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THE BENSON LIBRARY OF HYMNOLOGY

Endowed by the Reverend

Louis Fitzgerald Benson, d.d.

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LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY

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PHILADELPHIA:

S. R. FISHER A CO., PUBLISHERS, 54 N. SIXTH STREET. 1867.

$

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by

S. R. FISHER & CO.,

/n the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Jas. B. Rodgers,

Printer and Stereotypes,

Philadelphia.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

I. THE CHURCH FESTIVALS 5

II. A TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS 7

III. THE REGULAR SERVICE ON THE LORD'S DAY . 9

IV. THE EVENING SERVICE IP

V. THE LITANY 24

VI. PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS FOR SPECIAL

OCCASIONS 28

VII. THE GOSPELS, EPISTLES, AND COLLECTS ... 37

VIII. THE HOLY COMMUNION 158

IX. HOLY BAPTISM 188

X. CONFIRMATION 203

XL MARRIAGE 208

XII. ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION 214

XIII. EXCOMMUNICATION AND RESTORATION . . . 238

XIV. THE VISITATION AND COMMUNION OF THE SICK 247 XV. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 264

XVI. A SERVICE TO BE USED AT SEA 279

XVII. THE RECEPTION OF IMMIGRANTS 289

XVIII. THE LAYING OF A CORNER-STONE 293

XIX. THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH .... 298

XX. THE CONSECRATION OF A BURIAL-GROUND . . 305 XXI. AN ORDER OF SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE

FAMILY '. . . . 312

XXII. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 325

XXIII. THE CANTICLES, PSALMS, AND ANCIENT HYMNS 358

THE CHURCI FESTIVALS. '//

The movable festivals, with the exception of Advent Sunday, are determined bv Easter, which is the first Sunday next after the full-moon that follows the twenty-first of March, but if this full-moon happen on a Sunday, Easter will be the next Sunday after.

Septuagesima is nine weeks, Sexagesima eight weeks, Quinquagesima seven weeks, and the first week in Lent six weeks, respectively, before Easter. Ash- Wednesday is the Wednesday after Quinquagesima, Ascension Day is forty days, Whitsunday seven weeks, and Trinity Sunday eight weeks, respectively, after Easter.

Advent Sunday is always the nearest Sunday to the thirtieth day of November, whether before or after.

Christmas always. falls on the twenty-fifth of December, Epiphany on the sixth of January, and Good Friday in the week preceding Easter.

All days appointed, by proper Ecclesiastical or Civil authority, for fasting or thanksgiving, are to be duly respected and observed.

RULE FOR DETERMINING- EASTER IN ANY TEAR. 1. Divide the number of the year by 19, and call the remainder a.

2- » » „ by 4, „ „ b.

3- » » >, by 7, „ „ c.

4. „ (19a + M.) by 30, „ „ d.

5. „ (26 + 4c + U + N) by 7, „ „ e. In the Gregorian Calendar, M and N will have the following values :—

Iff. N.

From 1532 to 1699 22 3

1700 to 1799 23 3

1800 to 1899 23 4

1900 to 1999 24 5

2000 to 2099 24 5

2100 to 2199 24 6

2200 to 2299 25 0

2300 to 2399 26 1

2400 to 2499 25 1

6. Easter will be (22 + d + e) of March, or (d + e— 9) of April.

If a number is obtained beyond the 24th of April, seven days must be subtracted to get the correct time of Easter.

A TABLE OP THE MOVABLE FESTIVALS FROM 1867-1890

	<J S3 " B o a. g B p OQ	d IB H fc>	in W It B DQ ■<	w B BQ w	>> <) n (5 o K U M <1	a p BQ B	a h JH ST. QQ	H > a ■4
1867	5	Feb. 17	Mar. 6	April 21	May 30	June 9	23	Dee. 1
1868	*i	" 9	Feb. 26	" 12	« 21	May 31	24	Nov. 29
1869	2 J	Jan. 24	" 10	Mar. 28	" 6	« 16	26	" 28
1870	5 1	Feb. 13	Mar. 2	April 17	" 26	June 5	23	« 27
1871	4	" 5	Feb. 22	" 9	« 18	May 28	25	Dec. 3
1872	2	Jan. 28	« 14	Mar. 31	« 9	" 19	26	« 1
1873	4	Feb. 9	" 26	Apr J 13	" 22	June 1	24	Xov. 30
1874	3	" 1	" 18	" 5	« 14	May 24	25	« 29
1875	2	Jan. 24	« 10	Mar. 28	" 6	« 16	26	" 28
1876	5	Feb. 13	Mar. 1	April 16	" 25	June 4	24	Dee. 3
1877	3	Jan 28	Feb. 14	" 1	" 10	May 20	26	« 2
1878	5	Feb. 17	Mar. 6	" 21	" 30	June 9	23	" 1
1879	4	" 9	Feb. 26	« 13	« 22	" 1	24	Nov. 30
1880	2	Jan. 25	" 11	Mar. 28	« 6	May 16	26	" 28
1881	5	Feb. 13	Mar. 2	April 17	« 26	June 5	23	" 27
1882	4	" 5	Feb. 22	" 9	« 18	May 28	25	Deo. 3
18S3	2	Jan.. 21	" 7	Mar. 25	" 3	" 13	27	" 2
1884	4	Feb. 10	« 27	April 13	" 22	June 1	24	Nov. 30
1885	3	" 1	« 18	" 5	« 14	May 24	25	" 29
1886	6	" 21	Mar. 10	" 25	June 3	June 13	22	•' 28
1887	4	" 6	Feb. 23	10	May 19	May 29	24	" 27
1888	3	Jan. 29	" 15	" 1	" 10	" 20	26	Dec. 2
1889	5	Feb. 17	Mar. 6	" 21	" 30	June 9	23	« 1
1890	3	" 2	Feb. 19	" fi	" 15	May 25	25	Nov. 30

A TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS

FOR ALL THE SUNDAYS IN THE CHURCH YEAR.

SUNDAYS.

In Advent. 1

MORNING.

First Lesson. Second Lesson.

A^fter Nativity

1

2-

A/ter Epiphany 1

Scptuagtsima. Sexagesima.m igesima.

In L n'.

1

Isaiah 1

5

. 25

30

35

41

44

51

54

57

01

65

Jeremiah —

35

Lamentations 1

Jeremiah —

Ezekiel

- 20 to v.

Easter Day. After EasU r. 1

4-

After -I

Whit-Sunday.

Trinity.

A/ti r Trinity. 1

Luke 1 to v. lv.

3 to v.

Matt. 3 to v.

Luke — 2 v. Mark 1 to v.

EVENING.

First Lesson.

Second Lesson.

Matthew 2 v. John — 1 v. Matthew 4 v. 12 Luke 4 v. 14 to 33 Matthew — 5

Mieah i

Baggai2tov. H

Daniel !

Exod. 12 to v. 3'

Isaiah

Hosea

Joel 3

Mieah

Zechariah - Joel

Dent. 16 to v. Genesis

Luke — 7 v. Mark 6 to v.^

Matthew — Luke 10 to v. Mark 9 to v. Luke — 19 v.

Matthew — Romans

Dent. 4 to v.

Joshua

Judges

i Samuel — 2 Samuel — 1 Kings 8 to T. 22 17

John ■

Acts 4 to v. Matthew —

Matthew —

Lam. 3 to v.

nans 10

_ 12

14

1 Corinthians 1

Hebrews —

1 Corinthians 3 13

2 Corinthians 4

. 5

Galatians — 2 . 3

1

Ephosians —

Jeremiah —

Ezekiel

20 v. 27

Habakkuk - -3

Zechariah — 13 Malachi 3 and 4

Exodus 12 v. 37

Isaiah

Hosea

Mieah

Nahum

Zechariah — Zephaniah -

Isaiah

Genesis

Philippians-

2 3

4 5 6 1 3

Hebrews Sto v.ll Acts — 2 f. 22

1 Corinthians 15

Colossians — 1

3

1 Thessalon. 3 4

15 to v. 19

42

45

50

Exodus 5

: 10

15

Numbers — 22

24

Deuteronomy 5

■ 7

9

34

24

2Thess. 3 to v. 17 Acts 19 to v. 21 1 John 5

1 Timothy— 6

2 Timothy— 2 — 3 and 4 to v. 9

Titus 2 & 3to v. 10

Hebrews

Joshua — Judges —

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

20 1 Kings8v.22to62

1 John

Jude Rev. -

THE REGULAR SERVICE

THE LORD'S DAY.

Having taken his place on the right of the altar, the Congregation also standing up, the Minister shall say as follows :

Iii the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Dearly Beloved in the Lord: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us, therefore, humble our- selves before the throne of Almighty God, our heaven- ly Father, and confess our manifold sins and trans- gressions with lowly and contrite hearts, that we may obtain forgiveness of the same through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Then the Minister and Congregation shall kneel, and repeat the fol- lowing Confession.

