COLLECTS

Defend Thy Church, (Lu.) O LORD, with the protection of Thy right hand from all wickedness of them that war against her, that when her enemies are turned backward, she may be filled by Thee with holy benediction. (1.)

O LORD JESU CHRIST,* Who to procure our salvation didst endure intercourse with the ungodly, defend us by the help of Thine aid against the mischief of our adversaries, and lest the burden of sin should weigh down our back, place on our shoulders the sweet weight of the Gospel precepts, whereby Thou mayest destroy the workmanship of sin, and build us up with the sacred fastenings of holiness. (11.)

Behold,* O LORD, the burdensome unrighteousness of haughty sinners hath wrought upon the back of Thy Church, and they, incurable in their ways, sorely vex Thy members; grant us therefore so to be stayed up by the grace of endurance, that we may carry back in safety with us to the heavenly stalls those whom we carry on our backs to be cured; and that receiving along with them one and the same penny, we may derive gain from our preaching, and they with us obtain an eternal reward for their obedience. (11.)

Grant, (D. C.) O LORD, that the Church, vexed from her youth up with the war and terror of spiritual wickedness, may so mightily triumph over her enemies, that when their necks are brought low, she may obtain of Thee joy and gladness for evermore. (1.)