The ORDER for
Administration of the Lord’s Supper,
OR
HOLY COMMUNION.

¶ When the Minister giveth Warning for the Celebration of the Holy Communion, (which he shall always do upon the Sunday, or some Holyday, immediately preceding) after the Sermon or Homily ended, he shall read this Exhortation following:

DEarly beloved, on —— I intend to celebrate the Lord’s Supper: unto which I bid you all; and beseech you for Christ’s sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto.

¶ So many as intend to be Partakers of the Holy Communion, shall signify their Names to the Curate, at least some Time the Day before.

¶ And if any of those be an open and notorious evil Liver, or have done any Wrong to his Neighbours by Word or Deed, so that the Congregation be thereby offended; the Curate having Knowledge thereof, shall call him, and advertise him, that in any wise he presume not to come to the Lord’s Table, until he hath openly declared himself to have truly repented, and amended his former naughty Life; that the Congregation may thereby be satisfied, which before were offended; and that he hath recompensed the Parties, to whom he hath done Wrong; or at least declare himself to be in full Purpose so to do, as soon as he conveniently may.

¶ The same Order shall the Curate use with those, betwixt whom he perceiveth Malice and Hatred to reign; not suffering them to be Partakers of the Lord’s Table, until he know them to be reconciled. And if one of the Parties so at Variance be content to forgive, from the Bottom of his Heart, all that the other hath trespassed against him, and to make Amends for that he himself hath offended; and the other Party will not be persuaded to a godly Unity, but remain still in his Frowardness and Malice; the Minister in that Case ought to admit the penitent Person to the Holy Communion, and not him that is obstinate. Provided, that every Minister so repelling any, as is specified in this or the next precedent Paragraph of this Rubrick, shall be obliged to give an Account of the same to the Ordinary, within Fourteen Days after at the farthest. And the Ordinary shall proceed against the offending Person according to the Canon.

¶ The Table at the Communion-time, having a fair white Linen Cloth upon it, shall stand in the Body of the Church, or in the Chancel, where Morning and Evening Prayer are appointed to be said. And the Priest, standing at the North Side of the Table, shall say the Lord’s Prayer, the People kneeling.

OUR Father, which are 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.

¶ Then the Curate shall declare unto the People what Holydays 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 Divine Service, but by the Minister; nor by him any Thing, but what is prescribed in the Rules of this Book, or enjoined by the King, or by the Ordinary of the Place.

¶ Then shall follow the Sermon, or one of the Homilies already set forth, or hereafter to be set forth by Authority.

¶ Then shall the Priest return to the Lord’s Table, and begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient in his Discretion.

LET your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. S. Matth. v. 16.
    Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them. S. Mat. vii. 12.
    He that soweth little, shall reap little: Let every man do as he is disposed in his heart; God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
    Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath: for we brought nothing into the world, neither may we carry any thing out. I Tim. vi. 6, 7.
    To do good, forget not; with such sacrifices God is well-pleased. Hebr. xiii. 16.
    Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any poor man. Tob. iv. 7.
    Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy. Psal. xli. 1.

¶ Whilst these Sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Church-wardens, or other fit Person appointed for that Purpose, shall receive the Alms for the Poor, and other Devotions of the People, in a decent Bason, to be provided by the Parish for that Purpose; and reverently bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present, and place it upon the holy Table.

¶ And when there is a Communion, the Priest shall then place upon the Table so much Bread and Wine as he shall think sufficient. After which done, the Priest shall say to them that come to receive the Holy Communion,

YE that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours; Draw near, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God.

¶ Then shall this general Confession be made in the Name of all those that are minded to receive the Holy Communion, by one of the Ministers, both he and all the People kneeling humbly upon their Knees, and saying,

ALmighty God, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we have committed, By thought, word, and deed. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; And grant that we may ever hereafter serve thee in newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest (or the Bishop, being present) stand up, and turning himself to the People, pronounce this Absolution:

ALmighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness to all them that with hearty repentance turn unto him; Have mercy upon you, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest turn to the Lord’s Table, and say,

IT is very meet and right that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
    Therefore we laud and magnify thy glorious Name, evermore praising thee, and saying, Heaven and Earth are full of thy Glory, O Lord, most High. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Minister first receive the Communion in both kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, in like Manner (if any be present) and after that, to the People also in order, into their Hands, all meekly kneeling. And when he delivereth the Bread to any one, he shall say,

TAKE and eat this, in remembrance that Christ died, and feed on him in thy heart with thanksgiving.

