INTROIT

Cognovi. Psalm 119.

I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right,
And that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled:
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee,
And I am afraid of thy judgements. (Alleluia, alleluia.)  §

Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way:
And walk in the law of the Lord.
Glory be ...
As it was ...

(Repeat to §.)

Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation: that, like as we do rejoice in the festival of blessed N., thy holy Woman; so we may learn to follow her in all godly and devout affections.  Through.
 
 

THE LESSON

Proverbs 31.10 – 31

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
 
 

GRADUAL

(Psalm 45) Full of grace are thy lips:
Because God hath blessed thee for ever.
Because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness:
And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Alleluia,
Alleluia.
In thy comeliness and in thy beauty go forth,
Ride prosperously, and reign.
All:        Alleluia.

After Septuagesima, instead of the Alleluia, and verse following, is said:
 

TRACT

Come, thou bride of Christ, receive the crown,
Which the Lord hath prepared for thee for ever.
(Psalm 45) Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity:
Therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
In thy comeliness and in thy beauty go forth,
Ride prosperously, and reign.
 

In Eastertide, instead of the Gradual, is said:
 

ALLELUIA

Alleluia,
Alleluia.
In thy comeliness and in thy beauty go forth,
Ride prosperously, and reign. Alleluia.
Because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness:
And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
All:        Alleluia.
 
 
 

THE GOSPEL
 

St. Matthew 13.44 – 52

At that time: Jesus spake this parable unto his disciples: The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath,
and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, 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. .
 
 

OFFERTORY  Psalm 45

Full of grace are thy lips: because God hath blessed thee for ever, and world without end (alleluia).
 
 

SECRET

Grant, O Lord, we pray thee, that like as we thy faithful people do acknowledge that in time of our tribulation we have been succoured by the merits of thy Saints: so this oblation, which we here do offer and present unto thee in their honor, may be acceptable in thy sight.  Through.
 
 

COMMUNION  Psalm 45

Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity: therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows  (alleluia).
 
 

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, who hast vouchsafed to feed us thy household with thy heavenly gifts: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate the feast of blessed N., thy Virgin, may at all times be comforted by her intercession.  Through.
 
 

ANOTHER EPISTLE FOR A WIDOW

I Timothy 5.3 - 10

Dearly beloved: Honor widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.  Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.  And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.  Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,  Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
 
 

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