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 Vigi1 or Eve shall be said at the evening service next before.

The First Sunday of Advent.

The Collect.

Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light now in the time of this mortall life (in which thy son Jesus Christ came to visite us in great humility): that in the last day, when he shall come againe in his glorious Majesty; to judge both the quicke and the dead, we may rise to the life immortall, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the holy Ghost now and ever. Amen.

¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day with the other Collects in Advent, unti1 Christmas Eve.
 

The Epistle.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, thou shalt not committ Adultery, thou shalt not kill. thou shalt not steale, Thou shalt not beare false witness, thou shalt not covet: And if there be any other Commandement, it is briefly comprehended in this sayeing, namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy selfe. 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 sleepe: for now is our Salvacon nearer then when we beleeved. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the Armour of light let us walke honestly, as in the day, not in rioting, and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envyeing. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the Flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
 

The Gospell.

When they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, sayeing unto them, Go into the Village over against you, and straight way ye shall find an Ass tied, and a 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 straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Prophet, sayeing. Tell ye the daughter of Sian, 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 commanded 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, sayeing, 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 sayd, 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 mony-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And sayd unto them, It is written, my house shall be called, the house of prayer, but ye have made it a Den of theeves.

The second Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scripture! to be written for our learning: Grant that we ma) in such wise hear them, read, marke, learne, 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.

Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience, and consolation grant you to be like minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one minde, and one mouth glorifie 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 glorifie God for his mercy as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And againe he sayth, Rejoyce ye Gentiles with his people. And againe, Prayse the Lord all ye Gentiles, and laud him all ye people. And againe Esaias saith, there shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reigne over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the holy Ghost.
 

The Gospell.

And there shall be signes in the Sunne, and in the Moon, and in the Starrs; and upon the earth distress of Nations, with perplexity, the Sea, and the Waves roaring, mens hearts fayling 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 comming in a Cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then looke 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 kingdome of God is nigh at hand. Verely I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled; heaven and earth shall pass away. but my words shall not pass away.

The third Sunday in Advent.

The Collect.

O Lord Jesu Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee: grant that the ministers and Stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdome of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world wee 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.

Let a man soe 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 faithfull. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you or of mans Judgement: yea I judge not my own selfe. For I know nothing by my selfe, yet am I not hereby justified; but he that judgeth mee is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, untill 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 prayse of God.
 

The Gospell.

Now when John had heard in prison, the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and sayd unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we looke for another? Jesus answered, and sayd unto them, Go and shew John againe those things, which ye do hear and see: The blinde receive their sight, and the lame walke, the lepers are clensed, and the deafe hear, the dead are raysed up, and the poor have the Gospell 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 winde? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in Kings houses. But what went ye out for to see? A Prophet? yea I say unto you, and more then 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 of Aavmt.

The Collect.

O Lord, rayse up (we pray thee) thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas through our sins, and wickedness, we are sore let and hindred in running the race that is set before us; thy bountifull 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.

Rejoyce in the Lord alway, and againe I say rejoyce. Let your moderation he known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. be carefull 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 Gospell.

This is the record of John, when the Jewes sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to aske him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denyed not: but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, what then? Art thou Elias? And he sayth, I am not. Art thou that Prophet? And he answerd no. Then sayd they unto him, Who art thou, that we may give an Answer to them that sent us? what sayest thou of thy selfe? He sayd, I am the voyce of one cryeing in the Wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as sayed the Prophet Esaias. And they which were sent, were of the Pharisees. And they asked him and sayd 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 comming after me, is preferred before me; whose shoos latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were don in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birthday of Christ, commonly called Christmas day.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our Nature upon him, and as at this tyme to be borne of a pure virgine: 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.

God who at sundry times, and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heire of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. who being the brightness of his Glory and the expresse Image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himselfe purged our sins sate downe on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better then the Angels, as he hath by Inheritance obteined a more excellent name then they. For unto which of the Angells sayd he at any time, thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee; And again I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he sayth, And let all the Angels of God worship him. And of the Angels he sayth, who maketh his Angels Spirits, and his Ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he sayth, thy throne O God is for ever and ever, a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity, therefore God, even thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fell owes. And, Thou Lord in the beginning hast layed the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are ye works of thine hands; They shall perish, but thou remainest: and they all shall wax old as doth a Garment. And as a Vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fayl.
 

The Gospell.

In the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light which lighteneth every man that cometh into the World. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to becomme the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born not of blood, nor of the Will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.

Saint Stevens day.

The Collect.

Grant, O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth, for the testimony of thy truth, we may stedfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and being filled with the holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our Persecutors, by the example of thy first Martyr Saint Steven, Who prayed for his murtherers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God, to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only mediatour and Advocate. Amen.

¶ Then shall follow the Collect of the Nativity, which shall be sayd continually unto New years eve.
 

For the Epistle.

Steven being full of the holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into Heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And said, behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God; Then they cryed out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one Accord; and cast him out of the City, and stoned him: and the Witnesses layed down their Clothes at a young mans feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Steven, calling upon God, and sayeing, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cryed with a loud voyce, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had sayd this, he fell asleep.
 

The Gospell.

Behold, I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, and scribes; and some of them ye shall kill, and crucify, and some of them shall ye scourge in your Synagogues, and persecute them from City to City: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple, and the altar. Verely, I say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a Hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Saint John the Evangelists day.

The Collect.

Mercifull Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church, that it being enlightened by the Doctrine of thy blessed Apostle, and Evangelist Saint John, may so walke in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attaine to the light of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness and shew unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us:) That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walke in darkness, we lye, and do not the truth: But if we walke in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son clenseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, If we confess our sins, he is faith full, and just to forgive us our sins, and to clense us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a lyar, and his word is not in us,
 

The Gospell.