¶ And the Minister that delivereth the Cup to any one, shall say,

DRINK this, in remembrance that Christ’s Blood was shed, and be thankful.

¶ Then shall the Priest say the Lord’s Prayer, the People repeating after him every Petition.

OUR Father, which are in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done in Earth, As it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Collect.

GRant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of thy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then the Priest (or Bishop, if he be present) shall let them depart with this Blessing:

THE peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God Almight be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

¶ Note, That every Parishioner shall communicate at the least three Times in the Year, of which Easter to be one. And yearly at Easter every Parishioner shall reckon with the Parson, Vicar, or Curate, or his or their Deputy or Deputies, and pay to them or him all Ecclesiastical Duties accustomably due then, and at that Time to be paid.

¶ After the Divine Service ended, the Money given at the Offertory shall be disposed of to such pious and charitable Uses as the Minister and Churchwardens shall think fit; wherein if they disagree, it shall be disposed of as the Ordinary shall appoint.
 

THE
FORM of SOLEMNIZATION
OF
MATRIMONY

¶ First, the Banns of all that are to be married together must be published in the Church Three several Sundays or Holydays, in the Time of Divine Service, immediately before the Sentences for the Offertory; the Curate saying after the accustomed Manner:

I Publish the Banns of Marriage between N. of —— and N. of ——. If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it: This is the first [second, or third] time of asking.

¶ And if the Persons that are to be married dwell in divers Parishes, the Banns must be asked in both Parishes; and the Curate of the one Parish shall not solemnize Matrimony betwixt them, without a Certificate of the Banns being Thrice asked, from the Curate of the other Parish.

¶ At the Day and Time appointed for Solemnization of Matrimony, the Persons to be married shall come into the Body of the Church with their Friends and Neighbours; and there standing together, the Man on the Right Hand, and the Woman on the Left, the Priest shall say,

DEarly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and this Congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable Estate, and which Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and therefore is not by any to be taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, but discreetly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained:
    First, For the procreation of children:
    Secondly, For a remedy against sin:
    Thirdly, For the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.
    Therefore, if any can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

¶ And also speaking unto the Persons that shall be married, he shall say,

I Require and charge you both, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it.

¶ At which Day of Marriage, if any Man do allege and declare any Impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony by God’s Law, or the Laws of this Realm; and will be bound, and sufficient Sureties with him, to the Parties, or else put in a Caution, (to the full Value of such Charges as the Persons to be married to thereby sustain) to prove his Allegation; then the Solemnization must be deferred, until such Time as the Truth be tried.

¶ If no Impediment be alledged, then shall the Curate say unto the Man,

N. WILT thou have this Woman to they wedded Wife, to live together in the holy Estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

¶ The Man shall answer,

I will.

¶ Then shall the Priest say unto the Woman,

N. WILT thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together in the holy Estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, serve him, love, honour, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

¶ The Woman shall answer,

I will.

¶ Then shall the Minister say,

    Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?

¶ The Minister receiving the Woman at her Father’s or Friend’s Hands, shall cause the Man with his Right Hand to take the Woman by her Right Hand, and the Man shall give unto the Woman a Ring, laying the same upon the Book, with the accustomed Duty to the Priest and Clerk. And the Priest taking the Ring, shall deliver it unto the Man, to put it on the Fourth Finger of the Woman’s Left Hand. And the Man holding the Ring there, and taught by the Priest, shall say,

WITH this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, with my worldly goods I thee endow. Amen.

¶ Then the Man leaving the Ring upon the Fourth Finger of the Woman’s Left Hand, they shall both kneel down, and the Minister shall say,

Let us pray.

O Eternal God, Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessings upon this Man and this Woman; that they may keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof this Ring given and received is a pledge); and ever remain in perfect love and peace together. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Minister speak unto the People:

FOrasmuch as N. and N. have consented together in holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife. Amen.

