Chapter XI: Front Matter (11)
Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
| SAINT KENTIGERN, (_January_ 13.) | | SAINT PATRICK,(_March_ 17.) | | SAINT COLUMBA, (_June_ 9.) AND | | SAINT NINIAN (_September_ 16.) | | THE COLLECT. | | O God, who by the preaching of thy blessed servant Saint _N_. | didst cause the light of the Gospel to shine in this our land | [_or_ in these islands]; Grant, we beseech thee, that having his | life and labours in remembrance, we may shew forth our thankfulness | unto thee for the same by following the example of his zeal and | patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_. | | THE EPISTLE. 1 Thess. ii. 2. | | We were bold in, our God to speak unto you the gospel of God | with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor | of uncleanness, nor in guile; but as we were allowed of God to | be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as | pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither | at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke | of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, | neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been | burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among | you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being | affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted | unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, | because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our | labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we | would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you | the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily | and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that | believe: as ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged | every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would | walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and | glory. | | THE GOSPEL. St Matth. xxviii. 16. | | Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain | where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they | worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake | unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in | earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them | in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy | Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have | commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end | of the world. Amen. | | SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND _November_ 16. | | THE COLLECT. | | O God, who didst call thy servant Queen Margaret to an earthly | throne that she might advance thy heavenly kingdom, and didst | endue her with zeal for thy Church and charity towards thy | people; Mercifully grant that we who commemorate her example | may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious | fellowship of thy Saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. | _Amen_. | | FOR THE EPISTLE. Proverbs xxxi. 10. | | Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above | rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, | so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good | and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and | flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the | merchants ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth | also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, | and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and | buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planeth a vineyard. | She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. | She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth | not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her | hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the | poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is | not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household | are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of | tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is | known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the | land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth | girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; | and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth | with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She | looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the | bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; | her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done | virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, | and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she | shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let | her own works praise her in the gates. | | THE GOSPEL. St Matth. xiii. 44. | | The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; | the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof | goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. | Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, | seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of | great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. | | AT THE DEDICATION FESTIVAL | | THE COLLECT. | | Almighty God, whom year by year we praise for the dedication | of this church, and who hast preserved us in safety to worship | therein; Hear, we beseech thee, the prayers of thy people, and | grant that whosoever in this place shall make his supplication | before thee, may by the granting of his petitions be filled | with joy to the glory of thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ | our Lord. _Amen_. | | THE EPISTLE. 1 St Peter ii. 1. | | Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, | and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire | the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so | be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as | unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, | and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual | house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, | acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained | in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief cornerstone, | elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be | confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: | but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders | disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a | stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which | stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they | were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal | priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should | shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of | darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were | not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not | obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. | | THE GOSPEL. St Matth. xxi. 12. | | Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that | sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the | money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and | said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the | house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the | blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed | them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful | things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and | saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, | and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith | unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes | and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? | | AT THE THANKSGIVING FOR HARVEST | | THE COLLECTS. | | _One or more of these Collects may be said_. | | O almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us the | fruits of the earth in their season, and hast crowned the year | with thy goodness: Give us grateful hearts, that we may unfeignedly | thank thee for all thy loving-kindness, and worthily magnify thy | holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_. | | Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful | people, that they who have freely received of thy bounty, may, | of thy bounty, freely give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. | _Amen_. | | O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast taught us that man doth not live | by bread alone: Feed us, we humbly beseech thee, with the true | Bread that cometh down from heaven, even thyself, O blessed | Saviour, who livest and reignest, with the Father and the Holy | Spirit, one God, world without end. _Amen_. | | FOR THE EPISTLE. Deut. xvi. 13. | | Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after | that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: and thou | shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, | and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the | stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within | thy gates. Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the | Lord thy God in the place which the Lord shall choose: because | the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in | all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice. | | THE GOSPEL. St Matth. vi. 28. | | Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, | neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon | in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, | if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and | to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe | you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, | What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal | shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles | seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of | all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and | his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto | you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow | shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto | the day is the evil thereof. | | SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY | | THE COLLECT. | | O heavenly Father who didst join together in marriage our first | parents, Adam and Eve: Sanctify and bless these thy servants; | and grant that those whom thou by matrimony dost make one, may | stedfastly keep the covenant betwixt them made, and ever remain | in perfect love and peace together; through Jesus Christ our | Lord. _Amen_. | | THE EPISTLE. Ephes. v. 25. | | Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, | and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it | with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it | to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or | any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. | So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that | loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his | own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord | the Church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and | of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and | mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall | be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning | Christ and the Church. Nevertheless let every one of you in | particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see | that she reverence her husband. | | THE GOSPEL. St Matth. xix. 4. | | Jesus answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he | | which made them at the beginning made them male and female, | and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, | and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one | flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What | therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. | | BURIAL OF THE DEAD | | THE COLLECT. | | O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is | the resurrection and the life; in whom whosoever believeth | shall live, though he die; and whosoever liveth, and believeth | in him, shall not die eternally; who also hath taught us (by | his holy Apostle Saint Paul) not to be sorry, as men without | hope, for them that sleep in him: We meekly beseech thee, O | Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of | righteousness; that, when we shall depart this life, we may | rest in him, as our hope is this our brother doth; and that, | at the general resurrection in the last day, we may be found | acceptable in thy sight, and receive that blessing, which thy | well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear | thee, saying, Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive | the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world: | Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father, through Jesus | Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. _Amen_. | | THE EPISTLE. 1 Thess. iv. 13. | | I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them | which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have | no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even | so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For | this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are | alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent | them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from | heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with | the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then | we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with | them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall | we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with | these words. | | THE GOSPEL. St John vi. 37. | | All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that | cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from | heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent | me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of | all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should | raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him | that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth | on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at | the last day. | | _Or_ St John xi. 21. | | Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my | brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever | thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto | her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I | know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last | day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: | he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he | live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never | die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I | believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should | come into the world.
