The Introits, Collects, etc. St. Augustine of Canterburry and St. Bede the Venerable

St. Augustine

(Apostle to the English and First Archbishop of Canterbury)

May 26

1st Evensong

The Psalms Appointed

118

The Readings

Ezek. 3:4–11 & Acts 4:8–20

The Antiphon for the Magnificat

Blessed is the man that considereth the ways of wisdom in his heart, and that goeth after her as one that traceth: * by her he shall be covered from the heat, and shall dwell in her glory Alleluia!

Matins

The Psalms Appointed

22 & 67

The Readings

Ezek. 2:1–7 & Acts 11:1–18

The Antiphon for the Benedictus

Blessed be the Name of God for ever and ever, for wisdom and might are his: * I thank thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given us wisdom and might, in that thou hast revealed the deep and secret things Alleluia!

Holy Communion

The Introit Psalm 112. Beatus vir.

    BLESSED is the man that feareth the LORD; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
    2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.
    3 Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
    4 Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
    5 A good man is merciful, and lendeth; * and will guide his words with discretion.
    6 For he shall never be moved: * and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.
    7 He will not be afraid of any evil tidings; * for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the LORD.
    8 His heart is stablished, and will not shrink, * until he see his desire upon his enemies.
    9 He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor. * and his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
    10 The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him; * he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who in thy providence didst choose thy servant Augustine to be an apostle to the people of England, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of thee: Grant us so to walk in that light, that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through the merits of Jesus

Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.

IF any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

The Gradual Ps 31:1-3

IN thee, O LORD, have I put my trust; * let me never be put to confusion; deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; * make haste to deliver me,
3 And be thou my strong rock and house of defence, * that thou mayest save me.

The Alleluia Ps 31:4

Alleluia! Alleluia! For thou art my strong rock and my castle: * be thou also my guide, and lead me for thy Name's sake. Alleluia!

The Gospel. St. Matthew 13:31-33.

ANOTHER parable put Jesus forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables.

2nd Evensong

The Psalms Appointed

23 & 146

The Readings

Ezek. 34:11–16 & John 21:15-22

The Antiphon for the Magnificat

They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: * and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever (Alleluia!).

St. Bede, the Venerable

(Priest and Monk of Jarrow)

May 27

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast enriched thy Church with the singular learning and holiness of thy servant Bede: Grant us to hold fast the true doctrine of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, and to fashion our lives according to the same, to the glory of thy great Name and the benefit of thy holy Church; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Malachi 3: i6-i8.

THEN they that feared the LORD spake one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then once more shall ye discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

The Gospel. St. Matthew 13:47-52.

JESUS said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them. Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. 

The Introits, Collects, etc. St. Gregory Nazianzus, Ssw. Cyril and Methodius, St. Dunstan, St. Allcuin, Bl Jackson Kemper

St Gregory of Nazianzus

(Bishop of Constantinople)

May 9;

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY, everlasting God, whose servant Gregory steadfastly confessed thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to be Very God and Very Man: Grant that we may hold fast to this faith, and evermore magnify his holy Name; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle. Wisdom 7:7-14.

I CALLED upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth out. All good things together came to me with her, and innumerable riches in her hands. And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them: and I knew not that she was the mother of them. I learned diligently, and do communicate her liberally: I do not hide her riches. For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they that use become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come from learning.

The Gospel. St. John 8:25-32.

THEN said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Ss. Cyril and Methodius

(Missionary Bishops to the Slavs)

May 11

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servants Cyril and Methodius, whom thou didst call to preach The Gospel to the Slavic People. Raise up, we pray thee, in this and every land, heralds and evangelists of thy kingdom, that thy Church may make known the unsearchable riches of Christ, and may increase with the increase of God; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Dunstan

(Archbishop of Canterbury)

May 19

The Collect.

GOD, who dost ever hallow and protect thy Church: Raise up therein through thy Spirit good and faithful stewards of the mysteries of Christ, as thou didst in thy servant Dunstan; that by their ministry and example thy people may abide in thy favour and walk in the way of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

St. Alcuin

(Deacon, and Abbot of Tours)

May 20

The Collect.

O ETERNAL Lord God, who boldest all souls in life: We beseech thee to shed forth upon thy whole Church in paradise and on earth the bright beams of thy light and thy peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of thy servant Alcuin, and of all those who loved and served thee here, may at the last enter with them into thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jackson Kemper

(First Missionary Bishop in the United States)

May 24

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servant Jackson Kemper, whom thou didst call to preach The Gospel in this our land. Raise up, we pray thee, in every land, heralds and evangelists of thy kingdom, that thy Church may make known the unsearchable riches of Christ, and may increase with the increase of God; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Introits, Collects, etc. Ss. Philip and James, St Athanasius, and St. Monnica

Ss. Philip and James, Apostles

May 1

1st Evensong

The Psalms Appointed

119: 33-48

The Readings

Prov. 4: 7–18 & John 12:20–26

The Antiphon for the Magnificat

Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me? * Philip, he that hath seen me hath seen my Father also, Alleluia!

