Sexagesima. "We according to His promise look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”—2 Pet. iii. 13. 39 TO crown that perfect bliss of Thine, Thou bid'st a world to live. 2. The morning stars together sing, For earth and skies to being spring 3. But while so fair to outward view A fairer world Thy will foreknew 4. Its Maker Christ, our Lord and God, 5. And soon, its earthly travail o'er, 6. Thy new creation, Lord, direct, 'Till fixed above secure; O Father, from its foes protect; O cleanse it, Spirit pure. Amen. "The seed is the word of God."-S Luke, viii. 11. 40 ALMIGHTY God, Thy word is cast Like seed into the ground: D Now let the dew of Heaven descend, 2. Let not the foe of Christ and man 3. Let not the world's deceitful cares 4. Where'er the precious seed is sown, 5. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Be glory; as it was, is now, Quinquagesima. Amen. "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."-1 Cor. xiii. 13. 41 SUPREME Disposer of the heart, With heavenly grace hast sanctified 2. Here Faith and Hope, and Love, unite And there where we shall live for aye, 3. O, holy Love, unfading Light, That after all our sorrows here, 4. Here yet a while with many a tear There hope to see the promis'd fruits, 5. O holy Three, One God of might, And crown them in the world to come Lent. "Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar."-Joel, ii. 17. 42 THE solemn season on us calls And now within the temple's walls 2. But vain all outward sign of grief, 3. We smite the breast, we weep in vain, Unless with penitential pain The smitten soul be torn. 4. O holy Judge, O God, relent, The sword uplifted stay, And grant a season to repent, And teach our hearts to pray. 5 Great Three in One, Thy Name we bless, Thy praises ever sing, O grant that fruits of righteousness "Turn ye even to Me, with all your heart, and with fast ing, and with weeping, and with mourning.”—Joel, ii. 12. 43 THOU gracious Author of our days, Unto the mournful prayer we raise 2. Thou, Searcher of our hearts, dost know How vile and weak we be; But, Lord, Thy pard'ning mercy show; 3. Much have we sinn'd, but we confess, O, for the praise of Thy great Name, 4. And grant us, while by care we strive To fast from all that nurtures sin, 5. Great Three in One, Thy Name we bless, Thy praises ever sing, O grant that fruits of righteousness "Enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified."-- Ps. cxliii. 2. 44 LORD, turn not Thy face from me Who lie in woeful state, Lamenting all my sinful life Before Thy mercy gate: 2. A gate which opens wide to those Shut not that gate against me, Lord, 3. O call me not to strict account For then I know right well, O Lord! 4. O Lord, I need not to repeat 5. Mercy, good Lord, mercy I ask, "I am the Light of the world."-S. John, viii. 12. 45* CHRIST! Thou art our Light! our Day! *For an Evening Service. |