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228 [St. Michael and All Angels. Evening.

THEY come, GOD's Messengers of love,

They come from Realms of peace above,
From Homes of never-fading Light,
From blissful Mansions ever bright.

They come to watch around us here,
To soothe our sorrow, calm our fear:
Ye Heavenly guides, speed not away;
GOD willeth you with us to stay.

But chiefly at its journey's end
"Tis yours the spirit to befriend,

And whisper to the willing heart,

"O Christian soul, in peace depart."

Blest JESU, Thou whose groans and tears
Have sanctified frail nature's fears,

To earth in bitter sorrow weighed,

Thou didst not scorn Thine Angels' aid;

An Angel-guard to us supply,
When on the bed of death we lie;
And by Thine own Almighty Power,
O shield us in the last dread hour.

TO GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON,
And GOD the SPIRIT, THREE in ONE,
From all above, and all below,

Let joyful praise unceasing flow. Amen.

229

[St. Michael and All Angels.

Evening.

AROUND the throne of GOD a band
Of bright and glorious angels stand;
Sweet harps within their hands they hold,
And on their heads are crowns of gold.

Some wait around Him, ready still
To sing His praise and do His will;
And some, when He commands them, go
To guard His servants here below.

LORD, give Thy angels every day
Command to guard us on our way;
And bid them every evening keep
Their watch around us while we sleep.

So shall no wicked thing draw near,
To do us harm, or cause us fear;
And we shall dwell, when life is past,
With angels round Thy throne at last.

Praise GOD, from Whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him, all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly host!

Praise FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST!

Amen.

230

[Commemoration of the Invention of the Cross.

Morning.

O CROSS, whereby the Earth is blest,
Certain Redemption Hope and Rest;
Once as the tree of torture known,
Now the bright gate to JESU's Throne!

On thee the CHRIST was lifted high
Who to Himself drew all men nigh;
Whom this world's prince in malice sought,
And in His spotless Soul found nought.

The Law that in thy form begins
Blots out the writing of our sins;
Our ancient servitude is o'er,

And freedom is restored once more.

Then, by Thy Cross, O CHRIST, we pray,
To Life's reward direct our way;

Who, of old time, upon the tree

Our Ransom didst vouchsafe to be.

The Unbegotten FATHER'S praise,

And the Begotten Son's we raise ;

And equal laud and glory be

SPIRIT of Both, for aye, to THEE! Amen.

231

[Commemoration of the Invention of the Cross. Evening.

ARE our toils and woes increasing?

Are the Foe's attacks unceasing?

Look with Faith unclouded,
Gaze with eyes unshrouded,
On the Cross!

Do we fear that strictest trial?

Tremble we at CHRIST's denial?

Never rest without it,
Clasp our arms about it,
Precious Cross!

Satan's cruel legions press us?

Thoughts and works of sin distress us?

It shall chase all terror

It shall right all error,
Sweetest Cross!

Draw we nigh to Jordan's river?

Should we tremble? Need we quiver?

Not if by it lying,

Not if on it dying,

On the Cross!

LORD and MASTER! make us cherish

This sweet hope, and never perish!

For to THEE be glory,

For the saving story

Of the Cross! Amen.

232 [Commemoration of the Invention of the

Cross. Morning or Evening.

LORD, as to Thy dear Cross we flee,

And plead to be forgiven,

So let Thy Life our pattern be,

And form our souls for Heaven.

Help us, through good report and ill,
Our daily cross to bear,

Like Thee, to do our Father's Will,

Our brethren's griefs to share.

Let grace our selfishness expel,
Our earthliness refine,

And kindness in our bosoms dwell,
As free and true as Thine.

If joy shall at Thy bidding fly,
And grief's dark day come on,
We, in our turn, would meekly cry,

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Kept peaceful in the midst of strife,
Forgiving and forgiven,

O may we lead the pilgrim's life,

And follow Thee to Heaven! Amen.

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