PRAYERS FOR THE CATECHUMENS, THE
ENERGUMENS, THE CANDIDATES FOR
BAPTISM, AND THE PENITENTS.
 

PRAYERS FOR THE CATECHUMENS,

Or Unbaptized Persons who are receiving instructions in Christianity.

The Deacon, being turned to the People, shall say,

Ye Catechumens, pray: (here the Catechumens are to kneel down, on Sundays and all days without exception:) and let us all beseech God for them, that he who is good, and the lover of mankind, would mercifully hear their prayers and supplications, and accept their petitions; that he would assist them and grant them the desires of their hearts, as may be most expedient for them ; that he would reveal unto them the Gospel of his Christ, give them illumination and understanding, and instruct them in the knowledge of God, and of divine things; that he would teach them his precepts and judgments, implant in them his holy and saving fear, and open the ears of their hearts that they may exercise themselves in his law day and night; that he would strengthen them in piety, and unite them to and number them with his holy flock, vouchsafing them the laver of regeneration, the garment of incorruption, of immortal life; that he would deliver them from all ungodliness, and not suffer the adversary to have any advantage against them, but cleanse them from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and dwell in them, and walk with them by his Christ; that he would bless their going out and their coming in, and direct all their designs and purposes to their good. Farther yet, let us earnestly put up our supplications for them, that they, obtaining remission of their sins by the initiation of Baptism, may be thought worthy of the holy mysteries, and may constantly continue in the communion of saints.

    People. Lord, have mercy upon them; We beseech thee to hear them, good Lord.
    Deac. Bow down your heads, ye Catechumens, and receive the Benediction.

Then shall the Priest say the following Prayer, all standing but the Catechumens, who are to bow their heads,

O Almighty God, unbegotten and inaccessible, the only true God, the God and Father of thy Christ, thine only-begotten Son, the God of the Comforter, and the Lord of all, who by Christ didst make learners become teachers for the propagation of religion and piety: Do thou now look down upon these thy servants, who are receiving instructions in the Gospel of thy Christ. Give them a new heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within them; that they may both know and do thy will with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Grant that they may be initiated by sacred Baptism; unite them to thy holy Church, and vouchsafe to make them partakers of thy Divine mysteries, through Jesus Christ our hope, who died for them; by whom glory and adoration be to thee in the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen.

Then the Deacon, being turned to the Catechumens, shall say:

Depart, ye Catechumens.

PRAYERS FOR THE ENERGUMENS,

Or, Persons possessed by Evil Spirits.

The Deacon, being turned towards the People, shall say:

Ye Energumens, vexed with unclean spirits, pray: (Here the Energumens are to kneel down, on Sundays and all days without exception:) and let us all earnestly pray for them, that God, the lover of mankind, would by Christ rebuke the unclean and wicked spirits, and deliver his supplicants from the dominion of the adversary. Let us pray, that he who rebuked the legion of demons, and the prince of wickedness the devil, would now also rebuke these apostates from goodness; would deliver his own workmanship from the power of Satan; and cleanse his creatures, whom he hath made with great wisdom.

    People. Lord, have mercy upon them : Save them, O God, and raise them up by thy power.
    Deac. Bow down your heads, ye Energumens, and receive the Benediction.

Then shall the Priest say the following Prayer, all standing but the Energumens, who are to bow their heads.

O THOU, who hast bound the strong one, and spoiled his goods; who didst give thine Apostles authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and didst deliver the serpent, that murderer of men, bound unto them; at whose sight all things shake with fear, and tremble at the presence of thy power; who hast cast down Satan as lightning from heaven to earth, from honour to dishonour, by reason of his voluntary malice: thou whose looks dry up the deep, whose threatening melteth the mountains, and whose truth endureth for ever; whom infants praise, and sucklings bless, and angels celebrate and adore; who lookest upon the earth, and makest it tremble; who touchest the mountains, and they smoke; who rebukest the sea, and makest it dry, and driest up all the rivers; the dust of whose feet is the clouds, and who walkest upon the sea as on firm ground: thou only-begotten God, Son of the great Father, do thou rebuke these wicked spirits, and deliver the works of thine hands from the power of the adverse spirit. For to thee is due glory, honour, and adoration, and through thee to thy Father in the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen,

Then the Deacon, being turned to the Energumens, shall say,

Depart, ye Energumens.
 

PRAYERS FOR THE CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM;

Or, those Catechumens who have given in their Names before Lent to be baptized at the approaching Paschal Festival.

These Prayers are to he used from Ash-Wednesday to the time the Candidates are Baptized.

The Deacon, being turned towards the People, shall say:

Ye Candidates for Baptism, pray: {Here the Candidates are to kneel down, on Sundays and all days without exception:) and let all us of the faithful earnestly pray for them, that the Lord would vouchsafe that they, being initiated into the death of Christ, may rise again with him, and be made members of his kingdom, and partakers of his mysteries; that he would unite them to and number them with those, who shall be saved in his holy Church,

    People. Lord, have mercy upon them: Save them, O God, and raise them up by thy grace.
    Deac. Bow down your heads, ye Candidates for Baptism, and receive the Benediction.

Then shall the Priest say the following Prayer, all standing but the Candidates, who are to how their heads.

O THOU, who by the prediction of thy holy prophets didst say to them that are to be initiated, Wash ye, make you clean ; and by Christ didst appoint a spiritual regeneration: Look down now upon these persons who are to be Baptized, and bless and sanctify them; fit and prepare them, that they may be worthy of thy spiritual gift, of the true adoption of children, and of thy spiritual mysteries, and may be deservedly numbered among those who shall be saved, through Christ our Saviour ; by whom glory, honour, and adoration be to thee in the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

Then the Deacon, being turned to the Candidates for Baptism, shall say.

Depart, ye Candidates for Baptism.

PRAYERS FOR THE PENITENTS,

Or, Persons in the state of Penance.

The Deacon, being turned towards the People, shall say :

Ye Penitents, pray: (Here the Penitents are to kneel down, on Sundays and all days without exception:) and let us all earnestly pray for our brethren, who are in a state of penance; that God, the lover of compassion, would shew them the way of repentance, and accept their return and confession; that he would speedily beat down Satan under their feet, deliver them from the snare of the devil, and the incursion of evil spirits, and preserve them from all impure thoughts, all wicked words, and all unlawful deeds; that he would forgive them all their sins, voluntary, and involuntary, blot out the hand-writing that is against them, and write their names in the book of life; that he would cleanse them from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and restore and unite them to his holy flock. For he knoweth our frame; and who can glory that he hath a clean heart? or who can say that he is pure from sin? For we are all worthy of punishment. Let us still pray more earnestly for them, since there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, that they may turn from every evil work, and constantly practise all that is good; that the merciful God would hasten to accept their petitions, would restore to them the joy of his salvation, and strengthen them with his free Spirit, that they may never fall or be shaken again, but that, being admitted to communicate in his holy solemnities, and to be partakers of his divine mysteries, they may be made worthy of the adoption of children, and may obtain everlasting life.

    People. Lord, have mercy upon them : Save them, O God, and raise them up by thy mercy.
    Deac. Bow down your heads, ye Penitents, and receive the Benediction.

Then shall the Priest say the following Prayer, all standing but the Penitents, who are to how their heads.

O Almighty and Eternal God, Lord of the whole world, Creator and Governor of all things, who by Christ hast made man to be the great ornament of the world, and hast given him both a natural and a written law, that he might live by the rules thereof as a rational creature; who hast also, when he hath sinned, given him a motive and encouragement to repent, even thine own goodness: Do thou now look down upon these thy servants, who bow the neck of their souls and bodies unto thee; for thou desirest not the death of a sinner, but his repentance, that he should turn from his evil way and live. O thou, who didst accept the repentance of the Ninevites; who wouldst have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth; who didst receive again the Prodigal Son, that had spent his substance in riotous living, with the compassionate bowels of a Father, on account of his repentance: Do thou now accept the repentance of these thy supplicants. For there is no man that sinneth not against thee: and if thou. Lord, wilt mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it? But with thee there is mercy, and propitiation. Restore them therefore to thy holy Church in their former dignity and honour, through Christ our God and Saviour ; by whom glory and adoration be to thee in the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

Then the Deacon, being turned to the Penitents, shall say,

Depart, ye Penitents.
 

