ft ?5 I ft Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/altarservicebookOOstal ■ ■ altar ^ertotre THE ALTAR SERVICE BOOK ACCORDING TO THE USE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. TOGETHER WITH THE KALENDAR, NOTES AND DEVOTIONS. EDITED BY VERNON STALEY, PROVOST OF THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF S. ANDREW, INVERNESS AT THE DE LA MORE PRESS, 298 REGENT STREET LONDON W MDCCCCIII CONTENTS. from the First Sunday in Advent to the Tuesday in Whitsun Week The Order of the Administration of the Lord's Supper - The Collects, Epistles, and Gospels for the Festivals throughout the year PAGE rr"\1 T7" — 1 „ « J « — The Kalendar Notes on the Kalendar - \TXT Vilf The Occurrence ot festivals XV. The Ornaments Rubric V\ TT T T XVIII. Altar Lights - XX. Liturgical Colours - XXI. Devotions before Celebrating XXIII. When Vesting - XXXVI. On Approaching the Altar XXXVII. Devotions after Celebrating XXXIX. The Collects, Epistles, and Gospels ) r 39 I 73 THE KALENDAR JANUARY. i 6 8 13 18 20 21 22 Circumcision of our Lord. Epiphany of our Lord. Lucian, Priest and Martyr. Hilary, Bishop and Confessor. Prisca, Roman Virgin and Martyr. Fabian, Bishop of Rome and Martyr. Agnes, Roman Virgin and Martyr. Vincent, Spanish Deacon and Martyr. Conversion of S. Paul. King Charles, Martyr. FEBRUARY. 1 Fast. 2 3 5 14 23 Purification of Mary the Blessed Virgin. Blasius, Armenian Bishop and Martyr. Agatha, Sicilian Virgin and Martyr. Valentine, Bishop and Martyr. Fast. Matthias, Apostle and Martyr. MARCH. i David, Archbishop of Menevia. 2 Cedde, or Chad, Bishop of Lichfield. 7 Perpetua, Mauritanian Martyr. 12 Gregory, Bishop of Rome and Confessor. 18 Edward, King of the West Saxons. 21 Benedict, Abbot. 24 Fast. Annunciation of Mary. APRIL. 3 Richard, Bishop of Chichester. 4 Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. *9 Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury. 23 S. George, Martyr. 25 S. Mark, Evangelist and Martyr. MAY. i S. Philip and S. Jacob, Apostles and Martyrs. 3 Invention of the Cross. 6 S. John the Evangelist, ante Portam Latinam. Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury. 26 Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury. 27 Venerable Bede, Presbyter. JUNE. I Nicomede, Roman Priest and Martyr. 5 Boniface, Bishop of Mentz, and Martyr. 1 1 b. Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr. r 7 0. Aloan, Martyr. 20 1 ransl. of Edward, King of the West Saxons. Fast -- 4 Nativity of S. John Baptist. 28 Fast. 2 g S. Peter, Apostle and Martyr. JULY. 2 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 4 Transl. of S. Martin, Bishop and Confessor. 15 Swithun, Bishop of Winchester, Transl. 20 Margaret, Virgin and Martyr at Antioch. 21 S. Mary Magdalene. 24 Fast. 25 S. James, Apostle and Martyr. 26 S. Anne, Mother to the B. V. Mary. AUGUST. 1 Lammas Day. 6 Transfiguration of our Lord. 7 Name of Jesus. 10 S. Laurence, Archd. of Rome, and Martyr. 23 Fast. 24 S. Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr. 28 S. Augustine, B. of Hippo, Confessor, Doctor. 2 9 Beheading of S. John Baptist. SEPTEMBER. i Giles, Abbot and Confessor. 7 Enurchus, Bishop of Orleans. 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. H Holy Cross Day. r 7 Lambert, Bishop and Martyr. 20 Fast. 21 S. Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist and Martyr* 26 S. Cyprian, Archb. of Carthage, and Martyr. 29 S. Michael and All Angels. 30 S. Jerome, Priest, Confessor, and Doctor. OCTOBER. i Remigius, Bishop of Rhemes. 6 Faith, Virgin and Martyr. 9 S. Denys Areop., Bishop and Martyr. 13 Translation of King Edward, Confessor. 17 Etheldreda, Virgin. 18 S. Luke, Evangelist. 25 Crispin, Martyr. 27 Fast. 28 S. Simon and S. Jude, Apostles and Martyrs. 3i Fast. NOVEMBER. i All Saints' Day. 6 Leonard, Confessor. 1 1 Martin, Bishop and Confessor. 13 Britius, Bishop. 15 Machutus, Bishop. 17 Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln. 20 Edmund, King and Martyr. 22 Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. 23 S. Clement I., Bishop of Rome and Martyr. 25 Catherine, Virgin and Martyr. 29 Fast. 30 S. Andrew, Apostle and Martyr. DECEMBER. 6 Nicolas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia. 8 Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 13 Lucy, Virgin and Martyr. 16 O Sapientia. 20 Fast. 21 S. Thomas, Apostle and Martyr. 24 Fast. 25 Christmas Day. 26 S. Stephen, the first Martyr. 27 S. John, Apostle and Evangelist. 28 Innocents' Day. 3 1 Silvester, Bishop of Rome. NOTES ON THE KALENDAR OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH AND THE ORNAMENTS RUBRIC NOTES ON THE KALENDAR OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH THE history of the compilation of the Kalendar of the English Church is exceedingly complicated, and is involved in much obscurity. Many attempts have been made, but in vain, to discover the leading prin- ciples, if any, which were followed by the compilers of the Kalendar of the Book of Common Prayer, as it now stands. With our present knowledge we can only confess that, regarding the Kalendar as a whole, it is impossible to trace any consistent line, not only with reference to the names or the events which are included and those which are excluded but also as to the classification of red-letter and black-letter commemorations. In regard to the red-letter days, the most that can be said is, that there appears to have been present in the minds of the compilers of the Kalendar, as it was finally fixed, an intention to commemorate specially only such per- sons and events as are named in the New Testament. But the omission from the list of red-letter days of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin to St. Elizabeth, and the Transfigura- tion of our Lord, in spite of both these events possessing biblical authority, is, on this theory, a puzzling inconsistency. Other similar inconsistencies in the way of total omission of New Testament names of repute are noticed below. Putting aside for the moment the idea of biblical influence in the selection of feasts, there is a certain amount of evidence of a negative kind, that the English Kalendar was compiled from the Kalendars of the Sarum Missal and Breviary. For example : — (i) We observe the omission of certain New Testament saints, notably St. Joseph, the foster- father of our Lord, and St. Joseph of Arimathea. The omission of these names is remarkable enough ; but both were absent from the Sarum Kalendar and the majority of the older English Church Kalendars. The close relation of both these saints with our Lord makes the omission greatly to be regretted. It is exceedingly perplexing to find the name of St. Anne, of whom nothing certain is known ; whilst that of St. Joseph of Bethlehem, of whom we are told so much in the New Testament, is wanting. A [inset] x. NOTES ON THE KALENDAR (2) In the English Kalendar there is an absence of the names of Scottish and Irish saints, such as St. Ninian, St. Columba, St. Aidan, and St. Patrick. These omissions we inherit from the Sarum Kalendar, which, however, includes St. Bridget. (3) Such great Western names as St. Anselm, St. Bernard, and St. Thomas Aquinas, are wanting in the English Kalendar, but we find these commemorations like- wise absent from the Sarum Kalendar. (4) Finally, there is in our Kalendar a most regrettable absence of Eastern saints, such as the following, all of whom find a place in the present Roman Kalendar, namely, St. Athanasius, St. Basil the Great, St. Chrysostom, St. Gregory Nazianzen, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Polycarp. The two great fathers, Athanasius and Chrysostom, are, however, recognised in the Book of Common Prayer, though not in the Kalendar. Many more great names of saints might be added from Eastern sources. Strange to say, all except St. Basil were absent from the Sarum Kalendar ; hence, apparently, our loss. The foregoing omissions afford strong evidence of a negative kind, that the Kalendar of the Book of Common Prayer was compiled from the Sarum books. There is also similar evidence in regard to the insertion of black-letter commemorations, to which reference will be made later. An examination of the Kalendar of the Book of Common Prayer shows that — excluding from our reckon- ing all Sundays and the movable feasts (Ascension Day, the Mondays and Tuesdays after Easter Day and Whit- sunday), and the movable fasts (Ash Wednesday, the Ember and the Rogation Days) — there are now ninety holy days set down in the Kalendar of the English Church. Of this number, twenty-four are red-letter or major holy days, on which some person or event mentioned in the New Testament is commemorated ; whilst sixty-six are black- letter or minor holy days, on which some less important person or event connected with the New Testament, or some person or event of a later date than the period covered OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH xi. by the New Testament, is commemorated. The black- letter commemorations include the period which reaches from the time of St. John the Baptist to that of St. Richard, Bishop of Chichester, who died in the middle of the thirteenth century, and they are of wide geographical distribution. The red-letter holy days have remained unchanged in number since the First Prayer Book of Edward VI., a.d. 1549, with but two exceptions, namely: — (1) The name of St. Barnabas was omitted from the Kalendar of the Second Prayer Book of Edward VI., a.d. 1552, though the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel were given. This omission has been often attributed to a printer's error, though it is not easy to prove that such was the case. But it is to be remembered that, for some reason or other, the name of St. Barnabas never enjoyed a very secure position in the English Kalendar ; in fact, quite a fatality appears to have attached itself in regard to the observance of this commemoration. 1 (2) In the Prayer Book of 1549, St. Mary Magdalene was commemorated on July 22 as a red-letter holy day, with its Collect, Epistle, and Gospel. In our present Kalendar this is a black-letter holy day. The changes in the list of black-letter holy days are more numerous. In the Second Prayer Book of Edward VI., of 1552, and likewise in the Prayer Book of Elizabeth, of 1559, there were but four black-letter holy days, namely : — St. George, April 23 ; Lammas, August 1 ; St. Lawrence, August 10; and St. Clement, November 23. Two years later, i.e., in 1 56 1 , a commission, consisting of Archbishop Parker, Bishop Grindal, Dr. William Bill the Queen's Almoner, and Walter Haddon one of the Masters of Requests, was appointed to consider the Kalendar 2 , and the result of its deliberations was the addition of all the black- letter holy days which now appear in the present Kalendar, with the following exceptions, namely : — St. Enurchus, See The Fasting Days, by the editor, Mowbray & Co., 1899, pp. 35, 36. '■ Cardwell, Documentary Annals, lv. xii. NOTES ON THE KALENDAR September 7, was added in 1604, for what reason we cannot even guess 1 ; whilst the Venerable Bede, May 27, and St. Alban, June 17, were added in 1662 2 . It is interesting to observe that these three latest additions commemorate respec- tively, one Gallican, one English, and one British saint. It is an exceedingly difficult matter to determine on what principles the four commissioners proceeded in compiling the list of black-letter or minor saints' days, which we find in our present Kalendar. The selection has, to say the least, an appearance of caprice and inconsistency which it is almost, if not altogether, impossible to justify. Upon this subject the words of Bishop Cosin may be quoted. " Howbeit, for as much as, in process of time, the multitude of men and women reputed holy in this kind became so exceeding numerous, that all the days of the year would not have been sufficient for a several commemoration of them ; it was the great wisdom and moderation of those religious grave prelates, by whom God did reform such things as were many ways remiss here among us, to choose one solemn day alone, wherein to magnify God for the generality of All His Saints together (All Saints' Day) ; and to retain some few selected days in every month for the special memory of others, both holy Persons and Actions, which they observed not our people alone, but the universal Church of Christ also, to be most affected unto, and best acquainted withal : hereby avoiding not only the burden and the unnecessary number of Festival Days ; not disallowing the multitude of God's true martyrs and saints, whose memorials we are to solemnize howsoever in the general festival of All Saints' Day, as by the proper Lessons, the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel then appointed in our public Liturgy, doth most 1 The insertion of St. Enurchus, a misprint for Evortius, an obscure Gallican bishop, the sole addition to the Kalendar in 1604, presents one of the greatest puzzles in the Kalendar. His name does not occur either in the Roman or the Sarum Kalendars ; it is found, however, in that of York. 2 As to why St. Cuthbert, an English saint of wide reputation, commemorated in the Sarum Kalendar, on March 20th was not added at this time, it is difficult to explain. Possibly the pillage of his shrine in the reign of Henry VIII. may account for the omission. See The Rites of Durham, p. 85. Surtees Soc. 1842. OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH xm. evidently appear ! ." We find in Cosin's words a noble account of the motives, which may be attributed to the men who restored to the Kalendar the black-letter holy days. Wheatly, however, gives a somewhat lower series of reasons for the restoration of the minor holy days : he says, " The reasons why the names of these Saints-days and Holy-days were resumed into the Kalendar are various. Some of them being retained upon account of our Courts of Justice, which usually make their returns on these days, or else upon the days before or after them, which are called in the writs, Vigil. Fest. or Crast., as in Vigil. Martin ; Vest. Martin ; Crast. Martin ; and the like. Others are probably kept in the Kalendar for the sake of such tradesmen, handicraftsmen, and others, as are wont to celebrate the memory of their tutelar saints : as the Welshmen do of St. David, the shoemakers of St. Crispin, etc. And again, churches being in several places dedicated to some or other of these saints, it has been the usual custom in such places to have Wakes or Fairs kept upon these days : so that the people would probably be displeased, if, either in this or the former case, their favourite saint's name should be left out of the Kalendar. Besides, the histories which were writ before the Reformation do frequently speak ot transactions happening upon such a holy day, or about such a time, without mentioning the month ; relating one thing to be done at La?nmas-tide, and another about Martinmas, etc., so that were these names quite left out of the Kalendar, we might be at a loss to know when several of these transactions happened. But for this and the foregoing reasons our second reformers under Queen Elizabeth thought convenient to restore the names of them to the Kalendar, though not with any regard of being kept holy by the Church." 