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THE CHRISTIAN YEARWITH THE COLLECTS.EPISTLES AND GOSPELS
Part 1. Christmas and Epiphany.
The four weeks of ADVENT.
CHRISTMAS DAY: December 25.
The Christmas Holy-days.
Sundays after Christmas: one or two.
EPIPHANY: January 6.
Sundays after Epiphany: according to the date of Easter.
Part 2. Easter and Pentecost.
Three Sundays before Lent.
Ash Wednesday: beginning the Forty Days of Lent.
The Forty Days of LENT (Sundays not included in the reckoning).
PALM SUNDAY: The sixth Sunday in Lent.
HOLY WEEK: including GOOD FRIDAY.
EASTER DAY: being the first Sunday after the Full Moon which happens upon, or next after, the Spring Equinox, March 21.
Five Sundays after Easter.
ASCENSION DAY: the fortieth day after Easter.
One Sunday after Ascension.
PENTECOST or WHITSUNDAY: being the fiftieth day after Easter.
The Sunday after Pentecost: called TRINITY SUNDAY.
Sundays after Trinity: according to the date of Easter.
Part 3. Holy-days throughout the Year.
See page 260.
Part 4. Supplementary Collects, Epistles, and Gospels.
See page 309.
COLLECTS EPISTLES AND GOSPELS
TO BE USED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
GENERAL RUBRICS
The Collect appointed for any Sunday or other Feast shall be used at the Evening Service next before, except in the case of Easter Day.
The Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the Sunday shall serve all the week after, except when other provision is made.
On any weekday for which no special Collect, Epistle, and Gospel is appointed, the Priest may use the Collects, Epistles, and Gospels which are provided for lesser commemorations and weekdays, in accordance with the directions given on
and following.
The Collect appointed for any Holy-day may be said after the Sunday Collect during the
and the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel appointed for any Holy-day which has an Octave may be used on any day in the Octave for which no special provision has been made.
A Holy-day falling on a Sunday in Advent or Lent, or on Ash Wednesday or Ascension Day, shall be transferred to the following Tuesday. A Holy-day falling between Palm Sunday and Easter I shall be transferred to the Tuesday after Easter I; one falling between Whitsunday and Trinity Sunday shall be transferred to the Tuesday after Trinity Sunday. If any such Tuesday is not free, the Holy-day shall be transferred to some convenient day following.
But in the case of the Sundays after Christmas, Epiphany, and Trinity, and from Easter II to Easter V: the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the Holy-day shall be used, the Collect of the Sunday being said after the Collect of the Holy-day.
In the case of Holy-days falling on Septuagesima, Sexagesima, or Quinquagesima: the Service of the Purification of St Mary the Virgin shall be used on the Sunday, the Collect of the Sunday being said after that of the F but the Conversion of St Paul, and St Matthias, shall be transferred to the following Tuesday.
Any Holy-day falling on a Monday (except the days from Christmas to Epiphany) may be transferred to ‘the following Tuesday.
In reading any Collect ending with the words through Jesus Christ our Lord, the priest may add the ascription who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Advent Sunday is always the nearest Sunday to the Feast of St Andrew, whether before or after.
THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
BEING THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit
that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise
through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. Amen.
This Collect is to be repeated every day after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Eve.
THE EPISTLE. Romans 13. 8.
OWE no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, T and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no
therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk ho not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 21. 1.
WHEN they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lo and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet, saying,
Tell ye the daughter of Sion,
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,
Meek, and sitting upon an ass,
And a colt the foal of an ass.
And the disciples went, and did as J and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of D Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the L Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and
and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of
and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called but ye have made it a den of thieves.
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
THE COLLECT.
BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Romans 15. 4.
WHATSOEVER things were written aforetime were writ that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Now I say, that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises m and that the Gentiles might glorify G as it is written,
For this cause I will give praise to thee among the Gentiles,
And sing unto thy Name.
And again he saith,
Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
And again,
Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles,
And laud him, all ye people.