Jesus sayd unto Peter, follow me. Then Peter turning about seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following which also leaned on his brest at Supper; and sayd, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him, sayeth to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus sayeth unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this sayeing abroad among the brethren that that disciple should not dye: Yet Jesus sayd not unto him, he shall not dye: but, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things. and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did; the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world it selfe could not containe the Books that shold be written.

The Innocents day.

The Collect.

O Almighty God, who out of the mouths of babes, and sucklings hast ordeined strength, and madest Infants to glorifie thee by their deaths: mortifie and kill all vices in us; and so strengthen us by thy grace, that by the Innocency of our lives, and constancy of our Faith, even unto death, we may glorifie thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

For the Epistle

I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him, an hundred fourty and foure thousand, having his Fathers name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voyce of a great thunder: And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the Throne, and before the foure Beasts, and the Elders; and no man could learn that song, but the hundred and fourty and foure thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are Virgins; These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth: These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God, and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the Throne of God.
 

The Gospell.

The Angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying Arise, and take the young childe and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there  untill I bring thee word: for Herod will seeke the young childe to destroy him. When he arose, he tooke the young childe and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; and was there untill the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord, by the Prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my Son. Then Herod when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise men was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the Children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the Coasts thereof, from two years ould, and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the Prophet sayeing, In Rama was there a voice heard, Lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

The Sunday after Christmas day.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son, to take our nature upon him, and as at this time, to be born of a pure Virgin; grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy holy 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.

Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a childe, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all. But he is under tutours, and governours, untill the time appointed of the Father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the Elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his son made of a Woman, made under the law: to redeeme them that were under the law, that we might receive the Adoption of sonns. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, cryeing, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son, and if a son then an heir of God through Christ.
 

The Gospel.

The birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, (before they came together) she was found with Childe of the holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publique example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, feare not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. (Now all this was don, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, sayeing, Behold, a virgin shall be with childe and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is God with us.) Then Joseph being raysed from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had bidden him, and tooke unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her first born son, And he called his name Jesus.

The Circumcision of Christ.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man: Grant us the true Circumcision of the spirit, that our hearts, and all our members being mortified from all worldly and carnall lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will, through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
 

The Epistle.

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. commeth this blessedness then upon the Circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in Circumcision, or in uncircumcision? not in cirumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the signe of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the Circumcision only, but also walke in the steps of that Faith of our father Abraham which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the Law; but through the righteousnes of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, Faith is made voyd, and the promise made of none effect.
 

The Gospel.

And it came to pass, as the Angels were gone away from them into heaven the shepherds sayd one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us, And they came with hast, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lyeing in a Manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this childe. And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were tould them by the shepherds: But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifieing and praysing God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was tould unto them. And when eight dayes were accomplished for the cirumcising of the childe, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the Angel before he was conceived in the Womb.

¶ The same Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, shall Serve for every day after unto the Epiphany.

The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

The Collect.

O God, who by the leading of a Starr, didst manifest thy only begotten son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant, that we which know thee now by Faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles. If ye have heard of the dispensacon of the grace of God, which is given me to youward: How that by revelation he made knowne unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other Ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is I now revealed unto his holy Apostles, and Prophets by the spirit. That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ, by the Gospel: whereof I was made a Minister, according to the Gift of the grace of God, given unto me by the effectuall working of his power, unto me who am less then the least of all Saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world, hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the Intent that now unto the Principalityes, and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the Church, the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. In whom we have boldness, and access with confidence, by the Faith of him.
 

The Gospel.

When Jesus was borne in Bethlehem of Judea, in the daies of Herod the King; behold, there came Wise men from the East to Jerusalem, sayeing, where is he that is borne King of the Jewes? for we have seen his Starr in the East, and are come to worship him. When Herod the King had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief Priests and Scribes of the people together; he demanded of them, where Christ should be born, and they sayd unto him; In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it written by the Prophet; And thou Bethlehem in the land of Juda, art not the least among the Princes of Juda; For out of thee shall come a Governour, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the Wise men, enquired of them diligently, what time the Starr appeared; And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go, and search diligently for the young childe, and when ye have found him, bring me word againe, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the King, they departed; and Lo, the Star which they saw in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. when they saw the star, they rejoyced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young childe with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him; And when they had opened their Treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not returne to Herod, they departed into their own Country another way.

The first Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Collect.

O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people, which call upon thee, and grant that they may both perceive and know, what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power, faithfully to fulfill the same, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
 

The Epistle.

I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercyes of God, that ye present your bodyes a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed, by the renewing of your minde, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God,. For I say, through the Grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himselfe more highly then he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
 

The Gospel.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custome of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the dayes, as they returned, the childe Jesus tarried behinde in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they supposing him to have been in the company, went a dayes journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back againe to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three dayes they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctours both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding, and Answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my fathers busines? And they understood not the sayeing which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdome, and stature, and in favour with God and Man.

The second Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, who doest govern all things in heaven, and earth, mercifully hear the Supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the dayes of our life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophesy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of fayth. or ministry, let us wait on our ministring: or he that teacheth, on teaching: or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity: he that ruleth, with diligence: he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation: abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. Not slothfull in business: fervent in spirit, serving the Lord: rejoycing in hope, patient in Tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. distributing to the necessity of saints: given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you, bless and curse not. Rejoyce with them that do rejoyce, and weep with them that weep. be of the same mind one toward another. Minde not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
 

The Gospel.

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine; Jesus saith unto her; woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six Water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jewes, conteyning two or three firkins apeece. Jesus sayth unto them, fill the water-pots with water; And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them; draw out now, and bear unto the governour of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted of the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants which drew the water knew) the governour of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning, doth set forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of Miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him.