¶ After which, if there be no sermon declaring the Duties of Man and Wife, the Minister shall read as followeth:

ALL ye that are married, or intend to take the holy Estate of Matrimony upon you, hear what the holy Scripture doth say, as touching the duty of Husbands towards their Wives, and Wives towards their Husbands:
    Saint Peter, who was a married man, saith, Ye Husbands, dwell with your Wives according to knowledge; giving honour unto the Wife, as unto the weaker vessel.
    Now likewise, ye Wives, hear and learn your duties towards your Husbands, as set forth in Scripture.
    Saint Paul teacheth you thus: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own Husbands, as unto the Lord. For the Husband is the head of the Wife. Let the Wife see that she reverence her Husband. Wives, submit yourselves unto your Husbands, as it is fit.
    Saint Peter also doth instruct you thus: Ye Wives, be in subjection to your Husbands; that they may be won by the conversation of the Wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting in the hair, and wearing of gold on apparel; but let it be that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.

¶ It is convenient, that the new-married Persons should receive the holy Communion at the Time of their Marriage, or at the first Opportunity after their Marriage.
 

THE
Ministration of Publick Baptism of Infants,
To be used in the Church.

¶ THE People are to be admonished, that it is most convenient that Baptism should not be administered but upon Sundays, and other Holydays, when the most Number of People come together; as well for that the Congregation there present may testify the receiving of them that be newly baptized into the Number of Christ’s Church; as also because in the Baptism of Infants, every Man present may be put in Remembrance of his own Profession made to God in his Baptism. For which Cause also it is expedient that Baptism be ministered in the vulgar Tongue. Nevertheless, (if Necessity so require) Children may be baptized upon any other day.

¶ And note, That there shall be for every Male Child to be baptized, two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for every Female, one Godfather and two Godmothers.

¶ When there are Children to be baptized, the Parents shall give Knowledge thereof over Night, or in the Morning before the Beginning of Morning Prayer, to the Curate. And then the Godfathers and Godmothers, and the People with Children, must be ready at the Font, either immediately after the last Lesson at Morning Prayer, or else immediately after the last lesson at Evening prayer, as the Curate by his Discretion shall appoint. And the Priest coming to the Font (which is then to be filled with pure Water), and standing there, shall say,

HATH this Child been already baptized, or no?

¶ If they answer, No; then shall the Priest proceed as followeth:

DEarly beloved, I beseech you to call upon God the Father, that of his bounteous mercy he will grant to this Child, that he may be baptized with Water, and received into Christ’s holy Church, and made a member of the same.

¶ Then shall the Priest say,

Let us pray.

ALmighty and everlasting God, we beseech thee, for thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt mercifully look upon this Child; and sanctify him, that he may be received into Christ’s Church; and being stedfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally he may come to everlasting life. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest speak unto the Godfathers and Godmothers on this wise:

DEearly beloved, ye have brought this Child to be baptized: Wherefore, this Infant must faithfully promise by you his Sureties, that he will constantly believe God’s holy Word, and keep his Commandments.

I demand therefore,

DOST thou in the Name of this Child renounce the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh; so that thou wilt not be led by them?
    Answ. I renounce them all.

Minister.

DOST thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth?
    And in Jesus Christ, his Son our Lord?
    Dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the Remissions of Sins; and everlasting Life after dead?
    Answ. This I stedfastly believe.

Minister.

WILT thou be baptized in this Faith?
  Answ. That is my desire.
    Minister. Wilt thou then obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments?
    Answ. I will.

¶ Then the Priest shall take the Child into his Hands, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers,

Name this Child.

¶ And then naming it after them, he shall say,

N. I baptize thee, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ Then the Priest shall say.

WE receive this Child into the Congregation of Christ’s flock, to continue Christ’s faithful servant unto his life’s end. Amen.

¶ Then shall be said, all kneeling,

OUR Father, which are 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.

¶ Then all standing up, the Priest shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers this Exhortation following:

FOrasmuch as this Child hath promised by you his Sureties, to believe in God, and serve him; yet must remember, that it is your parts and duties to see that this Infant be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life; And ye are to take care that this Child be confirmed, so soon as he can say the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments.

