_So many as intend to be partakers of the holy Communion shall
signify their names to the Curate, at least some time the day
before. And if any of those be an open and notorious evil liver,
or have done any wrong to his neighbours by word or deed, so that
the Congregation be thereby offended; the Curate, having knowledge
thereof, shall call him and advertise him, that in any wise he
presume not to come to the Lord's Table, until he have openly
declared himself to have truly repented and amended his former
naughty life, that the Congregation may thereby be satisfied,
which before were offended; and that he have recompensed the
parties, to whom he hath done wrong; or at least declare himself
to be in full purpose so to do, as soon as he conveniently may_.
_The same order shall the Curate use with those betwixt whom he
perceiveth malice and hatred to reign; not suffering them to be
partakers of the Lord's Table, until he know them to be reconciled.
And if one of the parties so at variance be content to forgive
from the bottom of his heart all that the other hath trespassed
against him, and to make amends for that he himself hath offended;
and the other party will not be persuaded to a godly unity, but
remain still in his frowardness and malice: the Minister in that
case ought to admit the penitent person to the holy Communion, and
not him that is obstinate. Provided that every Minister so repelling
any, as is specified in this, or the next precedent Paragraph of
this Rubric, shall be obliged to give an account of the same to
the Ordinary within fourteen days after at the farthest. And the
Ordinary shall proceed against the offending person according to
the Canon_.
_The Table at the Communion time having a fair white linen cloth
upon it, shall stand in the body of the Church, or in the Chancel,
where Morning and Evening Prayer are appointed to be said. And the
Priest standing at the north side of the Table shall say the Lord's
Prayer with the Collect following, the people kneeling_.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom
come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this
day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive
them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.
_The Collect_.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly
love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our
Lord. _Amen_.
_Then shall the Priest, turning to the people, rehearse distinctly
all the TEN COMMANDMENTS: and the people still kneeling shall after
every Commandment ask God mercy for their transgression thereof for
the time past, and grace to keep the same for the time to come, as
followeth_.
_Minister_.
God spake these words, and said; I am the Lord thy God: Thou
shalt have none other gods but me.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor
the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth
beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down
to them, nor worship them. For I the Lord thy God am a jealous
God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children unto the
third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shew mercy
unto thousands in them that love me and keep my commandments.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in
vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his
Name in vain.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. Six
days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the
seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt
do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy
man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger
that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven
and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the
seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and
hallowed it.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may
be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Thou shalt do no murder.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Thou shalt not steal.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to
keep this law.
_Minister_. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou
shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his
maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws
in our hearts, we beseech thee.
| _There may be substituted for_ The Ten Commandments (_which,
| however_, _shall always be said at least once a month_) The
| Summary of the Law, _as enunciated by our Lord:_
|
| Our Lord Jesus Christ said: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God
| is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
| heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all
| thy strength: This is the first commandment. And the second is
| like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself:
| there is none other commandment greater than these.
|
| On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
|
| _People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write these thy laws
| in our hearts, we beseech thee.
_Then shall follow one of these two Collects for the King, the
Priest standing as before, and saying_,
Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting, and power infinite:
Have mercy upon the whole Church; and so rule the heart of thy
chosen servant _GEORGE_, our King and Governor, that he (knowing
whose minister he is) may above all things seek thy honour and
glory: and that we and all his subjects (duly considering whose
authority he hath) may faithfully serve, honour, and humbly
obey him, in thee, and for thee, according to thy blessed Word
and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and
the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without
end. _Amen_.
_Or_,
Almighty and everlasting God, we are taught by thy holy Word,
that the hearts of Kings are in thy rule and governance, and that
thou dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly
wisdom: We humbly beseech thee so to dispose and govern the heart
of _GEORGE_ thy servant, our King and Governor, that in all his
thoughts, words, and works, he may ever seek thy honour and
glory, and study to preserve thy people committed to his charge,
in wealth, peace and godliness: Grant this, O merciful Father,
for thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
| _The Collects for the King may be omitted_.
_Then shall be said the Collect of the day. And immediately after
the Collect the Priest shall read the Epistle, saying_, The
Epistle [_or_, The portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle]
is written in the------Chapter of------beginning at the------Verse.
