| thee thine offences! And by his authority com- And then the Priest shall say the collect following. was 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. For He himself went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain: He entered not into his glory before he crucified. So, truly, our way to eternal joy, is to O MOST merciful God, who, according to the suffer here with Christ; and our door to enter multitude of thy mercies, dost so put away the into eternal life, is gladly to die with Christ, that sins of those who truly repent, that thou rememwe may rise again from death, and dwell with berest them no more; open thine eye of mercy him in everlasting life. Now therefore, taking upon this thy servant, who most carnestly deyour sickness, which is thus profitable for you, sireth pardon and forgiveness. Renew in him, patiently; I exhort you, in the name of God, to most loving Father, whatsoever hath been de remember the profession which you made unto cayed the fraud and malice of the devil, or by God in your baptism. And forasmuch as, after his own carnal will and frailness; preserve and this life, there is an account to be given unto the continue this sick member in the unity of the righteous Judge, by whom all must be judged with church; consider his contrition, accept his tears, out respect of persons; I require you to examine assuage his pain, as shall seem to thee most exyourself and your estate, both towards God and pedient for him. And, forasmuch as he putteth man; so that, accusing and condemning your-his full trust only in thy mercy, impute not unto self, and your own faults, you may find mercy at him his former sins, but strengthen him with your Heavenly Father's hand for Christ's sake, thy blessed Spirit; and when thou art pleased to and not be accused and condemned in that fearful take him hence, take him unto thy favour, through judgment. Therefore I shall rehearse to you the the merits of thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Articles of our Faith, that you may know whether Christ our Lord. Amen. you believe as a Christian man should, or no. Here the Minister shall rehearse the Articles of the Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our Lord; and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; that he suf fered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from thence shall come again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead? And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic church; the communion of saints; the remission of sins; the resurrection of the flesh; and everlasting life after death? The sick person shall answer, All this I steadfastly believe. 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 atmost 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 discharge of his conscience, and the quietness of his executors. But men should often be put in remembrance to take order for settling of their temporal estates, whilst they are in health. These words, before rehearsed, may be said before the Minister begins 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. Here shall the sick Person be moved to make a special confession of his sins, if he feel his conscience troubled with any weighty matter. After which confes sion, the Priest shall absolve him (if he humbly and heartily desire it) after this sort : Then shall the Minister say this Psalm. In te, Domine, speravi.-Psalm lxxi. IN thee, O Lord, have I put my trust; let me never be put to confusion: but rid me, and deliver me in thy righteousness; incline thine ear unto me, and save me. Be thou a strong hold, whereunto I may alway resort: thou hast promised to help me, for thou art my house of defence, and my castle. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the ungodly; out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou, O Lord, art the thing that I long for; thou art my hope, even from my youth. Through thee have I been holden up ever since I was born; thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb; my praise shall always be of thee.. I am become as it were a monster to many; but my sure trust is in thee. O let my mouth be filled with thy praise; that I may sing of thy glory and honour all the day long. Cast me not away in the time of age: forsake me not when my strength faileth me. For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul, take their counsel together; saying, God hath forsaken him; persecute him, and take him, for there is none to deliver him. Go not far from me, O God; my God, haste thee to help me. Let them be confounded and perish, that are and dishonour, that seek to do me evil. against my soul: let them be covered with shame As for me, I will patiently abide always; and will praise thee more and more. My mouth shall daily speak of thy righteousness and salvation; for I know no end thereof. I will go forth in the strength of the Lord God; and will make mention of thy righteousness only. Oun Lord Jesus Christ, who hath left power Thou, O God, hast taught me from my youth to his church to absolve all sinners, who truly re-up until now: therefore will I tell of thy wondrous pent and believe in him, of his great mercy forgive works. The Epistle, Heb. 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, St. John v. 24. hath VERILY, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. After which, the Priest shall proceed according to the form prescribed for the Holy Communion, beginning at these words: [Ye that do truly.] At the time of the distribution of the Holy Sacrament, the Priest shall first receive the Communion himself, and afterward minister unto them that are appointed to communicate with the sick, and last of all to the sick person. But if a man, either by reason of extremity of sick. ness, or for want of warning in due time to the Curate, or for lack of company to receive with him, or by any other just impediment, do not receive the Sacrament of Christ's body and blood, the Curate shall instruct him, that if he do truly repent him of his sins, and steadfastly believe Jesus Christ hath suffered death upon the cross for him, and shed his blood for his redemption, earnest ly remembering the benefits he hath thereby, and giving him hearty thanks therefor, he doth eat and drink the body and blood of our Saviour Christ profitably to his soul's health, although he do not receive the sacrament with his mouth. Holy Communion all at one time, then the Priest, for more expedition, shall cut off the form of the visitation, In the time of the plague, sweat, or other such-like contagious times of sickness or diseases, when none of the parish or neighbours can be gotten to communicate with the sick in their houses, for of the infection; upon special request of the deceased, the Minister only may communicate with him. THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK. DEARLY beloved in the Lord, ye that mind to come to the Holy Communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how FOR ASMUCH 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 readiness to die whensoever it shall please Almighty God to call them, the Curates shall diligently, from time to time (bit es-St. Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and pecially in time of pestilence, or other infectious sick- examine themselves, before they presume to eat ness,) exhort their parishioners to the often receiving the Holy Communion of the body and blood of our Sa- of that bread, and drink of that cup. For as the viour Christ, when it shall be publicly administered in benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and the church; that, so doing, they may, in case of sudden lively faith we receive that Holy Sacrament, (for visitation, have the less cause to be disquieted for lack then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and of the same. But if the sick person be not able to come to the church, and yet is desirous to receive the Com- drink his blood; then we dwell in Christ, and munion in his house; then he must give timely notice Christ in us; we are one with Christ, and Christ to the Curate, signifying also how many there are to with us;) so is the danger great, if we receive the communicate with him (which shall be three, or two at same unworthily; for then we are guilty of the the least,) and having a convenient place in the sick man's house, with all things necessary, so prepared, that body and blood of Christ our Saviour; we eat the Curate may reverently minister, he shall there cele- and drink our own damnation, not considering brate the Holy Communion, beginning with the Collect, the Lord's body; we kindle God's wrath against Epistle, and Gospel here following. us; we provoke him to plague us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds of death. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord; repent ye truly for your sins past; have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men; so shall ye be meet partakers of these holy mysteries. And above all things, ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man, who did humble himself even to the death upon the The Collect. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, maker of mankind, who dost correct those whom thou dost love, and chastisest 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 whenever his soul shall depart from the body, it may be without spot presented unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. At the time of the celebration of the Communion, the communicants being conveniently placed for receiving of the Holy Sacrament, the Priest shall say this exhortation: cross, for us miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death, that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should always remember the exceeding great love of our Master and only Saviour Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained to us, he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To Him, therefore, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, let us give (as we are most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen. Then shall the Priest 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, 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 mighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees. 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, 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 to 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 we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Priest (or the Bishop being present) stand up, and, turning himself to the people, nounce this absolution: THEREFORE with angels and archangels, and with the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts! Al-heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen. Then shall the Priest say, Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him: Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.-Matt. xi. 28. So God loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.— John iii. 16. Here shall follow the proper preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed; or else immediately shall follow, Proper Prefaces. On Christmas-day, and seven days after. BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born as at this time for us, who by the operation of the Holy Ghost was made very ther, and that without spot of sin, to make us clean man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mofrom all sin: therefore with angels, &c. On Easter-day, and seven days after. Bur 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 sins of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again, hath restored us to everlasting life: therefore, &c. On 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, pro-and in their sight ascended up into heaven to prepare a place for us; that where he is thither we night also ascend, and reign with him in glory: therefore, &c. ALMIGHTY God our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you Amen. On Whitsunday, and six days after. THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord, according to whose most true promise the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven, with a sudden to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth, giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness, with fervent zeal, constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations, whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ: therefore, &c. On the feast of Trinity only. 'Hear also what St. Paul saith: This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to nity Sunday. son, but three Persons in one substance. For that or said: 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. Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lord's table, say, in the name of all them that shall receive the Communion, this prayer following: When the Priest, standing before the table, hath so ordered the bread and wine, that he may with the more readiness and decency break the bread before the people, and take the cup into his hands, he shall say the prayer of Consecration, as followeth: 1 ing. And when he delivereth the bread to any one, he shall say: # have communicated, the Priest is to consecrate more, If the consecrated-bread or wine be all spent before all according to the form before prescribed: beginning at [Our Saviour Christ in the same night, &c.] for the bless. When all have communicated, the Minister shall re turn to the Lord's table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth. We do not presume to come to this thy table,ing of the bread, and [Likewise after supper, &c.] for the O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteous-blessing of the cup. ness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. Then shall the Priest say the Lord's Prayer, the people repeating after him every petition. THE body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto brance that Christ died for thee; and feed on him everlasting life! Take and eat this in rememAnd the Minister that delivereth the cup to any one, in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving. shall say: shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto THE blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was everlasting life! Drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. 