SAINT PHILIP AND SAINT JAMES'S DAY.

For the knowledge of Christ.

O GOD ALMIGHTY, whom to know,
All other knowledge passeth so,
That whoso that doth once possess,
Findeth therein staid blessedness!
Give us such heavenly grace, that we
May know Christ Jesus perfectly,
And find in him thus truly known,
That heaven-appointed way alone,
Where we may learn that certain lore,
Which leads to life for evermore!
Instructed thus, O may we go,

Long as we sojourn here below,
With upright hearts and honest aims,

After Saint Philip and Saint James;

And tread with firm unfaultering pace,

The known straight forward Christian race,

Which lies through paths though rugged, vernal, Opening into life 'eternal;

Where those great saints, departed hence,

Have found their mighty recompense;

Where we through Christ may wear with them, Faith's amaranthine diadem.

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

For holiness of heart and life.

O GOD, from whom alone proceeds
That fixed and tranquil mood

Of holy thoughts and virtuous deeds,
Which make man truly good.

Inspire our humbled hearts, inspire Else wavering though they be, With one pure, single, strong desire Of pleasing only thee!

And lest our love in wishes die,
A transient, useless flame;
Still more and more of grace supply,
Whence those good wishes came!

Yes, let thy grace our minds pursue,
And help our weakness still,
To prove our faith in Jesus true,
By living to thy will!

THE ASCENSION DAY.

For heavenly mindedness.

GRANT, mighty God, for mercy's sake, The prayer thy humble servants make! O grant, that as by faith we know, After short sojourn here below

His Father's work completely ended,
Thy Son to his own Heaven ascended ;
E'en so may we who bear his name,

In spirit and in life the same,
On wings of love like Seraphim

In heart and mind soar after him,

And by pure thoughts and living well,
With him continually dwell;-
With him who in the lowly breast

Of contrite sinner stoops to rest,

Yet reigns the while in glory's height,
Prince of the flaming sons of light,
Who praises sing, triumphant host,
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY.

For the comforting influences of the Holy Ghost.

O GOD, the king of glory, who didst raise

Thy Son from death, which he for man did bear; And 'midst bright throngs of angels, harping praise, Led'st him in triumph through the fields of air, Back to the throne of God; O, hear our pray❜r, And leave not thy frail children comfortless! But visit us with sweet refreshings here

Of that good Spirit, which unseen doth bless