THE same Form may serve for private Baptism of Infants. And the same for Persons of riper Years, to the End of the Lord’s Prayer; omitting what follows it, and saying Person instead of Child or Infant, in the Parts preceding.
 

A CATECHISM;
That is to say, An Introduction to be learned of every Person,
before he be brought to be confirmed by the Bishop.

Question.

WHAT is thy duty towards God?
  Answ. My duty towards God, is to believe in him, to fear him, and to love him, with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength; to worship him, to give him thanks, to put my whole trust in him, to call upon him, to honour his holy Name, and his Word, and to serve him truly all the days of my life.
    Quest. What is thy duty towards thy Neighbor?
    Answ. My duty towards my Neighbour, is to love him as myself, and to do all men, as I would they should do unto me. To love, honour, and succour my father and mother. To honour and obey the King, and all that are put in authority under him. To submit myself to all my governors, teachers, spiritual pastors and masters. To order myself lowly and reverently to all my betters. To hurt no body by word nor deed. To be true and just in all my dealings. To bear no malice nor hatred in my heart. To keep my hands from picking and stealing, and my tongue from evil-speaking, lying, and slandering. To keep my body in temperance, soberness, and charity. Not to covet nor desire other men’s goods; but to learn, and labour truly to get mine own living, and to do my duty in that state of life, unto which it shall please God to call me.
    Catechist. My good child, know this, that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the Commandments of God, and to serve him, without his special Grace, which thou must learn at all times to call for by diligent Prayer. Let me hear therefore if thou canst say the Lord’s Prayer.

Answer.

OUR Father, which are 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.
    Quest. What desirest thou of God in this Prayer?
    Answ. I desire my Lord God, our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all goodness, to send his grace unto me, and to all people; that we may worship him, serve him, and obey him, as we ought to do. And I pray unto God, that he will send us all things that be needful both for our souls and bodies; and that he will be merciful unto us, and forgive us our sins; and that it will please him to save and defend us in all dangers ghostly and bodily; and that he will keep us from all sin and wickedness, and from our ghostly enemy, and from everlasting death. And this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness, through our Lord Jesus Christ; and therefore I say, Amen. So be it.

¶ The Curate of every Parish shall diligently upon Sundays and Holydays, after the Second Lesson at Evening Prayer, openly in the Church instruct and examine so many Children of his Parish sent unto him, as he shall think convenient, in this Catechism.

¶ And all Fathers, Mothers, Masters, and Dames, shall cause their Children, Servants, and Apprentices, (which have not learned their Catechism) to come to the Church at the Time appointed, and obediently to hear, and be ordered by the Curate, until such Time as they have learned all that is here appointed for them to learn.
 

THE
ORDER of CONFIRMATION,
Or Laying on of Hands upon those that are baptized,
and come to Years of Discretion.

¶ Upon the Day appointed, all that are to be then confirmed being placed, and standing in order before the Bishop; he (or some other Minister appointed by him) shall say,

DO ye here in the presence of God, and of this Congregation, renew the solemn promise and vow that was made in your name at your Baptism?

¶ And every one shall audibly answer,

I do.

Bishop.

OUR help is in the Name of the Lord;
  Answ. Who hath made heaven and earth.
    Bishop. Blessed be the Name of the Lord,
    Answ. Henceforth without end.
    Bishop. Lord, hear our prayers;
    Answ. And let our cry come unto thee.

¶ Then all of them in order kneeling before the Bishop, he shall lay his Hand upon the Head of every one severally, saying,

DEfend, O Lord, this thy Servant with thy heavenly grace; that he may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit, until he come unto thy everlasting Kingdom. Amen.

¶ And all kneeling down, the Bishop shall add,

Let us pray.

OUR Father, which are in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done in Earth, As it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.
 

The ORDER for the
VISITATION of the SICK.

¶ When any Person is sick, Notice shall be given thereof to the Minister of the Parish; who coming into the sick Person’s House, shall say,

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

¶ When he cometh into the sick Man’s Presence, he shall say, kneeling down,

Let us pray.

    Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, which are 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.