THE SCOTTISH LITURGY
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
AND ADMINISTRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
COMMONLY CALLED THE SCOTTISH COMMUNION OFFICE
_The Holy Table, having at the Communion time a fair white linen cloth upon it, with other decent furniture meet for the high Mysteries there to be celebrated, shall stand at the uppermost part of the Chancel or Church. And the Presbyter, standing at the Holy Table, shall say the Lord's Prayer, with the collect following for due preparation, the people kneeling_.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.
_The Collect_.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
_Then shall the Presbyter, turning to the people, rehearse distinctly all the Ten Commandments: the people all the while kneeling, and asking God mercy for the transgression of every duty therein, according to the letter or to the spiritual import of each Commandment, and grace to keep the same for the time to come_.
God spake these words and said; I am the Lord thy God: Thou shalt have none other gods but me.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my commandments.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name in vain.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Thou shalt do no murder.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Thou shalt not steal.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
_Presbyter_. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is his.
_People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.
| _Or he may rehearse, instead of the Ten Commandments, the Summary | of the Law as followeth_: | | Our Lord Jesus Christ said: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is | one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, | and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy | strength: This is the first commandment. And the second is like, | namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: there is | none other commandment greater than these. | | On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. | | _People_. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write these thy laws in | our hearts, we beseech thee.
_Or else instead of the Ten Commandments or the Summary of the Law, may be sung or said on week-days, not being Great Festivals, as followeth_:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
_Christ, have mercy upon us_.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
_Then the Presbyter shall say_,
The Lord be with you.
_Answer_. And with thy spirit.
_Presbyter_. Let us pray.
_Then the Presbyter, turning to the Holy Table, shall say the Collect, or Collects; and then the Presbyter, or some other Presbyter or Deacon, shall read the Epistle, saying_, The Epistle [_or_, The portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle] is written in the------chapter of------beginning at the------verse. _And, the Epistle ended, he shall say_, Here endeth the Epistle. _Then shall the Presbyter, or some other Presbyter or Deacon, read the Gospel, saying_, The Holy Gospel is written in the------chapter of the Gospel according to------, beginning at the------verse; _and the people, all standing up, shall devoutly sing or say_,
Glory be to thee, O Lord.
_And, the Gospel ended, the people shall in like manner sing or say_,
Thanks be to thee, O Lord, for this thy glorious Gospel.
_Then shall be sung or said this Creed following, the people still reverently standing_.
I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible:
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, and Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. Amen.
_Then the Presbyter shall declare unto the people what Holy-days or Fasting-days are in the week to be observed. And also (if occasion be) notice shall be given of the Holy Communion; banns of Matrimony may be published; and, subject to the authority of the Bishop, other notices may be read_.
_If there be a Sermon it followeth here_.
_When the Presbyter giveth learning of the Holy Communion he may, at his discretion, use the first or the second of the Exhortations appended to this Liturgy_.
_The third Exhortation appended to this Liturgy may be used at the discretion of the Presbyter before the Offertory, the people standing_.
_Then the Presbyter, or Deacon, shall say_,
Let us present our offerings to the Lord with reverence and godly fear.
_Then the Presbyter shall begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient_.
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 not 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.
Ye shall not appear before the Lord empty. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. _Deut_. xvi. 16, 17.
I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness; I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord. _Ps_. xxvii. 7.
Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the most Highest. _Ps_. 1. 14.
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. _Ps_. xcvi. 8.
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the Name of the Lord; I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the sight of all his people. _Ps_. cxvi. 15, 16.
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 Matth_. 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 Matth_. vii. 21.
Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance: but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. _St Mark_ xii. 41, 42, 43, 44.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. _Acts_ xx. 35.
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 also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful 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.
As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men; especially unto them who are of the household of faith. _Gal_. vi. 10.
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 us 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 communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. _Heb_. xiii. 16.
_While the Presbyter distinctly pronounceth one or more of these sentences for the Offertory, the Deacon, or_ (_if no such be present_) _some other fit person, shall receive the devotions of the people there present, in a bason provided for that purpose. And when all have offered, he shall reverently bring the said bason, with the offerings therein, and deliver it to the Presbyter; who shall humbly present it before the Lord, and set it upon the Holy Table_.
_And the Presbyter shall then, offer up, and place the bread and wine prepared for the Sacrament upon the Lord's Table; and shall say_,
Blessed be thou, O Lord God, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine: thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all: both riches and honour come of thee, and of thine own do we give unto thee. _Amen_.
_Then shall the Presbyter say_,
The Lord be with you.
_Answer_. And with thy spirit.
_Presbyter_. Lift up your hearts.
_Answer_. We lift them up unto the Lord.
_Presbyter_. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
_Answer_. It is meet and right so to do.
_Presbyter_.
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, * [holy Father,] Almighty, everlasting God.
[Margin Note:] * _These words_ [holy Father] _must be omitted on Trinity Sunday_
_Here shall follow the proper preface, according to the time, if there be 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,
_Presbyter and People_.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen.
PROPER PREFACES.
_Upon_ CHRISTMAS-DAY, _and seven days after_.
Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born * [as on this day] for us, who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man, of the substance of the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels, &c.
[Margin Note:] *_During the seven days after Christmas say_, as at this time.
_Upon_ EASTER-DAY, _and seven days after_.
But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: For he is the very Paschal Lamb which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again, hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, &c.
_Upon_ ASCENSION-DAY, _and seven days after_.
Through thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who, after his most glorious Resurrection, manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither might we also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels, &c.
_Upon_ PENTECOST _or_ WHITSUNDAY, _and six days after_.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down * [as on this day] 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 tongues, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, &c.
[Margin Note:] * _During the six days after Whitsunday say_, as at this time.
_Upon the Feast of_ TRINITY _only_.
Who art one God, one Lord; not one only Person, but three Persons in one Substance. For that which we believe of the glory of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with Angels, &c.
| _The following may be used at the discretion of the Minister_. | | ADDITIONAL PROPER PREFACES. | | _Upon_ THE EPIPHANY, _and seven days after_. | | Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, in substance of our mortal | flesh, manifested forth his glory, that he might bring us out of | darkness into his own marvellous light. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | _Upon_ THE PURIFICATION. | | Because thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, born of a woman, | born under the Law, was, as on this day, presented in the Temple, | and revealed to thy servants as a light to lighten the Gentiles | and the glory of thy people Israel. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | _Upon_ THE ANNUNCIATION. | | Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born | for us, who by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man, | of the substance of the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and that | without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with | Angels, &c. | | _Upon_ FEASTS OF APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS, _except when the_ | _proper preface for any of the Great Festivals is appointed to_ | _be said_. | | Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who did vouchsafe to choose thy | servant, Saint _N_. [_or_ thy servants Saint _N_. and Saint _N_.], | to be of the company of the Apostles [_or_ to be an Evangelist], | by whose ministry thine elect might be gathered in from every | nation, and thy Church instructed in the way that leadeth unto | everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | _Upon_ ALL SAINTS DAY. | | Who in the multitude of thy Saints hast compassed us about with | so great a cloud of witnesses, to the end that we, rejoicing in | their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set | before us, and together with them receive the crown of glory | that fadeth not away. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | _At the_ CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS, _and_ ORDINATION OF PRIESTS AND | DEACONS. | | Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the great Shepherd of the sheep, | who, for the feeding and guidance of his flock, did appoint divers | orders of ministers in his Church. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | _At the_ DEDICATION OF A CHURCH, _and_ ANNIVERSARY OF THE | DEDICATION. | | Who in temples made with hands buildest up for thyself a | spiritual temple made without hands. Therefore with Angels, &c.
_After which prefaces shall follow immediately this doxology_;
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen.
[Margin Note:] _Presbyter and People_.
