us as He did on Peter; but there is another reason also why he turned to us, namely, because he was speaking to us of God's laws; he now turns his back, as he is praying to God for us; he is our spokesman, and we make his prayer our own by saying Amen, which means, So be it, or Let it be so. Here we pray God that our rulers may not act like the council of the Jews, and like Pilate and Herod, and that they may not do to the Church, which is the body of Christ, in a mysterious manner, what the wicked rulers of the Jews did, namely, scourge, strip, mock, plait a crown of thorns, finally condemn and put away on false witness, and in known defiance of justice and truth, merely "to please the people," and because they, not knowing what they ask, cry, Crucify. ¶ Then shall follow one of those two Collects for the Queen, the Priest standing as before, and saying, This prayer varies every Sunday, and on other holy days. It is called the collect, because the priest collects the devotions of the people and offers them to God on their behalf. "The collect for the day" usually collects the meaning of the epistle and gospel into a short prayer, and points out the particular truth which the Church Queen and Governour, that she (knowing whose Minister she is) may above all things seek thy honour and glory: and that we, and all her subjects (duly considering whose authority she hath) may faithfully serve,honour, and humbly obey her, in thee, and for thee, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. ance, and that thou dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly wisdom: We humbly beseech thee so to dispose and govern the heart of Victoria thy Servant, our Queen and Governour, that, in all her thoughts, words, and works, she may ever seek thy honour and glory, and study to preserve thy people committed to her charge, in wealth, peace, and godliness: Grant this, O merciful Father, for thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶Then shall be said the Collect of the Day. |