written in the Law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself( 8). And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour. And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down 173
7. He asked this in the expectation that Christ would enjoin some contradiction of the Mosaic law.
8. The love of our neighbour was, by
the Jewish Doctors, limited to their own nation and religion.

The fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.
from Jerusalem to Jericho( 1) and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain Priest that way, and, when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan( 2) as he journeyed, came where he was; and, when he saw him, he had com2. Jews had no dealings with Samaritans the
reproof and instruc- passion on him, and went to him, and bound
up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host( 3) and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him( 4). Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
1. This road was called" the bloody way," from being much infested with robbers: many Priests and Levites, lived at Jericho.
tion was therefore most apposite.
3. Two Roman pence
are worth about fif teen pence halfpenny of our money.
4. In works of charity, enquire not the faith of the sufferer.
The fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 5)
5. A Prayer for Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Sacr.
Taken from S. Greg. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, give unto us the hope, and charity; and that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 6) Gal. v. 16.
works of the
and to embrace the I SAY then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall
of the Spirit.
not the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary 174
6. The Apostle exhorts to eschew the

The fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.
the one to the other( 1); so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law( 2). Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, That they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts( 3).
1. There is continual
enmity betwixt our corrupted nature,
and the Spirit whereby we are regenerated.
2. Sin, for which cause the law was given, shall not have dominion over you. Rom. 6. 14.
175
3. Have overcome corrupt inclinations in their hearts.
The Gospel.( 4) St. Luke xvii. 11.
4. Christ healeth ten lepers; and repriAND it came to pass, as Jesus went to Je- mands ingratitude.
rusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria, and Galilee( 5). And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off( 6). And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go, shew yourselves unto the priests( 7). And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger( 8). And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.
5. Journeying from
Galilee, His way lay through Samaria.
6. By the law respecting leprosy, they dare not approach. 7. As the law directs those that are cleansed to do. Lev. 13. 14.
8. Inward holy dispositions are of more
value before God, than the outward
profession of any faith, however excellent.

1. A Prayer for the preservation of the Church and ourselves. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
old
2. St. Paul warns the Galatians against those who would bring them back to the Jewish ceremonials.
3. He usually dictated the letters, and others wrote them. Rom. 16. 22.
4. From the Jews, for preaching the full effect of the death of Christ, without the works of the law.
5. Under the Gospel covenant, the renewal of the heart and life alone availeth.
6. Servants and soldiers were marked, to shew to whom they belonged.
7. Christ exhorteth to abstain from an inordinate love of this world, and to place our hope in heaven.
8. A Syriack word expressive of worldly wealth.
9." Sorrow not for,"
be not anxious.
The fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 1)
KEEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy
Church with thy perpetual mercy: and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
The Epistle.( 2) Gal. vi. 11. di
YE see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand( 3). As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ( 4). For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature( 5). And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Isråel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks( 6) of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
The Gospel.( 7) St. Matt. vi. 24.
No man can serve two masters: for either
ΤΟ
he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon( 8). Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought( 9) for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your 176

The sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.
1. There cannot be a more forcible, or beautiful exhortation to confidence
body, what ye shall put on: Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them( 1). Are ye not much better than they? in God. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment; Consider the lilies of the field how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these( 2). Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to- morrow is cast into the oven( 3); shall he not much more clothe you, of the Levant. O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or wherewithal shall we be clothed?( for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you( 4). Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow( 5) shall take thought for the things of itself: sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
2.Travellers describe the golden brilliancy of the Amaryllis luten" in the fields
3. Stalks of flowers
were used in the East to heat ovens.
The Epistle.( 7) Ephes. iii. 13. I DESIRE that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For A a
4. Provided religion be the first object, Christianity allows pursuits of the world, and enjoins social intercourse. ( See Rom. 12. 15.) 5. An Eastern phrase for a future time.
The sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 6)
6. A Prayer for the
peace of the Church.
Sacr.
O LORD, we beseech thee, let thy conti- Taken from S. Greg. nual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
7. St. Paul prays for the Gentiles, that
they may perceive the of toward them.

1. The angels of heaven, and the Saints on earth, are the sons of God: the one universal Church of Christ.
2. The excellency of the love of Christ, the unfathomable perfections of God.
3. In a sublime doxology he shews that all intercourse between heaven and
earth is through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel.( 4) St. Luke vii. 11.
4. In the miracle of raising from death
the widow's son, the AND it came to pass the day after, that Jesus went into a city called Naim( 5);
compassionate beneficence of Christ is eminently manifested.
and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out( 6), the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier,( and they that bare him stood still), and he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise( 7). And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak: and he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all, and they glorified God, saying, That a great Prophet is risen among us, and, that God hath visited his people( 8). And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about.
5. In Galilee, near
Mount Tabor. 6.The law of the Jews did not permit the burial of the dead within their cities.
7. The omnipotent command of the Divinity!
The sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.
this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named( 1), that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height( 2), and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God( 3). Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen.
8. Hath indeed sent His Messiah.
178

The seventeenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 1)
LORD, we pray thee, that thy grace may always prevent and follow us; and make us continually to be given to all good works, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1. A Prayer for fruitfulness in good
works. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
The Epistle.( 2) Ephes. iv. 1.
I THEREFORE the prisoner of the Lord( 3)
beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long- suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace( 4). There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one upon peace and concord. Great is the baptism, one God and Father of all, who is sin of schism! above all, and through all, and in you all.
4. The religion of Christ is founded
The Gospel.( 5) St. Luke xiv. 1.
IT came to pass, as Jesus went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath- day, that they watched him. And behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, is it lawful to heal on the sabbath- day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; and answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox, fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath- day( 6)? And they could not answer him again to these things. And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms, saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room( 7); lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that
179
2. St. Paul exhorts to unity, and the duties of a Christian life. 3. At Rome, accused by the Jews of preaching the Gospel.
5. Christ teacheth that works of charity
and necessity are compatible with the duties of the Sabbath; and enjoins the practice of humility.
6. Exertion is never wanting where selfinterest is concerned.
7. That is, in the uppermost places.

1. At ancient feasts, each couch held three persons: it was esteemed the greatest honour to be placed on the same couch with the master of the house.
. 2. This sentiment occurs frequently in the Gospels; God abhorreth the proud.
The eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.
bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place( 1); and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that, when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased( 2); and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
The eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.( H)
The Collect.( 3)
3. A Prayer for grace
to resist temptation,
and follow righteousness. Improved LORD, we beseech thee, grant thy people
1662.
grace to withstand the temptations of the
.
world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee the only God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 4) 1 Cor. i. 4.
4. The Apostle congratulates the Corinthians on their conversion to the Christian faith, and
I
THANK my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you
on the gifts conferred by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are upon their church. enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you; so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of
H. The Ember week occurs about this time, and this Sunday, was anciently one of those called" Vacant Sundays," there being no public service appointed, because of the fatigues consequent on the fasts and solemnities of the ceremony of ordination: these were performed late on Saturday evening, or early on Sunday morning. This circumstance accounts for the interruption of the series of Epistles from the Ephesians; the Epistle and Gospel appointed, are suitable to the period of Ordination.
180

The nineteenth Sunday after Trinity.
our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel.( 1) St. Matt. xxii. 34.
1. Our Lord silences the most learned of the Jews, by his inWHEN the Pharisees had heard that Je- terrogatories and
answers.
had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, who was a lawyer( 2), asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all
thy soul, and with all thy mind( 3). This is 3. Deut. 6. 5.
the first and great commandment. And the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy
4. Lev. 19.18. The
motive, the second, will be the test of all human actions.
neighbour as thyself( 4). On these two commandments hang all the law and the pro- first should be the phets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, the Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord( 5)? saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stool. If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word; neither durst any man, from that day forth, ask him any more questions( 6).
The ninteenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 7)
0
GOD, forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee; Mercifully grant that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. A scribe, or expounder of the law.
181
5. By the Holy Spirit inspiring Him. Ps. 110.
6. Lest their answer should contradict the declaration of
David, or condemn
themselves for unbelief.
7. A Prayer for the direction of the Holy Spirit. Improved 1662.

1. The Apostle exhorts to avoid the sins of the Gentiles, and urges the practice of many duties. 2. Or," beseech."
3. Having, by a long course of sin, lost all
sense of its vileness and absurdity.
4. Rather," forasmuch" as ye have heard of Him by us His Apostles.
5. The Pythagoreans, when disputes occurred amongst them, sought to be reconciled ere sun set.
6. It was a maxim of
the Jews, that a man in anger, was under the dominion of infernal fiends.
7. The Holy Spirit cannot be grieved; this is spoken after the manner of men; do nothing to lose His influence, the earnest of eternal happiness.
The nineteenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Epistle.( 1) Ephes. iv. 17.
THIS I say therefore, and testify( 2) in the
Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind; having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart( 3): who, being past feeling, have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him( 4), and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath( 5): neither give place to the devil( 6). Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption( 7). Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil- speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender- hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
182

The twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
The Gospel.( 1) St. Matt. ix. 1.
1. In curing the sick of the palsy, Christ gives a sensible proof
2. Over the lake of
pernaum. 4. 13.
For
JESUS entered into a ship, and passed over, of His divinity. and came into his own city( 2). And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the Gennesareth, to Capalsy, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee( 3). And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth( 4). And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee? or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man( 5) hath power on earth to forgive sins,( then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house( 6). And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
3.The sins, for which thou wast punished with disease.
The Epistle.( 8) Ephes. v. 15.
SEE then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, 183
4. By undertaking to forgive sins; one of the attributes of God.
5. God manifest in the flesh.
6. Each fiat is in the power only of that Almighty Being who both created and redeemed man.
The twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 7)
7. A Prayer for protection by God's proALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of vidence. Taken from thy bountiful goodness, keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldest have done, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
8. St. Paul exhorts his Christian converts to be wary and prudent.

The twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs( 1); singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord
2. Relative duties towards heathens were
not dissolved, as the Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God( 2).
converts affirmed.
1. In opposition to those bacchanalian hymns which were sung at their feasts.
3.The rejection of the
Gospel by the Jews, represented in the parable of the marriage of the King's
son.
4. Marriage feasts lasted many days.
5. A prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman
armies.
6. In these days, an Arab Princewill'dine at his door, and invite, in the name of God, those that pass by.
7. An allusion to the call of the Gentiles.
8. In the East, the master of the feast furnished the wedding garment: it here figuratively denotes that" robe of righteousness," the graces of Christianity.
The Gospel.( 3) St. Matt. xxii. 1.
JESUS said, the kingdom of heaven is like
unto a certain king, who made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding( 4); and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth; and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city( 5). Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways; and as many as ye shall find bid to the marriage( 6). So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all, as many as they found, both bad and good( 7); and the wedding was furnish.. ed with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment( 8): and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding- garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into 184

The one and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called( 1), but few are chosen( 2).
1. All to whom the Gospel is preached.
2. Those who act up to its precepts.
The one and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 3)
3. A Prayer for pardon of sin. Taken
GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, from S. Greg. Sacr. to thy faithful people, pardon and peace; that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 4) Ephes. vi. 10.
MY brethren, be strong in the Lord, and
in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God( 5), that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood( 6), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places( 7). Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day( 8), and, having done all( 9), to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth( 1), and having on the breast- plate of righteousness( 2); and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace( 3); above all, taking the shield of faith( 4), wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked( 5). And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God( 6): praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known Bb
4. St. Paul declares life a warfare, and points out the Christian's defence.
5. Figurative of all righteousness.
6. Human enemies; 7. but against idolatry and wickedness; which prevailed especially at Ephesus. 8. The day of trial.
9." Overcome all."
1. The firm persuasion of the Gospel of Christ.
2. To guard the heart from evil.
3. Maintaining the peaceful practice of
Christian charity. 4. The efficacy of this universal defence is intended.
5. The temptations of Satan.
6. Bythis, Christ conquered in the wilderness, and by this, shall His disciples conquer in the world.

1." Thereof."
The Gospel.( 2) St. John iv. 46.
2. The unlimited extent of the miraculous power of Christ
is manifested in the THERE was a certain nobleman, whose son
cure of the nobleman's son.
was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down and heal his son( 3); for he was at the point of death. Then said. Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down( 4) ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And, as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour( 5) the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liv. eth; and himself believed, and his whole house( 6). This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judea into Galilee.
3. Capernaum was a day's journey from Cana.
4. His importunity shews that he thought the presence of Jesus
to be necessary.
5. About one o'clock, after mid- day.
6. This nobleman, is the first person of distinction recorded for receiving the faith.
The two and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein( 1) I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
The two and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 7)
Taken from S. Greg. LORD, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in
7. A Prayer for the
Peace of the Church.
that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
186

The two and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
The Epistle.( 1) Phil. i. 3.
I
THANK my God upon every remembrance of you,( always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy,) for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ; even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart( 2); inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the Gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace( 3). For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ( 4). And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and in all judgement; that ye may approve( 5) things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere, and without offence till the day of Christ( 6); being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God( 7).
The Gospel.( 8) St. Matt. xviii. 21.
PETER said unto Jesus, Lord, how oft shall
my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times; but ntil seventy times seven( 9). Therefore is the Kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents( 0). But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made( 1). The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him( 2), saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, 187
1. St. Paul testifieth his thankfulness to God, and his love for the disciples.
2." Because you have me at heart," sending to minister to me in my necessities.( c.2. 25.)
3. Ye are enabled, by the like grace as I am, to suffer for the Gospel.
4. That is, with a passionate degree of Christian love.
5. Rather," may try." 6. Day of Judgement.
7; We advance the glory of God, when tenderly affected towards one another.
8. The duty of forgiveness illustrated by the parable of a King and his servants.
9. Signifying a number, without limitation.
0. A talent contains 750 oz. of silver.
1. Among the Jews, the creditor had this
power over insolvent debtors.( 2 Ki. 4. 1.)
2. Such lowly submission is still practised in the East; inferiors paying deference, kiss the feet, knees, and garments of their superiors.

1. The Roman penny is about the value of seven pence halfpenny of our money.
2." Examiners," those who had it in charge to examine by torture.
3.( See chap. 6. 12.) their trespasses( 3).
4. A Prayer for the
acceptance of our
petitions. Taken
The three and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence( 1); and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow- servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not; but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow- servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I for-. gave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow- servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors( 2) till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother
5. St. Paul exhorts
the Philippians to
The three and twentieth Sunday after Trinity. The Collect.( 4)
from S. Greg. Sacr. O GOD, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness; Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle.( 5) Phil. iii. 17.
imitate and to
depart from the ways BRETHREN, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have
of carnal Christians.
188

The four and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
us for an ensample.( For many walk, of
the observance of the ceremonial law, denying the Advent of Christ, and by servwhom I have told you often, and now tell 1. Since they preach you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ( 1); whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ( 2); who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to sub. due all things unto himself.
ing Satan, make him their God.
The Gospel.( 3) St. Matt. xxii. 15.
THEN went the Pharisees and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples, with the Herodians( 4), saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men, Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not( 5). But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? shew me the tribute- money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription( 6)? They say unto him, Cæsar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's; and unto God the things which are God's( 7). When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
The four and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.( 8)
O LORD, we beseech thee, absolve thy people from their offences; that through 189
2. The divine power of Christ is the certain hope of resurrection to eternallife.
3. In the payment of the tribute money, Christ commandeth submission to authority.
4. A party favouring the claims of the Romans to the sovereignty of Judea.
5. The Jews, especially the Pharisees, as the" peculiar people," resisted this annual exaction.
6. A Prince's name on the current coin is, in the East, a positive acknowledgement of his sovereignty. 7. Civil obedience is perfectly consistent with pious homage to God.
8. A Prayer for par don of sin. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.

The four and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
thy bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the bands of those sins, which by our frailty we have committed( 1): Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
The Epistle.( 2) Col. i. 3.
WE give thanks to God and the Father( 3)
of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints; for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world( 4), and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. As ye also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the
5. Namely, charity. spirit( 5). For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing( 6), being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long- suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light( 7).
The Gospel.( 8) St. Matt. ix, 18.
WHILE Jesus spake these things unto John's disciples, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, say. ing, My daughter is even now dead; but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she 190
1. Matt. 1. 21.
2. St. Paul thanketh God for the faithful adherence of the Colossians to Christianity.
3. Rather, Who is the Father.
4. When this Epistle was written, the Gospel had been preached throughout the Roman Empire.
6. So as to please Him in all things.
7. The" light" of the Gospel; eternal light hereafter.
8. Christ raiseth from death the daughter of a Ruler of the Synagogue, named Jairus.( Mark 5. 22.)

The five and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
1. That fringe of the garment, which the
Jews were commanded to wear.
shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment( 1); for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and, when he saw her, he said, Numb. 15. 38. Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise( 2), he said unto them, Give place; for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
The five and twentieth Sunday after Trinity( 1).
2. It was a custom in the East, for minstrels to assemble on
the decease of a person, and play mournful tunes.
3. A Prayer for fruitfulness in good works.
The Collect.( 3)
Taken from
STIR up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills S. Greg. Sacr. of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1. This Sunday is looked upon as a forerunner of Advent, in like manner as Advent is a preparation for Christmas. The Roman and Gallican church have the same Collect. The Epistle and Gospel were both newly appointed by Edw. 6th. The Epistle is not taken, as in the other Sundays after Trinity, from the succession of St. Paul's Epistles, but is selected from Jeremiah, and is clearly prophetic of the coming of our Saviour. The Gospel chosen, is equally apposite; since the inference the people drew from the miracle it records was, that Jesus was the Messiah. It is also appointed for the 4th Sunday in Lent. 191

1. Jeremiah prophesieththat Christ shall rule, and save the scattered flock.
2. The Messiah is often called" the Branch," to denote His descent from the stock of David.
3." Righteousness" left the earth at the fall of Adam, and returned to visit, and
to bless it at the birth
of Christ.
4. The deliverance of Israel after the flesh, will be surpassed by their rescue after the spirit, from the bonds
of sin.
The five and twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
For the Epistle.( 1) Jer. xxiii. 5.
BEHOLD, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch( 2), and a King shall reign, and prosper, and shall execute judgement and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his Name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS( 3). Therefore behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, the Lord liveth, which brought up, and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the northcountry, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land( 4).
The Gospel.( 5) St. John vi. 5.
5. The feeding of the multitude, has reference to that spiritual
food which our Lord WHEN Jesus then lift up his eyes, and
dispensed to those who hungered after righteousness.
saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? And this he said to prove him; for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred penny- worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley- loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down in number about five thousand( 6). And Jesus took the loaves, and, when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down, and likewise of the fishes, as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his dis. ciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, 192
6. A small proportion to the number which daily subsist on the bounty of Providence; which" filleth all things living with plenteousness!"

St. Andrew's Day.
1. Jesus has left us here the example of extensive beneficence, consistent
that nothing be lost( 1). Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley- loaves, which remained over and above with frugality. unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world.
If there be any more Sundays before Advent- Sunday, the Service of some of those Sundays, that were omitted after the Epiphany, shall be taken in to supply so many as are here wanting. And if there be fewer, the overplus may be omitted: Provided that this last Collect, Epistle, and Gospel( K) shall always be used upon the Sunday next before Advent.
( L) St. Andrew's Day.( 2)
The Collect.( 3)
2. First commemorated 359, 30th Nov. 3. A Prayer for the conversion from sin.
grace unto thy holy Apostle Saint An- in K. Ed's 2nd Book. drew, that he readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him without delay; Grant unto us all, that we, being called by thy holy Word, may forthwith give up ourselves obediently to fulfil thy holy commandments; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
K. In the Roman and Gallican Liturgy, the Epistle is from Colos. 1. 9. and this is transposed to Advent; the Gospel is from Matt. 24. 15, to 35, and has been called" the end of the world," as some who reckon from Advent, pretend, that it denotes the end of the celestial year.
L. The Anniversary of St. Andrew's day is the first held sacred, because he first came to Christ,( St. John 1. 35-40) and became one of His disciples; and, because as he said" We have found the Messiah," he may be considered to have pronounced
C C

1. St. Paul shews that the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, shall receive the word, and
believe; and also, that Israel could not be ignorant of these things.
2. Isaiah 28. 16.
3.They who embrace, and obey the religion
of Christ. See Joel 2.32.
4. Isaiah 52.7. Nahum 1. 15.
5. Isaiah 53. 1. 6. Rather," our Preaching."
7. See Ps. 19. 4.
8. That God would call the Gentiles to salvation?
9. Deut. 32. 21.
0. Isaiah 65. 1.
Saint Andrew's Day.
The Epistle.( 1) Rom. x. 9.
I
thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith( 2), Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved( 3.) How then shall they call on him, in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him, of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written( 4), How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. ForEsaias saith( 5), Lord, who hath believed our report( 6)? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard( 7)? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, did not Israel know( 8)? First Moses saith( 9), I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith( 0), I was found of them that sought
the tidings of the Advent. After the Ascension, St. Andrew planted the Gospel in Scythia, and, also in the country about Byzantium. He was crucified at Egea. The instrument of his martyrdom is said to have been in the form of the letter X, hence known as St. Andrew's cross. He was not nailed, but tied to the cross, that his death might be the more lingering.
194

Saint Thomas the Apostle.
me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith( 1), All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people( 2).
The Gospel.( 3) St. Matt. iv. 18.
JESUS, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea,( for they were fishers); and he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men( 4). And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their throughout the father, and followed him.
1. Isaiah 65.2.
2. Such is the obstinate infidelity of the
Jews!
3. The Evangelist describes the calling of St. Andrew, and others.
4. Poor fishermen of Galilee were the instruments chosen of
Christ for the overthrow of Paganism, and the establishment of His religion
5. This Festival was instituted Dec. 1130.
( M) Saint Thomas the Apostle.( 5)
The Collect.( 6)
ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who for posed anew, 1549.
the more confirmation of the faith didst suffer thy holy Apostle Thomas to be doubtful in thy Son's resurrection( 7); Grant us so perfectly, and without all doubt, to believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in thy sight may never be reproved. Hear us, O Lord, through the same Jesus Christ, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and for evermore. Amen.
6.A Prayer for a right and firm faith. Com7. For, by suffering St.Thomas to doubt, was wrought a most convincing proof of the faith.
M. St. Thomas was also called Didymus, which, in the Greek and Syriack, has the same signification as Thomas in Hebrew, namely, twin. He was one of the twelve Apostles, a native of 195

1. St. Paul shews how the Jewish prophets declared,( although obscurely) the doctrines of the Gospel.
2. Jew and Gentile are united by the spirit into one body, under Christ their head.
3. The incredulity, and the confession of the Apostle are described.
4. This 8th day was thus early devoted to His worship. 5. For fear of the Jews.
6. A most signal confession of the divinity of Christ.
Saint Thomas the Apostle.
The Epistle.( 1) Ephes. ii. 19.
NOW therefore ye are no more strangers
and foreigners, but fellow- citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner- stone; in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God, through the Spirit( 2).
The Gospel.( 3) St. John xx. 24.
THOMAS, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within( 4), and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut( 5), and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord, and my God( 6). Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have
Galilee, and by trade a fisherman.( John 21.) He was zealous in his master's life time, but, after the Crucifixion, his faith was shaken; nor did he believe in the resurrection, until his Lord made him feel the wounds of his body.( John 20. 25.) After the Ascension, he preached throughout the East, where his martyrdom occurred, at the instigation of the Brachmins. 196

The Conversion of St. Paul.
not seen, and yet have believed( 1). And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his Name.
( N) The Conversion of St. Paul.( 2) The Collect.( 3)
O GOD, who, through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world; Grant, we beseech thee, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may shew forth our thankfulness unto thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine which he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Epistle.( 4) Acts ix. 1.
AND ND Saul, yet breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus( 5) to the synagogues, that, if he found any of this way, whether they were men or wo might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
n, he
1. Thy faith would have been more excellent if thou hadst believed, without such demonstrative evidence.
2. This Festival is observed Jan. 25th.
3. A Prayer that we may obey and follow
the doctrine of the Apostles. The original Collect was taken out of S. Greg. Sacr.; it was improved 1549, and again varied 1662.
4. The conversion of Saul; his call to the Apostleship; he preacheth Christ.
5. The chief city of Syria, where there were living 10,000 Jews.
N. The martyrdom of the Saints, or the days of their deaths, are usually celebrated by the church; but the" conversion" of St. Paul, is appointed to be kept holy; for the example of it, for the joy it gave the church, and for the miracle wrought at the time. St. Paul was born at Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia, of parents that had the privileges of Roman citizens. He studied Jewish divinity under the celebrated Rabbi Gamaliel, and became a Pharisee, a sect zealous for the Mosaical ceremonies; he therefore persecuted the Christians with furious severity. 197

1. On this spot the
Syrian town Caucabe
is said to have been
built, Cochab, signifying a star, or luminous glory.
2. A proverbial mode of expressing impotent rage.
3. So great was his agony, so sharp his compunction: feeling his mental blindness, under the bodily infliction.
4.With heart- felt sorrow and penitence.
5. A name, by which Christians were distinguished.
The Conversion of St. Paul.
And, as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven( 1). And he fell to
the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks( 2). And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened he saw no man; but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink( 3). And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth( 4), and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias, coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much he hath done to thy saints( 5) at Jerusalem; and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
After his miraculous conversion he propagated the Gospel through all Greece, the lesser Asia, Italy, Spain, and Illyricum. He was beheaded at Rome in the year 66; for, being by descent a Roman citizen, he could not be crucified. St. Chrysostom says that he was a man of low stature. He was buried on the way of Ostium, where, over his tomb, a magnificent church
is built.
198

The Conversion of St. Paul.
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me( 1), to bear my Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my Name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and, putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul( 2), the Lord,( even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest,) hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized( 3). And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this Name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength( 4), and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
The Gospel.( 5) St. Matt. xix. 27.
1. A Minister chosen by Me.
2. Ananias now acknowledges him a
brother.
3. A proof that the seal of the covenant must be received,
ere we on
the privileges of the Gospel.
4. Of knowledge of of the truths of the Scriptures, and Christianity.
5. Those that forsake worldly interests to follow Christ, shall receive that reward first offered to the
PETER answered and said unto Jesus, Be- Jews. hold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me in the regeneration( 6), when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my Name's sake, shall receive an
199
6.At the day of judgement, and of recompense.

1. He that practises cheerful submission to the will of heaven, shall receive blessings eternal.
The Purification of Saint Mary.
hundred- fold, and shall inherit everlasting life( 1). But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.
2. First observed 2nd Feb.( 540), 40 days from the Nativity. 3. A Prayer for purity
The Collect.( 3)
of heart. Taken from A LMIGHTY and everliving God, we
S. Greg. Sacr.
humbly beseech thy Majesty, that, as thy only- begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh; so we may be presented unto thee with pure and clean hearts, by the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. The last Prophet, foretels that Harbinger, who shall precede the Lord. 5. John the Baptist. See Matt. 3. 2.
( o) The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly called, The Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin( 2).
For the Epistle.( 4) Mal. iii. 1.
BEHOLD, I will send my messenger( 5),
and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth( 6)? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall See John 2.147. 14, purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as
and Matt.
gold and silver, that they may offer unto the
6. This prophecy was most strikingly fulfilled.
o. Some churches keep four Holy days in memory of the blessed Virgin, the Nativity and Assumption, the Annunciation and Purification. Our church only observes the two latter; as, not only relating to the Virgin, but also peculiarly to Our Saviour: the Annunciation having reference to His Incarnation, the Purification, to His being at this time made manifest in the flesh at the Presentation in the Temple, in
200

The Purification of Saint Mary.
are shewn the trials of man, the means
Lord an offering in righteousness( 1.) Then 1.Under these images shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you to judgement; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of Hosts.
used for his purification, and, also that the Lord shall, as judge, execute God's final vengeance. Learned heathens acknowledge that this prophecy alludes to
the Messiah.
The Gospel.( 2) St. Luke ii. 22.
2. The fulfilment of prophecy is declared at the presentation of
AND when the days of her purification, Christ in the Temple.
according to Moses, were complished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;( as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice, according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle- doves, or two young pigeons( 3). And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel( 4); and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he life of heaven. should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the ch" Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law( 5), then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and
4.Expecting the Messiah! anticipating, while on earth, the
3. The offering appointed for the poor. Lev. 12. 2.
5. The law for the offering of the first born. Exod. 13. 12.
" fulfilment of all righteousness," and in obedience to the law. ( Exod. 13. 2-15; Lev. 12.) By the ancient Christians, abundance of lights were used at the Purification in the churches and processions; in allusion to our blessed Lord's being this day declared by Simeon" a light to lighten the Gentiles,"& c. From this custom, the name Candlemas originated. n d

Saint Matthias's Day.
1. Rather," the Ausaid, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation( 1), which thou hast prepared before the face of all
thor of salvation," the Redeemer from
the burden of thelaw, people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against( 2);( yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also)( 3); that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity: and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption
from sin and Satan, death and the grave!
2. Isaiah 8. 14; Romans 9.32.
3. An expression to denote excessive grief, but not prophetic of the martyrdom of the Mother of Christ, as has been erroneously inferred.
Messiah.
4. Declared Him the in Jerusalem( 4). And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
( P) Saint Matthias's Day.( 5) The Collect.( 6)
6. A Prayer for the
fitness of Ministers. O ALMIGHTY God, who into the place of
Composed anew, 1549.
the traitor Judas didst choose thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve Apostles; Grant that thy church, being alway preserved from false Apostles( 7), may be ordered and guided by faithful and true Pastors, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
202
5.This Festival is appointed for 24th Feb.
7. By the grace of Almighty God, on elections to the ministry. See Epistle.

Saint Matthias's Day.
For the Epistle.( 1) Acts i. 15.
IN those days Peter stood up in the midst
of the disciples, and said,( the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David( 2) spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out( 3).
And it 3. St. Matthew rewas known unto all the dwellers at Jerusa- lates that Judas
hanged himself, ( c.27.5); probably he fell from the tree.
4. Ps. 69. 26.
5." Office," Psalm 109.7. Ministry."
lem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the Book of Psalms( 4), Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric( 5) let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus( 6), and Matthias. And they prayed and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen; that he may take part of this ministry and
1. The election of St. Matthias, by lot, according to the practice instituted by God himself. Num. 26.55.
2. The spirit of God dictated the prophecy. Ps. 41. 9.
6. Probably he who is called Joses.
Mark 6.3, and 15. 40.
P. The Scripture only notices St. Matthias as being chosen into the number of the twelve Apostles to supply the place of Judas. He had been a constant attendant upon our Saviour during the ministry, he is said to have been one of the seventy disciples, and, he had been a witness of the resurrection. He preached the Gospel in Judea and in Ethiopia, where he suffered martyrdom: in what manner, is uncertain. 203

1. The place of destruction fit for him.
2. Christ calls to him all that feel the burden of their sins; and gives praise to God for revealing the Gospel to the meek and lowly, in preference to the proudly learned.
The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place( 1). And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles.
The Gospel.( 2) St. Matt. xi. 25.
AT
T that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden( 3), of the Levitical law; and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
3. With the burdens
with the consciousness of many sins.
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
4.This Feast was first solemnized 350, 25th March.
( 2) The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.( 4)
The Collect.( 5)
5. A Prayer for the benefit of Christ's
death. In 1549, this WE beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace
orig. Coll. from S.
into our hearts; that, as we have known
Greg. Sacr. was restored, and the prayer for the interthe Incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory cession of the Virgin of his resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
omitted.
Q. In our Church, this Festival is considered both a commemoration of the Incarnation, and a memorial of the Blessed Virgin, through whom the Scriptures were fulfilled. In the
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The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
For the Epistle.( 1) Isaiah vii. 10.
1. The promise of Christ made to the
MOREOVER, the Lord spake again unto house of David. Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord( 2). And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel( 3). Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good( 4).
The Gospel.( 5) St. Luke i. 26.
ANI
ND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son( 6), and shalt call his name JESUS( 7). He shall be great, and
2. To obey the commands of God, is not to tempt Him.
3." God with us." Matt. 1. 23.
4. He shall be sustained in childhood, and shall grow up in the experimental knowledge of man.
5. The Humility of the Virgin, and her meek submission to the will of God, are
conspicuous in her interview with the heavenly messenger.
6. Isaiah 7. 14
7. Signifying in Hebrew," The Saviour."
sacred historians we see sufficient to love, admire, and copy in her character: from the anxious mother, she became the adoring and faithful disciple of Christ; at the foot of whose cross she was, by her divine Son, committed to the care of St. John, with whom, it is related, that she travelled to Ephesus. She is said to have died at the age of 63, in the year of Christ 48. The Romish church have a strange story of her assumption, which is not believed by the learned of that creed.
205

1. Of the most high God; the expected Messiah.
2. Dan. 7. 14; Isaiah 9. 7.
3. As it was foretold by the Prophet. See Epistle.
4. Not doubting the power of God to preserve and to protect her.
5. Observed on the 25th of April.
6. A Prayer for a right and firm faith. Composed anew, 1549.
Saint Mark's Day.
shall be called The Son of the Highest( 1); and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end( 2). Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing, which shall be born of thee, shall be called The Son of God( 3). And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren: for with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word( 4). And the angel departed from her.
( R) Saint Mark's Day.( 5)
The Collect.( 6)
ALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed
thy holy Church with the heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark; Give us grace, that, being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
R. There were two Saints of this name, one the companion of Paul, but this the convert, or son, as he is called, of St. Peter. The Gospel that bears his name, was written at Rome, it is affirmed by ancient writers of the church, at the command of St. Peter, in the year 45, and some have not scrupled to call it, " the Gospel according to St. Peter." It is recorded that St. Mark was descended from Jewish parents, that his name was Mordecai, and that he took the Roman name, Marcus, it being 206

Saint Mark's Day.
The Epistle.( 1) Ephes. iv. 7.
UNTO every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive( 2), and gave gifts unto men.( Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth( 3)? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens( 4), that he might fill( 5) all things.) And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ( 6); till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man( 7), unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive( 8); but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
The Gospel.( 9) St. John xv. 1.
I
AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that
1. St.Paul shews that God gives divers gifts
to men.
2. Namely, sin and death; an expression of the O.T. signifying to lead captive those that had been conquerors.
3. At His burial. 4. An Hebraism, sigrifying an exaltation above all the Angelical Hosts.
5. Rather," fulfil."
6.The appointment of public teaching, connected with worship,
is peculiar to the Christian church. 7. Unto maturity of piety, as opposed to " Children."
8. The unbelieving Jews, and the heathen Philosophers,
who opposed the Gospel, and corrupted its doctrines.
9. Christ shews the mutual love between Himself and the
members of His Church.
the custom of the Jews so to do when they travelled from home. He preached the Gospel in Egypt: he was the first Bishop of Alexandria, where he suffered martyrdom in the year 68. There is a tradition that he was barbarously dragged up and down the craggy rocks by the sea side.
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1. God, by His just judgments, cuts off the incorrigible; and purifies the members of His church by His dispensations.
2. Remain united to me as branches to a stock.
3." Severed from me."
4. On the Apostles were bestowed the gift of miracles; to the prayers of good Christians, are granted blessings.
5. That is, in your holy and obedient lives.
6. This Feast is observed 1st of May.
7. A Prayer for the imitation of Saints. Improved in 1662.
Saint Philip and Saint James's Day. beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit( 1). Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me( 2). I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me( 3) ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you( 4). Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit( 5); so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
( s) Saint Philip and Saint James's Day.( 6)
The Collect.( 7)
O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know
is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life, through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
208

Saint Philip and Saint James's Day.
The Epistle.( 1) St. James i. 1.
JAMES, a servant of God and of the Lord
Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which
1. St. James enforces practical religion.
were more numerous
Judea.
are scattered abroad, greeting( 2). My breth- 2. Those dispersed, ren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the try- than those resident in ing of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work( 3), that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom( 4), let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith( 5), nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind, and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted( 6); but the rich, in that he is made low( 7); because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation( 8); for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
3. Let patient endurance hold firm to the end.
4. Religious wisdom, which, teaching practical obedience, leads to salvation. 5. With an entire
conviction of the lawfulness of that he prays for.
6. For, a Christian is co- heir with Christ in the kingdom of
heaven.
7. For, if he lose his possessions for Christ's sake, he will glory in his humi8. Which is sent for
the trial of his sincerity in the faith.
s. For what reason St. Philip and St. James are placed together to be commemorated on one day, does not appear. St. Philip was born at Bethsaida, a barren country of Judea, near the sea of Tiberias; he was by trade a fisherman. The particular circumstances of his life are recorded by St. John 1. 12. After the Ascension, he preached the Gospel in Upper Asia. He suffered martyrdom at Hierapolis, now called Aleppo, in Phrygia: stones being cast at him when fastened to a cross.
St. James is usually distinguished by the name of the Less. He is called the brother of Christ( Gal. 1. 19), but must have been cousin german, as he was the son of Alpheus, surnamed
Ее

Saint Philip and Saint James's Day.
The Gospel.( 1) St. John xiv. 1.
1. Christ comforteth His disciples, and sheweth to Philip the
mystery of His divine AND Jesus said unto his disciples, Let not
co- essence with the Father.
your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself( 2); that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life( 3): no man cometh unto the Father but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him( 4). Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father: and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Fa5. As God manifested ther( 5)? Believest thou not that I am in the Himself to Moses Father, and the Father in me? The words and Elias.. that I speak unto you I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me( 6): or else believe me for the very work's sake. Verily,
2. At my second Advent, I will receive you into my kingdom.
3. The guide, the teacher, the author
of eternal happiness. 4.Him ye have known by His word: Him ye have seen by His works.
6. One in substance, and mutually in each
other.
Cleophas, and of Mary, the sister of the Virgin. After the resurrection, he was constituted, by the other Apostles, Bishop of Jerusalem( Acts 15), and, by his inflexible integrity, and holy zeal, obtained the appellation of the Just. Josephus records that he was delivered up to be stoned, in the year 62, by Ananias, the High Priest, there being then no Roman governor in Judea: the Scribes and Pharisees, impatient at the growth of Christianity, abetting and forwarding his destruction.
210

Saint Barnabas the Apostle.
verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do( 1); because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name( 2),
I will do it.
( T) Saint Barnabas the Apostle.( 3)
The Collect.( 4)
0
LORD God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost; Leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1. By propagating my religion throughout the world, in opposition to the powers of earth and hell. 2. With the invocation of my name.
3. This Festival is celebrated on 11th June.
4. A Prayer for spiritual gifts, and grace to apply them. Composed anew, 1549.
For the Epistle.( 5) Acts xi. 22.
5. The Apostle Barnabas is sent to conTIDINGS of these things came unto the firm the Gospel at
ears of the Church which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the
T. St. Barnabas was a Jew, born at Cyprus, of the tribe of Levi.( Acts 4. 36.) He was educated at Jerusalem, under Gamaliel, and is said to have been one of the seventy disciples chosen by our Saviour.( Luke 10. 1.) His name imports Son of Consolation." He established a Church in Antioch, about ten years after our Lord's Ascension, and here, with the assistance of St. Paul, the number of converts grew so considerable, as to be solemnly distinguished, and publickly acknowledged, by the name of Christians.( Acts 2.22.) Accordingly, to preserve a remembrance of the engagements we enter into on being received into the body of Christ's Church, a name
211

1. That is, under the moral influences of the Spirit.
2. Rather," in the Church."
3. Their enemies, in contempt, called them Nazarenes: they called themselves, Disciples, Brethren.
4. The word, so translated, signifies
Judea; on this occasent from Jerusalem
sion, much corn was
to other countries. 5. The persons appointed for the government of the Churches.
6. Our Lord ordains
His disciples, to establish a Christian church, to last till the end of the world.
7. I have imparte you the gracious counsels of my Father.
to
Saint Barnabas the Apostle.
Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith( 1): and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the Church( 2), and taught much people: and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch( 3). And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them, named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world( 4): which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders( 5) by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The Gospel.( 6) St. John xv. 12.
THIS is my commandment, That ye love
one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you( 7). Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained
is given to us at our baptism, in addition to that we derive from our family; it is a mark and badge of our covenant with God. Paul and Barnabas, during three years, travelled and preached together in Asia Minor. After their separation, Barnabas came to Italy, and planted Christianity in Milan. He suffered martyrdom at Salamis, where he was stoned to death about the year 73.
212

Saint John Baptist's Day.
you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain( 1); that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
1. I, the Author of the Gospel, have adopted you as my Apostles.
For the Epistle.( 5) Isaiah xl. 1. COMFORT ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, That her warfare is accomplished; that her iniquity is pardoned for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness( 6), Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God( 7). Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the
( u) Saint John Baptist's Day.( 2)
The Collect.( 3)
3.A Prayer for Christian courage that we ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence may follow the doctrine the Apostles. thy servant John Baptist was wonder- Composed 1549. fully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour, by preaching of repentance( 4); Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. Instituted 488; observed 24th June.
4. Rather, by preaching repentance.
5. The Prophet foretells the preaching of the Baptist, and describes the preparation made for the approach of the messenger of comfort.
6.The Baptist applies this to himself."
Matt. 3.3.
7. Him, of whom the Baptist was the forerunner.
U. The service of this day commemorates the mysterious nativity of John the Baptist. It is the only nativity, except our Lord's, for which the Church assembles with thanksgiving: and that, because his birth was a prophecy and a pledge of the birth of Christ, and it was rendered remarkable by the predic213

1. In allusion to the practice of Eastern monarchs, to send harbingers before them to level the ways,& c.
2.The Prophet proclaims the opposition of the temporary, Mosaic economy, to the eternal, Christian dispensation. See Peter 1. 24.
3. Rather," 0 Thou that tellest good tidings to Zion." It was a Hebrew custom for hymns of praise to be sung by
women.
4. The
clares the divinity of the coming Messiah, the general purposes of this universal
mercy, and the gentle goodness of the holy Jesus.
5. In the prophecy of Zacharias at the circumcision of John, the covenant of grace in Jesus, of whom his son was the immediate forerunner, is foretold.
Saint John Baptist's Day.
rough places plain( 1). And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry( 2)? All flesh is grass, and all the godliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, the flower fadeth; because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings( 3), get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him( 4). He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
The Gospel.( 5) St. Luke i. 57.
ELIZABETH'S full time came that she
should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it me to pass, that on the
tion of the angel Gabriel.( Luke 1. 19; Matt. 3. 4.) He lived an austere and ascetical life in the wilderness, feeding on a sort of grashopper of the country and honey. About the year 29 St. John began to preach, he had a Divine commission to administer Baptism to those who repented of their sins; and our Saviour confirmed the truth of his mission by partaking of that holy rite at his hands. For reproving the profligacy of Herod Antipas, he was cast into prison, and beheaded. Ma. cherus, a town and castle of great strength, a little beyond Jordan, was the place of his confinement.
214

Saint John Baptist's Day.
eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father( 1). And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, And he how he would have him called. asked for a writing- table, and wrote, saying, His name is John( 2). And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all And all they the hill- country of Judæa. that had heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him( 3). And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people( 4), and hath raised up an horn of salvation( 5) for us in the house of his servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began( 6); that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham( 7), that he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, Child( 8), shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day spring( 9) from on high hath visited us; to give light to
215
1. The name was always given at the circumcision; Abraham's was changed at its first institution.
2. In the Hebrew Johanan signifies the grace and favour of
3. He was peculiarly blessed by Providence.
4. Dwelling among them in the flesh; and, in that tabernaele, offering a propitiatory sacrifice.
5. Ps. 132. 17; a great
deliverance.
6. From the days of Adam,( Gen. 3. 15.) have all the prophets foretold the Advent of Christ.
7. Gen. 22. 16.
8. The Prophet apostrophizes his son, as the harbinger of Christ.
9. The morning star
that precedes the sun of righteousness.

1. In a state of ignorance and sin.
2. Advanced in spiritual accomplishments.
3. Instituted 813; celebrated 29th June.
4.A Prayer for Ministers to be diligent in their office. Composed anew, 1549.
5. An angel delivers Peter, at the intercession of the Church.
6. Courting popularity, leads to crime.
7. A quaternion is a band of 4, so that, the guard consisted of 16.
8." After the Passover," is thus translated.
Saint Peter's Day.
them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death( 1), to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit( 2), and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
( x) Saint Peter's Day.( 3)
The Collect.( 4)
ALMIGHTY God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle.( 5) Acts xii. 1.
ABOUT that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also( 6).( Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions( 7) of soldiers to keep him, intending after Easter( 8) to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him. And when Herod would
x. St. Peter was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee; he was the son of Jonas, and brother of St. Andrew.( St. John 1. 42.) His first name was Simon, he was married, and with his wife, lived with his mother- in- law, at Capernaum.( Mark 1. 29.) He was the first of the Apostles who professed his belief in the divinity 216

Saint Peter's Day.
have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,
bound with two chains( 1); and the keepers 1. It was the roman
custom to chain the right hand of the prisoner to the left hand of the soldier appointed to guard
him.
before the door kept the prison. And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals: and so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee( 2), and follow me. And he went out and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out, and passed on through one street, and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod( 3), and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
The Gospel.( 4) St. Matt. xvi. 13.
2. The cloak, or upper garment, worn by the Jews.
3. Herod Agrippa, son of Aristobulus, and grandson of Herod the Great.
4. St. Peter's confession of Christ.
more name
WHEN Jesus came into the coasts of 5. A city retaining its Cæsarea Philippi( 5), he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist, some
Paneas, 30 miles
north of the sea of
Galilee; now in ruins.
of our Lord,( Matt. 16. 16). and, together with James and John, enjoyed a particular intimacy with him.( Matt. 17.1.) After the Ascension, he, by one sermon, converted 3000 souls, and greatly propagated the Gospel in Pontus, Galatia,& c.& c. He was thrown into prison at Rome, at the command of Nero; and, being first scourged, was crucified on the hill called Janiculus, with,( at his own desire,) his head downwards, alleging that he was unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. Ff

Saint James the Apostle.
lieved that the souls of good men migrated into other bodies.
1. The Pharisees be- Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the Prophets( 1). He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God( 2). And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar- jona( 3): for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter( 4); and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell( 5) shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven( 6): and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
2.A designation used by the Jews, in contradistinction to the dead idols of the heathens.
3." Son of Jonas." 4. In Greek, Rock.
5. Namely, death.
6. Thou shalt first publish to the Gentiles that Gospel, by which alone, mankind shall be acquitted or condemned. Matt. 18. 18.
7. This Festival was instituted 25 July, 1089.
8. A Prayer for conversion from sin, and for devotion to the cause of Christ. Composed anew, 1549.
( v) Saint James the Apostle.( 7)
The Collect.( 8)
GRANT, O merciful God, that as thine holy Apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
y. St. James, the great, or the elder, was the son of Zebedee and the brother of St. John: his mother's name was Mary, surnamed Salome, a kinswoman of the blessed Virgin. He was born at Bethsaida. The only authentic accounts of him, are recorded by the Evangelists. He was the first Apostle who suffered martyrdom. About eight years after the Ascension, in the 2nd year of Claudius, he was put to a cruel death, by Herod Agrippa, who sought, by so doing, to please the Jewish people.
218

Saint James the Apostle.
For the Epistle.( 1) Acts xi. 27. and part of Chap. xii.
1.The persecution of the Christians commenced by the martyrdom of James.
IN those days came prophets( 2) from Jeru- 2. Inspired teachers.
salem unto Antioch. And there stood
up one of them, named Agabus, and signified
by the Spirit, that there should be great
dearth throughout all the world( 3); which 3. Much corn was sent up to Jerusalem came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar. from other countries Then the disciples, every man according to on this occasion. his ability, determined to send relief unto See Epistle for the brethren which dwelt in Judea, Which St. Barnabas. also they did, and sent it to the elders( 4) by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Now about that time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And, because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.
The Gospel.( 5) St. Matt. xx. 20.
THEN came to him the mother of Zebedee's children, with her sons, worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to dri of the cup( 6) that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with( 7): but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father( 8). And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, 219
4. Persons appointed for the government of the Churches.
5. Christ, in His answer to the mother of James and John,
points out the equity of the dispensations of Providence.
6. In ancient times, the master of a family, at repasts,
distributed to his dependants according to their deserts. See Gen. 43. 34.
7. Prophetic of their martyrdom.
8. He shall be placed
nearest to his divine
Master in happiness, who most resembles
Him in patience and humility.

1. I allow no ambitious views; he that is lowly and diligent, he shall have the greater glory.
2. For a redemption of" all men, orig. word signifies.
as the
Dan. 12. 2.
3. This Festival, instituted 1130, is held 25th August.
( z) Saint Bartholomew the Apostle.( 3)
The Collect.( 4)
4. A Prayer for the zeal of the church.
In 1662, the original O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who
words," to preach that which he taught," were altered; there being no writing of St.Bartholomew's extant.
didst give to thine Apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach thy Word; Grant, we beseech thee, unto thy Church, to love that Word which he believed, and both to preach and receive the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Epistle.( 5) Acts v. 12.
BY Y the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people:( and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch( 6): and of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people
5. The Apostles work many miracles, to the encrease of the faith.
Saint Bartholomew the Apostle.
Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you( 1); but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many( 2).
6. Openly professing
their belief.
z. Though enumerated in the catalogue of the Apostles given by the other Evangelists, St. Bartholomew is not mentioned by St. John; who ascribes several things recorded of him to Nathanael, styled by our Saviour as" an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile!" As the word imports Son of Tolmai, it has been thought that the same person is intended under both names. He preached in Lycaonia, and Armenia, and travelled into India; where he is said to have suffered martyrdom in the year 72, by excoriation; some relate by crucifixion, but that is a roman punishment.
220

Saint Matthew the Apostle.
magnified them( 1): and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women:) insomuch that they from them. brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed every one.
The Gospel.( 2) St. Luke xxii. 24.
1. Held them in high honour, keeping at an awful distance
2. Christ teaches His Apostles, in imitaAND there was also a strife among them, tion of Him, to assist
one and condescend to one
another with all humility, meekness, and charity.
which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called Benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger: and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth( 3). Ye are 3. See St. John 13. 4. they which have continued with me in my temptations: and I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom( 4), and sit on thrones judging the 4. Spiritual blestwelve tribes of Israel.
sings are thus represented.
( A) Saint Matthew the Apostle.( 5) The Collect.( 6)
O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy blessed Son didst call Matthew from the receipt
5. This Festival, instituted 1090, is kept 21st Sept.
6. A Prayer against covetousness. Composed anew, 1549.
A. St. Matthew was the son of Alpheus, a Jew of the tribe of Issachar; his Hebrew name was Levi, and, before his call, he was a Publican, or tax- gatherer to the Romans for the fish221

1. It is not the condition we are placed in here, but the use we make of it, that will avail us in the life to come.
2. St. Paul declares he hath used all sincerity, and faithful diligence in preaching the Gospel.
Saint Matthew the Apostle.
of custom to be an Apostle and Evangelist; Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches( 1), and to follow the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. 2 Cor. iv. 1.
The Epistle.( 2)
THEREFORE, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our Gospel be hid( 3), it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake( 4). For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowshining of the face of ledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ( 5).
4. Ministers under Christ, for the souls of men.
5. In allusion to the
Moses. Ex. 33. 16.
3." Be yet obscure;" it is only so to obstinate unbelievers.
ing trade of the Lake of Tiberias; therefore a resident at Capernaum: the Telonium, or Custom House, was open on the side to the sea, so that, the Receiver of the Portorium, or duty, had a full view of the vessels as they passed to and from Jordan; and thus, our Lord, in passing by, saw Matthew. He was the last called of the Apostles. Afterwards, our Lord partook of a feast at his house, in company with many Publicans, to the disgust of the Jews, who shunned association with them. He preached, after the Ascension, during eight years, in Judea, and wrote his Gospel in the Hebrew, or Syriac language; our Greek translation, is ascribed to James the Less, Bishop of Jerusalem: it is as old as the Apostolical times. He preached the Gospel also in Ethiopia, where he suffered martyrdom.
222

Saint Michael and all Angels.
The Gospel.( 1) St.Matt. ix. 9.
AN ND as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many Publicans and sinners came, and sat down with him and his disciples( 2). And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with Publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice( 3); for I am not 3. Rather, than sacome to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance( 4).
crifice.
( B) Saint Michael and all Angels.( 5)
The Collect.( 6)
0 EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained
and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order; Mercifully grant, that as thy holy Angels alway do thee service in heaven; so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1.Christ calleth Matthew from the Receipt of Custom; and reproves the selfsufficiency of the Jews.
2. Seeking to hear of His word and doctrine.
4. Those that live in habitual sin.
5. Instituted 487: and observed 29th Septr.
6. A Prayer for the guardianship of Angels. Taken from S. Greg. Sacr.
B. This Festival is celebrated by the Church in thankfulness to God for the benefits received by the ministry of the Holy Angels; and in commemoration of the service they do to God in heaven, and the succour they afford to men on earth. It bears the name of St. Michael, because he is especially recorded in Scripture, as an angel of great power and dignity, and as presiding over the Church of God;( Dan. 10. 13.) and, as triumphing over the devil( Jude 9.): see also the Epistle for the day.
223

Saint Michael and all Angels.
For the Epistle.( 1) Rev. xii. 7.
with enemies and persecutors.
the struggles of the THERE was war in heaven: Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him( 2). And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the seal for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
1. Michael and the angels fight with the
2. The casting out this dragon, is the overthrow of idolatry; applicable to the ascendancy of Christianity under Constantine. The statue of this Emperor trampling on a wounded dragon, was placed over his palace gate, on his advancement to the
throne, after his conquest over Licinius.
3. Christ declares that the purity and
The Gospel.( 3) St. Matt. xviii. 1.
of children are the virtues AT the same time came the disciples unto
that lead to immortality.( Ps. 24. 4.) 4.They thought their master's was to be a temporal kingdom. 5. From ambitious desires.
Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven( 4)? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted( 5), and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven( 6). And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. But whoso shall offend( 7) one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his
224
6. For, in the eye of God, humility is a sublime virtue.
7. This word, in its scriptural use signifies, to cause any one to fall from the faith.

