To take an illustration, our Second Collect at Mattins is translated from the following Gelasian Collect: Deus auctor pacis et amator, Quem nosse vivere, Cui servire regnare est, protege ab omnibus impugnationibus supplices tuos; ut qui defensione tuâ fidimus, nullius hostilitatis arma timeamus: Per &c.
These 27 Latin words are equivalent to the 51 English words which we use. We do not, however, suggest that the tone has been altered in the translation. On the contrary, our Translators had so learnt the right tone of the old prayers, that they not only translated them and the tone, into a language of a very different sort; they also composed new prayers, in English, which rank with the old ones, and have the same great excellences. The Collects for Easter Eve, and Christmas Day, may be taken as good examples of this.
What then are the characteristics which we must expect in a Collect?
1. It has three simple parts: (a) the Name of God; (b) what we ask; (c) our appeal to Christ's advocacy.
2. It makes no effort to instruct the congregation, but speaks with simplicity and directness, to Him who knows all things.
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3. It asks for grace and help for our souls, whereby we may do what is right.
Other prayers imitate Collects in one or more of these respects; and may be called Collects, though not satisfying all the conditions.
The Three parts of a Collect.
Our Lord taught us (St John xiv. 13, 14; xv. 16; xvi. 23-26) to ask God in His name. A Collect is a prayer made on that model. It has three parts: