The Order for the
Visitation of the sick.

¶ When any person is sick, notice shall be given thereof to the Minister of the Parish: who, comming into the sick persons house, shall say.

    Peace be to this house, and to all that dwell in it.

¶ When he cometh into the sick mans presence, he shall say, kneeling down,

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be don 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.

Hear us Almighty and most mercifull God, and Saviour, extend thy accustomed goodness to this thy servant who is grieved with sicknes: sanctifie, we beseech thee, this thy fatherly correction to him, that the sense of his weakness, may add strength to his faith, and seriousness to his Repentance. that if it shall be thy good pleasure to restore him to his former health, he may lead the Residue of his life in thy fear, and to thy Glory: or else give him grace so to take thy visitation, that after this painfull life ended, he may dwell with thee in life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Minister exhort the sick person after this form, or other like.

Dearely beloved, know this, that Allmighty God is the Lord of life and death, and of all things to them perteining, as youth, strength, health, Age, weakeness, and sickness. Wherefore, whatsoever your sickness is, know you certeinly, that it is Gods visitation. And for what cause soever this sickness is sent unto you, whether it be to try your patience, for the example of others, and that your faith may be found in the day of the Lord, laudable, glorious, and honourable, to the increase of glory, and endless felicity, or else it be sent unto you, to correct and amend in you whatsoever doth offend the eyes of your heavenly father: know you certeinly that if you truly repent you of your Sins, and bear your sickness patiently, trusting in Gods mercy for his dear son Jesus Christs sake, and render unto him humble thanks for his fatherly visitation submitting your selfe wholly unto his will, it shall turne to your profit, and help you forward in the right way that leadeth unto everlasting life.

¶ If the person visited be very sick, then the Curate may end his exhortation in this place, or els proceed.

Take therefore in good part the chastisement of the Lord. For (as Saint Paul sayth, in the twelveth Chapter to the Hebrewes) whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons. For what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the father of spirits, and live? For they verely for a few daies chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. These words good brother are written in holy scripture for our comfort, and instruction, that we should patiently, and with thanksgiving bear our heavenly fathers correction, whensoever by any manner of adversitie it shall please his gracious goodness to visit us. And there should be no greater comfort to christian persons, then to be made like unto Christ, by suffering patiently, Adversities, troubles and sicknesses. For he himselfe went not up to joy but first he suffered pain; he entred not into his glory before he was crucified. so truly our way to eternall joy, is to suffer here with Christ; and our door to enter into eternal I life is gladly to die with Christ; that we may rise again from death, and dwell with him in everlasting life. Now therefore taking your sickness, which is thus profitable for you, patiently, I exhort you in the name of God, to remember the profession which you made unto God in your Baptism. And forasmuch as after this life, there is an Account to be given unto the righteous Judge, by whom all must be judged without respect of persons; I require you to examine your selfe and your estate, both toward God, and man; so that accusing, and condemning your selfe for your own faults, you may find mercy at our heavenly Fathers hand for Christs sake, and not be accused and condemned in that fearfull Judgement; Therefore I shall reherse to you the Articles of our Faith, that you may know whether you, do believe as a christian man should, or no.

¶ Here the Minister shall rehearse the Articles of the faith, saying thus.

Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven, and earth.
    And in Jesus Christ his only begotten son our Lord,? And that he was conceived by the holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day, that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from thence shall come again at the end of the world to judge the quick and the dead?
And dost thou believe in the holy Ghost, the holy Catholick Church, the Communion of Saints, the Remission of sins, the Resurrection of the flesh, and everlasting life after death ?

¶ Then shall the Minister examine, whether he repent him truly of his sins and be in charity with all the world; exhorting him to forgive from the bottom of his heart all persons that have offended him, and if he have offended any other, to ask them forgivenes; and where he hath don injury or wrong to any man, that he make amends to the uttermost of his power. And if he have not before disposed of ms Goods, let him then be admonished to make ms Will, and to declare his debts, what he oweth, and what is owing unto him, for the better discharging of his Conscience, and the quietnes of his Executors. But men should often be put in remembrance to take order for the selling of their temporall estates whilest they are in health.