Saint Luke the Evangelist.
neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Wo unto the world because of offences: for it must needs be that offences come( 1): but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh.
1 In the present state of this world, man
will be seduced from
Wherefore if thy hand or virtue and piety. thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell- fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones( 2); for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
( c) Saint Luke the Evangelist.( 3) The Collect.( 4)
2. For, as over infant innocency, so doth a particular Providence watch over those true disciples who, like children, are pure, meek, and humble!
3. Instituted 1130, observed 18th October.
4. A Prayer for spiritual health. ComALMIGHTY God, who calledst Luke the
posed anew, 1549. 5.This term signified, at first," preacher of the Gospel:" it was afterwards rePhysician, whose praise is in the Gospel, to be an Evangelist( 5), and Physician of the soul; May it please thee, that, by the wholesome medicines of the doctrine delivered by him, all the diseases of our souls may be healed; through the merits of thy Son Jesus doctrines of our Christ our Lord. Amen.
strained to the four who wrote the history of the life and
Lord.
c. This Evangelist, by birth a Jew, and a native of Antioch, was educated in the schools that flourished there, and applied himself to the study of physick. He is said to have practised at Rome for some years; and St. Paul, in his Epistle to the Colossians,( 4.14.) speaks of him as Luke the beloved physician. He himself intimates that he was not an eye- witness of the events of the Gospel, but, having joined himself to St. Paul after the contention between him and Barnabas in the year 51, was the disciple and companion of the Apostles. His Gospel was written when staying with St. Paul in Achaia and Boetia, and was published in the year 63, for the use of the Gentile converts. A few years afterwards( also in the reign of Nero) he G g

Saint Luke the Evangelist.
The Epistle.( 1) 2 Tim. iv. 5.
1. St. Paul certifieth
the nearness of his
death, and declares WATCH thou in all things, endure afficthe constancy of St. Luke's faith.
tions, do the work of an Evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness( 2), which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:( 3) and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee; and the books, but especially the parchments( 4). Alexander the copper- smith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works( 5). Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
The Gospel.( 6) St. Luke x. 1.
7. Seventy other than THE Lord appointed other seventy also( 7), and sent them two two before his face into every city and place whither he
the Apostles.
the
2. He represents the idea of the crown bestowed to victors; he had compared the exertions to those of
the combatants in the Games.
3. The day of final judgment.
4. Containing his observations on the Scriptures.
5. This is not an imprecation, but a prediction.
6. Christ's mission of the 70 disciples.
wrote the" Acts of the Apostles," which is the inspired historical account of the progress of Christianity during 30 years after our Saviour's ascension. His style is considered the most elegant of the Greek writers: a superiority attributable to his longer residence in Greece, and greater acquaintance with Gentiles of good education.
He is said to have suffered martyrdom in the 84th year of his age, by being nailed to the branches of an olive tree.
226

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles.
himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few( 1): pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves( 2). Carry neither purse, nor scrip( 3), nor shoes, and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house( 4). And if the Son of Peace( 5) be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again( 6). eating and drinking such things as they give
for the labourer is worthy of his hire.
1. Many there are to there are few to inbe instructed, but struct them.
2.The mild measures for the propagation voke the wolfish disof the faith, will propositions of the powers of darkness. 3. A wallet to carry food.
4. The usual Jewish
salutation.
And in the same house remain, 5. One worthy to rethe Gospel.
( D) Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles.( 7) 7.
The Collect.( 8)
ALMIGHTY God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner- stone; Grant us so to be joined together in unity of Spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
shall receive
Baw fit from your
int Festival, hat Fated 1091, is soriec zed 28th Octobe
8. A Prayer for the unity of the Church. Composed anew, 1549.
D. There are two Saints commemorated on this day; the first, is Simon, surnamed the Canaanite,( St. Matt. 10.4.) or Zelotes,( Luke 6. 15.) from the Hebrew word Canaan, signifying Zealot: possibly, therefore, before his call, Simon was one of a sect so called at this time in Judea. He was one of the twelve Apostles, and kin to our Lord.( St. Matt. 13. 5.)
There is a tradition, that it was at his marriage in Cana, that our Saviour was present. After the Ascension, he preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia, and, it is said, also in Britain. He was crucified in Persia, or Syria, during the persecution under Trajan, in the year 107, in the 102nd year of his age.
St. Jude, called also Thaddæus, a diminutive of Judas, being 227

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles.
The Epistle.( 1) St. Jude i.
1. An exhortation to constancy in the faith; punishments
await false teachers. JUDE, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye should earnestly( 2) contend for the faith which was once delivered( 3) unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation( 4); ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus e- Christ( 5). I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation( 6), he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgement of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities( 7).
2. The original word refers to the severe struggles of the Champions in the Grecian Games. 3. Delivered once for all.
4. Of whom it was prophecied.
5.Perverting trine of the(
el.
6. But sought to exalt themselves; they shall be punished for pride and rebellion.
7. So also those who, indulging in vain fancies, despise authority and superior dignity.
derived from the same root in Hebrew, and Lebbæus, from a Hebrew word, signifying heart, was the brother of James the Less, the son of Cleophas and Mary. He preached with his brother in Mesopotamia, Arabia,& c. and wrote his Epistle about the year 66. He was cruelly murdered for reproving the superstition of the Magi at Barytus.
228

All Saints' Day.
The Gospel.( 1) St. John xv. 17.
1. Christ declareth the mutual love between Himself and
THESE things I command you, that ye love His members to be
one If the
you, ye
a comfort the
persecution of the world.
me.
know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you( 2). Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than the lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin( 3). He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause( 4). But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me( 5). And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
2. If ye flattered men in their sins and passions, the world"
would love you; their infidelity proceeds not from ignorance, but from wilful blindness.
3. That peculiar sin, the rejecting the
Messiah.
4. Ps. 69. 4. This prophetic complaint was most signally fulfilled, at this time. 5. This, and other passages of the N. T. three distinct perplainly confirm the sons of the Trinity.
( E) All Saints' Day.( 6)
6. This Festival was fixed by Gregory 4. for the 1st. Nov. 834. 7. A Prayer to continue stedfast in the
The Collect.( 7)
O ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit toge. communion of the
ther thine elect in one communion and
Church. anew, 1549.
E. About the year of our Lord 610, the Pantheon, or Temple,
229

1. That figurative sense in which the Church is called our Saviour's body.
2. The great encrease of Christianity.
3. Omens from the East, were esteemed prosperous.
4. Seals were anciently used, to secure possessions.
5. It was a custom to mark servants in the forehead, to distinguish to whom they belonged: and it is usual to mark the sign of the cross on the forehead of the baptized.
6. The number of the 12 Patriarchs, multiplied by the 12 Apostles, is a sacred number throughout the Revelations.
All Saints' Day.
fellowship, in the mystical body( 1) of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Epistle.( 2) Rev. vii. 2.
AND I saw another angel ascending from
the east( 3), having the seal( 4) of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads( 5). And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel( 6).
Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Nephthali were sealed twelve thousand.
dedicated to all the gods, was, at the desire of Boniface IV. Bishop of Rome, taken from the heathens, by Phocas the Emperor, and dedicated to the honour of All Martyrs; hence came the original of All Saints. Our reformers having laid aside the celebration of a great many Martyrs' days, retained this day, wherein, by a general commemoration, our Church gives God thanks for all, beseeching him for grace to imitate their holy lives in this world, in order to be meet partakers of their happiness in the next.
230

All Saints' Day.
Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. math
Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve 1. The 12 tribes are thousand.
Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
not enumerated in their usual order: Judah is named first, descended the Mesbecause, from him siah: Dan and
Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand( 1).
After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands( 2); and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel.( 3) St. Matt. v. 1.
JESUS, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain( 4): and when he was set, his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven( 5). Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth( 6). Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merci231
Ephraim are omitted, as being most idolatrous: the children of the bond, and
of the free, woman, are confounded, Christ Jesus, neither there being," in bond nor free."
2. After the first fruits" have led the way, the Gentiles folpurity, joining the low, in unity and heavenly Host in a chorus of praise.
3. Christ declareth who are blessed.
4. Near Capernaum and Mt. Tabor, is the Mt. of Beatitudes, from which Christ
delivered His Sermon.
5. That everlasting kingdom of the God of heaven. Dan.7.13.
6. The greatest blessing on earth; peace of mind.

1. Shall enjoy His favour and protection here, and hereafter. 2. Shall be received of God as His peculiar children,
3. Who bear their trials with courage and patience.
4. For they shall receive a peculiar reward in heaven.
5. Namely, Joseph, David, Isaiah,& c.
All Saints' Day.
ful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God( 1). Blessed are the peace- makers: for they shall be called the children of God( 2). Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake( 3): for their's is the kingdom of heaven( 4). Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets( 5) which were before you( F).
F. It is evident from the whole tenor of Scripture, that God requires in every one of us, all the dispositions of mind here mentioned; the merciful shall obtain no mercy from God if he be impure, nor, shall the pure see God, if he be not peaceable. Persecution alone had never exalted the Martyrs, had not their other virtues added lustre to that crown they now wear in heaven; we do best express our thanks to God, by aspiring after the way they have gone before us: And this, may he give us grace to do for His Son's sake, the captain of their and our salvation, Christ Jesus!
232

THE COMMUNION.
THE ORDER OF THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER,
OR
HOLY COMMUNION.
Our Church has retained both these designations as most ancient and Scriptural, that of" the Lord's Supper, as St. Paul describes it,( 1 Cor. 11. 20.) and that of" the Holy Communion,"( 1 Cor. 10. 16.)
There is no particular form enjoined in the Gospel, for the celebration of this Holy Sacrament. When the spirit of prophecy ceased, the Rulers of the Church drew up forms of their own, according to their Apostolical precedent; St. Basil and St. Chrysostom composed Liturgies for their respective churches, which are now generally used in the East, and St. Ambrose and St. Gregory drew up Sacramentaries; yet, the latter did not impose the Roman Missal on this church of England: he, on the contrary, advised Augustine the Monk to select from other Liturgies. However, the celebrated Liturgy of Sarum became the standard of public worship till 1547: then our Reformers, after comparing all others, composed this admirable office, which Bishop Jewel affirms comes as near as can be to the Apostolical, and ancient Catholic Church.
Private and solitary communions of the Priest, the Church allows not; therefore, when public communions are not administered, so much of this Service is appointed to be said as relates not of necessity to the partaking of the Sacrament. This may therefore be called the" second Service;" for the Litany is esteemed a general supplication, forming part of a Service. It was an ancient custom to sing an anthem before this Service began, called" the Introit," because, while it was singing, the Priest entered within the septum, or rail of the altar. It was a portion of a Psalm, with the Gloria Patri." Introits" were ordered in the 1st Book of K. Ed. 6th. In most parish churches a Psalm is sung, which marks the separation between the two Services.
Hh

The Communion.
The Table( A), at the Communion- time having a fair white linen cloth upon it, shall stand in the Body of the Church, or in the Chancel, where Morning and Evening Prayer are appointed to be said. And the Priest standing at the North- side of the Table( B) shall say the Lord's Prayer, with the Collect following, the people kneeling.
OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name; Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
( c) The Collect.
A4
LMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A." Altar" was the name by which the holy board was distinguished even so late as the 1st B. of K. Ed. The word has reference to the" oblation" of the Eucharist; we offer up our prayers, our" souls and bodies" to the Lord: it is called a " Table" with respect to the participation of the holy rite: and, by our Canons, it is directed that the Table shall be placed altarwise, in the most sacred part of the church.
B. The north side is also the right hand, or upper side of the altar. As the Church gives this service the name of" the Communion," so it is ordered to be read at the Communion Table, and it ought not therefore to be read in the desk.
c. This excellent and devout Collect is both a very fit introduction to the Communion Service, and a proper preface to the reading of the Ten Commandments; for what does it express but wishes the most deep and fervent for the attainment of " faith unfeigned, a good conscience, a pure heart, and love, which is the fulfilling of the law?" If, indeed, we feel that God is present with us, and" spieth out all our ways, we have that faith that cleanseth the heart of evil thoughts: and as the people were to be purified before the first publication of the law, ( Exod. 19. 14.) so must we have clean hearts before we are fit to hear the same; for, without washing our hands in innocency, how can we go to the Altar of God!
""
234

The Communion.
Then shall the Priest, turning to the people, rehearse distinctly all the TEN COMMANDMENTS( D); and the people still kneeling shall, after every Commandment, ask God mercy for their transgression thereof for the time past, and grace to keep the same for the time to come, as followeth.
Minister.
GOD OD spake these words, and said, I am the Lord thy God: Thou shalt have none other gods but me. People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my commandments.
People.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
D. The Priest in rehearsing the Commandments, speaks as from God, he is therefore ordered to turn himself to the people."
These divine precepts of the Moral law were not solely appropriated to the Jewish Synagogue, but do as much oblige us. They were not however appointed to be read in the first English Liturgy, but were inserted at the Review of K. Ed's 2nd. Book in 1552. Indeed they made no part of any ancient Liturgy, nor are they read in the Communion Office of any of the reformed Churches but our own. They are an excellent preparative for receiving those holy mysteries, for they are penitential acts, requiring the examination of our lives by the rule of God's laws. A solemn stipulation is made at our Baptism, that we should" learn the Commandments, and keep them; and, at our Confirmation, we renew these vows and promises: for," they shall be in thine heart, thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes, " saith the Lord God. God himself divided his law into two Tables; the first four Commandments contain our duty to God, the six last, our duty towards our neighbour.
""
235

The Communion.
Minister. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Minister.
Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath- day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man- servant, and thy maid- servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt do no murder.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt not steal.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
In the short petition which is offered up at the close of each Commandment, there is a happy unity of spirit with the prayer which precedes them. These devout ejaculations transform the Law into the Gospel; they impart to it the spirit of a more perfect dispensation, and convert the law of Moses, into the law of liberty and love. When we hear the holy Commands read in the church, we must consider how we may have sinned against each; and must listen with reverence and humility, as if God himself spake from Mt. Sinai.
236

The Communion.
Minister. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. People.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.
Then shall follow one of these two Collects for the Queen( E), the Priest standing as before, and saying,
Let us pray.
whose
is
and
infinite; have mercy upon the whole Church; and so rule the heart of thy chosen Servant VICTORIA, our Queen and Governour, that she( knowing whose minister she is) may above all things seek thy honour and glory and that we, and all her subjects( duly considering whose authority she hath) may faithfully serve, honour, and humbly obey her, in thee, and for thee, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Or,
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we are taught by thy holy Word, that the hearts of Kings are in thy rule and governance, and that thou dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly wisdom: We humbly beseech thee so to dispose and govern the heart of VICTORIA thy Servant, our Queen and Governour, that, in all her thoughts, words, and works, she may ever seek thy honour and glory, and study to preserve thy people committed to her charge, in wealth, peace, and godliness: Grant this, O merciful Father, for thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
E. In the primitive Church they did especially pray for the King in the Communion Office, it being then a distinct office, used some hours after Morning Prayer.
These prayers include a petition for the Church, and for the discharge of the duty of subjects towards their Sovereign, since the happiness of a nation consisteth in a religious Prince and obedient people: the best Christian, is the best subject. 237

The Communion.
T Then shall be said the Collect of the Day( F). And immediatety after the Collect the priest shall read the Epistle, saying, The Epistle[ or, The portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle( G)] is written in the- Chapter of- beginning at the- Verse. And the Epistle ended, he shall say, Here endeth the Epistle. Then shall he read the Gospel( H)( the people all standing up) saying, The Holy Gospel is written in theChapter of- beginning at the- Verse. And the Gospel ended, shall be sung or said the Creed( 1) following, the people still standing, as before.
I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,
F. After the prayers for the outward prosperity of the Church, follows the Collect of the day for inward grace: to this is subjoined, first, the Epistle, as being the word of the servant, and, next, the Gospel, the word of our great Master. The Jews read the history of their deliverance from Egypt before the Passover, and all the ancient Fathers declare that the Christians did read select portions of the New Testament before they received the Eucharist.
G. These words were added at the last Review, to satisfy those, who charged the Minister with falsehood, when reading other parts of Scripture than a passage from an Apostolick Epistle.
H. Two peculiar marks of honour were observed towards the Gospel in the ancient church: that of all the congregation standing during the reading of the Gospel, and, after naming it, all saying or singing" Glory be to Thee, O Lord." This usage, borrowed from ancient Liturgies, our reformers retained in ours; it was enjoined in K. Ed's. 1st. Book; but, by some accident, it has been left out of the present rubrick; yet this reverential custom continues in all Cathedral, and in many parochial churches.
I. Creeds are declarations of the sense in which we under. 238

The Communion.
And was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father: And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the prophets. And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, And I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. Amen.
T Then the Curate shall declare unto the people what Holy- days, or Fasting- days, are in the week following to be observed. And then also( if occasion be) shall notice be given of the Communion; and Briefs, Citations, and Excommunications read. And nothing shall be proclaimed or published in the Church, during the time of Divine Service, but by the Minister: nor by him any thing, but what is prescribed in the Rules of this Book, or enjoined by the King, or by the Ordinary of the place.
stand the primary position of our religion; therefore all Creeds are, and must be, the composition of men. No Creed is prescribed in Scripture; and the words enjoined by Christ," I believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," would have sufficed, if explanations had not been demanded: but Arius, a discontented Priest, having raised a schism in the Church, maintaining that Christ was not a partaker of the Godhead, but solely a creature of superior human nature, the Emperor Constantine summoned a Council at Nice. On this occasion, this Creed was, in a great measure framed, and, was thence called" the Nicene Creed." It is more explicit than the Apostles' Creed, not because the Church has enlarged her faith, but to assert it in plainer terms. This is read after the Epistle and Gospel for the same reason as the Apostle's Creed is read after the Lessons in the Morning Service. It is, indeed, especially meet that all should first profess the same faith, who partake of the same mysteries. No" uncircumcised person" could eat of the Passover, the typical Sacrament; much less should any unbeliever partake of the real Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
239

The Communion.
Then shall follow the Sermon, or one of the Homilies already set forth, or hereafter to be set forth, by authority( K).
T Then shall the Priest return to the Lord's Table, and begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient in his discretion.
LET your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matth. v.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where the rust and moth doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither rust nor moth doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. St. Matth. vi.
Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them; for this is the Law and the Prophets. St. Matth. vii.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. St. Matth. vii.
Zacchæus stood forth, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have done any wrong to any man, I restore four- fold. St. Luke xix. Who goeth a warfare at any time of his own cost? planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 Cor. ix.
Who
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your worldly things? 1 Cor. ix.
Do ye not know, that they who minister about holy things live of the sacrifice; and they who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord also ordained, that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.
1 Cor. ix.
He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do accordK. It may here be noted, that this first part of the Service was called" Missa Catechumenorum," because the Catechumens were obliged to go out before the Consecration, when the Deacon made proclamation," Ite, Missa est." Hence towards the latter end of the third century, the Communion- Service came to be called" Missa," or" Mass."
240

The Communion.
ing as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix.
Let him that is taught in the Word minister unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. Gal. vi.
While we have time, let us do good unto all men, and specially unto them that are of the household of faith. Gal. vi. Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath: for we brought nothing into the world, neither may we carry any thing out. 1 Tim. vi.
Charge them who are rich in this world, that they be ready to give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life. 1 Tim. vi.
God is not unrighteous, that he will forget your works, and labour that proceedeth of love; which love ye have shewed for his Name's sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister. Heb. vi.
To do good, and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii.
Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 St. John iii.
Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any poor man; and then the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from thee. Tobit iv.
Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity. Tobit iv.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and look what he layeth out it shall be paid him again. Prov. xix.
Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy: the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. Psalm xli.
TWhilst these sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Churchwardens, or other fit person appointed for that purpose, shall receive the Alms for the poor, and other devotions of the people, in a decent bason to be provided by the Parish for that purpose; and reverently bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the holy Table.
li

The Communion.
And when there is a Communion, the Priest, shall then place upon the table so much Bread and Wine, as he shall think sufficient. After which done, the Priest shall say,
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church militant here in earth.
ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught give thanks, for
us to make prayers and supplications, and to all men; We humbly beseech thee most mercifully[* to accept our Alms and Oblations, and] to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseechingthee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: And grant that all they that do confess thy holy Name, may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governours; and specially thy servant VICTORIA our Queen; that under her we may be godly and quietly governed: And grant unto her whole Council, and to all that are put in authority under her, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and Curates, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments: And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this Congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom: Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
* If there be no alms or oblations,
then shall the words( of accepting our alms and oblations) be left out unsaid.
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The Communion.
At the time of the celebration of the Communion, the Commu nicants being conveniently placed for the receiving of the holy Sacrament, the Priest shall say this Exhortation.
ᎠᎬ
EARLY beloved in the Lord, ye that mind to come to the holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament;( for then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood; then we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us: we are one with Christ, and Christ with us:) so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily: For then we are guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ our Saviour; we eat and drink our own damnation, not considering the Lord's Body; we kindle God's wrath against us, we provoke him to plague us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds of death. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord; repent you truly for your sins past; have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men; so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things, ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did humble himself, even to the death upon the cross, for us, miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should alway remember the exceeding great love of our Master, and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood- shedding he hath obtained to us; he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him therefore, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, let us give( as we are most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen.
T Then shall the Priest say to them that come to receive the holy Communion,
YE that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend
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The Communion.
to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees.
Then shall this general Confession be made, in the name of all those that are minded to receive the holy Communion, by one of the Ministers; both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying,
of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Priest( or the Bishop, being present,) stand up, and turning himself to the people, pronounce this Absolution.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
T Then shall the Priest say,
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him.
COME unto me, all ye that travail, and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. St. Matth. xi. 28.
So God loved the world, that he gave his only- begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. St. John iii. 16.
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The Communion.
Hear also what St. Paul saith.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15.
Hear also what St. John saith.
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 St. John ii. 1, 2.
After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,
Lift up your hearts.
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. Answer. It is meet and right so to do.
T Then shall the Priest turn to the Lord's Table, and say,
IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, * Holy Father, Almighty, everlasting God.
* These words,[ Holy Father] must be omitted on Trinity Sunday.
THere shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed: or else immediately shall follow,
THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen.
Proper Prefaces.
Upon Christmas- Day, and seven days after.
BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be
born as at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels,& c.
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The Communion.
Upon Easter- Day, and seven days after.
BUT
UT chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world: who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels,& c.
Upon Ascension- Day, and seven days after.
THROUGH thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who after his most glorious Resurrection manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels,& c.
Upon Whit- Sunday, and six days after.
THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth; giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels,& c.
Upon the Feast of Trinity only.
WHO art one God, one Lord; not one only person, but three Persons in one Substance. For that which we believe of the glory of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with Angels,& c.
After each of which Prefaces, shall immediately be sung or said,
THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious 246

The Communion.
Name; evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord most High. Amen.
Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lord's Table, say in the name of all them that shall receive the Communion this Prayer following:
WE VE do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Grant us Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
When the Priest, standing before the Table, hath so ordered the Bread and Wine, that he may with the more readiness and decency break the Bread before the People, and take the Cup into his hands, he shall say the Prayer of Consecration, as followeth:
AL
LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption; who made there( by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death, until his coming again; Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and grant, that we receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood: who, in the same night that he Here the Priest is to was betrayed,* took bread; and, when he take the Paten into his had given thanks, the brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, is my Body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise after supper he took the Cup; and, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, say- Cup into his hand:
hands:
this And here to break
the Bread:
Here he is to take the
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And here to lay his hand upon all the Bread.

And here to lay his hand upon every Vessel( be it Chalice or Flagon) in which there is any Wine to be consecrated.
The Communion.
ing, Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed
for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. Amen.
Then shall the Minister first receive the Communion in both kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, in like manner,( if any be present,) and after that to the people also in order, into their hands, all meekly kneeling. And, when he delivereth the Bread to any one, he shall say,
THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving.
And the Minister that delivereth the Cup to any one shall say,
THE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.
If the consecrated Bread or Wine be all spent before all have communicated, the Priest is to consecrate more according to the form before prescribed; beginning at[ Our Saviour Christ in the same night,& c.] for the blessing of the Bread; and, at [ Likewise after Supper,& c.] for the blessing of the Cup. When all have communicated, the Minister shall return to the Lord's Table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated Elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth.
Then shall the Priest say the Lord's Prayer, the People repeating after him every petition.
09
UR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom. The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
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The Communion.
After shall be said as followeth:
0
LORD and heavenly Father, we thy humble servants entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his Blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee, that all we, who are partakers of this holy Communion, may be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
Or this:
thank have
and
we most
thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical Body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Then shall be said or sung,
GLO
LORY be to God on high, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. к к

The Communion.
O Lord, the only- begotten Son Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us: Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us: Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer: Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Then the Priest( or Bishop if he be present) shall let them depart with this Blessing.
THE peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen. Fug
Collects to be said after the Offertory, when there is no Communion, every such Day one or more; and the same may be said also, as often as occasion shall serve, after the Collects either of Morning or Evening Prayer, Communion, or Litany, by the discretion of the Minister.
ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words, which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may through thy grace be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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The Communion.
PREVENT us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most 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.
AL
LMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking; We beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities; and those things, which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of them that ask in thy Son's Name; We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us that have made now our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant, that those things, which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
T Upon the Sundays and other Holy- days( if there be no Communion) shall be said all that is appointed at the Communion, until the end of the general Prayer[ For the whole state of Christ's Church militant here on earth] together with one or more of these Collects last before rehearsed, concluding with the Blessing.
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THE
PSALMS OF DAVID.
The Book of Psalms is a Collection of Praises and Prayers, composed by David and other holy men, on various occasions, under the influence of the Spirit of God. They are an Epitome of the Bible, adapted to the purposes of devotion. Ezra, it is said, collected them into one Book, and placed them in the order which they now preserve. The Temple service consisted chiefly of forms taken from hence, the Prayers of the modern Jews are much borrowed from the Psalms; and, at some uncertain period, they divided the Book of Psalms into five Sections, or Books. These end respectively with the 41st, the 72nd, the 89th, the 106th, and the 150th. The four first Books of these terminate with the word" Amen," and, with a peculiar form of doxology. Christians used the Psalms in the Apostles' time, and, in the early ages of our Church, they were sung soon after the Confession; in the Western, or Latin Church, they are read over in seven portions, called Nocturns, and the whole recited every week; in the Eastern or Greek church, they are divided into twenty portions, and read over in so many days; the period we have assigned accords more simply with the annual course of time. The version of the Psalms here used was executed in 1539, and follows the translation of the great English Bible revised by Archbishop Cranmer. That in our Bibles was translated from the original Hebrew by order of James 1st.
The alternate recitation of the Psalms seems to have been as early as the close of the first century; in the Parochial service, the Minister taking one verse, the congregation the other; in the choral service, one side of the choir one verse, the other side the other. In the Jewish Church," all Israel stood"( 2 Chron. 7.7.) and we are directed to stand when, in thanksgiving, we present ourselves unto the Lord.
Thus, then, in the language of this divine Book, have the prayers and praises of the Church, from age to age, been offered up at the throne of grace. They formed, as it were, the manual of the Son of God in the days of his flesh: on the cross He pronounced the beginning of the 22d Psalm, and expired with a part of the 31st in His mouth. No tongue of man or
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THE PSALMS.
angel can convey an higher idea of any book, or of their felicity who use it aright. What is there necessary for man to know, says Hooker, which the Psalms are not able to teach? Like the Paradise of Eden, they afford us, in perfection," Every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food:" and, above all, what was there lost, but is here restored, the Tree of Life in the midst of the garden! Composed upon particular occasions, yet designed for general use; delivered out as services for Israelites under the law, yet no less adapted to the circumstances of Christians under the Gospel; they present religion to us in the most engaging dress; calculated alike to profit and to please, they inform the understanding, elevate the affections, and entertain the imagination. Indited under the influence of Him to whom all hearts are known, and all events fore- known, they suit mankind in all situations, grateful as the manna which descended from above, and conformed to every palate. He who has once tasted their excellencies, will desire to taste them again; and he who tastes them oftenest, will relish them best.
THE FIRST DAY.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM I.( A) Beatus vir, qui non abiit& c.
( 1) BLESSED is the man, that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord: and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the water- side that will bring forth his fruit in due season( 2).
4 His leaf also shall not wither and look, whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
1. The conduct of the godly finely described in an ascending climax;
2. and his happiness delineated in images borrowed from fruitful vegetation.
A. This Psalm of David is looked upon as the Preface to the rest: it declares that the end of man is blessedness, and the way to it the observance of God's law, shewing also the fate
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1. Contrasted with the former, all is worthless, and without stability
2. They shall be dispersed by the winnowing of that day when the Lord shall
teous.
7 But the Lord knoweth the way of the appear with his" fan righteous and the way of the ungodly shall
in his hand."
perish.
1st. Ps. M. S. for Easter- Day.
PSALM 2.( B) Quare fremuerunt gentes?
( 3) WHY do the heathen so furiously rage together and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against his Anointed( 4).
3 Let us break their bonds asunder: and cast away their cords from us( 5).
4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: the Lord shall have them in derision( 6).
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my King: upon my holy hill of Sion( 7).
7. As the royal Psalmist was established on his earthly throne, Messiah shall be ex7 I will preach the law, whereof the Lord alted, and His Gospel hath said unto me: Thou art my Son, this proclaimed. day have I begotten thee.
3. The Psalmist declares the opposition of both Jew and Gentile to the kingdom of Christ.
Day 1.
THE PSALMS.
5 As for the ungodly, it is not so with them: but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.( 1)
6 Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement( 2): neither the sinners in the congregation of the righ4." Thine Holy Child, Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed."" 5. Rebellious nature is unwilling to submit to restraint;
6. but God will reprove the schemes of worldly men.
of the ungodly in the present and future world: thus the Psalmist lays down the foundation of the whole work.
B. This Psalm is a most divine mixture of history and prophecy, composed by David possibly as an inauguration Psalm, when seated on the throne of Israel, and about to carry his victorious arms among the heathen nations; yet, typically and prophetically, it refers to Christ, as is evident by the citation from it in the New Testament,( Acts 4. 25.) by the confession of the Jewish Rabbis, and by the appointment of it by our Church for Easter- Day; when our Lord, by His resurrection, took possession of this glorious kingdom.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 1.
8 Desire of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession( 1)
9 Thou shalt bruise them with a rod of iron: and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel( 2).
2. By the power of Christ, the hardened
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be learned( 3), ye that are judges of the shall be dashed to
pieces.
earth.
11 Serve the Lord in fear( 4): and rejoice 3." Be instructed."
unto him with reverence.
12 Kiss the Son( 5), lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the right way: if his wrath be kindled,( yea, but a little)( 6) blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
PSALM 3.( c) Domine, quid multiplicati?
( 7) LORD, how are they increased that trouble me: many are they that rise against me.
2 Many one there be that say of my soul: There is no help for him in his God.
3 But thou, O Lord, art my defender: thou art my worship, and the lifter up of my head. 4 I did call upon the Lord with my voice: and he heard me out of his holy hill( 8).
5 I laid me down and slept, and rose up again for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid for ten thousands of the people that have set themselves against me round about( 9).
7 Up, Lord, and help me, O my God: for thou smitest all mine enemies upon the
1.The spiritual kingdom shall be enlarged by the accession
of heathen nations, in place of the unbelieving Jews.
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4. David exhorts the Kings of the earth to accept the offers of salvation.
5. The Eastern act of homage.( 1 Sa. 10.1.) 6. Or; for within a little, shall His wrath blaze forth.
7. David, with complaints and petitions, blends praise, thanksgiving, and confidence in God.
8. That is, out of heaven, mystically exhibited by the ark on Mt. Zion.
9. Faith, revived by prayer, is a stranger to fear in the worst of times.
c. This Psalm is entitled" a Psalm of David, when he fled from his Son Absalom."( 2 Sam. 15.) It is typical of our Saviour's agony and prayer in the garden, and on Mount Olivet; that same mount which David went up when he poured out the substance of this Prayer.( 2 Sam. 15. 30.) The Church, and every sincere Christian ought, under worldly tribulation, so to lament; and thus to ascribe unto Jehovah, the honour, the glory, and the praise!

1. Proverbial expressions of the greatest reproach and compleat defeat.
2. David prayeth to be heard, and reproveth sinners.
3. A Hebraism, for men in general.
4. Lying; falsehood.
5. Heb. Tremble and sin not.
6. Rather, reflect and and be still( 6). repent.
7. How many are ready to ask this! How few apply to Him, who alone can give an answer of peace.
8." More than in the time," far exceeding
Day 1.
THE PSALMS.
cheek- bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly( 1).
8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people.
PSALM 4.( D) Cum invocarem.
( 2) HE
EAR me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble; have mercy upon me, and hearken unto my prayer.
20 ye sons of men( 3), how long will ye blaspheme mine honour and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after leasing( 4)?
3 Know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly: when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not( 5): commune with your own heart, and in your chamber,
the pleasure his enemies could take in their abundance.
5 Offer the sacrifice of righteousness: and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There be many that say: Who will shew us any good( 7)?
7 Lord, Lift thou up: the light of thy countenance upon us.
8 Thou hast put gladness in my heart: since the time( 8) that their corn, and wine, and oil increased.
9 I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest for it is thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.
D. This also is said to be a Psalm composed by David on a like occasion as the 3d, and bearing the same typical character; the concluding verse, spoken by David, lying down to rest full of faith, and the joys of a good conscience, may be considered uttered by the true David, in the certain anticipation of a resurrection. Happy the Christian who shall thus resign himself to his grave as to his bed, until he arise to join" the Family of Heaven."
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THE PSALMS.
Day 1.
PSALM 5.( E) Verba mea auribus.
( 1) PONDER my words, O Lord: consider 1. David prayeth,
my meditation( 2).
professing his perseverance in prayer.
20 hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, my King, and my God for unto thee will I make my prayer.
3 My voice shalt thou hear betimes, O Lord early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4 For thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness( 3): neither shall any evil dwell with thee.
5 Such as be foolish( 4) shall not stand in thy sight for thou hatest all them that work vanity.
:
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing the Lord will abhor both the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
:
7 But as for me, I will come into thine house( 5), even upon the multitude of thy mercy and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple( 6).
8 Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, because of mine enemies make thy way plain before my face.
:
9 For there is no faithfulness in his mouth: their inward parts are very wickedness.
10 Their throat is an open sepulchre( 7): they flatter with their tongue.
11 Destroy thou them, O God; let them perish through their own imaginations: cast them out in the multitude of their
2. Or, with more just pathos, my dove- like mournings.
3. This negative form, usual in Scripture, is very emphatic.
4. Madmen in the Heb; that is, wicked men.( Eccles. 2. 2.)
5. He asks of God to guide him, because of the wickedness of his enemies.
6. The symbol of the presence of God.
7. They utter mischief with open mouths: the Jewish
sepulchres were usually open, and infected with banditti Lu. 8. 27.
E. David is said to have composed this Psalm when persecuted by Saul or Absolom. Part of v. 9 is cited( 3 Rom. 13.) to evince the depravity of mankind till renewed by grace. It is plain therefore that this description had a more general import than the enemies of the literal David. Passages of the imprecatory kind in the Book of Psalms are not spoken of personal enemies, but of the ungodly, and this by way of prediction, if the original verbs were translated, as they might be, in the future tense.
Ll

1. He foretels the destruction of his enemies.
2. The faithful shall experience the comfort and protection of a Saviour.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 6.( F) Domine, ne in furore.
3. David's complaint( 3) O LORD, rebuke me not in thine indignation: neither chasten me in thy
in distress.
1st. Ps. M. S. for Ash- Wednesday.
Day 1.
THE PSALMS.
ungodliness; for they have rebelled against thee( 1).
12 And let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice: they shall ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them; they that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee;
13 For thou, Lord, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous and with thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him as with a shield( 2).
displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am 4. That is, the Psalm- weak: O Lord, heal me, for my bones( 4)
ist; it is a common Hebrew figure to express the whole, or
the individual, by the
parts, or members.
5." There is no work,
no wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest." Eccl. 9. 10.
6. The strain, in the abrupt transition style of Hebrew Poetry, changes to one of joy and triumph.
are vexed.
3 My soul also is sore troubled: but, Lord, how long wilt thou punish me?
4 Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for thy mercies' sake.
5 For in death no man remembreth thee: and who will give thee thanks in the pit( 5) ► 6 I am weary of my groaning; every night wash I my bed and water my couch with my tears.
7 My beauty is gone for very trouble and worn away because of all mine enemies.
8 Away from me( 6), all ye that work vanity for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
F. This very affecting Psalm is one of those styled" peni. tential." It was penned by David on some special humiliation for the confession of his sins, and averting God's wrath. Repentance having performed her task, gives place to Faith, with the glad tidings of pardon and acceptance.
258

THE PSALMS.
Day 1.
9 The Lord hath heard my petition: the Lord will receive my prayer( 1).
1. Animated with renewed strength in righteousness, he
10 All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore vexed: they shall be turned back, anticipates the final and put to shame suddenly.
overthrow of his enemies.
PSALM 7.( G) Domine, deus meus. ( 2) LORD my God, in thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me,
2 Lest he devour my soul, like a lion, and tear it in pieces: while there is none to help. 30 Lord my God, if I have done any such thing or if there be any wickedness in my hands;
:
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly with me yea, I have delivered him that without any cause is mine enemy( 3);
5 Then let mine enemy persecute my soul, and take me: yea, let him tread my life down upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust.
6 Stand up, O Lord, in thy wrath, and lift up thyself( 4), because of the indignation of mine enemies: arise up for me in the judgement that thou hast commanded.
7 And so shall the congregation of the people come about thee for their sakes therefore lift up thy self again.
8 The Lord shall judge the people; give sentence with me, O Lord( 5): according to my righteousness, and according to the innocency that is in me.
2. David prays against the malice of his enemies, professing his innocency;
3. He alludes to his
preserving the life of Saul. 1 Sam. 24; see also 26. 12.
4. He prays for judgment, and the abofi5." Judge me, O Lord;" awful words, happy those that can
repeat them with composure!
G. David is said to have composed this Psalm, concerning the matter of Cush, the Benjamite. It is uncertain whether Saul or Shimei be intended under this name; but, clear that David, having been calumniated by such a person, here complains of the imputation, seeking to vindicate himself. It may be considered the appeal of the true David and his disciples, against the grand accuser and his associates.
259

2.That is, if the wicked will not repent, God will execute His judgments upon them.
1. All the desires and hearts and reins( 1). secret thoughts.
3. Namely, the wicked, his enemy.
4. In the East, wild beasts are taken in
pits covered slightly with reeds, or branches of trees. 5. His mischief."
1st Ps. M. S. for Ascension Day.
Day 1.
90 let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end: but guide thou the just. 10 For the righteous God: trieth the very
7. Matt. 21. 16.
THE PSALMS.
11 My help cometh of God: who preserveth them that are true of heart.
12 God is a righteous judge, strong, and patient and God is provoked every day.
13 If a man will not turn, he will whet his sword: he hath bent his bow, and made it ready( 2).
14 He hath prepared for him the instruments of death he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
15 Behold, he( 3) travaileth with mischief: he hath conceived sorrow, and brought forth ungodliness.
16 He hath graven and digged up a pit: and is fallen himself into the destruction that he made for other( 4).
17 For his travail( 5) shall come upon his own head and his wickedness shall fall on his own pate.
18 I will give thanks unto the Lord, according to his righteousness and I will praise the Name of the Lord most High.
6. The glory of God,( 6)
and to man.
PSALM 8.( H) Domine, Dominus noster.
LORD our Governour, how excellent is thy Name in all the world thou that hast set thy glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength( 7),
H. David composed this Psalm for the magnifying God's wonderful love in the creation of the world, and His bounty to man; since, to him is given supremacy over all other creatures. This was most especially shewn, by the exaltation of our nature in the person of the second Adam to the right hand of the Majesty on High;( See St. Paul to the Hebrews, 2. 6.) In a prophetical sense, this Psalm may be understood, of Christ's victory over Satan.
260

THE PSALMS.
Day 2.
:
because of thine enemies that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger( 1).
3 For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained( 2).
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him and the Son of man, that thou visitest him?
2. David is supposed to have written this Psalm when contem5 Thou madest him lower than the angels: plating the heavens to crown him with glory and worship( 3).
6 Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands and thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet;
7 All sheep and oxen: yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas( 4).
90 Lord our Governour: how excellent is thy Name in all the world!
1. The praises of the Messiah, celebrated by His children in the purity of infant innocency, can abash infidelity.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 9.( 1) Confitebor tibi.
( 5) I
WILL give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all thy marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: yea, my songs will I make of thy Name, O thou most Highest( 6).
3 While mine enemies are driven back: they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right, and my cause: thou art set in the throne that judgest right.
3. Jesus, who was made, a little while, inferior to the angels, for the suffering of death, is now crowned with glory and honour. See 1 Cor. 15.27.
4. What the first Adam lost by transgression, the second regained by obedience. See Gen. 1. 28.
1st Ps. M. S. for K. Charles's Mart.
5.David praiseth God with thanksgiving,
and exhorteth others to do likewise.
6. This double superlative is peculiar to the old vulgar translation; it is singularly applicable to Him who is higher than the Highest.
1. This Psalm consists of two parts, a thanksgiving, and a prayer. It is not known on what particular occasion David composed this Psalm; probably to celebrate the victories he gained over the neighbouring nations, after that he was exalted to be King in Sion, where dwelt the ark of the Lord, v. 11. 261

1. A sudden apcstrophe to the enemies of God's people; the Philistines and other nations. These instruments of desolation have destroyed to the utmost, and their memory is perished with them.
2.This exhortation is parenthetic verses 10 and 12 being connected in sense.
3. See Gen. 4. 10. 4. Those that seek him. v. 10.
5. David prayeth to God to give him cause to praise Him.
6. The public assemblies of Jerusalem were held at the gates of the city.
Day 2.
THE PSALMS.
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, and destroyed the ungodly thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
8. Wickedness came from thence, and thither will it be again remitted.
6 0 thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end( 1): even as the cities which thou hast destroyed; their memorial is perished with them.
7 But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath also prepared his seat for judgement.
8 For he shall judge the world in righteousness and minister true judgement unto the people.
9 The Lord also will be a defence for the oppressed even a refuge in due time of trouble.
10 And they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee for thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek thee:
11 O praise the Lord, which dwelleth in Sion( 2): shew the people of his doings.
12 For, when he maketh inquisition for blood( 3), he remembereth them( 4): and forgetteth not the complaint of the poor.
13 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider the trouble which I suffer of them that hate me( 5): thou that liftest me up from the gates of death.
14 That I may shew all thy praises within the ports( 6) of the daughter of Sion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made in the same net which 7.See Note, Ps. 7. 16. they hid privily is their foot taken( 7).
16 The Lord is known to execute judgement: the ungodly is trapped in the work of his own hands.
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell( 8): and all the people that forget God.
18 For the poor shall not alway be forgotten the patient abiding of the meek shall not perish for ever.
19 Up, Lord, and let not man have the upper hand let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
262

THE PSALMS.
20 Put them in fear, O Lord heathen may know themselves men( 1).
Day 2.
that the to be but
PSALM 10.( K) Ut quid, Domine?
( 2) WHY standest thou so far off, O Lord: and hidest thy face the needful time of trouble?
2 The ungodly for his own lust doth persecute the poor( 3): let them be taken in the crafty wiliness that they have imagined.
3 For the ungodly hath made boast of his own heart's desire and speaketh good of the covetous, whom God abhorreth.
4 The ungodly is so proud, that he careth not for God: neither is God in all his thoughts( 4).
5 His ways are alway grievous( 5): thy judgements are far above out of his sight, and therefore defieth he all his enemies.
6 For he hath said in his heart, Tush, I shall never be cast down there shall no harm happen unto me.
7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and fraud under his tongue( 6) is ungodliness and vanity.
8 He sitteth lurking in the thievish corners of the streets and privily in his lurking dens doth he murder the innocent; his eyes are set against the poor.
9 For he lieth waiting secretly, even as a lion lurketh he in his den: that he may ravish the poor.
1. Because of man's obduracy, mercy must be preceded by judgments.
2d Ps. M. S. for K. Charles's Mart.
2. David complains of the outrage of the wicked;
3. Namely, the afflicted, the humble.
4. See Eph. 2.12. 5. Offensive to God.
6. An allusion to serpents, whose poison lies under their tongues.
K. This Psalm of David is a complaint of the riotous oppressions of the wicked; composed, either on the occasion of the inroads of foreign enemies, or, of domestic ones at the court of Saul. The Church may thus lament, under persecution from the spirit of Antichrist, but the faithful know assuredly that God beholds all that some inflict, and others sustain; and that He will recompense to the former their deeds, to the latter their sufferings.
263

1. For the chastisement of His people, God often suffers the enemy to prevail.
2. The wicked conclude from God's patience that He will never punish him. 3. The afflicted.
4. From such persecution David prayeth to be delivered.
5." Till thou." Until the wicked come to an end in the kingdom
of Messiah.
6. He professeth his confidence in God.
7. Mortal man.
3d Ps. M. S. for K. Charles's Mart.
Day 2.
THE PSALMS.
10 He doth ravish the poor: when he getteth him into his net( 1).
11 He falleth down, and humbleth himself that the congregation of the poor may fall into the hands of his captains.
12 He hath said in his heart, Tush, God hath forgotten: he hideth away his face, and he will never see it( 2).
13 Arise, O Lord God, and lift up thine hand forget not the poor( 3).
14 Wherefore should the wicked blaspheme God: while he doth say in his heart, Tush, thou God carest not for it.
15 Surely thou hast seen it( 4): for thou beholdest ungodliness and wrong.
16 That thou mayest take the matter into thine hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; for thou art the helper of the friendless.
17 Break thou the power of the ungodly and malicious: take away his ungodliness, and thou( 5) shalt find none.
18 The Lord is King for ever and ever( 6): and the heathen are perished out of the land.
19 Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the poor thou preparest their heart, and thine ear hearkeneth thereto;
20 To help the fatherless and poor unto their right that the man of the earth( 7) be no more exalted against them.
:
PSALM 11.( L) In Domino confido.
8. David expostulates( 8) IN the Lord put I my trust: how say ye then to my soul, That she should flee as a bird unto the hill?
with his
L. This Psalm seems to have been composed by David when his friends advised him to flee to the mountainous parts of Judea, since Saul sought to assassinate him. It is common in Scripture to express God's dispensations to men by the image of a cup:( v. 7.) this is borrowed from the custom of those 264

THE PSALMS.
Day 2.
2 For lo, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrows within the quiver: that they may privily shoot at them which are true of heart( 1).
3 For the foundations will be cast down: and what hath the righteous done( 2)?
4 The Lord is in his holy temple: the Lord's seat is in heaven.
5 His eyes consider the poor and his eyelids try the children of men( 3).
6 The Lord alloweth the righteous( 4): but the ungodly, and him that delighteth in wickedness doth his soul abhor.
7 Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, storm and tempest( 5): this shall be their portion to drink.
8 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness his countenance will behold the thing that is just.
1. and subjoins the arguments of their counsel.
2.That is, if Law and Religion be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
3. To which he replies with these expressions, of trust in God.
4. That is, Approves
their actions.
5. An allusion to the destruction of
Sodom, and to all those who refuse the cup of salvation. Ju. 7; Rev. 20.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 12.( M) Salvum me fac.
( 6) HELP me, Lord, for there is not one 6 David laments the godly man left: for the faithful are decrease of God's minished from among the children of men. faithful servants, but 2 They talk of vanity( 7) every one with his neighbour: they do but flatter with their lips, and dissemble in their double heart.
confides in His promises.
7. Or, falsehood.
3 The Lord shall root out all deceitful lips: and the tongue that speaketh proud things;
times, at feasts, to set before each guest a certain portion of liquor, poured out for his share.
M. David probably wrote this Psalm on the occasion of Saul's evil administration, and the persecution of himself and other good men. The Church doth equally lament universal corruption, but rests her confidence in her Saviour, who, when his enemies drew near to apprehend him, said" it is your hour, and the power of darkness," for we know that hour will pass away with us, as it did with Him.
Mm

1. Rather, will we be valiant. Infidels profess to set at defiance all authority and received opinion.
2. Rather, because of " the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy.
3. The words of the Lord; v. 7.
4. The godly.
5. Those persecutors, whom Saul exalted to power, Doeg and Cush. 1 Sam. 22.29.
6. David complaining
for divine assistance with faith and thanksgiving.
7. Give me wisdom. 8. See Job. 14. 12; John 11. 11.
9. If I be overcome by them.
0. To the suppliant, doth the Sun of Righteousness return with healing in his wings.
Day 2.
THE PSALMS.
4 Which have said, With our tongue will we prevail( 1): we are they that ought to speak, who is lord over us?
5 Now for the comfortless troubles' sake of the needy: and because of the deep sighing of the poor( 2),
6 I will up, saith the Lord: and will help every one from him that swelleth against him, and will set him at rest.
7 The words of the Lord are pure words: even as the silver, which from the earth is tried, and purified seven times in the fire.
8 Thou shalt keep them( 3), O Lord: thou shalt preserve him( 4) from this generation for ever.
9 The ungodly( 5) walk on every side: when they are exalted, the children of men are put to rebuke.
PSALM 13.( N) Usque quo, Domine?
( 6) HOW long wilt thou forget me, O Lord,
for ever how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
2 How long shall I seek counsel in my soul, and be so vexed in my heart: how long shall mine enemies triumph over me?
3 Consider, and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes( 7) that I sleep not in death( 8);
4 Lest mine enemies say, I have prevailed against him for if I be cast down( 9), they that trouble me will rejoice at it.
5 But my trust is in thy mercy and my heart is joyful in thy salvation.
6 I will sing of the Lord, because he hath dealt so lovingly with me yea, I will praise the Name of the Lord most Highest( 0).
N. This Psalm was written by David in time of some great distress. It is observable that this, and many other Psalms, with a mournful beginning, have a triumphant ending, shewing us that devotion leads to comfort and consolation! 266

THE PSALMS.
Day 2.
PSALM 14.( 0) Dixit insipiens.
( 1) THE fool( 2) hath said in his heart:
There no God.
2 They are corrupt and become abominable in their doings: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
3 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that would understand, and seek after God.
4 But they are all gone out of the way, they are altogether become abominable: there is none that doeth good, no, not one( 3).
5 Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues have they deceived: the poison of asps is under their lips.
6 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood.
7 Destruction and unhappiness is in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known there is no fear of God before their eyes.
8 Have they no knowledge, that they are all such workers of mischief: eating up my people as it were bread, and call not upon the Lord?
9 There were they brought in great fear, even where no fear was( 4): for God is in the generation of the righteous.
10 As for you, ye have made a mock at the counsel of the poor( 5): because he putteth his trust in the Lord.
1. David describeth the corruption of natural man.
2. Namely, the wicked: from folly proceeds infidelity: and from infidelity, sin. Rom. 1. 28.
( 3.See Romans 3.12.) The 5th, 6th, and 7th verses, are not in the original, nor in the Bible trans. They are transcribed into the Greek Septuagint from this Epistle of St. Paul, where the Psalm is quoted with this addition.
4. David alludes to the cause of defection from him to Absalom; the fear of the rebels' power.
5. Scoffed at his dependance upon God.
o. David complains in this Psalm of the impiety and corruption which had caused the Israelites to be led into captivity, during their revolt in Absalom's rebellion, and begs God to bring back his people into his own land: but the expressions are general, and evidently designed to characterize the principles and practices of those who oppose the Gospel of Christ in all ages of the world.
267

Day 3.
11 Who shall give salvation unto Israel 1. A Prophecy of the out of Sion( 1)? When the Lord turneth the captivity of his people then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 15.( P) Domine, quis habitabit?
2.David enquires who( 2) LORD, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle or who shall rest upon thy holy
may dwell the eternal heaven.
2d Ps. M. S. for Ascension Day.
3. The character of the righteous, as a voice from heaven, is
the answer to the question.
THE PSALMS.
4." In whose eyes a vile person is contemned."
5. Who makes no gain of the money he lends to his poor brethren. Ex. 22. 25; Deut. 23. 19.
hill?
2 Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life: and doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart( 3).
3 He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour: and hath not slandered his neighbour.
4 He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes( 4): and maketh much of them that fear the Lord.
5 He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not though it were to his own hindrance.
6 He that hath not given his money upon usury( 5): nor taken reward against the innocent.
7 Whoso doeth these things shall never fall.
P. This Psalm describes those christian graces the righteous ought to know, and the blessing on the practice of them; it seems to have been composed by David in reflection on the time of his coming back to the Ark and the Tabernacle, from which he had been driven away on the occasion of Absalom's rebellion. The earthly Jerusalem, and the character of him worthy to officiate on the" Holy Hill," typify a spiritual Sion, an eternal Priest. The prophecy receives its complete exemplification in the conduct of our blessed Lord. 268

THE PSALMS.
Day 3.
PSALM 16.( 2) Conserva me, Domine.
( 1) PRESERVE me, O God for in thee 1. This Psalm, in the
have I put my trust.
Bible, is styled " Mitcham of Da20 my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord Thou art my God; my goods( 2) are nothing unto thee.
3 All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth and upon such as excel in virtue.
vid,"" a golden Psalm of David."
10 Wherefore my heart was glad, and my glory( 7) rejoiced: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
11 For why? thou shalt not leave my soul
2. My goodness is no profit to thee.
4 But they that run after another god: shall have great trouble.
fices in which the
5 Their drink- offerings of blood( 3) will I 3. Alluding to sacrinot offer: neither make mention of their names within my lips.
6 The Lord himself is the portion of mine inheritance( 4), and of my cup( 5): thou shalt maintain my lot.
7 The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground yea, I have a goodly heritage.
8 I will thank the Lord for giving me warning: my reins( 6) also chasten me in the night- season.
9 I have set God always before me: for he is on my right hand, therefore I shall not
fall.
blood of men was offered, meaning idolatry in general. 4. That eternal Priesthood allotted to me.
5. See Note to the 11th Ps.
6. My inward thoughts.
7. My tongue, that member by which we excel all other creatures in the power of uttering glory to the Creator.
Q. A memorable Psalm of David, full of confidence in God under some great temporal distress, and declaring that he would lay his body in the grave, in a certain hope of immortality. We are taught by St. Peter and St. Paul,( Acts. 2. 24; 13. 35.) to consider David in the person of Christ, prophetically to speak of His resurrection. As there is no change of person, we may consider the whole as uttered by Him who only could utter the concluding verses. The return of Christ from the grave is beautifully described by shewing Him" the path of life" leading through" the valley of the shadow of death," to the Heavenly city.
269

1. Thou wilt not
abandon my body in the grave, but raise, and re- unite it to the soul.
2. David imploreth defence against his
enemies.
3. Deceitful.
5. When the heart is freest from disguise.
2 Let my sentence come forth from thy 4. Be Thou my judge. presence( 4): and let thine eyes look upon the thing that is equal.
6." Concerning the works of men," who have ventured on rebellion against Thy law, I have avoided such.
Day 3.
THE PSALMS.
in hell( 1): neither shalt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.
12 Thou shalt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is the fulness of joy: and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.
7. See Zech. 2. 8. and Matt.23. 37; beautifully figurative of the affectionate tenderness of the Almighty's guardian care.
PSALM 17.( R) Exaudi, Domine.
( 2) HEAR the right, O Lord, consider my
complaint and hearken unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned( 3) lips.
3 Thou hast proved and visited mine heart in the night season( 5); thou hast tried me, and shalt find no wickedness in me: for I am utterly purposed that my mouth shall not offend.
4 Because of men's works that are done against the words of thy lips: I have kept me from the ways of the destroyer( 6).
50 hold thou up my goings in thy paths: that my footsteps slip not.
6 I have called upon thee, O God, for thou shalt hear me: incline thine ear to me, and hearken unto my words.
7 Shew thy marvellous loving- kindness, thou that art the Saviour of them which put their trust in thee: from such as resist thy right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of an eye: hide me under the shadow of thy wings( 7),
9 From the ungodly that trouble me:
R. It is most probable that David composed this Psalm, ( which is called a prayer,) under Saul's persecution, as appears from the allusion to his refraining from any destructive practices in self- defence,( v. 4.) against Saul; who, he knew, sought to kill him.( 2 Sam. 24. and 26.) In characterizing those who 270

THE PSALMS.
Day 3.
mine enemies compass me round about to take away my soul.
10 They are inclosed in their own fat( 1): and their mouth speaketh proud things.
11 They lie waiting in our way on every side turning their eyes down to the ground( 2);
12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey: and as it were a lion's whelp lurking in secret places( 3).
13 Up, Lord, disappoint him, and cast him down deliver my soul from the ungodly, which is a sword of thine( 4);
:
14 From the men of thy hand, O Lord, from the men, I say, and from the evil world which have their portion in this life, whose bellies thou fillest with thy hid treasure( 5).
1.Bloated, and puffed up with pride.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 18.( s) Diligam te, Domine.
( 8) T WILL love thee, O Lord, my strength; I the Lord is my stony rock, and my defence: my Saviour, my God, and my might, in whom I will trust; my buckler, the horn( 9) also of my salvation, and my refuge.
2. As hounds, when they hunt after game..
3. The similitude of
wild beasts is often used by David, to depower of
his enemies.
4. So the Assyrian is called God's Rod( Is. 10. 5.) ordained for correction.
5. The ungodly enjoy temporal blessings;
15 They have children at their desire: and leave the rest of their substance for their babes( 6).
6. live in plenty, and
leave a numerous
16 But as for me, I will behold thy pre- flourishing posterity. sence in righteousness: and when I awake up after thy likeness, I shall be satisfied with anticipates the resurit( 7).
7. But the Psalmist
rection and eternal
happiness of the just.
8. David praiseth God for his marvellous blessings.
9. A symbol of strength; see note.
pursued after him, the Psalmist describes our spiritual enemies, and instructs us to place, like him, our confidence in God.
s. This Psalm was composed" by David, in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul."( 2 Sam. 22. 1.) The most sublime imagery is borrowed from the appearance of God on Mt. Sinai, 271

1." The pain of death." Acts 2. 24.
2.Toils, such as wild beasts are encompassed by, in the ancient
hunts.
3.( Heb.5.7.)
4. David from this verse, to v. 15, sublimely describes the destruction of his enemies by the divine
power.
5. Under this appear ance, did God descend on Mt. Sinai; and, with a devouring fire, will he come at the end of time! 6. Thick dark clouds encompassed Him and His Heavenly Host.
7. The original expresses more emphatically: living, burning coals; the lightning destroying all before it.
Day 3.
THE PSALMS.
2 I will call upon the Lord, which is worthy to be praised: so shall I be safe from mine enemies.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me( 1): and the overflowings of ungodliness made me afraid.
4 The pains of hell came about me: the snares( 2) of death overtook me.
5 In my trouble I will call upon the Lord: and complain unto my God( 3).
6 So shall he hear my voice out of his holy temple and my complaint shall come before him, it shall enter even into his ears.
7 The earth trembled and quaked: the very foundations also of the hills shook, and were removed, because he was wroth( 4).
8 There went a smoke out in his presence and a consuming fire out of his mouth, so that coals were kindled at it( 5). down and it was dark under his feet. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came
10 He rode upon the cherubims, and did fly he came flying upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his secret place( 6): his pavilion round about him with dark water, and thick clouds to cover him.
12 At the brightness of his presence his clouds removed: hail stones, and coals of fire( 7).
13 The Lord also thundered out of heaven, and the Highest gave his thunder: hailstones, and coals of fire.
the passage of the Red Sea, and the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt; the whole is a beautiful example of Hebrew poetry, and may be considered a triumphal Hymn to be sung by the Church risen victorious, in Christ her head. Allusion is made( v. 1.) to a custom even now prevalent with the governors of Abyssinia, of wearing, after victory, a broad fillet round the head, in the middle of which is a conical piece of silver gilt, called kirn, or horn; a custom borrowed from the Hebrews, and, often figuratively alluded to in the Scriptures.
272

THE PSALMS.
Day 3.
14 He sent out his arrows, and scattered them He cast forth lightnings, and destroyed them( 1).
15 The springs of waters were seen, and the foundations of the round world were discovered at thy chiding, O Lord( 2): at the blasting of the breath of thy displeasure.
16 He shall send down from on high to fetch me and shall take me out of many waters( 3).
17 He shall deliver me from my strongest enemy, and from them which hate me for they are too mighty for me.
18 They prevented me( 4) in the day of my trouble but the Lord was my upholder.
19 He brought me forth also into a place of liberty: he brought me forth, even because he had a favour unto me.
20 The Lord shall reward me after my righteous dealing( 5): according to the cleanness of my hands shall he recompense
me.
21 Because I have kept the ways of the Lord: and have not forsaken my God, as the wicked doth.
22 For I have an eye unto all his laws: and will not cast out his commandments from me.
23 I was also uncorrupt before him and eschewed mine own wickedness( 6).
24 Therefore shall the Lord reward me after my righteous dealing and according unto the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
25 With the holy thou shalt be holy( 7): and with a perfect man thou shalt be perfect.
26 With the clean thou shalt be clean( 8): and with the froward thou shalt learn frowardness( 9).
27 For thou shalt save the people that are in adversity and shalt bring down the high looks of the proud.
N n
1.Under these fearful
images, a more awful period is pre- figured.
2. The dividing the
waters of the Red Sea for the deliverance of Israel is alluded to.
3. From sudden and great calamities; the overflowings of ungodliness.
4. Came unawares
upon me.
5. David, in the person of Messiah, un der prophetic inspiration, beautifully delineates His allperfect righteousness.
6." Kept myself from mine iniquity."
7." With the merciful, thou wilt shew thyself merciful."
39
8." With the pure, Thou shalt shew Thyself pure. 9. To the perverse thou shalt shew thyself an adversary.