9

10 THE REGULAR SERVICE

Almighty and most merciful God, our heavenly Father, we cast ourselves down before Thee, under a deep sense of our unworthiness and guilt. We have grievously sinned against Thee, in thought, in word, and in deed. We have come short of Thy glory. We have broken Thy commandments, and turned aside every one of us from the- way of life; and in us there is no soundness nor health. Yet now, 0 most merciful Father, hear us when we call upon Thee with penitent hearts; and for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us. Pardon our sins, and grant us Thy peace. Take away our guilt. Purify us, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, from all inward uncleanness; and make us able and wil- ling to serve Thee in newness of life to the glory of Thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Minister rise, and pronounce to the Congregation, Btill kneeling, the following Declaration of Pardon.

Hearken now unto the comforting assurance of the grace of God, promised in the Gospel to all that repent and believe : As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Unto as many of you, therefore, beloved brethren, as truly repent of your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, with full purpose of new obedience, I announce and declare, by the authority and in the

ON THE LORD'S DAY. 11

name of Christ, that your sins are forgiven in heaven, according to His promise in the Gospel, through the perfect merit of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here, and at the end of every Collect and Prayer, the Congregation shall say :

Amen.

The Congregation shall now rise, and join with the Minister in re- peating the Apostles' Creed; immediately after which shall be sung, chanted or recited, the Gloria in Excehis; all in the following order.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hades; the third day Pie rose from the dead; He as- cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life ever- lasting. Amen.

Minister. Praise ye the Lord. Congregation. The Lord's name be praised.

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee,

12 THE REGULAR SERVICE

we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory, 0 Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.

0 Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; 0 Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sin of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord; Thou only, 0 Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Then shall the Minister read the proper Gospel and Epistle for the day; adding, so far as he may see fit, other portions of Scripture.

After the reading, the service shall proceed thus, the Congregation rising :

31. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:

C. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

31. The Lord be with you. C. And with thy spirit.

31. Let us pray.

Then shall be offered the Collect for the day, and after this the fol- lowing General Prayer; except that, on Festival days, the first two Col- lects of the same shall be omitted and the proper Festival Prayer used in their stead.

ON the lord's day. 13

[During Lent, or in other seasons of humiliation, the Litany may take the place of the General Prayer.]

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving kind- ness to us, and to all men. We praise Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech Thee, give us such due sense of all Th}' mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

God of all power and glorj^, who hast not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, perfect and fulfill in us, we beseech Thee, the work of Thy redeeming mercy; that, being de- livered more and more from our sins, we may be able to serve Thee in newness of life. Sanctify us in body, soul, and spirit; and guide us evermore in the way of peace. Help us to overcome the world. Beat down Satan under our feet. Give us courage to confess Christ always; and patience to endure in His service unto the end; that having finished our course with

joy, we may rest in hope, and attain finally to the re- 2

14 THE REGULAR SERVICE

surrection of the just, through the infinite merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

0 Thou God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, cause Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, to rest upon the Church, which He has purchased with His most precious blood. Illuminate her ministers with true knowledge and understanding of Thy word. Send down the healthful dew of Thy grace upon all her congregations. Deliver her from false doctrine, heresy and schism; and clothe her with the beauty of holiness and peace. Establish and reveal Thy glory among all nations. I\y the tranquil working of Thy perpetual Providence, confound and destroy all wicked devices formed against Thy holy Word, and bring in speedily the full victory of Thine ever- lasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, from whom proceedeth all power and dominion in heaven and on earth, most heartily we beseech Thee to look with favor upon Thy servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this Common- wealth, and all others in authority. Imbue them with the spirit of wisdom, goodness, and truth; and so rule their hearts, and bless their endeavors, that law and order, justice and peace may every where prevail. Preserve us from public calamities; from pestilence and famine; from war, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; but especially from national sins and corruption. Make us strong and great in the fear ol

ON THE LORD'S DAY. 15

God, and in the love of righteousness; so that being blessed of Thee, we may become a blessing to all na- tions, to the praise of the glory of Thy grace through Jesus Christ. Amen.

0 God, The Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we implore Thy mercy in behalf of all classes and conditions of men; that it may please Thee to visit them with Thy most compassionate help, according to their manifold necessities and wants. Especially do we beseech Thee to show pity upon all widows and orphans; upon all prisoners and captives; upon all sick and dying persons; upon those who are deso- late or sore afflicted in any way; and upon all such as are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Enable them to look unto Thee, 0 most merciful Father, and to call upon Thy name, that they may find Thee a preseut Saviour in their affliction and distress. And let it please Thee to deliver them, and raise them up in due time, giving them patience under all their suf- ferings, the rich comfort of Thy grace here below, and eternal rest with Thee in heaven, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here may be introduced any special Collect, or Collects suitable to the occasion.

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplica- tions unto Thee, and dost promise that where two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt grant their requests; fulfil now, 0 Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expe- dient for them, granting us in this world knowledge

16 THE REGULAR SERVICE

of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlast- ing. Amen.

A suitable Psalm or Hymn shall now be sung.

Then the Minister, having taken his place in the pulpit, shall jro- ceed to deliver the Sermon. This should be in harmony with the general order of the Church Year.

After the Sermon, the service shall be continued as follows :

M. Let us pray.

Almighty God, Fountain of all goodness and truth, receive our thanks for the lively oracles of Thy grace, which are able to make us wise unto everlasting life; and mercifully grant, we beseech Thee, that the words, which we have heard this day with our out- ward ears, may through Thy blessing be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living; to the honor and praise of Thy name, through- Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom ; defend us, Thy humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of our glorious Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here let the People join aloud in the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in

ON THE LORD'S DAY. 17

earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But de- liver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The Deacons shall now collect the Alms of the People; and the Minis- ter may make any necessary Announcements.

Then a Psalm or Hymn shall be sung, ending with a Doxology.

After which the Minister shall close the whole service with the Apos- tolic Benediction.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

2* b

THE EVENING SERVICE.

Having taken his place at the altar, the Congregation also standing up, the Minister shall say as follows :

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid ; cleanse the thoughts of our minds, we beseech Thee, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that, being de- livered from every unholy motion of the flesh and spirit, we may perfectly love Thee, with a pure heart and sanctified lips worship Thee, and worthily mag- nify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here, and at the end of every Collect and Prayer, the Congregation shall say:

Amen.

A Tsalm or Hymn shall now be sung.

Then shall the Congregation rise, and join with the Minister in re- peating the A2)oslles' Creed; immediately after which shall he chanted, or recited, the Gloria Patri; all iu the following orier. 13

THE EVENING SERVICE. ] 9

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hades ; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life ever- lasting. Amen.

Minister. Praise ye the Lord.* Congregation. The Lord's name be praised.

31. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:

C. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Then shall the Minister read the JSvening Lessons, as indicated in the Table of Scripture Lessons.

After the reading, the service shall proceed thus, t.'&e Congregation rising :

M. The Lord be with you. C, And with thy spirit.

M. Let us pray.

20 THE EVENING SERVICE.

31. Create in us a clean heart, 0 God: C. And renew a right spirit within us.

M. Cast us not away from Thy presence : C. And take not Thy Holy Spirit from us.

Then shall be offered the Collect for the day, and after this the follow- ing General Prayer.

0 God, from whom all holy desires, all good coun- sels, and all just works do proceed; give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may' by Thy protection pass our time in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 Lord, our heavenly Father, by whose almighty power we have been preserved this day, and to whom the darkness and the light are both alike ; by Thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; and so refresh our weary nature with the help which our weakness needs, that we may behold the dawn and the day with joy fulness, and be de- voted to Thee both in body and soul, for the love of Thine only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

In goodness art Thou exalted, 0 Lord, our Father, for ever and ever. We magnify Thee, we praise Thee, we worship Thee, we give thanks unto Thee for Thy bountiful providence, for all the blessings of the pre- sent life, and all the hopes of a better life to come ; let

THE EVENING SERVICE. 21

the memory of Thy goodness, we beseech Thee, fill our hearts with joy and thankfulness unto our life's end; and let no unworthiness of ours provoke Thee to with- hold from us any needed good, seeing that all Thy blessings come not by our desert, but only through the merit and mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast promised to reveal Thy glory by Jesus Christ among all nations; remember, we beseech Thee, Thy holy Church through- out all the world; unite all who profess and call them- selves 'Christians in the bond of a holy faith as one body, and so replenish them and us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may bring forth abundantly the fruits of peace and good works ; and that, having persevered in the way of godliness to the end, we may, with prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors and saints of all ages, come into full communion with Thee and with one another in Thine eternal and glorious king- dom ; through the mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

0 most powerful Lord God, King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone ordainest the powers that be; take under Thy most gracious government and guidance, we beseech Thee, Thy servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, and all others in authority; and so enrich them with heavenly wisdom and grace, that they may attain Thine everlasting favor, and we lead quiet and peace- able lives, in all godliness and honesty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

22 THE EVENING SERVICE.

Almighty and most merciful God, who art a sea- sonable refuge in time of trouble; let the prayers of those who, in tribulation or any sort of extremity, cry unto Thee, reach Thy merciful ears, and grant them relief according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions; for the sake of the suffering and sorrow of Thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here may be introduced any special Collect or Collects suitable to the occasion.

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee, and dost promise that where two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt grant their requests; fulfil now, 0 Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.

A suitable Psalm or Hymn shall now be sung.

Then the Minister, having taken his place in the pulpit, shall proceed to deliver the Sermon, or he may expound in course a portion of the Heidelberg Catechism.