THE FORM OF ADMITTING A PERSON TO BE A CATECHUMEN;

To be used on Sunday Morning, immediately before the Prayers for the Catechumens.

    Deac. What is thy desire?
    Answ. I humbly desire to be admitted a Catechumen of the Christian Church.
    Deac. Wilt thou receive and follow the instructions that shall be given thee?
    Answ. I will thankfully receive them, and with God's help will diligently follow them.
    Deac. Bow down thy head, and receive the Benediction.

Here the person to he admitted a Catechumen shall kneel down; and the Priest, after having signed him with the sign of the cross upon his forehead, shall lay his hands upon him, while he says the following Prayer over him bowing his head.

We adore thee, God, thou Lord of the universe, and give thee thanks in behalf of thy creature, for that thou hast sent thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ to save man by blotting out his transgressions, to forgive him his sins and impieties, to purify him from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and to sanctify him according to the good-pleasure of his loving-kindness. Do thou, O Lord, look down upon this thy creature, inspire him with the knowledge of thy will, enlighten the eyes of his heart that he may consider thy wonderful works, and make known unto him the judgments of thy righteousness; that he, hating all manner of iniquity, and walking in the way of thy truth, may become worthy of being washed in the laver of regeneration, and thereby obtain the adoption of children which is in Christ; that, being planted together in the likeness of his death, in hopes of the glorious fellowship, and being mortified to sin, he may live unto thee in thought, word, and deed, and have his name written in the book of life, 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.

Then shall the Priest say;

The Lord Jesus Christ, who hath overcome Satan, and delivered us from the wrath to come, receive thee into his most mighty protection; that thou mayest come at last by his blessing to his heavenly kingdom. Amen.

And then the Person shall take his station among the Catechumens.

THE FORM OF ADMITTING A PENITENT TO PENANCE;

To be used on Sunday Morning, immediately before the Prayers for the Penitents.

Note, This Office is to be performed by no Priests but those who are thereto licensed by the Bishop himself,

Pr. What is thy desire?
Answ. I humbly desire to be admitted to Penance.
Pr. Art thou ready to make thy confession?
Answ. I am.

Then the Penitent shall kneel down before the Priest, and make his Confession in the following form.

I, UNWORTHY sinner, do humbly confess to Almighty God in the presence of this congregation, that I have been guilty of manifold and grievous transgressions, in thought, word, and deed, (particularly — Here the Penitent is to name the crime or crimes for which he is to be put under Penance, unless it be judged improper so to do:) through my fault, through my great fault, through my exceeding great fault. I do earnestly repent, and am heartily sorry for all my misdoings. I am stedfastly resolved, with God's assistance, to lead a sober, righteous, and godly life for the future. I earnestly implore the mercy of Almighty God, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ my Saviour; and that I may obtain it, I humbly beg to be admitted to Penance, and earnestly desire the prayers of the Church.

Then the Priest shall declare to the Penitent the Penance which the Bishop hath ordered him; after which he shall ask him:

    Wilt thou perform this?
    Penitent. I will by God's grace religiously perform it.
    Pr. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath said. Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven, grant thee his blessing, and remission of thy sins.

Then shall the Priest lay his hands upon him, while he says the following Prayer over him bowing his head.

O Lord God, whose long-suffering is not wearied by our sins, but who allowest us to appease thy wrath by our repentance; Mercifully look upon this thy servant, who confesseth his sin unto thee: Give him a broken and a contrite heart, that he may recover from the snare of the devil, wherein he is now entangled; and graciously accept his Penance, that by his continuance in a state of mournful confession and prayer to thee, he may the sooner obtain thy merciful pardon, and, being restored to the privilege of communion with thy Church upon earth, may be again entitled to thy kingdom in heaven, through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say.

The Almighty God be thy helper and protector, and grant thee the pardon of all thy sins, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

And then the Penitent shall take his station among the Penitents.
 