1. Shall give me light and life; these being oppositely symbolical to darkness and death.
2. Take the fenced cities; overcome the power of the enemy. 2 Sam. 5.7.
3." Perfect."
4.The gifts of God to the spiritual warrior are enumerated, in Eph. 6. 14.
5. He enables me to stand on rocks and fastnesses; refuges in war.
6. In some ancient versions," thou makest my arms like
a bow of brass."
7. David, declaring he has free course to victory, prophetically proclaims the vengeance of Messiah in the day of visitation.
S. Thou puttest mine enemies to flight.
Day 3.
THE PSALMS.
28 Thou also shalt light my candle( 1): the Lord my God shall make my darkness to be light.
29 For in thee I shall discomfit an host of men and with the help of my God I shall leap over the wall( 2).
30 The way of God is an undefiled( 3) way: the word of the Lord also is tried in the fire; he is the defender of all them that put their trust in him.
31 For who is God, but the Lord: or who hath any strength except our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength of war( 4): and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hart's feet( 5): and setteth me up on high.
34 He teacheth mine hands to fight and mine arms shall break even a bow of steel( 6). 35 Thou hast given me the defence of thy salvation thy right hand also shall hold me up, and thy loving- correction shall make me great.
36 Thou shalt make room enough under me for to go( 7) that my footsteps shall not slide.
37 I will follow upon mine enemies, and overtake them: neither will I turn again till I have destroyed them.
38 I will smite them, that they shall not be able to stand: but fall under my feet.
39 Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle thou shalt throw down mine enemies under me.
40 Thou hast made mine enemies also to turn their backs upon me( 8): and I shall destroy them that hate me.
41 They shall cry, but there shall be none to help them: yea, even unto the Lord shall
9.A striking descrip- they cry, but he shall not hear them( 9).
tion of the destruction of the Jews; when Mercy was exhausted, and Justice executed the wrath of Heaven.
42 I will beat them as small as the dust before the wind: I will cast them out as the clay in the streets.
43 Thou shalt deliver me from the striv274

THE
PSALMS.
Day 4.
ings of the people and thou shalt make me the head of the heathen( 1).
44 A people whom I have not known: shall serve me.
45 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: but the strange children shall dissemble with me( 2).
:
46 The strange children shall fail and be afraid out of their prisons.
47( 3) The Lord liveth, and blessed be my strong helper: and praised be the God of my salvation.
48 Even the God that seeth that I be avenged and subdueth the people unto me.
49 It is he that delivereth me from my cruel enemies, and setteth me up above mine adversaries: thou shalt rid me from the wicked man.
50 For this cause will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles( 4): and sing praises unto thy Name.
51 Great prosperity giveth he unto his king and sheweth loving- kindness unto David his Anointed, and unto his seed for
:
evermore.
1. The submission of the Gentiles to Christ their head, prophetically described.
2." The strangers shall submit themselves unto me," namely, the Gentiles. 3. David praises God for his deliverance from Saul, and.prothe glory of God in phetically declares the Redemption, by His anointed.
4. Literally, for David's exaltation to the throne of Israel; prophetically, for the victory and inthronization of Jesus
Christ.
( See Rom. 15. 9.)
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 19.( T) Cali enarrant.
( 5) THE heavens declare the glory of God:
5. God's glory is
and the firmament sheweth his handy- every where maniwork.
fested.
1st. Ps. M. S. for Christmas- Day.
T. David, in this Psalm, descends gradually from an opening splendid and sublime, to the softest expression of devotion; the piety of it is so natural, yet so exalted, that, in reading it, something of the same spirit, by which it was composed, must be excited. From a quotation' St. Paul hath made of the 4th. verse we are clearly shewn that, in the exposition of this Psalm, we are to raise our thoughts from things natural, to the manifestation of the Sun of Righteousness triumphing over the power of darkness.
275

1." There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."
2. He pronounces, in a prophetic strain, an encomium on the Gospel. Rom. 10. 18. 3. David alludes to the Jewish nuptials, which were celebrated with great pomp under a canopy, the bridegroom at midnight going forth with lamps and torches. See the parable of the Virgins.
4. Clear as the Sun.
5. Free from superstition.
6." The dropping of honey- combs. Honey, spontaneously distilling, was considered peculiarly sweet. 7.Those of ignorance and frailty.
8. Known, deliberate sins.
9. Idolatry, or apostacy from God.
0. David's sublime prayer to God for the acceptance of his devotions.
Day 4.
THE PSALMS.
2 One day telleth another and one night certifieth another.
3 There is neither speech nor language( 1): but their voices are heard among them.
4 Their sound is gone out into all lands: and their words into the ends of the world( 2). 5 In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber( 3), and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course.
6 It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven, and runneth about unto the end of it again and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 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.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure( 4), and giveth light unto the
eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean( 5), and endureth for ever the judgements of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey, and the honey- comb( 6).
11 Moreover, by them is thy servant taught and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how oft he offendeth: 0 cleanse thou me from my secret faults( 7).
13 Keep thy servant also from presumptuous sins( 8), lest they get the dominion over me so shall I be undefiled, and innocent from the great offence( 9).
14( 0) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart: be alway acceptable in thy sight,
15 O Lord my strength, and my re. deemer.
276

THE PSALMS.
PSALM 20.( U) Exaudiat te Dominus.
( 1) THE Lord hear thee in the day of trouthe Name of the
Jacob
Day 4.
defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary( 2): and strengthen thee out of Sion;
3 Remember all thy offerings and accept( 3) thy burnt- sacrifice;
4 Grant thee thy heart's desire: and fulfil all thy mind.
:
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and triumph in the Name of the Lord our God: the Lord perform all thy petitions.
6 Now now I( 4) that the Lord helpeth his Anointed, and will hear him from his holy heaven: even with the wholesome( 5) strength of his right hand.
7 Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses( 6): but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought down, and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9 Save, Lord, and hear us, O King of heaven when we call upon thee( 7).
PSALM 21.( v) Domine, in virtute tua.
( 8) THE King shall rejoice in thy strength, shall be
of thy salvation.
1st. Ps. M. S. for King's Accession.
1. The people in chorus blessings to the King in his exploits. 2. From Heaven:
prayers were addressed to the Holy Ark in Sion, from whence God answered them.
3." Turn to ashes,"
( in Heb.) by which was signified the divine acceptance. Priest on seeing the 4. Spoken by the sacrifice consumed, that is accepted. 5." Saving."
6. The people in chorus, express their confidence in God.
7." O Lord, save the King, and hear us when we call upon thee." Greek trans.
3rd. Ps. M. S. for Ascension- Day. 2nd. Ps. M. S.
King's Accession. thanksgiving
8. for victory.
U. This Psalm, indited by David, is a form of prayer offered by the congregation for their King on his coming to sacrifice before he set out on some expedition. We may consider this Psalm an exultation of the Church in the prosperity of the Messiah, for, to us it is known, that the Lord hath" saved His Anointed!"
v. In this Psalm of triumph, David speaks in the person of the people, whom he instructs how to give God thanks for those victories they had prayed for in the foregoing Psalm, and which were a type of Christ's victory over death. The 277

1. Thou hast abundantly granted: the negative being an encrease on the positive assertion.
2. Anticipate to Him every blessing. 3. Verses 4, 5, 6, are especially applicable to our Lord: David, in the days of Saul,' had only asked life, but God granted to
him and his posterity city
of
ever!
4." Be moved."
5. They shall as certainly perish, as if they were cast into a fiery oven.
6. Their offspring.
7. Contrived.
Day 4.
THE PSALMS.
2 Thou hast given him his heart's desire: and hast not denied him the request of his lips( 1).
3 For thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness( 2): and shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of thee, and thou gavest him a long life even for ever and ever( 3).
8. The joy communicated to our Lord's humanity from the divine nature, shall be shed on His saints when admitted to view the countenance of God!
5 His honour is great in thy salvation: glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him.
6 For thou shalt give him everlasting feliand make him glad with the joy of thy
countenance.
7 And why? because the king putteth his trust in the Lord and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not miscarry( 4).
8 All thine enemies shall feel thy hand: thy right hand shall find out them that hate thee.
9 Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath( 5): the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them.
10 Their fruit( 6) shalt thou root out of the earth and their seed from among the children of men.
11 For they intended mischief against thee and imagined( 7) such a device as they are not able to perform.
12 Therefore shalt thou put them to flight: and the strings of thy bow shalt thou make ready against the face of them.
13 Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength so will we sing, and praise thy power( 8).
triumph over the ungodly( over sin) we sing in spiritual songs on earth; and we shall, in Heaven, celebrate with everlasting hallelujahs His triumph over death. The Hebrews apply this Psalm to the Messiah.
278

THE PSALMS.
( ¹) MY
Day 4.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 22.( x) Deus, Deus meus.
Y God, my God, look upon me; why hast thou forsaken me: and art so
far from my health( 2), and from the words of my complaint?
20 my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not: and in the night- season also I take no rest( 3).
3 And thou( 4) continuest holy: O thou worship of Israel( 5).
4 Our fathers hoped in thee: they trusted in thee, and thou didst deliver them.
5 They called upon thee, and were holpen( 6) they put their trust in thee, and were not confounded.
6 But as for me, I am a worm, and no man: a very scorn of men, and the out- cast of the people( 7).
7 All they that see me, laugh me to scorn: they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, saying,
8 He trusted in God, that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, if he will have him( 8).
9 But thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb thou wast my hope, when I hanged yet upon my mother's breasts.
10 I have been left unto thee ever since I was born thou art my God, even from my mother's womb( 9).
11 0 go not from me, for trouble is hard at hand and there is none to help me.
:
1st. Ps. M. S. for Good Friday.
1. A complaint of David under great suffering, prophetic of the Passion of our Lord.
2." From helping
""
me. 3." I am not silent." 4." But Thou."
5.0 Thou that dwellest in the tabernacle where the praises of Israel are offered to Thee!
6." Were delivered."
7. Verified in David, when flying from his enemies; more literally in Christ, upon the Cross; meaning, " I bear the punishment,' though I am free from sin.' 8. Matt. 27. 39. and 43.
9. All are children of God by adoption.
x. This Psalm of David contains a most pathetic and poetical description of his own calamities, expressed in such figures as were most literally fulfilled in the sufferings of Christ. By the Hebrew Doctors, by our Lord, and by His Apostles, it is considered relative to the Messiah, who himself repeated the first words of it while hanging on the Cross.( Matt. 27. 46.) 279

1. Bashan was a fertile country; the cattle bred in the rich vales of Palestine were large and fine. 2." Ravening."
3. Intense mental and bodily sufferings, produce parching thirst.
4." Have enclosed me." An allusion to the Romans, and other Gentiles who surrounded the
cross.
5. Matt. 27.35. Eminently fulfilled in Christ.
6. My only one. Heb.
7. The Monoceros, or, Rhinoceros, a wild bull. Numb. 23.22.
8.The strain changes to an Epinikion, or hymn of triumph, a celebration of the Redemption.
9." The afflicted."
0. Addressed to the poor, who shall eat of the spiritual banquet.
1. From the beginning, to the end of time, shall the Lord be remembered.
Day 4.
THE PSALMS.
12 Many oxen are come about me: fat bulls of Bashan close me in on every side( 1).
13 They gape upon me with their mouths: as it were a ramping( 2) and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart also in the midst of my body is even like melting wax.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaveth to my gums( 3): and thou shalt bring me into the dust of death. 16 For many dogs are come about me: and the counsel of the wicked layeth siege against me( 4).
17 They pierced my hands and my feet; I may tell all my bones: they stand staring and looking upon me( 5).
18 They part my garments among them: and cast lots upon my vesture.
19 But be not thou far from me, O Lord: thou art my succour; haste thee to help
me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword: my darling( 6) from the power of the dog.
21 Save me from the lion's mouth: thou hast heard me also from among the horns of the unicorns( 7).
22( 8) I will declare thy Name unto my brethren in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
23 O praise the Lord, ye that fear him: magnify him, all ye of the seed of Jacob, and fear him, all ye seed of Israel;
24 For he hath not despised, nor abhorred, the low estate of the poor( 9): he hath not hid his face from him; but when he called unto him, he heard him.
25 My praise is of thee in the great congregation: my vows will I perform in the sight of them that fear him.
26 The poor shall eat, and be satisfied: they that seek after the Lord, shall praise him; your heart shall live for ever( 0).
27 All the ends of the world shall remember themselves( 1), and be turned unto the
280

THE PSALMS.
Day 4.
Lord and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him( 1).
28 For the kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the Governour among the people.
29 All such as be fat upon earth( 2): have eaten and worshipped.
30 All they that go down into the dust shall kneel before him: and no man hath quickened his own soul( 3).
31 My seed shall serve him: they shall be counted unto the Lord for a generation.
32 They shall come, and the heavens shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, whom the Lord hath made( 4).
3 He shall convert my soul( 6): and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake( 7).
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death( 8), I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
PSALM 23.( Y) Dominus regit me.
( 5) THE Lord is my Shepherd: therefore 5.David's confidence
can I lack nothing.
in
Providence.
2 He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.
5 Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full( 9).
1, Predictive of the calling of the Gentiles.
2. The rich.
3. In several ancient versions, it is thus: " My soul shall live, and my posterityshall serve God. My seed shall be reckoned to the Lord in the generation which shall come."
4." For He, the Lord,
hath done it."
00
6. He" restoreth." 7. That is, for the glorification of His
name.
8. Through the dread valley to the Mt. Sion, where standeth the Lamb, and the redeemed from the earth.( Rev. 14. 1.) 9. These images are often used in Scripture.
Y. This Psalm, composed by David, is a most pathetic expression of God's abundant providence toward those that faithfully depend on Him, and hath its eminent completion in Christ, the shepherd and bishop of our souls. He who has a firm trust in the Supreme Being, loses his own insufficiency in the fulness of infinite perfections. Dr. Lowth considers this Psalm as not to be surpassed by any of the sweetest productions of Heathen Poetry.

1. Rev. 7. 16.
1st Ps. E. S. for Ascension Day.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 24.( z) Domini est terra.
2. The supremacy of( 2) THE earth is the Lord's, and all that therein is the compass of the world,
God is lauded in full chorus.
3." Established."
4. A semi- chorus demand who are worthy to serve the Lord. 5." Stand."
6. The second semichorus describe their character. See Deut. 10. 12. 7. Placed his trust in false gods.
THE PSALMS.
8. That is, Mercy. 9. The full chorus declare that such are the true Israelites. 0.0 God of Jacob.
Day 5.
6 But thy loving- kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever( 1).
and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas: and prepared( 3) it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord( 4): or who shall rise up( 5) in his holy place?
4 Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart( 6): and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity( 7), nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness( 8) from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him( 9) even of them that seek thy face, 0 Jacob( 0).
z. David composed this Psalm when the Ark was brought from the house of Obed Edom.( 2 Sam. 6.) The Ark, attended by the whole Israelitish nation and their King, was conveyed to Mount Sion, in solemn procession, accompanied by vocal and instrumental music.( 1 Chron. 15.) Arrived at the summit of the hill, this Ode is supposed to have been sung to the people by the royal Psalmist, and the Levites, divided into two choirs, alternately one responding to, and joining with the The carrying up the Ark was typical of our Lord's ascension, so this Psalm is prophetical of his resurrection from the dead, to enter into the eternal temple in Heaven; as of old, by the symbol of his presence, he took possession of that figurative structure on the hill of Sion.
other.
282

THE PSALMS.
Day 5.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors( 1): and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is the King of glory( 2): it is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors( 3): and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is the King of glory( 4): even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
PSALM 25.( A) Ad te, Domine, levavi.
( 5) UNTO thee, O Lord, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in thee: O let me not be confounded, neither let mine enemies triumph over me.
2 For all they that hope in thee shall not be ashamed: but such as transgress without a cause( 6) shall be put to confusion.
3 Shew me thy ways, O Lord: and teach me thy paths.
4 Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn( 7) me for thou art the God of my salvation; in thee hath been my hope all the day long.
5 Call to remembrance, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving- kindnesses, which have been ever of old.
6 0 remember not the sins and offences of my youth( 8): but according to thy mercy think thou upon me, O Lord, for thy goodness.
1. At the gates of the tabernacle, a semichorus demand admission.
2. To this enquiry of David, the chorus t respond.
3. The demand is e repeated by the 2nd.
semi- chorus.
4. The enquiry is resumed, and the response is made by the burst of the whole chorus.
5. David's supplication for mercy and protection; and for
pardon upon the sins of youth.
6. Wilful and rebellious transgressors.
7." Teach me."
8. Let thy mercy blot be not added to those out these, that they of my riper years.
A. David seems to have written this Psalm after the commission of some grievous sin, or, after some great distress, which brought to mind all the offences of his youth. It is a divine mixture of prayer, for pardon of sin, and deliverance from evil, and of meditation on God's gracious dealings with His servants. As in the common salvation all have an interest, every Christian ought to become a suppliant for his brethren, still looking for that glorious day when God shall redeem his people" out of all his troubles."
283

1. The qualifications requisite in the divine school are, Humility and Meekness.
2. That he ought to choose.
6. The dove, in the snare of the fowler, is a fine emblem of the soul that would flee away, and be at rest!
3. Rather, rest in bliss!
4. The favour of God.
13 The secret of the Lord( 4) is among Job.29.24; Jo.15.15. them( 5) that fear him and he will shew
them his covenant.
5." With them."
7. Rather, relieve the sorrows of my heart.
8." Hate me with cruel hatred."
9. That is, disappointed.
0." Let integrity and uprightness preserve
Day 5.
THE PSALMS.
7 Gracious and righteous is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
8 Them that are meek shall he guide in judgement and such as are gentle, them shall he learn his way( 1).
9 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth: unto such as keep his covenant, and his testimonies.
me.
10 For thy Name's sake, O Lord: be merciful unto my sin, for it is great.
11 What man is he that feareth the Lord: him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose( 2).
12 His soul shall dwell at ease( 3): and his seed shall inherit the land.
14 Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord for he shall pluck my feet out of the net( 6).
15 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me for I am desolate and in misery. 16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged( 7): O bring thou me out of my troubles. 17 Look upon my adversity and misery: and forgive me all my sins.
18 Consider mine enemies, how many they are and they bear a tyrannous hate against me( 8).
19 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be confounded( 9), for I have put my trust in thee.
20 Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me( 0): for my hope hath been in thee.
21 Deliver Israel, O God: out of all his troubles.
284

THE PSALMS.
( 1) BE
E
PSALM 26.( B) Judica me, Domine.
thou my judge, O Lord, for I have 1. David appeals to walked innocently my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall.
God to vindicate his integrity, and to deliver him from his
enemies.
Day 5.
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me: try out my reins( 2) and my heart.
3 For thy loving- kindness is ever before mine eyes and I will walk in thy truth.
4 I have not dwelt with vain persons( 3): neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful( 4).
5 I have hated the congregation of the wicked and will not sit among the ungodly.
6 I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord and so will I go to thine altar( 5); 7 That I may shew the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works.
:
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house( 6) and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
2. My most inward thoughts.
285
3. False; treacherous persons.
4. Driven by Saul into a land of aliens, he had preserved himself from the contagion of idolatry.
5. Legal ablutions in token of innocency, were specially observed, preparatory and Matt. 27. 24. to prayer. Deut. 21.6; 6. The tabernacle,
where dwelt the
90 shut not up my soul( 7) with the sin- Shechinah, the glory ners: nor my life with the blood- thirsty;
of God. Rev. 21. 22.
10 In whose hands is wickedness and their right hand is full of gifts( 8).
11 But as for me, I will walk innocently: O deliver me, and be merciful unto me. 12 My foot standeth right( 9): I will praise the Lord in the congregation.
7." Take not away my soul." 8." Bribes."
9 In the direct way of righteousness.
B. It is generally agreed that this Psalm was composed on account of some injurious charge brought against David by some of Saul's courtiers. Dr. Kennicott and Bishop Horsley would add the six first verses of the 27th to this Psalm.

3. David sustaineth his faith by reflecting on the power of God, and by prayer.
2. As ravenous beasts
to devour me.
3. In prophetical language, the past is often used for the future.
4." Should encamp.
5." Seek after."
6." Pavilion," any habitation that be private, a King's palace; the Holy Tabernacle.
7. In as safe a place as the Holy of Holies. Ez. 7. 22.
8." When Thou saidst seek ye my face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy,& c." 9. In prayer.
0. Rather, turn not away in anger from thy servant.
Day 5.
THE PSALMS.
EVENING PRAYER..
PSALM 27.( c) Dominus illuminatio.
( 1) 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?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies, and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh( 2): they stumbled and fell( 3).
3 Though an host of men were laid( 4) against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid: and though there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require( 5): even that I 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.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle( 6): yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me( 7), and set me up upon a rock of stone.
6 And now shall he lift up mine head: above mine enemies round about me.
7 Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness: I will sing, and speak praises unto the Lord.
8 Hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee: have mercy upon me, and hear me.
9 My heart hath talked of thee; Seek ye my face( 8): Thy face, Lord, will I seek( 9). 10 O hide not thou thy face from me: nor cast thy servant away in displeasure( 0).
c. David, persecuted by Saul and by his enemies, and in danger of his life, from false witnesses, testifieth in this Psalm his entire confidence in the Almighty, and a longing desire for the participation in the public service of God in the city, and in the house of God.
286

THE PSALMS.
Day 5.
11 Thou hast been my succour: leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
12 When my father and my mother forsake me the Lord taketh me up( 1).
13 Teach me thy way, O Lord: and lead me in the right way, because of mine enemies.
14 Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries for there are false witnesses risen up against me( 2), and such as 2. Strictly prophetispeak wrong.
cal of the Messiah. Mark 14. 56.
15 I should utterly have fainted: but that I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living( 3).
16 0 tarry thou the Lord's leisure: be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the Lord( 4).
PSALM 28.( D) Ad te, Domine.
( 5)
thee O strength: think no scorn of me; lest if thou make as though thou hearest not, I become like them that go down into the pit( 6).
2 Hear the voice of my humble petitions, when I cry unto thee: when I hold up my hands( 7) towards the mercy- seat of thy holy temple( 8).
1. When earthly care fails me, heavenly begins. Is. 49. 15; Matt. 23. 37.
4 Reward them according to their deeds. and according to the wickedness of their own inventions.
3. In this present life, and in that to
come.
4. An apostrophe to his own soul, anticipating the unclouded calm of eternal spring!
earnestly for mercy. and pardon.
6. That are abandoned to destruction.
7. The Jews prayed with expanded
hands.
30 pluck me not away, neither destroy 8. God gave his anme with the ungodly and wicked doers: which speak friendly to their neighbours, but imagine mischief in their hearts( 9).
swers from the mercy seat, Ex. 25. 21. within the Tabernacle.
9. See Ps. 12. 2.
D. This Psalm seems to have been made on the same occasion as the former, and is mixed, as are many others, of hopes and fears, of prayers and praises. It contains prophetic intimations of the punishment of David's enemies; and a declaration of his own trust and confidence in God.
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1. The imperative and future being used promiscuously these passages are clearly prophetic. See Note
Ps. 5.
2. David singeth a hymn of triumph.
3." The saving strength."
4. He intercedeth for the people.
5. A beautiful allusion to pastoral life, to the Shepherd of our souls.
Day 5.
THE PSALMS.
5 Recompense them after the work of their hands: pay them that they have deserved( 1).
7." In the beauty of holiness," that is, in His glorious sanctuary.
6 For they regard not in their mind the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands: therefore shall he break them down, and not build them up.
7 Praised be the Lord( 2): for he hath heard the voice of my humble petitions.
8 The Lord is my strength, and my shield; my heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped therefore my heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise him. 9 The Lord is my strength and he is the wholesome defence( 3) of his Anointed.
10 O save thy people( 4), and give thy blessing unto thine inheritance: feed them( 5), and set them up for ever.
PSALM 29.( E) Afferte Domino.
6. David exhorts all( 6) BRING unto the Lord, O ye mighty, bring young rams unto the Lord: ascribe unto the Lord worship and strength.
Princes to give glory to God omnipotent.
2 Give the Lord the honour due unto his Name: worship the Lord with holy worship( 7).
3 It is the Lord that commandeth the waters: it is the glorious God that maketh the thunder.
4 It is the Lord that ruleth the sea; the voice of the Lord is mighty in operation: the voice of the Lord is a glorious voice.
5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedar- trees: yea, the Lord breaketh the
8. Lebanon was famous for its lofty cedars. 2 Chr. 2. 8. cedars of Libanus( 8).
E. This Psalm was composed by David, after some tremendous storm, whereby his enemies were discomforted: the awful power of God is demonstrated by the noise and force of the thunder, which the Hebrews, by a bold and apt figure, denominated" the voice of the Most High." The sublimity of the matter is almost equalled by the energy of the style.
288

Day 6.
THE PSALMS.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf: Libanus also, and Sirion( 1) like a young
unicorn.
7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire( 2); the voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness: yea, the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Cades( 3).
3." Kadesh," part of the wilderness through which the Israelites passed to Canaan. Nu. 13. 26. 4. While His voice
8 The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to bring forth young, and discovereth the thick bushes: in his temple doth every man speak of his honour( 4).
maketh the oaks to tremble, and maketh bare the trees of the
9 The Lord sitteth above the water flood: wood, the Heavens and the Lord remaineth a King for ever.
remain unshaken.
10 The Lord shall give strength unto his people the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace( 5).
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 30.( F) Exaltabo te Domine.
( 6) I
WILL magnify thee, O Lord, for thou hast set me up: and not made my foes to triumph over me.
20 Lord my God, I cried unto thee and thou hast healed me.
1. Mountains of Judea.
2. Into flashes of lightning.
4 Sing praises unto the Lord, O ye saints of his and give thanks unto him for a remembrance of his holiness( 8).
5. Thou, O Christ, art mighty God, and Prince of Peace! Is. 9. 6.
3 Thou, Lord hast brought my soul out of hell( 7): thou hast kept my life from them 7." From the grave." that go down to the pit.
6. David praiseth God with thanksgiving; comparing temporal sufferings with eternal rewards.
PP
8. That is, celebrate His holy name.
5 For his wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye, and in his pleasure is life( 9): 9. Life is figurative heaviness may endure for a night, but joy happy duration. cometh in the morning.
for an immortal
Ps. 34. 12; Ja. 1.12.
F. This Psalm, or devout Hymn, was probably composed at the dedication of the house built for David by Hiriam, K. of Tyre,( 1042) when the Lord had confirmed him King over Israel( 2 Sam. 5. 11.); or, on revisiting the sanctuary, after his recovery from sickness.

1. He alludes to Mt.
Sion, where the royal palace was built.
2. Displeased at my presumption.
3." Unto the Lord I
made supplication." 4. He wished to live,
that he might praise God. Ps. 119. 175.
5. The foretaste of a résurrection.
6. True of David delivered from calamity; of Christ
arisen from the tomb!
8. Unless Jehovah keep the city, the watchman waketh, but in vain.
Day 6.
THE PSALMS.
6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be removed thou, Lord, of thy goodness hadst made my hill so strong( 1).
7 Thou didst turn thy face from me( 2): and I was troubled.
7. David declares his( 8) IN thee, O Lord, have I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion; deliver me in thy righteousness.
in God; and exhorts the Righteous to trust in His mercy.
2 Bow down thine ear to me: make haste to deliver me.
3 And be thou my strong rock, and house of defence that thou mayest save me( 8).
4 For thou art my strong rock, and my castle: be thou also my guide, and lead me for thy Name's sake.
5 Draw me out of the net( 9), that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
9. Out of the toils of sin, the snares of death.
8 Then cried I unto thee, O Lord: and gat me to my Lord right humbly( 3).
9 What profit is there in my blood: when I go down to the pit( 4)?
10 Shall the dust give thanks unto thee:
or shall it declare thy truth( 5)?
11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper.
12 Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness( 6).
13 Therefore shall every good man sing of thy praise without ceasing: O my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
PSALM 31.( G) In te, Domine, speravi.
G. David being pursued by his enemies, probably in his retreat from Keilah,( 1 Sam. 23.) intreats the Lord, in this Pslam, to deliver him: the true David, under that exceeding sorrow, even unto death, supplicates in these words for divine assistance; exhorting his saints to courage and perseverance under their troubles; and, to have recourse, like Him, to the prayer of faith, that they may triumphantly enter with Him into glory.
290

THE PSALMS.
Day 6.
6 Into thy hands I commend my spirit( 1): 1. Christ expired for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth.
with these words in His mouth. ( Lu. 23. 46.)
7 I have hated them that hold of superstitious vanities( 2): and my trust hath been in the Lord.
8 I will be glad, and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble, and hast known my soul( 3) in adversities.
9 Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: but hast set my feet in a large room( 4).
10 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble and mine eye is consumed for very heaviness( 5); yea, my soul, and my body.
11 For my life is waxen old with heaviness( 6) and my years with mourning.
12 My strength faileth me, because of mine iniquity( 7): and my bones are consumed.
17 My time is in thy hand( 2); deliver me from the hand of mine enemies and from them that persecute me.
:
18 Shew thy servant the light of thy countenance and save me for thy mercies' sake.
2. Alluding to the Gentile practices of consulting auguries, or strange gods.
19 Let me not be confounded, O Lord, for I have called upon thee: let the ungodly be put to confusion, and be put to silence in the grave( 3).
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3. Owned and relieved my soul.
4. In a place of liberty.
13 I became a reproof( 8) among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours and they of mine acquaintance were afraid of me; and they, that did see me without, conveyed themselves from me( 9).
14 I am clean forgotten, as a dead man out of mind I am become like a broken vessel( 0).
15 For I have heard the blasphemy of the multitude( 1): and fear is on every side, while con spire together against me, and take their counsel to take away my life.
1. The slander of Shimei, and counsel of Ahitophel: the slanders of the Jews,
16 But my hope hath been in thee, O Lord: and the counsels of I have said, Thou art my God. the Sanhedrim.
5. Wasted with weeping.
6." Spent with grief."
7. Isa. 53.6. and 11.
8." A reproach," a jest, a bye- word.
9. Literally fulfilled when the disciples of
Christ forsook him and fled.
0. Or, as a vessel that perisheth.
2. My life is at Thy disposal; the vicissitudes of life, all time of tribulation.
3. Ahitophel for his treason, and Judas for his treachery.

1. See Is. 64. 4; and fully speak against the righteous.
1 Cor. 2.9.
2. That is, openly, publicly.
3." From the pride of man;" the conspiracies of men. 4. In the secret of God's tabernacle from false accusations.
5. He alludes to God's mercy at Keilah. 2 Sa. 23. 12. 6." For I said in my haste."
7. Notwithstanding my want of faith. 8." Strengthen." 9. Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Is. 26.1.
2d Ps. M. S. for Ash- Wednesday.
Day 6.
THE PSALMS.
20 Let the lying lips be put to silence: which cruelly, disdainfully, and despite.
0. David extolleth the blessedness of those whose sin is forgiven.
21 O how plentiful is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee( 1): and that thou hast prepared for them that put their trust in thee, even before the sons of men( 2)!
22 Thou shalt hide them privily by thine own presence from the provoking of all men( 3) thou shalt keep them secretly in thy tabernacle from the strife of tongues( 4).
:
23 Thanks be to the Lord: for he hath shewed me marvellous great kindness in a strong city( 5).
24 And when I made haste, I said( 6): I am cast out of thine eyes.
25 Nevertheless( 7), thou heardest the voice of my prayer: when I cried unto thee. 26 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth them that are faithful, and plenteously rewardeth the proud doer. 27 Be strong, and he shall establish( 8) your heart: all ye that put your trust in the Lord( 9).
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 32.( H) Beati, quorum.
( 0) BLESSED is he, whose unrighteous.
ness is forgiven and whose sin is
covered.
2 Blessed is the man, unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin and in whose spirit there is no guile.
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H. This Psalm is the second of those styled" penitential:' it is generally supposed that David wrote it after his pardon for his sin with Bathsheba, and his murder of Uriah. In the Bible, it is called" Maschil," a Psalm of instruction, and, like those which have this title, it is of a moral nature.
292

THE PSALMS.
Day 6.
3 For while I held my tongue( 1): my bones consumed away through my daily complaining.
4 For thy hand is heavy upon me day and night and my moisture is like the drought in summer( 2).
5 I will acknowledge my sin unto thee: and mine unrighteousness have I not hid.
6 I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord and so thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin.
7 For this shall every one that is godly make his prayer unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found but in the great water- floods they shall not come nigh him( 3).
8 Thou art a place to hide me in, thou shalt preserve me from trouble: thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance( 4).
9 I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way wherein thou shalt go and I will guide thee with mine eye( 5).
10 Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have no understanding: whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle, lest they fall upon thee( 6).
11 Great plagues remain for the ungodly( 7): but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, mercy embraceth him on every side.
12 Be glad, O ye righteous, and rejoice in the Lord and be joyful, all ye that are true of heart( 8).
1. When I neglected to confess my sin.
2. So great is the drought of a Syrian summer, that the verdure of spring fades in May; no one refreshing shower falls; no plant can
endure its exhausting heat!
293
3. In time of great calamities, they shall not come nigh the godly one.
4. Bless me with gratulatory songs at my
return.
5. In the person of
the Redeemer, David promises grace to the penitent.
6. If ye be obstinate as brutes, ye must be managed like them. 7." Many sorrows shall be to the
wicked."
S. It seems probable that this verse ought to be the first of the following Psalm.
PSALM 33.( 1) Exultate, justi.
( 9) REJOICE in the Lord, O ye righte- 9. David exhorteth ous for it becometh well the just to
the Righteous to a spiritual and holy joy.
be thankful.
I. This Psalm is considered a pious meditation of David, after some special benefit received from God. It is an acknowledgment of the power and wisdom of God in His works of creation and providence.

1. These were the instruments used in the public worship of God: there were 36 sorts of musical instruments in the time of David. 2. Rather, play skillfully in full harmony.
3. He said," Let there be a firmament " and it was so. ( See Gen. 1. 6.)
39
5. The purpose, or decree.
10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought( 4): and maketh the desurate with his omni- casteth out the counsels of princes. vices of the people to be of none effect, and
4. The Omniscience of God is commenpotence.
11 The counsel( 5) of the Lord shall endure for ever: and the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation.
12 Blessed are the people, whose God is the Lord Jehovah: and blessed are the folk, that he hath chosen to him to be his inheritance.
6." Looketh." 7." Beholdeth."
8. He knoweth the secret thoughts of
men.
Day 6.
THE PSALMS.
2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing praises unto him with the lute, and instrument of ten strings( 1).
3 Sing unto the Lord a new song sing praises lustily unto him with a good courage( 2).
4 For the word of the Lord is true: and all his works are faithful.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgement: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made( 3): and all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth.
9. These words may refer to David's victory over the Syrians,( 2 Sam. 10. 18.) when he slew 40,000 horsemen.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together, as it were upon an heap and layeth up the deep, as in a treasure- house.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: stand in awe of him, all ye that dwell in the world. 9 For he spake, and it was done: he commanded, and it stood fast.
13 The Lord looked( 6) down from heaven, and beheld( 7) all the children of men: from the habitation of his dwelling he considereth all them that dwell on the earth.
14 He fashioneth all the hearts of them: and understandeth all their works( 8).
15 There is no king that can be saved by the multitude of an host( 9): neither is any mighty man delivered by much strength.
16 A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man: neither shall he deliver any man by his great strength.
294

THE PSALMS.
Day 6.
17 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him: and upon them that put their trust in his mercy( 1);
18 To deliver their soul from death and to feed them in the time of dearth.
19 Our soul( 2) hath patiently tarried for 2. The Righteous, in the Lord for he is our help, and our shield. 20 For our heart shall rejoice in him: because we have hoped in his holy Name.
answer to David's exhortation, declare their confidence in a Saviour, and pray for His manifestation.
21 Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us like as we do put our trust in thee.
PSALM 34.( K) Benedicam Domino.
( 3) I WILL alway give thanks unto the 3. David calleth his
Lord his praise shall ever be in my
to rejoice with him, and to magnify God for protection in time of danger.
mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
30 praise the Lord with me: and let us magnify his Name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me: yea, he delivered me out of all my fear.
5 They had an eye unto Kim( 4), and were lightened and their faces were not ashamed( 5).
6 Lo, the poor crieth( 6), and the Lord heareth him: yea, and saveth him out of all his troubles.
1. See Job. 36.7; and 1 Pet. 3. 12.
7 The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear him: and delivereth them( 7).
4." They looked unto Him."
5. In some versions, Come unto him, and be enlightened; and let not your faces be ashamed.
6. Meaning himself.
7. The divine protection of the faithful is here signified.
2 Ki. 6. 17; Gen. 32.
K. In the Bible translation, this Psalm is stated to have been written by David on his feigning himself mad, when sent away from Abimelech.( 1 Sam. 21. 13.) The Prophet, escaped from his enemies, uttereth a song of praise in terms equally suitable to the Christian for his greater deliverance. It was composed for the use of those who resorted to David,( 22. c. 1.) and contains a noble encouragement to piety and virtue.
295

1. His servants.
2. Ye that are humbly disposed to be so taught.
3." Desireth life."
5. In this, and the following verses, David descanteth with much beauty on the certainty of Redemption.
Day 6.
THE PSALMS.
80 taste, and see how gracious the Lord is blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 9 O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints( 1): for they that fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.
11 Come, ye children( 2), and hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
4." And pursue it." and ensue it( 4).
7. In the world ye shall have tribulation.. but, I have overcome the world. John 16. 33.
12 What man is he that lusteth to live( 3): and would fain see good days?
8.This prophecy was eminently completed in the Messiah.
Jo. 19.36.
13 Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips, that they speak no guile.
14 Eschew evil, and do good: seek peace,
15 The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers( 5).
16 The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil: to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
6. He who seeketh the Lord shall find Him; He who hath
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of found Him, can want a contrite heart and will save such as be nothing. of an humble spirit.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them and delivereth them out of all their troubles( 6).
19 Great are the troubles of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of all( 7).
20 He keepeth all his bones: so that not one of them is broken( 8).
21 But misfortune shall slay the ungodly: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate( 9).
22 The Lord delivereth the souls of his servants and all they that put their trust
9. Shall be condemned to die, in the Chal- in him shall not be destitute.
dee version.
296

THE PSALMS.
Day 7.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 35.( L) Judica me, Domine.
( 1) PLEAD thou my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me and fight thou against them that fight against me. 2 Lay hand upon the shield and buckler: and stand up to help me.
3 Bring forth the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
4 Let them be confounded( 2), and pút to shame, that seek after my soul: let them be turned back, and brought to confusion, that imagine mischief for me.
1. David in his affliction, Christ in his passion, supplicate the Almighty.
10 All my bones shall say( 5), Lord, who is like unto thee, who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him: yea, the poor, and him that is in misery, from him that spoileth him?
2. Or, they shall be confounded; these imprecations proceeded from the prophetical spirit wherewith he was endued. Ps. 5. 10.
5 Let them be as the dust before the wind: and the angel of the Lord scattering them. 6 Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them.
7 For they have privily laid their net to destroy me without a cause: yea, even without a' cause have they made a pit( 3) for 3. Ps. 7. 16. my soul.
8 Let a sudden destruction come upon him unawares, and his net that he hath laid privily, catch himself: that he may fall into 4. The kingdom was his own mischief( 4).
taken from Saul; the Jews have ceased to
9 And, my soul, be joyful in the Lord: it be a nation: an awshall rejoice in his salvation.
ful lesson!
5. My body, as well as my soul. V. 9.
L. David appears to have composed this Psalm when persecuted by Saul, and falsely accused by Doeg: but it is most especially applicable to the sufferings of the blessed Jesus; and the prophet, in this, as in the 22d Psalm,( which it resembles) personates the Messiah in his state of humiliation. Bishop Horsley entitles this Psalm, a Prayer of the Messiah.
29

1. Most literally true of the holy Jesus.
2. My prayer secured a benefit to myself, or, rested in my bosom; the Hebrews, when they pray in great grief, recline the head on the bosom.
3. Smiters.
4. Or, they vilified me with profane scoffs and taunts,& c.
5. My precious life from brutish enemies.
6." Wrongfully rejoice over me.
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7. Applied to Christ by himself. Jo.15.25.
8." Keep not silence."
9. Vindicate me.
Day 7.
THE PSALMS.
11 False witnesses did rise up: they laid to my charge things that I knew not( 1). 12 They rewarded me evil for good to the great discomfort of my soul.
13 Nevertheless, when they were sick, I put on sackcloth, and humbled my soul with fasting: and my prayer shall turn into mine own bosom( 2).
14 I behaved myself as though it had been my friend, or my brother: I went heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
15 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the very abjects( 3) came together against me unawares, making mouths at me, and ceased not.
16 With the flatterers were busy mockers: who gnashed upon me with their teeth( 4).
17 Lord, how long wilt thou look upon this: O deliver my soul from the calamities which they bring on me, and my darling from the lions( 5).
18 So will I give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
19 0 let not them that are mine enemies triumph over me ungodly( 6): neither let them wink with their eyes that hate me without a cause( 7).
20 And why? their communing is not for peace but they imagine deceitful words against them that are quiet in the land. 21 They gaped upon me with their mouths, and said: Fie on thee, fie on thee, we saw it with our eyes.
22 This thou hast seen, O Lord: hold not thy tongue then( 8), go not far from me, 0 Lord.
23 Awake, and stand up to judge my quarrel: avenge thou my cause, my God, and my Lord.
24 Judge me( 9), O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness and let them not triumph over me.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 7.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, There, there, so would we have it
neither let
them say, We have devoured him.
26 Let them be put to confusion and shame together, that rejoice at my trouble: let them be clothed with rebuke( 1) and dis- 1." With shame." honour, that boast themselves against me.
27 Let them be glad and rejoice, that favour my righteous dealing( 2): yea, let them say alway, Blessed be the Lord, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
3. The church doth
28 And as for my tongue, it shall be talk- thus celebrate the ing of thy righteousness and of thy praise until the songs of victories of Messiah, all the day long( 3).
time shall end in the hallelujahs of eternity.
PSALM 36.( M) Dixit injustus.
( 4) MY heart sheweth me the wickedness
of the ungodly: that there is no fear
of God before his eyes( 5).
2 For he flattereth himself in his own sight until his abominable sin be found out.
:
2." My righteous cause.
4. The principles of the wicked, and then
the justice and mercy of God, described. 5. Or, the wicked man hath an oracle of rebellion in his
3 The words of his mouth are unrighte- heart. ous, and full of deceit: he hath left off to behave himself wisely, and to do good.
4 Heimagineth mischief upon his bed, and hath set himself in no good way( 6): neither doth he abhor any thing that is evil.
5 Thy mercy, O Lord, reacheth unto the. heavens and thy faithfulness unto the clouds( 7).
6 Thy righteousness standeth like the strong mountains: thy judgements are like the great deep.
7 Thou, Lord, shalt save both man and 8." Thy loving beast; How excellent is thy mercy( 8), OGod: kindnesses."
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6. His morning and evening thoughts are evil.
7.Thy judgments are unfathomable.
M. In this Psalm, composed in reflection on the sins of ungodliness, on the immutability of Divine goodness, and on the final destruction of the wicked, David, with the grand imagery of universal nature, sublimely displays the attributes and power of God.

1. His o'ershadowing wings cherish us on earth, and bear us thence to heaven.
( Deut. 32; Matt.23.) 2." Shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures." 3." The fountain." 4. As by the light itself emits, the sun is
seen.
5." To the upright in heart."
6. Cause me to fall. 7." To rise;" the sudden downfall of the wicked is expressed with pecufiar strength, in the original.
9." So shalt thou dwell in the land."
Day 7.
THE PSALMS.
and the children of men shall put their trust under the shadow of thy wings( 1).
8 They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of thy house and thou shalt give them drink of thy pleasures, as out of the river( 2).
0. That is, thy cares and thy concerns.
9 For with thee is the well( 3) of life: and in thy light shall we see light( 4).
10 O continue forth thy loving- kindness unto them that know thee: and thy righteousness unto them that are true of heart( 5). 11 Olet not the foot of pride come against me( 6) and let not the hand of the ungodly cast me down.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 37.( N) Noli æmulari.
8. David exhorteth to( 8) FRET not thyself because of the unpatience and confidence in God under His dispensations.
godly neither be thou envious against the evil doers.
12 There are they fallen, all that work wickedness: they are cast down, and shall not be able to stand( 7).
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass and be withered even as the green
herb.
3 Put thou thy trust in the Lord, and be doing good dwell in the land( 9), and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thou in the Lord: and he shall give thee thy heart's desire.
5 Commit thy way( 0) unto the Lord, and put thy trust in him and he shall bring it to pass.
:
6 He shall make thy righteousness as clear as the light and thy just dealing as the noon- day.
N. David in this Psalm seeks to prevent the offence against religion, which might be taken from observing the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the godly.
300

THE PSALMS.
Day 7.
7 Hold thee still in the Lord, and abide patiently upon him( 1): but grieve not thyself at him whose way doth prosper, against the man that doeth after evil counsels.
8 Leave off from wrath, and let go displeasure( 2): fret not thyself, else shalt thou be moved to do evil.
9 Wicked doers shall be rooted out and they that patiently abide the Lord( 3), those shall inherit the land.
15 Their sword shall go through their own heart and their bow shall be broken.
16 A small thing that the righteous hath: is better than great riches of the ungodly.
17 For the arms of the ungodly( 8) shall be broken and the ord upholdeth the righteous.
10 Yet a little while, and the ungodly shall be clean gone thou shalt look after his place, and he shall be away( 4).
11 But the meek- spirited shall possess the earth and shall be refreshed in the multitude of peace( 5).
5." Shall delight themselves in the
12 The ungodly seeketh counsel( 6) against the just and gnasheth upon him abundance of with his teeth.
" 3
peace. 6." Plotteth:" the
13 The Lord shall laugh him to scorn: for original enmity behe hath seen that his day is coming( 7). tween the wicked
ever subsist.
14 The ungodly have drawn out the and the just, shall sword, and have bent their bow to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as are of a right conversation.
7. His destruction, punishment.
18 The Lord knoweth the days of the godly and their inheritance shall endure for ever.
1. Or, be silent in the Lord, and" wait patiently for him."
19 They shall not be confounded in the perilous time and in the days of dearth they shall have enough.
20 As for the ungodly, they shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall consume as the fat of lambs( 9) yea, even as the smoke shall they consume away.
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2." Cease from anger, and forsake wrath."
3." Those that wait upon,"& c.
4." And it shall not
be."( See v. 37.)
S. Their power and prosperity.
9. Which, in the Jewish sacrifices, is consumed upon the altar.( Is. 34. 6.)

