O God, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both
in heaven and earth: We humbly beseech thee to put away from us
all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable
for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
THE EPISTLE. Rom. viii. 12.
Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the
flesh: for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye
through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall
live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness
with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ: if so be
that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
THE GOSPEL. St Matth. vii. 15.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their
fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even
so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil
fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every
tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast
into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which
is in heaven.