_And the Epistle ended, he shall say_, Here endeth the Epistle. _Then
shall he read the Gospel_ (_the people all standing up_) _saying_,
The holy Gospel is written in the------Chapter of------beginning at
the------Verse.
| _When the Minister announces the Gospel for the day, the people_
| _standing up may devoutly say or sing_
|
| Glory be to thee, O Lord;
|
| _and after the Gospel the people may in like manner say or sing_
|
| Thanks be to thee, O Lord, for this thy glorious Gospel.
_And the Gospel ended, shall be sung or said the Creed following,
the people still standing as before_.
I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and
earth, And of all things visible and invisible:
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of
Light, Very God of very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one
substance with the Father, By whom all things were made: Who for
us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was
incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man,
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered
and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the
Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand
of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the
quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and giver of life, Who
proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and
the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the
Prophets. And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church. I
acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for
the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come.
Amen.
_Then the Curate shall declare unto the people what Holy-days, or
Fasting-days, are in the week following to be observed. And then
also_ (_if occasion be_) _shall notice be given of the Communion;
and Briefs, Citations, and Excommunications read. And nothing shall
be proclaimed or published in the Church during the time of Divine
Service, but by the Minister: nor by him any thing but what is
prescribed in the Rules of this Book, or enjoined by the King, or
by the Ordinary of the place_.
_Then shall follow the Sermon, or one of the Homilies already set
forth, or hereafter to be set forth, by authority_.
_Then shall the Priest return to the Lord's Table, and begin the
Offertory, saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he
thinketh most convenient in his discretion_.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. _St Matth_. v.
Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon the earth; where the rust
and moth doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither rust
nor moth doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and
steal. _St Matth_. vi.
Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto
them; for this is the Law and the Prophets. _St Matth_. vii.
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. _St Matth_. vii.
Zacchaeus stood forth, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the
half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have done any wrong
to any man, I restore four-fold. _St Luke_ xix.
Who goeth a warfare at any time of his own cost? who planteth a
vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a
flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 _Cor_. ix.
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter
if we shall reap your worldly things? 1 _Cor_. ix.
Do ye not know that they who minister about holy things live of
the sacrifice; and they who wait at the altar are partakers with
the altar? Even so hath the Lord also ordained, that they who
preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. 1 _Cor_. ix.
He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth
plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as
he is disposed in his heart, not grudging, or of necessity; for
God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 _Cor_. ix.
Let him that is taught in the word minister unto him that teacheth,
in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. _Gal_. vi.
While we have time, let us do good unto all men; and specially unto
them that are of the household of faith. _Gal_. vi.
Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath:
for we brought nothing into the world, neither may we carry any
thing out. 1 _Tim_. vi.
Charge them who are rich in this world, that they be ready to
give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a
good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain
eternal life. 1 _Tim_. vi.
God is not unrighteous, that he will forget your works, and labour
that proceedeth of love; which love ye have shewed for his name's
sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister.
_Hebr_. vi.
To do good and to distribute forget not; for with such sacrifices
God is pleased. _Hebr_. xiii.
Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
in him? 1 _St John_ iii.
Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any poor man;
and then the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from thee.
_Tobit_ iv.
Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously;
if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little;
for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity.
_Tobit_ iv.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and look,
what he layeth out, it shall be paid him again. _Prov_. xix.
Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy: the Lord
shall deliver him in the time of trouble. _Psal_. xli.
| Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more
| blessed to give than to receive. _Acts_ xx.
_Whilst these Sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Church-wardens,
or other fit person appointed for that purpose, shall receive the
Alms for the Poor, and other devotions of the people, in a decent
bason to be provided by the Parish for that purpose; and reverently
bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon
the holy Table_.
_And when there is a Communion, the Priest shall then place upon
the Table so much Bread and Wine as he shall think sufficient_.
_After offering the Elements_.
| Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory,
| and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven
| and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou
| art exalted as head above all. All things come of thee and of
| thine own have we given thee. 1 _Chron_. xxix. 11, 14.
_After which done, the Priest shall say_,
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church militant here
in earth.
Almighty and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught
us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks, for all
men: We humbly beseech thee most * mercifully [_to accept our alms
and oblations, and_] to receive these our prayers, which we offer
unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually
the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord:
And grant, that all they that do confess thy holy Name may agree in
the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity, and godly love. We
beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes,
and Governors; and specially thy servant _GEORGE_ our King; that
under him we may be godly and quietly governed: And grant unto his
whole Council, and to all that are put in authority under him, that
they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment
of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion,
and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and
Curates, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth
thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy
holy Sacraments: And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace;
and specially to this congregation here present; that, with meek
heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word;
truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of
their life. And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O
Lord, to comfort and succour all them, who in this transitory
life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.