1. Come ye blessed, inherit the kingdom: 2. Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire. Matt. 25, 34, and 41.
5. Talking of the word and ways of God.
6." Watcheth."
Day 7.
THE PSALMS.
21 The ungodly borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous is merciful, and liberal.
22 Such as are blessed of God shall possess the land( 1): and they that are cursed of him shall be rooted out( 2).
8. Rather, like a native tree; one flourishing luxuriantly in its own soil.
23 The Lord ordereth a good man's going: and maketh his way acceptable to himself. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be cast away for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
:
3. The bread which endureth, as that which perisheth, is his; and the blessings of time, are crowned with eternal felicity.
27 Flee from evil, and do the thing that is good and dwell( 4) for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth the thing that is 4. Thou shalt dwell. right: he forsaketh not his that be godly,
25 I have been young, and now am old: and yet saw I never the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging their bread( 3).
26 The righteous is ever merciful, and lendeth and his seed is blessed.
but they are preserved for ever.
29 The unrighteous shall be punished: as for the seed of the ungodly, it shall be rooted out.
30 The righteous shall inherit the land: and dwell therein for ever.
31 The mouth of the righteous is exercised in wisdom and his tongue will be talking of judgement( 5).
32 The law of his God is in his heart: and his goings shall not slide.
33 The ungodly seeth( 6) the righteous: and seeketh occasion to slay him.
34 The Lord will not leave him in his hand: nor condemn him when he is judg7. By unjust judges. ed( 7).
35 Hope thou in the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall promote thee, that thou shalt possess the land when the ungodly shall perish, thou shalt see it.
36 I myself have seen the ungodly in great power and flourishing like a green bay. tree( 8).
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THE PSALMS.
Day 8.
37 I went by, and lo, he was gone: I sought him, but his place could no where be found( 1).
38 Keep innocency, and take heed unto the thing that is right for that shall bring a man peace at the last.
39 As for the transgressors, they shall perish together and the end of the ungodly is, they shall be rooted out at the last.
40 But the salvation of the righteous cometh of the Lord who is also their
strength in the time of trouble.
41 And the Lord shall stand by them( 2), 2." Help them." and save them: he shall deliver them from the ungodly, and shall save them, because they put their trust in him.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 38.( 0) Domine, ne in furore.
( 3) PUT me not to rebuke, O Lord, in thine anger: neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure( 4).
2 For thine arrows stick fast in me: and thy hand presseth me sore( 5).
3 There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure: neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin.
1. An impressive idea of the rise and fall of which have now no men and empires existence, but in history!
5 My wounds stink, and are corrupt( 7): through my foolishness.
6 I am brought into so great trouble and misery that I go mourning all the day long( 8).
3rd. Ps. M. S. for Ash- Wednesday.
3.David calleth upon God to compassionate his case.
4. Condemn not as an austere judge.
5. Judgments on sin; those internal pangs that pierce the soul.
4 For my wickednesses are gone over my head( 6) and are like a sore burden, too 6. My sins overheavy for me to bear.
whelm me like a flood.
7. Sins are the wounds of the soul.
8. An affecting description of genuine
contrition.
o. This is another of those Psalms called" penitential." It is not certain whether David here describes the state of his mind, under some great distress and anguish, or, whether he was afflicted with actual sickness.
303

1." No soundness in my flesh."
2. That is, thou knowest all my wants.
3. Job. 19. 18. Expressions literally predictive of our Lord's passion.
4. The conduct of David under persecution from Shimei, ( 2 Sam. 16. 10.) is eminently typical of Christ. Luke 23.
5. Rather, no altercations; When He was reviled, He reviled not again, but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously. 1 Pet. 2. 23.
6." I am ready to halt," I am exhausted with grief.
7. These words, are applicable to the prosperity of David's adversaries, to the sufferings of Christ, and triumph of the Jews; the result is, that salvation is of God only.
Day 8.
THE PSALMS.
7 For my loins are filled with a sore disease and there is no whole part in my body( 1).
8 I am feeble, and sore smitten: I have roared for the very disquietness of my heart. 9 Lord, thou knowest all my desire: and my groaning is not hid from thee( 2).
10 My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me and the sight of mine eyes is gone from me.
11 My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble and my kinsmen stood afar off( 3).
12 They also that sought after my life laid snares for me and they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness, and imagined deceit all the day long.
13 As for me, I was like a deaf man, and heard not: and as one that is dumb, who doth not open his mouth( 4).
14 I became even as a man that heareth not and in whose mouth are no reproofs( 5).
15 For in thee, O Lord, have I put my trust thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God.
16 I have required that they, even mine enemies, should not triumph over me: for when my foot slipped, they rejoiced greatly against me.
17 And I, truly, am set in the plague( 6): and my heaviness is ever in my sight.
18 For I will confess my wickedness: and be sorry for my sin.
19 But mine enemies live, and are mighty: and they that hate me wrongfully are many in number( 7).
20 They also that reward evil for good are against me because I follow the thing that good is.
21 Forsake me not, O Lord my God: be not thou far from me.
22 Haste thee to help me: O Lord God of my salvation.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 8.
PSALM 39.( P) Dixi, custodiam.
SAID, I will take heed to my ways: that I offend not in my tongue;
ΟΙ
2 I will keep my mouth as it were with a bridle while the ungodly is in my sight. 3 I held my tongue, and spake nothing: I kept silence, yea, even from good words; but it was pain and grief to me.
4 My heart was hot within me; and while I was thus musing the fire kindled( 2): and at the last I spake with my tongue;
5 Lord, let me know mine end, and the number of my days that I may be certified how long I have to live( 3).
6 Behold, thou hast made my days as it were a span long and mine age is even as nothing in respect of thee( 4); and verily every man living is altogether vanity.
7 For man walketh in a vain shadow( 5), and disquieteth himself in vain: he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather stance. them.
8 And now, Lord, what is my hope: truly my hope is even in thee.
9 Deliver me from all mine offences and make me not a rebuke unto the foolish( 6). 10 I became dumb and opened not my mouth for it was thy doing( 7).
11 Take thy plague away from me( 8): I am even consumed by means of thy heavy hand.
12 When thou with rebukes dost chasten( 9) man for sin, thou makest his beauty to consume away, like as it were a moth
The Burial Service.
1. Prayer, and reverence for God's judgements, are the bridle of impatiency.
Rr
2. The fire of divine Charity burst into a flame of devotion.
3." How frail I am."
4. Compared with Thy duration.
5. Since this world is, to the other, as a
shadow to the sub6. The reproach of the scorner.
7. For affliction is inflicted by our heavenly Father.
8." Remove thy stroke, away,"& c. Lu. 22. 46.
9." Correct."
P. The subject of this solemn Psalm is much the same with the foregoing; David, labouring under some great illness, hesitates to complain, lest he might say any thing that the wicked could take advantage of: thus, also, our blessed Lord before His enemies. It is a moving meditation on the vanity of the present life.

1. David breaks forth into the full confidence of his trust in thy peace at my tears.
God.
2." Give ear unto my cry.
29
2nd. Ps. M. S. for Good Friday.
3. David, in the person of Messiah, celebrates the deliverance wrought for His mystical body, the Church.
4. Rather, hath given me firm footing.
5. Who is not deceived by the fallacious allurements of the ungodly.
6." They cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee."
Day 8.
THE PSALMS.
fretting a garment: every man therefore is but vanity.
13 Hear my prayer, O Lord( 1), and with thine ears consider my calling( 2): hold not
7. Without holiness of life.
14 For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers were.
15 O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength: before I go hence, and be no
more seen.
PSALM 40.( 2) Expectans expectavi.
( 3) I WAITED patiently for the Lord: and he inclined unto me, and heard my calling.
2 He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay: and set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings( 4).
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth: even a thanksgiving unto our God. 4 Many shall see it, and fear and shall put their trust in the Lord.
5 Blessed is the man that hath set his hope in the Lord and turned not unto the proud, and to such as go about with lies( 5).
6 O Lord my God, great are the wondrous works which thou hast done; like as be also thy thoughts which are to us- ward and yet there is no man that ordereth them unto thee( 6).
7 If I should declare them, and speak of them they should be more than I am able to express.
8 Sacrifice, and meat- offering( 7), thou
2. David in this Psalm thankfully acknowledges God's goodness to him in delivering him from some imminent danger. The 8th, 9th, and 10th verses being quoted in the 10th ch. of St. Paul to the Hebrews, proves them to be a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ, who only could completely fulfil the will of God, and who came into the world for that very end. 306

THE PSALMS.
Day 8.
wouldest not but mine ears hast thou opened( 1).
9 Burnt- offerings, and sacrifice for sin, hast thou not required then said I, Lo, I come( 2).
10 In the volume of the book( 3) it is written of me, that I should fulfil thy will, O my God: I am content to do it( 4); yea, thy law is within my heart.
11 I have declared thy righteousness( 5) in the great congregation: lo, I will not refrain my lips, O Lord, and that thou knowest.
12 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart: my talk hath been of thy truth( 6), and of thy salvation.
13 I have not kept back thy loving mercy and truth from the great congregation( 7).
14 Withdraw not thou thy mercy from me, O Lord let thy loving- kindness and thy truth alway preserve me.
15 For innumerable troubles are come about me; my sins have taken such hold upon me that I am not able to look up( 8): yea, they are more in number than the hairs of my head, and my heart hath failed me.
16 O Lord, let it be thy pleasure to deliver me make haste, O Lord, to help me.
17 Let them be ashamed,( 9) and confounded together, that seek after my soul to destroy it: let them be driven backward, and put to rebuke,( 0) that wish me evil.
18 Let them be desolate, and rewarded with shame that say unto me, Fie upon thee, fie upon thee( 1).
19 Let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say alway, The Lord be praised. 20 As for me, I am poor and needy: but the Lord careth for me( 2).
21 Thou art my helper and redeemer: make no long tarrying, O my God( 3).
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1. In the Greek version; A body hast Thou prepared me.
( See also Heb. 10.5.) 2. To make an offering of myself. 3. In the roll. Jer. 34. The copies of the Pentateuch are
scrolls of parchment, rolled on sticks.
4." I delight to do." 5." I have preached righteousness."
6." I have declared Thy faithfulness." 7. The universal Church; as opposed to the particular Church of the Jewish people.
8. That is, the sins of mankind( Is. 53. 6.)
which Christ had taken upon Himself; as prophetically, the Messiah speaks throughout.
9. Rather, they shall be,& c.
0." To shame."
1. That mock and
insult me.
2." Thinketh upon
me.'
3. He, who once came in great humility, shall come again in glorious majesty!

1. David, describing
the conduct of his enemies, predicteth the sufferings of Messiah.
2." Will preserve him."
3." Thou wilt not deliver him."
4." Will strengthen him," support him under all trials. 5. Forgive my sins, restore me.
6. From v. 5. to the end, David speaks in the person of the Messiah.
7." He talks deceitfully."
Day 8.
me.
THE PSALMS.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 41.( R) Beatus qui intelligit.
LESSED is he that considereth the poor and needy: the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble.
BL
( 1)]
2 The Lord preserve him( 2), and keep him alive, that he may be blessed upon earth: and deliver not thou him( 3) into the will of his enemies.
3 The Lord comfort him( 4), when he lieth sick upon his bed: make thou all his bed in his sickness.
4 I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul( 5), for I have sinned against thee. 5 Mine enemies speak evil of me: When shall he die, and his name perish( 6)?
6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity( 7): and his heart conceiveth falsehood within himself; and when he cometh forth, he telleth it.
8. The scoffs and taunts of the Pharisees are alluded to. 9." An evil disease, say they, cleaveth
8 Let the sentence of guiltiness proceed fast unto him:" The against him( 9): and now that he lieth, let him rise up no more.
sentence due to sin. 0. Ahitophel was a type of Judas, as David was of Christ. ( See John 13. 18.) 1. Has shewn great treachery towards
7 All mine enemies whisper together against me( 8): even against me do they imagine this evil.
9 Yea, even mine own familiar friend, whom I trusted( 0): who did also eat of my bread, hath laid great wait for me( 1).
10 But be thou merciful unto me, O Lord: raise thou me up again, and I shall reward them.
11 By this I know thou favourest me: that mine enemy doth not triumph against
me.
R. It is thought that this Psalm was written by David after his sickness, when Absalom, counselled by Ahitophel, conspired against him.( 2 Sam. 15. 31, and 16. 33.) It sets forth the present reward of mercifully minded men, and anticipates the assured mercies of God to his faithful servants.
308

THE PSALMS.
Day 8.
12 And when I am in my health, thou upholdest me( 1): and shalt set me before thy face for ever.
13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: world without end. Amen.
PSALM 42.( s)
Quemadmodum.
( 2) LI
IKE as the hart desireth( 3) the water- brooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul is a thirst for God, yea, even for the living God: When shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night: while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
4 Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God( 4);
5 In the voice of praise and thanksgiving: among such as keep holy- day.
6 Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within
me?
7 Put thy trust in God: for I will yet give him thanks for the help of his countenance( 5).
8 My God, my soul is vexed within me: therefore will I remember thee concerning the land of Jordan( 6), and the little hill of Hermon.
1." Thou upholdest me in mine integrity.
""
2. David's zeal for God, and his trust in
him.
3." Panteth after." A beautiful simile, in reference to the arid surface, and" brazen skies" of Judea.
4. He alludes to some joyous festival, when with all his subjects, he had attended the
service of the tabernacle in the city of
God.
5. Him who is the " health." See v. 15.
and Ps. 43. 6.
6." From the land of Jordan."
s. David, by Absalom's rebellion, driven from Jerusalem to the extreme parts of Judea, is there supposed to have composed this Psalm. Exiled from the Temple, he pours forth his soul to God in this pathetic strain. The ardent feelings of a devout heart are finely depicted, oppressed by an accumulation of evils, yet admitting through the dark cloud of affliction a glimmering ray of hope and consolation. It is applicable to the case of our Lord in his state of suffering on earth, and to that of the Church under persecution.
309

1. Descending torrents combine with the waters of the deep to overwhelm me: Judea was subject to sudden floods, metaphors taken from
thence, are familiar in Hebrew Poetry. 2." Unto God, my rock."
3." Why go I mourning, because of the oppression of the enemy?"
4. He concludes with this exhortation to his soul to trust in God, the mournful
chorus of this beautiful Psalm. See Ps. 43. 6.
5. David appeals to the Divine justice against his people, and his son.
6." Judge me."
7." Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
Day 8.
THE PSALMS.
9 One deep calleth another, because of the noise of the water- pipes: all thy waves and storms are gone over me( 1).
10 The Lord hath granted his lovingkindness in the day- time: and in the nightseason did I sing of him, and made my prayer unto the God of my life.
11 I will say unto the God of my strength, ( 2) why hast thou forgotten me: why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me( 3)?
12 My bones are smitten asunder as with a sword: while mine enemies that trouble me cast me in the teeth.
13 Namely, while they say daily unto me: Where is now thy God?
14 Why art thou so vexed, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me?
15 O put thy trust in God: for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God( 4).
PSALM 43.( T) Judica me, Deus.
( 5) GIVE sentence with me( 6), O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people: O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
2 For thou art the God of my strength, why hast thou put me from thee: and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me( 7)?
3 0 send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling.
4 And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness:
T. This Psalm, written by David under the same circumstances, and closing with the same chorus, is considered, by Bishop Lowth, to be a continuation of the former: an opinion confirmed by about thirty manuscripts.
310

THE PSALMS.
Day 9.
and upon the harp will I give thanks unto thee, O God, my God( 1).
5 Why art thou so heavy( 2), O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me? 60 put thy trust in God for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
:
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 44.( U) Deus, auribus.
( 3) WE have heard with our ears, O God,
our fathers have told us: what thou hast done in their time of old;
2 How thou hast driven out the heathen( 4) with thy hand, and planted them in( 5): how thou hast destroyed the nations, and cast them out.
3 For they gat not the land in possession through their own sword: neither was it their own arm that helped them;
4 But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance( 6): because thou hadst a favour unto them.
5 Thou art my King, O God: send help unto Jacob.
6 Through thee will we overthrow our enemies and in thy Name will we tread them under, that rise up against us.
7 For I will not trust in my bow: it is not my sword that shall help me;
8 But it is thou that savest us from our enemies and puttest them to confusion that hate us( 7).
9 We make our boast of God all day long: and will praise thy Name for ever.
1. Thus David prays; and the Christian anticipates the day when He shall sing everlasting praises in the courts of the Heavenly temple! 2." Cast down."
3.The Church, recalling former favours,
is confident under present evils. See Litany.
4. The Canaanites. 5." Them," thy people Israel.
6. Thy glorious presence which preceded the Host of Israel in the shining cloud.
7. We use the appointed means; but God giveth the victory.
U. It is not unlikely that Hezekiah was the author of this Psalm, and that, soon after the blasphemous message of Rabshakeh.( 2 Kings 18. 13.) It was evidently composed when the Jewish state suffered grievously from their enemies.
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1. These and the following calamities were expressly foretold. Deut. 28.
2." Thou makest us a reproach."
3. A proverb of wretchedness.
5. In the wilderness: the inspired Author alludes to a former desolation.
6.The Jews pray with expanded hands.
4. God is provoked by phemer for the enemy and avenger( 4).
the sins of the Church to let loose the fury of the oppressor upon her. Dan. 9.5.
18 And though all this be come upon us, yet do we not forget thee: nor behave ourselves frowardly in thy covenant.
19 Our heart is not turned back: neither our steps gone out of thy way;
20 No, not when thou hast smitten us into the place of dragons( 5): and covered us with the shadow of death.
7. Our fidelity to Thee, exposes us to the horrors of death. Rom. 8. 36.
Day 9.
THE PSALMS.
10 But now thou art far off, and puttest us to confusion and goest not forth with our armies( 1).
11 Thou makest us to turn our backs upon our enemies: so that they which hate us spoil our goods.
8. We are brought into the deepest humiliation.
9. Thus in the Litany.
12 Thou lettest us be eaten up like sheep: and hast scattered us among the heathen. 13 Thou sellest thy people for nought: and takest no money for them.
14 Thou makest us to be rebuked( 2) of our neighbours to be laughed to scorn, and had in derision of them that are round about us.
15 Thou makest us to be a by- word( 3) among the heathen and that the people shake their heads at us.
16 My confusion is daily before me and the shame of my face hath covered me; 17 For the voice of the slanderer and blas21 If we have forgotten the Name of our God, and holden up our hands( 6) to any strange god: shall not God search it out? for he knoweth the very secrets of the heart. 22 For thy sake also are we killed all the day long( 7): and are counted as sheep appointed to be slain.
23 Up, Lord, why sleepest thou: awake, and be not absent from us for ever.
24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face and forgettest our misery and trouble?
25 For our soul is brought low, even unto the dust our belly cleaveth unto the ground( 8).
26 Arise, and help us: and deliver us for thy mercy's sake( 9).
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THE PSALMS.
Day 9.
PSALM 45.( V)
Eructavit cor meum.
( 1) MY heart is inditing of a good matter( 2): I speak of the things which I have made unto the King( 3).
2 My tongue is the pen of a ready( 4)
writer.
3 Thou art fairer than the children of men: full of grace are thy lips, because God hath blessed thee for ever( 5).
4 Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh( 6), O thou most Mighty: according to thy worship and renown( 7).
5 Good luck have thou with thine honour: ride on( 8), because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things( 9).
6 Thy arrows are very sharp( 0), and the people shall be subdued unto thee: even in the midst among the King's enemies.
7 Thy seat( 1), O God, endureth for ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre( 2).
9 All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia( 3) out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
10 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did
2nd. Ps. M.S. for Christmas- Day.
SS
1. The majesty of Christ's kingdom.
2. O'erflows with a glorious subject. 3." Touching the King."
0." Thine arrows
8 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hat- are sharp in the heart ed iniquity wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
of the King's enemies."
4. Well- instructed. 5. The Prophet eulogises, as if present, the spiritual beauty of Messiah.
6. An Eastern inauguration of sovereignty.
7." With Thy glory and Thy majesty." 8." In thy majesty, ride prosperously. 9. Messiah is often
described as a conqueror.( Is. 63. 3.) Solomon was not engaged in martial exploits.
1" Thy throne." 2. Alone to be said of
Messiah. Heb. 1.8. 3. The drugs used in
the anointing- oil for the Kings of Judah, and consecration of Aaron. Ex. 30. 23.
v. This is a very remarkable Psalm, supposed to have been written on the occasion of Solomon's marriage with the daughter of Pharaoh, King of Egypt. It is however apparent that the mind of the Prophet, while writing it, was carried beyond King Solomon, to the great King, the Lord Christ; for," Behold, a greater than Solomon is here!" It is an Epithalamium prophetical of the marriage of the Messiah with the Church of God.

1." In gold of Ophir.'
2. Proselytes to the Mosaical law were required to renounce their natural relations.
3. A city of Palestine; the glory of the nations.( Is. 23.8.) The accession of the Gentiles is predicted. Rev. 21. 24.
7. That is, thy sons shall eclipse the glory of thy fathers. 8. Rev. 1. 6; 5. 10. 9." I will make Thy
name to be remembered."
THE PSALMS.
Day 9. stand the queen in a vesture of gold( 1), wrought about with divers colours.
11 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, incline thine ear: forget also thine own people, and thy father's house( 2).
12 So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty for he is thy Lord God, and worship thou him.
14 The King's daughter( 5) is all glorious within her clothing is of wrought gold.
4." Even the rich." 5. The Church is spoken of under all the charities of life,
15 She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needle- work: the virgins that be
in the beauty of holi- her fellows shall bear her company, and ness, clothed in the shall be brought unto thee( 6). righteousness of saints. Rev. 19. 8. 6.The bride is the Israelitish Church; the attendants the Gentiles.
16 With joy and gladness shall they be brought and shall enter into the King's palace.
17 Instead of thy fathers thou shalt have children( 7) whom thou mayest make princes in all lands( 8).
:
18 I will remember thy Name( 9) from one generation to another therefore shall the out end. people give thanks unto thee, world with.
PSALM 46.( x) Deus noster refugium.
( 0) GOD is our hope and strength: a very
present
0. The confidence which the Church hath in God, amidst all the tumults and confusion of the world.
13 And the daughter of Tyre( 3) shall be there with a gift like as the rich( 4) also among the people shall make their supplication before thee.
2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea.
:
x. It is not known to what time this Psalm belongs, or, who was the author of it. It was most probably composed in the reign of Jehosophat, and is an Epinikion, or Hymn of triumph and thanksgiving, after some great deliverance.( 2 Chron. 20.)
314

THE PSALMS.
Day 9.
3 Though the waters thereof rage and 1. Figurative of the swell and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same( 1).
numerous forces that came up against Jerusalem.
4 The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God( 2) the holy place of the tabernacle of the most Highest. 5 God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed: God shall help her, and that right early( 3).
6 The heathen make much ado, and the kingdoms are moved: but God hath shewed his voice, and the earth shall melt away( 4). 7 The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8 0 come hither, and behold the works of the Lord: what destruction he hath brought upon the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease in all the world he breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots in the fire( 5).
10 Be still then, and know that I am God( 6) I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our refuge( 7).
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 47.( v) Omnes gentes, plaudite.
( 8) 0 CLAP your hands together, all ye people: O sing unto God with the voice of melody( 9).
2." There is a river, the streams whereof shall"& c. namely, the soft flowing the waters of life, in streams of Siloah; the Paradise of God. 3. Or, when the morning appeareth. 4." The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted." Awfully sublime!
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5. To burn the arms of the conquered, was a sign of peace.
6. Here is a change of person: Jehovah commands submission to His power. 7. The Church repeats v. 7, by way of chorus.
2nd. Ps. E. S. for Ascension- Day.
8. The nations are exhorted cheerfully to entertain the kingdom of God.
9." Of triumph."
Y. This Psalm was composed either on the occasion of the removal of the ark into the tabernacle on Mount Zion, by David,( 2 Sam. 6.) or from thence into the Temple by Solomon.( 2 Chron. 5. 2.) The ark, being a type of Christ, as its dwelling place was of the heavens, the carrying of it up to that Mount is to be considered a figure of Christ's ascension into heaven. In this sense is this Psalm understood by the Fathers of our Church.

1." The Lord most High is terrible."
2. Canaan.
3." The excellency of Jacob;" the land of Israel.
4. God, by the spiritual token of His presence; that is, God incarnate is gone up into Heaven, His dwelling- place.
5. It was usual thus to welcome Kings and conquerors. 6. The salvation of
the world, is the end of Messiah's exaltation.
7. Prophetic of the accession of the Kings of the Gentiles. 1st. Ps. M. S. for Whit- Sunday.
8. A laud to God for the power to praise Him in His solemn service.
9." Beautiful for situation."
1. Because the law was to come out of Zion.
2." And hasted away.
""
Day 9.
THE PSALMS.
2 For the Lord is high, and to be feared( 1): he is the great King upon all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the people under us: and the nations under our feet.
4 He shall choose out an heritage for us( 2): even the worship of Jacob( 3), whom he loved.
5 God is gone up with a merry noise: and the Lord with the sound of the trump( 4).
60 sing praises, sing praises unto our God: O sing praises, sing praises unto our King( 5).
7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8 God reigneth over the heathen( 6): God sitteth upon his holy seat.
9 The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham( 7): for God, which is very high exalted, doth defend the earth, as it were with a shield.
PSALM 48.( z) Magnus Dominus. ( 8) GREAT is the Lord, and highly to be praised in the city of our God, even upon his holy hill.
2 The hill of Sion is a fair place( 9), and the joy of the whole earth( 1): upon the north side lieth the city of the great King: God is well known in her palaces as a sure refuge. 3 For lo, the kings of the earth: are gathered, and gone by together.
4 They marvelled to see such things: they were astonished, and suddenly cast down( 2).
5 Fear came there upon them, and sorrow: as upon a woman in her travail.
z. This Hymn, in honour of Jerusalem, composed after some signal defeat of an invading army, celebrates, under images taken from the earthly city, the glory of the Christian Church, the city and temple of Messiah rescued from her enemies. It is thought, from the 12th and 13th verses, that it was written in the reign of Uzziah.( 2 Chr. 26. 9.)
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THE PSALMS.
Day 9.
6 Thou shalt break the ships of the sea: through the east wind( 1).
7 Like as we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God upholdeth the same for ever( 2).
8 We wait for( 3) thy loving- kindness, O God in the midst of thy temple.
11 Walk about Sion, and go round about her and tell the towers thereof.
12 Mark well her bulwarks, set up her houses( 6): that ye may tell them that come after.
90 God, according to thy Name, so is thy praise unto the world's end( 4): thy 4. Wherever Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
10 Let the mount Sion rejoice, and the daughter of Judah( 5) be glad: because of thy judgements.
name is known, Thy righteousness is declared.
13 For this God is our God for ever and ever he shall be our guide unto death.
PSALM 49.( A) Audite hæc, omnes.
HEAR ye this, all ye people: ponder it with your ears, all ye that dwell in the world;
( 7) 0
2 High and low, rich and poor: one with another.
3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom and my heart shall muse of understanding( 8). 4 I will incline mine ear to the parable( 9): and shew my dark speech upon the harp. 5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of wickedness and when the wickedness of my heels compasseth me round about( 0)?
1. As the East wind wrecks the ships of Tarshish, so shall the Divine power discomfit the enemies of Jerusalem.
2. By the prophets Isaiah, and others. ( See 2 Ki. 19. 20.)
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3." We have thought of."
5." Daughters" the lesser cities of Judea.
6." Consider her palaces;" praise God for the deliverance of this noble city; contemplate the glory of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
7. An earnest persuasion to rely on the retributive justice of God, and not on worldly power. 8." The meditation of my heart shall be of understanding; I will utter matters my heart hath deeply pondered.
39
9. Matt. 13. 35; and
Ps. 78. 2.
0. Rather, Of those, my supplanters, who lie in wait for me.
A. The Author of this Psalm is not known, neither is the occasion of it. It seems to have been penned on the contemplation of the afflictions of the godly, and of the prosperity of the ungodly: its design, is the justification of God's providence in this dark dispensation.

1." None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:"
2.(" for the redemption of their soul is precious, once effected," it ceaseth for ever.)" Thus St. Paul, Heb. 10. 26. 3." That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption;" the sense is continued from v.7.
4." Being in honour,
abideth not."
5. With respect to health and honour.
6." This their way is their folly," which we blame, yet imitate.
7." In the grave. 8." Shall feed on them."
" 9
9. The just shall triumph over them at the resurrection.
0. Rather, the grave, their dwelling, shall
consume their
beauty; away from their own mansions. 1." The power of the grave.
2." His glory shall not descend after him."
" 9
3. The light of God's glory, the ungodly shall never see.
Day 9.
THE PSALMS.
6 There be some that put their trust in their goods and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches.
7 But no man may deliver his brother: nor make agreement unto God for him( 1). 8 For it cost more to redeem their souls: so that he must let that alone for ever( 2); 9 Yea, though he live long and see not the grave( 3).
10 For he seeth that wise men also die, and perish together as well as the ignorant and foolish, and leave their riches for others.
11 And yet they think that their houses shall continue for ever: and that their dwelling- places shall endure from one generation to another, and call the lands after their own names.
12 Nevertheless, man will not abide in honour( 4): seeing he may be compared unto the beasts that perish( 5); this is the way of them.
posterity praise their saying. 13 This is their foolishness( 6): and their
14 They lie in the hell( 7) like sheep, death gnaweth upon them( 8), and the righteous shall have domination over them in the morning( 9): their beauty shall consume in the sepulchre out of their dwelling( 0).
15 But God hath delivered my soul from the place of hell( 1): for he shall receive
me.
16 Be not thou afraid, though one be made rich or if the glory of his house be encreased;
17 For he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth neither shall his pomp follow him( 2).
18 For while he lived, he counted himself an happy man and so long as thou doest well unto thyself, men will speak good of thee.
19 He shall follow the generation of his fathers and shall never see light( 3).
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THE PSALMS.
Day 10.
20 Man being in honour hath no understanding( 1) but is compared unto the beasts that perish.
MORNING PRAYER.
1." That is, in honour, and understandeth not, is like,"& c.
PSALM 50.( B)
Deus deorum.
2. The Prophet lauds
( 2) THE Lord, even the most mighty God,
the majesty of God; the Gentiles are callhath spoken
and called the world,
ed; worship in sinfrom the rising up of the sun unto the going cerity and truth is down thereof( 3).
required.
2 Out of Sion hath God appeared in perfect beauty.
3. Signifying the general promulgation of the Gospel.
3 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( 4).
4 He shall call the heaven from above: and the earth, that he may judge his people. 5 Gather my saints together unto me( 5): those that have made a covenant with me with sacrifice;
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness for God is Judge himself.
7 Hear, O my people( 6), and I will speak: I myself will testify against thee, O Israel; for I am God, even thy God.
6. The voice of the Omniscient Judge, impleads His ancient
worship,
8 I will not reprove thee because of thy people for their susacrifices, or for thy burnt- offerings: because they were not alway before me.
without holiness.
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4. This judicial proceeding on His apostate people, is prefigurative of the advent to the last judgment.
5.The Prophet speaks in the person of Jehovah.
B. This Psalm, styled a" Psalm of Asaph," was more probably composed by David, and directed to be sung by Asaph, a Levite, especially appointed to attend the ark, and to praise the Lord God of Israel.( 1 Chr. 16. 4.) The Almighty is here, with sublime magnificence, introduced as entering upon a solemn publick appeal against His disobedient people, summoning all mankind, from East to West, to the dread solemnity, held with the same awful pomp on Mount Zion, as, in times past, on Mount Sinai.

Day 10.
THE PSALMS.
9 I will take no bullock out of thine house: nor he- goat out of thy folds( 1).
10 For all the beasts of the forest are mine and so are the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls upon the mountains and the wild beasts of the field are in my sight.
12 If I be hungry, I will not tell thee: for the whole world is mine, and all that is therein.
13 Thinkest thou that I will eat bulls'
2. The Almighty will flesh: and drink the blood of goats( 2). 14 Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows unto the most Highest;
:
15 And call upon me in the time of trouble so will I hear thee, and thou shalt praise me.
16 But unto the ungodly said God( 3): Why dost thou preach my laws, and takest my covenant in thy mouth;
17 Whereas thou hatest to be reformed: and hast cast my words behind thee?
18 When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst unto him: and hast been partaker with the adulterers.
19 Thou hast let thy mouth speak wickedness and with thy tongue thou hast set forth deceit.
:
1. The Jewish folly of considering legal offerings as in themselves acceptable, is reproved in this and the following verse.
not accept an external, without an internal service.
3. The omnipotent Ruler expostulates with the hypocritical Jew for his false pretences to Virtue and Religion:( Rom.2.17) for that faith which omits practice.
4. My merciful forbearance, thou ascribest to ignorance.
elmi 5. An awful warning to Jew and Christian.
6. A sublime lesson on practical piety.
20 Thou satest, and spakest against thy brother: yea, and hast slandered thine own mother's son.
21 These things hast thou done, and I held my tongue, and thou thoughtest wickedly, that I am even such a one as thyself( 4): but I will reprove thee, and set before thee the things that thou hast done.
22 O consider this, ye that forget God: lest I pluck you away, and there be none to deliver you( 5).
23 Whoso offereth me thanks and praise, he honoureth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation right will I shew the salvation of God( 6).
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THE PSALMS.
Day 10.
PSALM 51.( c) Miserere mei, Deus.
( 1) HAVE mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness: according to the multitude of thy mercies do away( 2) mine offences.
2 Wash me throughly from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight( 3): that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and clear when thou art judged( 4).
5 Behold, I was shapen in wickedness: and in sin hath my mother conceived me.
6 But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts: and shalt make me to under.. stand wisdom secretly( 5).
7 Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow( 6).
8 Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice( 7).
9 Turn thy face from my sins and put out all my misdeeds.
10 Make me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.
12 0 give me the comfort of thy help again and stablish me with thy free Spirit( 8).
13 Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked and sinners shall be converted
unto thee.
The Commination Service.
1. David prayeth for remission of sins, whereof he maketh a deep confession. 2." Blot out."
3. To Thee only am I accountable.
4. Rather, So that, Thou art righteous in Thy sentence, and just" when Thou judgest."
5. In the secret corners of my heart.
6. The purification ,. foreshewn by sprinkling the unclean with a bunch of" hyssop," dipped in the water of separation. Nu.19;
Heb. 9. 13.
7. At the resurrection of the body, truly they shall do so. ( Is. 66.14.)
8. The Divine Spirit, to enable him to act
free from base desires, which, because
of his sin, had been withheld.
c. This is a principal one, of those Psalms called penitential, and was composed by David after his notorious guilt in the affair of Bathsheba and Uriah.( 2 Sam. 12.) It is a most perfect model of penitential devotion.
Tt

Day 10.
THE PSALMS.
14 Deliver me from blood- guiltiness, O 1." Thou God of my God, thou that art the God of my health( 1): and my tongue shall sing of thy righteoussalvation."
2." Open Thou my lips,"& c..
3. David, in prophetic vision, feels the insufficiency of the Levitical sacrifices to take away sin. Ps. 40. 6.
4. Literally true, when the Lord accepted the sacrifices of Solomon; spiritually so, when the substance of the Mosaic types was, by Messiah, offered.
5. David condemns the spitefulness of Doeg, prophesying his destruction.
6." Deviseth mischiefs."
7. The history of the enemies of David; and of the crucifiers of the Son of David, is a comment on this
verse.
8. The orig. word, Schammatha, signifies excommunicate.
ness.
15 Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord( 2): and my mouth shall shew thy praise.
16 For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it thee: but thou delightest not in burnt- offerings( 3).
17 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise.
18 O be favourable and gracious unto Sion build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness( 4), with the burnt- offerings and oblations: then shall they offer young bullocks upon thine altar.
PSALM 52.( D) Quid gloriaris?
( 5) WHY boastest thou thyself, thou tyrant that thou canst do mischief; 2 Whereas the goodness of God: endureth yet daily?
3 Thy tongue imagineth wickedness( 6): and with lies thou cuttest like a sharp razor. 4 Thou hast loved unrighteousness more than goodness and to talk of lies more than righteousness.
5 Thou hast loved to speak all words that may do hurt: O thou false tongue.
6 Therefore shall God destroy thee for ever( 7): he shall take thee, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling( 8), and root thee out of the land of the living.
7 The righteous also shall see this, and fear and shall laugh him to scorn.
D. The occasion of this Psalm is to be found in 1 Sam. 22nd chapter. Doeg, the Idumean, or Edomite, in order to ingratiate himself with Saul, discovered to him those who were confederate with David, particularly Abimilech, and, at the desire of Saul, the Priests of the Lord, were murdered by him.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 10.
8 Lo, this is the man that took not God for his strength( 1) but trusted unto the multitude of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
9 As for me, I am like a green olive- tree in the house of God( 2) my trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever.
10 I will always give thanks unto thee for that thou hast done and I will hope in thy Name, for thy saints like it well.
:
2 Corrupt are they, and become abominable in their wickedness: there is none that doeth good.
1. Confidence placed in the world, must perish with it.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 53.( E) Dixit insipiens.
( 3) THE foolish body hath said in his 3." Maschil." A
heart There no God.
of instruction.
:
3 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men: to see if there were any that would understand, and seek after God.
2. The representative of Messiah pourtrays himself as the reverse of Doeg, in terms applicable to his great Original.
David describeth man's depravity.
4 But they are all gone out of the way( 4), 4. See Rom. 3. 12.. they are altogether become abominable: there is also none that doeth good, no, not one( 5).
5. True of Israel
time of Christ.
5 Are not they without understanding then, and also in the that work wickedness: eating up my people( See Rom. 1. 29. 32.) as if they would eat bread? they have not called upon God.
6 They were afraid where no fear was: for God hath broken the bones of him that
E. This Psalm, composed by David on the revolt that followed after the death of Absalom,( 2 Sam. 20.) is in a manner the same as the 14th, which was written upon the rebellion of that Prince.( 1 Sam. 23.) God is represented as surveying from his heavenly throne the sons of Adam. He finds their hearts corrupt, and commissions his Prophet to inform the world that all required to be cleansed.
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1. God hath destroyed him who oppressed thee, and his bones are scattered. Sam. 20. 6.
3d. Ps. M. S. for Good Friday.
2. David complains of the Ziphites,( his countrymen) and prays for salvation.
3.They acted the part of strangers, seeking to deliver him up to his enemy, Saul.
4. Beholding the retreat of his enemies, ( 1 Sam. 23. 27.) he promiseth sacrifice. 5.That is, I have been
able to look mine enemies in the face.
6. David, in prayer, bewaileth his distress; as Christ, did supplicate in the garden of Gethsemane.
Day 10.
THE PSALMS.
besieged thee( 1); thou hast put them to confusion, because God hath despised them.
7 Oh, that the salvation were given unto Israel out of Sion: Oh, that the Lord would deliver his people out of captivity!
8 Then should Jacob rejoice: and Israel should be right glad.
PSALM 54.( F) Deus, in nomine.
( 2) SAVE me, O God, for thy Name's sake: and avenge me in thy strength.
2 Hear my prayer, O God and hearken unto the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers( 3) are risen up against me: and tyrants, which have not God before their eyes, seek after my soul.
4 Behold, God is my helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: destroy thou them in thy truth.
6 An offering of a free heart will I give thee, and praise thy Name, O Lord( 4): because it is so comfortable.
7 For he hath delivered me out of all my trouble and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies( 5).
PSALM 55.( G) Exaudi Deus.
( 6) HEAR my prayer, O God and hide
not thyself from my petition.
2 Take heed unto me, and hear me: how I mourn in my prayer, and am vexed.
F. David composed this Psalm at a time of his great distress, and the seasonable deliverance afforded him by God when hiding himself in the wilderness of Ziph.( 1 Sam. 23. 14). The application to Christ and Christians, is plain and easy.
G. The subject of this tender and touching Psalm is, the defection of Ahitophel, on the occasion of Absalom's rebellion. ( 2 Sam. 15). The consternation and distress of the King's mind when he fled from Jerusalem, and, passing over the brook
324

THE PSALMS.
Day 10,
3 The enemy crieth so, and the ungodly cometh on so fast: for they are minded to do me some mischief( 1), so maliciously are they set against me.
4 My heart is disquieted within me: and the fear of death is fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me: and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.
6 And I said, O that I had wings like a dove( 2) for then would I flee away, and be
1." For they cast iniquity upon me."
2. The emblem of innocence and peace.
at rest.
7 Lo, then would I get me away far off: 3.I should with more and remain in the wilderness( 3).
ease provide a shelter
11 Wickedness is therein: deceit and guile go not out of their streets.
8 I would make haste to escape: because of the stormy wind and tempest.
9 Destroy their tongues, O Lord, and divide them( 4): for I have spied unrighteousness and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go about within foolishness. the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
2 Sam. 15. 31.
against the storms there, than against the malice of man in
the city.
4. Turn the counsel of Ahitophel into
12 For it is not an open enemy, that hath done me this dishonour( 5): for then I could have borne it.
13 Neither was it mine adversary, that did magnify himself against me for then peradventure I would have hid myself from him. 14 But it was even thou, my companion: my guide( 6), and mine own familiar friend. 15 We took sweet counsel together: and walked in the house of God as friends.
16 Let death come hastily upon them, and let them go down quick into hell( 7) wickedness is in their dwellings, and among equally of Judas, and them.
7. Aprediction of the tragical fate of Ahitophel, and the folfor
lowers of Absalom:
of the Jews.
5.The treason of Ahitophel, prefigures the treachery of Judas: and that of pretended friends, is, to the Church, the beginning of sorrows. 6. 2 Sam. 16. 23.
Cedron, ascended Mount Olivet, weeping as he went up, is keenly expressed; still the double edge of the prophetic style leads us to think of the Son of God, who, on this same spot, was the victim of a baser treachery.( John 18. 1.)
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"
1. Rather, earnestly. The third, sixth, and ninth hour, were the stated times of prayer
in the Jewish Church.
2. That is, this traitor hath injured those in friendship with him.
3. These words are descriptive of Absalom's insidious character. 2 Sam. 15. 5.
4. Let us for ever trust in Him, who alone delivers, and alone destroys!
5. David, praying to God, complaineth of his enemies.
6. Namely, Saul, and his courtiers.
Day 11.
THE PSALMS.
17 As for me I will call upon God: and the Lord shall save me.
18 In the evening, and morning, and at noon- day will I pray, and that instantly( 1): and he shall hear my voice.
19 It is he that hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
20 Yea, even God, that endureth for ever, shall hear me, and bring them down for they will not turn, nor fear God.
21 He laid his hands upon such as be at peace with him( 2): and he brake his covenant.
22 The words of his mouth were softer than butter, having war in his heart: his words were smoother than oil, and yet be they very swords( 3).
23 O cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall nourish thee: and shall not suffer
the righteous to fall for ever.
24 And as for them thou, O God, shalt bring them into the pit of destruction.
25 The blood- thirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days: nevertheless, my trust shall be in thee, O Lord( 4).
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 56.( H) Miserere mei, Deus.
( 5) BE
E merciful unto me, O God, for man goeth about to devour me( 6): he is daily fighting, and troubling me.
H. The preface to this Psalm in the Bible is" To the chief Musician upon Jonath- elem- rechokim," that is, the silent dove afar off. The subject of it is David's supplication to God, when among the Philistines in Gath,( 1 Sam. 21) for protection and support.
326

THE PSALMS.
Day 11.
2 Mine enemies are daily in hand to swallow me up( 1): for they be many that fight against me, O thou most Highest.
3 Nevertheless, though I am sometime afraid yet put I my trust in thee.
4 I will praise God, because of his word( 2): I have put my trust in God, and will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
5 They daily mistake my words( 3) all that they imagine is to do me evil.
6 They hold all together, and keep themselves close( 4): and mark my steps, when they lay wait for my soul.
7 Shall they escape for their wickedness: thou, O God, in thy displeasure shalt cast them down.
PSALM 57.( 1) Miserere mei, Deus.
( 9) BE merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee and under the shadow of thy
1. So Christ, persecuted by the Jews.
2. His promise. See
1. Sa. 16. 13; and 2 Sa. 3.9.
327
3." Every day they wrest my words;" thus did the persecutors of David, thus the Scribes and Pharisces.
8 Thou tellest my flittings( 5); put my tears into thy bottle( 6): are not these things noted in thy book?
5." Wanderings. 6. An allusion to the lacrymal urns, anciently used in me morial of deceased friends, the falling tears being gathered into them: meaning, Let the tears which I
9 Whensoever I call upon thee, then shall mine enemies be put to flight this I know; for God is on my side.
10 In God's word will I rejoice in the have shed in my disLord's word will I comfort me.
tress be ever before Thee.
11 Yea, in God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me( 7). 12 Unto thee, O God, will I pay my vows: unto thee will I give thanks.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling( 8): that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
4." They hide themselves."
7. Confidence in God beautifully expressed.
8. David here speaks of his deliverance, as if actually accomplished.
2nd. Ps. M. S. for Easter- Day.
9." Michtam of David," a golden Psalm of David.
1. David is said to have written this Psalm on the occasion of his escape from Saul in the cave at Engedi.( 1 Sam. 24. 3.) In composition it is remarkably elegant: the four concluding verses are truly sublime.

1. An allusion to the wings of the Cherubim, which covered the mercy- seat. 2." These calamities be overpast."
3." The reproach."
4. The fiercest beasts are selected to represent the power and fury of God's enemies.
5. Rather, who are fiery with rage. 6." Be thou exalted." Expressions of praise, repeated at the conclusion.
7. My tongue. Ps. 16. The strain changes to notes of praise and triumph.
8. The nations shall,
with the voice of melody, awaken the ETERNAL DAY, sounding forth the glories of redemption!
Day 11.
THE PSALMS.
wings( 1) shall be my refuge, until this tyranny be over- past( 2).
2 I will call unto the most high God: even unto the God that shall perform the cause which I have in hand.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproof( 3) of him that would eat me up.
4 God shall send forth his mercy and truth: my soul is among lions( 4).
5 And I lie even among the children of men, that are set on fire( 5): whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
6 Set up thyself( 6), O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth.
7 They have laid a net for my feet, and pressed down my soul: they have digged a pit before me, and are fallen into the midst of it themselves.
8 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed I will sing, and give praise.
9 Awake up my glory( 7); awake, lute and harp: I myself will awake right early.
10 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the people and I will sing unto thee among the nations( 8).
11 For the greatness of thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens and thy truth unto the clouds.
12 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens and thy glory above all the earth.
PSALM 58.( K) Si vere utique.
9. David sarcastically insinuates the hypocritical preten( 9) ARE your minds set upon righteousness, O ye congregation and do ye ces to righteousness judge the thing that is right, O ye sons of
:
of his enemies.
men?
K. In this Psalm David reproves the Princes of Saul's court, for passing an unrighteous sentence upon him, as guilty of high treason. The destruction of the wicked is represented
328

THE PSALMS.
Day 11.
2 Yea, ye imagine mischief in your heart upon the earth and your hands deal with wickedness.
3 The ungodly are froward( 1), even from their mother's womb as soon as they are born, they go astray, and speak lies.
4 They are as venomous as the poison of a serpent even like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ears( 2);
their
5 Which refuseth to hear the voice of the charmer( 3): charm he never so wisely. 6 Break their teeth, O God, in mouths( 4); smite the jaw- bones of the lions, O Lord let them fall away like water that runneth apace; and when they shoot their arrows let them be rooted out.
1. Their perverseness strikingly described in the following
verses.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 59.( L) Eripe me de inimicis.
( 7) DELIVER me from mine enemies, O God defend me from them that rise up against me.
2. The enmity of Saul withstood the heavenly strains of David; He who spake as never man spake was put to death by a generation of vipers. 3. The art of charming, or taming serpents, still prevails in the East.
4. They break the teeth of those they
wish to tame.
5." Before your pots
7 Let them consume away like a snail, and be like the untimely fruit of a woman and let them not see the sun.
can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirl8 Or ever your pots be made hot with wind, both living, thorns: so let indignation vex him, even as a thing that is raw( 5).
9 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his footsteps in the blood of the ungodly( 6).
and in His wrath." By this proverbial expression is shewn the fury of Divine wrath; sudden and violent in its consuming power. 6. An allusion to the victor, who treads in the gore of the slain, when he quits the field of battle.
10 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: doubtless there is a God that judgeth the earth.
7. David prays to be delivered from his
persecutors.
under six similitudes, and, in the triumph of the righteous, the glory of God is proclaimed.
L. A Psalm of David, on occasion of his escape," when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him."( 1 Sam. 19. 11.)
Uu

1. Rather, for no sin of mine.
2. The prophet anticipates the day of final retribution.
3. Dogs are held in abh rence by the Jews: they are not usually admitted into the houses of Eastern
cities, but crowd the
streets.
4." For who, say they, doth hear?" 5. Ps. 2. 4. Expressions denoting the futility of the counsels of Jew and Gentile against Messiah and His Church.
6. This passage alludes to the punishment of the Jews; dispersed, not eatinguished.
7. See Matt. 27. 25. 8." That they may not be:" The Jews
have ceased to be as
a nation.
9. Such is the condition of the Jews, suffering a spiritual famine.
Day 11.
THE PSALMS.
20 deliver me from the wicked doers: and save me from the blood- thirsty men.
3 For lo, they lie waiting for my soul: the mighty men are gathered against me, without any offence or fault of me, O Lord( 1).
4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: arise thou therefore to help me, and behold.
5 Stand up, O Lord God of hosts, thou God of Israel, to visit all the heathen( 2): and be not merciful unto them that offend of malicious wickedness.
6 They go to and fro in the evening: they grin like a dog, and run about through the city( 3).
7 Behold, they speak with their mouth, and swords are in their lips: for who doth hear( 4)?
8 But thou, O Lord, shalt have them in derision and thou shalt laugh all the heathen to scorn( 5).
9 My strength will I ascribe unto thee: for thou art the God of my refuge.
10 God sheweth me his goodness plenteously and God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11 Slay them not, lest my people forget it: but scatter them abroad among the people, and put them down, O Lord, our defence( 6).
12 For the sin of their mouth, and for the words of their lips( 7), they shall be taken in their pride and why? their preaching is of cursing and lies.
13 Consume them in thy wrath, consume them, that they may perish( 8): and know that it is God that ruleth in Jacob, and unto the ends of the world.
14 And in the evening they will return: grin like a dog, and will go about the city( 9).
Here, as continually, David may be considered the type of Messiah. The subject of this Psalm is treated much in the same manner as the preceding one.
330

THE PSALMS.
Day 11.
15 They will run here and there for meat: and grudge( 1) if they be not satisfied.
16 As for me, I will sing of thy power, and will praise thy mercy betimes in the morning( 2) for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for thou, O God, art my refuge, and my merciful God.
PSALM 60.( M) Deus repulisti nos.
( 3) thou hast cast us
scattered us abroad: thou hast also been displeased; O turn thee unto us again. 2 Thou hast moved the land, and divided it: heal the sores thereof, for it shaketh( 4). 3 Thou hast shewed thy people heavy things thou hast given us a drink of deadly wine( 5).
4 Thou hast given a token for such as fear thee that they may triumph because of the truth( 6).
5 Therefore were thy beloved delivered: help me with thy right hand, and hear me. 6 God hath spoken in his holiness( 7), I will rejoice, and divide Sichem: and mete out the valley of Succoth( 8).
7 Gilead is mine, and Manasses is mine: Ephraim also is the strength of my head; Judah is my law- giver( 9).
1. Rather, murmur; growl is implied in the Hebrew.
2. That" morning"
which consigns the
wicked to despair, will transport the righteous to the mansions of felicity!
3. In the person of the High Priest,
judgments, and anticipates God's promises.
4. Allusions to the convulsions of the state in the Civil Wars.( 1 Sam. 31.) 5. A strong metaphor for a calamity that overpowers the mind. 6." Thou hast given a banner,".. that unto it the godly may resort.
7. By His holy one in His sanctuary.
8. Places in the tribe of Gad.
Heb. word signifies 9. My Sceptre; the
a ruler's staff.
M. This Psalm is intitled" Michtam of David, to teach;" ( posterity to trust in God, as he did)" when he strove with Aram- Naharaim, and with Aram Zobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom, in the valley of Salt, eighteen thousand:" that is when, after that the tribes of Israel had submitted to his sceptre, he was engaged in the reduction of the adjacent countries.( 2 Sam. 5. and 8.) Horsley supposes this Psalm was written in the reign of Jehosaphat, and that it alludes to the war against the Syrians.( 1 Kings, 22.) It spiritually applies to the establishment of the Christian church.
331

1. The reduction of his enemies to servitude is signified. 2. Spoken ironically. 3. David speaks in the name of the King. 4. Bozrah, the capital of Idumea, is on an impregnable rock. ( Ob. 3; Is. 43.) 5. The answer, by chorus, to the foregoing verses.
7. Beyond my own reach; that is, shield
me with Thy protection.
8. I will sojourn in the Church Militant on earth, and so reside in the Church triumphant in Heaven.
11 O be thou our help in trouble: for vain is the help of man( 5).
12 Through God will we do great acts: for it is he that shall tread down our enemies.
PSALM 61,( N) Exaudi, Deus.
6. He voweth to God( 6) HEAR my crying, O God: give ear unto
perpetual service.
my prayer.
9." My vows. 0." Given me the heritage of those." He was restored to his kingdom.
THE PSALMS.
1. That is, Thou shalt
add days to the days
of King Messiah; His years shall be as the generation of this world; and of the world to come. ( Luke 1. 32.)
Day 11.
8 Moab is my wash- pot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe( 1): Philistia, be thou glad of me( 2).
9 Who will lead me into the strong city( 3): who will bring me into Edom( 4)?
10 Hast not thou cast us out, O God: wilt not thou, O God, go out with our hosts?
2 From the ends of the earth will I call upon thee: when my heart is in heaviness. 3 0 set me up upon the rock that is higher than I( 7): for thou hast been my hope, and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
4 I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever( 8): and my trust shall be under the covering of thy wings.
5 For thou, O Lord, hast heard my desires( 9) and hast given an heritage unto those that fear thy Name( 0).
6 Thou shalt grant the King a long life: that his years may endure throughout all generations( 1).
7 He shall dwell before God for ever: 0 prepare thy loving mercy and faithfulness, that they may preserve him.
8 So will I always sing praise unto thy Name: that I may daily perform my vows.
N. David, in this Psalm, plainly refers to his being forced to fly beyond Jordan, to Mahanaim, at the extremity of Judea, in the rebellion of his son Absalom. In his words, the Church prays for the perpetuity of Christ's kingdom.
332

THE PSALMS.
Day 12.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 62.( 0) Nonne Deo?
( 1) MY soul truly waiteth still upon God: for of him cometh my salvation.
2 He verily is my strength and my salvation he is my defence, so that I shall not greatly fall( 2).
2." I shall not be
3 How long will ye imagine mischief a- greatly moved." gainst every man: ye shall be slain all the sort of you; yea, as a tottering wall shall ye be, and like a broken hedge( 3).
4 Their device is only how to put him out whom God will exalt: their delight is in lies; they give good words with their mouth, but curse with their heart.
5 Nevertheless, my soul, wait thou still upon God for my hope is in him( 4).
6 He truly is my strength and my salvation; he is my defence, so that I shall not fall.
7 In God is my health, and my glory: the rock of my might, and in God is my trust.
80 put your trust in him alway, ye people: pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope.
1. David, in confidence, encourageth the godly.
9 As for the children of men, they are but vanity( 5): the children of men are deceitful upon the weights; they are altogetherlighter than vanity itself.
3." A tottering fence."( Is.30.13.) That is, yourselves are upon the verge of ruin while ye are busied in these plots: so were the Jewish people when they crucified the Lord.
4. A beautifully poetical variation of the
1st. verse.
5. The power of man to save, is less than nothing, weighed in
the balance of Heaven.
6. He exhorts oppressors to think on the power and mercy of God.
10 0 trust not in wrong and robbery, give not yourselves unto vanity( 6): if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God spake once, and twice I have also heard the same( 7): that power belongeth 7. See Job. 33. 14.
unto God.
o. This Psalm is expressive of faith, and confidence in God; but contains neither petitions nor thanksgivings. It is thought to have been written after Absalom was killed, and before David was invited to return to Jerusalem.
333

1." Thou renderest to."
2. David's desire for the pleasures of the sanctuary.
3. In the Syriack, as a dry and thirsty land; or, as a weary land, without water. 4." To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary." 5. The kindness of the Lord exceeds the blessing of life. 6. Meditation on the
mercies of God shall, as a rich repast, satisfy the soul.
7." In the night watches." The Jews divide the night into three watches.
8. That is, into the grave.
9.They shall fall, and shall be a prey to wild beasts.
0. All they that invoke His name, that make Him the object of religious reverence, shall glory."
Day 12.
THE PSALMS.
12 And that thou, Lord, art merciful: for thou rewardest( 1) every man according to his work.
PSALM 63.( P) Deus, Deus meus.
GOD, thou art my God: early will seek thee.
( 2)
2 My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh also longeth after thee in a barren and dry land where no water is( 3).
:
3 Thus have I looked for thee in holiness: that I might behold thy power and glory( 4). 4 For thy loving- kindness is better than the life itself( 5) my lips shall praise thee.
5 As long as I live will I magnify thee on this manner and lift up my hands in thy Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, even as it were with marrow and fatness( 6): when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips.
7 Have I not remembered thee in my bed: and thought upon thee when I was waking( 7)?
8 Because thou hast been my helper: therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
9 My soul hangeth upon thee: thy right hand hath upholden me.
10 These also that seek the hurt of my soul they shall go under the earth( 8).
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword that they may be a portion for foxes( 9).
12 But the King shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended( 0): for the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
P. The royal Prophet, an exile in the wilderness of Judea, expresses, with much beauty, sentiments of tenderness and love; and declares his immoveable trust in God.
334

