XX. THAT WE MAY FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF GOOD MEN. FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, And plead with us to walk in their steps; Be as the voice of God in the soul. We thank thee that there have been those Whose lives shine as the light, Holy men who have feared God, Brave men who have upheld the right, Generous men who have lived for others' good, Men who chose suffering rather than wrong, And felt thy favor to be better than life. Our Father in heaven, we thank thee, That, without the honors and riches of this world, Verily they have their reward, In the approval of their consciences We mark the perfect man and upright, O let their pure and noble lives May we feel that in our humble sphere We exercise their faith, their courage, may Their love for man, their fear of God; Above all, draw us to Him In whom centre all rays of excellence; XXI. TO BE GUIDED INTO ALL TRUTH. ALMIGHTY GOD, who art light, And give us the wisdom that is from above. From contentment with imperfect views, From neglect of continued study of thy Word. May they long for more quickening truth. On us be the blessings he pronounced On the poor in spirit and the pure in heart. The truth that is not a spirit of bondage to fear, But of love and of a sound mind; The truth that sanctifieth and maketh free; That to him alone they stand or fall. Give us love for all who love thee. Amid diversities of belief, May there be the spirit of truth, — The unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Over error and wrong and sin be it triumphant, And Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. Amen. XXII. FOR OUR HOMES. OUR Father who art in heaven, If we have been secretly disobedient to them, And implore thy divine forgiveness. And now, so may we live, O God, That father and mother, and brother and sister, |