After the Sermon, the service shall be continued as follows :

M. Let us pray.

0 God, who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spi- rit ; grant unto us by the same Spirit to have a right

THE EVENING SERVICE. 23

understanding of Thy saving truth. Visit, we pray Thee, this congregation with Thy love and favor; en- lighten their minds more and more with the light of the everlasting gospel ; graft in their hearts a love of the truth; increase in them true religion; nourish them with all goodness ; and of Thy great mercy keep them in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here let the People join aloud in the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But de- liver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The Deacons shall now collect the Alms of the people; and the Min- ister may make any necessary Announcements.

Then a Psalm or Hymn shall be sung, ending with a Doxoloqy.

After which the Minister shall close the whole service with the Apos- tolic Benediction.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with yon all. Amen.

THE LITANY.

Minister. 0 God the Father in heaven; have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Have mercy upon us.

31. 0 God the Son, Redeemer of the world; have mercy upon us.

C. Have mercy upon us.

M. 0 God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son ; have mercy upon us. C. Have mercy upon us.

31. 0 holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three per- sons and one God; have mercy upon us. C. Have mercy upon us.

31. Remember not, Lord, our offences, nor the offen- ces of our forefathers; neither take Thou vengeance of our sins: spare us, good Lord, spare Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever.

C. Spare us, good Lord.

31. From all evil and harm; from the power of

sm, and the snares of the devil; from Thy wrath, and

from everlasting damnation ;

C. Good Lord, deliver us. 24

THE LITANY* 25

M. From all blindness of heart; from pride, vain- glory, and hypocrisyj from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness;

C. Good Lord, deliver us.

31. From all impure lusts and desires ; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil; C. Good Lord, deliver us.

31. From lightning, tempest, and earthquake; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from all disasters by land and by water; from battle and murder, and from sudden death ;

C. Good Lord, deliver us.

31. From tumult and riot ; from sedition and re- bellion ; from heresy and schism ; from hardness of heart, and contempt of Thy word and authority;

C. Good Lord, deliver us.

31. By the mystery of Thy holy incarnation ; by Thy holy nativity and circumcision ; by Thy baptism, fasting, and temptation ;

C. Good Lord, deliver us.

31 . By Thine agony and bloody sweat ; by Thy cross and passion ; by Thy precious death and burial ; by Thy glorious resurrection and ascension ; and by the coming of the Holy Ghost ;

C. Good Lord, deliver us.

26 THE LITANY.

31. In all time of our tribulation ; in all time of our wealth ; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment;

C, Good Lord, deliver us.

31, We sinners do beseech Thee to hear us, 0 Lord. C. Son of God, we beseech Thee*to hear us.

31. That it may please Thee to keep us in all time of temptation and heaviness ; to comfort and help all the weak-hearted; to raise up them that fall, and finally to beat down Satan under our feet ;

C. We beseech Thee to hear us, 0 Lord.

31. That it may please Thee to succor, help, and comfort all that are in danger, necessity and tribula- tion ;

C. We beseech Thee to hear us, 0 Lord.

31. That it may please Thee to preserve all travel- lers and strangers, all women in the perils of child- birth, all sick persons, and young children, and to show Thy pity upon all prisoners and captives;

C. We beseech Thee to hear us, 0 Lord.

31. That it may please Thee to defend and provide for the fatherless children, and widows, and all that are desolate and oppressed ;

C. We -beseech Thee to hear us, 0 Lord.

31. That it may please Thee to have mere} upon all men;

C, We beseech Thee to hear us, 0 Lord.

THE LITANY. 27

M. 0 Son of God. Redeemer of the world ; C, Have mercy upon us.

M, 0 Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world ;

C. Have mercy upon us.

Jf. 0 Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world ;

C. Grant us Thy peace.

0 God, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of the contrite, nor rejectest the desire of the sorrowful: be favorable to our prayers which in our afflictions that continually oppress us, we pour out before Thee; and graciously hear them, that those things which the craft of the devil or man worketh against us, may be brouQ-ht to noiurht. and by the counsel of Thv nood- ness be dispersed ; so that being hurt by no persecu- tions, we may evermore give thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

0 God, from whom all holy desires, all good coun- sels, and all just works do proceed; give unto Thy servants that peace wffich the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy command- ments, and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may by Thy protection pass our time in peace and quietness, through Jesus Christ cur Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS

SPECIAL OCCASIONS.

PRAYEES. For the Opening of a Synod or Classls.

Almighty and everlasting God, who by Thy Holy Spirit didst preside in the first Synod of the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem, and hast promised to be with Thy Church alway even unto the end of the world; vouchsafe, we pray Thee, unto us Thy servants, here assembled, Thy gracious presence and benediction. Deliver us from all error, pride and prejudice. En- lighten us with wisdom from above. Fill our hearts with the spirit of unity and peace ; and so order and govern us in all our doings, that the kingdom of Satan may be broken down, Thy people comforted and es- tablished in their most holy faith, and the pure Gos- pel truly preached and truly followed ; until at length all Thy dispersed sheep shall be gathered into the one fold of the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord : to whom be glory forever. Anum

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 29

Far the Catechumens.

Almighty God. our heavenly Father, who dost, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, accept the inter- cessions of Tin* people ; remember in Thy great mere}*, we beseech Thee, the Catechumens in this congrega- tion and throughout Thy whole Church. By Thy Holy Spirit inwardly enlighten and instruct them in the knowledge of Thee and divine things; open the ears of their hearts to be occupied with Thy law day and night; strengthen and confirm them in religion ; unite them more closely with Thyself and Thy flock ; deliver them from all iniquity, and give no place to the Adversary to get advantage against them. Cleanse them from all pollution of flesh and spirit, and let the indwelling of Thy grace be evermore their strength and safety. Prepare them for the full communion of Thy Church here, and for Thy presence and glory in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Opening of the Year.

Almighty and eternal God, with whom one day is as a thousand years, aud a thousand 3-ears as one day; we bring Thee thanks and praise for Thy blessings, more than we can number, with which Thou hast crowned our lives during the year now past; and since Thy mercies are ever new, let the year which lias now begun, be to us a year of grace and salvation. Have pity upon us in our misery, whose days are as the grass. Deliver us from the vanity of our old fallen nature ; and establish us in the fellowship of that life which is the same yesterday and to-day

30 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.

and forever. Graciously protect and conduct us through the uncertainties of this new year of our earthly pilgrimage. Prepare us for its duties and trials, its joys and sorrows. Help us to watch and pray, and to be always ready like men that wait for their Lord ; and grant that every change, whether it be of prosperity or adversity, of life or of death, may bring us nearer to Thee and to that great eternal year of joy and rest, which, after the years of this vain earthly life, awaits the faithful in Thy blissful pres- ence ; where we shall unite, from everlasting to ever- lasting, with angels and saints, in ascribing blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, unto Him who sit- teth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen.

In Time of Dearth.

0 God, heavenly Father, whose gift it is that the rain doth fall, and the earth bring forth her increase ; behold, we beseech Thee, the afflictions of Thy peo- ple. Visit the earth with Thy heavenly benediction -} and grant that the scarcity and dearth, which we now most justly suffer for our sins, may, through Thy goodness, be mercifully turned into plenty ; that we, receiving thy bountiful liberality, may use the same to Thy glory, the relief of those that are needy, and our own comfort : for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

In Time of Peat'dence.

Holy Lord God Almighty, who of old didst stay the angel of pestilence at the cry of Thy repenting

FOB SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 31

children, and bring back health to a dying people ; hear ns. Thy suppliants, returning unto Thee, as in sackcloth, dust, and ashes, and mercifully lift from us the heavy hand of Thy righteous visitation; that the people may live before Thee, and not die in their sins, and that the land may no longer mourn by reason of Thy judgments, 0 Lord, who for our iniquities art justly displeased. We humbly ask it for Christ's sake. Amen.

In Time of War.

0 Almighty God, Supreme Ruler, and Governor of all things, who art a strong tower of defence to them that fear Thee, and whose power no creature is able to resist ; unto Thee do we make our humble cry in this the hour of our country's need. To Thee it belongeth justly to punish sinners and to be merciful to those who repent. Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech Thee, from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices; that we, being armed with Thy defence, may be pre- served evermore from all perils, to glorify Thee, who art the only Giver of all victory ; through the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Conversion of tlie Jews.

Almighty God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, who didst first send Thy Son to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and hast not shut out from Thy mercy even the most hardened offenders ; hear our prayers for Thine ancient people in their dispersion and blindness, that, the veil being taken

32 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS

from their hearts, they may know, through Thy Holy SjDirit, both Thee and Him whom Thou hast sent, the only Messiah and Saviour; and so, according to Thy most gracious promise, be gathered again into the true fold, under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For a Sick Person.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Thine in- finite goodness grant unto the soul of thy servant the anointing of the Holy Ghost, who is the Spirit of all strength, comfort, relief and gladness. Vouchsafe for Thy great mercy, if it be Thy blessed will, to restore unto him bodily health and strength to serve Thee ; and send him release of all his pains, troubles, and diseases, both in body and mind. And howsoever Thy goodness, by Thy divine and unsearchable Provi- dence, may dispose of him, we, Thine unworthy ser- vants, humbly beseech Thy eternal Majesty to do with him according to the multitude of Thine innumerable mercies, and to pardon all his sins and offences com- mitted by his bodily senses, passions and carnal affec- tions. Vouchsafe also mercifully to grant unto him ghostly strength, by Thy Holy Spirit, to withstand and overcome all temptations and assaults of the Ad- versarj^, that in no wise he prevail against him, but that he may have perfect victory and triumph against the devil, sin and death: through Christ our Lord, who by His death hath overcome the prince of death, and, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, evermore liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen.

