11. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God: than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness. 12. For the Lord God is a light and defence: the Lord will give grace and worship, and no good thing will he withhold from them that live a godly life. 13. O Lord God of hosts: blessed is the man that putteth his trust in thee. сххіі. 1. I was glad when they said unto me: We will go into the house of the Lord. 2. Our feet shall stand in thy gates: O Jerusalem. 3. Jerusalem is built as a city: that is at unity in itself. 4. For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord. 5. For there is the seat of judgment: even the seat of the house of David. 6. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 7. Peace be within thy walls: and plenteousness within thy palaces. 8. For my brethren and companions' sakes: I will wish thee prosperity. 9. Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God: I will seek to do thee good. Or, Psalms xlviii. ; c.; cxxxii. LESSONS. Epistle, St. Mark's Day. Eph. 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 henceforth 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. Or, St. Jude 1, Epis. St. Simon and St. Jude. PRAYERS. For all Conditions of Men. O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially, we pray for the good estate of the Catholick Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those, who are in any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen. (One or more of these Collects.) 3rd Sunday in Advent. 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 wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 2nd Collect for Good Friday. Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications 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 ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 16th Sunday after Trinity. O Lord, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 22nd Sunday after Trinity. Lord, we beseech thee, to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, |