Minister. O Lord, save thy servant;
Answ. Which putteth his trust in thee.
Minister. Send him help from thy holy place;
Answ. And evermore mightily defend him.
Minister. Let the enemy have no advantage of him;
Answ. Nor the wicked approach to hurt him.
Minister. Be unto him, O Lord, a strong tower.
Answ. From the face of his enemy.
Minister. O Lord, hear our prayer;
Answ. And let our cry come unto thee.

Minister.

O Lord, look down from heaven, behold, visit, and relieve this thy servant. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy; give him comfort and sure confidence in thee; defend him from the danger of the enemy; and keep him in perpetual peace and safety, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HEAR us, Almighty and most merciful God and Saviour: extend thy accustomed goodness to this thy servant, who is grieved with sickness. Sanctify, 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 painful life ended, he may dwell with thee in life everlasting. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Minister exhort the sick Person after this Form, or other like. 

DEarly beloved, know this, that Almighty God is the Lord of life and death, and of all things to them pertaining; as youth, strength, health, age, weakness, and sickness. Wherefore, whatsoever your sickness is, know you certainly that it is God’s 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 honorable, to the increase of glory, and endless felicity; or else it be net unto you to correct and amend in you whatsoever doth offend the eyes of your heavenly Father; know you certainly, that if you truly repent you of your sins, and bear your sickness patiently, trusting in God’s mercy; and render unto him humble thanks for his Fatherly visitation, submitting yourself wholly unto his will, it shall turn 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 else proceed,

TAKE therefore in good part the chastisement of the Lord: For (as St. Paul saith) 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 verily for a few days 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 Father’s correction, whensoever by any manner of adversity it shall please his gracious goodness to visit us. And there should be no greater comfort to Christian persons, than to be made like unto Christ, by suffering patiently adversities, troubles, and sicknesses. 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 give given unto the righteous Judge, by whom all must be judged without respect of persons; I require you to examine yourself and your estate, both toward God and man; so that accusing and condemning yourself for your own faults, you may find mercy at our heavenly Father’s hand, and not be accused and condemned in that fearful judgement.

¶ 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 hath offended any other, to ask them Forgiveness; and where he hath done Injury or Wrong to any Man, that he make Amends to the uttermost of his Power. And if he hath not before disposed of his Goods, let him then be admonished to make his Will; and to declare his Debts, what he oweth, and what is owing unto him, for the better discharging of his Conscience, and the Quietness of his Executors. But men should often be put in Remembrance to take Order for the settling fo their Temporal Estates, whilst 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 omit earnestly to move such sick Persons as are of Ability, to be liberal to the Poor.

¶ And then the Priest shall say the Collect following:

Let us pray.

O Most merciful God, who, according to the multitude of thy mercies, dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent, that thou rememberest them no more; Open thine eye of mercy upon this thy servant, who most earnestly desireth pardon and forgiveness. Renew in him, most loving Father, whatsoever hath been decayed by the fraud and malice of the devil, or by his own carnal will and frailness; preserve and continue this sick member in the unity of the Church; consider his contribution, accept his tears, assuage his pain, 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. Amen.

¶ 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. Amen.

¶ And after that shall say,

UNTO God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit thee. The Lord make is 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 merciful Father, to whom along 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 soul, for thy mercies’ sake: That if it shall by thy pleasure to prolong his days 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. Amen.

¶ A Prayer for a sick Person, where there appeareth but 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 behalf of this thy servant, here lying 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 the inner man. Give him unfeigned repentance for all the errors of his life past, that his sins may be done away by thy mercy, 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 near; so fit 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. 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 faithful Creator, and most merciful Saviour; most humbly beseeching thee, that it may be precious in thy sight. Wash it, we pray thee, 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 done 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 uncertain our own condition is; and so to number our days, that we may serious apply our hearts to that holy and heavenly wisdom, whilst we live here, which may in the end bring us to life everlasting. Amen.

¶ A Prayer for Persons troubled in Mind, or Conscience.

O Blessed Lord, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comforts, we beseech thee, look down in pity and compassion upon this thy afflicted servant. Thou writest bitter things against him, and makest him to possess his former iniquities; they wrath lieth hard upon him, and his soul is full of trouble: But, O merciful 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 smoking 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 rejoice. Deliver him from fear of the enemy, and lift up the light of thy countenance upon him. Amen.
 

The COMMUNION of the SICK.