2 But it has been pointed out that there are days commemorated in the English Kalendar which cannot be classed under any of the heads named by Wheatly, being useful neither for 1 Cosin's Works, Vol. II. p. 96. Lib. Anglo-Cath. Theol. 2 Wheatly, A Rational Illustration of the Book of Common Prayer ch. i. pt. ii. p. 54. Lond. 1840. xiv. NOTES ON THE KALENDAR lawyers or tradesmen, nor for wakes and fairs, nor are they names in which churches are dedicated, such as St. Prisca, St. Nicomede, St. Enurchus, etc. The true estimate of the motives which prompted the restoration of the minor holy days is probably to be found in the answer which the bishops in the year 1 66 1 gave to the Puritans, who desired that these days should be left out, — " The other names are left in the Kalendar, not that they should be so kept as holy days, but they are useful for the preservation of their memories, and for other reasons, as for leases, law-days, etc. 1 In pre-Reformation service-books, holy days were dis- tinguished and classified according to the number of lessons read at Mattins, which was either three or nine ; and feasts were designated in the Kalendars of the Missal and Breviary, as Feasts of Three Lessons or of Nine Lessons accordingly. Broadly speaking, the holy days in the Kalendar of the Book of Common Prayer correspond to the Feasts of Nine Lessons in the Sarum Books. It does not seem improbable that the compilers of the Kalendar of 1 56 1 , which is practically our present Kalendar, took the Feasts of Nine Lessons in the Sarum Books as their working basis, making such modifica- tions as they felt desirable ; though this theory by no means disposes of all difficulties and inconsistencies as to omissions and additions which are presented to students of the Kalendar of the Prayer Book. " Isolated as has been the position of the Anglican Church for three centuries, there is still in the Kalendar a bond of union with the Catholic Church, which may one day be renewed as it was of old. The Eastern, African, Spanish, Roman, and Gallican Churches are all represented in it, and as we turn from one venerable name to another we are carried from century to century, from land to land, yet in all is displayed the same unity of faith, the same holy life, the same blessed death. Thus, even in its present imperfect state, does the Kalendar become to us an epitome of the Catholic Church the communion of saints." 2 1 Cardwell, History of Conferences, pp. 306, 341. 2 Justorum Semita, Vol. I., the Kalendar, pp. xxxvii, xxxviii. Edin. 1843. THE OCCURRENCE OF FESTIVALS IT is an obvious defect in the directions of the Book of Common Prayer, that no adequate or definite instructions are given as to how the clergy are to proceed in cases where a fixed festival or saint's day 'occurs 'or coincides with a Sunday or other movable feast 1 . In the case of two festivals, or a feast and a fast, falling upon the same day, any attempt at a combination or mixture of the special liturgical features of one of such days with those of the other is greatly to be depreciated, as unsatisfactory and unedifying. Anciently, the custom of transferring the lesser of the two occurring festivals to the next ferial or unoccupied day, successfully obviated any confusion in the matter. We trust that the time is coming when the authorities of the English Church may take this subject into consideration, and put forth a a series of detailed directions, in accordance with old English precedent, for the guidance of the clergy. Until this is done, it seems well to conform to the suggestions drawn up in the year 1879 by the Committee of Convoca- tion appointed to revise the rubrics, which are embodied in the following table. 2 This table is not quite satisfactory, lacking as it does the precision and comprehensiveness of the old rules, and making no provision for transferring festivals. In spite of these defects we should be grateful for the guidance afforded, as being the result of a laudable and not unsuccessful attempt to supply a widely-felt want. ^he very meagre and unsatisfactory directions given under the heading "The Order how the rest of Holy Scripture is appointed to be read," are not overlooked in making the statement above. 2 See The Convocation Prayer Book. London, 1880. It is interesting to observe that, as early as the year 1837, a correspondence appeared in The British Magazine, vol. xi., pp. 43, 526, in reference to the occurrence of festivals ; and that, six years later, the Rev. John Jebb, in his valuable work, The Choral Service of the Church of England (Parker, London, 1843, pp. 405, ff.) drew attention to the need of guidance in the matter, devoting several pages to the subject, and suggesting an arrangement which was closely followed in 1879 by the Committee of Convocation for revising the rubrics, in the table annexed. A 'Table to regulate the Service when two Feasts, or Holy days, fall upon the same day. When two Feasts or Holy days happen to fall upon the same day, then shall be said the whole Service proper to the day placed in the left-hand column of the following table ; and wheresoever in the Service the collect for the day is appointed to be said, then shall immediately follow the collect for the day placed in the right-hand column : — ist Sunday in Advent St. Andrew 4th Sunday in Advent St. Thomas 01. oiepnen , or. jonn , inno- cpnr 0 Conversion of St. Paul Spyci o*pqi m a cinn llmnniiii — gesima Sundays ; Ash Wed- nesday ; Sundays in Lent St. Matthias Pi ntinn/"M'9i"ir\ti .nil 11 u 1 lLitii luii orrl a f*h ffh Siinnsv^ in 1 ptif UU) .4-Lll} S 111 OUI ICltt, V 0 1IJ IjL 11 l Sunday next before Easter to Easter Even, inclusive Annunciation roaster aay , ivionoay anu Tuesday in Easter week Annunciation St. Mark 1 st Sunday after Easter St. Mark St. Philip and St. James ' St. Mark St. Philip and St. James 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Sundays after Easter Ascension day St. Philip and St. James Whitsunday ; Monday and Tuesday in Whitsun week ; Trinity Sunday St. Barnabas St. Barnabas and all other Holy days till All Saints' day inclusive Sundays after Trinity 1 When the Epiphany falls on a Sunday, there is no Second Sunday after Christmas, as implied above, and therefore no second collect. — Ed. THE OCCURRENCE OF FESTIVALS xvn. The directions contained in the foregoing Table, as far as they affect the celebration of the Holy Communion, agree with those given in the Sarum Pie, except that, according to Sarum rules : — Sundays 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Lent take precedence of Annunciation. Annunciation takes precedence of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Easter. 1 Thursday before Easter to Tuesday in Easter week inclusive take precedence of Annunciation. When Annunciation falls between Thursday before Easter and Wednesday after Easter, it is transferred to the first vacant day after Low Sunday. When a Saint's day falls on a Sunday which takes the precedence, the Saint's day is transferred to the first vacant day following. When St. Matthias falls on Ash Wednesday, the former is transferred to the next day, Thursday. When St. Philip and St. James falls on Ascension day, the former is transferred to the next day, Friday. When St. Barnabas falls between the vigil of Whit- sunday and the Saturday after Whitsunday inclusive, it is omitted that year. 1 According to the York rule, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Easter take precedence of the Annunciation. A 1 [inset] THE ORNAMENTS RUBRIC " . . . . And the Chancels shall remain as they have done in times past." This direction first appeared in the Book of Common Prayer in the year 1552. The "times past" are those previous to that year. This portion of the Ornaments Rubric directs that the chancels are to be arranged with choir-stalls, presbytery and sanctuary, with the altar at the upper end, and, very specially, that there should be a screen separating the chancel from the body of the church. 1 All this is a matter of liturgical arrangement, regulated by the Church, as opposed to individual taste. " And here is to be noted, That such Ornaments of the Church, and of the Ministers thereof at all times of their Ministration, shall be retained, and be in use, as were in this Church of England by the authority of parliament, in the second year of the reign of King Edward VI." Much discussion has taken place at various times as to what is signified by the words, "the authority of Parliament, in the second year of the reign of King Edward VI.", in the Ornaments Rubric. Some hold that the authority referred to is the act of parliament, passed in the second year of the reign of Edward the Sixth, which authorised the first English Prayer Book of 1 549, and that we are, therefore, to look to the directions of that book for guidance concerning the ornaments of the church and the clergy. Others hold that the strict and literal interpretation of the words in question excludes the first Prayer Book of Edward the Sixth, on the ground that the book did not come into use until the third year of his reign. Whichever of these two interpretations be correct, it makes no difference what- ever in regard to the vestures of the clergy in celebrating the Holy Communion. In either case, the vestments now ordered to be worn at the Holy Communion are : — l Vide Gibson, Codex Juris Eccles. Jng/ic.,Th. ix. Cap. v. Oxford, 1761. THE ORNAMENTS RUBRIC For the celebrant, Amice, Albe, Girdle, Stole, Maniple, Chasuble. For the assistants, Amice, Albe, Girdle, Stole, Dalmatic or Tunicle. It is true that the Canons of 1604 order and specify "a decent cope," for use in cathedrals 1 , and "a decent and comely surplice with sleeves," for use in parish churches 2 , at the celebration of the Holy Communion ; but as the Ornaments Rubric was revised and re-imposed at the last revision of the Prayer Book, in 1662, the directions of the Canons of more than half a century earlier, dealing with this particular subject, were thereby cancelled. This is so on the ground that, when two legal enactments are mutually exclusive, the later in date overrides and cancels the earlier. Moreover, the Ornaments Rubric deliberately refers to the state of things prevailing in the second year of King Edward the Sixth, ignoring any intermediate legislation on the subject of which it treats. 3 In regard to the altar and the ornaments of the altar, the result of an enquiry as to what is now legal will vary slightly, according to which of the two interpretations of the Ornaments Rubric is followed. Under the narrower interpretation, namely, that the ornaments still to be re- tained, and to be in use, are those which were legalised, or used, under the first Prayer Book, of Edward the Sixth, we have authority for — The altar, with its upper and nether frontals, and with its fair linen cloth at the time of the Holy Communion. The riddels or low curtains, standing at right angles from the wall, and enclosing the north and south ends of the altar. 'Canon 24. 2 Canon 58. 3 In the year 1746, Archdeacon Sharp, in commenting on the 58th canon of 1604, referred to above, said — "The canon is superseded by the rubric before the Common Prayer, in 1 661, which is statute law, and determines that 'all the ornaments of the ministers, at all times of their ministration, shall be the same as they were by authority of parliament in the second year of King Edward VI.'" —The Rubric and the Canons considered, p. 203, Oxford, 1834. xx. THE ORNAMENTS RUBRIC The cross and the two candlesticks, placed directly upon the mensa of the altar, without the intervention of shelf or gradin. The cushion or desk to carry the service-book. The burse or corporas-case, holding the pair of linen corporasses when not in use. The chalice, paten, flagon or cruet for wine, and cruet for water. The altar may also be decorated with plate, if the church possesses any, which is an older, more universal and authoritative custom than the use of flowers on the altar. Two books containing the Epistles and the Gospels may be set upright on the altar : this is a very ancient usage. It is desirable that the altar itself, and not any of its surroundings, such as the upper frontal or dorsal, or the reredos, the cross, or the candlesticks, should be the most prominent feature in the church. Whilst the height of the altar varies but little, its length; should be governed by the size of the chancel and presbytery, and its width should be in proportion to its length. An uncovered altar, during service- time, however beautifully it may be carved or decorated, is absolutely forbidden by Catholic custom and the English canons of 1604. There is no English authority for placing flower-vases on the altar, nor for more than two candlesticks on the altar. If additional lights are required to mark the festivals, they may be provided by having two tall standard-candlesticks on the pavement, or by extra lights on the riddel-columns or on the side walls, or in a corona hanging from the roof. SUGGESTED USE OF LIGHTS AT THE HOLY COMMUNION. TWO lights (or one at least) upon the altar at every celebration of the Holy Communion throughout the year. On all Sundays and Holy days, i.e., on all days for which a special Collect, Epistle, and Gospel are provided in the Book of Common Prayer, two lights on the altar, and two lights in the standards upon the pavement, THE ORNAMENTS RUBRIC xxi. north and south. On the Great Festivals, which have a Proper Preface, two lights on the altar, two lights in the standards, and additional lights as suggested above. SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF LITURGICAL COLOURS. The following sequence of liturgical colours may be taken as representative of what appears to have been the widely diffused use in England in the middle ages. It probably is in general agreement with what was the rule in the second year of Edward VI. Advent, Violet Trinity Sunday, White Christmas to Epiphany, After Trinity, Green White Vigils, Violet Epiphany to Septuagesima, B.V.M. ; St. John Ev. ; St. Green 1 Septuagesima and Lent, Violet Eastertide, White Rogation Days, Violet Ascensiontide, White Whitsuntide, Red John Bapt. ; Michael- mas; All Saints; Virgins; White Apostles, Martyrs, Evan- gelists, Red Confessors, Yellow or Green Funerals, Black Cloth of gold may be used as a substitute for any colour. 