HEAR me when I call, O God of my righteousness: * thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble; have mercy upon me, and hearken unto my prayer.
O ye sons of men, how long will ye blaspheme mine honour, * and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after falsehood?
Know this also, that the LORD hath chosen to himself the man that is godly; * when I call upon the LORD he will hear me.
Stand in awe, and sin not; * commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still.
Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, * and put your trust in the LORD.
There be many that say, * Who will show us any good?
LORD, lift thou up * the light of thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart; * yea, more than when their corn and wine and oil increase.
I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest; * for it is thou, LORD, only, that makest me dwell in safety.

O LORD our Governor, how excellent is thy Name in all the world; * thou that hast set thy glory above the heavens!
Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, even the work of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Thou madest him lower than the angels, * to crown him with glory and worship.
Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands; * and thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet:
All sheep and oxen; * yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Governor, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved. The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord. Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek. For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly. Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength. But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence, for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things that are in secret. Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand. For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment. Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not. A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein. An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin. In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him. The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man. Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins. And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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