The third Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully looke upon our Infirmities, and in all our dangers, and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help, and defend us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompence to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lyeth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not your selves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, sayth the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drinke: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
 

The Gospel

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him saying, I will, be thou clean. And immediatly his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus sayth unto him, see thou tell no man, but go thy way, shew thy selfe to the Priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded for a testimony unto them. And when Jesus was entred into Capernaum, there came unto him a Centurion, beseeching him, and sayeing, Lord, my servant lyeth at home sick of the Palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus sayth unto him. I will come and heal him. The Centurion answered and sayd, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. for I am a man under authority, having souldiers under me; and I say unto this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh: and to my servant, do this, and he doth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verely, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. And I say unto you that many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the Centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it don unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self same houre.

The fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Collect.

O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of sc many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature, we cannot alwayes stand upright: grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordeined of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terrour to good works, but to the evil: wilt thou then not be afraid of the Power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have Praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to thee for good: but if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For, for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are Gods ministers, attending Continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom Tribute is due, custome to whom custome, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.
 

The Gospel.

And when he was entred into a ship, his disciples followed him. And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him and awoke him saying, Lord save us, we perish. And he sayeth unto them, why are ye fearfull, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the Windes, and the sea, and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled saying, what manner of man is this, that even the windes, and the sea obey him? And when he was come to the other side, into the Country of the Gergesens, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombes, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. and behold, they cried out saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way of from them an heard of many swine, feeding. So the devils besought him saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the heard of swine. And he sayd unto them, Go; And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine; and behold-the whole herd of swine ran violently downe a steep place into the sea, and perished in the Waters; And they that kept them fled, and went their wayes into the City, and told every thing, and what was befaln to the possessed of devils. And behold, the whole City came out to meet Jesus: And when they saw him, they besought him, that he, would depart out of their Coasts.

The fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Collect,

O Lord We beseech thee to keep thy Church and houshold continually in thy true religion, that they who do lean only upon the hope of thy heavenly grace, may evermore be defended by thy mighty power, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy, and beloved,) bowels of mercies, kindenes, humblenes of minde, meekness, longsuffering: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another; if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things, put on charity, which is the Bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to r which also ye are called in one body: And be ye thankfull. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisedome, teaching, and admonishing one another in Psalms, and hymns, and spiritual Songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, and the father by him.
 

The Gospel.

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the housholder came and sayd unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He sayeth unto them, An enemy hath don this: The servants said unto him; wilt thou then that we go, and gather them up? But he sayd nay; least while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the Harvest, and in the time of Harvest, I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burne them, but gather the wheat into my bam.

The sixth Sunday after the Epiphany.

The Collect.

O God whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternall life: grant us, we beseech thee, that having this hope, we may

The Epistle.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons of God: Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appeare what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is: And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himselfe even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no Sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not. whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning: for this purpose the son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
 

The Gospell.

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo here is Christ or there: believe it not. for there shall arise false Christs, and false Prophets, and shall shew great signes and wonders: insomuch that (if it were possible) they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before, wherefore if they shall say unto you; Behold he is in the Desert, go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers, believe it not: For as the lightning cometh out of the East, and shineth even unto the West: so shall also the comming of the son of man be. For wheresoever the Carcas is, there will the Eagles be gathered together. Immediatly after the tribulation of those dayes, shall the sun be darkned, and the moon shall not give her light, and the Stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heaven shall be shaken. And then shall appear the signe of the son of man in heaven: And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man coming in the Clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the foure windes, from one end of heaven to the other.

The Sunday called Septuagesima, or the third Sunday before Lent.

The Collect.

O Lord, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people, that we who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the holy Ghost, ever one God, world without End. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtein; And every man that striveth for the mastery, is temperate in all things: Now they do it to obtein a corruptible Crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run not as uncerteinly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the Air; but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, least that by any means, when I have preached to others, I my selfe should be a cast-away.
 

The Gospel.

The Kingdome of heaven is like unto a man that is an houshoulder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his Vineyard. And when he had agreed with the Labourers for a penny a day he sent them into his Vineyard; And he went out about the third houre, and saw others standing idle in the market place, and sayd unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you; And they went their way. Againe he went out about the sixth, and ninth houre, and did likewise. And about the eleaventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and sayth unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him because no man hath hired us; He sayth unto them, Go ye also into the Vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when Even was come, the Lord of the Vineyard sayth unto his Steward, call the Labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleaventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more, and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received. it, they murmured against the goodman of the house saying these last have wrought but one houre, and thou hast made them equall unto us which have born the burden, and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and sayd, Freind, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with mee for a penny? Take that thine is and go thy Way: I wi11 give unto this last even as unto thee. Is it not lawfull for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine Eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

The Sunday called sexagesima or the second Sunday before Lent.

The Collect.

O Lord God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing, that we do, mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all Adversity through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

The Gospel.

When much people were gathred together, and were come to him out of every City, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and it was troden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a Rocke, and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. .And some fell among Thorns and the thorns sprang up with it, and choaked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundred fold. And when he had sayd these things, he cryed, He that hath Ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, what might this parable be? and he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this. The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock, are they which when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among Thornes, are they which when they have heard, goe forth, and are choked with cares, and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground, are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

The sunday called Quinquagesima or the next Sunday before Lent.

The Collect.

O Lord who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth: send thy holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent Gift of charity, the very bond of peace, and of all vertues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee: Grant this for thine only son Jesus Christs sake. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling Cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all Mysteries, and all knowledge: And though I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have no charity I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kinde; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not it selfe, is not puffed up, doth not behave it selfe unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things; charity never faileth : but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail: whether there be tongues, they shall cease: whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be don away. When I was a child, I spake as a childe, I understood as a childe, I thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity: these three, but the greatest of these is charity.
 

The Gospel.