¶ FORASMUCH as all mortal Men be subject to many sudden Perils, Diseases, and Sicknesses; and ever uncertain what Time they shall depart out of this Life; therefore, to the Intent they may be always in a Readiness to die, whensoever it shall please Almighty God to call them, the Curates shall diligently, from Time to Time, (but especially in the Time of Pestilence, or other infectious Sickness) 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 administered in the Church; that so doing, they may, in case of sudden Visitation, have the less Cause to be 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 Man’s 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 Gospel, here following:

The Collect.

ALmighty and 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 gracious will); and whensoever his soul shall depart from the body, it may be without spot presented unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Hebr. xii. 5.

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. S. John. v. 24.

VErily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my Word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death into 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.]

¶ 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.
 

The ORDER for the
BURIAL 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 Priests and Clerks meeting the Corpse at the Entrance of the Churchyard, and going before it, either into the Church, or towards the Grave, shall say or sing,

I AM the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

WE brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord. I Tim. vi. 7. Job. i. 21.

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

PSAL. 39. Dixi, Custodiam.

BEhold, thou hast made my days as it were a span long: 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 himself 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.
    Hear my prayer, O Lord, and consider my calling.
    O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength: before I go hence, and be no more seen. Amen.

PSAL. 90. Domine, refugium.

BEfore ever the earth and the world were made: thou art God everlasting, and without end.
    For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday.
    We consume away in thy displeasure: and are afraid.
    The days of our age are but threescore years and ten; and though men be so strong, that they come to fourscore years: yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow;
    So teach us to number our days: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Amen.

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

O DEATH, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin. Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain.

¶ When they come to the Grave, while the Corpse is made ready to be laid into the Earth, the Priest shall say, or the Priest and Clerks shall sing,

MAN 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.
    Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us not into eternal death.
    Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts: suffer us not at our last hour, 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, to take unto him the soul of our dear brother here departed, we commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

¶ Then shall be said or sung,

BLessed are the dead which die in the Lord: even so, saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labours. Rev. xiv. 13.

Then the Priest shall say,

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, which are 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.

Priest.

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, 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 apparalled, 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 to give you safe deliverance, and preserve you in the danger of Childbirth; you shall therefore give thanks unto God, and say:

(¶. Then shall the Priest say the cxvith Psalm, Dilexi quoniam.)

I AM well pleased: that the Lord hath heard the voice of my prayer.
    I found trouble and heaviness, and I called upon the Name of the Lord:
    Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
    The Lord preserveth the simple: I was in misery, and he helped me.
    I will walk before the Lord: in the land of the living.
    I will pay my vows now in the presence of his people Amen.

¶ Or Psalm cxxvii. Nisi Dominus.

EXcept the Lord keep the city: the watchman waketh but in vain.
    Lo, children and the fruit of the womb: are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord. Amen.

Then the Priest shall say,

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, which are 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.

Minister. O Lord, save this woman thy servant,
Answer. Who putteth her trust in thee.
Minister. Lord, hear our prayer;
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

Minister. Let us pray.

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 Childbirth. Grant that she may faithfully live according to thy will, in this life present and 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 be a Communion, it is convenient that she receive the Holy Communion.
 

Certain PRAYERS to be used on the First Day of Lent, and at other Times, as the Ordinary shall appoint.

¶ After Morning Prayer, the Litany ended according to the accustomed Manner, the Priests and Clerks kneeling, (in the Place where they are accustomed to say the Litany) shall say this Psalm.

Miserere mei, Deus. Psal. li.

HAVE mercy upon me, O God: according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.
    For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me.
    Make me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.
    Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God: and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness.
    Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord: and my mouth shall shew thy praise.
    The sacrifice of God: is a broken and contrite heart. Amen.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR Father, which are 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.

Minister. O Lord, save thy servants,
Answ. That put their trust in thee.
Minist. Send unto them help;
Answ. And evermore mightily defend them.
Minister. O Lord, hear our prayer;
Answ. And let our cry come unto thee.

Minister. Let us pray.

O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully hear our prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee; that they by thy merciful pardon may be absolved. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then the Minister shall say,

THE Lord bless us, and keep us; the Lord give us peace now and for ever more. Amen.