¶ These words before rehearsed, may be said before the Minister begin his prayer, as he shall see cause.

¶ The Minister should not omitt earnestly to move such sick persons as are of Abi1ity, to be liberall to the poore.

¶ Here shall the sick person be moved to make a speciall confession of his sins, if he feel his conscience troubled with any weighty matter. After which confession, the Priest shall absolve him, (if he humbly and heartily desire it) after this sort.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath left power to his Church to absolve all sinners, who truly repent, and believe in him, of his great mercy forgive thee thine offences; And by his Authority committed to mee, I absolve thee from all thy sins, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ And then the Priest shall say the Collect following.

¶ Let us pray.

O most mercifull God, who according to the multitude of thy mercies, dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent, that thou remembrest them no more; open thine eye of mercy upon this thy servant, who most earnestly desireth pardon and forgivenes. Renew in him (most loving Father) whatsoever hath been decayed by the fraud and malice of the devil, or by his own carnall will and frailness: preserve and continue this sick member in the Unity of the Church, consider his contrition, accept his tears, asswage his paine, as shall seem to thee most expedient for him. And forasmuch as he putteth his full trust only in thy mercy, impute not unto him his former sins: but strengthen him with thy blessed Spirit, and when thou art pleased to take him hence, take him unto thy Favour, through the merits of thy most dearly beloved son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Minister say this Psalm.
 

In thee, O Lord, have I put my trust, let me never be put to confusion : but rid me, and deliver me in thy righteousnes; incline thine eare unto me and save me.
    Be thou my strong hold, whereunto I may alway resort: thou hast promised to help me, for thou art my house of defence and my Castle.
    Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the ungodly: out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
    For thou, O Lord God, art the thing that I long for: thou art my hope even from my youth.
    Through thee have I been holden up ever since I was born : thou art he that took me out of my mothers wombe, my praise shall alway be of thee.
    I am become as it were a Monster unto many: but my sure trust is in thee.
    O let my mouth be filled with thy praise, [that I may sing of thy Glory) and honour all the day long.
    Cast me not away in the time of age : forsake me not when my strength faileth me.
    For mine Enemies speak against me, and they that lay wait for my soul take their counsel together, saying : God hath forsaken him, persecute him, and take him, for there is none to deliver him.
    Go not far from me, O God : my God, hast thee to help me.
    Let them be confounded, and perish that are against my Soul,: let them be covered with shame, and dishonour that seek to do me evil.
    As for me, I will patiently abide alway : and will praise thee more and more.
    My mouth shall daily speak of thy righteousness, and salvation : for I know no end thereof.
    I will go forth in the strength of the Lord God, and will make mention of thy righteousness only.
    Thou, O God, hast taught me from my youth up until now; therefore will I tell of thy wondrous works.
    Forsake me not, O God, in mine old age, when I am grayheaded : untill I have shewed thy strength unto this Generation, and thy power to all them that are yet for to come.
    Thy righteousness, O God, is very high, and great things are they that thou hast don : O God, who is like unto thee ?
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the holy Ghost.
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: World without end. Amen.

¶ Adding this.

O Saviour of the world, who by thy Cross, and pretious blood hast redeemed us; save us, and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord.

¶ Then shall the Minister say.

The Almighty Lord, who is a most strong tower to all them that put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, in earth, and under the earth do bow, and obey, be now, and evermore thy defence, and make thee know and feel, that there is none other Name under heaven, given to man, in whom, and through whom thou mayest receive health, and salvation, but only the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

¶ And after that shall say.

Unto Gods gratious mercy, and protection we comitt thee. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace, both now and evermore. Amen.

¶ A Prayer for a sick child.