Then Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, behold. We go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on. And they shall scourge him, and put him to death, and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: And this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man, sate by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cryed saying, Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him; and when he was come neer, he asked him saying, what wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediatly he received his sight, and followed him, gloryfying God: And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

The first day of Lent, commonly called Ash-Wednesday.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and doest forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtein of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission, and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ This Collect is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the day.
 

For the Epistle.

Turn ye, even to me saith the Lord with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. And rent your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God, for he is gracious, and mercifull, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. who knoweth if he will return, and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meat-offering, and a drink-offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctifie a fast, call a solemn Assembly: Gather the people: sanctifie the Congregation: assemble the elders: gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the Priests, the ministers of the Lord weepe betweene the Porch, and the Altar, and let them say, spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine Heritage to reproach; that the heathen shold rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God.
 

The Gospell.

When ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad Countenance for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily, I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou when thou fastest, anoynt thine head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Lay not up for your selves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where theeves break through and steal. But lay up for your selves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt:, and where the eves do not breake through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The first Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

O Lord, who for our sake didst fast forty dayes, and forty nights: give us grace to use such Abstinence that Our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may ever Obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory who livest, and reignest, with the Father and the, holy Ghost, one God world without end. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

We then as workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he sayth, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of Salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of Salvation) Giving no offence in any thing that the ministery be not blamed: But in all things approving our selves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in Afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in Imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in Watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the holy Ghost, by love unfeigned; By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the Armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left; By honour, and dishonour, by evil report, and good report: as deceivers, and yet true. as unknown, and yet well known: as dying, and behold we live. as chastened, and not killed: as sorrowfull, yet alway rejoycing: As poore, yet making many rich: as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
 

The Gospell.

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted fourty dayes, and fourty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word, that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy City, and setteth him on a pinacle of the Temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the son of God, cast thy selfe down; for it is written he shall give his Angells charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again the Devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them: saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and behold, Angels came and ministred unto him.

The second Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

The Epistle.

We beseech you bretheren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye wold abound more and more. For ye know what Commandements we gave you by the Lord Jesus, For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour. Not in the lust of concupiscence even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because that the Lord is the Avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you, and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness; He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy spirit.
 

The Gospel.

Jesus went thence, and departed into the Coasts of Tyre, and Sidon; And behold, a Woman of Canaan carne out of the same Coasts and cryed unto him sayeing, Have mercy on me O Lord, thou son of David, my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his Disciples came and besought him, sayeing, send her away, for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the childrens bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth Lord: yet the dogs eat of the Crumbs which fall from their masters table. Then lesus answered, and said unto her, O Woman great is thy Faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

The third Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

We beseech thee Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our Enemies, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in Love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himselfe for us, an offering, and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints: Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks; for this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean-person, nor covetous man, who is an Idolater, hath any Inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them; For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walke as children of light, (for the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and righteousness, and truth) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitfull works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speake of those things which are don of them in secret. But all things that are reproved, are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he sayth, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
 

The Gospel.

Jesus was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass when the devil was gon out, the dumb spake: and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub, the chief of the devils; And other tempting him, sought of him a signe from heaven. But he knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom devided against it selfe is brought to desolation: and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himselfe, how shall his  kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out Devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out Devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your Judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out Devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.. But when a stronger, then he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his Armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me, is against mee: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth, When the unclean spirit is gon out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest: and finding none, he saith, I will returne unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh he findeth it swept, and garnished; Then goeth he, and taketh to him seaven other spirits more wicked then himselfe, and they enter in, and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse then the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certein Woman of the Company lift up her voyce and said unto him. Blessed is the Womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, yea, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.

The fourth Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

Grant, we beseech thee Almighty God, that we who for our evil deeds, do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace, may mercifully be relieved, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond-maid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh: but he of the free woman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two Covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free; which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoyce thou barren that bearest not: break forth, and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many moe children then she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then, he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless, what saith the Scripture? cast out the bondwoman, and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then bretheren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
 

The Gospel.

Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sate with his disciples. And the Passeover, a feast of the Jewes, was nigh. 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 himselfe knew what he would do) Philip answered him, Two hundred penyworth of bread, is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother saith unto him. There is a lad here, which hath five barly loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sate 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.

The fifth Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

We beseech thee, Almighty God mercifully to looke upon thy people, that by thy great goodness, they may he governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come, by a greater, and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building: Neither by the blood of goats, and calves: but by his own bleed he entred in once into the holy place, having obteined eternall Redemption for us, For if the blood of Bulls, and of goats, and the Ashes of an heifer 'sprinkling the voc1ean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternall spirit, offered himselfe without spot to God, purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the Mediatour of the new testament, that by means of Death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternall Inheritance.
 

The Gospel.

(Jesus said) Which of you convincetb me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God, heareth Gods words; ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, say we not w.ell that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil] Jesus answered, I have not a devil: but I honour my father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seeke not myne own glory, there is one that seeketh, and judgetb. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my sayeing, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the Prophets; and thou saiest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never tast of death. Art thou greater then our Father Abraham, which is dead? and the Prophets are dead: whom makest thou thy selfe? Jesus answered, If J honour my selfe, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God. Yet ye have not known him, but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your Father Abraham rejoyced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himselfe, and went out of the Temple.

The Sunday next before Easter.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his Patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection, Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equall with God: But made himselfe of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And, being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himselfe, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exa1ted him, and given him a name, which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: And that every tongue sbou1d confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 
 

The Gospel.