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 33

Or tlii*.

Holy Father, Healer of souls and bodies, who didst send Thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, healing every disease and redeeming from death; heal Thy servant also of the sickness of soul and body which encompasses Jtim, and quicken Mm through the grace of Thy Christ ; for Thou, 0 Christ our God, art the Fountain of healing, and to Thee, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, we ascribe all honor and praise. Amen.

THANKSGIVINGS. A General TharJcsgiving.

0 God, Giver of all good and Fountain of all mer- cies, in whom are the springs of our life: all glory, thanks and praise be unto Thee for Thine ever-flow- ing goodness; for Thy faithfulness which is from one generation to another; for Thy mercies which are new every morning, fresh every moment, and more than we can number; for seed-time and harvest, and sum mer and winter, and nights and days throughout the year; for food and raiment and shelter; for health and reason; for childhood and age, and youth and man- hood; for Thy fatherly hand ever upon us in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in life and in death; for friends and kindred and kind benefactors; for home and country; for Thy Church and for Thy gospel; yea, Lord, for that there is nothing for which

we may not bless and thank Thee. And therefore do 0

34 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS

we take the cup of salvation, and call upon Thy name, and pay our vows now in the presence of all Thy peo- ple; humbly beseeching Thee to' accept this our be- coming service and bounden duty, even as we oner it, in the name and through the infinite merits of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgiving for Harvest.

Almighty and everlasting God, we yield Thee hearty thanks for all Thy goodness, and especially for this Thy bounty again bestowed upon us, who, through Thy providence and tender mercy, have now reaped the fruits of the earth in due season, and gathered them into our garners. Give us power to use the same to Thy glory, to the relief of those that are needy, and to our own comfort. Continue, we beseech Thee, Thy loving-kindness toward us, that year by year our land may yield her increase, filling our hearts with ]oy and gladness; and so dispose us by Thy special grace that we, Thy servants, may never sow only to the flesh, lest of the flesh we reap corruption, but may sow spi- ritually to life everlasting, and reap the same in Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Deliverance from Deartli.

We yield Thee abounding thanks, 0 most bounti ful God and Father, who hast had compassion upon the multitudes that were ready to perish with hun- ger; and even as Thou didst make the lew loaves and fishes enough for thousands, art now crowning the

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 35

seed-time with harvest and filling' the land with plenty. And we beseech Thee, that unto this Thy miracle of earthly providence, Thou wilt add Thy richer miracle of heavenly grace, and evermore give us that bread which cometh down from heaven, whereof they that eat shall be nourished unto life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Deliverance from Pestilence.

0 Lord God of our salvation, who turnest man to destruction and sayest, Return, ye children of men ; we yield Thee hearty thanks for that Thou didst not shut the ears of Thy mercy when we cried unto Thee, in the day of Thy terrible visitation, as out of the val- ley and shadow of death; but hast mercifully driven from our borders the wasting pestilence, and restored the voice of joy and health into*our dwellings. Of Thy mercy it is, 0 Lord, that we were not utterly consumed and wasted away; and, therefore, as the living from the dead, we return to bless and praise and magnify Thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Deliverance from War, or other Public Calamity.

0 almighty God, who hast in all ages showed forth Thy power and mercy in all the miraculous deliver- ances of Thy Church, and in the protection of right- is states and nations, maintaining Thy holy and eternal truth; we adore the wisdom and goodness of Thy providence, which hath so timely interposed in our extreme danger, and again filled our hearts with

36 * PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.

joy and gladness, after that Thou liadst afflicted us. We beseech Thee, give us such a lively and lasting sense of this Thy great mercy towards us, that we may not grow secure and careless in our obedience by presuming upon Thy goodness, but that it may lead us to repentance, and move us to be the more zealous in all the duties of our religion, as well to Thee as to one another. Let truth and justice, liberty and or- der, holiness and piety, concord and unity, with all other virtues, so flourish among us, that they may be the stability of our times, and make this nation a bul- wark of Thy Church, and a joy and praise in the earth. So will we, Thy people, and the sheep of Thy pas- ture, give Thee thanks for ever, and always be show- ing forth Thy praise from generation to generation: through Jesus Christ our only Saviour and Eedeemer, to whom, with Thee, 0 Father, and the Holy Ghost, be glory in the CTrirch throughout all ages, world without end. Amer .

THE

GOSPELS, EPISTLES, AND COLLECTS

FOR

THE CHURCH YEAR.

First Sunday in Advent.

The Gospel, St. Matt. xxi. 8-11. (St. John i. 1-18.)

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way ; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord ; 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.

The Epistle, Rom. xiii. 11-14. (1 John i. 1-ii. 2.)

And tltfrt, 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, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast oif the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wan- tonness, 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.

4 . 37

38 FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT.

The Collect.

Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great hu- mility; 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 to the life immortal, through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and forever. Amen.

The Festival Prayer.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we Thine un- worthy servants do render Thee unfeigned thanks, that after man, created in Thine own image, had, through the fraud and malice of Satan, fallen under the power of the curse, Thou didst not leave him to perish in helpless misery, but didst provide a Deliverer and proclaim to the fathers, by the mouths of the prophets and holy men of old, the Advent of Thy Son, the Hope of Israel, the Desire of all nations, the Redeemer of the world : to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

God of ail grace and comfort, who hast not appoint- ed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, aid us, we beseech Thee, at this time, to repent heartily and truly of all our sins, and so to humble ourselves, that, when He cometh, we may be prepared to receive Him with childlike faith, and join in the glad cry : Hosanna to the Son of David ! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Amen.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 39

Second Sunday in Advent.

The Gospel, St. Luke xxi. 25-33. (St. Matt xxv. 1-13.)

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity ; the sea and the waves roaring ; 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, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And He spake to them a parable: Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 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 earth shall pass away ; but my words shall not pass away.

The Epistle, Rom. xv._4-13. (Heb. x. 1-9.) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, 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 toward 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 re- ceived 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 made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, Fur this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and Bing unto Thy name. And again He saith, Rejoice, ye Gen-

40 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT.

tiles, with His people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in be- lieving, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The Collect. » Cleanse our conscience, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, by the daily visitation of Thy grace; that when Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, shall come, He may find us fit for His appearing, and ready to meet Him without spot, in the company of all Llis saints: who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Third Sunday in Advent. - —

The Gospel, St. Matt. xi. 2-10. (St. Luke xvii. 20-37.) 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 shew 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 sec? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in 6oft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in

FOURTII SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 41

kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A pro- phet ? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, oi' whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The Epistle, 1 Cor. iv. 1-5. (1 Thess. v. 1-8.)

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is re- quired 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 judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified : 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 counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

The Collect.

Incline, 0 Lord, we beseech Thee, Thine ear to our prayers, and visit the darkness of our mind with the dayspring from on high; that at the second coming of Thy Son to judge the world, we may has- ten with joy to meet Him, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Advent.

The Gospel, St. John i. 19-31. (St. John in. 22-3G.)

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, AVho art thou? And

4*

42 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT.

he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that 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 cry- ing in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 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 that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water : but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not ; he it is, who, coming after me, is pre- ferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara, beyond Jor- dan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketli away the sin of the world ! This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come bap- tizing with Avater. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

The Epistle, Phil. iv. 4-7. {Gal. iii. 21-29.)

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God". And the peace of God, which

CHRISTMAS DAY. 43

BASseth al. understanding, Bhall keep your hearts and minds,

through Christ Jesus.

The Collect.- Arise, 0 Lord, we beseech Thee, and show unto us speedily the power of Thy glorious salvation; that we, being redeemed from our sins, and delivered out of the hands of our enemies, may be enabled to serve Thee without fear, in holiness and righteousness be- fore Thee, all the days of our life; through the me- diation of Thy Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Christmas Day— Nativity of our Lord.

The Gospel, St. John i. 1-14. (St. Luke ii. 1-20.)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the begin- ning with God. All things were made by him ; 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 comprehended 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

44 CHRISTMAS DAT.

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 Epistle, neb. i. 1-12. (Phil. ii. 5-11.)

> v • , 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 also he made the worlds ; 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 Majesty on high ; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excel- lent 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 in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God wor- ship 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, 0 God, is for ever and ever : a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of glad- ness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.-" They shall perish; but thou re- mainest: and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given ns

CHRISTMAS DAT. 45

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 Spirit after the image of this same blessed and glorious Christ: who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen,

The Festival Trayev,

0 Tnou only begotten Son of God, who in the ful- ness of time coming forth from the bosom of the Fa- ther, wast made flesh and didst dwell among us, full of grace and truth, we bless Thee for Thy conception by the Holy Ghost and for Thy Jjirth of the blessed Virgin, whereby Thou hast become the true seed of Abraham and didst take upon Thyself all our sins and infirmities, that we might have salvation' from sin and eternal life in Thee. With the multitude of angels who proclaimed Thy joyous Advent, and with Thy people among all nations we unite in saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men. Amen.

