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BLESSING THE BREAD.

And yet, amidst his little flock, still Jesus stands, serene, Unawed by sufferings yet to be, unchanged by what hat been

Still beams the light of love undimm'd in that benignant eye Nor, save his own prophetic word, aught speaks him soon to die!

He pours within the votive cup, the rich blood of the vine, And, "Drink ye all the hallow'd draught," he cries, "this blood is mine."

He breaks the bread: then clasps his hands, and lifts his eyes

in prayer,

"Receive ye this, and view by faith my body symbol'd there!

"For like the wine that crowns this cup, my blood shall soon be shed;

My body broken on the cross, as now I break the bread:

For you the crimson stream shall flow-for you the hand

divine

Bares the red sword, although the heart that meets the blows be mine;

"And oft your willing steps renew, around the sacred board, And break the bread and pour the wine in mem'ry of your Lord:

To drink with me the grape's fresh juice to you shall yet be

given,

Fresh from the deathless vine that blooms in blest abodes of

heaven!"

Thomas Dale.

Invacation.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send you in name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, atsoever I have said unto you.-ST. JOHN xiv. 26

In the hour of my distress,
When temptations me oppress,
And when I my sins confess,

Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When I lie within my bed,

Sick in heart and sick in head,

And with doubts disquieted,

Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When the house doth sigh and weep,
And the world is drown'd in sleep,

Yet mine eyes the watch do keep,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When the passing bell doth toll,
And the furies, in a shoal,
Come to fright my parting soul,

Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

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INVOCATION.

When the priest his last hath pray'd,
And I nod to what is said,

'Cause my speech is now decay'd,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When God knows, I'm toss'd about,
Either with despair or doubt,

Yet before the glass be out,

Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When the Tempter me pursu'th
With the sins of all my youth,

And half damns me with untruth,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When the flames and hellish cries

Fright mine ears and fright mine eyes,

And all terrors me surprise,

Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When the judgment is reveal'd,
And that open'd which was seal'd,
When to Thee I have appeal'd,

Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

Robert Herrick.

The Peace of God.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you; let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.-ST. JOHN xiv. 27.

THUS spake the blessed Lord,

When the Last Supper's sacred hour was done;
And each reviving word

Came, like rich incense from an altar-stone:

Kind, from those holy lips, so soon to breathe
Their last forgiveness forth, and taste the cup of death.

"Peace, peace I leave with you!"

Thus to his flock the glorious Shepherd said;
And, pure as morning dew

On Hermon's mount, or marge of Jordan's shed,
A spell descended on the group around-

A charm of kindling hope-of confidence profound.

"My peace to you I give,

Won from the immortal home of bliss above,

Where the redeem'd shall live,

In many mansions of eternal love;

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THE PEACE OF GOD.

Peace, like its radiant source, serene and calm,

Where flowers unblighted bloom, and all the air is balm.

"Not as the world bestows

Its fleeting gifts, I yield my peace to you;
No clouds of death can close

Around my Father's house, nor dim the view
Where fadeless lustre fills the gorgeous sky,
And sinks into the soul, and lights the enraptured eye.

"Earth has no fount of peace:

Sins, sicknesses, and death begird it round;
Its hopes untimely cease;

And baseless dreams its dim dominion bound;
Here fond Affection no repose can gain,
And the gaunt miser hoards his gold in vain.

"Here sorrow comes to all

For pale Mortality his standard rears

Beside the bier and pall;

And smiles are quench'd in unavailing tears;
To Joy's light laugh succeeds the weary sigh,
And no sweet rose may blossom, but to die.

"Then, with untroubled heart, Look upward to your home to which I go; And ere I yet depart

From toil, and suffering, and death below,

Let my farewell of peace your steps attend

I go, to meet in heaven, my Father and your Friend.”