FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. ISRAEL AMONG THE RUINS OF CANAAN. So Joshua smote all the country, and all their kings; he left none remaining. Joshua x. 40. [First Morning Lesson.] [O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.] WHERE is the land with milk and honey flowing, The giant corses strew the ground, These are not scenes for pastoral dance at even, Soft slumbers in the open eye of heaven, Which every hour dread warning give, Where is the sweet repose of hearts repenting, Now heaven and earth are to our bliss consenting, Is ready for the suppliant's brow, And from behind the cloud held out by Jesus' hand. "Now, Christians, hold your own-the land before ye Shows at each turn some mouldering hope or joy, Nor by the wayside ruins let us mourn, Who have th' eternal towers for our appointed bourne. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. CHARITY THE LIFE OF FAITH. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. 1 St. John iii. 13, 14. [Epistle for the Day.] [O Lord, who never failest to help and govern those whom thou dost bring up in thy steadfast fear and love; keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen.] THE clouds that wrap the setting sun In sweet confusion blending: Why, as we watch their floating wreath, When up some woodland dale we catch ποντιων τε κυματων ἀνήριθμον γελασμα. Eschyl. Prom. 89. Would'st thou the life of souls discern? Nor human wisdom nor divine The spring of the regenerate heart, But he, whose heart will bound to mark By leaf or flow'ret worn: Cheap forms, and common hues, 'tis true, The lustre comes of heavenly birth. Even so, who loves the Lord aright, Since Christ on all hath shin'd: Then marvel not, if such as bask If they who hate the trespass most, No distance breaks the tie of blood; Brothers are brothers evermore; Nor wrong, nor wrath of deadliest mood, That magic may o'erpower; Oft, ere the common source be known; The kindred drops will claim their own, And throbbing pulses silently Move heart towards heart by sympathy. So is it with true Christian hearts; Of holiest brotherhood: Oh! might we all our lineage prove, There is much need: for not as yet The holy house is still beset Wild thoughts within, bad men without, Then draw we nearer day by day, We must not change our road; |