And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this
life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so
to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers
of thy heavenly kingdom: Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's
sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. _Amen_.
[Margin Note:] * _If there be no alms or oblations, then shall
the words_ [of accepting our alms and oblations] _be left out
unsaid_.
_When the Minister giveth warning for the Celebration of the
holy Communion, (which he shall always do upon the Sunday or
some Holy-day, immediately preceding,) after the Sermon or Homily
ended, he shall read this Exhortation following_.
Dearly beloved, on------day next I purpose, through God's
assistance, to administer to all such as shall be religiously
and devoutly disposed the most comfortable Sacrament of the Body
and Blood of Christ; to be by them received in remembrance of his
meritorious Cross and Passion, whereby alone we obtain remission
of our sins, and are made partakers of the kingdom of heaven.
Wherefore it is our duty to render most humble and hearty thanks
to Almighty God our heavenly Father, for that he hath given his
Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, not only to die for us, but also to
be our spiritual food and sustenance in that holy Sacrament. Which
being so divine and comfortable a thing to them who receive it
worthily, and so dangerous to them that will presume to receive
it unworthily; my duty is to exhort you in the mean season to
consider the dignity of that holy mystery, and the great peril of
the unworthy receiving thereof; and so to search and examine your
own consciences, and that not lightly, and after the manner of
dissemblers with God: but so that ye may come holy and clean to
such a heavenly Feast, in the marriage-garment required by God in
holy Scripture, and be received as worthy partakers of that holy
Table.
The way and means thereto is; First, to examine your lives and
conversations by the rule of God's commandments; and whereinsoever
ye shall perceive yourselves to have offended, either by will,
word, or deed, there to bewail your own sinfulness, and to confess
yourselves to Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of
life. And if ye shall perceive your offences to be such as are not
only against God, but also against your neighbours; then ye shall
reconcile yourselves unto them; being ready to make restitution
and satisfaction, according to the uttermost of your powers, for
all injuries and wrongs done by you to any other; and being
likewise ready to forgive others that have offended you, as you
would have forgiveness of your offences at God's hand; for otherwise
the receiving of the holy Communion doth nothing else but increase
your damnation*. Therefore if any of you be a blasphemer of God,
an hinderer or slanderer of his Word, an adulterer, or be in
malice, or envy, or in any other grievous crime, repent you of
your sins, or else come not to that holy Table; lest, after the
taking of that holy Sacrament, the devil enter into you, as he
entered into Judas, and fill you full of all iniquities, and bring
you to destruction both of body and soul.
And because it is requisite, that no man should come to the holy
Communion, but with a full trust in God's mercy, and with a quiet
conscience; therefore if there be any of you, who by this means
cannot quiet his own conscience herein, but requireth further
comfort or counsel, let him come to me, or to some other discreet
and learned Minister of God's Word, and open his grief; that by
the ministry of God's holy Word he may receive the benefit of
absolution, together with ghostly counsel and advice, to the
quieting of his conscience, and avoiding of all scruple and
doubtfulness.
| * _The word_ guilt _may be substituted for the word_ damnation.
_Or, in case he shall see the people negligent to come to the holy
Communion, instead of the former, he shall use this Exhortation_.
Dearly beloved brethren, on------I intend, by God's grace, to
celebrate the Lord's Supper: unto which, in God's behalf, I bid
you all that are here present; and beseech you, for the Lord
Jesus Christ's sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto,
being so lovingly called and bidden by God himself. Ye know how
grievous and unkind a thing it is, when a man hath prepared a
rich feast, decked his table with all kind of provision, so that
there lacketh nothing but the guests to sit down; and yet they
who are called (without any cause) most unthankfully refuse to
come. Which of you, in such a case would not be moved? Who would
not think a great injury and wrong done unto him? Wherefore, most
dearly beloved in Christ, take ye good heed, lest ye, withdrawing
yourselves from this holy Supper, provoke God's indignation against
you. It is an easy matter for a man to say, I will not communicate,
because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business. But such
excuses are not so easily accepted and allowed before God. If any
man say, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore am afraid to come:
wherefore then do ye not repent and amend? When God calleth you,
are ye not ashamed to say ye will not come? When ye should return
to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say ye are not ready?