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 kneel thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be OUR Father which art in heaven; Hallowed 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 evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. After this shall be said as followeth: ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of servants entirely desire thy fatherly goodness merO LORD and heavenly Father, we thy humble thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus cifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our re- thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to demption, who made there (by his one oblation of grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jehimself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the all thy whole church may obtain remission of our whole world, and did institute, and in his holy Gos-sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And pel command us, to continue a perpetual memory here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourof that his precious death, until his coming again; selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly be- holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly be seech thee, and grant that we, receiving these thy seeching thee, that all we who are partakers of this creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son holy communion, may be fulfilled with thy grace our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in re- and heavenly benediction. And although we be membrance of his death and passion, may be par- unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto takers of his most blessed body and blood; who, in thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept the same night that he was betrayed,* took bread, this our bounden duty and service; not weighing and when he had given thanks,f he brake it, and our merits, but pardoning our offences, through gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, my body, which is given for you: do this in re- in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and membrance of me. Likewise after supper,s he glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he without end. Amen. gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for 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 remem-tily brance of me. Amen. Or this: ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we most hearthank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who have duly received these holy mysteries, and blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; with the spiritual food of the most precious body and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodincorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which ness towards us; and that we are very members is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most hum Here the priest is to take the paten into his hands. † And here to break the bread. And here to lay his hands upon all the bread. And here to lay his hand upon every vessel (be it bly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist chalice or flagon) in which there is any wine to be consecrated. us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through Je- | of a sinner, but that he should rather turn from sus Christ our Lord; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. his sin, and be saved; mercifully forgive us our trespasses: relieve and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it appertaineth to forgive sins: Spare us, therefore, good Lord, spare us whom thou hast redeemed. Enter not into judgment with thy servants, who are vile earth, and miserable sinners; but so turn thine anger from us, who meekly acknowledge our vileness, and truly repent us of our faults, and so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Then shall be said or sung: GLORY be to God on high, 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. O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us: thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer: thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us: For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Then the Priest or Bishop (if he be present,) shall let them depart with this blessing: kind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all manconditions of men, that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health among all nations. More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholic church, that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all, who profess and call them THE peace of God, which passeth all under-selves Christians, may be led into the way of standing, keep your hearts and minds in the know- truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the ledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Fiour Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the nally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among those who are any ways afflicted in mind, body, you, and remain with you always. Amen. or estate; (especially him for whom our prayers are desired;) that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions, and this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. PROPER COLLECTS THAT MAY BE USED WITH ANY OF THE PRAYERS LET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and, that we may obtain our petitions, make us to ask such things as shall please thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. r In the midst of life we are in death: of whom may we seek for succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased? Yet, O Lord God, most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our heart; shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers; but spare us, Lord most holy, God most mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge Eternal, suffer us not at the last hour, for any pains of death, to fall from thee. Amen. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve; pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. O GOD, merciful Father, that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful; mercifully assist our prayers that we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the devil or man worketh against us be brought to nought, and by the providence of thy goodness they may be dispersed; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, (or afflictions,) may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. WE beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities, and for the glory of thy name turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only mediator and advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who of thy tender love to mankind hast sent thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; mercifully grant, that we may both follow |