0 God, merciful Father, vouchsafe unto us, we hum- bly beseech Thee, the continual help of Thy grace, that we may acknowledge and confess Thine incar- nate Son as our true and only Lord and Saviour, and that receiving Him with childlike faith we may ever feed on His precious body and blood as the true meat and drink of our souls unto everlasting life. Amen.

16 st. Stephen's day.

St. Stephen's Day.

[The Festival of St. Stephen, the first martyr, is celehrated on the first clay after Christmas, to symbolize the idea that the terrestrial birth of our Saviour ia immediately followed by the death, that is, the celestial birth, of His martyrs.]

The Gosjtel, St. Matt, xxiii. 34-39.

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes : and some of them ye shall kill and crucify ; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Bara- chias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Veri- ly I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, 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.

The Fpistle, Acts vi. 8; vii. CO.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 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 Collect.

As we lionor on this day, 0 Lord God, the memory of Thy blessed martyr, St. Stephen, grant unto us grace, we beseech Thee, to follow his faith and chanty; that however sorely tried by the contradiction of sin-

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST'S DAT. 47

ners, we may be able, like him, to look steadfastly up into heaven, and to commend even our enemies to the pardoning mercy of our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ: to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

St. John the Evangelist's Day.

[The Festival of St. John is celebrated on the second day after Christmas, because lie was the bosom friend of Jesus, and has most fully unfolded the mys- tery of the Word made flesh for our salvation.]

TJie Gospel, St. John xxi. 19-24.

This spake lie, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Fol- low me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; 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, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things : and we know that his testimony is true.

The Epistle, 1 John i. 1-10.

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 Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and Ave have seen it, and bear wit- ness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and hear! declare we unto you, that ye also may have

48 THE INNOCENTS' day.

fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write Ave 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. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in dark- ness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with ano- ther, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

The Collect.

Shine graciously upon Thy Church, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord; that being enlightened by the doctrine and filled with the mind of Thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist, Saint John, whom Jesus loved, it may come at last into Thy beatific presence and enjoy the rewards of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Innocents' Day.

[This Festival, in memory of the slaughtered infants, is celebrated on the third day after Christmas. Martyrdom was regarded by the ancient Church as .* heavenly birth. Hence, the day of St. Stephen, martyr both in will and in fact, of St. John, martyr in will though not in tnct, and of the Holy Innocents, mar- tyrs in fact though not in will, follow immediately after Christmas.]

The Gospel, St. Matt. ii. 13-18.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appcarcth to Joseph in a dream, paying, Arise, ai.d

THE INNOCENTS' DAY. 49

take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will peek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the pro- phet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, 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 Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama 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.

The Epistle, Rev. xiv. 1-5.

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: 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 mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The Collect.

0 God, who out of the mouths of babes and suck- D 5

50 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS.

lings hast ordained strength, and whose praise the slaughtered infants of Bethlehem proclaimed, not by speaking, but by dying; mortify and kill in -us, we be- seech Thee, all evil propensities and wrong des.res, and so strengthen us by Thy grace, that the same holy faith, which we own with our tongues, we may con- fess also by the innocency of our lives : to the glory of Thy great name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Sunday after Christmas.

The Gospel, St. Matt. i. 18-25. (St. Luke ii. 23-35.)

Now 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 pri- vily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Jo- seph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: 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 took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son: and he called his name Jesus.

THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST — NEW YEAR'S DAY. 51 Tlte Epistle, Gal. iv. 1-7. (1 John iv. 1-10.)

Now I say. That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is un- der 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, ma ie under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And be- cause 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, but a son ; and if a son, then an lieir of God through Christ.

The Collect.

Most merciful God, who hast so loved the world as to give Thine only begotten Son, that whosoever be- lieveth in Him should not perish, but have everlast- ing life ; vouchsafe unto us, we humbly pray Thee, the precious gift of faith, whereby we may know that the Sen of God is come, and being always rooted and grounded in the mystery of the Word made flesh, may have power to overcome the world, and gain the bles- sed immortality of heaven: through the merits of this same incarnate Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Circumcision of Christ— New Year's Day,

The Gospel, St. Luke ii. 15-21. {Psalm xc.)

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us

52 new year's day.

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.

The Epistle, Col. ii. 8-17. {Ileb. xi. 8-16.) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power : in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made Avithout hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circum- cision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all tres- passes; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross ; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days : which are a shadow of things to come ; but the body is of Christ.

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 53

The Collect. Almighty and most merciful God, by whose will Thy well-beloved Son, the Saviour of the world, was circumcised in His spotless flesh, to put honor on the law which He had come to fulfil; grant unto us, we beseech Thee, the true circumcision of the spirit, where- by being inwardly purged from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may offer ourselves unto Thee a living sac- riliee, holy and acceptable through Jesus Christ: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Second Sunday after Christmas.

The Gospel, St. Luke ii. 33-40. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall he spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser : she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jeru- salem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in epirit, filled with wisdom : and the grace of God was upon him.

5*

54 THE EPIPHANY.

The Epistle, Bom. vi. 12-18.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteous- ness ? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, who by Thine only begotten Son hast made us to be a new creation for Thyself, and hast bathed us in the new light of Thine Incarnate Word; preserve in us, we beseech Thee, the works of Thy mercy, and cleanse us from all our an- cient stains ; that by the assistance of Thy grace we may be found in His form, in whom our substance dwells with Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epiphany,

[The Epiphany, or Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, is celebrated ou the sixth da}' of January.]

The Gospel, St. Matt. ii. 1-12, (Is. lx. 1-15.) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the

THE EPIPHANY. £m

days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is re 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 scribe3 of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ Bhould be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, are not the least among the princes of Juda: 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, they departed; 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 presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Hero 1, they departed into their own country another way.

The Epistle, Eph. iii. 1-12. (Rom. xv. 8-12.)

For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 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

56 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY.

unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 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 Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known, by 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.

TJie Collect.

0 God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest Thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we, who have now come to know Thee here by faith, may be conducted to the full vision of Thy glory hereafter in heaven ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with. Thee and the Lloly Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

First Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Gospel, St. Luke ii. 41-52. (St. Mull. iii. 13-17.) 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 Jerusalem; and Joseph and his

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. 57

mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a clay'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 favor with God and man. %

The Epistle, Rom, zii. 1-5. (Rom. vi. 3-11.) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, accepta- ble unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this, world: but be ye transformed by the re- newing 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 not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

The ColleetS

Receive, 0 Lord, with compassionate kindness, the vers of Thy suppliant people, and bestow upon

58 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY.

tliem plentcously the aids of Thy heavenly grace; that they may both know what things they ought to dof and be strong also to do what they know; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world with- out end. Amen.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Gosjtel, St. John ii. 1-11. (St. Luke iv. 1-13.)

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the ser- vants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the puri- fying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots 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: (but 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 miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. 59

T/u' Epistle, Rom. xii. 6-16. (S«8. ii. 14-18.) Having then gi.rts differing according to the grace that is given to ns, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our minis- -tering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhort- eth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with sim- plicity: he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mer- cy, with cheerfulness. Let love he without dissimulation. Ahhor that which is evil; cleave to that -which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in ho- nor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: 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 conde- scend to men of low estate. Be not Avise in your own conceits.

■y

The Collect.

0 God, the Fountain of all truth and grace, who hast called us out of darkness into marvellous light by the glorious gospel of Thy Son; grant unto us power, we beseech Thee, to walk worthy of this voca- tion, with all lowliness and meekness, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace; that we may have our fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Gospel, St. Matt. via. 1-13. (St. Mark i. 14-22.)

When he was come down from the mountain, great multi- tudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and

60 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY.

worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy Avas 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 shouldest come under my roof: 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 to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my ser- vant, 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 selfsame hour.

The Epistle, Rom, xii. 17-21. (1 Cor. i. 17-25.)

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 give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, b it overcome evil with good.

FOUBTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. 01

The Coll vet. Almighty and everlasting God, look mercifully, we beseech Thee, upon our great weakness; and in the midst of the manifold trials and dangers which beset us on all sides, stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty for our protection and help ; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world with- out end. Amen.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Gospel, St. Malt. viii. 23-27. (St. Luke iv. 14-24.)

And when lie was entered into a ship, his disciples followed hiih. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saving, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, 0 ye of little faith ? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him !

The Epistle, Bom. xiii. 1-7. (2 Cor. iv. 1-6.)

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. 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 damnation. 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 the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to 6

62 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY.

execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also : for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

The Collect.

0 God, who hast founded the earth upon the seas, and established it upon the floods, and whose word is forever settled in heaven; grant unto us grace, we beseech Thee, to look beyond the things which are seen and temporal to the things which are not seen and eternal; that walking by faith more than by sight, we may not be unduly moved by any occasions in this world, but be able to endure unto the end in the way of life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

[The number of Sundays after the Epiphany (Upends upon the date of Easter, which is a movable Feast, and varies from one to six.]

TJie Gospel, St. Matt. xiii. 24-30. {St. Matt. xiii. 1-9.)