When the morning was come, all the chief Priests, and Elders of the people, took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governour. Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned repented himselfe, and brought again the thirty peeces of silver to the chief Priests and Elders, saying, I have sinned, in that I have betraied the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the peeces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himselfe. And the chief Priests took the silver peeces, and said, It is not lawfull for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potters field to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the Prophet, saying, And they took the thirty peeces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value: And gave them for the potters field, as the Lord appointed me. And Jesus stood before the governour; and the govern our asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jewes? And Jesus said unto him, Thou saiest. And when he was accused of the chief Priests, and Elders, he answered nothing. Then saith Pilate unto him. Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word. insomuch that the governour marvelled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people, a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus, which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the Judgement seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream, because of him. But the chief Priests, and Elders perswaded the multitude that they should aske Barabbas, and destroy Jesus, The governour answered, and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said Barabbas, Pilate sayth unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governour said, Why, what evil hath he don? But they cried out the more, saying. Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took Water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and sayd, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the souldiers of the governour took Jesus into the common hall and gathered unto him the whole band of soldjers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a Crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews. And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucifie him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a Skull. They gave him vinegar to drink, mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my Garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots; And sitting down; they watched him there: And set up over his head, his accusation written, This is Jesus the King of the Jews. Then were there two theeves crucified with him: one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three dayes, save thy selfe: if thou be the son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief Priests mocking him, with the scribes and Elders, said, He saved others, himselfe he cannot save: if he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will beleeve him: He trusted in God, let him deliver him now if he will have him: for he said, I am the son of God. The theeves also which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land, unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, sayeing, Eli, Eli, lamasabachthani, that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straight way one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with Vineger, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drinke. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again, with a loud voice, yeilded up the Ghost. And behold, the vail of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent, And the graves were opened, and many bodies of Saints which slept, arose, And came out of the graves, after his resurrection, and went into the holy City, and appeared unto many. Now when the Centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the Earthquake, and those things that were don, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
 

Munday before Easter.

For the Epistle

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with died garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his Apparell, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine Apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the Wine fat? I have troden the Wine Press alone, and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine Anger, and trample them in my fury, and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my Garments, and I will stain all my rayment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine owne arm brought salvation unto me, and my fury it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine Anger, and make them drunke in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the Earth. I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the prayses of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness towards the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them, according to his mercyes, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, surely they are my people, children that will not lye: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the Angel of his presence saved them: in his love, and in his pity he redeemed them, and he bare them, and carryed them all the dayes of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy spirit, therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Then he remembred the dayes of old, Moses and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the

sea, with the Shepheard of his flock? Where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? That led them by the right hand of Moses, with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himselfe an everlasting name? That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? As a beast goeth down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people to make thy selfe a glorious name. Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness, and of thy glory: Where is thy Zeal, and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels, and of thy mercyes towards me? are they restrained? Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, o Lord, art our Father, our redeemer, thy name is from everlasting. O Lord, Why hast thou made us to err from thy Wayes? and hardened our hearts from thy fear? Return for thy servants sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our Adversaries have troden down thy sanctuary. We are thine, thou never barest rule over them, they were not, called by thy name.
 

The Gospel.

After two dayes, was the feast of the Passeover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief Priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the Leper, as he sate at meat, there came a Woman, having an Alabaster box of ointment of spikenard, very Pretious, and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this wast of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more then three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor: and they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone, why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good worke on me. For you have the poor with you alwayes, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them good: but me ye have not alwayes. She hath don what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily, I say unto you, Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached, throughout the whole world, this also that she hath don shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. And Judas Iscariot one of the twelve, went unto the chief Priests to betray him unto them; And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him mony. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passeover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go, and prepare that thou mayst eat the Passeover? And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the City, and there shall meet you a man bearing a Pitcher of water: follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saieth, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the Passeover with my disciples. And he will shew you a large upper room furnished, and prepared, there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth, and came into the City, and found as he had said unto them: And they made ready the Passeover. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sate, and did eat, Jesus said, verily, I say unto you, one of you which eateth with me, shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowfull, and to say unto him, one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve that dippeth with me in the dish. The son of man indeed goeth as it is written of him: but wo to that man, by whom the son of man is betrayed: good were it for that man if he had never been born. And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said. Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the Cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new Testament, which is shed for many, Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruite of the Vine, untill that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheepe shall be scattered, But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should dy with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also sayd they all. And they came to a place which was named Gethsemani, and he saith to his disciples, sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy, And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowfull unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed, that if it were possible the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba Father, All things are possible unto thee, take away this Cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldst not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation: the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their Eyes were heavy) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come, behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediatly, while he yet spake, commeth Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude, with swords and staves, from the chief Priests, and the Scribes, and the Elders. And he that betrayed him, had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soone as he was come, he goeth straight way to him, and saith, Master, Master, and kissed him; And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by, drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high Priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered, and said unto them, Are ye come out as against a thief, with swords, and with staves, to take me? I was daily with you in the temple, teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. And they all forsook him, and fled. And there followed him, a certein young man having a linen cloth cast about his naked body, and the young men laid hold on him. And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. And they led Jesus away to the high Priest, and with him were assembled all the chief Priests, and the Elders, and the Scribes; And Peter followed him a far off, even into the palace of the high Priest: and he sate with the servants, and warmed himselfe at the fire: And the chief Priests, and all the councel sought for witness against Jesus, to put him to death, and found none. For many bare fals witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certein, and bare fals witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple, that is made with hands, and within three dayes, I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high Priest stood up in the mids, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high Priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the son of the blessed? And Jesus said, I am; and ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the Clouds of heaven. Then the high Priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy; and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high Priest. And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denyed, saying, I know not, neither understand what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch, and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curs, and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time, the cock crew: and Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
 

Tuesday before Easter.

For the Epistle.

The Lord God, hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame, and spitting. For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is neer that justifieth me, who will contend with me? let us stand together: Who is mine adversary? let him come neer to me. Behold, the Lord God will help me, who is he that shall condemn me? Lo, they all shall wax old, as a garment: the moth shall eat them up. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass your selves about with sparks: walke in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand, ye shall lie down in sorrow.
 