FORM OF ABSOLVING OF A PENITENT

To be used on Sunday Mornings immediately after the Prayers for the Penitents.

Note, This Office is to be performed by no Priests but those who are thereto licensed by the Bishop himself.

Pr. What is thy desire?
Pen. I humbly desire the benefit of Absolution.
Pr. Hast thou performed the Penance enjoined thee?
Pen. I have with God's assistance sincerely performed it.

Then the Penitent shall kneel down, and the Priest shall say this Prayer,

O Lord and holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God, who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but desirest rather that he should live: We humbly beseech thy Majesty to regard with much mercy
this thy servant, here presenting himself before thee; look down upon him here prostrate at the footstool of thy throne, turn thou his heaviness into joy, put off his sackcloth, and gird him with gladness, that after his separation from the delicacies of thy table, he may henceforth be satisfied with the plenteousness of thy house, and, entering into thy chamber, O King, may praise and glorify thy name for ever and ever, through Jesus Christ our blessed Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Then shall the Priest lay his hands upon the Penitent, while he says the following Prayer over him bowing his head.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, thou Shepherd and Lamb, who takest away the sins of the world ; thou who didst graciously remit to the two debtors what they owed thee, and didst pardon the woman who was a sinner coming unto thee, and besides the forgiveness of the Paralytic's sin, didst grant him moreover a cure of his disease: Do thou, O Lord, remit, blot out, and pardon whatsoever this thy servant may have committed disobediently against thee, either through ignorance or with knowledge, through infirmity or with wilful guilt And whereinsoever he hath erred from thy commandments in word or deed, as being encompassed with flesh and blood, or as inhabiting this world of sin, or as seduced by the instigations of Satan; or whatever peculiar bond he is bound with, by the discipline of thy Church; I pray and beseech thy ineffable goodness to absolve him with thy word, and to loose his bond, according to thy mercy. O Lord and Master, hear my prayer for thy servant. Thou that forgettest injuries, overlook all his failings, pardon his offences, both voluntary and involuntary, and deliver him from eternal punishment. For thou art he who hast said. Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven: thou art our God, the God that canst shew mercy, and save and forgive sins. To thee therefore, with the eternal Father, and the life-giving Spirit, is due all honour and glory, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say,

God the Father bless thee; Jesus Christ protect and keep thee; the Holy Spirit enlighten thee all the days of thy life. The Lord pardon all thy trespasses and sins. Amen.

And then the Person shall take his station among the Faithful

THE PENITENTIAL OFFICE,

To be used on all Wednesdays and Fridays, (except a Festival happens upon them) and on the six days next before Easter, and on every day of the week before Holy Week, but Sunday and Saturday.

Note, That none are to be present at this Office but the Faithful and the Penitent.

The Deacon standing, turned towards the People, shall say the following Sentences of Scripture.

Repent ye ; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. S. Matth. iii. 2.
    When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Ezek. xviii. 27.
    Rent your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God : for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joel ii. 13.
    To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us. Dan. ix. 9, 10.
    If we say that we hare no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us : but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 S. John i. 8, 9.

Then shall the Deacon say the following Exhortation.

Dearly beloved, the Scripture moveth us in sundry-places to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloke them before the face of Almighty God our Heavenly Father, but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart, to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same by his infinite goodness and mercy. Let us therefore examine our lives and conversations by the rule of God's commandments; and whereinsoever we perceive ourselves to have offended, either by will, word, or deed, there let us bewail our own sinfulness, and confess ourselves to Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life. And if we perceive our offences to be such, as are not only against God, but also against our neighbours, then let us reconcile ourselves unto them, being ready to make restitution and satisfaction, according to the uttermost of our powers, for all injuries and wrongs done by us to any other; and being likewise ready to forgive others, who have offended us, as we would have forgiveness of our offences at God's hand. Thus let us judge ourselves, that we be not judged of the Lord; let us have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour ; and let us return to him, who is the merciful receiver of all true penitent sinners: assuring ourselves that he is ready to receive us, and most willing to pardon us, if we come unto him with faithful repentance; if we submit ourselves unto him, and from henceforth walk in his ways; if we will take his easy yoke and light burden upon us, following him in lowliness, patience, and charity, being ordered by the governance of his Holy Spirit, seeking always his glory, and serving him duly in our vocation with thanksgiving. This if we do, Christ will deliver us from the extreme curse, which shall light upon them that shall be set on his 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 may he vouchsafe to bring us all of his infinite mercy. Amen.