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The king- dom 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

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. 63

then that we go and gather them up? But lie said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: 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 Epistle, Col. iii. 12-17. (1 Pet. i. 22-25.) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering: forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ 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 are called in one body ; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ; teaching and ad- monishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The Collect. >

0 Lord, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Church and household continually in Thy true religion; that they who do lean only upon the hope of Thy heavenly grace, may evermore be defended by Thy mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany,

The Gospel, St. Matt. xvii. 1-9. (St. Matt. xiii. 44-52.

And after six days, Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain

64 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY.

apart, and was transfigured before them : and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias, talk- ing with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here : if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, s.ave Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

The Epistle, 1 John iii. 1-10. (1 Pet. ii. 1-10.)

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that wc should be called the sons of God: 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, we shall be like him ; 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 to take away our sins; 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 docth 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. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot

THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LEXT. C5

pin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth nut righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The Collect y

0 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; enable us, we beseech Thee, having this hope, to purify ourselves, even as He is pure; that when He shall appear again with power and great glor}', we may be made like unto Him in His eternal and glorious kingdom: where He liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Third Sunday before Lent— Septuagesima.

The Gospel, St. Matt, xx. 1—10. (St. Matt. xiv. 22-33.)

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire la- borers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others stand- ing idle in the market-place, 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 E 6*

66 THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT.

of the vineyard saith unto his steward. Call the laborers, 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 should have received more ; 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 wrought 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 do thee no wrong : didst not thou agree with me for a penny ? Take that thine is, and go thy way : 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 Epistle, 1 Cor, is. 24-27.— x. 1-5. {Rom. viii. 31-39.)

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 Ave an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; 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 cast- away.— Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual llock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of ihem God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT. 67

The Collect.' 0 Lord, we beseech Thee favorably to hear the prayers of Thy people; that we who are justly pun- ished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by Thy goodness, for the glory of Thy name; through . I r>us Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Second Sunday before Lent— Sexagesima.

TJie Gospel, St. Luke viii. 4-15. (St. John x. 1-18.)

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable : A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; 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 hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears 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 myste- ries of the kingdom of God : but to others in parables ; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not under- stand. Now the parable is tins : The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are they that hear; 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', receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for awhile believe, and in time of tempta- tion fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they,

68 SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT.

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 Epistle, 2 Cor. xi. 19-33— xii. 1-9. (1 Pel. ii. 17-25.)

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man de- vour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit, Avhereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they He- brews? 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 labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and pain- fulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 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. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a gar- rison, desirous to apprehend me : and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. — It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to

SUNDAY BEFORE LENT. 69

visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell : God knoweth ;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) how that he was caught up into para- dise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself 1 will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The Collecty

Almighty and everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who givest power to the faint, and strength to them that have no might; look mercifully, we beseech Thee, on our low estate, and cause Thy grace to triumph in our weakness; that we may arise and follow in the way of righteousness those who by their faith and patience already inherit the promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday before Lent— Quinquagesima, or Estoniihi.

The Gospel, SLLuke xviii. 31-43. (St. Matt. xvi. 21-23.) Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Be-

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hold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accom- plished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on : and they shall scourge him, and put him to death : 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 wayside, begging : and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Naza- reth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of Da- vid, 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 re- ceive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: 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.

TJie Epistle, 1 Cor. xiii. 1-13. (1 Pet. iv. 12-19.)

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tink- ling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; 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. Cha- rity sufFereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is noj puffed up, dotli not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, think- eth no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the

FIRST DAY IN LENT. 71

truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whe- ther there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; 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 thought as a child : but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; 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 Collect.

0 Lord, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; send Thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of perfectness, and of all virtues; without which, whosoever liveth is counted dead before Thee. Grant this for Thine only Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

First Day in Lent— Ash-Wednesday.

The Gospel, St. Mall. vi. 16-21. (Psalm li.)

Moreover 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 Father which is in- secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Lay not up

72 FIRST DAT IN LENT.

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 Epistle, Joe?. JL 12-1& {Rev. iii. 14-22.)

Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him ; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bride- groom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep be- tween the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, 0 Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God ? Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

The Collect. '

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who 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 remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ o.ur Lord. Amen.

FIRST SUNDAY IX LENT. 73

First Sunday in Lent— Invocavit.

The Gospel, St. Matt. iv. 1-11. (St. Matt vi. 1-21.)

Then 'was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the ■wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the temptei came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city^ and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down : for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high moun- tain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them ; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

The Epistle, 2 Cor. vi. 1-10. (Eph. vi. 10-20.)

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of sal- vation have I succoured thee : behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all things approving ourselves, as the ministers of God, in much 7

74 SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT.

patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteous- ness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dis- honour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, be- hold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

The Collect.^

We beseech Thee, 0 Lord, by the mystery of our Saviour's fasting and temptation, to arm us with the same mind that was in Him toward all evil and sin; and give us grace to keep our bodies in such holy discipline, that our minds may be always ready to resist Satan, and obey the motions of Thy Holy Spi- rit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Second Sunday in Lent— Eeminiscere.

The Gospel, St. Matt. xv. 21-28. (St. Luke xi. 29-36.) Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, 0 Lord, thou son of David ; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is rot meet to take the children's

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT. / O

bread, and to cast it to dogs. And slic said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs oat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, 0 woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

The Epistle, 1 Thcss. iv. 1-8. (ILL. ii. 1-4.)

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments Ave gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have fore- warned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, I'iseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

The Collect.*

Almighty God, who seest the helpless misery of our fallen life; vouchsafe unto us, we humhiy beseech Thee, both the outward and inward defence of Thy guardian care; that we may be shielded from the evils which assault the body, and be kept pure from all thoughts that harm and pollute the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

76 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT.

Third Sunday in Lent— Oculi.

The Gospel, St. Lulu xi. 14-28. {St. Matt. xii. 22-32.)

A nd he "was casting out a devil, and it "was dumb. And it c;me to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He cast- eth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every king- dom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be di- vided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by 'whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keep- eth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

FOURTH SJNDAY IN LENT. 77

The Epistle, Eph. v. 1-0. (Ilel. x. 2G-31.)

Be ye therefore fol.-jwers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- Bmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becom- eth saints ; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye there- fore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteous- ness and truth.

The Collect. ^

Almighty God. who hast been the hope and con- fidence of Thy people in all ages ; mercifully regard, we beseech Thee, the prayer with which we cry unto Thee out of the depths, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty for our salvation and defence ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Lent.— Laetare

The Gospel, St. John vi. 1-14. (St. John vi. 47-50.)

After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and

7*

78 FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT.

there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we huy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him : for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Pe- ter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves ; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they wrould. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the frag- ments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets Avith the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world.

The Epistle, Gal. iv. 21-31. (1 John v. 11-21.)

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh ; but he of the free woman was by promise. Which things are an alle- gory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and ansAvereth to Jerusalem, which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest

FIFTH SUNDAY IX LENT. 79

D it; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for tho desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son : for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then, breth- ren, wo are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Hie Collect.

0 Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth; enter not into judgment with Thy servants, we beseech Thee, but be pleased of Thy great kindness to grant, that we who are now righteously afflicted and bowed down by the sense of our sins, may be refreshed and lifted up with the joy of Thy salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Lent— Judica,

The Gospel, Si. John viii. 40-59. (St. John xii. 20-32.)

Which of you convinceth me of sin ? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hasc a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou say-

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est, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Je- sus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saAV it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham ? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

The Epistle, Ileb. ix. 11-15. (2 Cor. v. 14-21.)

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building ; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he en- tered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh : how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself with- out spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the medi- ator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

The Collect.

Almighty and most merciful God, who hast given Thy Son to die for our sins, and to obtain forgive-

SIXTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 81

38 and redciv ption for us through His own blood; let the merit of this spotless sacrifice, we beseech

The,-, purge our consciences from dead works, that we may serve Thee, the living God, and receive the promise of eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus our Lord : to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Sixth Sunday in Lent— Palm Sunday— Palinarum,

[During the Holy Week, there should be Divine Service every 'lav; in which case, the entire gospel history of Christ's Passion and Death should be read.]

The Gospel, St. John xii. 1-16. (St. Luke xix. 28-1U.)

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, ■where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served : but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spike- nard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Is- cariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but be- cause lie was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put t liercin. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus . whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests I that they might put Lazarus also to death; because F

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that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusa- lem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first : but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

TJie Epistle, Phil. ii. 5-10. {Rev. i. 4-8.)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God : but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

The Collect.

*' Almigiity and everlasting God, whose Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, for an example of humility to the world, took upon Him our flesh and endured the passion of the cross; mercifully grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be counted worthy to have part, both in the fellowship of His sufferings and in the glorious power of His resurrection: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

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Good Friday,

The Gospel, St. John xix. 1-37. {St. Matt, xxvii. 33-54.)

Then Tilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man ! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, we have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee ? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above : therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to re- lease him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Csesar's friend: whosoever maketh him- self a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with

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him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king hut Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews, to Pilate, Write not, the King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be : that the Scrip- ture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother ! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there ay;is set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, ai>d put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

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The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might be- lieve. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

The Epistle, Hcb. x. 1-25 (Isaiah liii.)

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacri- fices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should tale away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of tin book it is written of me,) to do thy will, 0 God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, 0 God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body

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of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them ; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God ; let us draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Collect.

