A reading from the book of Isaiah.

Bell bows down.

Nebo stoop's.

Their idols are on beasts and livestock.

These things you carry are born as burdens on weary beasts.

They stoop. They bow down together.

They cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.

Listen to me, O House of Jacob, all the remnant of the House of Israel,

who have been born by me from before your birth, carried from the womb.

Even to your old age, I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made,

and I will bear. I will carry and will save. To whom will you liken me, and make me equal

and compare me, that we may be alike. Those who lavish gold from the purse

and weigh out silver in the scales hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god, then they fall down

in worship. They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there. It cannot move from its place.

If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.

Remember this and stand firm. Recall it to mind, you transgressors. Remember the former things of old, for I am God and there is no other.

I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning,

and from ancient times things not yet done, saying,

My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose, calling a bird

of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring

it to pass. I have purposed, and I will do it. Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,

you who are far from righteousness. I bring near my righteousness. It is not far off, and my salvation

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