Consider earnestly with yourselves how little such feigned excuses
will avail before God. They that refused the feast in the Gospel,
because they had bought a farm, or would try their yokes of
oxen, or because they were married, were not so excused, but
counted unworthy of the heavenly feast. I, for my part, shall
be ready; and, according to mine Office, I bid you in the Name of
God, I call you in Christ's behalf, I exhort you, as ye love your
own salvation, that ye will be partakers of this holy Communion.
And as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield up his soul by death
upon the Cross for your salvation; so it is your duty to receive
the Communion, in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as
he himself hath commanded: which if ye shall neglect to do, consider
with yourselves how great injury ye do unto God, and how sore
punishment hangeth over your heads for the same; when ye wilfully
abstain from the Lord's Table, and separate from your brethren,
who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. These
things if ye earnestly consider, ye will by God's grace return to
a better mind: for the obtaining whereof we shall not cease to
make our humble petitions unto Almighty God our heavenly Father.
_At the time of the Celebration of the Communion, the Communicants
being conveniently placed for the receiving of the holy Sacrament,
the Priest shall say this Exhortation_.
Dearly beloved in the Lord, ye that mind to come to the holy
Communion of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, must
consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try
and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that Bread,
and drink of that Cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true
penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament;
(for then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his
blood; then we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us; we are one with
Christ, and Christ with us;) so is the danger great, if we receive
the same unworthily. For then we are guilty of the Body and Blood
of Christ our Saviour; we eat and drink our own damnation *, not
considering the Lord's Body; we kindle God's wrath against us; we
provoke him to plague us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds
of death. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not
judged of the Lord; repent you truly for your sins past; have a
lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives,
and be in perfect charity with all men; so shall ye be meet
partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things ye must
give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death
and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did humble
himself, even to the death upon the Cross, for us miserable
sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he
might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting
life. And to the end that we should alway remember the exceeding
great love of our Master and only Saviour Jesus Christ, thus
dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious
blood-shedding he hath obtained to us; he hath instituted and
ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual
remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him
therefore, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, let us give (as we
are most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to
his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true
holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. _Amen_.
| _The Exhortation when warning is given of holy Communion, and_
| _the Exhortation at the time of the Celebration_, Dearly beloved
| in the Lord, _may be omitted, unless on occasions when their use_
| _is directed by his Bishop_.
|
| _In the former the word_ guilt_ may be substituted for the word_
| damnation; * _in the latter the word_ judgement _may be_
| _substituted for_ damnation.
_Then shall the Priest say to them that come to receive the
holy Communion_,
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are
in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a
new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from
henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith, and take this
holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession
to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees.
_Then shall this general Confession be made, in the name of all
those that are minded to receive the holy Communion, by one of
the Ministers; both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon
their knees and saying_,
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all
things, Judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold
sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously
have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine
Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against
us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our
misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden
of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us,
most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake,
Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter
Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory
of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
_Then shall the Priest_ (_or the Bishop, being present_,) _stand
up, and turning himself to the people, pronounce this Absolution_.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath
promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance
and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and
deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all
goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. _Amen_.
_Then shall the Priest say_,
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all
that truly turn to him.
Come unto me all that travail and are heavy laden, and I will
refresh you. _St Matth_. xi. 28.
So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to
the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. _St John_ iii. 16.
Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 _Tim_. i. 15.
Hear also what Saint John saith.
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 _St John_
ii. 1.
_After which the Priest shall proceed, saying_,
Lift up your hearts.
_Answer_. We lift them up unto the Lord.
_Priest_. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
_Answer_. It is meet and right so to do.
_Then shall the Priest turn to the Lord's Table, and say_,
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at
all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy
Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
[Margin Note:] _These words_ [Holy Father] _must be omitted on_
Trinity Sunday.
_Here shall follow the proper Preface, according to the time, if
there be any specially appointed: or else immediately shall
follow_,
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of
heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising
thee, and saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and
earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord most High.
Amen.
Proper Prefaces.
_Upon_ Christmas Day, _and seven days after_.
Because thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be born as
at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was
made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and
that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore
with Angels, &c.
_Upon_ Easter Day, _and seven days after_.
But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection
of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the very Paschal Lamb,
which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world;
who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life
again hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels,
&c.
_Upon_ Ascension Day, _and seven days after_.