Then, after a convenient pause for recollection, shall he said or sung (in the same manner as the Psalms for the day are said or sung) the Psalm following.

Miserere mei, Deus. Psal. li.

Have mercy upon me, O God, &c.

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

Let us fall upon our knees, and fervently and intensely pray to God through his Christ.

Then the Priest and People shall say the following Prayer, all kneeling.

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 with contrition, fasting, and prayer. For thou art a merciful 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 shall the Priest say this prayer.

O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy, and to forgive: Receive our humble petitions; and seeing we are tied and bound with the chain of our sins, O let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us, for the honour of Jesus Christ our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say:

Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
Answ. Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
Pr. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world ;
Answ. Grant us thy peace.
Pr. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world ;
Answ. Have mercy upon us.
Pr. O Christ, hear us ;
Answ. Christ, hear us.
Pr. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Answ. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Pr. Christ, have mercy upon us
Answ. Christ, have mercy upon us.
Pr. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Answ. Lord, have mercy upon us.
 

Then shall the Priest, and the Congregation with him, say the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father, who art in heaven, &c. Amen.

Pr. O Lord, deal not with us after our sins ;
Answ. Neither reward us after our iniquities.

Priest.

O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful: Mercifully assist our prayers, which we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtilty of the devil or man worketh against us, may be brought to nought, and by the providence of thy goodness may be dispersed; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Pr. O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy name's sake.
    Answ. O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour.
    Pr. From our enemies defend us, O Christ.
    Answ. Graciously look upon our afflictions.
    Pr. Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts.
    Answ. Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.
    Pr. Favourably with mercy hear our prayers.
    Answ. O Son of David, have mercy upon us.
    Pr. Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
    Answ. Graciously hear us, Christ ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.
    Pr. O Lord, let thy mercy be shewed upon us;
    Answ. As we do put our trust in thee.

Priest

We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities ; and for the glory of thy Name turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved: and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory, through our blessed Mediator and Advocate Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall follow the Collect, Confession, and Absolution.

The Collect, to be used on Wednesdays, and on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday in Holy Week, and the week before.

Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution, to be used on Wednesdays, (except in Holy Week) and on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, in the week before Holy Week,

The Confession, to be said by the Priest and all the Congregation.

O Most mighty God and merciful 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 turn from his sin, and be saved: Mercifully forgive us our trespasses; Receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; To thee only it appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare us therefore, good Lord, spare thy people, Whom thou hast redeemed with thy dear Son's most precious blood;Enter not into judgment with thy Servants. Who are vile earth and miserable sinners; But graciously turn thine anger from us. Who meekly acknowledge our vileness. And truly repent us of our faults: And so make haste to help us in this world, That we may ever live with thee in the world to come, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here the Deacon shall stand up, and, turning to the Penitents, shall say, Depart, ye Penitents: and when they are gone out, he shall kneel down again.

Then the Priest shall stand up, and say the following Prayer of Absolution, the People reverently bowing their heads,

O Lord, we beseech thee, mercifully hear our prayers, and spare these thy servants who confess their sins unto thee: that as their consciences by sin are accused, so by thy merciful pardon they may be absolved, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect to be used on Fridays and on Easter-Eve.

Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy tender love towards mankind hast sent thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution, to be used on Fridays, except in Holy Week.

The Confession, to be said by the Priest and all the Congregation.

Almighty and most merciful Father, We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep; We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts; We have offended against thy holy laws; We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, who confess their faults; Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake. That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

Here the Deacon shall stand up, and, turning to the Penitents, shall say. Depart, ye Penitents : and when they are gone out, he shall kneel down again.

Then shall the Priest stand up, and say the following Prayer of Absolution, the People reverently bowing their heads.