And again, Isaiah saith,
There shall be a root of Jesse,
And he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In him shall the Gentiles hope.
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke 21. 25.
JESUS said unto his disciples, There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea a men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, an for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spa Behold the fig-tree, when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled: heaven and e but my words shall not pass away.
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
THE COLLECT.
O LORD Jesu Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee: Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 1 Corinthians 4. 1.
LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgement: yea, I judge not mine own self. I know nothing against myself, yet am I
but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the co and then shall every man have praise of God.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 11. 2.
NOW when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? a prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written,
Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
Which shall prepare thy way before thee.
THE ADVENT EMBER DAYS
BEING THE WEDNESDAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AFTER THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
On Ember Days the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, , shall always be used first. The following Collect, Epistle, and Gospel for PEACE IN THE WORLD may be used, with the Ember Collect added, at a second Ember Day Ser and are also suitable for Advent and other weekdays for which no special provision has been made in this Book.
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY Lord and everlasting Father, who wouldest have the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of thy Son Jesus Christ: Bestow thy blessing, we beseech thee, upon all who labour for peace and righteousness among the nations, that the day may be hastened when war shall be no more, and thou shalt take the nations f through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LESSON. Micah 4. 1.
AND it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exa and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD and to the house of the God of Jacob, and he shall teach us of his ways, and we wi for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke str and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning- nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig- and none sh for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke 1. 26.
AND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of D and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee. And she was troubled at this saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, M for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the H
And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.
And he shall reign over the house of J
And of his kingdom there shall be no end.
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
THE COLLECT.
RAISE up, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy power, and come among us, and with gr that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Philippians 4. 4.
REJOICE in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
THE GOSPEL. St John 1. 19.
THIS is the witness of John, when the Jews sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and he confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he said, I am not. Art thou the Prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not: he it is who cometh after me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethany beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORDOR THE BIRTH-DAY OF CHRIST
COMMONLY CALLED
CHRISTMAS DAY
December 25.
These Anthems shall be sung or said instead of Venite at Morning Prayer, and may be used at the Holy Communion except when the latter Service is combined with Morning Prayer.
BEHOLD a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, / and shall call his name Immanuel.Isaiah 7. 14.
Unto us a child is born, / unto us a son is given.Isaiah 9. 6.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, / because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.1 St John 4. 9.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, / who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.Ephesians 1. 3.
GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, / and to the Holy GAs it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, / world without end. Amen.
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy S through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Hebrews 1. 1.
GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom als who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the M being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time,
Thou art my Son,
This day have I begotten thee?
And again,
I will be to him a Father,
And he shall be to me a Son?
And again, when he bringeth the first-born into the world, he saith,
And let all the angels of God worship him.
And of the angels he saith
Who maketh his angels spirits,
And his ministers a flame of fire.
But unto the Son he saith,
Thy throne, O God,
A sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom:
Thou hast loved righteousness,
Therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee
With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
And again he saith,
Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the fou
And the heavens are the works of thine hands:
They shall perish,
And they all shall wax o
And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up,
But thou art the same,
And thy years shall not fail.
THE GOSPEL. St John 1. 1.
IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All thi and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness overcame it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.
The Collect of Christmas Day shall be said continually unto the Eve of the Epiphany. The following additional Collect may also be used during these twelve days.
O GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come again to be our J who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. Amen.
If there be two or more celebrations of the Holy Communion in any Church on Christmas Day, the following Epistle and Gospel may be used at one of them.
THE EPISTLE. Titus 2. 11.
THE grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, i looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus C who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. T and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke 2. 1.
NOW it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of D) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and
because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this shal Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, good will toward men.
SAINT STEPHEN THE MARTYR
December 26.
THE COLLECT.
GRANT, O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth, for the testimony of thy truth, we may stedfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory th and, being filled with the Holy Spirit, may learn to love and bless our persecutors, by the example of thy first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
THE LESSON. Acts 7. 55.