O Almighty God, and mercifull Father, to whom alone belong the Issues of life and death; look down from heaven, we humbly beseech thee with the Eyes of mercy upon this child, now lying upon the Bed of sickness. Visit him, O Lord, with thy salvation; deliver him in thy good appointed time from his bodily pain, and save his soule for thy mercies sake. That if it shall be thy pleasure to prolong his dayes here on earth, he may live to thee, and be an instrument of thy glory, by serving thee faithfully, and doing good in his generation: or else receive him into those heavenly habitations, where the souls of them that sleep in the Lord Jesus, enjoy perpetual rest and felicity. Grant this O Lord, for thy mercies sake, in the same thy son our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth, and reigneth with thee and the holy Ghost, ever one God world without end. Amen.

¶ A Prayer for a sick person when there appeareth small hope of recovery.

O Father of mercies, and God of all Comfort, our only help in time of need; we fly unto thee for succour in behalfe of this thy servant, here lyeing under thy hand in great weakness of body. Look graciously upon him, O Lord; and the more the outward man decayeth; strengthen him we beseech thee so much the more continually with thy grace and holy spirit, in the inner man. Give him unfeigned repentance for all the errours of his life past, and stedfast faith in thy son Jesus; that his sins may be don away by thy mercie, and his pardon sealed in heaven, before he go hence, and be no more seen. We know O Lord that there is no word impossible with thee; and that if thou wilt, thou canst, even yet, raise him up, and grant him a longer continuance amongst us. Yet, forasmuch as in all appearance the time of his dissolution draweth neer; so fitt and prepare him, we beseech thee, against the hour of death; that after his departure hence in peace, and in thy Favour, his Soul may be received into thine everlasting kingdom, through the merits, and mediation of Jesus Christ, thine only Son, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

¶ A commendatory Prayer for a sick person at the point of departure.

O Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of just men made perfect, after they are delivered from their earthly prisons: We humbly commend the soul of this thy servant, our dear brother, into thy hands, as into the hands of a faithfull Creatour, and most mercifull Saviour; most humbly beseeching thee that it may be pretious in thy sight. Wash it we pray thee, in the blood of that immaculate Lamb, that was slain to take away the sins of the world: that whatsoever defilements it may have contracted in the midst of this miserable and naughty world, through the lusts of the flesh, or the wiles of Satan, being purged, and don away, it may be presented pure and without spot before thee. And teach us who survive, in this, and other like daily spectacles of mortality, to see how frail, and uncertein our own Condition is; and so to number our dayes that we may seriously apply our hearts to that holy and heavenly wisdome, whilest we live here, which may in the end bring us to life everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ, thine only Son our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for persons troubled in Mind or in Conscience.

O blessed Lord, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comforts, We beseech thee, looke down in pittie and compassion upon this thy afflicted servant. Thou writest bitter things against him, and makest him to possess his former iniquities; Thy wrath lieth hard upon him, and his soul is full of trouble: But O mercifull God, who hast written thy holy word for our learning, that we through patience, and comfort of thy holy Scriptures might have hope; give him a right understanding of himself, and of thy threats, and promises, That he may neither cast away his confidence in thee, nor place it any where but in thee. Give him strength against all his Temptations, and heal all his distempers. Break not the bruised Reed, nor quench the smoaking Flax. Shut not up thy tender mercies in displeasure, but make him to hear of joy, and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce. Deliver him from fear of the enemy, and lift up the light of thy countenance upon him, and give him peace, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

The Communion of the Sick

¶ Forasmuch as all mortal men be subject to sudden perils, diseases, and sicknesses, and ever uncertein what time they shall depart out of this life: therefore, to the intent they may be alwayes in a readines to die, whensoever it shall please Almighty God to call them, the Curates shall di1igently from time to time (but especially in the time of pesti1ence, or other infectious sicknes) exhort their parishioners to the often receiving of the holy Communion of the body and Blood of our saviour Christ, when it shall be publickly administred in the Church. that so doing, they may in case of suddain visitation have the less cause to the disquieted for lack of the same. But if the sick person be not able to come to the Church, and yet is desirous to receive the Communion in his house. Then he must give timely notice, to the Curate, signifying also how many there are to communicate with him, (which shall be three, or two at the least:) And having a convenient place in the sick mans house, with all things necessary so prepared, that the Curate may reverently minister, he shall there celebrate the holy Communion beginning with the Collect, Epistle and Gospell here following.

¶ The Collect.