1 White linen may be used for the first four weeks of Lent. Red or black may be used for Passion-tide and Good Friday. THE COLLECTS EPISTLES AND GOSPELS TO BE USED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR % Note that the Collect appointed for every Sunday, or for any Holy day that hath a Vigil or Eve shall be said at the evening service next before. \ LMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life (in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility) : 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 ever. Amen. re- ^[ This Collect is to be pea ted every day with the other Collects in ^Advent, until Christmas Eve. B 4 The first Sunday in Advent The Epistle. Rom: 13. 8. OWE no man any thing, but to love one another : for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet : and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep : for now is our salvation nearer then when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand : let us therefore cast off the works of dark- ness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting, and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. The Gospel. S: ZMatth : 21. 1. WHEN they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straight way ye shall find an ass tied, and a The first Sunday in Advent 5 colt with her; loose them and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say The Lord hath need of them ; and straight- way he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet, saying. Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus com- manded them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way, others cut down branches from the trees and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of 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. 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 have made it a den of thieves. 6 The second Sunday in Advent The second Sunday i?i Advent. The Collect. BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning : Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. The Epistle. Rom: 15. 4. WHATSOEVER things were written afore- time, 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 towards another, according to Christ Jesus : That ye may with one mind, and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision, for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the Fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God lor 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, The second Sunday in Advent 7 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 nil you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the holy Ghost. The Gospel. S: Luke. 21. 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 lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable. Behold the figtree, 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. s The third Sunday in Advent The third Sunday in Advent. The Collect. OLORD Jesu Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee : grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the holy Spirit ever one God, world without end. Amen. The Epistle. I. Cor: 4. 1. LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you or of man's judgment : yea I judge not my own self. For I know nothing by my self, 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 fourth Sunday in Advent 9 The Gospel. S: Matth: n. 2. NOW when John had heard in 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 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 cloth- ing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see ? A prophet ? yea I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written. Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The fourth Sunday in Adve?it. The Collect. OLORD, raise up (we pray thee) thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us ; that whereas through our sins, and io The fourth Sunday in Advent wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us ; thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us, through the satisfaction of thy Son, our Lord : to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be honour and glory world without end. Amen. The Epistle. Phil : 4. 4. REJOICE in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 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. S: yohfi. 1. 19. ^ I ^HIS is the record of John, when the Jews X sent priests and levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 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 ? The fourth Sunday in Advent 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, I 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 am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. HE NATIVITY OF OUR' ©>2 LORD ^OR THE BIRTH- DAY of <&\n8fmmcoM- MONLY CALLED.y@2^ CHRISTMAS-DAY The Collect. ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only be- gotten 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 reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever one God world without end. Amen. The Epistle. Heb : I. I. 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 ♦■ • • « <5*ot\y or obla - i i«i rr tions, then shall receive these our prayers, which we otter the words j- of unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee accepting our 11 1 • 1 i alms and obla- to inspire continually the universal Church tions -j be Jeft with the spirit of truth, unity and concord: out unsaid - and grant that all they that do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian kings, princes and governors, and specially thy servant George our king, that under him we may be godly and quietly governed : and grant unto his whole council, and to all that are put in authority under him, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. Give grace (O heavenly Father) to all bishops and curates, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments : And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, and specially to this congregation here present, that with meek heart and due rever- ence they may hear and receive thy holy word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we most humbly The Communion 153 beseech thee of thy goodness (O Lord) to comfort and succour all them, who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless thy holy name, for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. " When the minister giveth warning for the celebration of the holy communion, which he shall always do upon the Sunday, or some holy day immediately preceding ; after the sermon or homily ended, he shall read this exhortation following. DEARLY beloved, on -day next I pur- pose, through God's assistance, to administer to all such as shall be religiously and devoutly dis- posed, the most comfortable sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, to be by them received in remembrance of his meritorious cross and passion, whereby alone we obtain remission of our sins, and are made partakers of the kingdom of heaven. Wherefore it is our duty to render most humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God our heavenly Father, for that he hath given his Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, not only to die for us, but also to be our spiritual food and sustenance in that holy sacrament. Which being so divine and comfort- able a thing to them who receive it worthily, and so dangerous to them that will presume to receive J S4 The Communion it unworthily : My duty is to exhort you in the mean season to consider the dignity of that holy mystery, and the great peril of the unworthy receiving thereof, and so to search and examine your own consciences (and that not lightly, and after the manner of dissemblers with God ; ) but so that ye may come holy and clean to such a heavenly feast, in the marriage-garment required by God in holy scripture, and be received as worthy partakers of that holy table. The way and means thereto is : First to examine your lives and conver- sations by the rule of God's commandments, and whereinsoever ye shall perceive yourselves to have offended, either by will, word, or deed, there to bewail your own sinfulness, and to confess yourselves to Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life. And if ye shall perceive your offences to be such as are not only against God, but also against your neighbours, then ye shall reconcile yourselves unto them, being ready to make resti- tution and satisfaction according to the uttermost of your powers, for all injuries and wrongs done by you to any other, and being likewise ready to forgive others that have offended you, as you would have forgiveness for your offences at God's hand : for otherwise, the receiving of the holy communion doth nothing else but increase your damnation. Therefore, if any of you be a blasphemer of God, an hinderer or slanderer of his word, an adulterer, or be in malice, or envy, or in any other grievous The Communion 155 crime; repent you of your sins, or else come not to that holy table, lest, after the taking of that holy sacrament, the devil enter into you, as he entered into Judas, and fill you full of all iniquities, and bring you to destruction, both of body and soul. And because it is requisite that no man should come to the holy communion, but with a full trust in God's mercy, and with a quiet conscience : therefore if there be any of you who by this means cannot quiet his own conscience herein, but requireth further comfort or counsel, let him come to me, or to some other discreet and learned minister of God's word, and open his grief; that, by the ministry of God's holy word, he may receive the benefit of absolution, together with ghostly counsel and advice, to the quieting of his conscience, and avoiding of all scruple and doubtfulness. 1f Or in case he shall see the people negligent to come to the holy communion; instead of the former, he shall use this exhortation. DEARLY beloved brethren, on I in- tend, by God's grace, to celebrate the Lord's supper, unto which, in God's behalf, I bid you all that are here present, and beseech you for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto, being so lovingly called and bidden by God himself. Ye know how grievous and unkind a thing it is, when a man hath prepared a rich feast, decked his table with all kind of provision, so that there lacketh nothing but the 156 The Communion guests to sit down, and yet they who are called (without any cause) most unthankfully refuse to come. Which of you in such a case would not be moved ? Who would not think a great injury and wrong done unto him? Wherefore, most dearly beloved in Christ, take ye good heed, lest ye, withdrawing yourselves from this holy supper, provoke God's indignation against you. It is an easy matter for a man to say, I will not com- municate, because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business. But such excuses are not so easily accepted and allowed before God. If a man say, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore am afraid to come : wherefore then do ye not repent, and amend ? When God calleth you, are ye not ashamed to say, ye will not come? When ye should return to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say ye are not ready ? Consider earnestly with yourselves, how little such feigned excuses will avail before God. They that refused the feast in the gospel, because they had bought a farm, or would try their yokes of oxen, or because they were married, were not so excused; but counted unworthy of the heavenly feast. I, for my part, shall be ready, and according to mine office, I bid you in the name of God, I call you in Christ's behalf, I exhort you, as ye love your own salvation, that ye will be partakers of this holy communion. And as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield up his soul by death upon the cross for your salvation, The Communion 157 so it is your duty to receive the communion, in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he himself hath commanded: Which if ye shall neglect to do, consider with yourselves how great injury ye do unto God, and how sore punishment hangeth over your heads for the same; when ye wilfully abstain from the Lord's table, and separate from your brethren, who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. These things if ye earnestly consider, ye will, by God's grace, return to a better mind : for the obtaining whereof, we shall not cease to make our humble petitions unto Almighty God, our heavenly Father. ^[ At the time of the celebration of the communion, the com- municants being conveniently placed for the receiving of the holy sacrament, the priest shall say this exhortation. DEARLY beloved in the Lord, ye that mind to come to the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart, and lively faith we receive that holy sacrament (for then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood, then we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us, we are one with Christ, and Christ with us) : so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. For then we are guilty of the body and blood of Christ our Saviour : we eat and drink our The Communion own damnation, not considering the Lord's body : we kindle God's wrath against us : we provoke him to plague us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds of death. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord. Repent you truly for your sins past : have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Saviour. Amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men. So shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things, ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man, who did humble himself even to the death upon the cross, for us miserable sinners ; who lay in darkness and the shadow of death, that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to ever- lasting life. And to the end that we should alway remember the exceeding great love of our Master and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained to us : he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him therefore, with the Father and the holy Ghost, let us give (as we are most bounden) continual thanks, submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen. The Communion 159 ^[Then shall the priest say to them that come to receive the holy communion. YE that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways, Draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort: and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees. flThen shall this general confession be made in the name of all those that are minded to receive the holy communion, by one of the ministers, both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying, ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men, We acknowledge and bewail Our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time Most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy divine Majesty, Provoking most jusdy Thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings, The remembrance of them is grievous unto us, The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father ; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, Forgive us all that is past, And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy name, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 160 The Communion 1f Then shall the priest (or the bishop, being present) stand up, and turning himself to the people, pronounce this absolution. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him : have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. U Then shall the priest say. *H Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him. Come unto me all that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. S: Matth : n. 28. So God loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. S : John. 3. 16. ^[ Hear also what Saint Paul saith. This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1. Tim: 1. 15. ^[ Hear also what Saint John saith. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1. S: John. 2. 1. f After which the priest shall proceed, saying, Lift up your hearts. The Communion 161 Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord. Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. Answer. It is meet and right so to do. f Then shall the priest turn to the Lord's table, and say, It is very meet, right, and our ~, , J » O ' 1 hese words, bounden duty, that we should at all ¥s Father > i-iii . 11 must be times, and in all places give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. f Here shall follow the proper preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed : or else immediately shall follow, THEREFORE with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen. f PROPER PREFACES. ^[ Upon Christmas day, and seven days after. BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be born as at this time for us, who, by the operation of the holy Ghost, was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother, and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with angels, etc. l62 The Communion ^ Upon Easter day, and seven days after. But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, for he is the very paschal lamb which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world, who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again, hath restored to us ever- lasting life. Therefore with angels, etc. If Upon Ascension day, and seven days after. Through thy most dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who after his most glorious resurrection manifestly appeared to all his apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to prepare a place for us ; that where he is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with angels, etc. H Upon Whitsunday, and six days after. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, according to whose most true promise the holy Ghost came down, as at this time, from heaven with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues lighting upon the apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth, giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the gospel unto all nations, whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light, and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with angels, etc. The Communion 163 ^[ Upon the feast of Trinity only. Who art one God, one Lord, not one only person, but three persons in one substance. For that which we believe of the glory of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with angels, etc. *H After each of which prefaces shall immediately be sung or said, Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory : Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen. % Then shall the priest, kneeling down at the Lord's table, say in the name of all them that shall receive the communion, this prayer following. We do not presume to come to this thy table (O merciful Lord) trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. ^1 When the priest, standing before the table, hath so ordered the bread and wine, that he may with the more readiness and decency break the bread before the people, and take the cup into his hands ; he shall say the prayer of consecration as followeth. LMIGHTY GOD, our Iheavenly Father, who of ;thy tender mercy didst give 'thine only Son Jesus Christ I to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption, who made there (by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, obla- tion, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world, and did institute and in his holy gospel command us to continue a perpetual memory of that his precious death, until his coming again: THE COMMUNION Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that we, receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remem- brance of his death and passion, may be par- takers of his most blessed body and blood: Who in the same night that he was betrayed fl took bread, and I - - | . - - a Here the priest is to take when he had given thanks, the^n into his b he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, bA ^ re h a e d re t0 break the eat, this is my body which r» l^y i • c And here to lay his hand is given ror you, Do this in upon a n the bread, remembrance of me. , u a Here he is to take the Likewise after supper he cup into his hanck took the cup, and when he e An d h ere to i ay h is hand had given thanks, he gave KE£gon) ( in * , .1 • • * which there is any it to tnem, saying, Drink wine to be conse- ye all of this, for this e is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for you and for many for the re- mission of sins : Do this as oft as ye shall drink it in remembrance of me. Amen. i66 The Communion ^[ Then shall the minister first receive the communion in both kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the bishops, priests, and deacons in like manner (if any be present), and after that to the people also in order, into their hands, all meekly kneeling. And when he delivereth the bread to any one, he shall say. THE body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life : take and eat this in remem- brance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving. f And the minister that delivereth the cup to any one shall say. THE blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life: drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. If the consecrated bread or wine be all spent before all have communicated, the priest is to consecrate more, according to the form before prescribed : beginning at [Our Saviour Christ, in the same night y etc.'] for the blessing of the bread ; and at [Likewise after supper, etc.] for the blessing of the cup. When all have communicated, the minister shall return to the Lord's table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth. 4[ Then shall the priest say the Lord's Prayer, the people repeating after him every petition. OUR Father which 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 trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. The Communion 167 11 After shall be said as folio weth. OLORD and heavenly Father, we thy humble servants entirely desire thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our- selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee ; humbly beseeching thee, that all we, who are partakers of this holy communion, may be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be un- worthy through our manifold sins to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord ; by whom and with whom, in the unity of the holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen. Or this. ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who have duly received these holy mys- teries, with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness i68 The Communion towards us, and that we are very members incor- porate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people, and are also heirs through hope of thine everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellow- ship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. f Then shall be said or sung. GLORY be to God on high, and in earth peace, goodwill towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayers. 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, O Christ, with the holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. The Communion 169 f Then the priest (or bishop if he be present) shall let them depart with this blessing. THE peace of God, which passeth all under- standing, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord : And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen. f Collects to be said after the offertory when there is no communion, every such day one, or more ; and the same may be said also as often as occasion shall serve, after the collects either of morning or evening prayer, communion, or litany, by the discretion of the minister. ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation ; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy command- ments ; that, through thy most mighty protection both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. The Communion GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may through thy grace be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PREVENT us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help, that, in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally by thy mercy obtain ever- lasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking ; We beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities ; and those things which for our unworthiness we dare not — and for our blindness we cannot — ask, vouchsafe to give us for the worthiness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of them that ask in thy Son's name, we beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us, that have made now our prayers and supplications unto thee ; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to thy The Communion will, may effectually be obtained to the relief of our necessity and to the setting forth of thy glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. H Upon the Sundays and other holy days (if there be no communion) shall be said all that is appointed at the communion, until the end of the general prayer [for the whole state of Christ's Church militant here in eartK\ together with one or more of these collects last before rehearsed, concluding with the blessing. HAnd there shall be no celebration of the Lord's supper, except there be a convenient number to communicate with the priest, according to his discretion. 11 And if there be not above twenty persons in the parish of discretion to receive the communion ; yet there shall be no communion, except four (or three at the least) communicate with the priest. HAnd in cathedral and collegiate churches, and colleges, where there are many priests and deacons, they shall all receive the communion with the priest every Sunday at the least, except they have a reasonable cause to the contrary. 1f And to take away all occasion of dissension and superstition, which any person hath or might have concerning the bread and wine, it shall suffice that the bread be such as is usual to be eaten, but the best and purest wheat bread that conveniently may be gotten. 11 And if any of the bread and wine remain unconsecrated, the curate shall have it to his own use : but if any remain of that which was consecrated, it shall not be carried out of the church, but the priest, and such other of the communicants as he shall then call unto him, shall, immediately after the blessing, reverently eat and drink the same. 11 The bread and wine for the communion shall be provided by the curate and the churchwardens, at the charges of the parish. UAnd note, that every parishioner shall communicate at the least three times in the year, of which Easter to be one. And yearly at Easter every parishioner shall reckon with the parson, vicar, or curate, or his or their deputy or deputies, and pay to them or him all ecclesiastical duties accustomably due, then and at that time to be paid. Z 172 The Communion After the Divine Service ended, the money given at the offertory shall be disposed of to such pious and charitable uses, as the minister and churchwardens shall think fit. Wherein if they disagree, it shall be disposed of as the ordinary shall appoint. ^1 Whereas it is ordained in this office for the administration of the Lord's supper, that the communicants should receive the same kneeling (which order is well meant, for a signification of our humble and grateful acknowledgment of the benefits of Christ, therein given to all worthy receivers, and for the avoiding of such profanation and disorder in the holy communion as might other- wise ensue). Yet, lest the same kneeling should by any persons, either out of ignorance and infirmity, or out of malice and obstinacy, be misconstrued and depraved ; It is here declared ; that thereby no adoration is intended, or ought to be done, either unto the sacramental bread or wine, there bodily received, or unto any corporal presence of Christ's natural flesh and blood. For the sacramental bread and wine remain still in their natural substances, and therefore may not be adored (for that were idolatry, to be abhorred of all faithful Christians) ; and the natural body and blood of our Saviour Christ are in heaven, and not here ; it being against the truth of Christ's natural body, to be at one time in more places than one. THE COLLECTS EPISTLES AND GOSPELS TO BE USED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Note that the Collect appointed for every Sunday, or any Holy-day that hath a Vigil or Eve, shall be said the evening service next before. TRINITY SUNDAY. The Collect. ALMIGHTY and everlast- ing God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the divine Majesty to worship the Unity: We beseech thee, that thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all ad- versities, who livest and reignest one God, world without end. Amen. For the Epistle. Rev: 4. 1. AFTER this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven : and the first voice 176 Trinity Sunday which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me ; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, 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, and 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 fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. 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 of them six wings about him, and they were full of eyes within, and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory, and honour, 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 Trinity Sunday 177 sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power : for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created. The Gospel, S: yohn. 3. 1. 