0 righteous and holy God, who has manifested toward us Thine unfathomable love, in not sparing Thine own Son, but delivering Him up for us all; by the memory of His bitter death, by the awful mystery of His sorrows in the garden and upon the cross, we humbly beseech Thee to have mercy upon us and upon all men, and to make known Thy saving health

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among the nations, that He may sec the travail of His soul and be satisfied: to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Festival Prayer, Lord Jesus Christ ! Thou holy and spotless Lamb of God, who didst take upon Thyself the curse of sin which was due to us, with all the heavenly host of the redeemed, we unite in ascribing unto Thee power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. We bless Thee for all the burdens Thou hast borne, for all the tears Thou hast wept, for all the pains Thou hast suffered, for every drop of blood Thou hast shed, for every word of com- fort Thou hast spoken on the cross, for every conflict with the powers of darkness, and for Thine eternal victory over the terrors of death and the pains of hell. Amen.

0 most merciful Father, who of Thy tender com- passion towards us guilty sinners, didst give Thine only-begotten Son to be an offering for our sins, grant us grace, we humbly beseech Thee, that, being en- grafted into Him by Thy Spirit and made partakers of His sufferings and His death, we may crucify the corrupt inclinations of the flesh, die daily unto the world, and lead holy and unblamable lives. Cleaving unto His cross in all the temptations of life, may we hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, and finally attain unto the resurrection of the dead, through the merits of this same once crucified, but now risen and exalted Saviour. Amen.

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Easter Eve.

The Gospel, St. Matt, xxvii. 57-G6. When the even was come, there came a rich man of Ari- mathsea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pi- late commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock : and he rolled a great stone to the door of the se- pulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command there- fore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

The Epistle, 1 Pet. iii. 17-22.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the

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filth of the flesh, hut the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authori- ties and powers heing made subject unto him.

The Collect.

0 almighty God, who, by the descent of our Savi- our Jesus Christ into hades, and His rising again from the dead, hast given assurance that the spirits of those who sleep in Him do abide in joy and felicity; grant unto us, we beseech Thee, such steadfast faith a;id lively hope, that we may purify ourselves as He is pure; and that we, with Thy whole redeemed Church, may speedily attain unto the resurrection of the dead, when our mortal bodies shall put on im- mortality and incorruption, and we shall be changed into the likeness of His glorious body: who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Easter Day.

The Gospel, St. John xx. 1-10. {St. Matt, xxviii. 1-10.)

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the se-

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pulclire. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

The Epistle, Col. iii. 1-11. (1 Cor. xv. 1-20.)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordi- nate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked sometime when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communi- cation out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds ; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that. created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scy- thian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who through the resurrection of Thine only begotten Son Jesus Christ, hast Dvercome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life;

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assist and support in us, we beseech Thee, the aspira- ti ns of Thy heavenly grace, that dying unto sin al- ways, and living unto righteousness, we may at last triumph over death and the grave, in the lull image of our risen Lord: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen

The Festival Prayer,

0 Tiiou God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we render Thee most humble and hearty thanks, that, when He had descended into the grave, Thou didst not suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption, nor leave His soul in hades, but didst show unto Him the path of life, and raise Him from the dead, and set Him at Thine own right hand in the heavenly places. Grant us grace, we beseech Thee, to apprehend with true faith the glorious mystery of our Saviour's re- surrection, and fill our hearts with joy and a lively hope, that amid all the sorrows, trials and tempta- tions of our mortal state, and in the hour of death, we may derive strength and comfort from this sure pledge, of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away. Amen.

0 Thou Prince of Life and First^Begotten of the dead, whom not having seen we love, breathe upon us that we may receive the Holy Ghost, to abide with us continually both as the seal of our adoption, and as an earnest of the promised possession. Give us power to walk in the Spirit that we may not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, but mortify our members which are upon the earth and purify ourselves even as Thou

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art pure, so that at Thy second coming to judge the world in righteousness, we also may appear with Thee, having our vile bodies changed into the fashion of Thine own glorious body, according to the work- ing whereby Thou art able even to subdue all things unto Thyself: who art God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

Monday in Easter Week.

The Gospel, St. Luke xxiv. 13-35. (St John xx. 11-18.)

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they com- muned together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering, said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Na- zareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have cru- cified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not his body, they came, Baying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said

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that he was alive. And certain of them which were "with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, 0 fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide ■with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him ; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and re- turned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen in- deed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

The Epistle, Acts x. 34-13. (1 Cor. xv. 51-58.)

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I per- ceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached ; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, ami healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did

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both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem ; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto wit- nesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he com- manded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who from the tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ hast caused the light of Eternal Life to shine upon the world; be pleased, at this season of • solemn joy, to shed abroad Thy love in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, and to inflame them with heavenly desires; that we may continually seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth at Thy right hand, and so, abiding in purity of heart and mind, may at length attain unto Thine everlasting king- dom, there to dwell in the glorious light of Thy pre- sence, world without end; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Sunday after Easter— Quasimodogeniti, or Dominica in Albis.

The Gospel, St. John*?.. 19^31. (St. Luke xxiv. 36-47.) Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were as- sembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when

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he had BO Baid, ho showed unto them his hands and his side. Then wore the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent mo, even so send I you. And when he had Baid this, ho breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost : whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with thorn when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Je- sus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy fingers, and behold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, ami thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Je-us saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book : but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

The Epistle, 1 John v. 4-12. (2 Tim. ii. 7-13.)

For whatsoever is born of God overcomcth the world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believoth that Jesus is the Son of God ? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in

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heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood : and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testi- fied of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who hast brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the glorious Prince of salvation, with everlasting victory over hell and the grave; grant unto us power, we beseech Thee, to rise with Him to newness of life, that we may overcome the world with the victory of faith, and have part at last in the resurrection of the just; through the merits of this same risen Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Second Sunday after Easter— Misericordias Domini.

The Gospel, St. John x. 11-16. (St. John xxi. 15-19.)

I am the good shepherd : the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shep- herd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catchcth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an

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IF

hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shep herd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

The Epistle, 1 Pet, ii. 20-25. (Rev. vii. 13-17.)

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, tliis is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called : because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps : who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness : by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shep- herd and Bishop of your souls.

The Collect. ^

0 God, who, of Thine abundant mercy, hast begot- ten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ; let Thy great love constrain us, we beseech Thee, to rise up, forsake all, and follow Him; that as we have been redeemed by His blood, so we may walk also in the light of His holy example, and be joined to Him evermore as the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls : to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

9 G

98 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

Third Sunday after Easter— Jubilate.

The Gospel, St. John xvi. 16-22. (Si. Matt. x. 16-20.)

A little while, and ye shall not see me : and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me : and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father ? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? Ave cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A lit- tle while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, aud ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you. That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she re- membereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

The Epistle, 1 Pet. ii. 11-19. (Acta it. 8-20.)

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles : that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake : whether it be to the king, as supreme ; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do

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well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye

may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

The Collects

God of all truth and grace, who hast caused the Sun of Righteousness to arise upon a dark and be- nighted world, in bringing up Thy Holy One from the grave ; be pleased graciously so to illuminate the souls of Thy people with the beams of heavenly wis- dom, that they may continually walk in Thy light, and know-both to avoid evil and to follow after that which is good; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Fourth Sunday after Easter— Oantate,

The Gospel, St. John xvi. 5-15. (St. Matt. x. 24-33.) But now I go my way to him that sent me ; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? "But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth ; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and

100 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many thing? to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. llowbeit w.ien he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The Epistle, St. James i. 16-21. (1 Thess. ii. 9-13.)

Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

The Collect. -'

0 God, the Father of lights, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift, and who. art T I13- self the only satisfying portion of the souls which Thou hast made; grant us grace, we beseech Thee, to raise our thoughts and affections from earth to heaven, and to breathe continually after Thy pre- sence; that so, in the midst of all worldly vanity and change, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where alone are to be found true joys and everlast* ing peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 101

Fifth Sunday after Easter— Eogate. 6J

The Gospel, St. John xvi. 23-33. (St. Luke xi. 9-13.)

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs; but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowcst all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee : by this we believe that thou earnest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone : and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation : but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world.

The Epistle, St. Janus i. 22-27. (1 Tim. ii. 1-6.)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiv- ing your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass : for he beholdeth himself, and gocth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But

102 ASCENSION DAY.

whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

The Collect.

Vouchsafe unto us, 0 Lord, the inspirations ot Thy salutary grace, and quicken us according to Thy word; that knowing what is right, and approving that which is good, we may, by patient continuance in Avell-doing, seek for glory and honor and immor- tality ; and so finally, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, find an entrance ministered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ : to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Ascension Day,

The Gospel, St. Mark xvi. 14-20. (St. Luke. xxiv. 49-53.)

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved ; but he thatbelieveth not shall be damned. And these sims shall follow them

ASCENSION DAY. 103

that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues ; they shall take up serpents ; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord work- ing with them, and confirming the word with signs follow- ing. Amen.