THE PSALMS.
Day 12.
PSALM 64.( 9) Exaudi, Deus.
( 1) HEAR my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the
enemy.
2 Hide me from the gathering together of the froward and from the insurrection of wicked doers( 2);
3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword and shoot out their arrows, even bitter words;
4 That they may privily shoot at him that is perfect( 3): suddenly do they hit him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in mischief: and commune among themselves how they may lay snares, and say, that no man shall see them.
6 They imagine wickedness, and practice it that they keep secret among themselves, every man in the deep of his heart( 4).
7 But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow that they shall be
wounded.
8 Yea, their own tongues shall make them fall( 5) insomuch that whoso seeth them shall laugh them to scorn.
9 And all men that see it shall say, This hath God done( 6): for they shall perceive, that it is his work.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and put his trust in him and all they that are true of heart shall be glad.
335
1. David prayeth for deliverance from his
enemies.
2. The powers of darkness against us all, are understood to be deprecated.
3. David thus calls himself, being perfectly innocent of what they laid to his charge.
4. Or, Each one is close, and deep of heart.
5." So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves;" their imprecations did fall in vengeance on
their children.
6. The desolation of
the once holy City, extorted from the Emperor Titus this confession.
Q. This Psalm appears to have been composed by David, when persecuted by Saul and his associates. It contains, like the last, strong expressions of David's longing desire to join in the worship of the sanctuary.

blessings.
2. All praises and thanksgivings were paid in the Tabernacle on Mount Sion.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 65.( R) Te decet hymnus.
1. The praises due to( 1) THOU, O God, art praised in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed
in Jerusalem( 2).
2 Thou that hearest the prayer: unto thee shall all flesh come.
3. Rather, Tabernacle; the Temple was not yet built.
4." Being girded with power."
5. All, from the
rising, to the setting sun, fear and praise Thee.
Day 12.
6. Under beautiful
images are represented the gracious relief for famine, spiritual and temporal. ( Is. 6.10; Rev. 22.1.)
THE PSALMS.
3 My misdeeds prevail against me: O be thou merciful unto our sins.
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and receivest unto thee: he shall dwell in thy court, and shall be satisfied with the pleasures of thy house, even of thy holy temple( 3).
5 Thou shalt shew us wonderful things in thy righteousness, O God of our salvation: thou that art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of them that remain in the broad sea.
6 Who in his strength setteth fast the mountains and is girded about with power( 4).
7 Who stilleth the raging of the sea: and the noise of his waves, and the madness of the people.
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts of the earth shall be afraid at thy tokens: thou that makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to praise thee( 5).
9 Thou visitest the earth, and blessest it: thou makest it very plenteous( 6).
10 The river of God is full of water: thou preparest their corn; for so thou providest for the earth.
R. In this very lovely" Song of David," composed on the restoration of plenty, after the three years' famine,( 2 Sam. 21.) God is praised for His providential government of the material world, and the Prophet, with a fertility of expression correspondent to the subject, lauds the beneficence of the Deity. 336

THE PSALMS.
Day 12.
11 Thou waterest her furrows, thou sendest rain into the little valleys thereof: thou makest it soft with the drops of rain( 1), and blessest the increase of it.
12 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness and thy clouds( 2) drop fatness.
13 They shall drop upon the dwellings of the wilderness and the little hills shall rejoice on every side.
14 The folds shall be full of sheep: the valleys also shall stand so thick with corn, that they shall laugh and sing( 3).
PSALM 66.( s) Jubilate Deo.
( 4) BE joyful in God, all ye lands: sing praises unto the honour of his Name, make his praise to be glorious.
1. Luxuriant crops, and genial showers, happily illustrate the blessings of the Gospel. The arid soil of Judea, rendered rain a motive for peculiar gratitude.
2." Thy paths," Thy chariot wheels.
3. This personification of inanimate objects is in the highest
style of poetry.
Service for Thanksgiving at Sea. 4. The Prophet invokes all the world to sing the praises of God for all his works, especially for His miracles in favour of the Israelites.
2 Say unto God, O how wonderful art thou in thy works: through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies be found liars unto thee( 5).
3 For all the world shall worship thee: sing of thee, and praise thy Name.
6. He sets forth the
of God: how wonderful he is in his doing toward the children of men.
5 He turned the sea into dry land: so that they went through the water on foot; there did we( 7) rejoice thereof.
4( 6) O come hither, and behold the works miracles wrought for Israel, at the Red Sea, and the River Jordan; pre- figurative of the deliverance from sin, by the waters of baptism, and the admission into heaven through the gates of death. 7.That is, our nation,
He ruleth with is power for ever; his eyes behold the people and such as will not believe shall not be able to exalt themselves.
our ancestors.
:
70 praise our God, ye people and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
8 Who holdeth our soul in life( 8): and suffereth not our feet to slip.
5." Submit themselves unto Thee."
8. Rather, who appointeth our soul to Immortality.
s. The Author, and time of composing this Psalm are uncertain, but it is supposed to have been written by David, after that he was established on the throne of Israel and Judah.
XX

1. Into the power of our enemies.
2. A hard servitude under heavy bur. dens.
3. Conquerors to oppress us.
4. Through many troubles.
5. Or, a place of refreshment; an image expressive of blessing.
6. The legal" offerings" are superseded by the one oblation: yet shall we go to the House of God, and offer the praises vowed in sickness or sorrow. 7. Rather, with the smoke of the fat of
rams.
Day 12.
THE PSALMS.
9 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou also hast tried us, like as silver is tried.
10 Thou broughtest us into the snare( 1): and laidest trouble upon our loins( 2).
11 Thou sufferedst men to ride over our heads( 3): we went through fire and water( 4), and thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place( 5).
:
12 I will go into thine house with burntofferings andwill pay thee my vows, which I promised with my lips, and spake with my mouth, when I was in trouble( 6).
Even Prayer, and Marriage Service.
13 I will offer unto thee fat burnt- sacrifices, with the incense of rams( 7): I will offer bullocks and goats.
14 O come hither, and hearken, all ye that fear God: and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul.
15 I called unto him with my mouth and gave him praises with my tongue.
16 If I incline unto wickedness with mine heart: the Lord will not hear me.
17 But God hath heard me and consider8." Attended to the ed the voice of my prayer( 8). voice,& c."
18 Praised be God who hath not cast out my prayer: nor turned his mercy from me. PSALM 67.( T) Deus misereatur.
9. A Prayer for the
Advent of Christ, and( 9) GOD be merciful unto us, and bless us:
and shew us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us.
for the enlargement of God's kingdom. 0. That is, Thy plan of salvation for all people. Palestine was in the centre of the then known world.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth: thy saving health among all nations( 0).
3 Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the people praise thee.
T. This" Psalm, or Song," it is probable, was written by David, when, having offered the sacrifices mentioned( Ps. 66. 13.) he blessed the people in the name of the Lord( 2 Sam. 6. 17.) pronouncing this Psalm, wherein he imitates the form of blessing used by the Priests.( Nu. 6. 24.)
338

THE PSALMS.
Day 13.
40 let the nations rejoice and be glad: for thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth( 1).
1. The Gentiles are called to embrace salvation, under that sceptre, round which
5 Let the people praise thee, O God: let all Justice and Mercy the people praise thee.
are entwined.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase( 2): and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
2. For the nations of the world shall become fruitful in
7 God shall bless us and all the ends of every good word, the world shall fear him.
and work.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 68.( U) Exurgat Deus.
( 3) LET God arise, and let his enemies be 3. The Ode sublimely
them also that hate
opens with the words of Moses on the progress to Canaan. ( See Nu. 10. 35).
2nd. Ps. M. S. for Whit- Sunday.
him, flee before him.
2 Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away and like as wax melteth at the fire, so let the ungodly perish at the presence of God( 4).
4. The confusion of
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice the enemies of Jehovah is declared in before God let them also be merry and noble and animated joyful. language.
40 sing unto God, and sing praises unto his Name: magnify him that rideth upon the heavens, as it were upon an horse; praise him in his Name JAH( 5), and rejoice before
him.
5. That is, the SELF EXISTENT ONE.
u. This magnificent, comprehensive, but very difficult Psalm, seems to have been composed by David on the joyful occasion of the removal of the Ark;( 2 Sam. 6; 1 Chr. 15.) and Dr. Chandler, in his literal and historical sense of this Psalm, divides it into five Parts: the first, as the Ark was taken up by the Levites; the second, at v. 7, when the procession began; the third, at v. 15, when Mt. Sion came in view; the fourth, at v. 18, where the Ark was deposited; the fifth, at v. 24, when the procession returned. In its mystical sense,( Ep. 4. 8.) it 339

1. Alluding to the deliverance from Egypt, and the destruction of the murmurers in the desert. 2. In a pillar of a cloud by day, and of fire by night. 3." Even Sinai itself was moved."
4. With the bread of heaven.
5." Hath dwelt
therein;" the manna lay round the host. ( Ex. 16. 13.)
6. That is, the joyful
news.( Nu. 21. 34.)
7." Of those that published it;" the women who, with songs and dancing, celebrated the victories of Israel.
8. Alluding to the brick- making in Egypt, you shall be as glorious as you were contemptible.
9. When He dispersed your enemies, ye were as bright as snow,& c.
0. Why do ye exalt yourselves? In Luther's translation, Why talk ye of pleasant hills? this is,& c.
Day 13.
THE PSALMS.
5 He is a Father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the widows: even God in his holy habitation.
6 He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in an house, and bringeth the prisoners out of captivity( 1): but letteth the runagates continue in scarceness.
70 God, when thou wentest forth before the people when thou wentest through the wilderness( 2),
8 The earth shook, and the heavens dropped at the presence of God: even as Sinai also was moved( 3) at the presence of God, who is the God of Israel.
9 Thou, O God, sentest a gracious rain upon thine inheritance and refreshedst it( 4) when it was weary.
10 Thy congregation shall dwell therein( 5): for thou, O God, hast of thy goodness prepared for the poor.
11 The Lord gave the word( 6): great was the company of the preachers( 7).
12 Kings with their armies did flee, and were discomfited: and they of the household divided the spoil.
13 Though ye have lien among the pots( 8), yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove: that is covered with silver wings, and her feathers like gold.
14 When the Almighty scattered kings for their sake: then were they as white as snow in Salmon( 9).
15 As the hill of Basan, so is God's hill: even an high hill, as the hill of Basan.
16 Why hop ye so, ye high hills( 0)? this is God's hill, in the which it pleaseth him to
refers to the Ascension of Christ into heaven. This noble Poem is involved in much obscurity, yet, we must behold with admiration the scattered rays of the true sublime breaking through the clouds that surround it.
340

THE PSALMS.
Day 13.
dwell yea, the Lord will abide in it for ever( 1).
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels and the Lord is among them, as in the holy place of Sinai( 2).
18 Thou art gone up on high, thou hast led captivity captive( 3), and received gifts for men: yea, even for thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them. 19 Praised be the Lord daily even the God who helpeth us, and poureth his benefits upon us.
20 He is our God, even the God of whom cometh salvation: God is the Lord, by whom we escape death( 4).
21 God shall wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his wickedness( 5).
22 The Lord hath said, I will bring my people again, as I did from Basan: mine own will I bring again, as I did sometime from the deep of the sea( 6).
23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies and that the tongue of thy dogs may be red through the same.
24 It is well seen, O God, how thou goest: how thou, my God and King, goest in the sanctuary.
25 The singers go before, the minstrels follow after in the midst are the damsels playing with the timbrels( 7).
26 Give thanks, O Israel, unto God the Lord in the congregations: from the ground of the heart.
27 There is little Benjamin their ruler( 8), and the Princes of Judah their counsel: the Princes of Zabulon, and the Princes of Nephthali.
28 Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee: stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us( 9),
29 For thy temple's sake at Jerusalem( 0): so shall kings bring presents unto thee.
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1. He thus declares the pre- eminence of Zion.
2. See 2 Chr. 5. 13.
3. Led captive him that did enthral us.
4." The passages to death." Rev. 1. 18
5. Predictive of the destruction of the
enemies of Israel with reference to the original sentence.
( Gen. 3. 15.)
6. He had promised to these deliverances. repeat, by David,
7. The joy of Israel, pre- figures the exul.
tation of the Christian church, in the ascension of her Redeemer.
8. For, of this tribe was Saul; Benjamin and Judah dwelt
nearest the city of David, the other two were most distant; shewing the unanimity of the nation. 9. For our strength is
in Thee.
0." Because of Thy Temple at Jerusalem, shall kings,& c."

1." The multitudes
of the bulls, with the calves of the people:" alluding to the emblematical designation of the Egyptian power, and their objects of idolatrous worship.
2." Till every one submit himself with pieces of silver:" ( with tribute.) 3." Ethiopia" Egyptians and Ethiopians shall send Ambassadors unto Thee.
1st Ps. E. S. for Good Friday.
5. David's prayer to God; his praise and thanksgiving.
Day 13.
THE PSALMS.
30 When the company of the spearmen, and multitude of the mighty are scattered abroad among the beasts( 1) of the people, so that they humbly bring pieces of silver( 2): and when he hath scattered the people that delight in war;
31 Then shall the princes come out of Egypt the Morians' land( 3) shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
4. The unanimity of
34 Ascribe ye the power to God over Isthe primitive Church rael: his worship, and strength is in the
clouds.
has been described as having one common consent in chaunting forth the praises of God: and our Church
in her Holy Services continually doth say, " Blessed be God!"
6. That is, I am overwhelmed with calamities.
F
7. See Heb. 5.7.
32 Sing unto God, O ye kingdoms of the earth: O sing praises unto the Lord;
33 Who sitteth in the heavens over all from the beginning lo, he doth send out his voice, yea, and that a ghty voice.
35 O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places: even the God of Israel; he will give strength and power unto his people; blessed be God( 4).
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 69.( v)
Salvum me fac.
( 5) SAVE me, O God for the waters are
come in, even unto my soul( 6).
2 I stick fast in the deep mire, where no ground is: I am come into deep waters, so that the floods run over me.
3 I am weary of crying( 7); my throat is dry my sight faileth me for waiting so long upon my God.
v. The application of many passages of this Psalm to our Lord, made by Himself, and by His Apostles, direct us to consider it as highly prophetical of Our Saviour's sufferings; indeed, many of the expressions were more literally fulfilled in Christ, than they were in David.
342

THE PSALMS.
Day 13.
4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: they that are mine enemies( 1), and would destroy me guiltless, are mighty.
5 I paid them the things that I never took( 2): God, thou knowest my simpleness, and my faults are not hid from thee.
6 Let not them that trust in thee, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my cause: let not those that seek thee be confounded through me, O Lord God of Israel.
7 And why? for thy sake have I suffered reproof( 3): shame hath covered my face.
8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren( 4) even an alien unto my mother's children.
9 For the zeal of thine house hath even eaten me( 5): and the rebukes of them that rebuked thee are fallen upon me( 6).
11 I put on sackcloth also: and they jested upon me.
5.Hath consumed me: in the East, one aggrieved carries on his head a lighted match, allusive of the fire
10 I wept, and chastened myself with fast- that consumes his ing and that was turned to my reproof.
soul.
12 They that sit in the gate( 7) speak against me and the drunkards make songs upon me( 8).
13 But, Lord, I make my prayer unto thee in an acceptable time( 9).
14 Hear me, O God, in the multitude of thy mercy: even in the truth of thy salvation.
1. The Jews; or the Romans prophetically.
15 Take me out of the mire, that I sink not: O let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters( 0).
16 Let not the water- flood drown me, neither let the deep swallow me up and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
:
17 Hear me, O Lord, for thy loving- kindness is comfortable: turn thee unto me according to the multitude of thy mercies.
18 And hide not thy face from thy servant, for I am in trouble: O haste thee, and hear me.
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2. I have been accountable for the
crimes of others: a striking allusion to the doctrine of the atonement. Is. 53. 6. 3." Reproach." 4. The Jews were Christ's brethren in the flesh, yet His own received Him not. ( John 1. 11.)
6. Rom. 15. 3.
7. That is, in the
which used to be in the gates of cities. 8. The profligate deride me.
9.The time of the propitiatory sacrifice.
0. The petitions for deliverance from calamities are expressed under the same images as in v. 1 and 2 they were described.

1." My reproach."
2. The reproaches Thou hast exposed me to. Matt. 27. 34.
3.The Heb. word signifies an herb, as bitter as gall, translated( Hosea 10. 4.) Hemlock.
4. See Gospel for Palm Sunday.
5. From hence, to v. 29, is prophetical of the state of the Jews after their rejection of the Messiah. Rom. 11. 9. 6.1 Thess. 2. 16.
7. This( Acts 1. 20.) is applied to Judas." 8. They added blasphemy to His pains. 9." And not be written with the righteous."
0. An allusion to the Jewish practice of recording the names of the people in a book, from whence, at their deaths, they were blotted out. 1. The scene changes from one of suffering,
to one of triumph; from the passion to the resurrection. 2. A bullock was in its prime for sacrifice, when it had horns and hoofs.
3. Such as are persecuted for His sake.
Day 13.
THE PSALMS.
19 Draw nigh unto my soul, and save it: O deliver me, because of mine enemies.
20 Thou hast known my reproof( 1), my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all in thy sight.
21 Thy rebuke( 2) hath broken my heart; I am full of heaviness: I looked for some to have pity on me, but there was no man, neither found I any to comfort me.
22 They gave me gall( 3) to eat: and when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink( 4).
23 Let their table be made a snare to take themselves withal( 5): and let the things that should have been for their wealth be unto them an occasion of falling.
24 Let their eyes be blinded, that they see not and ever bow thou down their backs. 25 Pour out thine indignation upon them: and let thy wrathful displeasure take hold of them( 6).
26 Let their habitation be void: and no man to dwell in their tents( 7).
27 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten and they talk how they may vex them whom thou hast wounded( 8).
28 Let them fall from one wickedness to another and not come into thy righteousness( 9).
29 Let them be wiped out of the book of the living( 0): and not be written among the righteous.
30 As for me, when I am poor and in heaviness: thy help, O God, shall lift me up.
31 I will praise the Name of God with a song: and magnify it with thanksgiving( 1). 32 This also shall please the Lord: better than a bullock that hath horns and hoofs( 2). 33 The humble shall consider this, and be glad: seek ye after God, and your soul shall live.
34 For the Lord heareth the poor and despiseth not his prisoners( 3).
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THE PSALMS.
Day 14.
35 Let heaven and earth praise him the 1. Prophetically, the sea, and all that moveth therein.
36 For God will save Sion( 1), and build the cities of Judah( 2): that men may dwell there, and have it in possession.
37 The posterity( 3) also of his servants shall inherit it and they that love his Name shall dwell therein.
PSALM 70.( x) Deus in adjutorium.
( 4) HASTE thee, O God, to deliver me: 4. This is entitled in
make haste to help me, O Lord.
the Bible," A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward and put to confusion that wish me evil.
3 Let them for their reward be soon brought to shame that cry over me, There, there( 5).
4 But let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee: and let all such as delight in thy salvation say alway, the Lord be praised.
5 As for me, I am poor and in misery: haste thee unto me, O God.
6 Thou art my helper, and my redeemer: O Lord, make no long tarrying( 6).
Church.
2. For the citizens of the New Jerusalem. 3. The descendants of the Gentiles have been above 1800 years possessed of the Gospel privileges.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 71.( Y) In te, Domine, speravi. ( 7) IN thee, O Lord, have I put my trust, let me never be put to confusion but
5. David soliciteth
the destruction of the
wicked, and the preservation of the godly.
6. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. ( Rev. 22. 20.)
7. David, in confidence of faith, prayeth for himself, and against his enemies.
x. The words of this Psalm are, with little variation, the same as Ps. 40. 13; they were( it is surmised) selected by David, to use constantly during his distress at Absalom's rebellion.
Y. David composed this Psalm under the continuance of Absalom's rebellion, which embittered his latter days, and brought his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
yy

1. For God will be faithful to His gracious word.
2." Thou art my hope, Thou art my trust."
3." A wonder;" my miseries make me a prodigy of wretchedness.
4. They who saw David ascend Mount Olivet in tears, and they who beheld Jesus led forth to be crucified, regarded both as deserted by God; so judge they of the Church and its members; yet, David was restored to his throne on earth, and Christ to His throne in Heaven.
Day 14.
THE PSALMS.
rid me, and deliver me, in thy righteousness; incline thine ear unto me, and save
me.
2 Be thou my strong hold, whereunto I may alway resort: thou hast promised to help me, for thou art my house of defence, and my castle( 1).
3 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the ungodly out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
4 For thou, O Lord God, art the thing that I long for( 2): thou art my hope, even from my youth.
5 Through thee have I been holden up ever since I was born: thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb; my praise shall be always of thee.
6 I am become as it were a monster( 3) unto many: but my sure trust is in thee.
70 let my mouth be filled with thy praise: that I may sing of thy glory and honour all the day long.
8 Cast me not away in the time of age: forsake me not when my strength faileth
me.
9 For mine enemies speak against me, and they that lay wait for my soul take their counsel together, saying: God hath forsaken him; persecute him, and take him, for there is none to deliver him( 4).
10 Go not far from me, O God: my God, haste thee to help me.
11 Let them be confounded and perish that are against my soul: let them be covered with shame and dishonour that seek to do me evil.
12 As for me, I will patiently abide alway and will praise thee more and more. 13 My mouth shall daily speak of thy righteousness and salvation for I know no end thereof.
14 I will go forth in the strength of the Lord God and will make mention of thy righteousness only.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 14.
15 Thou, O God, hast taught me from my youth up until now( 1): therefore will I tell of thy wondrous works.
16 Forsake me not, O God, in mine old age, when I am gray- headed until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to all them that are yet for
to come.
17 Thy righteousness, O God, is very high and great things are they that thou hast done; O God, who is like unto thee?
:
18 O what great troubles and adversities hast thou shewed me! and yet didst thou turn and refresh me: yea, and broughtest me from the deep of the earth again( 2).
19 Thou hast brought me to great honour: and comforted me on every side.
20 Therefore will I praise thee and thy faithfulness, O God, playing upon an instrument of musick: unto thee will I sing upon the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel( 3).
21 My lips will be fain( 4) when I sing unto thee and so will my soul whom thou hast delivered.
1. The God of Israel
taught David as a warrior, to conquer; as a Psalmist, to declare the wondrous works of his benefactor.
PSALM 72.( z) Deus, judicium.
( 5) Gr IVE the King thy judgements( 6), O God: and thy righteousness unto the King's son.
2 Then shall he judge thy people according unto right: and defend the poor.
3 The mountains also shall bring peace( 7): and the little hills righteousness unto the people.
2." Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me again from the depths of the earth."
3. Thus, the Church militant doth foreshew the Church triumphant!
joice."
22 My tongue also shall talk of thy righ- 4." Shall greatly reteousness all the day long for they are confounded and brought unto shame that seek to do me evil.
•
5. David's prayer for Solomon, prophetic of Christ's kingdom. 6. Cause him to govern by Thy precepts. 7. Peace manifested
by its consequences; that is, plenteousness as the result of righteous judgment
z. There is such a variety and beauty of imagery, such a splendour of diction in this Psalm, that it will be impossible, in the whole compass of literature, to find such an union of 347

1. The meek.
2. In his person the kingdom continued only 40 years; but, in his seed, Christ, it is established for ever. Is. 24. 23. 3." Upon the mown grass.( 2 Sa. 28.4); a simile of exquisite beauty.
4. Zech. 9. 10.
5. Abject prostration of the conquered is customary in the East.
6. Tharsis was situated, it is said, on the
Indian Sea.
7. In Arabia Felix. 8. A prophetical allusion to the offering of
the Magi, the accession of the Gentiles,
and the universality of His kingdom.
9. Truly He shall shed His own for it. 0.1 Kings 10. 14.
Day 14.
THE PSALMS.
4 He shall keep the simple folk( 1) by their right defend the children of the poor, and punish the wrong doer.
5 They shall fear thee, as long as the sun and moon endureth: from one generation to another( 2)..
6 He shall come down like the rain into a fleece of wool( 3): even as the drops that water the earth.
7 In his time shall the righteous flourish: yea, and abundance of peace, so long as the moon endureth.
8 His dominion shall be also from the one sea to the other and from the flood unto the world's end( 4).
9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall kneel before him: his enemies shall lick the dust( 5).
10 The kings of Tharsis( 6) and of the isles shall give presents: the kings of Arabia and Saba( 7) shall bring gifts.
11 All kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall do him service( 8).
12 For he shall deliver the poor when he crieth: the needy also, and him that hath no helper.
13 He shall be favourable to the simple and needy: and shall preserve the souls of the poor.
14 He shall deliver their souls from falsehood and wrong and dear shall their blood be in his sight( 9).
15 He shall live, and unto him shall be given of the gold of Arabia( 0): prayer shall be made ever unto him, and daily shall he be praised.
16 There shall be an heap of corn in the
sublimity, with sweetness and grace. It was composed by David, upon his having appointed Solomon his successor, but its magnificent predictions, exceeding far all application to Solomon, point to the Messiah, the peaceful glories of whose reign are displayed in the most rich and brilliant colours.
348

THE PSALMS.
Day 14.
earth, high upon the hills( 1): his fruit shall shake like Libanus, and shall be green in the city, like grass upon the earth.
17 His Name shall endure for ever; his name shall remain under the sun among the posterities( 2): which shall be blessed through him; and all the heathen shall praise him.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, even the God of Israel: which only doeth wondrous things( 3);
19 And blessed be the name of his Majesty for ever and all the earth shall be filled with his Majesty. Amen, Amen.*
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 73.( A) Quam bonus Israel! ( 4) TRULY God is loving unto Israel: even
unto such as are of a clean heart. 2 Nevertheless, my feet were almost gone: my treadings had well nigh slipt.
3 And why? I was grieved at the wicked( 5): I do also see the ungodly in such prosperity.
4 For they are in no peril of death: but are lusty and strong.
5 They come in no misfortune like other folk neither are they plagued like other
men.
1. That is, so abundantly fruitful shall be the blessings of His kingdom, that a handful of corn upon the lofty hills, shall produce a crop to shake with noise like
as do the trees on Lebanon.
2. The type, Solomon, is here wholly absorbed in the great Antitype, Christ. 3. The Psalm closes with a magnificent doxology let the whole earth utter it!
4. Confidence in the divine mercy, and final dispensations,
are the antidote to the suggestions of nature on the prosperity of the wicked.
5." I was envious at
the foolish," or wicked.( See Jer. 12. 1.)
In the Bible, it is added," The prayers of David, the Son of Jesse, are ended." Understood to mean, this is the end of that Collection of Psalms, made( probably in the reign of Solomon) for the service of the Temple.
A. The chief part of the Psalms, from this to the 107th, was composed by Asaph; either the Singer, famous in David's days, ( 1 Chron. 16.5.) or the Seer, who lived in the days of Hezekiah. ( 2 Chron. 29. 30.) These Psalms are mostly filled with sad and melancholy complaints: this one is instructive and very beautiful.
349

2. They are zealous in propagating their blasphemies.
1. Their countethe
pride of their hearts. they do even what they lust.
4. Rather, I should be a traitor to the,& c. that is, I should betray the cause of God by such impatient language.
Day 14.
THE PSALMS.
.6 And this is the cause that they are so holden with pride and overwhelmed with cruelty.
5. Until I applied to Thee by prayer and meditation. ( Ps. 77. 13.)
7 Their eyes swell with fatness( 1): and
3.Horsley thus trans- tage( 3). lates this v. Therefore His people sit woe begone, And waters( tears) are abundantly wrung from them.
6." Thou shalt despise their image;" that is, bring to nought this shadow of prosperity. 7. I was deeply wounded with disquieting thoughts.
8 They corrupt other, and speak of wicked blasphemy: their talking is against the Most High.
9 For they stretch forth their mouth unto the heaven( 2): and their tongue goeth through the world.
10 Therefore fall the people unto them: and thereout suck they no small advan11 Tush, say they, how should God perceive it is there knowledge in the Most High?
12 Lo, these are the ungodly, these prosper in the world, and these have riches in possession and I said, Then have I cleans. ed my heart in vain, and washed mine hands in innocency.
13 All the day long have I been punished and chastened every morning.
14 Yea, and I had almost said even as they but lo, then I should have condemned the generation of thy children( 4).
15 Then thought I to understand this: but it was too hard for me,
16 Until I went into the sanctuary( 5) of God then understood I the end of these men;
17 Namely, how thou dost set them in slippery places and castest them down, and destroyest them.
18 Oh, how suddenly do they consume: perish, and come to a fearful end!
19 Yea, even like as a dream when one awaketh so shalt thou make their image to vanish out of the city( 6).
20 Thus my heart was grieved: and it went even through my reins( 7).
21 So foolish was I, and ignorant: even as it were a beast before thee.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 14.
22 Nevertheless( 1), I am alway by thee: for thou hast holden me by my right hand. 23 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel: and after that receive me with glory.
24 Whom have I in heaven but thee: and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee.
25 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
26 For lo, they that forsake thee shall perish thou hast destroyed all them that commit fornication against thee.
27 But it is good for me to hold me fast by God, to put my trust in the Lord God: and to speak of all thy works in the gates of the daughter of Sion.
PSALM 74.( B) Ut quid, Deus?
( 2) GOD, wherefore art thou absent from us so long why is thy wrath so hot against the sheep of thy pasture?
20 think upon thy congregation: whom thou hast purchased, and redeemed of old( 3).
3 Think upon the tribe of thine inheritance: and mount Sion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
4 Lift up thy feet( 4) that thou mayest utterly destroy every enemy: which hath done evil in thy sanctuary.
5 Thine adversaries roar in the midst of thy congregations( 5): and set up their banners for tokens.
1. The remainder of this Psalm breathes peace, hope, and confidence in God; and there is a pathos in the words, which, though the Christian feels, no commentator can express.
351
2." Maschil of Asaph," or, a Psalm for Asaph, to give instruction.
3. The Israelitish
Church urges the redemption from the Egyptian bondage; the Christian pleads the redemption of Christ.
4. Come speedily for
our rescue.
5. Triumph where Thy people used to praise Thee.
B. This Psalm, composed during the captivity by a different Asaph from the author of the foregoing, contains a mournful relation of the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar's soldiers, and of the miserable calamities and reproaches which the Jews sustained in their captivity.( Neh. 2. 8.)

1. An allusion to the skill with which the artificers hewed the cedars for the Temple.( 1 Kings 5.) 2. But now, they sacrilegiously deface its beauty.
3. The first Temple was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar.
4." Our signs" of the divine presence. 5. None in Judea; Daniel and Ezekiel were with the captivity in Chaldea.
6. Why doth not Thou exert Thy power? In its inactive state, the hand was usually inserted in the folds of the garment, on the bosom. Ps. 6. 20. 7. See Is. 51.9.
8.That is, the Princes of Egypt; the Crocodile represents the Egyptian power. 9. To the wild beasts
of the desert,( Is. 13. 21.) to whom Pharoah's host were given as a prey. 0. The power of God exerted for the Israelites, and the grateful succession of time and season instanced as causes for confidence and praise.
1. A beautiful metaphor for the captive Jewish nation.
Day 14.
THE PSALMS.
6 He that hewed timber afore out of the thick trees: was known to bring it to an excellent work( 1).
7 But now they break down all the carved work thereof: with axes and hammers( 2).
8 They have set fire upon thy holy places: and have defiled the dwelling- place of thy Name, even unto the ground( 3).
9 Yea, they said in their hearts, Let us make havock of them altogether: thus have they burnt up all the houses of God in the land.
10 We see not our tokens( 4); there is not one prophet more( 5): no, not one is there among us that understandeth any more.
11 O God, how long shall the adversary do this dishonour how long shall the enemy blaspheme thy Name? for ever?
12 Why withdrawest thou thy hand: why pluckest thou not thy right hand out of thy bosom( 6) to consume the enemy?
13 For God is my King of old the help that is done upon earth he doeth it himself.
14 Thou didst divide the sea through thy power thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters( 7).
15 Thou smotest the heads of the Leviathan( 8) in pieces and gavest him to be meat for the people in the wilderness( 9).
16 Thou broughtest out fountains and waters out of the hard rocks thou driedst
up mighty waters( 0).
17 The day is thine, and the night is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.
18 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. 19 Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy hath rebuked and how the foolish people hath blasphemed thy Name.
20 O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove( 1) unto the multitude of the enemies: and forget not the congregation of the poor
for ever.
352

THE PSALMS.
Day 15.
21 Look upon the covenant( 1): for all the earth is full of darkness, and cruel habitations( 2).
22 O let not the simple go away ashamed: but let the poor and needy give praise unto thy Name.
23 Arise, O God, maintain thine own cause remember how the foolish man blasphemeth thee daily.
24 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the presumption of them that hate thee increaseth ever more and more.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 75.( C) Confitebimur tibi.
( 3) INTO thee, O God, do we give thanks: yea, unto thee do we give thanks. 2 Thy Name also is so nigh( 4): and that do thy wondrous works declare.
7 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west: nor yet from the south.
1. Of Grace, and its promises.
8 And why? God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
9 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red: it is full mixed, and he poureth out of the same.
2. Judea, being at this time without regular government, was full of disorder and bloodshed.
3.The praises of God, v. 1 and 2, being
spoken by the chorus;
proceeds
3 When I receive the congregation( 5): 4. Thy Godhead is I shall judge according unto right.
ever near to assist us.
4 The earth is weak, and all inhabiters thereof: I bear up the pillars of it.
5 I said unto the fools, Deal not so madly and to the ungodly, Set not up your horn( 6);
6 Set not up your horn on high: and speak not with a stiff neck.
in the name of the High Priest, or Ruler.
5. When shall be the appointed time.
6. Be not high minded; a proverbial expression; in the middle of a fillet, worn round the head, after victory, was a conical piece of silver gilt, called a kirn, or horn; to prevent it from falling off, the head is carried in an erect position.
c. This Psalm is considered to have been composed by Asaph, as a song of rejoicing, either on the destruction of Senacherib's army, or for David, when he entered upon his kingdom.
Z Z

1. As by the salutary effects of wine, heavenly blessings are often illustrated in Scripture, so by its noxious qualities is given a powerful image of the wrath of God.
PSALM 76.( D) Notus in Judæa.
2.The Prophet speaks( 2) IN Jewry is God known: his Name is
in
great in Israel.
4. The hills on which the Assyrian army was planted. The apostrophe to Mt. Sion is very beautiful.
protection of God to the favoured Judah.
3.Jerusalem. Gen.14. dwelling in Sion.
5." The stout- hearted are spoiled," an allusion to the fate of the Assyrians. 6. They awaked not again to the use of their power and faculties.
Day 15.
THE PSALMS.
10 As for the dregs thereof( 1): all the ungodly of the earth shall drink them, and suck them out.
7. A destruction, far exceeding human power, was evidently the judgment of God.
11 But I will talk of the God of Jacob: and praise him for ever.
12 All the horns of the ungodly also will I break and the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.
8. The violences of man shall, in the end, effect good purposes.
2 At Salem( 3) is his tabernacle: and his
3 There brake he the arrows of the bow: the shield, the sword, and the battle.
4 Thou art of more honour and might: than the hills of the robbers( 4).
5 The proud are robbed( 5), they have slept their sleep and all the men whose hands were mighty have found nothing( 6).
6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob: both the chariot and horse are fallen.
7 Thou, even thou art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when thou art angry?
8 Thou didst cause thy judgement to be heard from heaven( 7): the earth trembled, and was still,
9 When God arose to judgement and to help all the meek upon earth.
10 The fierceness of man shall turn to thy praise and the fierceness of them shalt thou refrain( 8).
D. This Psalm is said to have been written by Asaph, called the Seer. It is a Hymn of thanksgiving for some great deliverance wrought by the immediate hand of God. The miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army, by the angel in the days of Hezekiah,( Is. 37. 36.) is affirmed, by the inscription prefixed to it in the Septuagint, to be the subject of it. The Majesty of Jehovah is sublimely represented.
354

THE PSALMS.
Day 15.
11 Promise unto the Lord your God, and keep it, all ye that are round about him: bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
12 He shall refrain the spirit( 1) of princes: and is wonderful among the kings of the earth( 2).
PSALM 77.( E)
Voce mea ad Dominum.
( 3) I
WILL cry unto God with my voice: even unto God will I cry with my voice, and he shall hearken unto me.
2 In the time of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran, and ceased not in the night- season( 4); my soul refused comfort. 3 When I am in heaviness, I will think upon God: when my heart is vexed, I will complain.
4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking( 5): I am so feeble, that I cannot speak.
5 I have considered the days of old and the years that are past( 6).
6 I call to remembrance my song and in the night I commune with mine own heart, and search out my spirits( 7).
7 Will the Lord absent himself for ever: and will he be no more intreated?
8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever and is his promise come utterly to an end for evermore( 8)?
9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious: and will he shut up his loving- kindness in displeasure?
10 And I said, It is mine own infirmity( 9): but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most Highest.
1. The pride.
2. Neither, the wisdom, nor the power of man, can withstand His omnipotence.
3.The Psalmist shews his struggle between distrust and faith.
4. Rather, My hand hath been stretched out in the night, without intermission.
5. Grief banishes
sleep.
6. The remembrance of past mercies is an antidote to despair in the hour of calamity. 7." My spirit made diligent search" why God had protected our Fathers, and had deserted us.
8. The Psalmist reviews the controversy within him.
9. My weakness of faith.
E. This Psalm was composed by one of the house of Asaph, who lived during the captivity of Babylon, the miseries and length of which he bemoans. It is admirably calculated for the use and consolation of any one in affliction or distress. 355

1. The Psalmist
bursts into a strain of
exultation, with a force and elegance equalled only by the magnificence of the imagery.
2. Literally, from the Egyptian bondage; prophetically, from the bondage of corruption.
3. The waters of the Red Sea, are beautifully represented as endued with sensibility, and confounded at the presence of their Creator.
4. Rev. 15. 3.
5. That is, it is impossible to detect the mysterious ways of thy Providence.
Day 15.
THE PSALMS.
11 I will remember the works of the Lord: and call to mind thy wonders of old time. 12 I will think also of all thy works: and my talking shall be of thy doings( 1).
13 Thy way, O God, is holy who is so great a God as our God?
14 Thou art the God that doeth wonders: and hast declared thy power among the people.
15 Thou hast mightily delivered thy people( 2) even the sons of Jacob and Joseph. 16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee, and were afraid: the depths also were troubled( 3).
17 The clouds poured out water, the air thundered and thine arrows went abroad.
6." Maschil of Asaph;
a Psalm for David, to give instruction."
18 The voice of thy thunder was heard round about the lightnings shone upon the ground; the earth was moved, and shook withal( 4).
19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy paths in the great waters and thy footsteps are not known( 5).
20 Thou leddest thy people like sheep: by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 78.( F) Attendite, popule.
( 6) HEAR my law, O my people: incline
7. For these things are written for your adyour ears unto the words of my monition. Cor. 10. 11. mouth( 7).
F. Asaph, who is considered the author of this Psalm, was the famous inspired singer who belonged to the Tabernacle in David's time, and is spoken of as" the sweet singer of Israel." He here pursues the history of the Jews, from the time of their departure from Egypt, to the reign of David. Moses repeatedly enjoined the Israelites( Deut. 4. 9; 6.7.) to keep alive the recollection of the merciful interpositions of God throughout 356

THE PSALMS.
Day 15.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable:
I will declare hard sentences( 1) of old;
3 Which we have heard and known and such as our fathers have told us;
1. Pointed truths, derived from History; conveying axioms for future times.
4 That we should not hide them from the( See Matt. 13. 35.) children of the generations to come: but to shew the honour of the Lord, his mighty and wonderful works that he hath done.
5 He made a covenant with Jacob( 2), and gave Israel a law which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children;
6 That their posterity might know it: and the children which were yet unborn;
7 To the intent that when they came up: they might shew their children the same:
8 That they might put their trust in God: and not to forget the works of God, but to keep his commandments;
9 And not to be as their forefathers, a faithless and stubborn generation: a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit cleaveth not stedfastly unto God;
10 Like as the children of Ephraim: who being harnessed( 3), and carrying bows, turned themselves back in the day of battle( 4).
2." He established a testimony in Jacob:" the law, considered as involving the Gospel within it, was, to the understanding Israelite, a fountain of wisdom; its types are now realized, its
prophecies fulfilled; it is our duty to transmit them to posterity.
3." Being armed."
4. Alluding to the going up of the Israelites, contrary to God's command, to take possession of Canaan, when were smitten before their enemies.
11 They kept not the covenant of God: and would not walk in his law;
12 But forgat what he had done and the wonderful works that he had shewed for them.
13 Marvellous things did he in the sight of our forefathers, in the land of Egypt: even in the field of Zoan( 5).
5. The chief city of
of Pharaoh.
14 He divided the sea, and let them go Egypt, and the Court through he made the waters to stand on an heap.
their eventful history, as motives for gratitude, and warning against discontent. Such is the object of this Psalm. The Chronological order of events is not exactly preserved; the Egyptian miracles are introduced in a kind of Episode.
357

1. After noticing the miracles, the Psalmist continues the description of the Exodus from Egypt. ( See Ex. 13. 14. 17.)
2. Nu. 11. 4, 5.
3. Nu. 11.1. For this cause saith an Apostle, many are weak and sickly, and many sleep.
4." Though he had commanded."
5." And had rained."
6. Or, every one did eat the bread of the mighty, namely, Manna.
7. He caused the wind to change from the East, to the South- west; which brought the quails from the coasts of the Red Sea. Nu. 11. 31.
8. Though they had distrusted the power of God.
Day 15.
THE PSALMS.
15 In the day- time also he led them with a cloud and all the night through with a light of fire( 1).
16 He clave the hard rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink thereof, as it had been out of the great depth.
17 He brought waters out of the stony rock so that it gushed out like the rivers. 18 Yet for all this they sinned more against him( 2) and provoked the Most Highest in the wilderness.
19 They tempted God in their hearts: and required meat for their lust.
20 They spake against God also, saying: shall God prepare a table in the wilderness? 21 He smote the stony rock indeed, that the water gushed out, and the streams flowed withal: but can he give bread also, or provide flesh for his people?
22 When the Lord heard this, he was wroth( 3): so the fire was kindled in Jacob, and there came up heavy displeasure against Israel;
23 Because they believed not in God: and put not their trust in his help.
24 So he commanded( 4) the clouds above: and opened the doors of heaven.
25 He rained( 5) down manna also upon them for to eat and gave them food from heaven.
26 So man did eat angel's food( 6): for he sent them meat enough.
27 He caused the east- wind to blow under heaven and through his power he brought in the south- west wind( 7).
:
28 He rained flesh upon them as thick as dust and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea.
29 He let it fall among their tents: even round about their habitation.
30 So they did eat, and were well filled; for he gave them their own desire: they were not disappointed of their lust( 8).
31 But while the meat was yet in their 358

THE PSALMS.
Day 15.
mouths, the heavy wrath of God came upon them, and slew the wealthiest of them( 1): yea, and smote down the chosen men that were in Israel.
32 But for all this they sinned yet more( 2): and believed not his wondrous works.
33 Therefore their days did he consume in vanity and their years in trouble( 3).
34 When he slew them, they sought him: and turned them early, and inquired after God.
35 And they remembered that God was their strength and that the high God was their Redeemer.
covenant.
38 But he was so merciful, that he forgave their misdeeds and destroyed them not( 5).
1. Slew them amidst
their gluttony. ( Nu. 11. 33.)
2. The sedition of
Mirian and Aaron. ( Nu. 12.)
36 Nevertheless, they did but flatter him with their mouth and dissembled with him in their tongue( 4).
4. Their repentance came with the Divine
37 For their heart was not whole with him: neither continued they stedfast in his judgments, but alas!
45 He turned their waters into blood: so that they might not drink of the rivers( 8). 46 He sent lice among them, and devoured them up and frogs to destroy them. 359
3. By plagues in the wilderness, and they came not into the promised land.
ceased with them. ( Nu. 16; 20, 21.)
39 Yea, many a time turned he his wrath away and would not suffer his whole displeasure to arise.
40 For he considered that they were but flesh and that they were even a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
41 Many a time did they provoke him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert.
:
6. And provoked the Holy One in Israel:
42 They turned back and tempted God: in ancient versions. and moved the Holy One in Israel( 6).
:
43 They thought not of his hand and of the day when he delivered them from the hand of the enemy( 7);
44 How he had wrought his miracles in Egypt: and his wonders in the field of Zoan.
5. Aremnant was left; the nation subsisted; until the seed came, to whom the promise was made.
7. The Psalmist goes
back to the subject of the Israelitish ingratitude. Vs. 11.& 12.
8. Evincing the superiority of Jehovah over the elements and powers of nature, at that time objects of worship amongst the Egyptians. Ex. c. 7 to 10.

1." Locust."
2." Sycamore," wild Fig trees.
3. Or, lightnings.
4. Affirming the full display of vengeance upon the oppressors of His people.
5. The last plague, ( Ex. 12. 29.) every obstacle being removed that Mercy had thrown in the path of Justice, the fury of the Lord burst forth.
6. The Father of the Egyptians.
7. Acts 7.45.
8. Zion, taken from the Jebusites by David.( 2 Sam. 5. 6.)
9. Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted ( 1 Cor. 10. 9.): thus Christ, and the Most High God are one. 0. Not proof on trial.
Day 15.
THE PSALMS.
47 He gave their fruit unto the caterpillar and their labour unto the grasshopper( 1). 48 He destroyed their vines with hailstones and their mulberry- trees( 2) with the frost.
49 He smote their cattle also with hailstones and their flocks with hot thunderbolts( 3).
50 He cast upon them the furiousness of his wrath, anger, displeasure, and trouble: and sent evil angels among them( 4).
51 He made a way to his indignation, and spared not their soul from death: but gave their life over to the pestilence;
52 And smote all the first born in Egypt( 5): the most principal and mightiest in the dwellings of Ham( 6).
53 But as for his own people, he led them forth like sheep and carried them in the wilderness like a flock( 7).
54 He brought them out safely, that they should not fear and overwhelmed their enemies with the sea;
55 And brought them within the borders of his sanctuary: even to his mountain which he purchased with his right hand( 8).
56 He cast out the heathen also before them caused their land to be divided among them for an heritage, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
57 So they tempted, and displeased the most high God( 9): and kept not his testimonies;
58 But turned their backs, and fell away like their forefathers starting aside like a broken bow( 0).
59 For they grieved him with their hillaltars and provoked him to displeasure with their images.
60 When God heard this, he was wroth: and took sore displeasure at Israel;
360

THE PSALMS.
Day 15.
61 So that he forsook the tabernacle in Silo( 1) even the tent that he had pitched among men.
62 He delivered their power into captivity and their beauty into the enemy's
:
hand.
63 He gave his people over also unto the Philistines. 1 Sam.4. sword and was wroth with his inheritance.
64 The fire consumed their young men: and their maidens were not given to marriage.
65 The priests( 2) were slain with the sword and there were no widows to make lamentation( 3).
66 So the Lord awaked as one out of sleep( 4) and like a giant refreshed with wine.
67 He smote his enemies in the hinder parts and put them to a perpetual shame. 68 He refused the tabernacle of Joseph: and chose not the tribe of Ephraim( 5); 69 But chose the tribe of Juda: even the hill of Sion which he loved.
72 As he was following the ewes great with young ones he took him that he might feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance( 7).
1. Because of their sins, the Ark, which abode in Shiloh, in the tribe of Ephraim, was suffered to fall
into the hands of the
5. The Ark was not
70 And there he built his temple on high: and laid the foundation of it like the ground which he hath made continually( 6).
replaced in Shiloh: it was brought to Kirjathjearim, thence to the house of Obed Edom, and thence to Mt. Sion, in the tribe of Judah.
71 He chose David also his servant: and 1 Sa. 6. 21; 1 Ch. 15. took him away from the sheep- folds. 6." Like the earth, which he hath established for ever.
""
heart
73 So he fed them with a faithful and true and ruled them prudently with all
his power.
3 A
2. Hophni and Phinehas. 1 Sam. 4. 11. 3. Alluding to that custom of the Jews. 4. When chastisement had wrought repentance, the Lord
was moved to deliver
His servants.
7. He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd. ( See Is. 40. 11.)