Through thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who
after his most glorious Resurrection manifestly appeared to all
his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven to
prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither we might also
ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels, &c.
_Upon_ Whitsunday, _and six days after_.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true
promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven
with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the
likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach
them, and to lead them to all truth; giving them both the gift of
divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly
to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been
brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true
knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with
Angels, &c.
_Upon the Feast of_ Trinity _only_.
Who art one God, one Lord; not one only Person, but three Persons
in one Substance. For that which we believe of the glory of the
Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,
without any difference or in equality. Therefore with Angels, &c.
| _The following_ ADDITIONAL PROPER PREFACES _may be said_:
| _Upon_ The Epiphany, _and seven days after_.
|
| Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, in substance of our mortal
| flesh, manifested forth his glory, that he might bring us out of
| darkness into his own marvellous light. Therefore, &c.
|
| _Upon_ The Purification.
|
| Because thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, born of a
| woman, born under the Law, was, as on this day, presented in the
| Temple, and revealed to thy servants as a light to lighten the
| Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel. Therefore, &c.
|
| _Upon_ The Annunciation.
|
| Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born
| for us, who by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very
| man, of the substance of the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and
| that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin.
| Therefore, &c.
|
| _Upon_ Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists, _except when the
| proper preface for any of the Great Festivals is appointed to
| be said_.
|
| Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who did vouchsafe to choose thy
| servant Saint _N_. [_or_ thy servants Saint _N_. and Saint _N_.]
| to be of the company of the Apostles [_or_ to be an Evangelist]
| by whose ministry thine elect might be gathered in from every
| nation, and thy Church instructed in the way that leadeth unto
| everlasting life. Therefore, &c.
|
| _Upon_ All Saints' Day.
|
| Who in the multitude of thy Saints hast compassed us about with
| so great a cloud of witnesses, to the end that we, rejoicing in
| their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set
| before us, and together with them receive the crown of glory
| that fadeth not away. Therefore, &c.
|
| _At the_ Consecration of Bishops, _and_ Ordination of Priests
| and Deacons.
|
| Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the great Shepherd of the sheep,
| who, for the feeding and guidance of his flock, did appoint
| divers orders of ministers in his Church. Therefore, &c.
|
| _At the_ Dedication of a Church, _and_ Anniversary of the
| Dedication.
|
| Who in temples made with hands buildest up for thyself a
| spiritual temple made without hands. Therefore, &c.
_After each of which Prefaces shall immediately be sung or said_,
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of
heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising
thee, and saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and
earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord most High.
Amen.
_Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lord's Table, say
in the name of all them that shall receive the Communion this
Prayer following_.
We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord,
trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great
mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs
under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is
always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to
eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his
blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and
our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may
ever more dwell in him, and he in us. _Amen_.
_When the Priest, standing before the Table, hath so ordered the
Bread and Wine, that he may with the more readiness and decency
break the Bread before the people, and take the Cup into his
hands, he shall say the Prayer of Consecration, as followeth_.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst
give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross
for our redemption; who made there (by his one oblation of himself
once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation,
and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did
institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a
perpetual memory of that his precious death, until his coming
again: Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee;
and grant that we receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine,
according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution,
in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his
most blessed Body and Blood: who, in the same night that he was
betrayed, [a] took Bread; and, when he had given thanks, [b] he
brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat; [c]
this is my Body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance
of me. Likewise after supper [d] he took the Cup; and, when he
had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all Of
this; for [e] this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is
shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as
oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. _Amen_.
[Margin Notes:] [a] _Here the Priest is to take the Paten into
his hands:_
[b] _And here to break the Bread:_
[c] _And here to lay his hand upon all the Bread_.
[d] _Here he is to take the Cup into his hand:_
[e] _And here to lay his hand upon every vessel_ (_be it Chalice
or Flagon_) _in which there is any Wine to be consecrated_.
_Then shall the Minister first receive the Communion in both kinds
himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops,
Priests, and Deacons, in like manner, (if any be present,) and
after that to the people also in order, into their hands, all
meekly kneeling. And, when he delivereth the Bread to any one,
he shall say_,
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life: Take and eat
this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him
in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving.
_And the Minister that delivereth the Cup to any one shall say_,
The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life: Drink this in
remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.
| _When it is thought desirable to shorten the words of_
| _administration on Christmas-day Easter-day, and Whitsunday, or_
| _on special occasions approved by the Bishop, or in the case_
| _of the pressure caused by large and unexpected numbers, the_
| _Priest, having first said the whole words of administration_
| (_in the singular number_) _once for all the communicants, may_
| _use the first half of each form in communicating individuals_.