Almighty everliving God, maker of mankind, who dost correct those whom thou dost love, and chastise every one whom thou dost receive: We beseech thee to have mercy upon this thy servant visited with thine hand; and to grant that he may take his sickness patiently, and recover his bodily health (if it be thy gratious will) and whensoever his soule shall depart from the body it may be without spot presented unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ The Epistle.
 

My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

¶ The Gospel.
 

Verily verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and beleeveth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

¶ After which the Priest shall proceed according to the form before prescribed for the holy Communion, beginning at these words [Ye that do truly &c] pag. 241.

¶ At the time of the distribution of the holy sacrament, the Priest shall first receive the Communion himself, and after minister unto them that are appointed to communicate with the sick; and last of all to the sick person.

¶ But if a man either by reason of extremitie of sicknes, or for want of warning in due time to the Curate, or for lack of Company to receive with him, or by any other just impediment, do not receive the Sacrament of Christs body, and blood: the Curate shall instruct him that if he do truly repent him of his sins, and stedfastly believe that Jesus Christ hath suffered death upon the Cross for him, and shed his blood for his redemption, earnestly remembering the benefits he hath thereby, and giving him hearty thanks therefore; he doth eat and drink the body and blood of our saviour Christ profitably to his Souls health, although he do not receive the sacrament with his mouth.

¶ When the sick person is visited, and receiveth the holy Communion all at one time, then the Priest, for more expedition shall cut off the form of the Visitation at the Psalm [In thee O Lord have I put my trust] and go straight to the Communion.

¶ In the time of the plague, sweat, or such other like contagious times of sicknes, or diseases, when none of the parish, or neighbours can be gotten to communicate with the sick in their houses, for fear of the infection, upon special request of the diseased, the Minister may only communicate with him.
 

The Order for the
Buriall of the Dead

¶ Here is to be noted, that the Office ensuing is not to be used for any that die unbaptized, or excommunicate, or have laid violent hands upon themselves.

¶ The Priest and Clerks meeting the Corps at ye entrance of the Church-yard, and going before it, either into the Church, or towards the grave, shall say, or sing;
 

I am the resurrection, and the life [sayth the Lord:] he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.
 

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body; yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for my self, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.
 

We brought nothing into this world, and it is certein, we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

¶ After they are come into the Church, shall be read, one or both of these Psalms following.
 

    I said, I will take heed to my wayes : that I offend not in my tongue.
    I will keep my mouth, as it were with a bridle: while the ungodly is in my sight.
    I held my Tongue, and spake nothing: I kept silence, yea even from good words, but it was pain and grief to me.
    My heart was hot within me, and while I was thus musing, the fire kindled: and (at the last) I spake with my tongue.
    Lord, let me know mine end, and the number of my dayes : that I may be certified, how long I have to live.
    Behold, thou hast made my dayes as it were a span long : and mine Age is even as nothing, in respect of thee, and verily every man living is altogether vanity.
    For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquieteth hlmselfe in vain : he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.
    And now, Lord what is my hope? truly my hope is even in thee.
    Deliver me from all mine offences : and make me not a rebuke unto the foolish:
    I became dumb, and opened not my mouth : for it was thy doing.
    Take thy plague away from me : I am even consumed by means of thy heavy hand.
    When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin, thou makest his beauty to consume away, like as it were a moth [fretting a garment:] every man therefore is but vanity.
    Hear my prayer, O Lord, and with thine ears consider my calling : hold not thy peace at my tears.
    For I am a stranger with thee : and a sojourner as all my Fathers were.
    O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength: before I go hence, and be no more seene,
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son; and to the holy Ghost.
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.
 

