Almighty God, who shewest to them that be in error 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 Christ's religion, that they may eschew those things
that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things
as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ.
_Amen_.
THE EPISTLE. 1 St Peter ii. 11.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your
conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak
against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they
shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit
yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether
it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that
are sent by him, for the punishment of evildoers, 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 cloke of maliciousness; but
as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear
God. Honour the king.
THE GOSPEL. St John xvi. 16.
Jesus said to his disciples, A little while and ye shall not see
me; and again a little while and ye shall see me; because I go 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 me; 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 ask him, and said unto them, Do
ye inquire 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 rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your
sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in travail,
hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is
delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish,
for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore
have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall
rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.