Page:The pastor in his closet.djvu/30

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16
SUNDAY.

make up what is lacking by the fervency of mine.

May I delight to bring little children unto Thee for Thy blessing. I know that sometimes I desire to escape labour or to lessen it, and that sometimes I shrink from any lengthening of Divine service; but grant, good Lord, that I may ever rejoice in beholding a fresh soul added to Thy Church. What better prayer can I now offer Thee in secret than that which at Holy Baptism I offer Thee publicly.

“Grant that whosoever is dedicated to Thee by our Office and Ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded; through Thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end.”

And also when I administer the unspeakable mystery of Thy Supper, then, blessed Jesus, strengthen me with great gifts of the Holy Spirit; grant that my soul may be fitly prepared and dressed for that celestial feast, and that I may have truly repented of my sins, and may have purposed to lead a more spiritual life before I draw near to that mysterious banquet of love.

When I stand at Thine Altar, grant that I may have the profoundest sense of Thy Presence; take me, as it were, out of the world; shut the