COLLECT

FOR THE TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

O God, our refuge and strength, who art the Author of all godliness, be ready, we beseech Thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

QUESTIONS ON THE COLLECT.

1. What is GOD here said to be?

2. What else?

3. What does the word "Author" mean? 4. What do we here petition?

5. What is it to "ask faithfully?"

6. What texts are illustrated here?

ANSWER.

James v. 16.

Psalm xc. 1. Hebrews xii. 2.

COLLECT

FOR THE TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

O Lord, we beseech Thee, absolve thy people from their offences; that through thy bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the bands of those sins which by our frailty we have committed; grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

QUESTIONS ON THE COLLECT.

1. What is it to "absolve?"

2. What is meant by the "bands" of sin? 3. Through what cause do we commit sin? 4. Through whom do we hope to be forgiven? 5. What texts are illustrated here?

ANSWER. Psalm xxxii. 1, 2. 1 John i. 8, 9.

COLLECT

FOR THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people, that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of Thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

QUESTIONS ON THE COLLECT.

1. What is meant here by the words "stir

2. In what degree do we pray that we may

bring forth "good works?"

3. Could we be "plenteously rewarded" except through Christ our Lord?

4. What texts are illustrated here?

ANSWER. Phil. ii. 12. Matt. xxv. 21.

The Collects for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are appended because of their peculiarly important and devotional character.

ASH WEDNESDAY.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of them that are penitent; create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1. Why is this day called "Ash Wednesday?"
2. How is God here said to express his love?
3. Who can forgive sins?

4. Whose sins does He forgive?

5. What do we here ask of God for ourselves? 6. Why do we ask this?

7. What is here meant by the word "worthily ?" 8. What by "our wretchedness ?”

9. For what other purposes do we ask this? 10. Of whom?

11. Through whom?

12. What Scriptures are illustrated here?

ANSWER. Psalm ciii. 8. Daniel ix. 9.