Epistle
DEARLY Beloved: Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing; for unto this you are called, that you may inherit a blessing. For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him decline from evil, and do good: let him seek after peace, and pursue it: because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and His ears unto their prayers; but the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things. And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good? But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not troubled. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts (i Peter iii. 8, 15).
After the Epistle is said:
R. Deo gratias. R. Thanks be to God.
Then the Gradual, Tract, Alleluia, or Sequence, according to the time.