Hi e Epistle, Acts, i. 1-11. {Ephets. i. 15-23.) The former treatise have I made, 0 Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen : to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water ; but ye shall be bap- tized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, say- ing, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel ? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel ; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven ? this same

104 ASCENSION DAY.

Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, who on this day didst glorify Thy Son Jesus, by receiving Him up into heaven, and setting Him at Thine own right hand, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come ; work in us, we beseech Thee, such firm and abiding faith in this mystery as may raise us in heart and mind above all things here below, to dwell with Christ in heavenly places, and to possess in Him our true life; so that when He shall appear again, according to His word, we also may appear with Him in glory ever- lasting: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all worship and praise, world without end. Amen.

The Festival Prayer.

0 Lord Jesus Christ, Thou conqueror of death and hell, who from the depths of Thy humiliation didst pass into the heavens, and art crowned with glory and honor as King of saints and eternal High Priest over the house of God; let Thy all-powerful interces- sions prevail on our behalf, that, being delivered from the curse of sin, we may receive grace and strength to follow Thee with patient endurance through the sorrows and pains of earth and the darkness of the grave, and, having thus shared in Thy sufferings here, become partakers also of Thy joy and glory hi the everlasting kingdom of the Father. Amen.

SUNDAY .AFTER ASCENSION DAY. 105

Sunday after Ascension Day— Exaudi.

The Gospel, St. John xv. 2S— xvi. 1. (£*. 7b/t« vii. 33-39.)

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceed- eth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the begin- ning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

The Epistle, 1 Pet. iv. 7-11. {Acts xix. 1-7.)

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multi- tude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudg- ing. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glo- rified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The Collect. ^

0 God, the King of glory, who through the resur- rection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, hast opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers ; leave us not orphans, we beseech Thee, in our weary mor- tal state, but send unto us the Holy Ghost, the Com- forter; who may guide us always in the way of truth and peace, and bring us in the end to those mansions of rest in which Christ now dwells and reigns: to

106 WHITSUNDAY — PENTECOST.

whom., with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Whitsunday— Pentecost,

The Gospel, St. John xiv. 15-31. {Joel ii. 28-32.)

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I -will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knowethhim: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless : I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and kecpeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. lie that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings : and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These tilings have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your^ieart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto

WHITSUNDAY — FEU TECOST. 107

you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for uiy Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father ; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

The Epistle, Aett ii. 1-11. (Acts ii. 22-41.)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, de- vout men, out of every nation under heaven. Xow when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, ing one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? and how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born ? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappa- docia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Piome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

The Collect.

God of .all peace and consolation, who didst glo- riously fulfill the great promise of the Gospel, by send- ing down Thy Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost,

108 WIimiONDAY.

to establish the Church as the home of his continual presence and power among men ; mercifully grant unto us, we beseech Thee, this same gift of the Spirit, to renew, illuminate, refresh, and sanctify our dying souls, to be over us and around us like the light and dew of heaven, and to be in us evermore as a well of water springing up into everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Festival Prayer.

0 Holt Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the Son, who by Thy quickening energy hast raised us up to a new life in Christ Jesus, and dost in mercy to our in- firmities condescend to dwell in our mortal bodies as Thy consecrated temples; bring forth in our hearts and lives, we beseech Thee, the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness and temperance; that so walking in Thee with all holy obedience we may stand firm in the knowledge and love of the truth against the wiles of the Devil, over- come the world, and be glorified in the fellowship of the Father and the Son: to whom with Thee who art coequal and coeternal God, Ave ascribe all honor, thanksgiving and praise. Amen.

Wkitmonday.

The Gospel, St. John iii. 16-21. {St. Jokni\. 13-24.)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but

W1IITM0XDAT. 109

have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into tho world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. I this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

T7ie Epistle, Acts x. 34-48.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all :) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached ; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem ; whom they slew and hanged on a tree : him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. AYhile Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed 10

110 TRINITY SUNDAY.

were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and mag- nify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

The Collect.

Most glorious and blessed God, who through the Holy Ghost, hast made Thy One Catholic Church to be the Body of Christ, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all; we humbly beseech Thee to grant unto us, and to all Thy people, such strong and steadfast faith in this great mystery of grace, that being safe- ly defended from all heresy and schism, we may ever abide in the unity of the Spirit, and so grow up into Him in all things which is the Head, even Christ : to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, be all honor and praise, world without end. Amen.

Trinity Sunday.

The Gospel, St. John iii. 1-1-3. {St. Matt, xxviii, 18-20.) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews : the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, ex- cept God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter

TRINITY SUNDAY. Ill

the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the king- dom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou nearest the sound thereof, but ca^t not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things '.' Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen ; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye be- lieve not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things ? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The Epistle, Rev. iv. 1-11. (1 John v. 1-12.)

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in hea- ven : and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. And imme- diately I was in the Spirit : and, behold, a throne was set in h saven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone : and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment ; anil they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices : *and there were seven lamps of firo burning before the throne, which are the. seven spirits of God.

112 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

And before the throne there -was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each oLthem six wings about him ; and they were full of eyes with- in: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The Collect*

0 God, the Creator and Saviour of the world, who hast made Thyself known in the work of man's re- demption, as the Mystery of the ever adorable Trin- ity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Three in One and One in Three; reveal in us, we beseech Thee, the full power of this faith, into which we have been planted by baptism; that being born of water and of the Spirit, we may by a life of holiness be formed into Thine image here, and rise to Thy blissful pre- sence hereafter : there to join, with the song of the seraphim in praising Thee, world without end. Amen.

Note. — Instead of a Festival Prayer on Trinity Sunday, the Te Deum shall be chanted, or else recited antiphonally, as a substitute for the Psalm or Hymn im- mediately before the sermon.

But if the Holy Communion be celebrated on Trinity Sunday, or on a Sunday after Trinity and before Advent, such use of the Te Deum immediately before the Sermon shall be omitted.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 113

ft

First Sunday after Trinity.

Lu 4

T7«? Gosjh?, St. Luke xvi. 19-31. (St. Matt. xvi. 13-20.)

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and Cne linen, and fared sumptuously every day : and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off. and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said. Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Laza- rus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things : but now he is comfort- ed, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and y<>ii there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot ; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house : for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have M< i8ea and the prophets ; let them hear them. And lie said, Nay, father Abraham : but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Th e Epistle, 1 John iv. 7-21 . ( Eph. ii. 10-22. )

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every

h is born of God, and knoweth God. I f e thatlovel h not, knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only be- ir 10*

114 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

gotten Son into the world, that we might live through him, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whoso- ever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that Ave may have boldness in the day of judg- ment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. ■ He that feareth, is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar : for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

The Collect. \/

0 God, the strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, who hast not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ; because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without Thee, we beseech Thee to grant us the help of Thy grace, and to breathe into us that divine charity which is the fulfilling of the law; that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed, and be counted worthy, after the sufferings of this life, to reign with Christ in hea- ven: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 11-J

Second Sunday after Trinity

I *4

The Gospel, St. Luke xiv. 16-24. (St. Matt, xviii. 11-20.)

Then said ho unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Fori say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

The Epistle, 1 John iii. 13-24. (Eph. iv. 4-1G.)

Marvel not, my. brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. lie that lovetli not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hatetli his brother is a mur- r: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, be- cause he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But wheso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the

116 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

love of God in him ? My little ehildren, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. and hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before hiui. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we con- fidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his com- mandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us command- ment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, the source of all life and joy, who, by the glad sound of the gospel, hast called us to have part in Thy kingdom and glory; shine powerfully into our hearts, we beseech Thee, by Thy word and Spirit, and draw us with the cords of Thy constraining grace; that we may heartily choose that good part which shall not be taken away from us, and give all diligence to make our calling and election sure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Third Sunday after Trinity. &>

The Gospel, St. Luke xv. 1-10. (St. Johnxv. 1-14.)

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

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And he spake this parable unto them, saying, "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neigh- bours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and. seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, say- ing, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that re-

penteth.

The Epistle, 1 Pet. v. 5-11. (1 Cor. xii. 12-27.)

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time : casting all your care upon him ; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant ; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that arc in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, set- tle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

118 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

The Collect.

0 God, the Lord, strong to deliver and mighty to save, who hast been the refuge and dwelling-place of Thy people in all generations ; perfect and fulfill in us, we beseech Thee, the work of Thy converting grace, and be pleased to confirm us in every good purpose and deed; that having been called into the way of righteousness, we may have power to continue steadfastly in the same until the day of Jesus Christ: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and praise, world without end. Amen.

Fourth Sunday after Trinity.

J

Tile Gospel, St. Luke vi. 36-42. (St. John iii. 1-8.)

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master : but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why b eh oldest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eve, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye ? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

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Tlie Epistle, Rom, viii. 18-23. {Gal. iii. 26-29.)

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be re- vealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but our- selves also, which have the first fruits of the. Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

jy TJie Collect.*

0 God, whose favor is life, and in whose presence there is fulness of peace and joy ; vouchsafe unto us, ■we beseech Thee, such an abiding sense of the reality and glory of those things which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, as may serve to raise us above the vanity of this present world, both in its pleasures and in its necessary trials and pains; so that under Thy guidance and help all things here shall work together for our everlasting salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after Trinity. .

The Gospel, St. Luke v. 1-11. [St. Johnvi. 47-59.)

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

120 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

and saw two ships standing by the lake : but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from 'the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing : neverthe- less at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, 0 Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken : and