That they who on that hope rely,
Which Thy grace only can supply,
May ever find the sure defence,
O God, of Thy omnipotence.

O hear Thy servants as we cry,
And unto Thee for refuge fly,
And to our prayers their suit award
Through Jesus Christ our saving Lord.

AMEN.

THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE

EPIPHANY.

THE COLLECT.

The Revision of 1662.

GOD, whose blessed Son was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; grant us, we beseech Thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as He is pure; that, when He shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto Him in His eternal and glorious kingdom; where with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, He liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY.

God, whose blessed Son descended
From Thy bosom and the throne,
Godhead with the manhood blended,
Very God, our flesh and bone :

To destroy the works infernal,
And to bruise the Serpent's head,
Make us heirs of life eternal,

Sons of God, who once were dead.

Grant that we this hope possessing,
Of the heritage on high,

May all evil thoughts suppressing,
Imitate His purity.

That when He returns, appearing
Gorgeous to our wondering sight,
We transfigured vestments wearing,
May share His eternal light;

Where He lives, for ever reigning,
High above th' angelic Host,
All in Heaven and earth sustaining,
One with Thee and Holy Ghost.

AMEN.

THE SUNDAY CALLED SEPTUAGESIMA; OR, THE

THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT.

The preparation for Lent is of ancient date. Septuagesima is sixty-four days before Easter, or in round numbers, as its name denotes, about seventy.

THE COLLECT.

Greg. S.M.

LORD, we beseech Thee favourably to hear the prayers of Thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by Thy goodness, for the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

Amen.

SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY.

With favour hearken, Lord, we pray

Unto Thy people's cry,

Who for our many grievous sins

Are punished righteously.

But in Thy clemency and grace,

Our prisoned souls acquit,
And for the glory of Thy Name
Our penalties remit.

For Jesus Christ our Saviour's sake,
Who lives and reigns with Thee,
And Holy Ghost, the only God,

Though all eternity.

AMEN.