_If the consecrated Bread or Wine be all spent before all have
communicated, the Priest is to consecrate more according to the
Form before prescribed: Beginning at_ [Our Saviour Christ in the
same night, &c.] _for the blessing of the Bread: and at_ [Likewise
after Supper, &c.] _for the blessing of the Cup_.
_When all have communicated, the Minister shall return to the
Lord's Table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of
the consecrated Elements, covering the same with a fair linen
cloth_.
_Then shall the Priest say the Lord's Prayer, the people
repeating after him every petition_.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom
come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we
forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into
temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
_After shall be said as followeth_.
O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy humble servants entirely
desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our
sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching
thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus
Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole
Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits
of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord,
ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and
lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee, that all we,
who are partakers of this holy Communion, may be fulfilled with
thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy,
through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet
we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not
weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus
Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world
without end. _Amen_.
_Or this_.
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for
that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who have duly received these
holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body
and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us
thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us; and that we are
very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which
is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs
through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most
precious death and passion of thy dear Son. Aid we most humbly
beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace,
that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good
works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all
honour and glory, world without end. _Amen_.
| _Both the post-communion prayers_ O Lord and heavenly Father,
| _and_ Almighty and everliving God, _maybe said in succession_
| _at the same service_.
_Then shall be said or sung_,
Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace, good will towards
men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify
thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God,
heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten
Son, Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou
that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou
that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou
that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon
us.
For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O
Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God
the Father. Amen.
_Then the Priest_ (_or Bishop if he be present_) _shall let them
depart with this Blessing_.
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your
hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his
Son Jesus Christ our Lord: And the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and
remain with you always. _Amen_.
_Collects to be said after the Offertory, when there is no
Communion, every such day one or more; and the same may be
said also, as often as occasion shall serve, after the Collects
either of Morning or Evening Prayer, Communion, or Litany, by
the discretion of the Minister_.
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and
prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment
of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances
of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious
and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
O almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee,
to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, in
the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that
through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be
preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. _Amen_.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words, which we
have heard this day with our outward ears, may through thy grace
be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth
in us the fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of thy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious
favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our
works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy
holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our
necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking: We
beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities; and those
things, which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our
blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us for the worthiness
of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of them
that ask in thy Son's Name: We beseech thee mercifully to incline
thine ears to us that have made now our prayers and supplications
unto thee; and grant that those things, which we have faithfully
asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the
relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
| PRAYERS FOR CERTAIN FESTIVALS AND SEASONS
|
| _Which may be said immediately before the Blessing at holy_
| _Communion, or before the conclusion of other services_.
|
| _Advent_.
|
| Grant, O almighty God, that as thy blessed Son Jesus Christ at
| his first advent came to seek and to save that which was lost, so
| at his second and glorious appearing he may find in us the fruits
| of the redemption which he wrought, who liveth and reigneth, with
| thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. _Amen_.
|
| _Christmas-day, and seven days after_.
|
| O God, who hast given us grace at this time to celebrate the
| birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ: We laud and magnify thy
| glorious Name for the countless blessings which he hath brought
| unto us; and we beseech thee to grant that we may ever set forth
| thy praise in joyful obedience to thy will; through the same
| Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
|
| _Epiphany, and seven days after_.
|
| Almighty God, who at the baptism of thy blessed Son Jesus Christ
| in the river Jordan didst manifest his glorious Godhead: Grant,
| we beseech thee, that the brightness of his presence may shine
| in our hearts, and his glory be set forth in our lives; through
| the same Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
|
|_Easter-day, and seven days after_.
|
| O Lord God Almighty, whose blessed Son, our Saviour, Jesus
| Christ, did on the third day rise triumphant over death: Raise
| us, we beseech thee, from the death of sin unto the life of
| righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above,
| where he sitteth on thy right hand in glory. And this we beg for
| the sake of the same, thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
|
| _Ascension-day, and seven days after_.
|
| Almighty God, whose blessed Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ
| ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things:
| Mercifully give us faith to perceive that according to his
| promise he abideth with his Church on earth, even unto the end of
| the world; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
|
| _Whitsunday, and six days after_.
