all; but is under tutors and govern- and obedient to the law for man; ors, until the time appointed of the grant us the true circumcision of the father. Even so we, when we were SPIRIT, that, our hearts and all our children, were in bondage under the members being mortified from all elements of the world; but when the worldly and carnal lusts, we may fulness of the time was come, GOD in all things obey thy blessed will, sent forth his Son, made of a woman, through the same thy Son JESUS made under the law, to redeem them CHRIST our Lord. Amen. that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And, because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of GOD, through CHRIST. all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had, being yet uncircumcised. For the The Epistle. Rom. iv. 8. BLESSED is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircum cision also? For we say, that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckon The Gospel. St. Matt. i. 18. ed? when he was in circumcision or THE birth of JESUS CHRIST was in uncircumcision? Not in circumon this wise: When as his mother cision, but in uncircumcision. And Mary was espoused to Joseph, before he received the sign of circumcision, they came together, she was found a seal of the righteousness of the faith with child of the HOLY GHOST. which he had, yet being uncircumThen Joseph her husband, being a cised; that he might be the father of just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto bim in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the HOLY promise, that he should be the heir GHOST and she shall bring forth a of the world, was not to Abraham, or son, and thou shalt call his name to his seed, through the law, but JESUS; for he shall save his people through the righteousness of faith. from their sins. Now all this was For if they which are of the law be done, that it might be fulfilled which heirs, faith is made void, and the was spoken of the LORD by the pro- promise made of none effect. phet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is, GOD with us. Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son; and he called his name JESUS. THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST. ALMIGHTY GOD, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, The Gospel. St. Luke ii. 15. AND it came to pass, as the anheaven, the shepherds said one to gels were gone away from them into another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which hath made known unto us. And they is come to pass, which the LORD came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But and to make all men see what is the Mary kept all these things, and pon- fellowship of the mystery, which dered them in her heart. And the from the beginning of the world hath shepherds returned, glorifying and been hid in GOD, who created all praising GOD for all the things that things by JESUS CHRIST: to the they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. The scine Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, shall serve for every day after, unto the Epiphany. THE EPIPHANY, OR THE MANI intent that, now unto the principali. ties 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. St. Matt. ii. 1. WHEN JESUS was born in BethFESTATION OF CHRIST TO THE the king, behold, there came wise lehem of Judea, in the days of Herod GENTILES. The Epistle. Ephes. iii. 1. FOR this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of JESUS CHRIST for you Gentiles; if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of GoD, which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of CHRIST) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the SPIRIT; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in CHRIST, by the Gospel : whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of GOD, given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of CHRIST; men from the east o Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where CHRIST should be born. And they said unto him, in Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go, and search diligently for the young child, and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they present- supposing him to have been in the ed unto him gifts; gold, and frankin- company, went a day's journey, and cense, and myrrh. And being warn- they sought him among their kinsfolk ed of GOD in a dream, that they and acquaintance. And when they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE sitting in the midst of the doc EPIPHANY. The Collect. O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who 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 fulfil the same, through JESUS CHRIST our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Rom. xii. 1. I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of GOD. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we, being many, are one body in CHRIST, and every one members one of another. tors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And JESUS increased in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with GOD and man. THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. The Collect. ALMIGHTY and everlasting GOD, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life, through JESUS CHRIST Our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Rom. xii. 6. HAVING then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; 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 dili gence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without EPIPHANY. The Collect. GOD, mercifully look upon our inALMIGHTY and everlasting firmities, and in all our dangers and hand to help and defend us, through necessities stretch forth thy right JESUS CHRIST our Lord. Amen. dissimulation. Abhor that which is | THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE evil, cleave to that which is good. .Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another: not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the LORD; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. The Gospel. St. John ii. I. AND the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of JESUS was there. And His The Epistle. Rom. xii. 16. BE not wise in your own conceits Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the LORD. Therefore, if thine enegive him drink: for in so doing thou my hunger, feed him; if he thirst, shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. The Gospel. St. Matt. viii. 1. WHEN he was come down from 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. mother saith unto the servants, What- the mountain, great multitudes folsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. JESUS saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants which drew the water knew) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did JESUS in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him. lowed 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 immedi ately his leprosy was cleansed. And JESUS saith unto him, See thou tell no man, but go thy way, show thy. self to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded for a testimony unto them. And when JESUS was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a Centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And JESUS saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The Centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers un I pay ye tribute also; for they are GOD's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render, therefore, to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. der me; and I say unto this man, wrath upon him that doeth evil Go, and he goeth; and to another, Wherefore ye must needs be subject, Come, and he cometh; and to my not only for wrath, but also for conservant, Do this, and he doeth it. science' sake. For, for this cause When JESUS heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily say unto you, I have not found so great faith, not 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 ship, his disciples followed him. And teeth. And JESUS said unto the Centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self-same hour. : The Gospel. St. Matt. viii. 23. behold, there arose a great tempest THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE of little faith? Then he arose, and EPIPHANY. The Collect. O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations, through JESUS CHRIST our Lord. Amen. The Epistle. Rom. xiii. 1. rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? And when he was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, 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 be LET every soul be subject unto fore the time? And there was a good the higher powers; for there is no way off from them a herd of many power but of GOD: the powers that swine, feeding. So the devils bebe are ordained of GOD. Whoso sought him, saying, If thou cast us ever, therefore, resisteth the power, out, suffer us to go away into the resisteth the ordinance of GOD: and herd of swine. And he said unto they that resist, shall receive to them-them, Go. And when they were selves damnation. For rulers are not come out, they went into the herd of a terror to good works, but to the evil. swine; and behold, the whole herd Wilt thou then not be afraid of the of swine ran violently down a steep power? do that which is good, and place into the sea, and perished in thou shalt have praise of the same: the waters. And they that kept for he is the minister of GOD to thee them fled, and went their ways into for good. But if thou do that which the city, and told every thing, and is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not what was befallen to the possessed the sword in vain: for he is the mi-of he devils. And behold, the whole nister of GOD, a revenger to execute city came out to meet JESUS; and |