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, except 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 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 kingdom 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 near- est the sound thereof; but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered, ijS The first Sunday after Trinity 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 believe 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, who 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 be- lie veth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OGOD, the strength of all them that put their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers : and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping of thy commandments, we may please thee both in will and deed, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The first Sunday after Trinity 179 The Epistle. 1. S: yohn. 4. 7. BELOVED, let us love one another : for love is of God ; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God ; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten 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. Whosoever 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 we may have boldness in the day of judgment : 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, 2 b 180 The first Sunday after Trinity 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 Gospel. S: Luke. 16. 19. THERE was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who 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 lift 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 Lazarus, 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 life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things ; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that they who would pass from hence to you cannot ; neither can The second Sunday after Trinity 181 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 Moses and the prophets, let them hear them. And he 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. THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OLORD, who never failest to help and govern them, whom thou dost bring up in thy stedfast fear and love ; Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. I. S: yohn. 3. 13. MARVEL not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren : he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer ; and 1 82 The second Sunday after Trinity ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us : and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him ; how dwelleth the love of God in him ? My little children, 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 him. 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 confidence towards God. And whatso- ever 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 command- ment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as he gave us commandment. 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 Gospel. S: Luke. 14. 16. 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 The third Sunday after Trinity 183 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 high ways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OLORD, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us ; and grant that we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 184 The third Sunday after Trinity The Epistle. 1. S: Peter. 5. 5. 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, stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. The Gospel. S: Luke. 15. 1. THEN drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him ; and the Phari- sees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 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 The fourth Sunday after Trinity 185 on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, 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, saying, 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 repenteth. THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OGOD, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy ; Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy, that thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal : grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake our Lord. Amen. 1 86 The fourth Sunday after Trinity The Epistle. Rom: 8. 18. I RECKON that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed 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. The Gospel. S: Luke. 6. 36. 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 con- demned : 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 The fifth Sunday after Trinity 187 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 beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, 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. THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. 1. S: Peter. 3. 8. BE ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another : love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life and see 2 c 1 88 The fifth Sunday after Trinity good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good : let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers ; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good ? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled ; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. The Gospel. S: Luke. 5. 1. IT came to pass, that as the people pressed upon him, to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesareth ; 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: nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net brake ; and The sixth Sunday after Trinity 189 they beckoned unto their partners which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both their 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, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken : and so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OGOD, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man's under- standing ; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Rom: 6. 3. KNOW ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death ? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death ; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead, by the glory of the Father, The sixth Sunday after Trinity even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the like- ness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body ot sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him : knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once : but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin ; but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Gospel. S: Matth : 5. 20. JESUS said unto his disciples, Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill : and whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgment : and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council : but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. There- fore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there The seventh Sunday after Trinity 191 rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee ; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and ofTer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him : lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily, I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. LORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things ; Graft in our hearts the love of thy name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Rom: 6. 19. I SPEAK after the manner of men, because of the infirmity of your flesh : for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness, and to iniquity, unto iniquity, even so now yield your members servants to righteousness, unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye 192 The seventh Sunday after Trinity then in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed ? For the end of those things is death. But now, being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death : but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Gospel. S: Mark. 8. 1. IN those days, the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat : and if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way ; for divers of them came from far. And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread, here in the wilderness ? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And he com- manded the people to sit down on the ground : and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them ; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes : and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled : and they took up of the broken meat that was left, seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand. And he sent them away. The eighth Sunday after Trinity 193 THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OGOD, whose never failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth ; we humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Rom: 8. 12. BRETHREN, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh : for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die ; but if ye, through the spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage, again to fear ; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ : if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. The Gospel. S: Matth : 7. 15. BEWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps' clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of 194 The ninth Sunday after Trinity thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit ; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil j fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. GRANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful ; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. 1. Cor: 10. 1. 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 rock that followed them, and The ninth Sunday after Trinity 195 that rock was Christ) : but with many of them God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them, as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples ; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man : but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. The Gospel. S: Luke. 16. 1. JESUS said unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and the same was accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee ? give an account of thy 2 D 196 The tenth Sunday after Trinity stewardship ; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do ? for my Lord taketh away from me the steward- ship : I cannot dig, to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord ? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou ? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely : for the children of this world are, in their generation, wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. LET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants ; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The tenth Sunday after Trinity 197 The Epistle. 1. Cor: 12. 1. CONCERNING spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Jesus accursed ; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of adminis- trations, but the same Lord. And there are diver- sities of operations, but it is the same God, who worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one, is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom ; to another, the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit; to another, faith, by the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing, by the same Spirit ; to another, the working of miracles ; to another, pro- phecy; to another, discerning of spirits ; to another, divers kinds of tongues; to another, the inter- pretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. The Gospel. S: Luke. 19. 41. AND when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the 198 The eleventh Sunday after Trinity things which belong unto thy peace ! But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee : and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought ; saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And he taught daily in the temple. THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OGOD, who declarest thy almighty power, most chiefly in shewing mercy and pity; merci- fully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. 1. Cor: 15. 1. BRETHREN, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what The eleventh Sunday after Trinity iqq I preached unto you; unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you, first of all, that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures : and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures : and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once : of whom the greater part remain unto this present, j but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James, then of all the apostles. And, last ! of all, he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, \ that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am ; and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain : but I laboured more abundantly than they all ; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore,whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believe. The Gospel. S: Luke. 18. 9. JESUS spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, j and despised others : Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood, and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or 200 The twelfth Sunday after Trinity even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other : for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve : Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our con- science is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. 2. Cor : 3. 4. SUCH trust have we through Christ to Godward. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves : but our sufficiency is of God. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament ; not of the letter, but of the The twelfth Sunday after Trinity 201 Spirit : for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious ; so that the chil- dren of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away : how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious ? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. The Gospel. S: Mar: 7. 31. JESUS, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, came unto the Sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech : and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue, and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man : but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it, and were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well : he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. ft The Collect. ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable ser- vice : Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Gal: 3. 