The Gospel.

And straight way in the morning, the chief Priests held a consultation with the Elders, and Scribes, and the whole councel, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jewes? And he answering, said unto him, Thou saiest it. And the chief Priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold, how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. Now at that feast he released unto them one Prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the Insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud, began to desire him to do as he had ever don unto them. But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? (For he knew that the chief Priests had delivered him for envy) But the chief Priests moved the people that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered, and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucifie him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he don? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucifie him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away into the hall called Pretorium, and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head. And began to salute him. Hail King of the Jews. And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees, worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the Purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucifie him. And they compell one Simon a Cirenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is being interpreted, the place of a scull. And they gave him to drink, wine mingled with mirrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his Accusation was written over, The King of the Jews. And with him they crucified two theeves, the one on his right hand, the other on his left. And the Scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbred with the transgressors, And they that passed by, railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroiest the temple, and buildest it in three dayes, save thy selfe, and come down from the Cross. Likewise also, the chief Priests mocking, said among themselves with the Scribes. He saved others, himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the Cross, that we may see and believe: And they that were crucified with him, reviled him. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land, until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani! which is, being interpreted, My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran, and filled a spunge full of Vineger, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. saying, Let alone, let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the Ghost. And the vail of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. And when the Centurion which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the Ghost, he said, Truly, this man was the son of God.
 

Wednesday before Easter

The Epistle.

Where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testatour. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testatour liveth. Whereupon, neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people, according to the law; he tooke the blood of calves, and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book. and all the people, saying, This is the blood of the testament, which God hath enjoyned unto you. Moreover he sprinckled with blood, both the tabernacle, and all the Vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law Purged with blood: and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices then these. For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven it selfe, now to appear in the presence of God for us, Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high Priest entreth into the holy place, every year, with blood of others. For then must he often have suffered since the Foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world, hath he appeared to put away Sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement. So Christ was once offered to bear the sinns of many, and unto them that looke for him, shall he appeare the second time, without sin unto salvation.
 

The Gospel.

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief Priests, and Scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entred Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief Priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the Absence of the multitude. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter, and John, saying, Go, and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, behold, when ye are entred into the City, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of Water, follow him into the house where he entreth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saieth unto thee, Where is the Guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper roome furnished, there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sate down, and the twelve Apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eate this passover with you before I suffer. For I say unto you, I will not any more eate thereof, untill it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the Cup and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among your selves. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the Vine, untill the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thancks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you, this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the Cup after Supper, saying; This Cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you: But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me, is with me on the table. And truly the son of man goeth as it was determined, but wo unto that man, by whom he is betrayed. And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was, that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accompted 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 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 eate, and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sitt on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy Faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord I am ready to go with thee, both into Prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said unto them, when I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, nothing. Then said he unto them, But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip,: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written, must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressours: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives, and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stones cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this Cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine be don. And there appeared an Angell unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an Agony, he prayed more ernestly, and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow. And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew neare unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the son of man with a kiss? When they who were about him, saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high Priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered, and said, suffer ye thus farr. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief Priests, and Captains of the temple, and the Elders, who were come to him, Be ye come out as against a thief, with swords, and staves 1 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then tooke they him, and led him, and brought him into the high Priests house, and Peter followed a far off; And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the Hall, and were set down together, Peter sate down among them. But a certein maid beheld him, as he sate by the fire, and ernestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denyed him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying, of a truth, this fellow also was with him; for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou saiest. And immediatly while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter; And Peter remembred the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the Cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly. And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they stroke him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophecy, who is it that smote thee. And many other things blasphemously spake they against him; And as soone as it was day, the elders of the people, and the chief Priests, and the Scribes came together, and led him into their Councel, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, you will not believe. And if I also aske you, you will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the son of God 1 And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we our selves have heard of his own mouth.
 

Thursday before Easter.

The Epistle.

In this that I declare unto you, I praise you not: that you come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you, and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they who are approved, may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lords supper. For in eating, every one taketh before other, his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What, have ye not houses to eate, and to drinke in? or, despise ye the churche of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, tooke bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take eat, this is my Body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This Cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this Cup, ye do shew the Lords death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this Cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himselfe, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that Cup. For he that eateth, and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himselfe, not discerning the Lords body. For this cause many are weake, and sickly among you, and many sleepe. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore my bretheren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
 

The Gospel.

The whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cesar, saying that he himselfe is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him, and said, Thou saist it. Then said Pilate to the chief Priests, and to the people, I finde no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, he stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jury, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herods jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himselfe was also at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad, for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him, and he hoped to have seen some miracle don by him. Then he questioned with him in many words, but he answered him nothing. And the chief Priests, and Scribes stood, and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of Warr, set him at naught, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made freinds together; for before they were at enmity between themselves. And Pilate when he had called together the chief Priests, and the Rulers, and the people, said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people, and behold, I having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man, touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him, and lo, nothing worthy of death is don unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. For of necessity he must release one unto them at the Feast. And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas (Who for a certein sedition made in the City, and for murder was cast in Prison) Pilate therefore willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucifie him, Crucifie him; And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he don? I have found no cause of death in him, I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified: and the voices of them and of the chief Priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition, and murder was cast into Prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their Will. And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the Cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, who also bewailed, and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for your selves, and for your children. For behold, the dayes are coming, in which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the Wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be don in the dry? And there were also two other Malefactors led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified him; and the Malefactours one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they parted his rayment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding, and the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others, let him save himselfe if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the souldiers also mocked him, comming to him, and offering him vinegar, and sayeing, If thou be the King of the Jews, save thy self. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latine, and Hebrew, This is the King of the Jews. And one of the Malefactours which were hanged, railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thy selfe, and us; But the other answering, rebuked him, saying, Doest not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this man hath don nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the Earth, untill the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the vail of the Temple was rent in the mids; And when Jesus had cryed with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the Ghost. Now when the Centurion saw what was don, he glorified God, saying, certeinly, this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things that were don, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his Acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood a farr off, beholding these things.

