A
COMMUNION
OFFICE,

Taken partly from
Primitive Liturgies,
And partly from the First
ENGLISH REFORMED
Common-Prayer-Book.

LONDON :
Printed for J. Smith in the Strand. MDCCXVIII.

The
ORDER
for the
Administration of the LORD'S SUPPER or

HOLY COMMUNION.

EVERY Priest shall take particular care not to admit any to the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, but those whom he knows to be in the Communion of the Church, or else is certified thereof by sufficient testimony. And to the end this Order may be observed, so many as intend to be partakers of the Holy Communion, shall signify their names to the Priest 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 neighbour by word or deed, so that the Congregation be thereby offended; the Priest having knowledge thereof, shall call him to advertise him, that in any wise he presume not to come to the Lord's Table, until he hath openly declared himself to have truly repented and amended his former wicked Life, that the Congregation may thereby be satisfied, which before was offended; and that he hath recompensed the Parties to whom he hath done wrong, or at least declared himself in full purpose so to do, as soon as he conveniently may.

The same order shall the Priest 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 remaineth still in his frowardness and malice: the Priest in that case ought to admit the penitent person to the Holy Communion, and not him that is obstinate. Provided that every Priest so repelling any, as is specified in this or the next precedent Paragraph of this Rubrick, shall be obliged to give an account of the same to the Bishop or the Ordinary of the place within fourteen days after at the farthest.

The Altar at the Communion time having a fair white linen cloth upon it, shall stand at the East end of the Church or Chapel. And the Priest and People standing with their faces towards the Altar, shall say or sing (in the same manner as the Psalms for the day are said or sung) for the Introit the Psalm appointed for that day according to that Translation which is in the Book of Common Prayer.

Note, that whenever in this office the Priest is directed to turn to the Altar, or stand or kneel before it, or with his Face towards it, it is always meant that he shall stand or kneel on the North side thereof.

 
The Introits for every Sunday and Holy-day throughout the Year.
 

At the end of every Introit shall be said,

    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 turn to the People, and say,

Then the People shall kneel with their faces towards the Altar; and the Priest turning to it, and standing humbly before it, shall say,

Then the Priest shall say the Lord’s Prayer, with the Collect following.

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.

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 turn him to the People, and say,

JESUS said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great Commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self. On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. Matth. xxii 37,38,39,40.

    Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.

    Let us pray.

Then the Priest shall turn to the Altar, and say one of these two Collects following for the King.

ALMIGHTY God, whose kingdom is everlasting, and power infinite: Have mercy upon the whole Church; and so rule the heart of thy chosen servant our King and Governour, that he (knowing whose Minister he is) may above all things seek thy honour and glory; and grant that we and all his subjects (duly considering whose authority he hath) may faithfully serve, honor, 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 thy servant our King and Governour, 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.
 

Then shall be said the Collect of the day. And immediately after the Collect, the People shall rise, and the Priest shall turn to the People, and 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; or, Here endeth the portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle.

Then shall be read the Gospel, saying,

The Holy Gospel is written in the — Chapter of — beginning at the — Verse.

And then the people all standing up, shall say,

    Glory be to thee, O Lord.

The Gospel ended, the Priest shall say,

    Here endeth the Holy Gospel.

And the People shall answer,

    Thanks be to thee, O Lord.

Then shall be said the Creed following, the Priest and the People standing with their faces towards the Altar, and saying,

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 Catholick and Apostolick 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 the Banns of Matrimony published; and Briefs, Citations, and Excommunications read. And nothing shall be proclaimed or published in the Church, during the time of the Divine Service, but by the Priest or the Deacon; nor by them any thing, but what is prescribed in the Rules of this Book, or enjoined by the Bishop or the Ordinary of the Place.

Then shall follow the Sermon or Homily.

When the Priest 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.

Note, this Exhortation shall be read once in a month, or oftner, according to the discretion of the Priest.
 

DEARLY beloved, on —— 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 Savior 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 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 with full purpose of amendment of life. And if ye shall perceive your offenses 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 utmost of your powers, for all injuries and wrongs done by you to any other; and being likewise ready to forgive all others that have offended you, as ye would have forgiveness of your offenses at God's hand: for otherwise the receiving of the Holy Communion doth nothing else but increase your Condemnation. 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, whose conscience is troubled or grieved in any thing, and requireth comfort or counsel; let him come to me or to some other discreet and learned Priest, and confess and open his sin and grief, that of us (as of the Ministers of God) 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.

Or in case the Priest 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 of 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 which be 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 easily accepted and allowed before God. If any man say, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore am afraid to come: wherefore then do you not repent and amend? When God calleth you, are ye not ashamed to say you 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 fained 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 unto mine office, I bid you in the Name of God, I call you in Christ's behalf, I exhort you as you love your own salvation, that ye 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 the remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he himself hath commanded: Which if you 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 standing with their faces towards the Altar, the Priest being turned to them shall say this Exhortation.