1st. Ps. E. S. for K. Charles's Mart.
Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.
PSALM 79.( G) Deus, venerunt.
1. The Psalmist complains of the desola( 1)
GOD, the heathen are come into thine inheritance: thy holy temple tion of Jerusalem, by have they defiled, and made Jerusalem an
Day 16.
3.This, though uttered as a Prayer, is to be considered a preTHE PSALMS.
diction.
4. See Jer. 10. 25. We are thine;.... they were not called by Thy name. Is. 63.19. 5. The sins of them that were before us:
such as the adoration of the golden calf. ( Ex. 32. 34.)
MORNING PRAYER.
2. In eastern warfare, beasts of the land( 2).
the slain carcases are left exposed: the deprivation of the rites of sepulture was considered a disgrace.
heap of stones.
2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air and the flesh of thy saints unto the
3 Their blood have they shed like water on every side of Jerusalem: and there was no man to bury them.
4 We are become an open shame to our enemies a very scorn and derision unto them that are round about us.
5 Lord, how long wilt thou be angry: shall thy jealousy burn like fire for ever?
6 Pour out thine indignation upon the heathen that have not known thee( 3): and
upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy Name( 4).
7 For they have devoured Jacob: and laid waste his dwelling- place.
80 remember not our old sins( 5), but have mercy upon us, and that soon: for we are come to great misery.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name: O deliver us, and be merciful unto our sins, for thy Name's sake. 10 Wherefore do the heathen say: where is now their God?
G. The subject of this Psalm is a mournful representation of the deplorable condition of the Jewish nation, and an earnest supplication for pity and redress. The argument of it is nearly the same with that of the 74th, and it was probably composed by the same Asaph who wrote that Psalm. 362

THE PSALMS.
Day 16.
110 let the vengeance of thy servants' blood that is shed: be openly shewed upon the heathen in our sight( 1).
12 O let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before thee: according to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die( 2).
13 And for the blasphemy wherewith our neighbours have blasphemed thee( 3): reward thou them, O Lord, seven- fold into their bosom( 4).
14 So we, that are thy people, and sheep of thy pasture, shall give thee thanks for ever: and will alway be shewing forth thy praise from generation to generation.
PSALM 80.( H) Qui regis Israel.
( 5) HEAR, O thou Shepherd of Israel, thou
that leadest Joseph like a sheep: shew thyself also, thou that sittest upon the Cherubims( 6).
2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses( 7): stir up thy strength, and come, and help us.
3 Turn us again, O God: shew the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
4 O Lord God of hosts: how long wilt thou be angry with thy people that prayeth?
5 Thou feedest them with the bread of tears and givest them plenteousness of tears to drink( 8).
6 Thou hast made us a very strife unto our neighbours and our enemies laugh us to
:
scorn.
1. He prays to God to deliver His Church, lest the enemy boast his power.
2. Those, by their enemies condemned to death.
3.1 Sam. 2. 30.
4. By the mode of wearing their mantles, they carried provisions in the folds over the bosom.
5. The Psalmist complains of the suffer6." Between the
Cherubims;" thus did the Shechinah, the miraculous light, appear as a visible
token of the presence.
7: These three tribes always immediately followed the Ark. ( Nu. 2. 18.)
8. Thus Sion in captivity, and forsaken by God for her iniquities.
H. This Psalm( by the same Asaph) has some resemblance to the preceding one: the afflicted state of the Jewish nation is shadowed out under the beautiful figure of a vine; the easy transition from plain to figurative language gives a grace to the many beauties of this Allegory.
363

1. Restore to us our former happiness.
2. The Church is compared to a vine, removed from the unkindly soil of Egypt, and planted by Jehovah in the happier regions of Canaan.
3. From the river Euphrates, to the uttermost sea, shall your coast be. Deut.11.24; 1 King 4. 21.
4. Figurative for the Assyrian King, and his barbarous soldiers.
5. Rather, even the plant.
6. The family of David; the Messiah was to spring from the root of Jesse.
7. That is, the spoilers of the vineyard; the scene changes to prophetic vision.
8. An allusion to the custom of placing the most esteemed guest on the right of the Master of the feast; at intervals, he rested his right hand on him whom he delighted to honour.
Day 16.
THE PSALMS.
7 Turn us again( 1), thou God of hosts: shew the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
8 Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it( 2).
9 Thou madest room for it and when it had taken root it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedar- trees.
11 She stretched out her branches unto the sea and her boughs unto the river( 3). 12 Why hast thou then broken down her hedge that all they that go by pluck off her grapes?
13 The wild boar out of the wood doth root it up and the wild beasts of the field devour it( 4).
14 Turn thee again, thou God of hosts, look down from heaven: behold, and visit this vine;
15 And the place of the vineyard( 5) that thy right hand hath planted and the branch( 6) that thou madest so strong for thyself.
16 It is burnt with fire, and cut down and they( 7) shall perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand( 8): and upon the son of man, whom thou madest so strong for thine own self.
18 And so will not we go back from thee: O let us live, and we shall call upon thy Name.
19 Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts: shew the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
364

THE PSALMS.
Day 16.
PSALM 81.( J) Exultate Deo.
( 1) SING we merrily unto God our strength: 1. The Psalmist exmake a
noise
horts the people at large to join in thanksgiving and praise.
of Jacob.
2 Take the psalm, bring hither the tabret( 2): the merry harp with the lute.
3 Blow up the trumpet in the newmoon( 3) even in the time appointed, and upon our solemn feast- day.
4 For this was made a statute for Israel: and a law of the God of Jacob.
5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony( 4): when he came out of the land of Egypt, and had heard a strange language.
6 I eased his shoulder from the burden: and his hands were delivered from making the pots( 5).
7 Thou calledst upon me in troubles, and I delivered thee: and heard thee what time as the storm fell upon thee( 6).
8 I proved thee also: at the waters of strife( 7).
9 Hear, O my people, and I will assure thee, O Israel: if thou wilt hearken unto me,
10 There shall no strange god be in thee: neither shalt thou worship any other god.
11 I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I shall fill it( 8).
2. A sort of drum, with bells.
3.Notices were given of feasts and jubilees by sound of trumpet. ( Nu. 10. 2.)
4. In the posterity of Joseph; Festivals were ordained by God, after he destroyed the Egyptians.
5. The bondage imposed on them in Egypt.( Ex. 1. 14.) The Psalmist speaks in the person of God. 6. When the Egyptians followed after thee into the Red Sea. ( Ex. 14. 22; 20. 18.) 7. The waters of Meribah. Ex. 17.7.
8. Rather, who opened thy mouth, and
filled it.
J. This Psalm, thought to be of higher antiquity than David's time, from the use of the name of Joseph for the whole nation, is still used in the Jewish Liturgy for the Feast of Trumpets, held in the first new moon of the civil year;( the September moon) the 1st day of the 7th month of the ecclesiastical year. ( Lev. 23. 24.) On the 10th of this month was the great day of atonement; on the 15th the Feast of Tabernacles; this month was, therefore, one in which great blessings were commemorated, pre- figurative of greater.
365

1." And they walked in their own counsels."
2. By Christ, a similar complaint is uttered. Matt. 23. 37.
3." Should have submitted themselves unto Him.""
4. But the prosperity of my people.
5. See Deut. 32. 13. The exhortation of Moses to obedience.
6. The Psalmist, in the person of Jehovah, condemns unjust judgment. 7. The Heb. word is often applied to Princes and Judges. 8. Shew partiality to the ungodly.
9. Truth and Justice are disregarded.
Day 16.
THE PSALMS.
12 But my people would not hear my voice and Israel would not obey me.
:
13 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lusts and let them follow their own imaginations( 1).
14 O that my people would have hearkened unto me:( 2) for if Israel had walked in my ways,
15 I should soon have put down their enemies and turned my hand against their adversaries.
16 The haters of the Lord should have been found liars( 3) but their time( 4) should have endured for ever.
17 He should have fed them also with the finest wheat- flour and with honey out of the stony rock should I have satisfied thee( 5).
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 82.( K) Deus stetit.
( 6) GOD standeth in the congregation of princes he is a Judge among
gods( 7).
2 How long will ye give wrong judgement and accept the persons of the ungodly( 8)?
3 Defend the poor and fatherless: see that such as are in need and necessity have right. 4 Deliver the out- cast and poor: save them from the hand of the ungodly.
5 They will not be learned( 9) nor understand, but walk on still in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
K. This Psalm was written in Hezekiah's reign, by Asaph the Seer, on the corruption of certain wicked Magistrates, to which Isaiah alludes,( c. 1. 12.); similar abuses had existed in the reign of Jehosophat.( 2 Chron. 19. 6.)
366

THE PSALMS.
Day 16.
6 I have said, Ye are gods( 1): and ye are all the children of the Most Highest.
7 But ye shall die like men( 2): and fall like one of the princes.
8 Arise, O God( 3), and judge thou the earth for thou shalt take all heathen to thine inheritance.
PSALM 83.( L) Deus, quis similis? ( 4) HOLD not thy tongue, O God, keep not still silence: refrain not thyself,
O God.
2 For lo, thine enemies make a murmuring( 5): and they that hate thee have lift up their head.
3 They have imagined craftily against thy people and taken counsel against thy secret ones( 6).
4 They have said, Come, and let us root them out, that they be no more a people: and that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have cast their heads together with one consent( 7): and are confederate against thee;
6 The tabernacles of the Edomites, and the Ismaelites the Moabites, and Hagarens( 8);
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek: the Philistines, with them that dwell at Tyre. 8 Assur also is joined with them( 9): and have holpen the children of Lot.
9 But do thou to them as unto the Madianites( 0) unto Sisera, and unto Jabin at the brook of Kison( 1);
1. John 10. 34. Ye have my authority. 2. Ye shall fall like any other men.
3. He appealeth to the judgment of God upon the world.
4. A Prayer for defence against the oppressors of the Church.
5." A tumult."
6. Rather, Thy treasured ones, those whom Thou protectest.
7." They have consulted together."
8. Descendants of
Hagar, and nations dwelling in tents.
9. The Assyrians had
not till now molested the Israelites. 0. Whom Gideon overthrew.
1. Judges 4. 21.
L. This Psalm, the last of those composed by Asaph, was probably from the allusion in the 8th verse, written in Jehosophat's time,( 2 Ch. 20.), when the Moabites, Ammonites, and others, conspired against the Israelites. The Prophet entreats the Lord to destroy them, as He had done the Kings that assaulted their forefathers.
367

1. See Judges 7.25; and 8.12.
4. Salutary are the afflictions which lead to righteousness!
5. The Prophet expresseth his ardent love for Sion.
Day 16.
THE PSALMS.
10 Who perished at Endor: and became as the dung of the earth.
11 Make them and their princes like Oreb and Zeb: yea, make all their princes like as Zeba and Salmana( 1);
2. Rather, like chaff wind( 2);
whirled about: or thistle- down. ( Is. 17. 13.)
3. In hot climates, forests, and the parched grass, are often consumed by fire, to a great extent.
6. He envies the happier birds, who did rest in the vicinity of the Sanctuary.
12 Who say, Let us take to ourselves: the houses of God in possession.
13 O my God, make them like unto a wheel and as the stubble before the
14 Like as the fire that burneth up the wood and as the flame that consumeth the mountains( 3).
15 Persecute them even so with thy tempest and make them afraid with thy storm. 16 Make their faces ashamed, O Lord: that they may seek thy Name.
17 Let them be confounded and vexed ever more and more: let them be put to shame, and perish.
18 And they shall know that thou, whose Name is Jehovah: art only the most Highest over all the earth( 4).
PSALM 84.( M) Quam dilecta!
HOW amiable are thy dwellings: thou Lord of Hosts!
( 5)
2 My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young( 6): even thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be alway praising thee.
M. It is uncertain to what particular time this beautiful composition relates the Author of it, under the figure of an Israelite deprived of all access to Jerusalem, laments his banishment from the Sanctuary.
368

THE PSALMS.
Day 16.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in 1. The ways which thee in whose heart are thy ways( 1).
lead to Thee.
6 Who going through the vale of misery( 2) use it for a well and the pools are filled with water( 3).
7 They will go from strength to strength: and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.
80 Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: hearken, O God of Jacob.
2." The valley of Baca," a wretched place on the road to Jerusalem.
3. Allusion is here made to the wells there were in the East, at certain stations, for the refreshment of travellers.
9 Behold, O God our defender and look upon the face of thine Anointed( 4).
10 For one day in thy courts: is better than a thousand.
11 I had rather be a door- keeper in the house of my God: than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness( 5).
12 For the Lord God is a light and defence the Lord will give grace and worship( 6), and no good thing shall he withhold from them that live a godly life.
13 O Lord God of hosts: blessed is the man that putteth his trust in thee.
PSALM 85.( N) Benedixisti, Domine.
3rd. Ps. M. S. for Christmas- Day. 3rd. Ps. E. S. King Charles's Mart.
ORD, thou art
Lthy land thou hast turned away 7." A Psalm for the
unto
sons of Korah."
the captivity of Jacob.
2 Thou hast forgiven the offence of thy people: and covered( 8) all their sins.
3 Thou hast taken away all thy displeasure: and turned thyself from thy wrathful indignation.
4. Of the King, as one in whom the prosperity of the country was involved.
5. A menial duty in the Temple is better than the pomp of the wicked.( v. 11.) 6." Grace and glory."
8. Pardoned; captivity was considered and restoration from an expiating of sin, it, forgiveness.
N. The subject of this Psalm is a grateful thanksgiving to God for a merciful deliverance, written, either on Manasseh's restoration to his kingdom,( 2 Chr. 33. 13.) or on the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity; but the Psalmist( who he is, is not known) is carried by prophetic impulse to foretel the Advent of Christ, and that, so literally, that a Christian can affix no other interpretation to the words.
3 B

1. A metaphor taken from a shepherd, who drives back the wandering sheep.
2." Wilt thou not revive us again?"
3." But let them not turn again to folly," that is, to sin.
4. A sublime personification of the Divine attributes: these, parted at the fall of Adam, met again at the birth of Christ. 5." Shall set us in the way of His steps:
33
in the path of righteousness.
Day 17.
THE PSALMS.
4 Turn us then, O God our Saviour( 1): and let thine anger cease from us.
5 Wilt thou be displeased at us for ever: and wilt thou stretch out thy wrath from one generation to another?
6 Wilt thou not turn again, and quicken us( 2): that thy people may rejoice in thee? 7 Shew us thy mercy, O Lord: and grant us thy salvation.
8 I will hearken what the Lord God will say concerning me: for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again( 3).
9 For his salvation is nigh them that fear him that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other( 4).
11 Truth shall flourish out of the earth: and righteousness hath looked down from heaven.
12 Yea, the Lord shall shew loving kindness: and our land shall give her increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him: and he shall direct his going in the way( 5).
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 86.( 0) Inclina, Domine.
with these words( 6) BOW down thine ear, O Lord, and hear misery.
me for I am poor,
Hezekiah begins his prayer.( 2 K. 19. 16.) 7. The orig. Heb. word signifies good, pious.
2 Preserve thou my soul, for I am holy( 7): my God, save thy servant that putteth his trust in thee.
o. This Psalm is supposed to have been written by David under the pressure of affliction, or, in time of peril. It is an earnest prayer for assistance, a supplication for strength of heart, and a thanksgiving for deliverance from utter ruin. 370

THE PSALMS.
Day 17.
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I will call daily upon thee.
4 Comfort the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For thou, Lord, art good and gracious( 1): and of great mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
6 Give ear, Lord, unto my prayer and ponder( 2) the voice of my humble desires. 7 In the time of my trouble I will call upon thee for thou hearest me.
8 Among the gods( 3) there is none like unto thee, O Lord: there is not one that can do as thou doest.
9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship thee, O Lord: and shall glorify thy Name( 4).
10 For thou art great, and dost wondrous things thou art God alone.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and I will walk in thy truth: O knit my heart unto thee( 5), that I may fear thy Name.
12 I will thank thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart and will praise thy Name for
evermore.
13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the nethermost hell( 6).
14 O God, the proud are risen against me: and the congregations of naughty men( 7) have sought after my soul, and have not set thee before their eyes.
15 But thou, O Lord God, art full of compassion and mercy: long- suffering, plenteous in goodness and truth.
16 O turn thee then unto me, and have mercy upon me: give thy strength unto thy servant, and help the son of thine handmaid( 8).
17 Shew some token upon me for good( 9), that they who hate me may see it, and be ashamed because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
371
1." Ready to forgive,"
2." Attend to.
3. Those worshipped as gods.
4. A prediction of the calling of the Gentiles.
5." Unite my heart to fear Thy name.
""
6. Or," lowest" grave; figurative for, the deepest distress. 7.Of" violent men.'
13
8. Rather, the Son of Thy truth.
9. Give me some outward sign, some sensible proof, of Thy
divine favour.

1. The superlative glory of the Church. 2. Sion and Moriah.
3. The Heb. word for
proud; the Jews thus spoke of Egypt, because of her tyranny.
4." This man was born there."
5. Gentiles were by adoption born in Zion.
6." As well the singers, as the players on instruments, shall be there."
7. In thee, O Zion.
2nd. Ps. E. S. for Good Friday.
Day 17.
8. A Prayer, with complaint in the person of Messiah.
THE PSALMS.
PSALM 87.( P) Fundamenta ejus.
( 1) HER foundations are upon the holy
hills( 2) the Lord loveth the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 2 Very excellent things are spoken of thee: thou city of God.
3 I will think upon Rahab( 3) and Babylon: with them that know me.
4 Behold ye the Philistines also: and they of Tyre, with the Morians; lo, there was he born( 4).
5 And of Sion it shall be reported that he was born in her( 5): and the most High shall stablish her.
6 The Lord shall rehearse it when he
writeth up the people that he was born there.
7 The singers also and trumpeters shall he rehearse( 6): all my fresh springs shall be in thee( 7).
PSALM 88.( 2) Domine Deus.
O LORD God of my salvation, I have
cried day and night before thee: 0 let my prayer enter into thy presence, incline thine ear unto my calling.
2 For my soul is full of trouble and my 9." The grave," the life draweth nigh unto hell( 9).
unseen state.
3 I am counted as one of them that go down into the pit: and I have been even as a man that hath no strength.
P. In this Psalm, David, contemplating the buildings of his city, after their final completion, breaks forth into praise of the excelling glory of Sion over Judea. It is prophetical of the accession of the Gentiles.( See Isaiah, ch. 60.)
9. The title, in the Hebrew, attributes this Psalm to" Hæman the Ezrahite, giving instruction," but the style and sentiments of it are so characteristic of David, that there is little doubt but that it was written by him in some season of deep distress: the nature and degree of the sufferings related in it; 372

THE PSALMS.
Day 17.
4 Free among the dead, like unto them that are wounded, and lie in the grave: who are out of remembrance, and are cut away from thy hand( 1).
5 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit: in a place of darkness, and in the deep( 2).
6 Thine indignation lieth hard upon me: and thou hast vexed me with all thy storms. 7 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me: and made me to be abhorred of them( 3).
8 I am so fast in prison: that I cannot get forth.
9 My sight faileth for very trouble( 4): Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched forth my hands unto thee.
10 Dost thou shew wonders among the dead or shall the dead rise up again, and praise thee?
11 Shall thy loving kindness be shewed in the grave: or thy faithfulness in destruction? 12 Shall thy wondrous works be known in the dark and thy righteousness in the land where all things are forgotten( 5)?
13 Unto thee have I cried, O Lord: and early( 6) shall my prayer come before thee. 14 Lord, why abhorrest thou( 7) my soul: and hidest thou thy face from me?
15 I am in misery, and like unto him that is at the point to die: even from my youth up thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled mind.
16 Thy wrathful displeasure goeth over me and the fear of thee hath undone me( 8).
17 They came round about me daily like water: and compassed me together on every side.
1. An allusion to the separation of lepers; or, to the practice of burying those under anathema, apart from the sepulchres of the good.
2. Ps. 69, the same image is used.
3. Matt. 26. 56.
4. See Heb. 5.7. The effects of excessive weeping on the sight, are truly described.
5. In the person of Messiah, he makes a pathetic claim for deliverance from the grave, and that the power of death
should be defeated. 6." In the morning." 7." Castest Thou
off."
8." Thy terrors have cut me off."
the strength of the expressions used; the consent of ancient Expositors; all concur in directing the application to our blessed Lord. His sorrows, His fervent prayers, and bitter passions, are treated of in this pathetic Psalm. 373

1. Rather, kept away from me mine acquaintance.
1st Ps. E. S. for Christmas- Day. 2. The Psalmist's praises to God.
3. He speaks in the person of Jehovah: 4. in his own person: 5. again in the person
of Jehovah.
6.2 Sam. 7.12; Luke 1.32; Heb. 1.5. 7. He resumes in his
own person.
8. Rather, and the Saints Thy faithfulness in the congregation.
9." Among the sons of the mighty," the highest angels.
Day 17.
THE PSALMS.
18 My lovers and friends hast thou put away from me: and hid mine acquaintance out of my sight( 1).
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 89.( R) Misericordias Domini.
( 2) MY song shall be alway of the loving
kindness of the Lord with my mouth will I ever be shewing thy truth from one generation to another.
2 For I have said, Mercy shall be set up for ever( 3): thy truth shalt thou stablish in the heavens( 4).
3 I have made a covenant with my chosen( 5): I have sworn unto David my servant;
4 Thy seed will I stablish for ever: and set up thy throne from one generation to another( 6).
5 O Lord, the very heavens shall praise thy wondrous works( 7): and thy truth in the congregation of the saints( 8).
6 For who is he among the clouds: that shall be compared unto the Lord?
7 And what is he among the gods( 9): that shall be like unto the Lord?
8 God is very greatly to be feared in the council of the saints: and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him. 90 Lord God of hosts, who is like unto
R. This noble Ode has been considered an Elegy on the extinguished glories of the Royal family of Judah( 2 Chr. 35 and 36;) but Dr. Kennicott supposes it to have been composed by Isaiah, when Rezin and Pekah advanced against Jerusalem. ( Is. 7. 1.) All, even Jewish Expositors, agree that the glorious things here spoken of David, are prophetical of, and alone applicable to, Messiah.
374

THE PSALMS.
Day 17.
thee thy truth, most mighty Lord, is on every side.
10 Thou rulest the raging of the sea( 1): thou stillest the waves thereof when they arise.
11 Thou hast subdued Egypt, and destroy. man his impotence.
ed it thou hast scattered thine enemies abroad with thy mighty arm.
12 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine thou hast laid the foundation of the round world, and all that therein is.
13 Thou hast made the north and the south Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy Name( 2).
14 Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
15 Righteousness and equity are the habitation of thy seat: mercy and truth shall go before thy face( 3).
16 Blessed is the people, O Lord, that can rejoice in thee: they shall walk in the light of thy countenance.
17 Their delight shall be daily in thy Name: and in thy righteousness shall they make their boast.
18 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy loving- kindness thou shalt lift up our horns( 4).
19 For the Lord is our defence: the Holy One of Israel is our King.
1. And thus displayest Thy divine omnipotence, shewing to
20 Thou spakest sometime in visions unto thy saints( 5), and saidst: I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people( 6).
2. Tabor is in the East, Hermon in the West of Judea.
3. These ever prepare the Advent of the Lord.
4. Shalt raise us to a
high degree of dignity.( Ps.75.5.)
5. Thy Prophets, Samuel and Nathan.
21 I have found David my servant: with my holy oil have I anointed him( 7).
6. That is, I have appointed a mighty one; a periphrasis for Messiah.
22 My hand shall hold him fast: and my 7. Ps. 45.7; and Acts arm shall strengthen him.
10. 38.
23 The enemy shall not be able to do him violence the son of wickedness shall not hurt him.
24 I will smite down his foes before his face and plague them that hate him. 375
:

Day 17.
THE PSALMS.
1. Such being the emblem of regal power.
25 My truth also and my mercy shall be with him and in my Name shall his horn be exalted( 1).
26 I will set his dominion also in the sea: 2. His dominion shall and his right hand in the floods( 2).
be from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates.
27 He shall call me, Thou art my Father: my God, and my strong salvation.
28 And I will make him my first- born: higher than the kings of the earth( 3).
29 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
3. I will exalt Him above my sons; He shall be King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!
4. 2 Sam. 7. 16; 1 Kin. 11. 31.
5. By myself, the holy one of Jacob.
( See 2 Sam. 7. 25.)
6." Thou hast made void," Thou seemest not to regard,& c.
7. The walls of Jerusalem. 2 K. 25. 10.
30 His seed also will I make to endure for ever and his throne as the days of heaven. 31 But if his children forsake my law: and walk not in my judgments;
32 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments: I will visit their offences with the rod, and their sin with scourges( 4).
33 Nevertheless, my loving- kindness will I not utterly take from him: nor suffer my truth to fail.
34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips: I have sworn once by my holiness( 5), that I will not fail David.
35 His seed shall endure for ever: and his seat is like as the sun before me.
36 He shall stand fast for evermore as the moon: and as the faithful witness in heaven. 37 But thou hast abhorred and forsaken thine anointed and art displeased at him. 38 Thou hast broken( 6) the covenant of thy servant and cast his crown to the ground.
39 Thou hast overthrown all his hedges: and broken down his strong holds( 7). 40 All they that go by spoil him and he is become a reproach to his neighbours. 41 Thou hast set up the right hand of his enemies and made all his adversaries to rejoice.
376

THE PSALMS.
Day 18.
42 Thou hast taken away the edge of his sword and givest him not victory in the battle( 1).
1. The manifold cala:
43 Thou hast put out his glory and cast mities of Israel are, his throne down to the ground.
in these verses, enumerated.
44 The days of his youth hast thou shortened
and covered him with dishonour.
45 Lord, how long wilt thou hide thyself, for ever: and shall thy wrath burn like fire( 2)?
2. How long Lord? wilt Thou be angry for ever? It is an
46 O remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men for humble expostulanought?
tion for the Church.
47 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death and shall he deliver his soul from the hand of hell( 3)?
48 Lord, where are thy old loving kindnesses( 4) which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?
49 Remember, Lord, the rebuke that thy servants have: and how I do bear in my bosom the rebukes( 5) of many people;
50 Wherewith thine enemies have blasphemed thee, and slandered the footsteps of thine Anointed: praised be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen( 6).
3. An Hebraism for the grave.
4. The sure mercies of David.( Is. 5.3.)
5." The reproach,". heathen nations mocked at the tardy
advent of Messiah. 6. The end of the 3d
Book of Psalms.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 90.( s) Domine, refugium.
( 7) LORD, thou hast been our refuge( 8): 7. The miraculous
from one generation to another. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were
In the Funeral Service.
chosen of God.
8." Our dwellingplace," our home.
s. This Psalm, entitled, A prayer of Moses, the Man of God, is said to have been written when God shortened the days of the murmuring Israelites in the wilderness.( Nu. 14.) It consists of a chain of reflections on the shortness of life. 3 C

1. Man is sentenced to death, but thou callest him to life.
2. As short to look back upon, as a watch ( three hours) in the night.
3. Imagery beautiful and appropriate.
4. Alluding to the chastisements of the Israelites; such the Christian may deplore.
5. The longest life, and the strongest frame, are but as a thought.
6." For it is soon cut off, and we fly away." 7.35
7. Moses laments the insensibility of the Israelites: a sin alas! that is also ours.
8. Hast afflicted us.
Day 18.
THE PSALMS.
made thou art God from everlasting, and world without end.
3 Thou turnest man to destruction: again thou sayest, Come again, ye children of men( 1).
4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday: seeing that is past as a watch in the night( 2).
5 As soon as thou scatterest them, they are even as a sleep and fade away suddenly like the grass.
6 In the morning it is green, and groweth up but in the evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered( 3).
7 For we consume away in thy displeasure and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation( 4).
8 Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee: and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
9 For when thou art angry all our days are gone we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told( 5).
:
10 The days of our age are threescore years and ten; and though men be so strong, that they come to fourscore years: yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow; so soon passeth it away, and we are gone( 6). 11 But who regardeth the power of thy wrath for even thereafter as a man feareth, so is thy displeasure.
12 O teach us to number our days: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom( 7). 13 Turn thee again, O Lord, at the last: and be gracious unto thy servants.
14 0 satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
15 Comfort us again now after the time that thou hast plagued us( 8): and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity. 16 Shew thy servants thy work and their children thy glory.
378

THE PSALMS.
Day 18.
17 And the glorious Majesty of the Lord 1." Let the beauty of the Lord our God be our God be upon us( 1): prosper thou the upon us," to bless work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou the work we take in our handy- work.
hand.
PSALM 91.( T) Qui habitat.
( 2) WHOSO dwelleth under the defence of the most High: shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say unto the Lord, Thou art my hope, and my strong hold: my God, in him will I trust( 3).
3 For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunter( 4): and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall defend thee under his wings, and thou shalt be safe under his feathers: his faithfulness and truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night: nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 For the pestilence that walketh in darkness nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon- day( 5).
7 A thousand shall fall beside thee, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee.
2.The blessed state of the godly; supposed to be uttered by a chief Levite.
3. This verse is spoken in the person of Messiah.
4. The Levite, under imagery tender and sublime, addresses the Messiah.
5. The awful visitation of the plague is often described under
the metaphor of the arrow of God.
8 Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou behold: and see the reward of the ungodly.
9 For thou, Lord, art my hope( 6): thou hast set thine house of defence very high. 10 There shall no evil happen unto thee: neither shall any plague come nigh thy sumes. dwelling.
6. These words are spoken in interruption, as by Messiah, and the Levite reT. The author of this Psalm is uncertain; the subject of it is the reward of piety; but, from the nature and dignity of the imagery, it will be seen clearly that there is a mystical design under the literal meaning. Jews and Christians agree that, in the character of the High Priest, or King, some sublimer personage is represented.
379

1. Matt. 4. 7. Satan bears his testimony to the just application of these words.
2. Christ's triumph over the enemy. ( Luke 10. 19; Rom. 16. 20; Rev. 20. 2.)
3. In this and the following verses, JEHOVAH himself is introduced as addressing MESSIAH.
Day 18.
THE PSALMS.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee( 1): to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee in their hands: that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt go upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet( 2).
14 Because he hath set his love upon me: therefore will I deliver him: I will set him up, because he hath known my Name( 3).
15 He shall call upon me, and I will hear him: yea, I am with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and bring him to honour.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and shew him my salvation.
PSALM 92.( U) Bonum est confiteri.
4. A Song, or Psalm( 4) IT is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises unto thy Name, O most Highest;
for the Sabbath2 To tell of thy loving kindness early in the morning and of thy truth in the nightday;" commemorating the Creation, and foretelling the rest of the Church under the Messiah.
season;
3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the lute: upon a loud instrument, and upon the harp.
4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy works and I will rejoice in giving praise for the operations of thy hands.
5 O Lord, how glorious are thy works: thy thoughts are very deep.
U. This Psalm, composed by David, after God had given him rest from his enemies, and designed for the Sabbath Service of the Temple, is appointed by the Jews to be constantly used on that day. The subject of it is the obligation to devotion, and the delight arising from the exercises of it; as the fruits of Paradise( the Church) redound to the glory of Him who planted the trees thereof.
380

THE PSALMS.
Day 18.
6 An unwise man doth not well consider this and a fool doth not understand it( 1). 7 When the ungodly are green as the grass, and when all the workers of wickedness do flourish: then shall they be destroyed for ever; but thou, Lord, art the most Highest for evermore.
8 For lo, thine enemies, O Lord, lo, thine enemies shall perish: and all the workers of wickedness shall be destroyed.
9 But mine horn shall be exalted like the horn of an unicorn( 2): for I am anointed with fresh oil( 3).
10 Mine eye also shall see his lust of mine enemies and mine ear shall hear his desire of the wicked that arise up against me. 11 The righteous shall flourish like a palmtree and shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus( 4).
4. The luxuriant ve12 Such as are planted in the house of the getation of Palestine Lord shall flourish in the courts of the Royal Psalmist this house of our God. splendid imagery.
furnishes to the
13 They also shall bring forth more fruit in their age and shall be fat and well liking( 5).
1. Namely, the designs of heaven, which appear from what follows.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 93.( v) Dominus regnavit.
( 6)
THE Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel( 7): the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength.
2. Ps. 22. 21.
3. The word in the Heb. gives a strong metaphorical impression of blessed mental feeling.
5." And flourish14 That they may shew how true the Lord ing." my strength is: and that there is no unrighteousness in him.
6. The majesty and holiness of Christ's kingdom.
7. A metaphor taken from the magnificence of Oriental princes.
v. The Jews acknowledge that the kingdom of Messiah is prophesied of in this and the six following Psalms. The author of this is uncertain.
381

1. The enemies of God's kingdom; those who rejected Messiah, are thus figuratively described.
2. Rather, holiness is the beauty of thy house.
3. The Prophet demandeth justice of God, the defender of the afflicted; in the 1st part of the Psalm, he complaineth of tyranny and impiety.
4. In this 2nd part, he asserteth the omniscience, and omnipresence of Jehovah.
Day 18.
THE PSALMS.
2 He hath made the round world so sure: that it cannot be moved.
3 Ever since the world began hath thy seat been prepared thou art from everlasting.
4 The floods are risen( 1), O Lord, the floods have lift up their voice: the floods lift up their waves.
5 The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly but yet the Lord who dwelleth on high is mightier.
6 Thy testimonies, O Lord, are very sure: holiness becometh thine house for ever( 2). PSALM 94.( x) Deus ultionum.
( 3)
LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth thou God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
:
2 Arise, thou judge of the world and reward the proud after their deserving.
3 Lord, how long shall the ungodly: how long shall the ungodly triumph?
4 How long shall all wicked doers speak so disdainfully and make such proud boasting?
5 They smite down thy people, O Lord: and trouble thine heritage.
6 They murder the widow, and the stranger and put the fatherless to death.
7 And yet they say, Tush, the Lord shall not see neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.
8 Take heed( 4), ye unwise among the people: O ye fools, when will ye understand?
9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear or he that made the eye, shall he not see?
x. The Author of this Psalm is uncertain; it describes the afflicted state of Israel, and implores Divine aid, with the anticipation of the Advent of Messiah. Bishop Horsley divides the Psalm into four Parts.
382

THE PSALMS.
Day 18.
10 Or he that nurtureth( 1) the heathen:
1." He that chastiit is he that teacheth man knowledge, shall seth the heathen, not he punish( 2)?
shall not He correct?"
11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of 2." Shall not He man that they are but vain.
know?"
12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord( 3): and teachest him in thy 3. In the 3rd part, he law;
sheweth the consolation of religion.
13 That thou mayest give him patience in time of adversity: until the pit be digged up for the ungodly.
14 For the Lord will not fail his people: neither will he forsake his inheritance; 15 Until righteousness turn again unto judgement( 4): all such as are true in heart shall follow it.
16 Who will rise up with me( 5) against the wicked( 6): or who will take my part against the evil doers?
17 If the Lord had not helped me: it had not failed but my soul had been put to silence( 7).
18 But when I said, My foot hath slipt: thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.
19 In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart: thy comforts have refreshed my soul.
20 Wilt thou have any thing to do with the stool of wickedness( 8): which imagineth mischief as a law( 9)?
21 They gather them together against the soul of the righteous and condemn the innocent blood.
:
22 But the Lord is my refuge: and my God is the strength of my confidence.
4. That is, a day shall come, when the pros perity of the godly shall justify the dispensations of Heaven.
5." For me."
383
6. In the 4th part, he speaks in the person of Messiah.
7." My soul had almost dwelt in silence:" that is, I had been laid among the silent dead.
8." Shall the throne of iniquity have fel., lowship with Thee?" 9. Against the law; in the Syriack version.
0. The fiat of the Sa23 He shall recompense them their wickedness, and destroy them in their own malice: yea, the Lord our God shall destroy viour is uttered by them( 0).
the people in full chorus.

In the Morning Service.
1. An invitation to praise Jehovah: supposed to be sung by the 1st semi- chorus. 2." The rock of our salvation."
4." The deep places of the earth," He hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand. ( Is. 40. 12.)
5. These verses are sung by the 2nd semichorus.
Day 19.
3. Above all the pow- King above all gods( 3).
ers of heaven and earth.
6. At Massah and Meribah.( Ex. 17.7.) 7. Provoked me, and put me to trial, although they had seen my work.
8. They have not acknowledged my power and presence. 9. The land of Canaan.
THE PSALMS.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 95.( Y) Venite, exultemus.
( 1)
COME, let us sing unto the Lord: let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation( 2).
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
3 For the Lord is a great God: and a great
4 In his hand are all the corners of the earth( 4): and the strength of the hills is his also.
5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands prepared the dry land.
6 O come, let us worship and fall down: and kneel before the Lord our Maker( 5).
7 For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of
his hand.
8 To- day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts: as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness( 6).
9 When your fathers tempted me: proved me, and saw my works( 7).
10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said: It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways( 8);
11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest( 9).
Y. St. Paul in his Epistle to the Hebrews( 4.7.) affirms this Psalm to be written by David, and considers it an address to believers under the Gospel. Both in the 3d and 4th ch. he demonstrates that, though in their primary sense, the expressions applied to the Israelites, they had an ultimate and a higher signification.
384

THE PSALMS.
Day 19.
PSALM 96.( z) Cantate Domino.
( 1) SING unto the Lord a new song( 2): 1. An exhortation to sing unto the Lord, all the whole
the to glory to God; sung by the 1st semichorus.
2. He alludes to the intended institution of a new worship.
earth.
2 Sing unto the Lord, and praise his Name: be telling of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his honour unto the heathen: and his wonders unto all people.
4 For the Lord is great, and cannot worthily be praised: he is more to be feared than all gods.
5 As for all the gods of the heathen, they are but idols but it is the Lord that made the heavens.
6 Glory and worship are before him( 3): power and honour are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people( 4): ascribe unto the Lord wor- 4. ship and power.
8 Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto his name: bring presents, and come into his courts.
3. Expressive poetically of the majesty and perfection of God.
10 Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King( 6): and that it is he who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved; and how that he shall judge the people righteously.
90 worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness( 5) let the whole earth stand in awe 5. In His glorious of him.
sanctuary.
All ye nations of the world. This part sung by the 2nd semichorus.
3 D
6. By the 1st semichorus it is declared that the kingdom of Messiah is erected; 7. and the whole Creation is called upon
to celebrate the glo11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad let the sea make a noise, ries of the redempand all that therein is( 7).
tion.
z. On the removal of the Ark to Mount Zion, David delivered this Psalm, to be sung in commemoration of God's special presence among them: it is also said to have been used at the dedication of the Temple, after the return of the Babylonish captivity. Jews and Christians agree that it relates to the Messiah.

Day 19.
THE PSALMS.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it then shall all the trees of the wood re joice before the Lord.
1. The doctrine of a resurrection and a
13 For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth( 1): and with righteousness to last judgment is pro- judge the world, and the people with his
chorus.
truth.
2. The majesty of
God's kingdom: the Psalm is opened by the full chorus.
the isles( 3) may be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about
3. A term in Hebrew
synonymous to Gen- him: righteousness and judgement are the tiles.
habitation of his seat.
4. The 1st semichorus sing the 2nd and 3rd verses.
5. The 2nd semichorus sing these two verses; and then
the first resume.
6. All ye angels; the full chorus sing these
last words.
7. Literally, the lesser cities of Judah; prophetically Christian churches.
PSALM 97.( A) Dominus regnavit.
( 2) THE Lord is King, the earth may be
glad thereof: yea, the multitude of
8. The 2nd semichorus sing the 8th and 9th verses, and again the 1st resume.
3 There shall go a fire before him and burn up his enemies on every side( 4).
4 His lightnings gave shine unto the world: the earth saw it, and was afraid.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth( 5).
6 The heavens have declared his righteousness: and all the people have seen his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that worship carved images, and that delight in vain gods: worship him, all ye gods( 6). 8 Sion heard of it, and rejoiced and the daughters of Judah( 7) were glad, because of thy judgements, O Lord.
9 For thou, Lord, art higher than all that are in the earth thou art exalted far above all gods( 8).
10 0 ye that love the Lord, see that ye hate the thing which is evil: the Lord preA. This sublime Hymn is thought to have been composed by David on his peaceable establishment in his kingdom, after Absalom's rebellion; or perhaps, after the Ark had been placed in Zion: but it is chiefly applicable to the spiritual reign of Christ, and it is so understood by St. Paul.( Heb. 1. 6.)
386

THE PSALMS.
Day 19.
serveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
11 There is sprung up a light for the righteous( 1): and joyful gladness for such as are true- hearted.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness( 2).
1." Light is sown for the righteous;" that is, immortality.
2. The Psalm closes with the commemoration of the holiness of the Lord, in full chorus.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 98.( B) Cantate Domino.
SING unto the Lord a new song: for 3. An exhortation to he hath done marvellous things.
praise God mercies typical of greater, sung in full chorus.
5 Shew yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands: sing, rejoice, and give thanks. 6 Praise the Lord upon the harp: sing to the harp with a Psalm of thanksgiving.
7 With trumpets also, and shawms( 6): 0 shew yourselves joyful before the Lord the King.
8 Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is: the round world, and they that dwell therein( 7).
9 Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord: for he is come to judge the earth.
In the Evening Service.
( 3)
2 With his own right hand, and with his holy arm hath he gotten himself the victory( 4).
3 The Lord declared his salvation: his righteousness( 5) hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
4 He hath remembered his mercy and the Messiah. truth toward the house of Israel: and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
4. The 1st semichorus
sing this verse.
5. His faithfulness; as to His promise of
6. A sort of Hautbois; there were 36 sorts of
musical instruments, in David's time.
7. Joy for the Advent of Messiah, is figuratively expressed by that of these visible parts of Creation.
B. The sublimity of the imagery, and the great similarity to the preceding, point out David as the author of this Psalm. It is also recited in turn by a chorus and semi- chorus.
387

1. David sets forth the kingdom of God in Zion; these 2 vs. ( sublime in their expressions) are sung by the full chorus. 2. Alluding to the Shechinah, above the Mercy- seat.
3. A periphrasis for the King himself.
4. V. 3 and 4 are sung by the 1st semi- chorus, and the following two by the 2nd. 5. The Jews worshipped before the Ark.
6. Ex. 32. 32; Nu. 16. 45; 1 Sam. 7.5.
7." Thou answeredst them" " though Thou tookest vengeance of their inventions." 8. V. 7 and 8 by the 1st semi- chorus, and the exhortation is repeated in full chorus. ( Rev. 15. 3.)
In the Morning Service.
9." A Psalm of Praise" the full chorus sound a universal triumph!
Day 19.
THE PSALMS.
10 With righteousness shall he judge the world and the people with equity.
:
PSALM 99.( c) Dominus regnavit.
( 1) THE Lord is King, be the people never so impatient: he sitteth between the cherubims( 2), be the earth never so unquiet.
2 The Lord is great in Sion: and high above all people.
3 They shall give thanks unto thy Name: which is great, wonderful and holy.
4 The King's power( 3) loveth judgement; thou hast prepared equity: thou hast executed judgement and righteousness in Jacob( 4).
50 magnify the Lord our God and fall down before his footstool( 5), for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among such as call upon his Name: these called upon the Lord, and he heard them( 6).
7 He spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar: for they kept his testimonies, and the law that he gave them.
8 Thou heardest them( 7), O Lord our God thou forgavest them, O God, and punishedst their own inventions( 8).
90 magnify the Lord our God, and worship him upon his holy hill: for the Lord our God is holy.
PSALM 100.( D) Jubilate Deo.
BE joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
( 9)
90
c. This Psalm is anciently attributed to David. Like the preceding ones, it refers, in a primary sense, to his establishment on the throne, and, prophetically, to Messiah.
D. David in this beautiful choral Psalm calls upon all his sub388

THE PSALMS.
Day 19.
2 Be ye sure that the Lord he is God( 1): it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
30 go your way into his gates( 2) with thanksgiving( 3), and into his courts with praise be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
4 For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting( 4): and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
sing.
20 let me have understanding in the way of godliness.
3 When wilt thou come unto me: I will walk in my house with a perfect heart( 6). 4 I will take no wicked thing in hand; I hate the sins of unfaithfulness: there shall no such cleave unto me.
5 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know( 7) a wicked person.
6 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour: him will I destroy.
7 Whoso hath also a proud look and high stomach: I will not suffer him.
PSALM 101.( E) Misericordiam et judicium.
2nd Ps. M.S. for King's Accession.
( 5) MY song shall be of mercy and judge. 5. David maketh prounto
will I
8 Mine eyes look upon such as are faithful in the land that they may dwell with
me.
1. One of the choir extol His greatness and power.
9 Whoso leadeth a godly life: he shall be my servant( 8).
10 There shall no deceitful person dwell
2. The gates of His sanctuary.
3. The original word expresses, rather, devout homage.
4. The full chorus resume. So do angels celebrate His praise!
of and upright government.
6. I will endeavour to regulate my conduct by the laws of truth.
7. I will not favour.
8. A declaration worthy of imitation in all Rulers and Masters.
jects to join in the service of the Almighty: it is a solemn invitation to all the world to acknowledge the Creator.
E. This Psalm is considered to have been written by David, soon after the death of Saul, and before his establishment on the throne of Israel.( 2 Sam. 2.1.)
389

1. The remnant of the
Canaanites; and the profligate of his subjects.
1st. Ps. E. S. for Ash- Wednesday.
2." A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord."
3. Or, into smoke.
4. A striking simile referring to the hot blasts of Palestine.
Day 20.
THE PSALMS.
in my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
11 I shall soon destroy all the ungodly that are in the land( 1): that I may root out all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 102.( F)
Domine, exaudi.
( 2) HEAR my prayer, O Lord: and let my crying come unto thee.
2 Hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble incline thine ear unto me when I call; O hear me, and that right soon. 3 For my days are consumed away like smoke( 3) and my bones are burnt up as it were a fire- brand.
4 My heart is smitten down, and withered like grass( 4): so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 For the voice of my groaning: my bones will scarce cleave to my flesh.
6 I am become like a pelican in the 5. The solitary spar- wilderness and like an owl that is in the
row is an Oriental bird, that sits alone on the roofs of old buildings, and sings sweetly in the morning. The Psalmist thus expresses his love for solitude. 6. Or, I have eaten the bread of humiliation, and drank the water of affliction.
desert.
7 I have watched, and am even as it were a sparrow( 5): that sitteth alone upon the house- top.
8 Mine enemies revile me all the day long: and they that are mad upon me are sworn together against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes as it were bread: and mingled my drink with weeping( 6);
F. This is the fifth of those Psalms, styled" Penitential Psalms;" St. Paul( Heb. 1. 10.) hath asserted it to be addressed to the eternal Son of God: it appears to have been written during the captivity of Babylon, and Nehemiah has been named as the author. It suggests consolation, in the full assurance of the salvation of the righteous and their posterity.
390

THE PSALMS.
Day 20.
10 And that because of thine indignation and wrath for thou hast taken me up, and cast me down( 1).
11 My days are gone like a shadow: and I am withered like grass.
12 But, thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever and thy remembrance throughout all generations( 2).
13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Sion for it is time that thou have mercy upon her, yea, the time is come( 3).
14 And why? thy servants think upon her stones and it pitieth them to see her in the dust( 4).
15 The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord and all the kings of the earth thy Majesty;
16 When the Lord( 5) shall build up Sion: and when his glory shall appear;
17 When he turneth him unto the prayer of the poor destitute and despiseth not their desire.
18 This shall be written for those that come after and the people which shall be born shall praise the Lord( 6).
19 For he hath looked down from his sanctuary: out of the heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
20 That he might hear the mournings of such as are in captivity and deliver the children appointed unto death( 7);
21 That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Sion: and his worship at Jerusalem;
22 When the people are gathered together and the kingdoms also, to serve the
Lord.
23 He brought down my strength in my journey and shortened my days( 8).
24 But I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of mine age: as for thy years, they endure throughout all generations.
391
1. Jerusalem, exalted in the earth, was trodden under foot by the Gentiles.
2. The Psalmist expresseth his joyful faith in redemption.
3." The set time is come;" or, the term of captivity is completed.( Jer. 29.10.)
4. They are attached
to her ruins. ( Neh. 1. 3.)
5. That is, prophetically, the Messiah.
6. The history of this redemption is written in the Gospel for after generations.
7. Those condemned by the Babylonians to die.
8. The Psalmist resumes the mournful strain interrupted at
v. 12.

1. Addressed, in its primary sense, to the 2d person of the Trinity; it conveys, prophetically, comfort to the captive nation.
2.Frequent change of raiment is customary
with Eastern Princes, and the Lord is sublimely described as disrobing the Universe with similar celerity.
4. Disease being the consequence of sin, both are, in Scripture, designated by expressions of similar import.
5. The eagle's youth and vigour are renoyated, even at an advanced age, when he changes his plumage.
Day 20.
THE PSALMS.
25 Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth( 1): and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
PSALM 103.( G) Benedic, anima mea.
3. An exhortation to( 3) PRAISE the Lord, O my soul: and all that is me his holy.
bless God
pardoning mercy, and providential
care.
6. The Divine Philanthropy is set forth under various beautiful expressions and
images.
26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
27 And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed( 2) but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
28 The children of thy servants shall continue and their seed shall stand fast in thy sight.
:
Name.
2 Praise the Lord, O my soul: and forget not all his benefits;
3 Who forgiveth all thy sin: and healeth all thine infirmities( 4)!
4 Who saveth thy life from destruction: and crowneth thee with mercy and lovingkindness;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things: making thee young and lusty as an eagle( 5).
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement: for all them that are oppressed
with wrong.
7 He shewed his ways unto Moses: his works unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy( 6): long- suffering, and of great goodness.
G. A peculiar strain of tenderness and beauty pervades this most excellent song of thanksgiving: it is supposed to have been written by David on recovery from sickness; and is also prophetic of the state of the Christians under the Gospel.
392

THE PSALMS.
Day 20.
9 He will not alway be chiding: neither keepeth he his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses( 1).
11 For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him.
12 Look how wide also the east is from the west: so far hath he set our sins from us( 2). 13 Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children: even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth whereof we are made: he remembereth that we are but dust.
15 The days of man are but as grass for moved our sins out he flourisheth as a flower of the field.
of sight.
16 For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone( 3) and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him and his righteousness upon children's children;
18 Even upon such as keep his covenant: and think upon his commandments to do them( 4).
19 The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 O praise the Lord, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength: ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his words( 5).
21 O praise the Lord, all ye his hosts: ye servants of his that do his pleasure.
1. He is ever ready to forgive and strengthen us.
3 B
2. When darkness disappears before the rising sun, we see the image of that goodness, which, placing us in regions of illumination, hath re3. Alluding to the blasting winds of Arabia: the Samiel and Simoom, which destroy, in a short time, every species of vegetable subject to their influence.
4. The flower which
faded in Adam,
blooms anew in Christ. ( See 1 Pet. 1, 2, 3.)
5. Heaven and earth are bidden to celebrate, in one chorus,
man.
22 O speak good of the Lord, all ye works the redemption of of his, in all places of his dominion: praise thou the Lord, O my soul.

1st. Ps. E. S. for Whit- Sunday.
1. A meditation on the might of the Creator, in the infinite beauty of creation.
4." That it should not be removed for ever."
5." The waters stood above the mountains."
6. Namely, the waters.
2. Or, as a canopy; it is an Eastern practice 3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers at feasts, to cover in the waters and maketh the clouds his over the court of the chariot, and walketh upon the wings of the
a or curtain, to be rolled up, or expanded at pleasure.
3. Heb. 1.7.
7. After the Deluge, as at the Creation.
Day 20.
8. Asses have a peculiar instinct in finding the springs in the arid plains of the tropics.
THE PSALMS.
EVENING PLAYER.
PSALM 104.( H) Benedic, anima mea.
( 1) PRAISE the Lord, O my soul: 0 Lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious; thou art clothed with majesty and
honour.
2 Thou deckest thyself with light as it were with a garment: and spreadest out the heavens like a curtain( 2).
wind.
4 He maketh his angels spirits: and his ministers a flaming fire( 3).
5 He laid the foundations of the earth: that it never should move at any time( 4). 6 Thou coveredst it with the deep like as with a garment: the waters stand in the hills( 5).
:
7 At thy rebuke they flee at the voice of thy thunder they are afraid.
8 They( 6) go up as high as the hills, and down to the valleys beneath: even unto the place which thou hast appointed for them.
9 Thou hast set them their bounds which they shall not pass( 7): neither turn again to cover the earth.
10 He sendeth the springs into the rivers: which run among the hills.
11 All beasts of the field drink thereof: and the wild asses quench their thirst( 8).
H. There is nothing of the kind extant more perfect than this Eucharistick hymn as a model of that species of composition. Some ancient versions ascribe it to David, yet, as the deliverance from Egypt is not mentioned, it should seem to be of an earlier age than the Exodus. The mighty works, and power of God, are described as in the five last chapters of the Book of Job.
394

THE PSALMS.
Day 20.
12 Beside them shall the fowls of the air have their habitation and sing among the branches( 1).
:
13 He watereth the hills from above( 2): the earth is filled with the fruit of thy works. 14 He bringeth forth grass for the cattle: and green herb for the service of men;
15 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( 3), and bread to strengthen man's heart.
16 The trees of the Lord also are full of sap even the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted;
17 Wherein the birds make their nests: and the fir- trees are a dwelling for the stork.
18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats and so are the stony rocks for the conies( 4).
19 He appointed the moon for certain seasons( 5) and the sun knoweth his going down.
20 Thou makest darkness that it may be night wherein all the beasts of the forest : do move.
21 The lions roaring after their prey: do seek their meat from God.
22 The sun ariseth, and they get them away together and lay them down in their
:
dens.
23 Man goeth forth to his work, and to his labour: until the evening( 6).
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works: in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.
25 So is the great and wide sea also: wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
26 There go the ships, and there is that Leviathan( 7): whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein.
395
1. Such melody was the first song of thanksgiving; prior even to the existence of man.
2." From his chambers."
3. To anoint the hair and beard with oil was a Jewish custom, especially observed on occasions of joy and festivity.
4. The saphan, or ashkoko, a feeble animal of Sinai and Libanus, abiding on rocks.( Prov. 30. 26; Lev. 11.5.)
5. Most of the Jewish feasts were governed by the moon.
6. At the return of day, beasts of prey sculk to their dens, that man may perform his appointed task.
7. Probably the Whale.( Job. 41. 1.)

1. All things temporal, all things spiritual wait upon the Lord; He distributeth to the wants of
2. Gen. 1. 24; 3. 19.
3." Thou sendest forth Thy spirit, they are created."
30 When thou lettest thy breath go forth they shall be made( 3): and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
31 The glorious Majesty of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
4. If He withdraw
32 The earth shall tremble at the look of him( 4) if he do but touch the hills, they His grace we perish: shall smoke( 5).
5. As our fathers wit33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I nessed at Mt. Sinai. live: I will praise my God while I have my
6. The wicked shall one day perish, from the presence of Him whom they would not acknowledge.
Day 21.
THE PSALMS.
27 These wait all upon thee( 1): that thou mayest give them meat in due season.
28 When thou givest it them they gather it and when thou openest thy hand they are filled with good.
7. An exhortation to praise God for all the mercies which he has wrought among His people.
29 When thou hidest thy face they are troubled when thou takest away their breath they die, and are turned again to their dust( 2).
being.
34 And so shall my words please him: my joy shall be in the Lord.
35 As for sinners, they shall be consumed out of the earth, and the ungodly shall come to an end( 6): praise thou the Lord, O my soul praise the Lord.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 105( 1). Confitemini Domino.
( 7) 0
GIVE thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his Name: tell the people what things he hath done.
1. The first fifteen verses of this Psalm were composed by David, on his having brought the Ark to Zion,( 1 Chr. 16.) and he afterwards appears to have enlarged it, that it might be, for the Jewish nation, a complete commemoration of the 396

THE PSALMS.
Day 21.
20 let your songs be of him, and praise him and let your talking be of all his wondrous works( 1).
3 Rejoice in his holy Name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord and his strength: seek his face evermore( 2).
5 Remember the marvellous works that he hath done: his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth( 3);
60 ye seed of Abraham his servant: ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: his judgements are in all the world.
8 He hath been alway mindful of his covenant and promise that he made to a thousand generations( 4);
9 Even the covenant that he made with Abraham and the oath that he sware unto Isaac( 5);
10 And appointed the same unto Jacob for a law and to Israel( 6) for an everlasting testament;
:
11 Saying, unto thee will I give the land of Canaan: the lot of your inheritance( 7); 12 When there were yet but a few of them and they strangers in the land( 8); 13 What time as they went from one nation to another from one kingdom to another people;
1. See Malachi 3. 16.
2. Approach the Ark of His presence.
3. His righteous
laws, His denunciations of vengeance.
4 To many ages; David sheweth God's superintending providence over Abraham, to v. 16.
5. Gen.15; 22. and 26.
6. When He gave that
name to Jacob.
( Gen. 35. 10.)
7. See Gen. 13. 15. and Luke 1. 73.
8. When only Abraham and his family were but sojourners in the land.
14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: but reproved even kings for their sakes;
15 Touch not mine Anointed and do my prophets no harm( 9).
9. The Patriarchs often were in peril,
16 Moreover, he called for a dearth upon the land and destroyed all the provision of but a mighty hand
protected them.
bread.
17 But he had sent a man before them( 0): even Joseph, who was sold to be a bondservant;
0. God's providence over Joseph, to v. 22.
mercies of God, from the days of Abraham, to the taking possession of Canaan.
397

1." Whose feet they hurt with fetters, he was laid in iron." 2. See the Hist. of Joseph:( Gen. 41.) That of our Lord, affords a marvellous parallel!
3. God's superintending providence over Jacob.
4. Namely, Egypt.
5. His favour for his people, turned the hearts of Egypt against them.
6. God's providence over Moses, and the miraculous evidence of His power in the deliverance of Israel. 7. Rather, yet they. 8. The Divine judgement, upon the sinful nation again enumerated as in Psalm 78, v. 43, 51.
9." Locusts." ( Ex. 10. 4.)
Day 21.
THE PSALMS.
18 Whose feet they hurt in the stocks: the iron entered into his soul( 1);
19 Until the time came that his cause was known the word of the Lord tried him( 2). 20 The king sent, and delivered him: the prince of the people let him go free.
21 He made him Lord also of his house: and ruler of all his substance;
22 That he might inform his princes after his will and teach his senators wisdom.
23 Israel also came into Egypt( 3): and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham( 4). 24 And he increased his people exceedingly and made them stronger than their enemies;
25 Whose heart turned so, that they hated his people and dealt untruly with his servants( 5).
:
26 Then sent he Moses his servant: and Aaron whom he had chosen.
27 And these shewed his tokens among them and wonders in the land of Ham( 6). 28 He sent darkness, and it was dark: and( 7) they were not obedient unto his word.
29 He turned their waters into blood: and slew their fish( 8).
30 Their land brought forth frogs: yea, even in their king's chambers.
31 He spake the word, and there came all manner of flies and lice in all their quarters.
32 He gave them hailstones for rain: and flames of fire in their land.
33 He smote their vines also and fig- trees: and destroyed the trees that were in their coasts.
34 He spake the word, and the grasshoppers( 9) came, and caterpillars innumerable and did eat up all the grass in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground. 35 He smote all the first- born in their land: even the chief of all their strength. 398

THE PSALMS.
Day 21.
36 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: there was not one feeble person among their tribes( 1).
1. The order was that
37 Egypt was glad at their departing for not a hoof should be they were afraid of them.
left behind. He who
38 He spread out a cloud to be a covering and fire to give light in the nightseason.
39 At their desire he brought quails: and he filled them with the bread of heaven.
40 He opened the rock of stone, and the waters flowed out: so that rivers ran in the dry places( 2).
41 For why? he remembered his holy promise and Abraham his servant( 3).
42 And he brought forth his people with joy and his chosen with gladness;
43 And gave them the lands of the heathen and they took the labours of the people in possession( 4);
44 That they might keep his statutes: and
observe his laws.*
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 106.( K) Confitemini Domino.
GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for he
is gracious and his mercy endureth
:
( 5) 0
for ever.
2 Who can express the noble acts of the Lord or shew forth all his praise?
commanded gave strength to obey. ( Ex. 10. 26.)
2. See Ex. 17. 6. and 1 Cor. 10. 4.
3. The object being to purify to Himself
a peculiar people.
4. They took possession of what the Canaanites had built, and planted.
5. The people are exhorted to praise God, confessing their sins
and their ingratitude.
*" Praise ye the Lord," is added in the Bible Translation. K. This Psalm was unquestionably composed in a time of captivity and dispersion of the Israelites, to encourage their hopes of restoration to their native land. Like the former it details the judgments inflicted on the Jews, and the instances of Divine mercy which uniformly followed their repentance. 399

1. The 4th, 5th, and 6th verses comprehend a devout prayer
and confession at the throne of grace. 2.Thy chosen people, ( 1 Chr. 22. 18); prophetically, it bears a higher allusion.
3. The repetition is emphatic: at the moment even of escape they were disobedient. ( Ex. 14. 11.)
5. Rather, loathing.
See Nu. 11.20.
Day 21.
THE PSALMS.
3 Blessed are they that alway keep judgement and do righteousness.
4 Remember me, O Lord( 1), according to the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: 0 visit me with thy salvation;
5 That I may see the felicity of thy chosen( 2): and rejoice in the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inherit6. So called, because he was sanctified to the Lord.
ance.
6 We have sinned with our fathers: we have done amiss, and dealt wickedly.
7 Our fathers regarded not thy wonders in Egypt, neither kept they thy great goodness in remembrance: but were disobedient at the sea, even at the Red Sea( 3).
8 Nevertheless, he helped them for his Name's sake: that he might make his power to be known.
12 Then believed they his words and sang praise unto him.
13 But within a while they forgat his works and would not abide his counsel( 4). 14 But lust came upon them in the wilIsraelites is describ- derness and they tempted God in the de4. The murmuring and impatience of the
ed in Ex. 15. and Nu. 11.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up so he led them through the deep, as through a wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the adversary's hand and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
11 As for those that troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them: there was not one of them left.
sert.
15 And he gave them their desire and sent leanness( 5) withal into their soul.
16 They angered Moses also in the tents: and Aaron the saint of the Lord( 6).
17 So the earth opened, and swallowed up Dathan: and covered the congregation of Abiram.
18 And the fire was kindled in their company: the flame burnt up the ungodly.
400

THE PSALMS.
Day 21.
19 They made a calf in Horeb: and worshipped the molten image.
20 Thus they turned their glory( 1): into the similitude of a calf that eateth hay( 2). 21 And they forgat God their Saviour: who had done so great things in Egypt;
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham: and fearful things by the Red Sea.
23 So he said, he would have destroyed them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the gap( 3): to turn away his wrathful indignation, lest he should destroy them.
24 Yea, they thought scorn of( 4) that pleasant land: and gave no credence unto his word.
25 But murmured in their tents: and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.
26 Then lift he up his hand( 5) against them to overthrow them in the wilderness;
27 To cast out their seed among the nations and to scatter them in the lands.
28 They joined themselves unto Baalpeor and ate the offerings of the dead( 6). 29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their own inventions: and the plague was great among them.
30 Then stood up Phinees and prayed( 7): and so the plague ceased.
31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness among all posterities for
evermore.
32 They angered him also at the waters of strife( 8): so that he punished Moses for their sakes;
33 Because they provoked his spirit: so that he spake unadvisedly( 9) with his lips.
34 Neither destroyed they the heathen: as the Lord commanded them( 1);
1. That is, their God. ( Ex. 24. 16.)
2. The Egyptian God Apis, was so represented.
3." In the breach," a metaphor taken from a besieged city. 4." They despised." ( Nu. 13. and 14.)
5. Lifting the hand, was the usual form of swearing. ( Gen. 14. 22.)
6. In opposition to Jehovah, the living
God. The temple of Baal was on Mount Peor.
7." And executed judgment," by slaying Zimri,& c. ( Nu. 25. 5.)
8. The waters of Meribah. Nu. 20. 13.
9. Passionately; or, impatiently.
( See Nu. 20. 10.)
1. Deut. 7. 2.
35 But were mingled among the hea- 2. Rather, formed althen( 2): and learned their works. 3 F
liances with them.

