In the Fifth couplet the Respond appears to allege the want of earthly helps as the reason why we ask God to give us peace. Since it is obviously impossible that this is the meaning, it will be well to enquire what other meaning there may be. The last verse of the 4th Psalm has the same thought; I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest: for it is thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety. If the word only be omitted, the reason appears at once to be that God's protection suffices to assure us of safety. The introduction of the word, only, adds the thought that no other protection would suffice. The same two thoughts are united in the Respond Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God. It is as though we said, 'Give us Peace, because thou hast the power; and we trust no other power.'
This couplet was the Antiphon, in the Day Hours, to both the collects for Peace; and must be taken as including both peace from "the assaults of our enemies," and "that peace which the world cannot give." It is suitable both to a time of External Peace, and also to a time when war, with Peace for its object, is raging round us: the assaults, also, of temptation are at times disturbing to our peace, in the sense which is involved in this couplet.
The Sixth Couplet belongs to the Third Collects {134} which ask for spiritual guidance, and spiritual light—Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
B. The Collects.
The Books formerly used in Church.
In a passage of the Prayer Book Preface of 1549, which was not struck out until the last Revision in 1662, it was said that "by this order the Curates shall need none other books for their public service, but this book and the Bible." The simplification of the Services has made it possible for everyone to find his way easily through the Prayer Book. The progressive inventions of printing, and of fine paper, have made it possible for him to have the books always with him.
Before the reign of Edward VI. the Services, though printed, were not contained in one book. Before the invention of printing the books were of necessity numerous. We may mention some of them.
A book of Lessons—Legenda; of Antiphons—Antiphonarium; of Psalms—the Psalter: these were required for the Day Hours. As an abbreviation of them, sufficient for practical purposes, the Breviary was arranged. A portable form of it was called Portiforium. The Breviary was printed in four volumes on the Continent, but in England had only a Winter Volume and a Summer Volume.
For the Occasional Services,—the Services which mark the great events of a Christian's life, beginning with Baptism and ending with Burial, they had the Manual.
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