In Cathedral Churches or other Places, where there is daily Communion, it shall be sufficient to read this Exhortation only on Sundays and Holy days.

DEARLY beloved in the Lord, ye that mind to come to the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Savior 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 with 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 a judgment against ourselves, 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.
 

Then shall the Priest begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient in his discretion, the People kneeling with their faces towards the Altar.

    In process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord: and Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had no respect. Gen. iv. 3,4,5.
    Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart, ye shall take my offering. Exod. xxv.2.
    They shall not appear before the Lord empty: every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God, which he hath given you. Deut. xvi.16,17.
    Blessed is he that considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Psal. xli.1.
    Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Psal. xcvi. 8.
    He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given, will he pay him again. Prov. xix. 17.
    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. St. Matt. vi. 19, 20.
    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. Matt. vii. 21.
    Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? 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. 7.
    If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 1 Cor. ix. 11.
    Do ye not know, that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the Temple? And they which wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14.
    He which soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a chearful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
    Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Gal. vi. 6,7.
    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate: laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19.
    God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the Saints, and do minister. Heb. vi. 10.
    To do good, and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16.
 

Whilst these Sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Church-wardens, or other fit person appointed for that purpose, shall receive the devotions of the People there present, in a decent Basin provided for that purpose. And that no one may neglect to come to the Holy Communion, by reason of having but little to give, the person who collects the Offerings shall cover the Basin with a fair white linen cloth, so that neither he himself nor any other may see or know what any particular Person offers. And when all have offered, he shall reverently bring the said Basin with the Oblations therein, and deliver it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the Altar.

Then shall the Priest take so much Bread and Wine, as shall suffice for the Persons appointed to receive the Holy Communion; laying the Bread in the Paten, or in some other decent thing prepared for that purpose; and putting the Wine in the Chalice, or else into some fair and convenient Cup prepared for that use, putting thereto in the view of the People a little pure and clean Water: And then setting both the Bread and the Cup upon the Altar, he shall turn to the People, and say,

Let us pray.

Then the Priest shall turn to the Altar, and standing humbly before it, he shall say the Collect following.

O ALMIGHTY God, who has created us, and placed us in this ministry by the power of thy Holy Spirit; may it please thee, O Lord, as we are ministers of the New Testament, and dispensers of thy holy mysteries, to receive us who are approaching thy Holy Altar, according to the multitude of thy mercies, that we may be worthy to offer unto thee this reasonable and unbloody Sacrifice for our Sins and the Sins of the People. Receive it, O God, as a sweet smelling savour, and send down the grace of thy Holy Spirit upon us. And as thou didst accept this worship and service from thy Holy Apostles: so of thy goodness, O Lord, vouchsafe to receive these Offerings from the hands of us sinners, that being made worthy to minister at thy Holy Altar without blame, we may have the reward of good and faithful servants at that great and terrible day of account and just retribution; through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Then shall the Priest turn him to the People, and say,

Then shall the Priest turn him to the Altar, 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.  
 

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,

Here the People shall join with the Priest, and say,

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Lord God of Hosts: heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Hosanna in the highest: Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: 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 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, etc.

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, etc.

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, whither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels, etc.

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, etc.

Upon the Feast of Trinity only.

WHO art one God, one Lord; not 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 inequality. Therefore with Angels, etc.
 

After each of which Prefaces shall follow immediately,

THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name, evermore praising thee, and saying,

Here the People shall join with the Priest, and say,

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Lord God of Hosts: heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Hosanna in the highest: Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: Glory be to thee, O Lord Most high. Amen.

Immediately after, the Priest shall say,

HOLINESS is thy nature and thy gift, O Eternal King; Holy is thine only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom thou hast made the worlds; Holy is thine Ever-blessed Spirit, who searcheth all things, even the depths of thine infinite perfection. Holy art thou, almighty and merciful God; thou createdst Man in thine own image, broughtest him into Paradise, and didst place him in a state of dignity and pleasure: And when he had lost his happiness by transgressing thy command, thou of thy goodness didst not abandon and despise him. Thy Providence was still continued, thy Law was given to revive the sense of his duty, thy Prophets were commissioned to reclaim and instruct him. And when the fulness of time was come, thou didst send thine only begotten Son to satisfy thy Justice, to strengthen our Nature, and renew thine Image within us: For these glorious ends thine Eternal Word came down from heaven, was incarnate by the Holy Ghost, born of the Blessed Virgin, conversed with mankind, and directed his life and miracles to our salvation: And when his hour was come to offer the Propitiatory Sacrifice upon the Cross; when he, who had no sin himself, mercifully undertook to suffer death for our sins, 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.  

 
    Here the People shall answer,
Amen.

Then shall the Priest say,

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.

 
    Here the People shall answer,
Amen.