Good Friday.

The Collects.

Almighty God, we beseech thee gratiously to behold this thy Family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross, who now liveth and reigneth, with thee and the holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end, Amen.

Almighty, and everlasting God, by whose spirit the whole body of the Church is governed, and sanctified: Receive our supplicatioas, and prayers which we .offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same in his vocation, and ministery, may truly, and godly serve thee, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.

O mercifull God who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of a Sinner, but rather that he should be converted, and live: Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Hereticks, and take from them all Ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word: and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one Fold under one shepherd Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

The law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged, should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings, and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure: Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the booke it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. Above, when he said, sacrifice, and offering, and burnt offerings, and offering for sin, thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the law: Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy Will, (O God) He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will, we are sanctified, through the offerlng of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every Priest standeth daily ministring, and offering oftentimes- the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sate down on the right hand of God: from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the holy Ghost also is a Witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those dayes, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them: and their sins, and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, Brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new, and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail; that is to say, his flesh: And having an high Priest over the house of God: Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithfull that promised) And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good Works. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approching.
 

The Gospel.

Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the souldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail King of the Jews: and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I finde no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe: and Pilate saith unto them, I Behold the man. When the chief Priests therefore, and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucifie him, crucifie him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucifie him; for I finde no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law, he ought to die, because he made himselfe the son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid. And went again into the Judgement hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? but Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucifie thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered. Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee, hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, if thou let this man go, thou art not Cesars freind: Whosoever maketh himselfe a King, speaketh against Cesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sate down in the Judgement seat, in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucifie him. Pilate saith unto them, shall I crucifie your King? The chief Priests answered, We have no King, but Cesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified: and they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross, went forth into a place called the place of a scull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha. Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on eyther side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross, and the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified, was nigh to the City, and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latine. Then said the chief Priests of the Jewes to Pilate, write not, The King of the Jews, but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written. Then the souldjers, when they had crucified Jesus, tooke his Garments (and made four parts, to every souldier a part) and also his Coat: now the coat was without seam, Woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the souldiers did. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whome he loved, he saieth unto his mother, Woman, behold-thy son. Then saieth he to the disciple, Behould thy mother. And from that hour, that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of Vineger: and they filled a spunge with vineger, and put it upon Hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vineger, he said, it is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the Ghost. The Jws therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the Cross on the Sabbath-day (for that Sabbath-day was an high-day) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the souldjers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other, which was crucified with him. but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his syde, and forthwith came there out, blood and Water. And he that saw it, bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were don, that the scripture should be fulfilled. A bone of him shall not be broken. And again, another Scripture sayeth, they shall look on him whom they peirced.

Easter Even.

The Collect.

Grant O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ: so by continuall mortifieing our corrupt affections, we may be buried with him, and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyfull resurrection, for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, thy son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

It is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, then for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins, the just for the unjust. (that he might bring us to God) being put to death in the flesh, but quickned by the spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison: which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the daies of Noah, while the Arke was a preparing; wherein few, that is eight Soules, were saved by water. The like figure whereunto, even Baptism, doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who is gon into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, Angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
 

The Gospel.

When the Even was come, there Came a rich man ot Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himselfe was Jesus disciple. He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus: then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and layed it in his own new Tombe, which he had hewen out in the Rock, and he rolled a great Stone to the doore of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre. Now the next day that followed the day of the preparation, the chief Priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, We remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three dayes, I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure untill the third day; lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse then the first. Pilate said unto them, ye have a watch, go your way, make it as sure as you can. so they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the Stone, and setting a Watch.

Easter day.

¶ At Morning Prayer in stead of the Psalm,: O come let us, &c. these Anthems shall be sung, or said.
 

The Collect.

Almighty God, who through thine onely begotten son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: we humbly beseech thee, that as by thy speciall grace preventing us, thou dost put into our minds good desires: So by thy continuall help we may bring the same to good effect, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth, and reigneth with thee, and the holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. In the which ye also walked sometime, when ye lived in them.
 

The Gospel.

The first day of the Week cometh Mary Magdalen early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the Sepulchre; Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the Sepulchre. So they ran both together, and the other disciple did out run Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the Linnen clothes lyeing, yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the Sepulchre, and seeth the Linen clothes lie. And the napkin that was about his head, not lyeing with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by it self. Then went in also that other disciple which came first to the Sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

Munday in Easter Week.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who through thy only begotten son Jesus Christ, hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy speciall grace preventing us; thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continuall help, we may bring the same to good effect, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the holy Ghost, ever one God world without end. Amen.
 

For the Epistle.

Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all) That word (I say) you know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the Baptism which John preached: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil: for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, whom they slew, and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly. Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he arose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he who was ordeined of God, to be the Judge of quick, and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of Sins.
 

The Gospel.

Behold two of his disciples went that same day to a Village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass that while they communed together, and reasoned; Jesus himselfe drew neer, and went with them. But their Eyes were holden, that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that you have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou onely a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there, in these dayes? And he said unto them, What things? and they said unto him, concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word, before God and all the people: And how the chief Priests, and our rulers delivered him, to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he, who should have redeemed Israel: and besides all this, to day is the third day, since these things were don. Yea and certein Women also of our Company made us astonished, who were early at the sepulchre: And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of Angels, which said that he was alive. And certeine of them who were with us, went to the sepulchre; and found it even so, as the women had said, but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses, and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all the scriptures, the things concerning himselfe. And they drew nigh unto the Village, whither they went; and he made as though he would have gon further. But they constrayned him, saying, Abide with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent: and he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sate at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures. And they rose up the same houre, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, the Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were don in the way, and how he was known of them, in breaking of bread.