16. TO Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many ; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot dis- annul, that it should make the Cljyf at'tt !>a*R ms&e 3 ffapuat office, * 204 The thirteenth Sunday after Trinity promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise : but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of trans- gressions, till the seed should come, to whom the promise was made ; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one ; but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God ? God forbid : for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith, of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. The GospeL S: Luke, 10. 23. BLESSED are the eyes which see the things that ye see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them : and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. And behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life ? He said unto him, What is written in the law ? how readest thou ? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ; and thy neighbour The thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 205 as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right : this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour ? And Jesus answering, said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way, and when he saw him, he passed by 011 the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was : and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves ? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. 206 The fourteenth Sunday after Trinity THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Gal : 5. 16. I SAY then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh ; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But j if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these : adultery, fornication, uncleanness, las- civiousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like ; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance : against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. The fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 207 The Gospel. S: Luke. 17. 1 1. AND it came to pass, as Jesus went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off : And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go, show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks ; and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering, said, Were there not ten cleansed ? but where are the nine ? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole. THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect, EEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Ghurch J^^with thy perpetual mercy. And because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2o8 The fifteenth Sunday after Trinity The Epistle. Gal: 6. n. YE see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised : only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law ; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. The Gospel. $: Matth: 6. 24. NO man can serve two masters : for either he will hate the one, and love the other ; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink ; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on : Is not the life more The sixteenth Sunday after Trinity 209 than meat, and the body than raiment ? Behold the fowls of the air : for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns : yet your heavenly Father feedeth them : Are ye not much better than they ? Which of you, by taking thought, can add one cubit unto his stature ? And why take ye thought for raiment ? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow : they toil not, neither do they spin : and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven ; shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat ? or what shall we drink ? or wherewithal shall we be clothed ? (For, after all these things do the Gentiles seek: ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow ; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself : sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OLORD, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church : and because it cannot continue in safety without thy 2io The sixteenth Sunday after Trinity succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, The Epistle. Eph : 3. 13. I DESIRE that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause 31 bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, ac- cording to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man ; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the. power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. The Gospel. S: Luke. 7. 11. AND it came to pass the day after, that Jesus went into a city called Nain ; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son oi The seventeenth Sunday after Trinity 211 his mother, and she was a widow; and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier (and they that bare him stood still) and he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak : and he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all, and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us, and that God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea, and through- out all the region round about. THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. LORD, we pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Ephes : 4. 1. I THEREFORE, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one an- other in love ; endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, 212 The seventeenth Sunday after Trinity and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling ; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. The Gospel. S: Luke. 14. 1. IT came to pass, as Jesus went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees, to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him who had the dropsy. And Jesus answering, spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day ? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go ; and answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the Sabbath day ? And they could not answer him again to these things. And he put forth a parable to those who were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms, saying unto them, When thou art bidden by any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room ; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him ; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room ; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher : then The eighteenth Sunday after Trinity 213 shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. LORD, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee the only God ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. 1. Cor: 1. 4. T THANK my God always, on your behalf, for Xthe grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ ; that in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge ; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you ; so that ye come behind in no gift ; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blame- less in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel. S : Matth : 22. 34. WHEN the Pharisees had heard that Jesus had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, who was 214 The nineteenth Sunday after Trinity a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law ? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the | first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy- self. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them saying, What think ye of Christ ? Whose son is he ? They j say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David, in spirit, call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies j thy footstool. If David then call him Lord, how is he his son ? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man (from that day forth) ask him any more questions. i THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, The Collect. OGOD, forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee ; Mercifully grant, that thy holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule he our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The nineteenth Sunday after Trinity 215 The Epistle. Ephes: 4. 17. THIS I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts : Who, being past feeling, have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ, if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus : that ye put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceit- ful lusts ; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind ; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour : for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not ; let not the sun go down upon your wrath : neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole, steal no more : but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good, to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are 216 The twentieth Sunday after Trinity sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender- hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. The Gospel. S: Matth : 9. 1. JESUS entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed ; and Jesus seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee. And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts ? For whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee ? or to say, Arise, and walk ? But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled and glorified God, who had given such power unto men. THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us : that we, being The twentieth Sunday after Trinity 217 ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldest have done; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Ephes : 5. 15. SEE then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess ; but be filled with the Spirit : speaking to your- selves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs ; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord ; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. The Gospel. S: Matth : 22. I. JESUS said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, who made a marriage for his son ; and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding ; and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them who are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready ; come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise : and 2i8 The twenty first Sunday after Trinity the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth : and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burnt up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they who were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the high- j ways, and as many as ye shall find bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all, as many as they found, both bad and good : and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king , came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who j had not on a wedding garment. And he saith unto him, Friend, how earnest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment ? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and , cast him into outer darkness : there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. THE TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The twenty first Sunday after Trinity 219 The Epistle. Ephes: 6. 10. MY brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, where- with ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked ; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints ; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds : that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. The Gospel. S: jfohn. 4. 46. THERE was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he 2 2o The twenty second Sunday after Trinity went unto him, and besought him that he would come down and heal his son ; for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down, ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way, thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend : and they said unto him, Yesterday, at the seventh hour, the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth ; and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judea into Galilee. THE TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. LORD, we beseech thee, to keep thy house- hold the Church in continual godliness ; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The twenty second Sunday after Trinity 221 The Epistle. Phil: 1.3. I THANK my God upon every remembrance of you, (always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy), for your fellowship in the gospel, from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ ; even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and con- firmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and in all judgment : that ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere, and without offence, till the day of Christ : being filled with the fruits of righteous- ness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. The Gospel. S: Matth ; 18. 21. PETER said unto Jesus, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee until seven times ; but until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would take account of his servants. And when he had begun 222 The twenty second Sunday after Trinity to reckon, one was brought unto him, who owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him to he sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compas- j sion, and loosed him and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him an hundred pence ; and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not ; but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done. Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me ; shouldst not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from r your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. The twenty third Sunday after Trinity 223 THE TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OGOD our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness ; Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church, and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Phil: 3. 17. BRETHREN, be followers together of me, and mark them who walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things). For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. The Gospel. S: Matth : 22. 15. THEN went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples, with 22\ The twenty fourth Sunday after trinity the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man ; for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou ? