XXX. AT CHRISTMAS. OUR Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name! With the voice of praise do we come to thee, That thou hast visited us in our low estate, And raised up for us a Saviour, Promised of old by thy holy Prophets, And declared to be the Son of God with power. Thanks that the song has encircled the earth Which was first heard on Bethlehem's plain: Glory to God in the highest, Peace on earth, good-will towards men. May our hearts be attuned to that praise, And, from the fulness of our joy for a Saviour, Thanks that we may bring gifts to thy child Jesus; Assurance that on him thou hast laid our help, Hearts joyful in the truth he brings from heaven, Souls longing to possess his divine life, Father, these are our offerings; if sincere, Than gold, frankincense, and myrrh. O God, may every return of this day Witness new triumphs of the kingdom of thy Son. Give it more power in each of our souls; Extend its dominion of truth, peace, and love; Bless all efforts to send it abroad through the world, Till the uttermost parts of the earth shall rejoice, And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Amen. XXXI. AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. ALMIGHTY GOD, who inhabitest eternity, Who art without beginning of years, And whose days shall have no end; We, thy children, who are of yesterday, · Ackowledging thy care, we look back Thy love hath bestowed our enjoyments; Thy wisdom hath appointed our trials; And because we have obtained help from thee, We have continued to this time. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits, Who healeth all thy sicknesses, Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, Who crownest thy days with goodness. O God, with thoughtful minds may we remember That a year of our life is gone, Its moments never to be recalled, Of our forgetfulness of God, May not the last sun of this year go down For thy mercy's sake, grant us thy pardon. We remember those, a year since with us, When our days on earth are passed. That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. For that spirit of Jesus which is life eternal, With stronger faith, and quickened diligence, And be safe and enduring for ever. To thee be the glory, through him. Amen. 16 |