    Lord, thou hast been our refuge : from one generation to another.
    Before the mountaines were brought forth, or ever the earth, and the world were made : thou art God from everlasting, and world without end.
    Thou turnest man to destruction : again thou sayst, Come again ye children of men.
    For a thousand years in thy sight, are but as yesterday seeing that is past as a watch in the night.
    As soon as thou scatterest them, they are even as asleep : and fade away suddenly like the grass.
    In the morning it is green, and groweth up : But in the Evening it is cutt down [dryed up] and withered.
    For we consume away in thy displeasure: and are afraid at thy wrathfull Indignation.
    Thou hast sett our misdeeds, before thee : and our secret sins in the sight of thy Countenance.
    For when thou art angry, all our dayes are gon : we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.
    The dayes of our Age are threescore years, and ten, and though men be so strong that they come to fourescore years; yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow, so soon passeth it away, and we are gon.
    But who regardeth the power of thy wrath : for even, thereafter as a man feareth, so is thy displeasure.
    O teach us to number our daies : that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
    Turn thee again, O Lord, at the last : and be gratious unto thy servants.
    O satisfie us with thy mercy, and that soon : so shall we rejoyce and be glad all the dayes of our life.
    Comfort us again, now after the time that thou hast plagued us : and for the years wherein we have suffered, adversity.
    Shew thy servants thy work : and their children thy Glory.
    And the glorious Majestie of the Lord our God be upon us : prosper thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou our handy work.
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the holy Ghost.
    As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

¶ Then shall follow the Lesson taken out of the fifteenth Chapter of the former Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
 

Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards they that are Christs, at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. For he must reigne till he hath put all enemyes under his feet; The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, for he hath put all things under his Feet. But when he sayeth all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himselfe be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoycing, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat, and drink, for to morrow we die. Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God. I speak this to your Shame. But some man will say, how are the dead raised up, and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickned except it dye. And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheate, or of some other grain; but God giveth it a body, as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All Flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of Beasts, another of fishes, and another of Birds. There are also celestial bodyes, and bodyes terrestriall; but the glory of the celestiall is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the Moon, and another glory of the Stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. so also is the resurrection of the dead; it is sown in Corruption, it is raysed in incorruption; it is sown in dishonour, it is raysed in Glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raysed in power: it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam, was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickning spirit. Howbeit, that was not first, which was spiritual; but that which is naturall, and afterward that which is spirituall, The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have born the Image of the earthy, we shall also bear the Image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a Mystery, We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump (for the trumpet shall sound) and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. so when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the Saying that is written. Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is thy Sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

¶ When they come to the Grave, whi1e the Corps is made ready to be laid into the earth, the Priest shall say, or the Priest and Clerks shall sing.

Man that is born of a Woman, hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay.
    In the mids of life we are in death: of whom may wee seek for succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased.
    Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy, and most mercifull Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternall death.
    Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy mercifull Eares to our prayer: but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O holy and mercifull Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternall, suffer us not at our last houre, for any pains of death to fall from thee.

¶ Then while the Earth shall be cast upon the Body by some standing by, the Priest shall say.

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy, to take unto himself the soule of our dear brother here departed,: we therefore commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in sure and certein hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile bodye, that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himselfe.

¶ Then shall be said, or sung.

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write from henceforth, Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord: even so saith the Spirit; For they rest from their labours.

¶ Then the Priest shall say.

Lord have mercy upon us.
    Christ have mercy upon us,
Lord have mercy upon us,
    Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be don 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.

    ¶ Priest.
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of them that depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithfull, after they are delivered from the Burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity: We give thee hearty thanks for that it hath pleased thee to deliver this our brother out of the miseries of this sin full world; beseeching thee, that it may please thee, of thy gratious goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom, that we with all those that are departed in the true faith of thy holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and Soule, in thy eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    ¶ The Collect.
O mercifull God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection, and the life; in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die; and whosoever liveth, and believeth in him shall not die eternally: who also hath taught us (by his holy Apostle Saint Paul) not to be sorry, as men without hope, for them that sleep in him: We meekly beseech thee (O Father) to raise us from the death of sin, unto the life of Righteousness, that when we shall depart this life, we may rest in him, as our hope is this our brother doth, and that at the generall resurrection in the last day, we may be found acceptable in thy sight, and receive that blessing which thy welbeloved son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, Come ye blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. Grant this, we beseech thee, O mercifull Father, through Jesus Christ our Mediatour and Redeemer. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
 

The Thanksgiving of women
after Childbirth,
commonly called, the Churching of Women.

