The Cathedral Close

Lenten Reading

Sometimes the “old things” of this world find application to the modern world. In fact, perhaps these items from days gone by never really went out of style. They have languished for years on dusty shelves \until rediscovered by a new generation.

This is precisely the case with a small book entitled Lent for Busy People and for The Young. In its pages are meditations, prayers, an history of the Lenten season and some rules for, and observations on fasting.

I will be serializing this revised work during Lent 2018 and reproducing the text with minimal, if any, change. Some of the language may seem a bit Victorian because, well, the book was originally published during the reign of Victoria in the year of our Lord 1884. Some of the references may be a bit dated. Yet, this little volume continues to inform and inspire more than 130 years since its publication in London.

We’ll began with the some observations on, and rules for following, a fasting discipline. I particularly commend this latter portion of  the introduction with the caveat that fasting is not meant to impair one’s health. If you are having health issues, or even if you in peak condition, consulting a physician before beginning a fast is a: “best practice.”

“If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be; if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour.”

Our solemn Lent has come again, A time for fast and prayer,
For all who, tempted like their Lord, His victory would share.
Fast crowding on our youthful hearts
Come mournful thoughts of Thee, Thoughts of Thy loneliness and pain,
Thy want, Thy misery.
And bitter thoughts of all the sin
That brought our Lord so low, When in the awful wilderness
Ho battled with our foe.
Those sinful tempers that arise,
Those words and deeds of ill,
Oh, how they pressed upon Him then,
Oh, how they grieve Him still
Jesus, our Saviour, can it be
That we should see Thee there,
See Thee in all that bitter grief,
Without a thought or care?
No, let us rather daily strive
Against besetting sin,
And look to Thee, our conquering Lord,
New victories to win.
The strength that made Thee triumph then,
The patience and the power,
The all-prevailing grace and love,
That brought nee through that hour;
These Thou dost promise unto us,
Whom Thou hast loved so well;
We triumph in Thy victory won,
Thy conquest over hell. Amen.

“Surely in what, place my Lord the King shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will Thy servant be.”