STEPHEN, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 23. 34.
JESUS spake unto the Scribes and Pharisees, saying, Behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and some of them ye sh and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute th that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zachariah the son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them whic how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST
December 27.
THE COLLECT.
MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church, that it being enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John may so walk in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 1 St John 1. 1.
THAT which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the W (for the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and wa) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may hav and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
THE GOSPEL. St John 21. 19.
JESUS said unto Peter, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom J which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, That that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, H but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his witness is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.
THE INNOCENTS
December 28.
THE COLLECT.
O ALMIGHTY God, who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest infants to glorify thee by their deaths: Mortify and kill all vices in us, and so strengthen us by thy grace, that by the innocency of our lives, and constancy of our faith, even unto death, we may glorify thy holy N through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LESSON. Revelation 14. 1.
I SAW, and behold the Lamb standing on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Name, and the Name of his Father, written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers harp and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and no man could learn that song, but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth: these were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God, and to the Lamb. And in their mout for they are without fault before the throne of God.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 2. 13.
THE angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child, and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt, and was there until the death of H that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my Son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
In Ramah was there a voice heard,
Lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
And would not be comforted, because they are not.
If there be any further weekdays, the Service of Christmas Day shall be used.
THE SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy S through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Galatians 4. 1.
NOW I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, thou but is under tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because Ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 1. 18.
THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee M for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost: and she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins. (Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son,
And they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with us.) Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and to and knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son: and he called his name JESUS.
THE OCTAVE DAY OF CHRISTMAS
AND THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST BEING NEW YEAR’S DAY
January 1.
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy S through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
The following additional Collects may be used for the Circumcision and for New Year’s Day.
Of the Circumcision.
ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man: Grant us the true circumcision of the S that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things o through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the New Year.
O IMMORTAL Lord God, who inhabitest eternity, and hast brought thy servants to the beginning of another year: Pardon, we humbly beseech thee, our transgressions in the past, bless to us this New Year, and graciously abide with us all
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LESSON. Isaiah 9. 2.
THE people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garm but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke 2. 15.
AND it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
This Service shall be used until the Epiphany.
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
OR THE MANIFESTATION OF CHRIST TO THE GENTILES
January 6.
THE COLLECT.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: Mercifully grant, that we, who know thee now by faith, may be led onward through this earthly life, until we see the vision o through the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.
This Collect is to be repeated every day throughout the Octave.
THE EPISTLE. Ephesians 3. 1.
FOR this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you G if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given unto me for your sakes: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the S That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ, by the Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of C and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made known, through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 2. 1.
WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them, where the Christ was to be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Art not the least among the princes of Judah:
For out of thee shall come a Governor
That shall rule my people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go, and search diligently for the young child, and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they pres gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the Epiphany shall serve for all weekdays in the Octave, except when other provision has been made.
The following Collect, Lesson, and Gospel may be used on any weekday in the Octave, or at a second service on the Epiphany.
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
THE COLLECT.
O HEAVENLY Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ did take our nature upon him, and was baptized for our sakes in the river Jordan: Mercifully grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may also be partakers of thy Holy S through him whom thou didst send to be our Saviour and Redeemer, even the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LESSON. Isaiah 42. 1.
BEHOLD my servant, whom I mine elect, in who I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgement unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgement in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, an he that spread forth the earth, and that wh he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the G to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
THE GOSPEL. St Mark 1. 1.
THE beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of G as it is written in the prophets,
Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
Which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a
and he did eat lo and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The following Collect, Epistle, and Gospel may be used throughout the Epiphany season on weekdays, for THE MISSIONARY WORK OF THE CHURCH OVERSEAS.
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who desirest not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn unto thee and live: Deliver the nations of the world from superstition and unbelief, and gather them all into thy holy Church, to the praise and glory of thy N through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Romans 10. 8.
WHAT saith the Scripture?