¶ The Woman, at the usual time after her delivery, shall come into the Church decently apparelled, and there shall kneel down in some convenient place, as hath been accustomed, or as the Ordinary shall direct. And then the Priest shall say unto her.

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his goodness to give you safe deliverance, and hath preserved you in the great danger of child-birth; You shall therefore give hearty thanks unto God. and say.

¶ Then shall the Priest say the 116 Psalm.
 

I am well pleased : that the Lord hath heard the voice of my Prayer.
    That he hath inclined his eare unto me : therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
    The snares of death compassed me round about; and the pains of hell gat hold upon me.
    I found trouble and heaviness, and I called upon the Name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
    Gratious is the Lord, and righteous, : yea our God is mercifull.
    The Lord preserveth the simple; I was in misery, and he helped me.
    Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul : for the Lord hath rewarded thee.
    And why? thou hast delivered my Soul from death : mine Eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
    I wilt walke before the Lord : in the Land of the living.
    I believed, and therefor will I speak; but I was sore troubled : I said in my hast, All men are liars.
    What reward shall I give unto the Lord : for all the Benefits that he hath don unto me ?
    I will receive the cup of salvation : and call upon the Name of the Lord.
    I will pay my vowes now in the presence of all his people, : in the courts of the Lords house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the holy Ghost.
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

¶ Or Psalm 127.
 

Except the Lord build the house,: their labour is but lost that build it.
    Except the Lord keep the City : the watchman waketh but in vain.
    It is but lost labour, that ye hast to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
    Lo, children and the fruit of the Womb : are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
    Like as the Arrowes in the hand of the giant: even so are the young children.
    Happie is the man that hath his quiver full of them : they shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their Enemies in the Gate.
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the holy Ghost.
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

¶ Then the Priest shall say.

    ¶ Let us pray.
Lord have mercy upon us.
    Christ have mercy upon us,
Lord have mercy upon us.

O Almighty God, we give thee humble thanks for that thou hast vouchsafed to deliver this woman thy servant from the great pain, and peril of child-birth: Grant, we beseech thee, most mercifull Father, that she through thy help, may both faithfully live, and walk according to thy will, in this life present; and also may be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ The Woman that cometh to give her thanks, must offer accustomed offerings; And if there is a Communion, it is convenient that she receive the holy Communion.
 

A Commination
or Denouncing of Gods anger, and
Judgements against Sinners,
with certain prayers to be used on the first
day of Lent, and at other times, as
the Ordinary shall appoint.

¶ After morning prayer, the Litanie ended, according to the accustomed manner, the Priest shall in the reading Pew or Pulpit, say.

Brethren, in the primitive Church, there was a godly discipline, that at the beginning of Lent, such persons as stood convicted of notorious sin, were put to open penance, and punished in this world, that their souls might be saved in the day of the Lord: And that others admonished by their example, might be the more afraid to offend.
    In stead whereof, untill the said discipline may be restored again, (which is much to be wished) it is thought good, that at this time (in the presence of you all) should be read the generall sentences of Gods cursing against impenitent sinners, gathered out of the seven and twentith Chapter of Deuteronomy, and other places of Scripture; and that ye should answer to every Sentence, Amen: to the intent that being admonished of the great indignation of God against Sinners, ye may the rather be moved to earnest and true repentance, and may walke more warily in these dangerous dayes, fleeing from such vices, for which ye affirm with your own mouthes, the curse of God to be due.