1." Which were a snare unto them."
2. That is, committed idolatry. ( Lev. 20. 5.)
3. See Judges, 3rd and 4th chapters.
4. That he had made with their forefathers. Lev. 26. 42; Deut. 29. 1.
5. A prayer, predictive of the gathering of the spiritual Israel.
Day 21.
THE PSALMS.
36 Insomuch that they worshipped their idols, which turned to their own decay( 1): yea, they offered their sons and their daughters unto devils;
37 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters: whom they offered unto the idols of Canaan, and the land was defiled with blood.
38 Thus were they stained with their own works and went a whoring with their own inventions( 2).
39 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people: insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
40 And he gave them over into the hand of the heathen and they that hated them were lords over them( 3).
41 Their enemies oppressed them and had them in subjection.
42 Many a time did he deliver them: but they rebelled against him with their own inventions, and were brought down in their wickedness.
43 Nevertheless, when he saw their adversity: he heard their complaint.
44 He thought upon his covenant( 4), and pitied them, according unto the multitude of his mercies: yea, he made all those that led them away captive to pity them.
45 Deliver us, O Lord our God( 5), and gather us from among the heathen that we may give thanks unto thy holy Name, and make our boast of thy praise.
46 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and world without end: and let all the people say, Amen.*
* The end of the 4th Book of Psalms." Praise ye the Lord," is here also added in the Bible translation; words early transferred from the Synagogue to the Church.
402

THE PSALMS.
Day 22.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 107.( L) Confitemini Domino.
GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious and his mercy endureth
( 1) 0
for ever.
2 Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed and delivered from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west: from the north, and from the south( 2).
4 They went astray in the wilderness out of the way and found no city to dwell in;
5 Hungry and thirsty: their soul fainted in them( 3).
6 So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them forth by the right way: that they might go to the city where they dwelt.
80 that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness( 4): and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the empty soul: and filleth the hungry soul with goodness;
10 Such as sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death( 5): being fast bound in misery and iron( 6);
Thanksgiving at
Sea.
1. The Psalmist celebrates God's goodness in the comfort He affords to those who implore His aid: this 1st part is sung by a Levite and semichorus.
2. Alluding to the fult call of the Gentiles.
3. The providence of God is shewn, 1st, over travellers
that wander in a desert, famishing with hunger.
4. The full chorus chaunt a praise for deliverance.
5. In deep despair,
danger.( Job.3.5.) 6. Prisoners in bondage. Sung by a Levite,& c. to v. 14.
L. This most instructive Psalm, supposed to have been written by David, may be enumerated among the most elegant monuments of antiquity. In it spiritual blessings are represented under four exquisitely beautiful and expressive images. The service of the Jews consisted much in Antiphona; part was recited by the Elders, part by the people; these sat distinct from each other( see v. 32. and 1 Cor. 14. 16.) which accounts for the arrangement of this and other choral Psalms.
403

1. The providence of God again shewn in rescuing the captive.
3. A semi- chorus speak of those afflicted with disease;
▸
4. and the mercy of God is again manifested.
15 O that men would therefore praise the
2. The full chorus re- Lord for his goodness( 2): and declare the sume the song of wonders that he doeth for the children of praise: men!
5. The full chorus repeat the song of thanksgiving.
Day 22.
THE PSALMS.
11 Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord: and lightly regarded the counsel of the most Highest;
6. The mariner tossed upon the ocean is described by a Levite and semi- chorus.
12 He also brought down their heart through heaviness: they fell down, and there was none to help them( 1).
13 So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: he delivered them out of their
distress.
14 For he brought them out of darkness, and out of the shadow of death and brake their bonds in sunder.
16 For he hath broken the gates of brass: and smitten the bars of iron in sunder.
17 Foolish men are plagued for their offence and because of their wickedness.
18 Their soul abhorred all manner of meat and they were even hard at death's door( 3).
19 So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: he delivered them out of their distress( 4).
20 He sent his word, and healed them: and they were saved from their destruction.
21 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness( 5): and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
22 That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving and tell out his works with gladness!
23 They that go down to the sea in ships and occupy their business in great waters;
24 These men see the works of the Lord: and his wonders in the deep( 6).
25 For at his word the stormy wind ariseth which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26 They are carried up to the heaven, and 404

THE PSALMS.
Day 22.
down again to the deep: their soul melteth away because of the trouble( 1).
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man: and are at their wit's end. 28 So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble: he delivereth them out of their distress.
29 For he maketh the storm to cease: so that the waves thereof are still( 2).
30 Then are they glad, because they are at rest and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
31 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness( 3): and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!
32 That they would exalt him also in the congregation of the people and praise him in the seat of the elders!
33 Who turneth the floods into a wilderness( 4): and drieth up the water springs.
34 A fruitful land maketh he barren( 5): for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35 Again, he maketh the wilderness a standing water and water springs of a dry ground.
36 And there he setteth the hungry: that they may build them a city to dwell in.
37 That they may sow their land, and plant vineyards to yield them fruits of increase( 6).
39 And again, when they are minished, and brought low( 7) through oppression, through any plague, or trouble;
40 Though he suffer them to be evil entreated through tyrants: and let them wander out of the way in the wilderness;
41 Yet helpeth he the poor out of misery: and maketh him households like a flock of sheep.
1. Experience illustrates the beauty and truth of this description: there is a ship in which all are embarked; a troubled sea, on which all sail; storms that o'ertake; and a haven of rest!
405
2. A 4th instance of
the wonderful power and providence of
God.
3. The full chorus again resound the song of praise and thanksgiving.
4. Divers examples of His providential care are recited by the semi- chorusses.
6.The land of Canaan was beyond measure
38 He blesseth them, so that they multiply exceedingly and suffereth not their fruitful.( Deut. 8.7.)
cattle to decrease.
5. He turneth to saltness, in the Heb. Places condemned to be uninhabited, were
sowed with salt. ( Judges 9. 45.)
7. His omnipresence is, at times, declared in severity of chastisement: at others, in benignity to the devout and virtuous.

1. That is, the righteous will rejoice; the wicked shall be silenced, and all instructed: the Psalm
is closed by the full chorus.
3rd. Ps. E. S. for Ascension- Day.
Day 22.
THE PSALMS.
42 The righteous will consider this, and rejoice and the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped( 1).
:
43 Whoso is wise will ponder these things: and they shall understand the loving- kindness of the Lord.
PSALM 108.( M) Paratum cor meum.
2.The Psalmist prais( 2) O GOD, my heart is ready, my heart is ready I will sing and give praise with the best member that I have.
eth God, praying for his assistance.
3. These 5 verses are the same as in Ps. 57, from v. 8. to 12.
EVENING PRAYER.
2 Awake, thou lute, and harp: I myself will awake right early.
3 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
4 For thy mercy is greater than the heavens and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
5 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens and thy glory above all the earth( 3). 6 That thy beloved may be delivered: let thy right hand save them, and hear thou
me.
7 God hath spoken in his holiness: I will rejoice therefore, and divide Sichem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine, and Manasses is mine: Ephraim also is the strength of my
4. The whole of this head( 4). alludes to the war against the Assyrians. See Note to Ps. 60.
9 Judah is my law- giver, Moab is my wash- pot: over Edom will I cast out my shoe; upon Philistia will I triumph.
M. This Psalm is composed of the 57th and 60th, and it was written either by David, or, by some inspired writer in the reign of Jehosophat.
406

THE PSALMS.
Day 22.
10 Who will lead me into the strong city: and who will bring me into Edom?
11 Hast not thou forsaken us, O God: and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
12 O help us against the enemy: for vain is the help of man.
13 Through God we shall do great acts: 1. These last eight
and it is he that shall tread down our enemies( 1).
verses are the same as in Psalm 60, from verse 5. to 12.
PSALM 109.( N) Deus laudum.
( 2)
O
my
not praise( 3): for the mouth of the ungodly, yea, the mouth of the deceitful is opened upon me.
3. Who art the sub2 And they have spoken against me with ject of my praise. false tongues: they compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause( 4).
3 For the love that I had unto them, lo, they take now my contrary part( 5): but I give myself unto prayer.
4 Thus have they rewarded me evil for good and hatred for my good will.
5 Set thou an ungodly man to be ruler over him and let Satan stand at his right hand( 6).
2. David makes complaint of his slanderous enemies.
4. 1 Sam. 23.8.
5." They are my adversaries."
6. In the Jewish
6 When sentence is given upon him, let Courts of Justice, the him be condemned and let his prayer be turned into sin.
accuser stood at the right hand of the accused.
7 Let his days be few and let another 7. Applied to Judas. take his office( 7).
Acts 1. 20.
N. St. Peter hath taught us( Acts 1. 20.) to apply the predictions in this Psalm, composed by David, to the cruel treatment of the Messiah, and in this light was it considered in the ancient Church by St. Chrysostom, Jerome,& c. In its primary sense, it imprecates the Divine vengeance on the enemies of David.( 1 Sam. 22.) The curses here pronounced are of the same import with those enumerated in Deut. chap. 28. 407

1. These judgments that have been awfully admonish Christians!
2. Prophetical of the dispersed state of the Jews.
3. According to the Law. Ex. 20.5.
5. Matt. 27. 5." His blood be upon us," & c.
""
6. These expressions strongly denote the inveterate adhesion of a rooted curse.
Day 22.
THE PSALMS.
:
8 Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow( 1).
9 Let his children be vagabonds, and beg their bread let them seek it also out of desolate places( 2).
10 Let the extortioner consume all that he hath and let the stranger spoil his labour.
11 Let there be no man to pity him: nor to have compassion upon his fatherless children.
4. Namely, the Saviour; whom the
16 His delight was in cursing, and it shall Jews persecuted and happen unto him he loved not blessing, therefore shall it be far from him.
murdered.
7. The Messiah appeals to the Father for deliverance.
12 Let his posterity be destroyed and in the next generation let his name be clean put out.
13 Let the wickedness of his fathers be had in remembrance in the sight of the Lord( 3) and let not the sin of his mother be done away.
14 Let them alway be before the Lord: that he may root out the memorial of them from off the earth.
15 And that, because his mind was not to do good: but persecuted the poor helpless man, that he might slay him that was vexed at the heart( 4).
17 He clothed himself with cursing, like as with a raiment( 5): and it shall come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.
18 Let it be unto him as the cloak that he hath upon him and as the girdle that he is alway girded withal( 6).
19 Let it thus happen from the Lord unto mine enemies and to those that speak evil against my soul.
20 But deal thou with me, O Lord God, according unto thy Name: for sweet is thy mercy( 7).
21 O deliver me, for I am helpless and poor and my heart is wounded within me. 408
:

PSALMS.
THE
Day 23.
22 I go hence like the shadow that departeth( 1) and am driven away as the grasshopper( 2).
23 My knees are weak through fasting my flesh is dried up for want of fatness.
:
24 I became also a reproach unto them: they that looked upon me shaked their heads( 3).
25 Help me, O Lord my God: 0 save me according to thy mercy.
26 And they shall know, how that this is thy hand and that thou, Lord, hast done it. 27 Though they curse, yet bless thou: and let them be confounded that rise up against me( 4); but let thy servant rejoice.
28 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a cloak.
29 As for me, I will give great thanks unto the Lord with my mouth and praise him among the multitude;
30 For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor( 5): to save his soul from unrighteous judges.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 110.( 0) Dixit Dominus.
( 6) THE
Lord said unto my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool( 7).
2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
1. A beautiful image of decay.
2. In the East, swarms
of locusts are driven by the wind.
3. Mark 15. 29.
4. The Advent and Resurrection were proofs of Jehovah's power, acknowledged by all but the unbelieving Jews.
5. The Advocate, as
well as the accuser, ( v. 5.) stood at the
right hand of the accused.
2nd. Ps. E. S. for Christmas Day.
6. In the 1st verse, the Son is addressed by the Father. David
then addresses the Son.
7. It was an Eastern custom for conquerors to put their feet on the necks of their enemies.
o. In this Psalm, David prophesieth concerning the kingdom, the priesthood, the conquest, and the passion of Christ: parts of this prophecy are cited and applied by our Lord himself( Matt. 22. 43); by St. Peter( Acts 2. 34); and by St. Paul ( 1 Cor. 15. 25); and it is by all Commentators acknowledged to appertain literally to the Messiah.
3 G

1. The season of their conversion.
2. Or, Thy children, begotten in the Gosber and brightness the drops of early dew.
3. Not figurative and successive, but, as exhibited to Abraham. ( Gen. 14; Heb.7.)
4. Alluding to the support experienced by Christ in His agony.
3d. Ps. M. S. for Easter- Day.
5." Praise ye the Lord." Hallelujah, in the Heb. is the title of the Psalm.
6. The feasts of the Jews were memorials of the wonders wrought for Israel; so, likewise, are the Christian festivals, for the wonders wrought in Christ.
Day 23.
THE PSALMS.
3 In the day of thy power( 1) shall the people offer thee free- will offerings with an holy worship: the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning( 2).
4 The Lord sware, and will not repent: thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech( 3).
5 The Lord upon thy right hand shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook in the way( 4): therefore shall he lift up his head.
PSALM 111.( P) Confitebor tibi.
( 5) I WILL give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart: secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great: sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 3 His work is worthy to be praised, and had in honour: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works: that they ought to be had in remembrance( 6).
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgement: all his commandments are true.
P. This sacred Hymn of David expresses a pious determination to glorify God in private and public devotion, in consideration of his signal blessings on the Jewish nation. Every verse begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in its proper order.
410

THE PSALMS.
Day 23.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever: and are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption unto his people( 1): he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; the praise of it endureth for ever( 2).
PSALM 112.( Q) Beatus vir.
( 3) BLESSED is the man that feareth the Lord he hath great delight in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the faithful shall be blessed( 4).
3 Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house( 5): and his righteousness endureth
for ever.
4 Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness: he is merciful, loving, and righteous( 6).
5 A good man is merciful, and lendeth: and will guide his words( 7) with discretion.
6 For he shall never be moved and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance( 8).
7 He will not be afraid of any evil tidings: for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord.
1. The deliverance out of Egypt, is a type of the redemption by Christ.
2. Religion is perfect wisdom; in the practice of it, is the path of instruction.
3. Godliness hath the promises of this life,
and of that which is to come.
4. For, the glory of children, is their Father! See Pro. 17. 6. 5.The literal rewards
of obedience under the Mosaic dispensation; the wealth of a
Christian is of another kind.
6. Generous on religious principle. 7." His affairs," his temporal concerns.
8. The memorial of
his good name shall
fresh as the
morning breeze, fragrant as the flower of
8 His heart is established, and will not the spring. shrink until he see his desire upon his enemies.
2. This Psalm is a kind of commentary on the last verse of the former one; shewing how wisely they consult their own happiness who observe God's commandments, and giving a beautiful view of the blessings, spiritual and eternal, conferred upon the righteous. In this Psalm also, each verse begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 411

1. That is, the fruit, and good report of it, are lasting among men, and will not be forgotten before God.
1st. Ps. E. S. for Easter- Day.
PSALM 113.( R) Laudate, pueri.
( 2) PRAISE the Lord, ye servants: O praise
the Name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the Name of the Lord: from this time forth for evermore.
3 The Lord's Name is praised from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same( 3).
3. From one end of the Gentile world, to
4 The Lord is high above all heathen: and the other. Mal. 1.11. his glory above the heavens.
5 Who 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?
6 He taketh up the simple out of the dust: and lifteth the poor out of the mire( 4);
7 That he may set him with the princes: even with the princes of his people.
8 He maketh the barren woman to keep house and to be a joyful mother of children( 5)..
2. An exhortation to praise God for his excellence and mercy.
4. The lowest and
most abject are raised from the pollution of sin.
Day 23.
THE PSALMS.
9 He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor and his righteousness remaineth for ever( 1); his horn shall be exalted with honour.
5. Alluding to that Omnipotence, whereby the Gentile church is become the mother
of us all.
10 The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; the desire of the ungodly shall perish.
R. This Psalm is a thankful commemoration of the glory and condescension of God. The Hymn which our Saviour sang with his Disciples at the Last Supper, is supposed to have consisted of this and the four succeeding Psalms. By the modern Jews, all five are held in particular estimation; and they recite them at their meals and festivals. This was called by them the great Hallel, and it was usually sung at the celebration of the Passover.
412

THE PSALMS.
Day 23.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 114.( s) In exitu Israel.
( 1) WHEN Israel came out of Egypt: and the house of Jacob from among the strange people,
2 Judah was his sanctuary: and Israel his dominion( 2).
3 The sea saw that, and fled: Jordan was driven back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams: and the little hills like young sheep( 3).
5 What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest and thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams: and ye little hills, like young sheep( 4)?
7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the God of Jacob;
8 Who turned the hard rock into a standing water and the flint- stone into a springing well.
PSALM 115.( T) Non nobis, Domine.
( 5) NOT unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the praise: for thy loving- mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
2nd. Ps. E. S. for Easter- Day.
1. An exhortation to have a holy fear of God in his Church.
2. His presence resided in their camp, He ruled them as an earthly king.
3. The separation of the waters, and the tremours of Mt. Sinai, were typical of the overthrow of idolatry, and the opening of the path to
Heaven.
4. The Psalmist demanding the cause of this perturbation, commands all to tremble before Him
who hath caused living waters to flow from the rock of salvation!
5. The Psalmist expresses confidence in God, with a sense of helplessness.
s. The subject of this Psalm, skilful in its composition, sublime and beautiful, is the triumphant Exodus of Israel from Egypt; which prefigures the redemption of our nature from sin and death.
T. This Psalm has, from the earliest Christian ages, been used as a Hymn of thanksgiving together with the three following, it was sung by the Jews after eating the Passover; and they were called the great Hallelujah. The subject of this is an exposition of the folly of idolatry. When composed, or by whom written, is uncertain.
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1. Isaiah( 44.9.) in a noble strain of bitter irony also exposes the nothingness of false gods, and the folly of their devotees.
2. The Psalmist exhorteth, severally, the Jewish nation;
3. the Jewish Priesthood;
4. and all believers in one supreme God.
5. He predicteth benedictions to the Jews; to their Priesthood; to the whole Gentile world.
6. That they may praise Him on earth, as do the angels in heaven.
7. Rather, what though the dead cannot praise Thee,& c.
Day 23.
THE PSALMS.
2 Wherefore shall the heathen say: Where is now their God?
3 As for our God, he is in heaven: he hath done whatsoever pleased him.
4 Their idols are silver and gold: even the work of men's hands( 1).
5 They have mouths, and speak not: eyes have they, and see not.
6 They have ears, and hear not: noses have they, and smell not.
7 They have hands, and handle not; feet have they, and walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make then are like unto them and so are all such as put their trust in them.
9 But thou, house of Israel( 2), trust thou in the Lord he is their succour and defence.
10 Ye house of Aaron( 3), put your trust in the Lord he is their helper and defender.
11 Ye that fear the Lord( 4), put your trust in the Lord: he is their helper and defender.
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us, and he shall bless us( 5): even he shall bless the house of Israel, he shall bless the house of Aaron.
13 He shall bless them that fear the Lord: both small and great.
14 The Lord shall increase you more and more you and your children.
15 Ye are the blessed of the Lord: who made heaven and earth.
16 All the whole heavens are the Lord's: the earth hath he given to the children of men( 6).
17 The dead praise not thee, O Lord( 7): neither all they that go down into silence.
18 But we will praise the Lord: from this time forth for evermore. Praise the Lord.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 24.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 116.( U) Dilexi, quoniam.
Service for Churching of Women.
( 1) I AM well pleased that the Lord hath 1. The Psalmist proheard my prayer.
fesseth love to
2 That he hath inclined his ear unto me: therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
God, and his gratitude to the divine mercy.
3 The snares of death( 2) compassed me round about and the pains of hell( 3) gat hold upon me.
:
4 I shall find trouble and heaviness, and I will call upon the Name of the Lord( 4): O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous: yea, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple( 5): I 5. Those who rely on was in misery, and he helped me.
Him in the means used for their deliverance.
7 Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul for the Lord hath rewarded thee.
8 And why? thou hast delivered my soul from death mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord( 6): in the land of the living.
10 I believed, and therefore will I speak; but I was sore troubled: I said in my haste, All men are liars( 7).
11 What reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the benefits that he hath done unto me?
2." The sorrows of death." Is. 38.
3. The anticipations of death and the grave.
4." I found,"& c.
" then called I,"& c.
6. Rather, I shall walk; prophetic of immortality.
7. There is no trust in man.
8. A phrase ken from the Jewish rite; in the feast of thank12 I will receive the cup of salvation( 8): offerings the master and call upon the Name of the Lord.
13 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.
of the feast takes a cup of wine, and blessing God, gives it in succession to all his guests.
u. The subject of this beautiful Psalm is thanksgiving for deliverance from distress and sickness. It has been thought it was composed by Hezekiah, after his miraculous recovery.
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1. Thou hast rescued me from the power of death.
2. The celebration of all festivals concluded with singing a Hymn from the Book of Psalms. ( Matt. 26.30.)
PSALM 117.( v) Laudate Dominum.
praise him, all ye nations.
3. The Gentile world( 3) PRAISE the Lord, all ye heathen: is exhorted to glorify God: because the promises, made to the Fathers, are confirmed to us.
2 For his merciful kindness is ever more and more towards us and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise the Lord.
3rd. Ps. E. S. for Easter- Day
4th Ps. for King Charles's Restoration.
Day 24.
THE PSALMS.
14 Behold, O Lord, how that I am thy servant: I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid; thou hast broken my bonds in sunder( 1).
15 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving: and will call upon the Name of the Lord( 2).
:
16 I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people in the courts of the Lord's house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
4. These 4 verses are a preface of praise: the three first being sung by successive Levites.
PSALM 118.( x) Confitemini Domino.
( 4) GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let Israel now confess, that he is gracious and that his mercy endureth for ever. 3 Let the house of Aaron now confess: that his mercy endureth for ever.
v. This Psalm, like the 100th, is altogether prophetical of the joy of all the earth at the Advent of Messiah. It may be considered the exordium to the following Psalm.
x. This Psalm of triumph, choral and prophetical, is consi. dered to have been composed by David on his return from conquest, when he brought the Ark of God to Zion. The King of Israel appears leading his people in solemn procession, to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving in the Temple; but it is agreed by all, even by the Hebrew Doctors, that the Spirit of God, which indited it, points beyond the type, to the Antitype.
416

THE PSALMS.
Day 24.
4 Yea, let them now that fear the Lord confess that his mercy endureth for ever( 1).
5 I called upon the Lord in trouble and the Lord heard me at large( 2).
6 The Lord is on my side: I will not fear what man doeth unto me.
7 The Lord taketh my part with them that help me therefore shall I see my desire upon mine enemies.
8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord: than to put any confidence in princes( 3).
10 All nations compassed me round about but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them( 4).
11 They kept me in on every side, they kept me in, I say, on every side: but in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them.
13 Thou( 6) hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall but the Lord was my help.
14 The Lord is my strength, and my song: and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to
pass.
12 They came about me like bees, and are extinct even as the fire among the thorns( 5): 5." Are quenched as for in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them.
the fire of thorns;" predictive of the sudden destruction of Messiah's enemies. 6. Thou, O mine enemy; a sudden apostrophe to his chief adversary.
16 The right hand of the Lord hath the pre- eminence: the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass( 7).
17 I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord hath chastened and corrected me( 8): but he hath not given me over unto death.
19 Open me the gates of righteousness( 9): that I may go into them, and give thanks
unto the Lord.
1.This, by the chorus of the whole procession; and the King utters the three following verses.
3 H]
2." Set me in a large place," gave me full possession of all Israel.( 2 Sam. 5.)
3. The chorus sing v. 8 and 9; then the
King resumes to 14.
4. See 2 Sam. chap. 8.
7. V. 15. and 16 by
the chorus, and the King continues.
8. Heb. 12. 6.
9. The gates of the sanctuary. Is. 26. 2.

1. Priests within, opening the gates.
2. This by the King, as he enters; and then again the Priests.
3. Alluding to a tradition of a stone found
after building the 2nd Temple; the application to Messiah is confessed by all Expositors.
4. By the King within the gates.
5. The chorus first addresses the King; then, the people attending him."
6. By the attendants marching in.
7. The devoted animal was bound to the projecting corners of the altar, called the horns.
8. This v. by the King, and then the whole assembly join in universal chorus.
9. The happiness of those who observe the ordinances of God.
Day 24.
THE PSALMS.
20 This is the gate of the Lord( 1): the righteous shall enter into it.
21 I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me and art become my salvation( 2).
22 The same stone which the builders refused is become the head- stone in the corner.( 3) 23 This is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Help me now, O Lord( 4): O Lord, send us now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord:( 5) we have wished you good luck, ye that are of the house of the Lord.
27 God is the Lord who hath shewed us light( 6): bind the sacrifice with cords, yea, even unto the horns of the altar( 7).
28 Thou art my God, and I will thank thee: thou art my God, and I will praise thee( 8).
29 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: and his mercy endureth for ever.*
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 119.( Y) Beati immaculati.
( 9) BLESSED are those that are undefiled in the way and walk in the law of
the Lord.
* The Jewish Temple, was a type of Heaven: the Priests within, the angelic Host; the King triumphant, the Messiah; His attendants, the Redeemed!
y. This very edifying Psalm, attributed to David, abounds in religious and moral instruction adapted to every age and condition; it speaks comfort to the afflicted, hope to the forlorn, and breathes throughout a fervent spirit of devotion. The
418

THE PSALMS.
Day 24.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies( 1): and seek him with their whole 1. His revelations heart.
and institutions.
3 For they who do no wickedness: walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast charged that we shall diligently keep thy commandments.
5 0 that my ways( 2) were made so direct: 2. My motives, my that I might keep thy statutes!
inclinations.
6 So shall I not be confounded( 3): while 3." Ashamed."
I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will thank thee with an unfeigned heart when I shall have learned the judgements of thy righteousness.
8 I will keep thy ceremonies( 4): O for- 4." Thy statutes." sake me not utterly.
In quo corriget?
( 5) WHEREWITHAL shall a young man
cleanse his way: even by ruling himself after thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought
thee: O let me not go wrong out of( 6) thy 6." Let me not wancommandments.
der from,"& e.
11 Thy words have I hid( 7) within my heart that I should not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: 0 teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I been telling( 8): of all the judgements of thy mouth.
5. The law of God is
the surest guide to youth.
7. Have I treasured
up.
8. Rather, I have not forborne to tell to others,& c.
structure is artificial, and it is divided( probably for the advantage of memory) into 22 staves, according to the number of letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and all the verses of each stave begin with the letter appropriated to it. Between the verses of each portion, some connexion may be traced, but not often extending from one stave to the other. In almost every verse of the 176, the word of God is named under a diversity of terms by which the manifold parts, and uses of His word, are shewn; there is moreover, much beauty in the rich variety of phrase for the same meaning.
419

1. For, as heaven is higher than the earth, so are heavenly, above earthly, joys!
Retribue servo tuo.
2. A Prayer for grace( 2) O DO well unto thy servant that I may live, and keep thy word.
to
mandments.
18 Open thou mine eyes: that I may see the wondrous things of thy law( 3).
19 I am a stranger upon earth: 0 hide not thy commandments from me.
20 My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire that it hath alway unto thy judgements.
21 Thou hast rebuked the proud( 4): and cursed are they that do err from thy commandments.
22 O turn from me shame and rebuke: for I have kept thy testimonies.
23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant is occupied in thy statutes( 5).
24 For thy testimonies are my delight: and my counsellors.
3. Rend that veil of pride and prejudice impenetrable o'er the
hearts of Jews.
4. The contemner of thy law.
5. Though rulers command contrary to thy law," Thy servant did meditate in thy statutes."
6. The commandments of God afford the best comfort to the soul of the afflicted.
Day 24.
THE PSALMS.
14 I have had as great delight in the way of thy testimonies: as in all manner of riches( 1).
15 I will talk of thy commandments: and have respect unto thy ways.
16 My delight shall be in thy statutes: and I will not forget thy word.
3. See Luke 22. 43.
Adhesit pavimento.
( 6) MY soul cleaveth to the dust: 0 quicken thou me, according to thy
word.
26 I have acknowledged my ways( 7), and 7. Confessed my sins thou heardest me: 0 teach me thy staand errors.
tutes.
27 Make me to understand the way of thy commandments and so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28 My soul melteth away for very heaviness( 8): comfort thou me according unto thy word.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 25.
29 Take from me the way of lying( 1): and cause thou me to make much of thy law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth and thy judgements have I laid before me.
31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, confound me not.
32 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou hast set my heart at liberty( 2).
MORNING PRAYER.
Legem pone.
( 3) TEACH me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes and I shall keep it unto the
:
35 Make me go in the path of thy commandments for therein is my desire( 5). 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies: and not to covetousness.
37 O turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity( 6): and quicken thou me in thy way.
end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law( 4): yea, I shall keep it with 4. And thus the affecmy whole heart. tions shall be directed by the judgement. 5." Therein do I
delight."
38 O stablish thy word in thy servant: that I may fear thee.
39 Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of( 7): for thy judgements are good.
40 Behold, my delight is in thy commandments: O quicken me in thy righteousness( 8).
1. As opposed to the way of truth, v. 30; the one comprehends all that is right, as the other all that is
Et veniat super me.
( 9) L ET thy loving mercy come also unto me, O Lord: even thy salvation, according unto thy word.
42 So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers for my trust is in thy word.
421
wrong.
2. When Thou shalt enlighten my understanding. God gave. to Solomon largeness of heart.
( 1 Kings 4. 29.)
3. An earnest supplication to God for instruction in his law.
6. Solomon declares,
that the sum of this world's possessions is vanity.( Ecc. 1. 2.)
7. That is, the apostatizing from the statutes of the Lord. 8. Give me grace, with vigour, to go on in thy way.
9. The practice of God's laws will embolden the righteous to persevere in the path of duty.

Day 25.
THE PSALMS.
1. For the edification
43 O take not the word of thy truth( 1) of some, and the con- utterly out of my mouth: for my hope is
futation of others.
in thy judgements.
44 So shall I alway keep thy law: yea, for ever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty( 2): for I seek thy commandments.
2. Freed from the fetters of sin, as children of God.
3. In testimony of this vow of obedience. ( Heb. 12. 12.)
4. The promises of God are the surest ground of consolation.
5. See 1 Sam. 16.11. 6. Hath revived me. 7. The haughty infidel will scoff, yet will I not disbelieve or disobey.
8." Thy judgements
of old.
9. In all my wander ings.( 1 Sam. 22. 23.)
0. This ability to perform my duty I had.
1. The happiness of those who choose the law of God for their rule of conduct.
46 I will speak of thy testimonies also, even before kings and will not be ashamed. 47 And my delight shall be in thy commandments which I have loved.
48 My hands also will I lift up( 3) unto thy commandments, which I have loved and my study shall be in thy statutes.
Memor esto servi tui.
( 4) O THINK upon thy servant, as concerning thy word( 5): wherein thou
hast caused me to put my trust.
50 The same is my comfort in my trouble: for thy word hath quickened me( 6).
51 The proud have had me exceedingly in derision: yet have I not shrinked from thy law( 7).
52 For I remembered thine everlasting judgements( 8), O Lord: and received comfort.
53 I am horribly afraid for the ungodly that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs: in the house of my pilgrimage( 9).
55 I have thought upon thy Name, O Lord, in the night- season and have kept thy law.
56 This I had( 0): because I kept thy commandments.
Portio mea, Domine.
( 1) THOU art my portion, O Lord: I have promised to keep thy law.
58 I made my humble petition in thy pre. sence with my whole heart: O be merciful unto me according to thy word.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 25.
59 I called mine own ways to remembrance and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60 I made haste, and prolonged not the time( 1): to keep thy commandments.
61 The congregations of the ungodly have robbed me( 2): but I have not forgotten thy law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks ludes to his persecuunto thee: because of thy righteous judgetions under Saul.
( 1 Sam. 23. 26.)
ments.
63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee and keep thy commandments( 3).
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: O teach me thy statutes.
Bonitatem fecisti.
( 4) LORD, thou hast dealt graciously with thy servant: according unto
thy word.
66 O learn me true understanding and knowledge for I have believed thy commandments.
67 Before I was troubled( 5), I went wrong but now have I kept thy word.
68 Thou art good and gracious: O teach me thy statutes.
69 The proud have imagined a lie against me( 6) but I will keep thy commandments with my whole heart.
:
70 Their heart is as fat as brawn( 7): but my delight hath been in thy law.
71 It is good for me that I have been in trouble that I may learn thy statutes.
72 The law of thy mouth is dearer unto me: than thousands of gold and silver( 8).
1." And delayed not;" no future can be so safe as the present for reformation. 2." The bands of the
wicked;" David al423
3. Those who fear God, and work righteousness, the Redéemer hath called brethren. Heb. 2. 11.
4. The Psalmist, grateful for past mercies, prays for further instruction in
duty.
5." Afflicted;" prosperity is oft the parent of sin; adversity
its punishment and remedy.
6. 1. Sam. 24. 9.
7. The fatness of the heart implieth luxury and the consequences thereof, insensibility to spiritual truths.
8. See Pro. 3. 14.

I will best instruct him.
EVENING PRAYER. Manus tuæ fecerunt me.
made man,
1. David teaches that( 1) THY hands have made me and fashioned me: O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me( 2): because I have put my trust in thy word.
2. See me delivered out of trouble.
3. An humble and pious confession that all affliction is from God, without whose providence nothing
can occur.
4. Become my friends.
5. Be sincere, and stedfast.
Day 25.
of the wicked, looks to God for comfort.
THE PSALMS.
7. Bottles were made
of skins, which, exposed to heat and smoke, became dried up and shrivelled: his frame was thus changed by sorrow. 8. Unbelievers have assailed me with subtleties, which are contrary to Thy law.
75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled( 3).
76 O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live for thy law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be confounded, for they go wickedly about to destroy me: but I will be occupied in thy commandments.
Defecit anima mea.
6.David, undismayed( 6) MY soul hath longed for thy salvation and I have a good hope because of thy word.
82 Mine eyes long sore for thy word: saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke( 7): yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84 How many are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute mer
79 Let such as fear thee, and have known thy testimonies: be turned unto me( 4).
80 O let my heart be sound( 5) in thy statutes that I be not ashamed.
:
85 The proud have digged pits for me: which are not after thy law( 8).
86 All thy commandments are true: they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 25.
87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth but I forsook not thy commandments( 1).
88 O quicken me after thy loving kindness and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.
In æternum, Domine.
( 2) LORD, thy word: endureth for ever 2. Man is bound to
trust
in heaven.
90 Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.
91 They continue this day according to thine ordinance for all things serve thee. 92 If my delight had not been in thy law: I should have perished in my trouble.
93 I will never forget thy commandments: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94 I am thine( 3), O save me: for I have sought thy commandments.
95 The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me but I will consider thy testimonies.
96 I see that all things come to an end: but thy commandment( 4) is exceeding broad.
Quomodo dilexi!
( 5) LORD, what love have I unto thy law: all the day long is my study in it. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they( 6) are ever with me.
1. The soul we know must forsake the
body, but God will forsake neither.
31
God whose truth is
eternal and unchangeable.
3.That man alone can so affirm, who hath sought His precepts.
4. But thy holiness, or thy word, is without boundary.
5. The Divine word
in
Scriptures encreaseth knowledge. The love of it is the fulfilling of the law. ( Rom. 13.10.) 6. Namely, God's
commandments.
99 I have more understanding than my teachers for thy testimonies are my study. 100 I am wiser than the aged: because I keep thy commandments.
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way that I may keep thy word.
102 I have not shrunk( 7) from thy judge- 7." Not departed."
ments for thou teachest me.

1." Unto my taste," my palate in Heb.; figurative for mental taste, discernment.
guide us in our course, as did the pillar of light the Israelites.
3. So every Christian
hath at his baptism.
MORNING PRAYER. Lucerna pedibus meis.
2. The clear light of( 2) THY word is a lantern unto my feet: and a light unto my paths.
106 I have sworn( 3), and am stedfastly purposed to keep thy righteous judgements.
107 I am troubled above measure: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.
108 Let the free- will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord( 4): and teach me thy judgements.
4. Free will offerings were ordained for thanksgiving; those of the believer are prayer, praise,& c. 5. A phrase in Scripture that implies being in continual danger of one's life. 6. As that which will be the means of my enjoying the chiefest good.
Day 26.
THE PSALMS.
103 O how sweet are thy words unto my throat( 1): yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.
law, will be firm in his obedience, and will avoid the company of the ungodly.
104 Through thy commandments I get understanding therefore I hate all evil
8." Uphold me;" David prays to be supported in these resolutions.
ways.
ments.
111 Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever( 6): and why? they are the very joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway: even unto the end.
Iniquos odio habui.
7. He that is sincerely( 7) I HATE them that imagine evil things:
but thy law do I love.
109 My soul is alway in my hand( 5): yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The ungodly have laid a snare for me: but yet I swerved not from thy command114 Thou art my defence and shield: and my trust is in thy word.
115 Away from me, ye wicked: I will
keep the commandments of my God.
116 0 stablish me( 8) according to thy word, that I may live and let me not be disappointed of my hope.
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THE PSALMS.
Day 26.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: yea, my delight shall be ever in thy statutes.
118 Thou hast trodden down all them that depart from thy statutes: for they imagine but deceit( 1).
119 Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross( 2): therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee: and I am afraid of thy judgements( 3).
Feci judicium.
( 4) I
DEAL with the thing that is lawful and right: 0 give me not over unto mine oppressors.
122 Make thou thy servant to delight in that which is good that the proud do me
no wrong.
123 Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health( 5): and for the word of thy righteousness.
124 O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy and teach me thy statutes.
125 I am thy servant, O grant me understanding that I may know thy testimonies.
1. For their cunning
has been fallacious. 2. Isa. 1.25.
3. At the day of judgement, the best shall feel an awful dread.
4. A firm adherence to the ways of truth and justice, is our best security.
5." Mine eyes fail for thy salvation," earnestly long for it.
126 It is time for thee, Lord, to lay to thine hand( 6) for they have destroyed 6. To make examples thy law( 7).
of the wicked.
127 For I love thy commandments: above 7." Made void," gold and precious stones.
rendered of none effect by disobedience.
128 Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments and all false ways I utterly abhor.
Mirabilia.
( 8) THY testimonies are wonderful: there- 8. Such is the wisdom
of God's law: it infore doth my soul keep them.
structs even the most
130 When thy word goeth forth: it giveth unlearned, and humlight and understanding unto the simple. 427
bles the most devout.

1." And panted;" that is, as the Eastern traveller panteth for the cool breeze, so do I vehemently desire to hear Thy word.
2. Thus Jeremiah, 13. 17; thus the Holy Jesus. Matt. 3. 5.
obedience; and the
neglect of them provokes indignation. 4. Ps. 69. 9. Applied to Christ. John 2. 17.
5." Thy word is very pure," tried and refined.
6." And despised."
7." And anguish."
Day 26.
THE PSALMS.
131 I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath( 1) for my delight was in thy commandments.
132 O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.
136 Mine eyes gush out with water( 2): because men keep not thy law.
Justus es, Domine.
3. The purity of God's( 3) RIGHTEOUS art thou, O Lord and
true is thy judgement.
8. The law of God is
truth, to day, and for ever: His goodness is unchangeable.
133 Order my steps in thy word: and so shall no wickedness have dominion over
me.
134 O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men and so shall I keep thy commandments.
135 Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servant and teach me thy statutes.
138 The testimonies that thou hast commanded: are exceeding righteous and true.
139 My zeal hath even consumed me( 4): because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140 Thy word is tried to the uttermost( 5): and thy servant loveth it.
141 I am small, and of no reputation( 6): yet do I not forget thy commandments.
142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and thy law is the truth.
143 Trouble and heaviness( 7) have taken hold upon me: yet is my delight in thy commandments.
144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting( 8): O grant me understanding and I shall live.
428

THE PSALMS.
Day 26.
EVENING PRAYER.
Clamavi in toto corde meo.
( ¹) I
CALL with my whole heart: hear me, O Lord, I will keep thy statutes. 146 Yea, even unto thee do I call me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147 Early in the morning do I cry unto thee( 2) for in thy word is my trust.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night- watches: that I might be occupied in thy words( 3).
149 Hear my voice, O Lord, according unto thy loving kindness: quicken me according as thou art wont.
150 They draw nigh that of malice persecute me: and are far from thy law.
help in all our duties.
151 Be thou nigh at hand, O Lord: for all thy commandments are true.
152 As concerning thy testimonies, I have known long since( 4): that thou hast grounded them for ever.
Vide humilitatem.
( 5) CONSIDER mine adversity, and deliver me for I do not forget thy
law.
154 Avenge thou my cause( 6), and deliver me quicken me according to thy word. 155 Health( 7) is far from the ungodly: for they regard not thy statutes.
156 Great is thy mercy, O Lord: quicken me, as thou art wont.
1. An earnest desire to keep God's laws, will make us vigilant
157 Many there are that trouble me, and persecute me: yet do I not swerve from thy testimonies( 8).
:
158 It grieveth me when I see the transgressors because they keep not thy law. 159 Consider, O Lord, how I love thy commandments: O quicken me, according to thy loving kindness.
429
2. See Mark 1. 35.
3. That is, he was
awake, and at prayer,
before the last of those watches, into which the night was, by the Jews, divided.
4.This is the triumph of Faith over dangers and temptations.
5. Perseverance in our duty, will encourage us to expect the divine blessing and protection. 6." Plead my cause." 7." Salvation."
8. Persecution is the great trial of our fidelity to God.

1. The Psalmist ever dwells with delight on the loving- kindness, and the eternal truth of God!
2. Attachment to righteousness, and abhorrence of deceit, will be sources of joy under all trials.
3. That is, many times, continually.
4. No external cause shall divert their
course, and rob them of their peace. 5." Thy salvation.
33
6. A scriptural phrase signifying, I have lived holily.
7. This edifying Psalm concludes with an earnest address to God for assistance, in strong expressions of gratitude for instances of His mercy.
8. The observance of God's law gives the surest claim to His loving- kindness.
Day 26.
THE PSALMS.
160 Thy word is true from everlasting( 1): all the judgements of thy righteousness endure for evermore.
Principes persecuti sunt.
( 2) PRINCES have persecuted me without a cause but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162 I am as glad of thy word: as one that findeth great spoils.
163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them: but thy law do I love.
164 Seven times a day( 3) do I praise thee: because of thy righteous judgements.
165 Great is the peace that they have who love thy law and they are not offended at it( 4).
166 Lord, I have looked for thy saving health( 5) and done after thy commandments.
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and loved them exceedingly.
168 I have kept thy commandments and testimonies for all my ways are before thee( 6).
Appropinquet deprecatio.
( 7) LET my complaint come before thee, O Lord give me understanding, according to thy word.
170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me, according to thy word.
171 My lips shall speak of thy praise: when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172 Yea, my tongue shall sing of thy word for all thy commandments are righteous.
173 Let thine hand help me: for I have chosen thy commandments( 8).
174 I have longed for thy saving health, O Lord and in thy law is my delight.
430

THE PSALMS.
Day 27.
175 O let my soul live, and it shall praise thee and thy judgements shall help me.
176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: O seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments( 1).
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 120.( z) Ad Dominum.
( 2) WHEN I was in trouble I called upon
he the
2. David's prayer the Lord and he heard me. court of Saul.
3. The false accusations of Doeg.
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips: and from a deceitful tongue( 3).
3 What reward shall be given or done unto thee, thou false tongue: even mighty and sharp arrows, with hot burning coals( 4). 4 Wo is me, that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar( 5).
1.Therein are prayers
fit for the lips and hearts of those who would live under the care of God on earth, and be gathered to His fold in Heaven!
5 My soul hath long dwelt among them: that are enemies unto peace.
6 I labour for peace, but when I speak unto them thereof: they make them ready to battle.
4." Arrows of the mighty with coals of Juniper:" a wood that retains, and encreases heat: figurative of God's swift vengeance.
5. That is, among
distant strangers, and without a fixed
abode.
PSALM 121.( A) Levavi oculos.
6. He looks to Zion and Moriah, on
( 6) T WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills: which Jerusalem was I from whence cometh my help.
built.
z. This and the fourteen following Psalms are entitled Psalms of Degrees, or of Ascents. They appear to have been Services sung on stated occasions, upon the steps of the great gate of the Sanctuary, by the people when they went, at the annual festivals, to worship at Jerusalem. In this Psalm David complains of the calumnies which forced him into exile.
A. Bishop Louth considers the two first verses of this Psalm, composed by David, as spoken by him, when about to approach the Tabernacle of God, ere he went forth to battle: the 431

1.The priest from the holy place gives prophetic assurance of protection.
2." Thy shade," a cloud of protection.
3. The moon in Egypt
affects the sight of those who sleep exposed to it: the natives caution travellers to cover the eyes. 4. Applicable to the Jews, going to their feasts at Jerusalem.
5. David's joy in the church, and his prayer for its peace.
Day 27.
THE PSALMS.
2 My help cometh even from the Lord: who hath made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: and he that keepeth thee will not sleep( 1). 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel: shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord himself is thy keeper( 2): the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand;
6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day: neither the moon by night( 3).
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in( 4): from this time forth for evermore.
PSALM 122.( B) Lætatus sum.
( 5) I was glad when they said unto me: We
will go into the house of the Lord. 2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates: 0 Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city: that is at unity in itself( 6).
6." Compact together;" alluding to his having united into a beautiful city, the scattered buildings.( 1 Chr. 11. 7.) 7. Three times a year the tribes went up to
4 For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord: to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord. 5 For there is the seat of judgement: even the seat of the house of David( 7).
6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they Jerusalem. Ex.23.17. shall prosper that love thee.
true Christian, as the true Israelite, through the warfare and pilgrimage of life, will look to the Heavenly city from whence alone cometh help!
B. The subject of this Psalm of David is, the expression of exultation of the tribes going up to Jerusalem, to keep a feast; when the Divine services had been regulated, and the Ark of the Lord was removed thither. The application of it to the Christian Church is easy and impressive.
432

THE PSALMS.
Day 27.
7 Peace be within thy walls: and plenteousness within thy palaces( 1).
8 For my brethren and companions' sakes: I will wish thee prosperity.
9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek to do thee good.
PSALM 123.( c) Ad te levavi oculos meos.
( 2) UNTO thee lift I up mine eyes: O thou 2. A prayer to be deconthat dwellest in the heavens.
tempt.
2 Behold, even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters( 3), and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until he have mercy
upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us for we are utterly despised( 4).
4 Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy and with the despitefulness of the proud.
1. A sublime invocation that the happiness of his people may be secured by their unity, for the glory of God now established at Jerusalem.
PSALM 124.( D) Nisi quia Dominus.
( 5) IF the Lord himself had not been on our side, now may Israel say if the himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us;
3. Slaves, in the East, wait on their superiors with profound respect, watching every motion of their master, who commands by signs.
4. He appeals with confidence to God for relief.
1st. Ps. for King Charles's Rest.
2nd. Ps. for 5 Nov.
5. David blesseth God for a glorious deliverance.
c. This short address to God, on an occasion of deep distress, is thought to have been written by some inspired person, possibly Isaiah, in the time of Hezekiah, when Judea was invaded by the Assyrians.( Isa. 37.4.)
D. This devout acknowledgement of the providential interference of God, in rescuing David and his people from inevitable destruction, was appointed to be sung by the Levites after the return from captivity. It inculcates that, for every deliverance, whether of a temporal or spiritual nature, we should ascribe" salvation to our God."( Rev. 7. 10.)
3 K

1. Or, alive; the fury of David's adversaries is likened to desolating torrents;
2. his escape, to a rescue from the jaws of a ferocious animal; and the imagery increases in beauty and interest.
4. Mt. Sion, and the other hills, so surrounded Jerusalem, that Ezekiel( 11. 3.) represents it under the image of a cauldron.
Day 27.
THE PSALMS.
2 They had swallowed us up quick( 1): when they were so wrathfully displeased at us.
5. That is, pure religion shall be preserved from subjection to the power of the wicked.
3 Yea, the waters had drowned us: and the stream had gone over our soul.
4 The deep waters of the proud: had gone even over our soul.
5 But praised be the Lord: who hath not given us over for a prey unto their teeth( 2). 6 Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler: the snare is broken, and we are delivered.
3d. Ps. for 5 Nov.
PSALM 125.( E) Qui confidunt.
3. A strain of devo-( 3) THEY that put their trust in the Lord
thanksgiving.
shall be even as the mount Sion: which may not be removed, but standeth fast for ever.
2 The hills stand about Jerusalem( 4): even so standeth the Lord round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.
3 For the rod of the ungodly cometh not into the lot of the righteous: lest the righteous put their hand unto wickedness( 5).
4 Do well, O Lord unto those that are good and true of heart.
5 As for such as turn back unto their own wickedness: the Lord shall lead them forth with the evil- doers; but peace shall be upon Israel.
7 Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord who hath made heaven and earth.
E. This Psalm, similar to the preceding one, Bishop Patrick supposes to have been written by Hezekiah, on the occasion of Sennacherib's threatening to destroy Jerusalem.( 2 Chr. 32.)
434

THE PSALMS.
Day 27.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 126.( F) In convertendo.
2nd Ps. for King Charles's Restoration.
( 1) WHEN the Lord turned again the cap- 1. The blessed effects
tivity of Sion then were we like unto them that dream.
of a spiritual redemption is figuratively
foreshown.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with joy.
3 Then said they among the heathen: The Lord hath done great things for them. 4 Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already whereof we rejoice( 2).
5 Turn our captivity, O Lord as the rivers in the south( 3).
from the torrents in
6 They that sow in tears: shall reap in the deserts south of joy.
Judea.
2. Such an interposition of Providence made the heathen
own it was the Lord's doing,
3. An image taken
7 He that now goeth on his way weeping, 4. In allusion to the and beareth forth good seed( 4): shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
labour of sowing grain in Palestine, and the luxuriant
crop that followed.
PSALM 127.( G) Nisi Dominus.
( 5) EXCEPT the Lord build the house:
their labour is but lost that build it. 2 Except the Lord keep the city: the watchman waketh but in vain.
Service for Churching of Women.
5. An acknowledgment of man's dependance upon God.
F. There is little doubt but that Ezra wrote this Psalm when ( under the sanction of the decree issued by Cyrus) the Jews were liberated from their captivity in Babylon, and returned laden with presents from their conquerors, to their own country.( Ezra 1. 1.)
G. This Psalm is said to have been written by Solomon, and used on the rebuilding of the city and temple, after the return from Babylon; but the title of it given by Bishop Horsley is, " A Psalm to be addressed by the Priests to the parents presenting the first- born." It is an Eastern saying, When a Son is born, a bow and arrow is hung up in the gate; that is, a protector is added to the family.
435

1. Nothing prospers without His blessing, or, miscarries, with His protection.
2. A numerous offspring was a mark of Divine favour.
3. When they plead with their adversary; the hall of Justice
was over the gates of the city.
Marriage Service.
4. The Psalmist addressing the individual, enumerates the blessings that await those that truly fear God.
ported.
6. Olive trees were planted around the banqueting tables in their gardens.
7. Out of His holy place in His temple on Mt. Zion! Ps. 99.
5. That is, the orna3 Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine: ment of the house by upon the walls of thine house( 5).
is sup4 Thy children like the olive branches: round about thy table( 6).
:
5 Lo, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.
6 The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee( 7): that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.
7 Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children and peace upon Israel.
3rd. Ps. for King Charles's Rest.
Day 27.
THE PSALMS.
3 It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness( 1) for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
8. A thanksgiving for a national deliverance. Vs. 1, 2, 3, are sung by the 1st. semichorus.
4 Lo, children and the fruit of the womb: are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord( 2).
5 Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant: even so are the young children.
6 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate( 3).
PSALM 128.( H) Beati omnes.
( 4) BLESSED are all they that fear the Lord: and walk in his ways.
2 For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.
PSALM 129( 1). Sæpe expugnaverunt.
( 8) MANY a time have they fought against me from my youth up: may Israel now say.
H. This Psalm is said to have been pronounced as a benediction on the celebration of a marriage among the Jews.
1. This Psalm is thought to have been written by Ezra or Nehemiah when, after the return of the Jews from Babylon, their enemies obstructed them in the rebuilding of the Temple. 436

THE PSALMS.
Day 27.
2 Yea, many a time have they vexed me
:
from my youth up( 1) but they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back: and made long furrows( 2).
4 But the righteous Lord hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.
5 Let them be confounded and turned backward as many as have evil will at Sion( 3).
6 Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house- tops: which withereth afore it be plucked up( 4);
7 Whereof the mower filleth not his hand: neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.
8 So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you: we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord( 5).
PSALM 130.( K) De profundis.
( 6) OUT of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord( 7): Lord, hear my
voice.
20 let thine ears consider well: the voice of my complaint.
3 If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss: O Lord, who may abide it?
5 I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him in his word is my trust.
6 My soul fleeth unto the Lord: before the morning- watch, I say, before the morningwatch( 9).
1. Ever since we were a people.
2. A strong image of oppression; thus Is. 50.6, I gave my back to the smiters."
437
3. The power of God to destroy oppressors; sung by the 2d.
then the full chorus.
4. In Judea, the roofs of the houses are flat, and the grass that grows upon them is soon burnt up by the sun.
5. See Ruth 2. 4.
6. The Psalmist exhorts to hope with patience.
4 For there is mercy with thee( 8): there- 8." There is forgivefore shalt thou be feared.
ness with Thee.
7. Figurative expressions of the deepest conviction of sin and misery.
9. Anticipating the morning oblation at break of day; the
moment of which officiating priests were appointed to observe.
K. This is the sixth of those which are styled" Penitential Psalms;" it has been attributed to David, but more probably was composed for the public penitence mentioned in the 9th and 10th chapters of Ezra.