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not ? But Jesus perceived their wicked- ness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? show me the tribute-money. And they brought \ unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image, and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar, the things which are Caesar's; and unto God, the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. THE TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Collect. OLORD, we beseech thee, absolve thy people j from their offences ; that through thy bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the bands of those sins, which by our frailty we have committed : Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. The twenty fourth Sunday after Trinity 225 The Epistle. Col: 1.3. WE give thanks to God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints ; for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel ; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world, and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. As ye also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ : who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding : that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God : strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsufTering, with joy fulness; giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. The Gospel. S: Matth : 9. 18. WHILE Jesus spake these things unto John's disciples, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even 226 The twenty fifth Sunday after Trinity now dead : but come, and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose and followed him, and so did his disciples. (And behold, a woman, who was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment ; for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour). And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels, and the people making a noise, he said unto them, Give place ; for the maid is not dead, but sleepetrt. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. THE TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. ! The Collect, STIR up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people ; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The twenty fifth Sunday after Trinity 227 For the Epistle, yer : 23. 5. BEHOLD, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch, and a king shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely : and this is his name whereby he shall be called, the lord our righteousness. Therefore, behold the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, who brought up, and who led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them ; and they shall dwell in their own land. The Gospel. S: yohn. 6. 5. WHEN Jesus then lift up his eyes and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat ? (And this he said to prove him : for he him- self knew what he would do). Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that everyone of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, who 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 2 H 228 Saint Andrew's day 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 would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with 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. If there be any more Sundays before Advent Sunday, the service of some of those Sundays that were omitted after the Epiphany, shall be taken in to supply so many as are here wanting. And if there be fewer, the overplus may be omitted : Provided that this last Collect, Epistle, and Gospel shall always be used upon the Sunday next before Advent. SAINT ANDREW'S DAY. The Collect. ALMIGHTY God, who didst give such grace unto thy holy apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him without delay : Grant unto us all, that we, being called by thy holy word, may forth- with give up ourselves obediently to fulfil thy holy commandments ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Saint Andrew's day 229 The Epistle. Rom: 10. 9. IF thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salva- tion. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek ; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him, in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in him, of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things ! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report ? So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard ? Yes verily, their sound went out into all the earth, and their words 1 unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not j Israel know? First, Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that Saint Thomas the Apostle sought me not ; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. The Gospel. S: Matth : 4. 18. JESUS, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his j brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers) ; and he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the , son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE. The Collect. I \ ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who, for the more confirmation of the faith, didst suffer thy holy apostle Thomas to be doubtful in thy Son's resurrection ; Grant us so perfectly, and with- out all doubt to believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in thy sight may never be reproved. Hear us, O Lord, through the same Jesus Christ, to whom with thee and the holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and for evermore. Amen. Saint Thomas the Apostle 231 The Epistle. Ephes : 2. 19. NOW therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God ; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone ; in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord ; in whom ye also are builded together for an habita- tion of God, through the Spirit. The Gospel. S : jfohn. 20. 24. THOMAS, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them 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 ringer 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 Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side ; and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered, and said unto him, My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed ; 232 The Conversion of Saint Paul 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 CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL. The Collect. OGOD, who through the preaching of the blessed apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the gospel to shine throughout the world; Grant, we beseech thee, that we, having his wonder- ful conversion in remembrance, may show forth our thankfulness unto thee for the same, by follow- ing the holy doctrine which he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Acts. 9. 1. AND Saul, yet breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that, if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And, as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light The Conversion of Saint Paul 233 from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why perse- cutest thou me ? And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest : it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened he saw no man ; but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus : for behold he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias, coming in and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem ; and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way, for he 234 The Conversion of Saint Paul is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name be- fore the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house ; and, putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord (even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest) hath sent me that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be rilled with the holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales ; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptised. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus, And straighway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of f God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews whicli dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. The Gospel. S: Matth : 19. 27. PETER answered and said unto Jesus, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee ; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the The Purification of Saint Mary 235 Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethen, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands fcr my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first. THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE COMMONLY CALLED THE PURIFI- CATION OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN. The Collect. ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we humbly beseech thy Majesty, that as thy only be- gotten Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh ; so we may be presented unto thee with pure and clean hearts, by the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Mai: 3. 1. BEHOLD, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me : and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple ; even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in ; behold, he shall come, said the Lord i of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming ? and who shall stand when he appeareth ? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap. 2 1 236 The Purification of Saint Mary And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver ; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you to | judgment, and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against I I false swearers, and against those that oppress the j hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts. I If The Gospel. S: Luke, 2. 22. fi AND when the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accom- plished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord) ; and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon ; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the con- solation of Israel, and the holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit The Purification of Saint Mary 237 into the temple ; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast pre- pared before the face of all people ; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 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 be 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 four score 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 redemp- tion in Jerusalem. 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 spirit, filled with wisdom ; and the grace of God was upon him. 238 Saint Matthias* day SAINT MATTHIAS' DAY. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY God, who, into the place of the traitor Judas, didst choose thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve apostles ; Grant that thy Church, being alway preserved from false apostles, may be ordered and guided by faith- ful and true pastors ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Acts. 1. 15. IN those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said (the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty), Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus : for he was num- bered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity, and falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem, insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein; and his bishopric let another take. Wherefore, of these men which Saint Matthias* day 239 have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us ; beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen ; that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. The Gospel. S: Matth: 11. 25. AT that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father : and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father ; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly in heart ; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. SffNNUNGIATION ~ ftheBLESSED RGIN MARY The Collect. E beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts ; that as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Isai: 7. 10. MOREOVER the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God ; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David ; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also ? Therefore the Lord himself 242 The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary shall give you a sign ; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. The Gospel. S: Luke. 1. 26. AND in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee ; blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary ; for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest ; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man ? And the angel answered and said unto her, The holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee : therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be Saint Marks day 243 called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age ; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren : for with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord ; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. SAINT MARK'S DAY. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed thy holy Church with the heavenly doctrine of thy evangelist Saint Mark; Give us grace that, being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy gospel ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Eph : 4. 7. UNTO every one of us is given grace, accord- ing to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some apostles, and 2 K 244 Saint Mark's day some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edify- ing of the body of Christ : till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ : that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by I the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive ; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ : from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. The Gospel. S: yohn. 15. 1. I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husband- man. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine ; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye Saint Philip and Saint James' day 245 are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are- burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you : continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love ; even as I have kept my : Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy : might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. SAINT PHILIP AND SAINT JAMES' DAY. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life ; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life ; that, following the steps of thy holy apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 246 Saint Philip and Saint James' day The Epistle. S: James. 