Fourteenth Service. THE FOLLOWING AFTER THE SPIRIT OF JESUS. I. INTRODUCTORY SENTENCES. HE dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. God hath sent forth the spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father! A III. RESPONSIVE READING. ND the child Jesus grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. He went down with his parents, and was subject unto them; and increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps. For it became Him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day. The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. He went about doing good, for God was with him. We, then, that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. For even Christ pleased not himself. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Be thou an example to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. Speaking the truth in love, may we grow up into him in all things, who is the head. V. PRAYER. L ORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things, we would feel that Thou art near us now, and that we ever live in Thee. Thou speakest to our hearts. May we obey Thy voice. By Thy good Spirit, Thou leadest us in the way we should go. May we ever follow Thee. Here may we learn the things Thou wouldst have us to do, and grow strong to do them. We bless Thee for the precepts and the life of Jesus, who has set us the example of what we should strive to be. May we walk in the light which shines from him; and every day may we live the life that never dies. AMEN. VI. HYMN. Fifteenth Service. B THE BLESSED LIFE. I. INTRODUCTORY SENTENCES. LESSED is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. AN III. RESPONSIVE READING. ND seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Happy is the man whom God correcteth; for He woundeth, and His hands make whole. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. The meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. For Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt Thou compass him, as with a shield. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. All these blessings shall come upon thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth and even for evermore. |