Then shall the Priest say,

WHEREFORE, having in remembrance his Passion, Death, and Resurrection from the dead; his Ascension into heaven, and second coming with glory and great power to judge the quick and the dead, and to render to every man according to his works; we Offer to thee, our King and our God, according to his holy Institution, this Bread and this Cup; giving thanks to thee through him, that thou hast vouchsafed us the honour to stand before thee, and to Sacrifice unto thee. And we beseech thee to look favourably on these thy Gifts, which are here set before thee, O thou self-sufficient God: And do thou Accept them to the honour of thy Christ; and send down thine Holy Spirit, the witness of the passion of our Lord Jesus, upon this Sacrifice, that he may make this (f) Bread the Body of thy Christ, and this (g) Cup the Blood of thy Christ; that they who are partakers thereof, may be confirmed in godliness, may obtain remission of their sins, may be delivered from the Devil and his snares, may be replenished with the Holy Ghost, may be made worthy of thy Christ, and may obtain everlasting life, Thou, O Lord Almighty, being reconciled unto them through the merits and mediation of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever one God, world without end. Amen.

 
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 these our 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. 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. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian kings, princes, and governours; and especially thy servant 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 indifferently [impartially] minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, 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 commend especially unto thy merciful goodness this Congregation, which is here assembled in thy Name to celebrate the commemoration of the most glorious death of thy Son. 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; [*especially those for whom our prayers are desired.] And here we do give unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks, for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy Saints, from the beginning of the world; and particularly in the glorious and ever-blessed Virgin Mary, mother of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord and God; and in the holy Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, and Confessors; whose examples, O Lord, and stedfastness in thy faith and keeping thy holy commandments, grant us to follow. We commend unto thy mercy, O Lord, all thy Servants, who are departed from us with the sign of faith, and now do rest in the sleep of peace: Grant unto them, we beseech thee, thy mercy and everlasting peace; and that at the day of the general resurrection, we and all they who are of the mystical Body of thy Son, may all together be set on his right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice: Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Then the Priest shall 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
 

*This is to be said when any desire the Prayers of the Congregation.

Then shall the Priest shall turn to the People, and say,

    The peace of the Lord be always with you.

    Answer.    And with thy spirit.

Priest.

CHRIST, our Paschal Lamb, is offered up for us, once for all, when he bare our sins in his body upon the Cross; for he is the very Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world: Wherefore let us keep a joyful and holy feast unto the Lord.

Then the Priest shall say to all those that come to receive the Holy Communion,

YE who 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 by the Priest and People, both he and they kneeling humbly upon their knees, with their faces towards the Altar, 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 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 also 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.Matt.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, 2.

Then the Priest shall say to the People,

Let us Pray.

Then shall the Priest, turning him to the Altar, kneel down, and 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 evermore dwell in him and he in us. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop if he be present, or else the Priest that officiateth, kneel down and receive the Communion in both kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to other Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in like manner, if any be there present; and after that to the People also in order into their hands, all meekly kneeling.

And when he delivereth the Sacrament of the Body of Christ 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.

Here the Person receiving shall say,
Amen.

And the Priest or Deacon that delivereth the Sacrament of the Blood of Christ 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.

Here the Person receiving shall say,
Amen.
 

Then the Priest (or Bishop, if he be present) shall turn to the People, and 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, 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 of Morning or Evening Prayer, Communion, or Litany, by the discretion of the Priest.

ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of they 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 precious and ready help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O ALMIGHTY Lord and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern 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 [Lead] 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 has 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.

After the Sermon or Homily is ended: or if there be no Sermon or Homily, after the Nicene Creed is ended; if there be no Communion, the Priest shall turn to the People, and say, Let us pray. And then turning to the Altar, he shall stand before it, and say one or more of these Collects last before rehearsed, concluding with the Blessing.

And there shall be no public celebration of the Holy Communion, except two persons at the least commuicate with the Priest.

And every Priest shall either administer or receive the Holy Communion every Festival, that is, every Sunday and Holy-day, except he cannot get two persons to communicate with him, or except he be hindered by sickness or some other urgent cause.

And every Priest shall inform the People of the Advantage and Necessity of receiving the Holy Communion frequently: He shall likewise exhort them not to neglect coming often to God’s Altar, because they have but little to give at the Offertory. For he shall instruct them, that provided they frequent the Holy Communion, their Offering will be accepted by God, tho’ it be never so little, if it be given according to their abilities with a chearful and devout heart.

And to take away all occasion of dissension and superstition, 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.

If there be any persons who through sickness or any other urgent cause are under a Necessity of communicating at their houses, then the Priest shall reserve at the open Communion so much of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood, as shall serve those who are to receive at home. And if after that, or if, when none are to communicate at their houses, any of the consecrated Elements remain, then 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 Money given at the Offertory being solemnly devoted to God, the Priest shall take so much of it as will defray the charge of the Bread and Wine; and the remainder he shall keep or part of it, or dispose of it or part of it to pious and charitable uses, according to the discretion of the Bishop.