1. 1. JAMES, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations ; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering ; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind, and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted ; but the rich, in that he is made low; because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth : so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Saint Philip and Saint James' day 247 The Gospel. S: John. 14. 1. AND Jesus said unto his disciples, Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you : I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go, ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest, and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life : no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also ; and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me ; or else believe me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, 248 Saint Barnabas the Apostle the works that I do shall he do also ; and greater works than these shall he do ; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. SAINT BARNABAS THE APOSTLE. The Collect. OLORD God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the holy Ghost; leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Acts. 11.22. TIDINGS of these things came unto the ears of the Church which was in Jerusalem ; and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came and had seen the grace of God, was glad ; and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy Ghost, and of faith; and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul. And when he had Saint Barnabas the Apostle 249 found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the Church, and taught much people : and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in those days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be a great dearth throughout all the world ; which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. The Gospel. S: yohn. 15. 12. THIS is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants ; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth : but I have called you friends ; for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain : that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 250 Saint John Baptist's day SAINT JOHN BAPTIST. The Collect. ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour, by preaching of repentance : Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Isai : 40. 1. COMFORT ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jeru- salem, and cry unto her, That her warfare is accomplished; that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. Saint John Baptist's day 251 And he said, What shall I cry ? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it : surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth ; but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain : O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength ; lift it up, be not afraid : say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God. Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him : behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd ; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. The Gospel. S: Luke. 1. 57. ELIZABETH'S full time came that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child ; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so ; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that 2 L 252 Saint John Baptist's day is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them : and ail these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that had heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying. What manner of child shall this be ? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David : as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began ; that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest : for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways ; to give knowledge of salvation unto his Saint Peter's day 253 people, by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day- spring from on high hath visited us ; to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit; and was in the deserts, till the day of his showing unto Israel. SAINT PETER'S DAY. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ, didst give to thy apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; Make, we beseech thee, all bishops and pastors diligently to preach thy holy word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Acts. 12. 1. ABOUT that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. And, because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had ! 254 Saint Peter's day apprehended him, he put him in prison, and de- livered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison ; but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleep- ing between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thy- self, and bind on thy sandals : and so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out and followed him ; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel ; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord ; and they went out, and passed on through one street, and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. Saint James the Apostle 255 The Gospel. S: Matth: 16. 13. WHEN Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am ? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist, some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am ? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona : for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church ; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE. The Collect. GRANT, O merciful God, that as thine holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay, was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we forsaking all worldly and carnal 256 Saint James the Apostle affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Acts. 11. 27. IN those days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Aga'ous, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world ; which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Now about that time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. The Gospel. S : Matth : 20. 20. r T^HEN came to him the mother of Zebedee's JL children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou ? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy king- dom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not Saint Bartholomew the Apostle 257 what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the bap- tism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with : but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give ; but it shall be given to them for whom it is pre- pared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you : but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whoso- ever will be chief among you, let him be your servant : even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. SAINT BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst give thine apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe, and to preach thy word ; Grant, we beseech thee, unto thy Church, to love that word which he believed, and both to preach and receive the same ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 5 8 Saint Bartholomew the Apostle For the Epistle. Acts. 5. 12. BY the hands of the apostles were many sign?; and wonders wrought among the people : (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch : and of the rest durst no man join himself to them; but the people magnified them : and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women:) insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits \ and they were healed every one. The Gospeh S: Luke. 22. 24. AND there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them ; The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them ; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so : but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth ? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among Saint Matthew the Apostle 259 you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me : that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE. The Collect, O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy blessed Son didst call Matthew from the receipt of custom to be an apostle and evangelist ; Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches, and to follow the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. The Epistle, 2. Cor: 4. 1. THEREFORE seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy we faint not \ but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's con- science in the sight of God. But if our gospel be 2 m 260 Saint Matthew the Apostle hid, it is hid to them that are lost : in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus 5 sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. The Gospel* S: Matth : 9. 9. A ND as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom : and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came, and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. The Collect. O EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained and consti- tuted the services of angels and men in a wonderful order ; Merci- full grant, that as thy holy angels alway do thee service in heaven, so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Revel: 12. 7. THERE was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels; and pre- vailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, 364 Saint Michael and all Angels that old serpent, called the devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world ; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the king- dom of our God, and the power of his Christ : for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea : for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. The Gospel. S: Matth; 18. 1. A T the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, XX saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven ? Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little Saint Luke the Evangelist ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world, because of offences : for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh. Where- fore, if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off and cast them from thee : it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather then having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee : it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones ; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. SAINT LUKE THE EVANGELIST. The Collect. ALMIGHTY God, who calledst Luke the physician, whose praise is in the gospel, to be an evangelist and physician of the soul ; May it please thee, that by the wholesome medicines of the doctrine delivered by him, all the diseases of our souls may be healed ; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 266 Saint Luke the Evangelist The Epistle. 2. Ti?n : 4. 5. WATCH thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up forme a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me : for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessa- lonica ; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee : for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the copper- smith did me much evil : the Lord reward him according to his works. Of whom be thou ware also, for he hath greatly withstood our words. The Gospel. S: Luke. 10. 1. THE Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face, into every city and place whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest Saint Simon and Saint Jude Apostles 267 truly is great, but the labourers are few ; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways ; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes ; and salute no man by the way. And into whatso- ever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it : if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give : for the labourer is worthy of his hire. SAINT SIMON AND SAINT JUDE APOSTLES. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY God,who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the apostles and pro- phets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner- stone ; Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. S : Jude. 1. JUDE, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called : Mercy unto you, and peace, and love be multiplied. 2 N 268 Saint Simon and Saint Jude Apostles Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation ; ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lascivious- ness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornica- tion, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. The Gospel. S: yohn. 15. 17. THESE things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own : All Saints' day 269 but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than the lord : if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you ; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin ; but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin : but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. ALL SAINTS' DAY. The Collect. O ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; 270 All Saints' day Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Epistle. Rev: 7. 2. AND I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God : and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed : and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand, of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthali were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. % All Saints' day 271 After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands ; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders, and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen ; blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God, for ever and ever, Amen. The Gospel. S: Matth ; 5. 1. JESUS, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain ; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit : for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be rilled. Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers : for 272 All Saints' day they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteous- ness' sake : for their's is the kingdom of heaven Blessed are ye ; when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad ; for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. PRINTED BY ALEXANDER MORING AT THE DE LA MORE PRESS 298 REGENT STREET, LONDON THE ILLUSTRATIONS ENGRAVED ON WOOD FROM DESIGNS SPECIALLY MADE BY BLANCHE McMANUS MDCCCCIII