_Then the Presbyter, standing at such a part of the Holy Table as he may with the most ease and decency use both his hands, shall say the prayer of consecration, as followeth_:
All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who, by his own oblation of himself once offered, made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world, and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue a perpetual memorial of that his precious death and sacrifice until his coming again. For, in the night that he was betrayed, (a) he 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, is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise after supper (d) he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this, for (e) this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this as oft as ye shall drink it in remembrance of me.
[Margin Notes:] a. _Here the Presbyter is to take the paten in his hands_:
b. _And here to break the bread_:
c. _And here to lay his hands upon all the bread_.
d. _Here he is to take the cup into his hand_:
e. _And here to lay his hand upon every vessel (be it chalice or flagon) in which there is any wine to be consecrated_.
Wherefore, O Lord, and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy * dearly beloved Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, we thy humble servants do celebrate and make here before thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion, and precious death, his mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same, and looking for his coming again with power and great glory.
[Margin Note:] * The Oblation.
And, humbly praying that it may be unto us according to his word, * we thine unworthy servants beseech thee, most merciful Father, to hear us, and to send thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine, that, being blessed and hallowed by his life-giving power, they may become the body and blood of thy most dearly beloved Son, to the end that all who shall receive the same may be sanctified both in body and soul, and preserved unto everlasting life.
[Margin Note:] * The Invocation.
And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion.
And here we humbly offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee, beseeching thee that all we who shall be partakers of this holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious body and blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him.
And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord: by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. _Amen_.
_Then shall the Presbyter or Deacon say_,
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church.
_The Presbyter_.
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 receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all they that do confess thy holy Name, may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governors, and especially thy servant _GEORGE_ our King, that under him we may be godly and quietly governed: and grant unto his whole council, and to all who are put in authority under him, that they may truly and impartially minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and living word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments: 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 to thy merciful goodness the congregation which is here assembled in thy Name, to celebrate the commemoration of the most precious death and sacrifice of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all those who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labours. And we yield unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks, for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of thy grace, and the lights of the world in their several generations: most humbly beseeching thee to give us grace to follow the example of their steadfastness in thy faith, and obedience to thy holy commandments, that at the day of the general resurrection, we, and all they who are of the mystical body of thy Son, may 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 shall the Presbyter say_,
As our Saviour Christ hath commanded and taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, which art in heaven, * Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.
[Margin Note:] * _Presbyter and People_.
_Then the Presbyter or Deacon shall say this invitation to them that come to receive the Holy Communion_,
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees.
_Then shall this general confession be made by the people, along with the Presbyter; he first kneeling down_.
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 Presbyter, or the Bishop, if he be present, stand up, and, turning himself to the people, pronounce the Absolution as followeth_:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who, of his great mercy, hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them who 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 Presbyter also say_,
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him.
Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. _St Matth_. xi. 28.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. _St John_ iii. 16.
Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 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 shall the Presbyter, turning him to the Altar, kneel down, and say, in the name of all them that shall communicate, this collect of humble access to the Holy Communion, as followeth_:
We do not presume to come to this thy holy 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 most sacred 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 he that celebrateth first receive the Communion in both kinds himself, and next deliver the same to the Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons_ (_if there be any present_), _and after to the people in due order, into their hands, all humbly kneeling. And when he receiveth himself or delivereth the Sacrament of the body of Christ to any other, 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 Presbyter that receiveth the Cup himself, as likewise the Presbyter or Deacon that delivereth it to any other, 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.
_If the consecrated bread or wine be all spent before all have communicated, the Presbyter is to consecrate more in both kinds, according to the form before prescribed, beginning at the words_, All glory be to thee, &c., _and ending with the words_, preserved unto everlasting life. _And the people shall say_, Amen.
_When all have communicated, he that celebrateth shall go to the Lord's Table, and cover with a fair linen cloth that which remaineth of the consecrated elements_.
_Then the Presbyter or Deacon, turning to the people, shall say_,
Having now received the precious body and blood of Christ, let us give thanks to our Lord God, who hath graciously vouchsafed to admit us to the participation of his holy mysteries; and let us beg of him grace to perform our vows, and to persevere in our good resolutions; and that being made holy, we may obtain everlasting life, through the merits of the all-sufficient sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
_This exhortation may be omitted except on Sundays and the Great Festivals_.
_Then the Presbyter shall say this collect of thanksgiving as followeth_:
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us, and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people, and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of his most precious death and passion. We now most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy Holy Spirit, that we may continue in that holy communion and fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through Jesus Christ our Lord: to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. _Amen_.
_Then shall be said or sung_ Gloria in excelsis _as followeth_:
Glory be to God in the highest, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; and to thee, O God, the only begotten Son Jesu Christ; and to thee, O God, the Holy Ghost.
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The Book of Common PrayerChapter XI: Front Matter (11)
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