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St. Matthias's Day.

Searcher of hearts, Almighty God! By Thy most dread avenging rod, Judas the traitor Thou hast sent into eternal banishment: Deposed from his high estate, a warning in his fearful fate of God’s eternal vengeance stored for all who dare betray their Lord. Matthias’ heart to Thee was known; him didst Thou Thine Apostle own to hold the ministry of grace, and take the traitor Judas’ place. Preserve Thy Church, Almighty Lord, from false Apostles’ faithless word; with tender care regard the Bride, to cheer, increase, support, and guide. By faithful pastors fold Thy sheep; may they Thine ordinances keep, thy sacramental gifts prepare, with love unfeigned and sacred care. Thy Church her supplication lifts to Thee, O God, for sacred gifts; to her Thy strength’ning arm afford forevermore, through Christ our Lord.

1 Searcher of hearts, Almighty God!
By Thy most dread avenging rod,
Judas the traitor Thou hast sent
into eternal banishment:
2 Deposed from his high estate,
a warning in his fearful fate
of God’s eternal vengeance stored
for all who dare betray their Lord.
3 Matthias’ heart to Thee was known;
him didst Thou Thine Apostle own
to hold the ministry of grace,
and take the traitor Judas’ place.
4 Preserve Thy Church, Almighty Lord,
from false Apostles’ faithless word;
with tender care regard the Bride,
to cheer, increase, support, and guide.
5 By faithful pastors fold Thy sheep;
may they Thine ordinances keep,
thy sacramental gifts prepare,
with love unfeigned and sacred care.
6 Thy Church her supplication lifts
to Thee, O God, for sacred gifts;
to her Thy strength’ning arm afford
forevermore, through Christ our Lord.

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Text attr. Eliza Humphreys
Tune When Jesus Wept
William Billings (1746-1800), ad. R. Pryor III

St. Matthias's Day.

O Almighty God, who into the place of the traitor Judas didst choose thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve Apostles; grant that thy Church, being always preserved from false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful and true Pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.