Near is the word, in thy mouth and in thy heart, even the word which we proclaim. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth that Jesus is Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith,
Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame.
For there is no difference between Jew and G for the same Lord of all is rich unto al for
Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent? As it is written,
How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 28. 16.
THEN the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy S teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
THE COLLECT.
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people
and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfull through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Romans 12. 1.
I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not con but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke 2. 41.
NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in J and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him., they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favour with God and man.
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Romans 12. 6.
HAVING then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the or ministry, let us wai or he that teacheth, or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him d he that ruleth, he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another: not
serving the L pa continui distributing to the given to hospitality. Bless them bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
THE GOSPEL. St John 2. 1.
AND the third day there was a wedding in Cana of G and the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the wedding. And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, O woman, what is that to thee and to me? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was, (though the servants which drew the water knew,) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him.
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand t through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Romans 12.16.
BE not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather g for it is written, V I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 8. 1.
WHEN Jesus was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man, but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldes but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say unto this man, Go, and to another, Come, and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self-same hour.
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
THE COLLECT.
O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us thr through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Romans 13. 1.
LET every man be subject un for there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves judgement. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. And for this ca for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefo tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.
THE GOSPEL. St Mark 4. 35.
AND the same day, when the even was come, Jesus saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
THE COLLECT.
O LORD, we beseech thee to keep thy Church and household continually
that they who do lean only upon the hope of thy heavenly grace may evermore be defended through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. Colossians 3. 12.
PUT on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, mercy and compassion, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long- forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a c even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye ar and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God. And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 13. 24.
ANOTHER parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came, and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, N lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow togeth and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
THE COLLECT.
O GOD, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life: Grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal
where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 1 St John 3. 1.
BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of G and so we are. Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear,
for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested t and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 24. 23.
THEN if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show gre insomuch that (if it were possible) they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, Behold, go not forth: Behold, he is in believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shinet so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
THE SUNDAY CALLED SEPTUAGESIMA
THE COLLECT.
O LORD, we beseech thee favourably to hear the p that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy N through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 1 Corinthians 9. 24.
KNOW ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things: now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 20. 1.
AND Jesus spake unto them another parable, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they shoul and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good-man of the house, saying, These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, I will give unto this last even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
THE SUNDAY CALLED SEXAGESIMA
THE COLLECT.
O LORD God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do: Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended a through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 2 Corinthians 11. 21.
WHEREINSOEVER any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool,) I am more: in l in s in p in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I fo thrice was I once was I thrice I a night and a day I h
in perils by in p i in peri
i besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke 8. 4.
WHEN much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side, and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock, and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundred-fold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath cars to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but t that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-sid then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe, and be saved. They on the rock are they which, when they hear, recei and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
THE SUNDAY CALLED QUINQUAGESIMA
BEING THE FIFTIETH DAY BEFORE EASTER
THE COLLECT.
O LORD, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth: Send thy Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 1 Corinthians 13. 1.
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but re beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, whether there be tongues, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we s but then face to face: now I but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.
THE GOSPEL. St Luke 18. 31.
THEN Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him,
and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, R thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
This Collect, Epistle, and Gospel shall be used every day in the week following, except upon Ash Wednesday or any Holy-day for which other provision is made.
THE FIRST DAY OF LENT
COMMONLY CALLED
ASH WEDNESDAY
THE COLLECT.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remis through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This Collect is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the day until Holy Week.
THE EPISTLE. St James 4. 6.
GOD best wherefore the Scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
THE GOSPEL. St Matthew 6. 16.
AND Jesus spake unto his disciples, saying, When ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Fathe and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall recompense thee. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
THE COLLECT.
O LORD, who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights: Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit, we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness and true holiness, to
who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
THE EPISTLE. 2 Corinthians 6. 1.
WE then, as workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of G (for he saith,
I have heard thee in a time accepted,
And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee:
behold, now
behold, now is ) giving no offence in any thing, that the mi but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by