COLLECTS

O LORD, make us ever hold fast by Thee,* and fix in Thee all the might of our hope, that we may tell of Thy praises in the everlasting gates. Through. (1.)

O LORD,* it is good to hold fast by Thee; it is hurtful to withdraw from Thee; to be far from Thee is destruction; to be joined to Thee fulness of life. Grant, therefore, that we who put our trust in Thee, may attain the perfect blessedness of life, and sing Thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Sion, as we are passing into Thy kingdom. Amen, Through. (11.)

It is good for us,* O LORD, to hold fast by Thee; but do Thou so heap up the desire of good in us, that the hope which joins us unto Thee may not waver through any stumbling of faith, but abide in the firmness of love. Amen. Through. (11.)

O LORD GOD of Israel,* we beseech Thee, we intreat Thee, that Thou wouldst not refuse us sinners, because of our conversation, Thy goodness, which Thou bestowest freely on them that are true of heart, that Thou mayest make them who are their own slaves rebel by that same grace whereby Thou rulest the lowly; and that the same goodness wherewith Thou ever crownest the righteous, may continually interpose for us; that Thou mayest spare us sinners, that, rejoicing in the goodness wherein the Saints are glad, they may delight in being restored by it to Thee from their wanderings; and that sincere confession may make them to hold fast by Thee, whom worldly lures have drawn from Thee through the contagion of divers things, and that with humble devotion of soul they may pay their vows unto Thee, crying together in Thy praise. Amen. Through. (11.)

O LORD,* the sinners spake against Thee in the high place, when with loud voices they uttered the hidden pride of their hearts. Let them, then, who are fain to stretch forth their mouth unto the heaven against Thee, return to earth, to be dashed down by repentance, that, humbly acknowledging with us that Thou art the SON of GOD, they may not be high-minded, but ever submit to Thy precepts. Amen. Through. (11.)

O GOD of our heart, (D. C.) GOD our portion for ever, let not our heart and flesh fail. With Thee to strengthen us in good works, make us ever hold fast by Thee, and put our trust in Thee, our LORD GOD, till, with Thee going as our Leader before us, we enter into Thy heavenly sanctuary, Who, Trine and One GOD, livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

CHRIST THE LORD,* not looking unto our merits, but granting freely His pardon, bring us into the fellowship of His elect. Amen.