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Yea, "the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
Now no more of controversy, except the controversy with the enemy of souls, to see whether he or God shall triumph in our hearts. Oh, my brethren, be not deceived! Do not forsake all that is holy, all that is beautiful, all that is pure, all that is of good report, all that is of Christ, for any party spirit of contention or of human infirmity, but come to the House of God and pray. Prayer softeneth the heart of man. Prayer lifteth up to God. Prayer sanctifieth. "Oratio vincit Deum."
For me use this gift; since I have great need of it in the infirmities of the nature of man. For me use this gift, that I may not be found wanting in the boundless duties of the love of Christ, which I hope will ever constrain me in my ministry among you; and with me use it that we may worship God together in the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life, so that when we die, we may rest in the bosom of our Lord, and not be found on either side wanting in those beautiful words of your former saintly Bishop, words with which he sealed his life of confessorship as he faithfully lived among you:
"As for my religion, I die in the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Faith professed by the whole Church before the disunion of East and West; more particularly I die in the Communion of the Church of England, as it stands distinguished from all Papal and Puritan innovations, and as it adheres to the doctrines of the Cross."
O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully to receive the prayers of Thy people which call upon Thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LONDON: JOSEPH MASTERS AND CO., PRINTERS, ALDERSGATE STREET.
