ch's joy in her past deliverances; the warning voice of Christ
(ver. 6 onwards) shewing that the Church's own failures in loyalty are
the cause of her oppressions. Greater faithfulness would have brought
deliverance, and greater joy in Christ's sacramental gifts (ver. 17).
PSALM lxxxii. _Deus stetit_
John x. 34-6
The voice of Christ bearing witness to the ideal greatness of man, and
to man's failure in his responsibility as God's vicegerent in the
world, especially in the administration of justice. He Himself is set
forth as the true and perfect Judge of the world.
PSALM lxxxiii. _Deus, quis similis?_
A prayer of the Church against the confederacy of her enemies. She
prays that their defeat may lead to their conversion to Christ.
PSALM lxxxiv. _Quam dilecta!_
A Psalm of the Church in her pilgrimage through this world. She
expresses especially her joy in {126} public worship, the comfort which
the hope of the heavenly worship brings amidst human sorrows, and her
eternal hope in Christ.
PSALM lxxxv. _Benedixisti, Domine_
Christmas Day, morning (Prayer Book)
A Psalm of the Church's joy in the Incarnation, as the proof of
forgiveness for the past, and the beginning of a new and better world.
PSALM lxxxvi. _Inclina, Domine_
A Psalm of Christ and of the Christian soul, renewing the dedication of
self to God, praying for strength against the trials of the world, and
for the manifestation to the world of God's presence with those who
love Him.
PSALM lxxxvli. _Fundamenta ejus_
A Psalm describing the catholicity of the Church, and the new birth of
Baptism whereby members of all nations become her citizens and find in
her the source of all joy and refreshment.
PSALM lxxxviii. _Domine Deus_
Good Friday, evening (Prayer Book)
A Psalm of Christ's desolation, the darkness on the Cross, His death
and burial and descent into hell.
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PSALM lxxxix. _Misericordias Domini_
Christmas Day, evening (Prayer Book)
The Church's praise for the promises of the Incarnation, and their
fulfilment in the line of David. The certainty of the eternal reign of
Christ and the preservation of His Church. At ver. 37 the tone changes
to prayer respecting the present eclipse of Christ's glory, and the
failures of His Church. The Psalm ends, as it were, with the appeal of
Christ Himself to the Father (49-50) for His suffering Church.
PSALM xc. _Domine, refugium_
Burial of
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