Matins

The Psalms Appointed

139

The Readings

Job 23:3–12 & John 1:43

The Antiphon for the Benedictus

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid: * ye believe in God, believe also in me: in my Father's house are many mansions, Alleluia! Alleluia!

Holy Communion

The Introit Psalm 133. Ecce, quam bonum!

    BEHOLD, how good and joyful a thing it is, * for brethren to dwell together in unity!
    2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, * even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing.
    3 Like as the dew of Hermon, * which fell upon the hill of Sion.
    4 For there the LORD promised his blessing, * and life for evermore.

The Collect.

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is ever-lasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. St. James i. 1.

JAMES, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptations for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

The Gradual Ps 90:5-8

    O LORD, the very heavens shall praise thy wondrous works; * and thy truth in the congregation of the saints.
    6 For who is he among the clouds, * that shall be compared unto the LORD?
    7 And what is he among the gods, * that shall be like unto the LORD?
   

The Alleliua Ps 90:8

Alleluia! Alleluia! God is very greatly to be feared in the council of the saints, * and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him. Alleluia!

The Gospel. St. John xiv. 1.

AND Jesus said unto his disciples, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye maybe also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and bow sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you ,I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

2nd Evensong

The Psalms Appointed

27

The Readings

Isa. 30:18–21 & John 17:1–8

The Antiphon for the Magnificat

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: * and from hence-forth ye know him, and have seen him, Alleluia!

St. Athanasius

(Bishop of Alexandria)

May 2

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY, everlasting God, whose servant Athanasius steadfastly confessed thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to be Very God and Very Man: Grant that we may hold fast to this faith, and evermore magnify his holy Name; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle, 2 Corinthians 4:5-14.

WE preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall

present us with you.

The Gospel. St. Matthew 10:23-32.

WHEN they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

St. Monnica

(Mother of St. Augustine of Hippo)

May 4

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy servant Monnica: Grant to us, thy humble servants, the same faith and power of love; that, as we rejoice in her triumph, we may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Introits, Collects, etc. St Mark and St. Catherine of Siena

Saint Mark the Evangelist

April 25

1st Evensong

The Psalms Appointed

67 & 96

The Readings

Ecclus. 51:13–22 & Acts 12:25–13:3

The Antiphon for the Magnificat

In the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, John saw four living creatures, * which same do ascribe glory and honor and blessing to him that sitteth on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever (Alleluia!).

Matins

The Psalms Appointed

102:15

The Readings

Isa. 62:6 & Rom. 15:4–13

The Antiphon for the Benedictus

In the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures, having each of them six wings, and full of eyes within, * and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come (Alleluia!).

Holy Communion

The Introit Psalm 141. Domine, clamavi.

LORD, I call upon thee; haste thee unto me, * and consider my voice, when I cry unto thee.
    2 Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense; * and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
    3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth, * and keep the door of my lips.

    4 O let not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing; * let me not be occupied in ungodly works with the men that work wickedness, neither let me eat of such things as please them.
    5 Let the righteous rather smite me friendly, and reprove me; * yea, let not my head refuse their precious balms.
    6 As for the ungodly, * I will pray yet against their wickedness.
    7 Let their judges be overthrown in stony places, * that they may hear my words; for they are sweet.
    8 Our bones lie scattered before the pit, * like as when one breaketh and heweth wood upon the earth.
    9 But mine eyes look unto thee, O LORD God; * in thee is my trust; O cast not out my soul.
    10 Keep me from the snare that they have laid for me, * and from the traps of the wicked doers.
    11 Let the ungodly fall into their own nets together, * and let me ever escape them.

The Collect.

OALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed thy holy Church with the heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark; Give us grace that. being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Ephes. iv. 7.

UNTO every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we hence-forth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The Gradual Ps 119:10-16

    WHEREWITHAL shall a young man cleanse his way? * even by ruling himself after thy word.
    10 With my whole heart have I sought thee; * O let me not go wrong out of thy commandments.

    11 Thy word have I hid within my heart, * that I should not sin against thee.
    12 Blessed art thou, O LORD; * O teach me thy statutes.
    13 With my lips have I been telling * of all the judgments of thy mouth.
    14 I have had as great delight in the way of thy testimonies, * as in all manner of riches.
    15 I will talk of thy commandments, * and have respect unto thy ways.

The Alleluia

   Alleluia! Alleluia! My delight shall be in thy statutes, * and I will not forget thy word. Alleluia!

The Gospel. St. John xv. 1.

