PREFACE. THE HE Collects of our Church have been justly termed "jewel prayers." The hearts of Christians from generation to generation have been the caskets in which these "jewel prayers" have been treasured. Their wonderful fulness, depth and simplicity, have commended them alike to the learned. and the unlearned, the rich and the poor: and they are certainly unequalled as the expression of spiritual and Evangelical devotion. It is hoped that the thoughts and Hymns in this volume may prove helpful and suggestive. Meditation before prayer is always profitable, and a few minutes devoted to the consideration of the Sunday Collect would not fail to open out the Scriptural character of the petitions and their beautiful adaptation to the varied needs, both temporal and spiritual, of the Christian's daily life, as well as the wants and dangers of the Christian Church. The Author would especially ask his readers to search out and read prayerfully the passages of Scripture to which reference is made. Many addi tional thoughts will thus occur, throwing fresh light on the Collects. Sunday-school Teachers may find this plan useful in preparing Lessons on the Collects for their Classes. It will be seen that no attempt has been made to give any history of the Collects or of the changes from time to time made in them. For this information the reader is referred to the admirable Lectures lately published by the Dean of Norwich-Dr. Goulburn to whom the author begs most thankfully to acknowledge his obligation for many thoughts and reflections. Should any of the appended Hymns have been inserted without permission, it is hoped their Authors will kindly accept an apology. It has not always been possible to fix a name to a Hymn. May He who teaches the hearts of His faithful people by His Holy Spirit teach all who read these pages, not only to appreciate more highly the beauty of our Collects, but also to expect an answer to them whenever they are used. THE VICARAGE: STANSTEAD ABBOTTS. INDEX. Advent Sunday. Christmas Day, and 1st Sunday The Circumcision and 2nd Sun- 1st Sunday after the Epiphany 3rd Sunday in Lent 4th Sunday in Lent 5th Sunday in Lent PAGE . 112 52 18 65 57 94 88 72 27 Absolve Thy people; Thou alone. How precious is the thought. 16 I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be 77 In these, our souls, estranged from Thee 39 I will go in the strength of the Lord O help us, Lord! each hour of need. O Lord and Bishop of our souls. . 67 14 • 100 79 32 22 O Lord, Thou Sun of Righteousness, arise 59 Take my life, and let it be . 114 61 83 . 46 71 75 42 115 98 44 48 20 |