|
| O almighty God, who on the day of Pentecost didst send the Holy
| Ghost the Comforter to abide in thy Church unto the end: Bestow
| upon us and all thy faithful people his manifold gifts of grace,
| that with minds enlightened by his truth, and hearts purified by
| his presence, we may day by day be strengthened with power in
| the inward man; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and
| the same Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end.
| _Amen_.
|
| _Trinity Sunday_.
|
| O Lord God Almighty, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the mysteries
| of whose being are unsearchable: Accept, we beseech thee, our
| praises for the revelation which thou hast made of thyself,
| Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons, and one God; and
| mercifully grant, that ever holding fast this faith we may
| magnify thy glorious Name; who livest and reignest, one God,
| world without end. _Amen_.
|
| _Two other prayers_.
|
| O almighty Father, wellspring of life to all things that have
| being, from amid the unwearied praises of Cherubim and Seraphim
| who stand about thy throne of light which no man can approach
| unto, give ear, we humbly beseech thee, to the supplications of
| thy people who put their sure trust in thy mercy, through Jesus
| Christ our Lord. _Amen_. (_From the_ Book of Deer.)
|
| O Lord Jesus Christ, before whose judgement-seat we must all
| appear and give account of the things done in the body: Grant,
| we beseech thee, that when the books are opened in that day, the
| faces of thy servants may not be ashamed, through thy merits, O
| blessed Saviour, who livest and reignest with the Father and the
| Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. _Amen_. [_From the_
| Altus _of_ St Columba.]
_Upon the Sundays and other Holy-days_ (_if there be no Communion_)
_shall be said all that is appointed at the Communion, until the
end of the general Prayer_ [For the whole state of Christ's Church
militant here in earth] _together with one or more of these
Collects last before rehearsed, concluding with the Blessing_.
_And there shall be no Celebration of the Lord's Supper, except
there be a convenient number to communicate with the Priest,
according to his discretion_.
_And if there be not above twenty persons in the Parish of
discretion to receive the Communion: yet there shall be no
Communion, except four_ (_or three at the least_) _communicate
with the Priest_.
_And in Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, and Colleges, where
there are many Priests and Deacons, they shall all receive the
Communion with the Priest every Sunday at the least, except they
have a reasonable cause to the contrary_.
_And to take away all occasion of dissension, and superstition,
which any person hath or might have concerning the Bread and Wine,
it shall suffice that the Bread be such as is usual to be eaten;
but the best and purest Wheat Bread that conveniently may be
gotten_.
_And if any of the Bread and Wine remain unconsecrated, the Curate
shall have it to his own use: but if any remain of that which was
consecrated, it shall not be carried out of the Church, but the
Priest, and such other of the Communicants as he shall then call
unto him, shall, immediately after the Blessing, reverently eat
and drink the same_.
_The Bread and Wine for the Communion shall be provided by the
Curate, and the Church-wardens at the charges of the Parish_.
_And note, that every Parishioner shall communicate at the least
three times in the year, of which Easter to be one. And yearly at
Easter every Parishioner shall reckon with the Parson, Vicar, or
Curate, or his or their Deputy or Deputies; and pay to them or him
all Ecclesiastical Duties, accustomably due, then and at that time
to be paid_.
_After the Divine Service ended, the money given at the Offertory
shall be disposed of to such pious and charitable uses, as the
Minister and Church-wardens shall think fit. Wherein if they
disagree, it shall be disposed of as the Ordinary shall appoint_.
_Whereas it is ordained in this office for the Administration of
the Lord's Supper, that the Communicants should receive the same
kneeling; (which order is well meant, for a signification of our
humble and grateful acknowledgement of the benefits of Christ
therein given to all worthy Receivers, and for the avoiding of
such profanation and disorder in the holy Communion, as might
otherwise ensue;) yet, lest the same kneeling should by any
persons, either out of ignorance and infirmity, or out of malice
and obstinacy, be misconstrued and depraved: It is here declared,
that thereby no Adoration is intended, or ought to be done, either
unto the Sacramental Bread or Wine there bodily received, or unto
any Corporal Presence of Christ's natural Flesh and Blood. For the
Sacramental Bread and Wine remain still in their very natural
substances, and therefore may not be adored;_ (_for that were
Idolatry, to be abhorred of all faithful Christians;_) _and the
natural Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ are in Heaven, and
not here; it being against the truth of Christ's natural Body to
be at one time in more places than one_.