Tuesday in Easter Week.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who through thy only begotten son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy speciall grace preventing us, thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continuall help, we may bring the same to good effect, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth, and reigneth with thee, and the holy Ghost, ever one God world without end. Amen.

For the Epistle.

Men, and brethren, children of the Stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this Salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath-day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they tooke him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many dayes of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the Fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second Psalm, Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raysed him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercyes of David. Wherefore he saith also in another Psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine holy one to see corruption. For David after he had served his own generation, by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his Fathers, and saw corruption. But he whom God raised again saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men, and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you y^e forgiveness of sins. And by him all that beleeve are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets. Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I worke a work in your dayes, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
 

The Gospel.

Jesus himselfe stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified, and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands, and my feet, that it is I my self: handle me, and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken he shewed them his hands and his Feet. And while they yet beleeved not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a peece of a broyled fish, and of an hony comb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance, and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all Nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

The first Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

Almighty Father, who hast given thine only son to dy for our sins, and to rise again for our justification: grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may alway serve thee in pureness of living, and truth, through the merits of the same thy son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that beleiveth that Jesus is the son of God. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ. not by water onely, but by water and blood: and it is the spirit that beareth witness, because the spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son. He that beleiveth on the son of God hath the witness in himselfe: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because he beleeveth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternall life: and this life is in his son. He that hath the son, hath life, and he that hath not the son, hath not life.
 

The Gospel.

The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands, and his Side, Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to

them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the holy Ghost Whosesoever sins ye remitt, they are remitted unto them, and whosesoever sins ye retaine, they are retained.

The Second Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who hast given thine only son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life: give us grace that we may alwayes most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour our selves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

This is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently: this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. Who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatned not, but committed himselfe to him that judgeth righteously. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto righteousnes; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray but are now returned unto the shepherd, and Bishop of your Soules.
 

The Gospel.

Jesus said, I am the good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolfe coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolfe catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

The third Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

Almighty God, who shewest to them that be in errour, the light of thy truth, to the Intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christs religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreable to the same through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

The Epistle

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers, and Pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which warr against the soul. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorifie God, in the day of visitation. Submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake, Whether it be to the King, as supreme, or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousnes, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King.
 

The Gospel.

Jesus said to his Disciples. A little while and ye shall not see mee: and again, a litle while, and ye shall see me, because I goe to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, what is this that he saith unto us, A little while and ye shall not see mee: And again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and because I go to the Father. They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? We cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to aske him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among your selves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me. and again A little while, and ye shall see me? verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoyce: and ye shall be sorrowfull, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail, hath sorrow because her hour is come: but as soone as she is delivered of the childe, she remembreth no more the anguish, for ioy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you againe, and your heart shall rejoyce, and your Joy no man taketh from you.

The fourth Sunday after Easter.

The Collect

O Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly Wills, and affections of sin full men: grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise, that so among the sundry, and manyfold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joyes are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

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

The Gospel.

Jesus said unto his Disciples. Now I goe my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me, whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I goe away: for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart I will send him unto you. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of Judgement. of sin; because they believe not on me. of righteousness; because I goe to my Father, and ye see me no more. of Judgement; because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himselfe: but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorifie me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath, are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The fifth Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

O Lord, from whom all good things do come: grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration, we may think those things that be good, and by thy mercifull guiding may performe the same, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer; he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himselfe, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein; he being not a forgetfull hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this mans religion is vain Pure religion and undefiled before God, and the Father, is this I to visit the fatherless, and widows in their affliction, and to keep himselfe unspotted from the world.
 

The Gospel.

Verily, verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall aske the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive that your joy may be fun. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: the time cometh when I shall no more speake unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that Day ye shall aske in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himselfe loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from! God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no Proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should aske thee: by this we believe that thou earnest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold the houre cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father

is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

The Ascension day.

The Collect.

Grant, we beseech thee Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only begotten son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens: so we may also in heart and minde thither ascend and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
 

For the Epistle.

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do, and teach; untill the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the holy Ghost had given commandements unto the Apostles whom he had chosen. To whom also he shewed himselfe alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them fourty dayes, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdome of God: And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost, not many dayes hence. When they therefore were come together they asked of him saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the Kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power after that the holy Ghost is come upon you; And ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly towards heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white Apparell, which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
 

The Gospel.

Jesus appeared unto the eleaven, as they sate at meat, and upbraided them with their unbeliefe and heardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospell to every Creature. He that believeth, and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signes shall follow them that believe, In my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, They shall take up serpents, and if they drinke any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them, They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sate on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signes following.

Sunday after Ascension day.

The Collect.

O God, the King of Glory, who hast exalted thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto thy Kingdom in Heaven : We beseech thee leave us not comfortless; but send to us thine holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us unto the same place whither our saviour Christ is gone before, who liveth and reigneth, with thee, and the holy Ghost, one God world without end. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among your selves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speake, let him speake as the Oracles of God: If any man minister, let him do it, as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be praise, and dominion for ever, and ever. Amen.
 

The Gospel.

When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the ffather, he shall testifie of me. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not knowne the Father, nor me; But these things have I told you that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.

Whitsunday.

The Collect.

God, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faith full people by the sending to them the light of thy holy spirit: Grant us by the same spirit to have a right Judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoyce in his holy comfort through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reignetb with thee in the Unity of the same spirit, one God world without end Amen.