CHOICE NOTES

ON THE

GOSPEL OF S. MARK,

DRAWN FROM OLD AND NEW

SOURCES.

BODLE

London:

MACMILLAN & CO.

1869.

101. f. 231.

Collect of the Church for Saint Mark's Day.

O ALMIGHTY GOD, WHO HAST INSTRUCTED THY HOLY CHURCH WITH THE HEAVENLY DOCTRINE OF THY EVANGELIST, SAINT MARK; GIVE US GRACE, THAT, BEING NOT, LIKE CHILDREN, CARRIED AWAY WITH EVERY BLAST OF VAIN DOCTRINE, WE MAY BE ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH OF THY HOLY GOSPEL; THROUGH JESUS CHRIST,

THE

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S. MARK.

The Scriptures are the appointed means of "enlightening" the mind with true and saving knowledge. They shew us what we were, what we are, and what we shall be; they shew us what God hath done for us, and what He expecteth us to do for Him; they shew us the adversaries we have to encounter, and how to encounter them with success; they shew us the mercy and the justice of the Lord, the joys of heaven, and the pains of hell. Thus will they "give to the simple," in a few days, an "understanding" of those matters, which philosophy, for whole centuries, sought in vain.—Bp. Horne.

Before we put our hand to this Sacred Volume, it will be requisite to elevate our hearts to that God, whose it is, both for His leave, and His Blessing.

Open mine

"that I may

eyes," saith the sweet singer of Israel, behold the wondrous things of Thy Law" (Ps. cxix. 18). Lo, David's eyes were open before to other objects; but, when he comes to God's Book, he can see nothing without a new act of apertion: letters he might see; "wonders"