Now seing that all they are accursed (as the Prophet David beareth witness) who do err, and go astray from the commandments of God, let us (remembring the dreadfull Judgement hanging over our heads, and alwayes ready to fall upon us) return unto our Lord God with all contrition and meekness of heart i bewailing and lamenting our sinfull life, acknowledging and confessing our offences, and seeking to bring forth worthy fruits of penance. For now is the Ax put unto the Root of the trees, so that every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewen down, and cast into the fire. It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God: He shall pour down rain upon the Sinners, Snares, fire and brimston, storm and tempest; this shall be their portion to drink. For lo, the Lord is come out of his place to visit the wickedness of such as dwell upon the earth. But who may abide the day of his coming? Who shall be able to endure when he appeareth? His fan is in his hand, and he will purge his floore, and gather his wheat into the barn, but he will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. The Day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night: and when men shall say, Peace, and all things are safe, then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as sorrow cometh upon a woman travailing with child, and they shall not escape. Then shall appear the wrath of God in the day of vengeance, which obstinate sinners, through the stubbomness of their heart, have heaped unto themselves, which despised the goodness, patience, and long sufferance of God, when he calleth them continually to repentance. Then shall they call upon me (saith the Lord) but I will not hear; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me, and that because they hated knowledge, and received not the fear of the Lord, but abhorred my counsel, and despised my Correction. Then shall it be too late to knock, when the door shall be shut; and too late to cry for mercy, when it is the time of Justice. O terrible voice of most just judgement, which shall be pronounced upon them, when it shall be said unto them, Go, ye cursed into the fire everlasting which is prepared for the devil. and his Angels. Therefore brethren, take we heed betime, while the day of salvation lasteth; for the night cometh, when none can work: but let us while we have the light, believe in the light, and walk as children of the light, that we be not cast into utter darkness, where is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Let us not abuse the goodness of God who calleth us mercifully to amendment, and of his endless pity promiseth us forgiveness of that which is past, if (with a perfect and true heart) we return unto him. For though our sins be as red as scarlet, they shall be made white as snow: And though they be like purple, yet they shall be made white as wooll. Turn ye (saith the Lord) from all your wickedness, and your sin shall not be your destruction. Cast away from you all your ungodliness that ye have don, make you new hearts, and a new spirit. Wherefore will ye die, o ye house of Israel, seing that I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God. Turn ye then, and ye shall live. Although we have sinned, yet have we an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous, and he is the propitiation for our Sins. For he was wounded for our offences, and smitten for our wickedness. Let us therefore returne unto him who is the mercifull receiver of all true penitent sinners, assuring our selves that he is ready to receive us, and most willing to pardon us, if we come unto him with faithfull repentance, if we submit our selves unto him, and from henceforth walke in his wayes, if we will take his easy Yoke, and light burthen upon us, to follow him in lowliness, patience, and charity, and be ordered by the governance of his holy spirit; seeking alwayes his glory, and serving him duly in our vocation with thanksgiving. This if we do, Christ will deliver us from the curse of the law, and from the extream malediction which shall light upon them that shall be set on the left hand; and he will set us on his right hand, and give us the gracious benediction of his Father, commanding us to take possession of his glorious kingdom, unto which he vouchsafe to bring us all, for his infinite mercy. Amen.

¶ Then shall they all kneel upon their knees, and the Priest and Clerks kneeling (in the place where they are accustomed to say the Litanie) shall say this Psalm, Miserere mei Deus. 
 

O most mighty God, and mercifull Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but that he should rather turne from his sin, and be saved: mercifully forgive us our trespasses, receive and comfort us, who are grieved, and wearied with the burthen of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy: to thee only it apperteineth to forgive sins. Spare us therefore, good Lord, spare thy people whom thou hast redeemed: enter not into Judgement with thy servants, who are vile earth, and miserable sinners: but so turn thine Anger from us who meekly acknowledge our vileness, and truly repent us of our faults: and so make hast to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the people say this that followeth after the Minister.

Turn thou us, O good Lord, and so shall we be turned: Be favourable, O Lord, Be favourable to thy people, Who turn to thee in weeping, fasting, and praying. For thou art a mercifull God, Full of compassion, long suffering, and of great pity. Thou sparest when we deserve punishment, And in thy wrath thinkest upon mercy. Spare thy people, good Lord, Spare them, and let not thine heritage be brought to confusion. Hear us, O Lord, for thy mercy is great, And after the multitude of thy mercies look upon us, Through the merits, and mediation of thy blessed son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

¶ Then the Minister alone shall say.

The Lord bless us, and keep us: the Lord lift up the light of his Countenance upon us, and give us peace, now, and for evermore. Amen.