IAM the true vine, and my Father is the husband-man. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them. and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

2nd Evensong

The Psalms Appointed

19 & 112

The Readings

Ecclus.  2:1–11 & 2 Tim. 4:1–11, 16-18

The Antiphon for the Magnificat

For the wisdom of the ancients the holy Evangelists searched with diligent inquiry, * and by the Prophets' sayings did they establish the truth of their narration Alleluia!

St. Catherine of Siena

(Virgin and Theologian)

April 30

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy servant Catherine: Grant to us thy humble servants, the same faith and power of love; that, as we rejoice in her triumph, we may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Introits, Collects, etc. Bl George Selwyn, Ss. Justin, Alphege, and Anselm

George Augustus Selwyn

(Bishop of New Zealand)

April 12

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servant George Augustus Selwyn, whom thou didst call to preach The Gospel to the people of New Zealand: Raise up, we pray thee, in this and every land, heralds and evangelists of thy kingdom, that thy Church may make known the unsearchable riches of Christ, and may increase with the increase of God; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Justin

(Martyr at Rome)

April 14

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who didst give thy servant Justin boldness to confess the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we likewise may ever be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for his sake; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle, I Peter 3:14-18, 22.

IF ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

The Gospel. St. John 12:44-50.

JESUS cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

St. Alphege

(Archbishop of Canterbury, and Martyr)

April 19

The Collect.

O GOD, who dost support and defend us with, the glorious witness of thy blessed martyr Alphege: Grant us to go forward in his footsteps, and ever to rejoice in fellowship with him; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Anselm

(Archbishop of Canterbury)

April 21

The Collect.

O GOD, who hast enlightened thy Church by the teaching of thy servant Anselm: Enrich us evermore, we beseech thee, with thy heavenly grace, and raise up faithful witnesses who by their life and doctrine will set forth the truth of thy salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Romans 1: 16-20.

FOR I am not ashamed of The Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that be-lieveth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his. eternal power and Godhead.

The Gospel. St. John 7: i6-18; 8:12.

JESUS answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his. own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall' have the light of life.

The Introits, Collects, etc. St. Ambrose, Muhlenberg, William Law, and St. Leo the Great

St. Ambrose

(Bishop of Milan)

April 4

The Collect.

O GOD, who didst give grace to thy servant Ambrose, eloquently to declare thy righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honour of thy Name: Mercifully grant unto all bishops and pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering thy Word, that thy people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Ecclesiasticus 2:7-11, 16-18.

YE that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall. Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not fail. Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy. Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him? For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in rime of affliction. They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well-pleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law. They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight, saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.

The Gospel. St. Luke 12:42-44.

JESUS said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

 

William Augistus Muhlenberg

(Priest)

April 8

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy servant William Augustus Muhlenberg: Grant to us, thy humble servants, the same faith and power of love; that, as we rejoice in his triumph, we may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

William Law

(Priest)

April 9

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we give thee thanks for the purity and strength with which thou didst endow thy servant William Law; and we pray that by thy grace we may have a like power to hallow and conform our souls and bodies, to the purpose of thy most holy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

St. Leo the Great

(Bishop of Rome)

April 11

 The Collect.

ALMIGHTY, everlasting God, whose servant Leo steadfastly confessed thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to be Very God and Very Man: Grant that we may hold fast to this faith, and evermore magnify his holy Name; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

The Epistle. 2 Timothy 1:12-14.

FOR I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

The Gospel. St. Matthew 5:13-19.

YE are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good 'works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The Introits, Collects, etc. March 29 to April 3

John Keble

(Priest)

March 29

 

The Collect.

O ETERNAL Lord God, who boldest all souls in life. We beseech thee to shed forth upon thy whole Church in paradise and on earth the bright beams of thy light and thy peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of thy servant John Keble, and of all those who loved and served thee here, may at the last enter with them into thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

John Donne

(Priest)

March 31

 The Collect.

 ALMIGHTY God, who in this wondrous world dost manifest thy power and beauty: Open the eyes of all men to see, as did thy servant John Donne, that whatsoever has any being is a mirror wherein we may behold thee, the root and fountain of all being; through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord. Amen.

 

John Frederick Denison Maurice

(Priest)

April 1

The Collect.

LET thy continual mercy, 0 Lord, enkindle in thy Church the never-failing gift of charity, that, following the example of thy servant John Frederick Denison Maurice, we may have grace to defend the children of the poor, and maintain the cause of them that have no helper; for the sake of him who gave his life for us, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

St. Richard

(Bishop of Chichester)

April 3

The Collect.

O GOD, the light of the faithful and shepherds of souls, who didst call thy servant Richard to feed thy sheep by his word, and guide them by his example: Grant us, we pray thee, to keep the faith which he taught, and to follow in his footsteps; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.