1." He shall save His people from their sins."( Matt. 1.21.)
3. True humility is here beautifully illustrated under the similitude of infantine meekness, and entire dependance.
PSALM 131.( L) Domine, non est.
2. He declares that he( 2) LORD I am not high- minded: I have
has no ambitious designs.
no proud looks.
2nd. Ps. E. S. for Christmas- Day.
Day 28.
THE PSALMS.
70 Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenteous redemption.
4. The Psalmist, in the person of the High Priest, recals the zeal of David.
8 And he shall redeem Israel: from all his sins( 1).
2 I do not exercise myself in great matters which are too high for me.
3 But I refrain my soul, and keep it low, like as a child that is weaned from his mother( 3) yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.
4 O Israel, trust in the Lord: from this time forth for evermore.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 132.( M) Memento, Domine.
( 4) LORD, remember David and all his
trouble.
2 How he sware unto the Lord: and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob;
L. This Psalm is supposed to have been written by David, to clear himself of the charges of having designs upon the life of Saul; it is eminently applicable to seasons of religious humility.
M. This Psalm, which refers very pointedly to the Messiah, is said to have been composed by Solomon, and performed with much solemnity, on placing the Ark of God in the Temple. David, ever solicitous for the service of God, brought the Ark to the appointed place, but was forbidden by God to build the Temple.( 1 Chron. 22. 8.)
438

THE
PSALMS.
Day 28.
3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house( 1): nor climb up into my bed;
4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye- lids to slumber: neither the temples of my head to take any rest;
5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord: an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
6 Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata: and found it in the wood( 2).
7 We will go into his tabernacle and fall low on our knees before his footstool( 3).
8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness and let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
10 For thy servant David's sake: turn not away the presence of thine anointed( 4).
:
11 The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David and he shall not shrink from it; 12 Of the fruit of thy body shall I set upon thy seat.
13 If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall learn them: their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore( 5).
14 For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for himself: he hath longed for her.
15 This shall be my rest for ever( 6): here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.
16 I will bless her victuals with increase: and will satisfy her poor with bread.
17 I will deck her priests with health and her saints shall rejoice and sing.
18 There shall I make the horn of David to flourish I have ordained a lantern for mine anointed( 7).
19 As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame but upon himself shall his
crown flourish.
:
439
1. See1 Chron. 15. 1,
and 16. 43; also Deut. 20. 5.
2. That is, at Bethlehem,( Gen. 35. 18: Mic. 5. 2.); and in Kirjath- jearim, the city of the wood. 3. The Jews worshipped towar the holy of holies.
( 4. See 2 Chr. 6.41.) Deny not the prayer 3 verses are sung by of thy King. These
the full chorus, and
then the High Priest
resumes.
5. The temporal kingdom had continued in the line of
David to the birth of Christ; the spiritual kingdom has no end. 6.The fixed residence of the Ark.
7. The" lamp," is the King, which illuminates the nations, and the horn
of David, is the Messias.

1. A glowing and rapturous encomium on brotherly love.
2.The Heb. word signifies the neck part of the garment, the collar.
4. The Priests and Levites, going away address those who remain in the Temple.
5. See Lev. 3. 35; and 2 Chr. 13. 11.
THE PSALMS.
PSALM 133( N) Ecce, quam bonum.
( 1) BEHOLD, how good and joyful a thing it is brethren, to dwell together in
3. The dews on the mountainous tract of
3 Like as the dew of Hermon( 3) which
Hermon are so heavy fell upon the hill of Sion. 4 For there the Lord promised his blessing and life for evermore.
that, tents are as wet as if it rained all night.
6. Those within echo back the blessing.
Day 28.
unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard: even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts( 2) of his clothing.
PSALM 134.( 0) Ecce nunc.
( 4) BEHOLD now, praise the Lord: all ye
servants of the Lord.
2 Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord( 5): even in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary: and praise the Lord.
4 The Lord that made heaven and earth: give thee blessing out of Sion( 6).
PSALM 135.( P) Laudate Nomen.
PRAISE the Lord, laud ye the Name of the Lord praise it O ye servants
7. An exhortation to( 7)
for his
manifest goodness. of the Lord;
N. David is said to have composed this Psalm when, on the death of Ishbosheth, he was acknowledged King by all the twelve tribes.( 2 Sam. 5.)
o. This is the last of those Psalms, called" of degrees: the Author of this is uncertain, but it is said to have been sung at closing the gates of the Temple at even, by the exchanging courses of Priests composing the watch.
P. The Author of this Psalm is unknown: it was evidently written as a service of the Temple, and intended probably to 440
" 9

THE PSALMS.
Day 28.
2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord: in the courts of the house of our God( 1).
30 praise the Lord, for the Lord is gracious: O sing praises unto his Name, for it is lovely.
4 For why? the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself: and Israel for his own possession.
5 For I know that the Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods( 2).
6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven and in earth and in the sea, and in all deep places.
7 He bringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world and sendeth forth lightnings with the rain( 3), bringing the winds out of his treasures.
8 He smote the first- born of Egypt: both of man and beast( 4).
9 He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O thou land of Egypt: upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
10 He smote divers nations and slew mighty kings.
11 Sehon king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Basan: and all the kingdoms of Canaan.
12 And gave their land to be an heritage even an heritage unto Israel his people( 5).
13 Thy Name, O Lord, endureth for ever: so doth thy memorial( 6), O Lord, from one generation to another.
14 For the Lord will avenge his people: and be gracious unto his servants.
1. That is, ye that have your courses
of waiting in the Temple.
2. The Psalmist
teaches to ascribe to Omnipotence that which heathens attributed to the elements
themselves. ( Jer. 14.22.)
3. In Syria, lightning from the West, is
considered a sign of approaching rain.
4. The Psalmist manifests the judgements of God in the plagues inflicted on Egypt.( Ps. 78.)
5. Jehovah fought for His people, and they conquered.
6. The monuments of Thy fame.
be sung as a Morning Hymn by the Priests and Levites, on the opening the gates of the Temple. It is a commemoration of the manifold mercies of God to the Jewish nation, whom it excites to stedfastness in their religion, and to contempt of idols and idolaters.
3 L

1." The idols."
2. Ps. 115. 4.
3. They are as senseless as their idols.
of Jerusalem; all are called upon to praise the Almighty.
5. An exhortation to praise Jehovah: 1st. for his attributes.
4. All Israel, the Priesthood, the Levites, the inhabitants praise the Lord ye house of Aaron.
6. Sovereign of all the heavenly hosts. ( See v. 26.)
7. Lord of the Princes of the earth.
Day 28.
THE PSALMS.
15 As for the images( 1) of the heathen, they are but silver and gold: the work of men's hands( 2).
8. 2ndly, for the wonders of creation.
16 They have mouths, and speak not: eyes have they, but they see not.
17 They have ears, and yet they hear not: neither is there any breath in their mouths. 18 They that make them are like unto them( 3) and so are all they that put their trust in them.
:
19 Praise the Lord, ye house of Israel( 4):
20 Praise the Lord, ye house of Levi: ye that fear the Lord, praise the Lord.
21 Praised be the Lord out of Sion: who dwelleth at Jerusalem.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 136.( 2)
Confitemini.
( 5) GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious and his mercy endureth
for ever.
20 give thanks unto the God of all gods( 6): for his mercy endureth for ever.
30 thank the Lord of all lords( 7): for his mercy endureth for ever. Oma
4 Who only doth great wonders( 8): for his mercy endureth for ever.
Q. This delightful Hymn of thanksgiving formed, after the captivity, a part of the service of the Temple, for the Feast of Pentecost. The subject is similar to the former Psalm; but this seems to have been arranged for festivals; a Levite singing the subject of each verse, and the chorus the concluding words; a form prescribed by David to be continually used in the divine Service.( 1 Chr. 16. 41.)
442

THE PSALMS.
Day 28.
5 Who by his excellent wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6 Who laid out the earth above the waters( 1) for his mercy endureth for ever. 7 Who hath made great lights for his mercy endureth for ever; YOYOL Win
8 The sun to rule the day for his mercy endureth for ever;
9 The moon and the stars to govern the night for his mercy endureth for ever.
10 Who smote Egypt with their firstborn( 2): for his mercy endureth for ever; 11 And brought out Israel from among them for his mercy endureth for ever;
12 With a mighty hand, and stretched- out arm( 3) for his mercy endureth for ever. 13 Who divided the Red Sea in two parts: for his mercy endureth for ever;
14 And made Israel to go through the midst of it for his mercy endureth for
ever.
15 But as for Pharaoh and his host, he overthrew them in the Red Sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16 Who led his people through the wilderness for his mercy endureth for ever.
:
17 Who smote great kings for his mercy endureth for ever;
for
18 Yea, and slew mighty kings( 4) his mercy endureth for ever;
19 Sehon king of the Amorites( 5) for
:
1. Made it stand out above the waters, made the dry land appear.( Gen. 1.9.)
ever.
23 Who remembered us when we were in trouble for his mercy endureth for ever.
24 And hath delivered us from our enemies for his mercy endureth for ever.
443
2. From this v. to the
end, the Psalmist demonstrates the providence of God towards His people. 3. See Ex. ch. 6. to 14.
4. Deut. 29. 7.
5. Nu. 21. 21; 34.
his mercy endureth for ever;
20 And Og the king of Basan: for his mercy endureth for ever;
21 And gave away their land for an heritage for his mercy endureth for ever;
22 Even for an heritage unto Israel his servant( 6): for his mercy endureth for 6. Joshua 12.7.

1. Bountiful alike to our bodily and spiritual wants, He filleth all things living with plenteousness!
2. The constancy of the Jewish captives. in their affection for
Jerusalem.
3. Sitting on the ground was a posture denoting deep distress.( Job 2. 13; Lam. 2. 10.)
4. Its skill on the harp.
5." Above my chief joy;" if I do not make Jerusalem my chief subject of joy. 6. The Edomites had aided the Chaldeans in the destruction of
Jerusalem. ( Obadiah 10.)
7." Who art to be destroyed."
Day 28.
THE PSALMS.
25 Who giveth food to all flesh( 1) for his mercy endureth for ever.
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
27 O give thanks unto the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
PSALM 137.( R) Super flumina.
( 2) BY
the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept( 3): when we remembered thee, O Sion.
2 As for our harps, we hanged them up: upon the trees that are therein.
3 For they that led us away captive required of us then a song, and melody, in our heaviness: Sing us one of the songs of Sion.
4 How shall we sing the Lord's song: in a strange land?
5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem: let my right hand forget her cunning( 4).
6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth: yea, if I prefer not Jerusalem in my mirth( 5).
it
7 Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of Jerusalem( 6): how they said, Down with it, down with it, even to the ground.
80 daughter of Babylon, wasted with misery( 7): yea, happy shall he be that rewardeth thee, as thou hast served us.
R. The author of this noble and affecting Psalm is unknown; it is a deep lament on the mournful condition of the Jews. With inexpressible pathos are we transported to Babylon, and there behold the broken- hearted Hebrew captive, weeping on the banks of the Euphrates, his eyes fixed on the unstrung harp pendant on the willows that grow there, his thoughts, with sad remembrance, dwelling on the pleasant banks of Jordan, the towers of Salem, the worship of his God in His holy temple!
444

THE PSALMS.
Day 28.
9 Blessed shall he be that taketh thy children( 1) and throweth them against the stones.
PSALM 138.( s) Confitebor tibi.
( 2) I WILL
thanks unto thee, O with my whole heart: even before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple( 3), and praise thy Name, because of thy loving- kindness and truth for thou hast magnified thy Name, and thy Word, above all things.
3 When I called upon thee, thou heardest me and enduedst my soul with much strength.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord for they have heard( 4) the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord that great is the glory of the Lord( 5). 6 For though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: as for the proud, he beholdeth them afar off( 6).
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt thou refresh me( 7): thou shalt stretch forth thy hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord shall make good( 8) his lovingkindness toward me: yea, thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever; despise not then the works of thine own hands( 9).
1. Prophetic of the wrath of heaven, executed by Cyrus. ( Is. 13. 16.)
A
and thanksgiving, for the protection of the Most High.
3. The mansion of Thy sanctity, in the Heb.; the Temple
was not built in David's time.
4.For they shall hear; prophetic of the calling of the Gentiles. 5. They shall rejoice in the Gospel.
6." The proud He knoweth afar off," He keepeth at a distance.
7." Thou wilt revive me;" preserve me
alive.
8." Will perfect." 9. We that are his own, shall surely endure for ever.
s. This Psalm, composed by David, is said, by the Septua-. gint, to have been made use of by Haggai and Zecchariah at the rebuilding of the Temple. It is an acknowledgment of God's goodness to him, in advancing him from a low and af. flicted condition to the royal dignity.
445

Day 29.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 139.( T) Domine, probasti.
1. The omnipresence( 1) LORD, thou hast searched me out and known me thou knowest my down- sitting, and mine up- rising; thou understandest my thoughts long before( 2).
and of the Deity are sublimely manifested. 2. Before my deeds discovered them. 3." And art acquainted with."
2 Thou art about my path, and about my bed and spiest out( 3) all my ways.
3 For lo, there is not a word in my tongue: but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.
6. Even the night shall be light about me," for Thou art light!
THE PSALMS.
4 Thou hast fashioned me behind and before and laid thine hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me: I cannot attain unto it.
6 Whither shall I go then from thy spirit: or whither shall I go then from thy presence?
7 If I climb up into heaven, thou art 4. If I lie down in the there: if I go down to hell( 4), thou art there
grave.
also.
8 If I take the wings of the morning( 5): of the farthest East, and remain in the uttermost parts of the
5. Flee to the regions
sea;
or dwell in the remotest Western sea; the Mediterranean being west of Judea.
7. As is the darkness, so is the light; in the Hebrew.
9 Even there also shall thy hand lead me: and thy right hand shall hold me.
10 If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me: then shall my night be turned to day( 6);
11 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( 7).
12 For my reins are thine: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
T. Although this splendid Psalm is attributed to David, it is probable that it was written by some inspired person after the captivity, as there are many Chaldaisms in it: yet, for the purity and justness of religious sentiment, and for the force 446

THE PSALMS.
Day 29.
13 I will give thanks unto thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made( 1): marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.
14 My bones are not hid from thee: though I be made secretly, and fashioned beneath in the earth.
15 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect and in thy book were all my members written;
:
16 Which day by day were fashioned: when as yet there was none of them.
17 How dear are thy counsels( 2) unto me, O God: 0 how great is the sum of them!
18 If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand: when I wake up I am present with thee.
1. The medical writers of the ancients have declared that the structure of the.
human frame must be the work of a Supreme Being.
men.
20 For they speak unrighteously against thee and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them( 4), O Lord, that hate thee and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 Yea, I hate them right sore: even as though they were mine enemies.
23 Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart prove me, and examine my thoughts.
24 Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me: and lead me in the way everlasting.
2." How precious are Thy thoughts," Thy providential mercies.
19 Wilt thou not slay the wicked, O God( 3): depart from me, ye blood- thirsty 3." Surely Thou wilt
slay;" the Psalmist
draws this conclusion from what he has expatiated on at the beginning. 4. The term applies to the ways of the wicked; a good man hates not what God has made,( the persons of men), but what they have made themselves, their
own sins.
and beauty of the images, it is superlatively excellent. Surely no people, except the Jews, wrote in such strains, or were possessed of such sentiments. It seems evident from the latter part of this instructive Psalm, that the author penned it under persecution, as an appeal to the all- seeing Judge, between him and his enemies.
447

1.David prayeth pro-( 1) DELIVER me, O Lord, from the evil
against his
man and preserve me from the wicked man( 2).
calumniators. 2." The violent man;" namely, Saul.
3. David was persecuted as a rebel: Christ was crucified as a blasphemer!
4. Imagery allusive to the many devices used by fowlers in Eastern regions.
5 The proud have laid a snare for me, and spread a net abroad with cords: yea, and set traps in my way( 4).
6 I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my prayers, O Lord. 7 0 Lord God, thou strength of my 5." The strength of health( 5): thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
my salvation.
8 Let not the ungodly have his desire, O Lord let not his mischievous imagination prosper, lest they be too proud.
9 Let the mischief of their own lips fall upon the head of them that compass me about.
6. Alluding to the punishment of Sodom and Gomorah, and of Korah.
Day 29.
THE PSALMS.
PSALM 140.( u) Eripe me, Domine.
7. An evil speaker; in the Chaldee, a delator, with a threeforked tongue.
8." Shall dwell in
Thy presence."
29
2 Who imagine mischief in their hearts: and stir up strife all the day long( 3).
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: adder's poison is under their lips. 4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the ungodly preserve me from the wicked men, who are purposed to overthrow my goings.
10 Let hot burning coals fall upon them( 6) let them be cast into the fire, and into the pit, that they never rise up again.
11 A man full of words( 7) shall not prosper upon the earth evil shall hunt the wicked person to overthrow him.
12 Sure I am that the Lord will avenge the poor and maintain the cause of the helpless.
13 The righteous also shall give thanks unto thy Name: and the just shall continue in thy sight( 8).
u. This Psalm is a prayer of David for deliverance from the malice of his enemies; Doeg and the Ziphites, and Saul.
448

THE
PSALMS.
PSALM 141.( v) Domine, clamavi.
( 1) LORD, I call upon thee, haste thee unto me and consider my voice when I cry unto thee.
Day 29.
2 Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and keep the door of my lips.
40 let not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing: let me not be occupied in ungodly works with the men that work wickedness, lest I eat of such things as please them( 2).
3." Let the righteous
5 Let the righteous rather smite me friend- smite me; it shall be and reprove me.
ly
a kindness: and let
6 But let not their precious balms break my head( 3): yea, I will pray yet against their wickedness.
7 Let their judges be overthrown in stony places that they may hear my words, for they are sweet( 4).
8 Our bones lie scattered before the pit: like as when one breaketh and heweth wood upon the earth( 5).
9 But mine eyes look unto thee, O Lord God in thee is my trust, O cast not out my soul.
10 Keep me from the snare that they have laid for me and from the traps of the wicked doers.
11 Let the ungodly fall into their own nets together and let me ever escape them.
.
1. David, in the wilderness, implores
that his devotion, as incense, and his prayers, as an oblation, shall be accepted at the throne of grace.
2. That is, lest I partake of their society. ( Pro. 4. 17.)
him reprove me; it shall be an excellent
oil, which shall not break my head:" that is, depress me.
4. When their princes were dismissed from
the rocks, David mildly expostulated with Saul.( See 1. Sam. 24.) 5. Alluding to the slaughter of the Priests by Doeg: ( 1 Sam. 22.) the omission of burial
was considered by the Jews a sore calamity.
v. David composed this Psalm just before he was driven out of Judea, and fled to Achish, King of Gath, after that he had a second time spared Saul's life.( 1 Sam. 21. and 27.)
3 M

2. The 2d. v. should continue to here; and the 3d, commence from hence.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 142.( x) Voce mea ad Dominum.
1." Maschil of Da-( 1) I CRIED unto the Lord with my voice: yea, even unto the Lord did I make my supplication.
vid; a prayer when he was in the cave." ( See Ps. 57.)
3. That would defend me.( See Ps. 30.109.) 4. For my life.
5." Attend unto my cry.
""
6. Out of the cave; figuratively, the prison of the grave. 7. When" thou shalt deal bountifully with
me."
3rd. Ps. E. S. for Ash- Wednesday.
Day 29.
8. David beseeches God to overlook his sins, and mercifully to deliver him.
THE PSALMS.
2 I poured out my complaints before him: and shewed him of my trouble.
3 When my spirit was in heaviness( 2) thou knewest my path in the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for
me.
4 I looked also upon my right hand: and saw there was no man that would know me( 3).
5 I had no place to flee unto: and no man cared for my soul( 4).
6 I cried unto thee, O Lord, and said: Thou art my hope, and my portion in the land of the living.
7 Consider my complaint( 5): for I am brought very low.
80 deliver me from my persecutors: for they are too strong for me.
9 Bring my soul out of prison( 6), that I may give thanks unto thy Name:' which thing if thou wilt grant me, then shall the righteous resort unto my company( 7).
PSALM 143.( v) Domine, exaudi.
( 8) HEAR my prayer, O Lord, and consider my desire: hearken unto me for thy truth and righteousness' sake.
x. This Psalm, or rather Prayer, expressive of deep contrition and humility, was composed by David when in danger from Saul and the Philistines, at the cave of Adullum. 1 Sam. 22.
y. This is the 7th and last of the Penitential Psalms, and is supposed to have been composed by David during his flight
450

THE PSALMS.
Day 29.
2 And enter not into judgement with thy servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified( 1).
1. Adopted in the daily service.
3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; Ex. 34. 7; Ro. 3.20. he hath smitten my life down to the ground: he hath laid me in the darkness, as the men that have been long dead( 2).
4 Therefore is my spirit vexed within me: and my heart within me is desolate.
5 Yet do I remember the time past; I muse upon all thy works: yea, I exercise myself in the works of thy hands( 3).
6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land( 4).
7 Hear me, O Lord, and that soon, for my spirit waxeth faint: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
80 let me hear thy loving- kindness betimes in the morning( 5), for in thee is my trust: shew thou me the way that I should walk in, for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: for I flee unto thee to hide me.
10 Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee, for thou art my God let thy loving Spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousness( 6).
11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Name's sake and for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble( 7).
:
12 And of thy goodness slay mine enemies and destroy all them that vex my soul; for I am thy servant.
2. That is, I am driven to obscure places in the wilderness,( 2 Sam. 17.16.) with as little hope of restoration as if I
were dead.
3." I muse on the works" of mercy, which Thou hast
done for others.
4. Mercy to the penitent, is as rain, in its season, to the parched grass!
5. That is, speedily.
6. Or, through plain ground,( Ps. 27. 13.) from the mazes of
error, into the direct course of holiness.
7. Rather, thou shalt quicken,& c.; an act
of Faith; a conviction that what has been asked, He will grant!
from Absalom. It is an avowal of the impossibility of acceptance and salvation, but through grace; the recollection of former mercies suggest consolation under renewed distress.
451

1. David's thanksgiving to God, with prayer, to perfeet the work he had began.
2. See 2 Sam. 1.& c.
3. Spoken in rapture on the consideration of human life, prophetical also of Mes siah.( Heb. 2. 6.)
4. Them; that is, mine enemies.
5.A Scripture phrase, meaning deliver me from many people, Idolaters, as the Philistines,& c.
Day 30.
THE PSALMS.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 144.( z) Benedictus Dominus.
( 1) BLESSED be the Lord my strength who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight;
2 My hope and my fortress, my castle and deliverer, my defender in whom I trust: who subdueth my people that is under me( 2).
3 Lord, what is man, that thou hast such respect unto him or the son of man, that thou so regardest him( 3)?
4 Man is like a thing of nought his time passeth away like a shadow.
5 Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down touch the mountains, and they shall
smoke.
6 Cast forth thy lightning, and tear them: shoot out thine arrows, and consume them( 4).
7 Send down thine hand from above: deliver me, and take me out of the great waters, from the hand of strange children( 5);
8 Whose mouth talketh of vanity( 6): and
6. Professeth idolatry.
7." Of falsehood;" their right hand is a right hand of wicked.
ness( 7).
in the form of oath, the Juror held his right hand towards heaven.( Gen.14.22.) 8. St. Chrysostom explains this an illustrious Hymn for great victories.
9 I will sing a new( 8) song unto thee, O God and sing praises unto thee upon a tenstringed lute.
10 Thou hast given victory unto kings: and hast delivered David thy servant from the peril of the sword.
z. This Psalm appears to have been composed by David after his accession to the throne of Israel, but before all his. enemies were subdued. He seeks the further manifestation of Omnipotence, in their total overthrow, and in the prosperity of his people. It resembles the 8th Psalm, and, like it, may be truly considered an Evangelical Hymn.
452

THE PSALMS.
Day 30.
11 Save me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children( 1): whose mouth talketh of vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of iniquity.
12 That our sons may grow up as the young plants and that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple( 2).
13 That our garners may be full and plenteous with all manner of store( 3): that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets( 4).
14 That our oxen may be strong to labour, that there be no decay: no leading into captivity, and no complaining in our streets( 5).
15 Happy are the people that are in such a case: yea, blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God( 6).
PSALM 145.( A) Exaltabo te, Deus.
( 7) I WILL magnify thee, O God, my King: and I will praise thy Name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I give thanks unto thee: and praise thy Name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and marvellous, worthy to be praised there is no end of his greatness.
4 One generation shall praise thy works unto another and declare thy power.
5 As for me( 8), I will be talking of thy worship thy glory, thy praise, and wondrous works;
1. David's prayer that blessings may be bestowed on his kingdom;
2. of fair and virtuous posterities; 3. of plenteous harvests, and abundant
flocks.
4. Rather, fields.
5. That there be no
hostile invasion, no domestic dissention.. 6. God granted these blessings when His people kept His statutes.( Deut. 28. 4.)
2nd. Ps. E. S. for Whit- sunday.
7." David's Psalm of praise," extolling the merciful goodness and greatness of Him whose praise can have no end.
8. Rather, for them; the 3d. person should be substituted.
A. This admirable Hymn appears to have been composed by David, according to the promise in the foregoing Ps. v. 9, after ( 2 Sam. 7. 1.) God had given him rest from all his enemies. Like the parts of the 119th, every verse begins with a letter of the alphabet, in order; and it is an ancient Hebrew saying that," He could not fail to be a child of the world to come, who would say this Psalm three times a day." 453

1. The works of God thy greatness( 1).
are celebrated under three heads;
2. by manifesting His glory, which shall be published to all nations in all ages,
3. and by shewing forth the exertions of His power for perpetuating his kingdom.
4. Or, universal nature looks up unto Thee.
5." And satisfiest the desire of every living thing."
6. Bountiful in all His dispensations.
Day 30.
THE PSALMS.
6 So that men shall speak of the might of thy marvellous acts: and I will also tell of
7." In truth," with full conviction that He is able and willing to grant every prayer.
8." Will destroy."
7 The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be shewed: and men shall sing of thy righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful: longsuffering, and of great goodness.
9 The Lord is loving unto every man: and his mercy is over all his works.
10 All thy works praise thee, O Lord( 2): and thy saints give thanks unto thee.
11 They shew the glory of thy kingdom: and talk of thy power;
12 That thy power, thy glory, and mightiness of thy kingdom: might be known unto men( 3).
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.
14 The Lord upholdeth all such as fall: and lifteth up all those that are down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord( 4): and thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand: and fillest all things living with plenteousness( 5).
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways: and holy in all his works( 6).
18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: yea, all such as call upon him faithfully( 7).
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him he also will hear their cry, and will help them.
20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him but scattereth abroad( 8) all the ungodly.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord and let all flesh give thanks unto his holy Name for ever and ever.
454

THE PSALMS.
PSALM 146.( B) Lauda, anima mea.
( 1) PRAISE the Lord, O my soul, while I live will I praise the Lord: yea, as long as I have any being, I will sing praises unto my God.
20 put not your trust in princes, nor in any child of man for there is no help in them.
Day 30.
3 For when the breath of man goeth forth he shall turn again to his earth and then all his thoughts( 2) perish.
4 Blessed is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help: and whose hope is in the Lord his God( 3).
5 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: who keepeth his promise for ever.
1. The Church is taught to prolong the praise of Jehovah,
and not to trust in the power of the world.
455
2. Literally, his glitterings, those advantages as nothing in the sight of God.
3. All that follows, is descriptive and prophetic of Messiah.
6 Who helpeth them to right that suffer wrong who feedeth the hungry.
7 The Lord looseth men out of prison: the Lord giveth sight to the blind( 4).
4. David anticipates the fulfilment of these prophecies, which Christ appropriates to himself.
8 The Lord helpeth them that are fallen: the Lord careth for the righteous.
9 The Lord careth for the strangers( 5); he defendeth the fatherless and widow: as for the way of the ungodly, he turneth it tection. Deut. 14. 29. upside down( 6).
5. Or, the proselytes of the gate, who, were destitute of pro10 The Lord thy God, O Sion, shall be King for evermore: and throughout all generations.
6. He turneth it aside;
He maketh it to work to a different end
from that intended.
B. This Psalm, probably composed by David, has a visible aspect unto the eternal Son of God, in his incarnation, as is acknowledged by the Jews themselves. This, and the four following Psalms, in the Hebrew, begin and end with Hallelujah," Praise ye the Lord." Hitherto, in this divine Book, we have been presented with chequered scenes of distress, and mercy; henceforth we seem to be no longer in sorrow on earth, but in heaven, mingling, with celestial spirits in songs of praise!

1. An invocation to praise God for His mercies, especial and universal.
2.( Ez. 4. 12.) The walls were rebuilt, the gates re- erected, of the holy city.
Day 30.
3." Bindeth up their wounds."( Is. 61. 1.) 4. Figurative of the dispersed state of the Jews, and their re. union at Jerusalem.
2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem( 2): and gather together the out- casts of Israel. 3 He healeth those that are broken in heart and giveth medicine to heal their sickness( 3).
4 He telleth the number of the stars: and calleth them all by their names( 4).
5 Great is our Lord, and great is his power: yea, and his wisdom is infinite.
6 The Lord setteth up the meek and bringeth the ungodly down to the ground. 70 sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving sing praises upon the harp unto our God;
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth and maketh the grass to grow upon the moun5. The watchful care tains, and herb for the use of men( 5);
of Providence over all creation, is evidence to man that He will never fail him, nor forsake him.
THE PSALMS.
EVENING PRAYER.
PSALM 147.( c) Laudate Dominum.
( ¹) 0
PRAISE the Lord, for it is a good thing to sing praises unto our God: yea, a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful.
9 Who giveth fodder unto the cattle: and feedeth the young ravens that call upon him( 6).
10 He hath no pleasure in he strength of an horse: neither delighteth he in any man's
6. Luke 12. 24.
7. Rather, strength; legs( 7).
He favours men, not for their corporeal, but, for their moral qualities.
11 But the Lord's delight is in them that fear him and put their trust in his mercy. 12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.
13 For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates and hath blessed thy children within thee.
c. This Psalm seems to have been composed just after the restoration from captivity, upon the rebuilding of Jerusalem; many have attributed it to Nehemiah.
456

THE PSALMS.
Day 30.
14 He maketh peace in thy borders and filleth thee with the flour of wheat( 1).
15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth and his word runneth very swiftly( 2).
16 He giveth snow like wool: and scattereth the hoar- frost like ashes.
3. Rather, masses of
17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels( 3): congealed water; who is able to abide his frost?
that is, hail.
1. Deut. 32. 14.
:
2 Praise him, all ye angels of his praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars and light( 6).
4 Praise him, all ye heavens: and ye waters that are above the heavens.
2. All nature obeys His decree.
18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he bloweth with his wind, and the waters flow( 4).
19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob: his statutes and ordinances unto Israel.
20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: neither have the heathen knowledge of his mercy rest upon her,
laws.
vernal blessings bloom around her!
5 Let them praise the Name of the Lord: for he spake the word, and they were made; he commanded, and they were created.
6 He hath made them fast for ever and ever: he hath given them a law which shall not be broken.
4. As the sun regulateth the seasons, so doth God his Church; when He departeth,
a winter of sorrow awaiteth her; when the beams of His
PSALM 148.( D) Laudate Dominum.
( 5) PRAISE the Lord of heaven: praise 5. The Psalmist calls
him in the height.
upon
choir to open the Song of Praise.
6. In their splendour, these speak the glory of God; in their submission to His laws, do they call upon men to imitate their implicit obedience.
7. Rather, serpents, and the caverns in
7 Praise the Lord upon earth: ye dragons, which ye dwell; and all deeps( 7);
enormous snakes are often found in
8 Fire and hail, snow and vapours: wind and storm, fulfilling his word;
hot countries, at
the bottom of pits.
D. This most beautiful Psalm, calling upon Heaven and earth to declare the transcendant power and munificence of their Creator, was probably composed by David, when God had given him rest from all his enemies.( 2 Sam. 7. 1.)
3 N

1. That is, all forest trees.
2. Creeping things, and birds of the wing; in the Heb.
3. All who have finished their course, all who are entering
upon it.
4. Expressive of David on his throne, surrounded by his triumphant people.
7. Dances were usual in religious ceremonies, on festal occasions.( 2 Sam. 6.14.) 8." He will beautify the meek with salvation."
Day 30.
THE PSALMS.
9 Mountains and all hills: fruitful trees and all cedars( 1);
5. The chosen of God( 5) SING unto the Lord a new song( 6): let the congregation of saints praise
are excited to rejoice. 6. An illustrious Hymn.( Ps. 144. 9.)
9. Or, sing aloud on their couches; on these they lay at their banquets.
0. The Jews usually sang praises to God, as they advanced to combat. 2 Ch. 20. 21.
10 Beasts and all cattle: worms and feathered fowls( 2);
11 Kings of the earth and all people: princes and all judges of the world;
12 Young men and maidens, old men and children( 3), praise the Name of the Lord: for his Name only is excellent, and his praise above heaven and earth.
13 He shall exalt the horn of his people; all his saints shall praise him even the children of Israel, even the people that serveth him( 4).
PSALM 149.( E) Cantate Domino.
him.
2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him and let the children of Sion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise his Name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with tabret and harp( 7).
4 For the Lord hath pleasure in his people: and helpeth the meek- hearted( 8).
5 Let the saints be joyful with glory: let them rejoice in their beds( 9).
6 Let the praises of God be in their mouth and a two- edged sword in their hands( 0);
7 To be avenged of the heathen: and to rebuke the people;
E. David was, no doubt, the author of this Psalm, which refers to his going out to war against the remnant of the devoted nations, and to the victory vouchsafed to his people. It mystically contains the triumph of the Christian faith over Heathen potentates.
458

THE PSALMS.
Day 30.
:
8 To bind their kings in chains and their 1. To be avenged of nobles with links of iron( 1).
the Heathens and their Princes.
9 That they may be avenged of them, as it is written( 2): such honour have all his
2." To execute upon them the judgment written."( Deut.7.)
saints.
PSALM 150.( F) Laudate Dominum.
( 3) PRAISE God in his holiness( 4) praise him in the firmament of his
3.David calleth upon all to praise the Lord of life.
power.
2 Praise him in his noble acts( 5): praise 4." His sanctuary." him according to his excellent greatness.
5." For his mighty acts.
33
3 Praise him in the sound of the trumpet: praise him upon the lute and harp( 6).
4 Praise him in the cymbals and dances: praise him upon the strings and pipe.
5 Praise him upon the well- tuned cymbals praise him upon the loud cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath: praise the Lord.*
6. It was the peculiar office of the Priests to blow with the trumpet, and, of the Levites,' to sing with cymbals, and harps. ( See 1 Chr. 25. 6.)
F. To David also, with little doubt, we may attribute this fine concluding Poem; it appears to be a grand chorus of all the voices and instruments belonging to the Tabernacle.
* With this wish the Psalmist of Israel closes the Songs of Sion. We can scarcely, says Bishop Lowth, conceive rightly of the original and perfect state of man, unless we assign to him the aids of harmony and poetical expression, to enable him to testify, with becoming dignity, his devout affections towards his infinite Creator! the solemnity of sacred music wafts humanity from the business of earth, to the pleasures of heaven: of these, it is revealed to us, that they consist in the practice of holy music, and holy love; for, saith St. John, ( Rev. 14. 2.)" I heard the voice of harpers, harping upon their harps;"" I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia, salvation and glory, and honour, ( Rev. 19. 1.) and power unto the Lord our God."
459
Let the breath of temporal life which God hath given us, in the blessed hope of life eternal through Christ Jesus, be returned in HALLELUJAHS!

THE MINISTRATION OF
PUBLICK BAPTISM OF INFANTS,
TO BE USED IN THE CHURCH.
Baptism is the Sacrament of our initiation into Christianity. As to the form, Our Saviour only instituted the essential part of it, namely, that it hould be performed by a proper Minister," in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."( Matt. 28. 19.) But as for the rites and circumstances of the administration of it, He left them to the determination of the Apostles and of the Church. Without doubt, a Form of Baptism was very early agreed upon, because almost all the Churches in the world do administer it much in the same manner. The Rites of Baptism, in the earliest times, were performed in fountains and rivers, subsequently in" Fonts,"( thence so called) which were built, and consecrated for greater reverence. These were originally set in the Church porch, significantly, because Baptism is the entrance into the Church mystical. Water has so natural a property of cleansing, that it has been made the symbol of purification by all nations, and used with that signification in the rites of all Religions. Nor can any thing better represent" regeneration," or new birth"( which our Saviour requires) than washing with water, since it is the first office done to us after our natural Births. Other rites were also used by the primitive Christians, such as giving to the newly- baptized, milk, and honey, and salt; putting upon them white garments to resemble the swaddling, & c.& c. all which was done to represent spiritual birth and infancy.( See Ezek. 16. 4.)
66
As the Jews had sureties at Circumcision, so the primitive Christians had sponsors to engage for such as were baptized; and it is required of them to answer in their own person, as if the child spake by them.
The administration of this Ordinance in our Church contains, first, prayers for sanctifying the child and the water; secondly, the Form of baptizing instituted by Christ himself; thirdly, the solemn receiving it into the Church.
460

Publick Baptism of Infants.
The Minister, who derives his authority from the Apostles, names the child with a new name answerable to the new nature it imbibes, and sprinkles it with the water, in the name of the Holy Trinity, signing it on the forehead with the sign of the cross, for the public manifestation that the child has now been received into the congregation of Christ's flock, as a perfect member thereof.
Though our Church requires that children should be publickly baptized; and prescribes the Font for the place of Baptism; yet, in cases of necessity, it is provided, that a child may be baptized by a Minister in any proper place at another time; in such cases requiring that it should subsequently be publickly admitted into the Church.
T The people are to be admonished, that it is most convenient that Baptism should not be administered but upon Sundays, and other Holy- days, when the most number of people come together; as well for that the Congregation there present may testify the receiving of them that be newly baptized into the number of Christ's Church; as also because in the Baptism of Infants every Man present may be put in remembrance of his own profession made to God in his Baptism. For which cause also it is expedient that Baptism be ministered in the vulgar tongue. Nevertheless,( if necessity so require,) Children may be baptized upon any other day.
And note, that there shall be for every Male- child to be baptized two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every Female, one Godfather and two Godmothers.
When there are Children to be baptized, the Parents shall give knowledge thereof over night, or in the morning before the beginning of Morning Prayer, to the Curate. And then the Godfathers and Godmothers, and the people with the Children, must be ready at the Font, either immediately after the last Lesson at Morning Prayer, or else immediately after the last Lesson at Evening Prayer, as the Curate by his discretion shall appoint. And the Priest coming to the Font,( which is then to be filled with pure Water,) and standing there, shall say,
HATH this Child been already baptized, or no?
If they answer, No: Then shall the Priest proceed as followeth. 461

Publick Baptism of Infants.
DEARLY beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and
born in sin; and that our Saviour Christ saith, None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born anew of Water and of the Holy Ghost; I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous mercy he will grant to this Child that thing which by nature he cannot have; that he may be baptized with Water and the holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy Church, and be made a lively member of the same.
Then shall the Priest say,
Let us pray.
AL
LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy didst save Noah and his family in the ark from perishing by water; and also didst safely lead the children of Israel thy people through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy Baptism; and by the Baptism of thy well- beloved Son Jesus Christ, in the river Jordan, didst sanctify Water to the mystical washing away of sin; We beseech thee, for thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully look upon this Child; wash him and sanctify him with the holy Ghost; that he being delivered from thy wrath, may be received into the ark of Christ's Church; and being stedfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally he may come to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with thee world without end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succour, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead; We call upon thee for this Infant, that he coming to thy holy Baptism, may receive remission of his sins, by spiritual regeneration. Receive him, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well- beloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: So give now unto us that ask; let us that seek find; open the gate unto us that knock; that this Infant may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.
462

Publick Baptism of Infants.
Then shall the People stand up, and the Priest shall say, Hear the words of the Gospel written by Saint Mark, in the tenth Chapter, at the 13th Verse.
THEY brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this brief Exhortation upon the words of the Gospel.
BEL
ELOVED, ye hear in this Gospel the words of our Saviour Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him; how he blamed those that would have kept them from him; how he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency. Ye perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will toward them; for he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not therefore, but earnestly believe, that he will likewise favourably receive this present Infant; that he will embrace him with the arms of his mercy; that he will give unto him the blessing of eternal life, and make him partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore we being thus persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father towards this Infant, declared by his Son Jesus Christ; and nothing doubting but that he favourably alloweth this charitable work of ours in bringing this Infant to his holy Baptism; let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say,
Α'
LMIGHTY and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, for that thou hast vouchsafed 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 Infant; that he may be born again, and be made an heir of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
463

Publick Baptism of Infants.
Then shall the Priest speak unto the Godfathers and Godmothers on this wise.
DEARLY beloved, ye have brought this Child here to be baptized; ye have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive him, to release him of his sins, to sanctify him with the Holy Ghost, to give him the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. Ye have heard also, that our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his Gospel to grant all these things that ye have prayed for: which promise he, for his part, will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, this Infant must also faithfully, for his part, promise by you that are his sureties,( until he come of age to take it upon himself,) that he will renounce the devil and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy Word, and obediently keep his commandments.
I demand therefore,
DOST thou, in the name of this Child, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them? Answer. I renounce them all.
Minister. DOST thou believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth?
And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our Lord? And that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; and from thence he shall come again at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholick Church; the Communion of Saints; the Remission of sins; the Resurrection of the flesh; and everlasting life after death? Answer. All this I stedfastly believe.
Minister. WILT thou be baptized in this faith?
Answer. That is my desire.
464

Publick Baptism of Infants.
Minister. WILT thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all
the days of thy life?
Answer. I will.
Then shall the Priest say,
0 MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in this Child may
be so buried, that the new man may be raised up in him. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen. Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph, against the devil, the world, and the flesh.Amen.
Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live, and govern all things, world without end. Amen.
ALMIGHTY, everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; Regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy congregation; sanctify this water to the mystical washing away of sin; and grant that this Child, now to be baptized therein, may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then the Priest shall take the Child into his hands, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers,
Name this Child.
TAnd then naming it after them( if they shall certify him that the Child may well endure it) he shall dip it in the Water discreetly and warily, saying,
N. I baptize thee In the Name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
But if they certify that the Child is weak, it shall suffice to pour Water upon it, saying the foresaid words,
30

Publick Baptism of Infants.
N. I baptize thee In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
Holy
Amen.
T Then the Priest shall say,
shall
Here the Priest WE receive this Child into the congregation of Christ's flock,* and do
a cross pon the Child's forehead.
the sign of the Cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end. Amen.
T Then shall the Priest say,
SE EEING now, dearly beloved brethren, that this Child is regenerate, and grafted into the body of Christ's Church, let us give thanks unto Almighty God for these benefits; and with one accord make our prayers unto him, that this Child may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning.
T Then shall be said, all kneeling;
OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen. T Then shall the Priest say,
WE yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased thee to regenerate this Infant with thy holy Spirit, to receive him for thine own Child by adoption, and to incorporate him into thy holy Church. And humbly we beseech thee to grant, that he, being dead unto sin, and living unto righteousness, and being buried with Christ in his death, may crucify the old man, and utterly abolish the whole body of sin; and that, as he is made partaker of the death of thy Son, he may also be partaker of his resurrection; so that finally, with the residue of thy holy Church, he may be an inheritor of thine everlasting kingdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
466

Publick Baptism of Infants.
T Then, all standing up, the Priest shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers this Exhortation following.
FORASMUCH as this Child hath promised by you his sureties
to renounce the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him; ye must remember, that it is your parts and duties to see that this Infant be taught, so soon as he shall be able to learn, what a solemn vow, promise, and profession, he hath here made by you. And that he may know these things the better, ye shall call upon him to hear Sermons; and chiefly ye shall provide, that he may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in the vulgar tongue, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul's health; and that this Child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life; remembering always, that Baptism doth represent unto us our profession; which is, to follow the example of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like unto him; that, as he died, and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousness; continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living.
Then shall he add and say,
YE are to take care that this Child be brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by him, so soon as he can say the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in the vulgar tongue, and be further instructed in the Church- Catechism set forth for that purpose.
IT is certain by God's Word, that Children which are baptized, dying before they commit actual sin, are undoubtedly saved.
To take away all scruple concerning the use of the sign of the Cross in Baptism; the true explication thereof, and the just reasons for the retaining of it, may be seen in the xxxth Canon, first published in the Year MDCIV.
467

A CATECHISM
THAT IS TO SAY,
AN INSTRUCTION, TO BE LEARNED OF EVERY PERSON BEFORE HE BE BROUGHT TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE BISHOP.
Catechism signifies instruction in the first rudiments of every Art or Science, communicated by asking questions and correcting the answers. From the earliest ages of the Church the word has been employed by Ecclesiastical writers in a more restrained sense to denote instruction in the principles of the Christian religion. The instructing of children in points of faith and duty is commanded by God( Deut. 6. 7.); in all ages it has been enjoined and practised by pious men( Gen. 18.19; Ps. 78. 4; Eph. 6. 4.); and it is Christ's especial charge to Ministers, to feed His lambs( John 21. 15.). In the early Christian churches, extreme care was taken to instruct the Catechumens in the principles of Christianity, and the new converts, who were to be baptized at Easter, were catechised all the forty days of Lent. But, since we generally baptize only infants, we are bound to provide for their understanding the covenant they then enter into. Our Catechism is not a large system, or body of divinity, to puzzle the heads of young beginners; but only a clear explication of the baptismal vow; originally, it consisted of no more than the repetition of that vow, or the renunciation, the Creed and the Lord's Prayer; which, with the Ten Commandments, was the whole at the Reformation; and this Catechism was ratified by the Parlia-. ment in 1548. Afterwards, K. James I. appointed the Bishops to add a short and plain explanation of the doctrine of the Sacraments, which was done accordingly in that excellent form which we now use.
The Catechism, thus appointed, is so short, that the youngest may learn it by heart; and yet so full, that it contains all things necessary to understand aright the nature of those doctrines and duties which a Christian, by Sponsors at his Baptism, has solemnly declared himself to believe, and has engaged to perform: so that, being" come to years of discretion," he shall be prepared to take the vow upon himself, and shall be confirmed by the Bishop. The holy rite of" Confirm468

A Catechism.
ation" though not instituted by Christ, is administered by the ceremony of imposition of hands on the head of each person, with prayer for the grace of the Holy Spirit, as used by the Apostles( Acts 8. 12-17).
Question.
WHAT is your name?
N. or M.
Answer.
Q. Who gave you this name?
A. My Godfathers and Godmothers in my Baptism; wherein
I was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven.
Q. What did your Godfathers and Godmothers then for you? A. They did promise and vow three things in my name: First, that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. Secondly, that I should believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith. And Thirdly, that I should keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life.
Q. Dost thou not think that thou art bound to believe, and to do, as they have promised for thee?
A. Yes, verily; and by God's help so I will. And I heartily thank our heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. And I pray unto God to give me his grace, that I may continue in the same unto my life's end.
Catechist.
Rehearse the Articles of thy belief.
Answer. I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 469

A Catechism.
Q. What dost thou chiefly learn in these Articles of thy Belief?
A. First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who hath made me, and all the world;
Secondly, in God the Son, who hath redeemed me, and all mankind;
Thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me, and all the elect people of God.
Q. You said that your Godfathers and Godmothers did promise for you, that you should keep God's Commandments: Tell me how many there be?
A. Ten.
Q. Which be they?
Answer. THE
same which God spake in the twentieth chapter of Exodus, saying, I am the Lord thy God,
who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I. Thou shalt have none other gods but me.
II. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my Commandments.
III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain.
IV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath- day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man- servant, and thy maid- servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.
V. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI. Thou shalt do no murder.
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.
470

A Catechism.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. Q.
What dost thou chiefly learn by these Commandments? A. I learn two things: My duty towards God, and my duty towards my Neighbour.
Q. What is thy duty towards God?
A. My duty towards God, is to believe in him, to fear him, and to love him with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength; to worship him, to give him thanks, to put my whole trust in him, to call upon him, to honour his holy Name and his Word, and to serve him truly all the days of my life.
Q. What is thy duty towards thy Neighbour?
A. My duty towards my Neighbour, is to love him as myself, and to do to all men as I would they should do unto me: To love, honour, and succour my father and mother: to hohour and obey the King, and all that are put in authority under him: To submit myself to all my governors, teachers, spiritual pastors and masters: To order myself lowly and reverently to all my betters: To hurt nobody by word or deed: To be true and just in all my dealings: To bear no malice nor hatred in my heart: To keep my hands from picking and stealing, and my tongue from evil speaking, lying, and slandering: To keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity: Not to covet nor desire other men's goods; but to learn and labour truly to get mine own living, and to do my duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call me.
Catechist. My good Child, know this, that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the Commandments of God, and to serve him, without his special grace; which thou must learn at all times to call for by diligent prayer: Let me hear therefore, if thou canst say the Lord's Prayer.
Answer. 0 UR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses. As wef orgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
471

A Catechism.
Q. What desirest thou of God in this Prayer? A. I desire my Lord God our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all goodness, to send his grace unto me, and to all people; that we may worship him, serve him, and obey him, as we ought to do. And I pray unto God, that he will send us all things that be needful both for our souls and bodies; and that he will be merciful unto us, and forgive us our sins; and that it will please him to save and defend us in all dangers ghostly and bodily; and that he will keep us from all sin and wickedness, and from our ghostly enemy, and from everlasting death. And this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness, through our Lord Jesus Christ: And therefore I say Amen; so be it.
Question.
How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church? A.
Two only, as generally necessary to salvation; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.
Q. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament?
A. I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.
Q. How many parts are there in a Sacrament?
A. Two; the outward visible sign, and the inward spiritual grace.
Q. What is the outward visible sign, or form in Baptism? A. Water; wherein the person is baptized, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace?
A. A death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness: for being by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath, we are hereby made the children of grace.
8: What is required of persons to be baptized? A.
Repentance, whereby they forsake sin; and Faith, whereby they stedfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament.
Q. Why then are Infants baptized, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them?
A. Because they promise them both by their sureties; which promise, when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform.
472

A Catechism.
Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ordained? A. For the continual, remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of Christ, and of the benefits which we receive thereby.
Q. What is the outward part, or sign of the Lord's Supper? A. Bread and Wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received.
Q. What is the inward part, or thing signified?
A. The Body and Blood of Christ, which are verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper.
Q. What are the benefits, whereof we are partakers thereby? A. The strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the Body and Blood of Christ, as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine.
Q. What is required of them who come to the Lord's Supper?
A. To examine themselves, whether they repent them truly of their former sins, stedfastly purposing to lead a new life, I have a lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death; and be in charity with all men.
The Curate of every Parish shall diligently upon Sundays and Holy- Days, after the second Lesson at Evening Prayer, openly in the Church instruct and examine so many Children of his Parish sent unto him as he shall think convenient, in some part of this Catechism.
And all Fathers, Mothers, Masters, and Dames, shall cause their Children, Servants, and Apprentices( which have not learned their Catechism) to come to the Church at the time appointed, and obediently to hear, and be ordered by the Curate, until such time as they have learned all that is here appointed for them to learn.
So soon as Children are come to a competent age, and can say in their mother tongue, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments; and also can answer to the other Questions of this short Catechism; they shall be brought to the Bishop. And every one shall have a Godfather, or a Godmother, as a witness of their Confirmation.
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Confirmation.
And whensoever the Bishop shall give knowledge for Children to be brought unto him for their Confirmation, the Curate of every Parish shall either bring, or send in writing, with his hand subscribed thereunto, the Names of all such Persons within his Parish, as he shall think fit to be presented to the Bishop to be confirmed. And if the Bishop approve of them, he shall confirm them in manner following.
THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION,
OR LAYING ON OF HANDS UPON THOSE THAT ARE BAPTIZED, AND COME TO YEARS OF DISCRETION.
Upon the Day appointed, all that are to be then confirmed, being placed, and standing in order before the Bishop; he( or some other Minister appointed by him) shall read this Preface following.
To
the end that confirmation may be ministered to the more edifying of such as shall receive it, the Church hath thought good to order, That none hereafter shall be confirmed, but such as can say the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments; and can also answer to such other Questions, as in the short Catechism are contained: which order is very convenient to be observed; to the end, that children, being now come to the years of discretion, and having learned what their Godfathers and Godmothers promised for them in Baptism, they may themselves with their own mouth and consent, openly before the Church, ratify and confirm the same; and also promise, that by the grace of God they will evermore endeavour themselves faithfully to observe such things, as they, by their own confession, have assented unto. Then shall the Bishop say,
Do ye here, in the presence of God, and of this Congregarenew the vow that was
in your name at your Baptism; ratifying and confirming the same in your own persons, and acknowledging yourselves bound to believe, and to do, all those things which your Godfathers and Godmothers then undertook for you?
474

Confirmation.
And every one shall audibly answer,
I do.
The Bishop.
OUR UR help is in the Name of the Lord; Answer.
Who hath made heaven and earth. Bishop. Blessed be the Name of the Lord; Answer. Henceforth, world without end. Bishop. Lord, hear our prayers; Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.
1
The Bishop. Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate these thy servants by Water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given unto them forgiveness of all their sins; Strengthen them, we beseech thee, O Lord, with the Holy Ghost the Comforter, and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts of grace; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel, and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness; and fill them, O Lord, with the spirit of Amen. thy holy fear, now and for ever.
Then all of them in order kneeling before the Bishop, he shall lay his hand upon the head of every one severally, saying, DEFEND, O Lord, this thy child[ or this thy servant] with
thy heavenly grace, that he may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until he come unto thy everlasting kingdom. Amen.
Then shall the Bishop say,
The Lord be with you;
Answer. And with thy spirit.
And( all kneeling down) the Bishop shall add,
Let us pray.
OUI UR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen. 475

Confirmation.
And this Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who makest us both to will and to do those things that be good and acceptable unto thy divine Majesty; We make our humble supplications unto thee for these thy servants, upon whom,( after the example of thy holy Apostles) we have now laid our hands, to certify them( by this sign) of thy favour and gracious goodness towards them. Let thy fatherly hand, we beseech thee, ever be over them; let thy Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of thy Word, that in the end they may obtain everlasting life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we
beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy Commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall bless them, saying thus,
THE Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.
And there shall none be admitted to the Holy Communion, until such time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confirmed.
THE END.
PRINTED BY W. NICOL, CLEVELAND- ROW,
ST. JAMES's.

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