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness, and live; and hast given power and commandment to
thy Priests to intercede with thee in behalf of thy people being penitent: Grant unto these thy servants true repentance, and forgiveness of their sins; and bless us all with thy Holy Spirit, that those things may please thee which we do at this present, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy, so that at the last we may come to thine eternal joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution, to be used on every day in Holy Week, except Sunday.

The Confession, to be said by the Priest and all the Congregation.

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 all 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.

Here the Deacon shall stand up, and, turning to the Penitents, shall say, Depart, ye Penitents: and when they are gone out, he shall kneel down again.

Then shall the Priest stand up, and say the following Prayer of Absolution, the People reverently bowing their heads.

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who of thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto thee: Have mercy upon these thy servants, pardon and deliver them from all their sins, confirm and strengthen them in all goodness, and bring them to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the Priest shall say the following Prayer for all sorts and conditions of men,

O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men, that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholic Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians, may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of Spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Send down upon all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. We beseech thee also, O Lord, the only Ruler of princes, with thy favour to behold thy servant our King; and so replenish him with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that he may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Bless and preserve the Royal Family, and all in authority. We likewise implore thy mercy for all thy servants, who are departed hence from us with the sign of faith, and now do rest in the sleep of peace. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate, [especially those for whom our prayers are desired; this is to be said when any desire the prayers of the Congregation.*] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.

Then the Priest shall say the following Thanksgiving.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may shew forth thy praise not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord: to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
 

Then shall follow these three Prayers.

On Wednesdays, and on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday in Holy Week, and the week before.

Assist us mercifully, 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.

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 given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise by thy well-beloved Son, that when two or three are gathered together in his name, thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

On Fridays, and on Easter-Eve.

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.

Prevent [Guide] 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, 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 who 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.

Then the Priest, being turned to the People shall pronounce this Blessing, the People reverently bowing their heads.

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.

And after a pause, the Deacon shall stand up, and say to the People,

Depart in peace.

Note, that if the Eucharist be not celebrated on Ash-Wednesday, or on any of the six days next before Easter, then the beginning of the Communion-Service, as appointed, with the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, shall be first said, and immediately after the Nicene Creed this Penitential Office shall follow.

Here endeth the Penitential Office.
 

THE

COLLECTS, EPISTLES, AND GOSPELS,

TO BE USED AT THE

Ministration of the Holy Communion throughout the Year.
 

The Collects, Epistles, and Gospels, to be used throughout the year, are the same with those appointed in the Common Prayer Book of the Church of England, But Note,

That no Collect appointed for any Sunday or Holy-day, is to be said at the Evening Service next before:

That the Introit, Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, appointed for the Sunday, shall serve all the week after, where it is not in this Book otherwise ordered, and then that for the Sunday is to be omitted:

That the Introit, Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, appointed for the Epiphany, Ash- Wednesday, and Ascension-day, shall serve for every day after to the Sunday following:

That if an Holy-day happen upon a Wednesday or Friday, the Lessons, Introit, Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, appointed for the Holy-day, shall be used; but the day shall be observed as a Fast, except it be Chrtstmas-day:

That if there be any more Sundays be/ore Advent Sunday than twenty-five after Trinity, the Lessons, Introit, Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of those Sundays that were omitted after the Epiphany, shall be taken in to supply so many as are there wanting; in this order: The Lessons, &c. which belong to the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, shall be used on the Sunday next but one before Advent; those which belong to the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, shall be used on the Sunday next but two before Advent; and so on. But if there be fewer than twenty-five Sundays after Trinity, the overplus shall be omitted: Provided that the Lessons, Introit, Collect, Epistle, and Gospel appointed for the twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity shall always be used upon the Sunday next be/ore Advent.

That if an Holy-Day happen upon a Sunday, the Lessons, Introit, Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, appointed for the Holy-day, shall be used, and those for the Sunday shall be omitted: but if it happen on Ash-Wednesday, or any day in Holy Week, or any day in the week before Holy-week, except Sunday and Saturday, on Easter-day, the Sunday after Easter, Ascension-day, Whitsunday, on Monday or Tuesday in Easter or Whitsun-week, on Trinity Sunday, or on a Sunday in Advent, then those for the Holy-day shall be omitted.