THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

For the benefits of Christs death and example.

ALMIGHTY GOD, who gav'st thine only son
To save us sinful men, so to complete
The sacrifice for sins which we have done,
And guide aright our all-too-wandering feet;
Grant to thy servants wisdom, we intreat,
To take with thankfulness thine offered grace;
And in the spirit of obedience sweet,

The steps of his most holy life to trace,

A sweet though thorny path, towards heaven thy dwelling place.

THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

For grace to live according to our profession.

O GOD, our helper and our guide,

Whence all our wants are still supplied;

Who saving truth from heaven dost bring,
A light to lead the wandering,

To lead man's wretched soul that strays,
To peaceful paths and pleasant ways!
O grant to all and every one,

Who take their name from Christ thy Son,
That they may live on earth, as he,
Marked by upright consistency;
Well taught to hate and to eschew,
Whate'er beseems them not to do;
With bold, unwavering, honest heart,
To act that godly Christian part,
Which still fulfils thy blessed will,
Albeit it suits the world but ill :

So may Christ's saints' example bright,
Cast round their sphere a holy light,
Till freed from this world's orbit dim,

They shine like stars of heaven with him.

SAINT MARK'S DAY.

For steadfastness in the true faith.

MIGHTY GOD, whose boundless love

Sent true wisdom from above;

Gifted many a holy seer

Truth's light-streaming torch to rear,

Chasing error far away,

Shamed by that pure vivid ray,

Thence on wildered mortals cast,

The covenant's sweet antepast.
Who shall bless thee, as we ought,
For saints that Jesus' Gospel brought?
Strong in his almighty name
They rode in chariot of flame,
And like lightning-flash unfurl'd,
Pierced each corner of the world.
Oh, how fled each lingering mist
Before the great evangelist!
High he reared his beacon bright,
Thy lost church to guide aright,

And eternal sunshine spread

On her late beclouded head.

Vast and endless source of bliss,

Who shall praise thee, Lord, for this!

Half our thanks we cannot say;

We will chuse a meeter way,

We will live devote to thee,

Hence from sin and error free;

This, good Lord, shall please thee well;

This, shall best our praises tell;

Only grant us daily aid

Still to keep our purpose staid:
Grant us lasting grace that we

Ne'er unfixed in mind may

be,

Tossed about weak children-wise,

By vain teachers' fantasies;

But well-rooted in that lore

Which our fathers loved before,

In the gospel mystery

Firm may live, and firm may die ;
To our children handing down,
The old faith in Christ thy Son.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

For heavenly affections.

ALMIGHTY GOD! whose secret power alone
Can rule the workings of man's sinful mind,
Making his will, though free, still serve thine own,
And his affections as thou lead'st, inclin'd;

Grant, Lord, that we may choose, with love entire,
Those holy deeds thy wisdom bids us do;
And our well governed hearts alone desire
What thy blest promise guides us to pursue;
So while all else is changing, as in sport,

While nought though seeming staid, remaineth so, Our hearts with one unwavering, strong effort,

May dwell on things, nor change nor chances know, On those pure joys, that grow on heavenly ground, And only in God's paradise are found.