Page images
PDF
EPUB

a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them; and brought the ass and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they sat him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the altitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: blessed is he that cometh m 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. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye he made it a den of thieves.

The second Sunday in Advent.
The Collect.
LESSED Lord, who hast caused

our learning; grant that we may in such
wise hear them, read, mark, leara, and
Inwardly digest them, that by patience,
and comfort of thy holy Word, we may
embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed
hope of everlasting life, which thou hast
given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Epistle. Rom. xv. 4.

abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The Gospel. St. Luke xxi. 25.

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 'ift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a para ble, 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 ann earth shall pass away; but my wore shall not pass away.

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

LORD Jesus Christ, who at thy

first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; grant that the Ministers and Stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turaing the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that, at thy second

WHATSOEVER things were writ- coming to judge the world, we may be

found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

LE

The Epistle 1 Cor. iv. 1

ten 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 Ake minded one towards another, acET a man so account of us, as of cording to Christ Jesus: That ye may the Ministers of Christ, and Stewwith one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus ards of the mysteries of God. More over, it is required in stewards, that a Christ Wherefore receive ye one ano. man be found faithful. But with me it ther, as Christ also received us, to the is a very small thing, that I should be glory of God. Now I say, that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumci-judged of you, or of man's judgment: sion, 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, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name: And again he saith, Rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people: And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again 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 believing, that ye may

yea, 1 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.

NOW

The Gospel. St. Matt. xi. 2. TOW when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him Art thou be that should come, or.

do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go, and show John again those things which ye do hear and see The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are Leansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them: And blessed is he whosoer shall not be offended in me. And as hey departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment ? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet ? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

[blocks in formation]

RE

The Epistle. Phil. iv. 4.

EJOICE 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 passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Gospel. St. John i. 19.

HIS is the record of John when the Jews sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask hin. Who art thou? And 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 crying 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, 1 baptize with water; but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I These am not worthy to unloose things were done in Bethabara, beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birth day of Christ, commonly called Christ mas-day.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given

us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin; grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reignetl. with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle. Heb. i. 1

LOD, 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 an gels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have 1 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. O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteous. ness 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 hea vens are the works of thine hands they shall perish, but thou remainest; 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 the years shall not fail.

The Gospel. St. John i. 1. IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made, that was made. In hin was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it Bot. 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 hin not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, bat 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 Sunday after Christmas-day.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast Fiven us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin; grant that we, being regenerate and made thy chil dren by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle. Gal. iv. 1. TOW I say, that the heir, as long

NOW

as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world; but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And, because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God, through Christ.

The Gospel. St. Matt. i. 18. THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother

THE

Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee 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, 15, God with us. Then Joseph, bemg 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.
The Collect.

LMIGHTY God, who madest thy

A blessed on to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit, that, our hearts and all our members being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will, through the same thy Sou Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Rom. iv. 8.

LESSED is the man to whom the

BLE

Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upen the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say, that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness How was it then reckoned? when he

was in circumcision or in uncircumci

sion? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had, being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law. but through the righteousness of faith For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect

The Gospel. St. Luke ii. 15.

AND it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and prais ing 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 same Collect, Epistle, and Gospel shall serve for every day after, unto the Epiphang

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.

The Gospel. St. Matt. ii. 1. WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star him. When Herod the king had heard in the east, and are come to worship these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should 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, art 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

The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of star appeared. And he sent them to

Christ to the Gentiles.

The Collect.

GOD, who by the leading of a Star didst manifest thy only begotten Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FOR

The Epistle Ephes. iii. 1. NOR this cause, 1 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 youward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ. by the Gospel whereof I was made a minis ter, 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 heen hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now Ento the principalities and powers in

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 king, they departed; and lo, the star When they had heard the 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 Herod, they de parted into their own country another

way.

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]

conformed to this world; but be ye | transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; 60 we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

ty; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another: not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the ne cessity 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 towards another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.

The Gospel. St Luke ii. 41.

Now TOW 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 Jerusa lem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him they were amazed and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me ? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which be spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favour with God and man.

The second Sunday after the Epiphany. The Collect.

[blocks in formation]

The Gospel. St. John ii. 1. AND the third day there was a mar

riage 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 servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins a-piece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was (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 lieved on him. forth his glory, and his disciples be

The third Sunday after the Epiphany. The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God.

mercifully look upon our infirmi ties, and in all our dangers and necessi ties stretch forth thy right hand to help Lord. Amen. and defend us, through Jesus Christ out

The Epistle. Rom. xii. 16.

BE not wise in your own concelts.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of a men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

« PreviousContinue »