1789 Book of Common Prayer: Holy Communion · 1789 Book of Common Prayer: Front Matter & Lectionary

The Book of Common Prayer

	1789 U. S. Book of Common Prayer

THE	*
ORDER FOR THE	"north side" until 1833
ADMINISTRATION
OF THE LORD’S SUPPER,
OR
HOLY
COMMUNION.
¶
If among those who come to be partakers of the Holy Communion, the Minister
shall know any to be an open and notorious evil liver, or to have done
any wrong to his neighbours by word or deed, so that the Congregation
be hereby offended; he shall advertise him, that he presume not to come
to the Lord’s Table, until he have openly declared himself to have
truly repented and amended his former evil life, that the Congregation
may thereby be satisfied; 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 Minister use with those, betwixt whom be 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 wherein he himself hath offended; and the other party
will not be persuaded to a godly unity, but remain still in his forwardness
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 herein specified, shall be obliged to
give an account of the same to the Ordinary, as soon as conveniently may
be.
¶ 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. And the
Minister, standing at the right side* of the Table, or where Morning and
Evening Prayer are appointed to be said, shall say the Lord’s Prayer
and the Collect following, the People kneeling; but the Lord’s Prayer
may be omitted, if Morning Prayer hath been said immediately before.
	This
OUR	rubric was inserted here in 1883 and was replaced in 1889 with the corresponding
Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy	rubric in the 1892 Communion Service.
will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The
Collect.
ALMIGHTY
God, unto whom all hearts are 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 Minister, turning to the People, rehearse distinctly the
TEN COMMANDMENTS,
and the People, still kneeling, shall, after every Commandment, ask
God mercy for their transgressions for the time past, and grace to keep
the law for the time to come as followeth.
¶
When one or more celebration of the Holy Communion is had in a church
in the same day, the saying of the Decalogue may be omitted at the earlier
Service, provided, the whole Office be used on that day. Note, That whenever
the Decalogue is omitted, the Summary of the Law shall be used, beginning,
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith.
Minister.
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.
Minister. 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 show 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.
Minister. 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 to
keep this law
Minister. 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.
Minister. 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.
Minister. Thou shalt do no murder.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our
hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our
hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt not steal.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our
hearts to keep this law.
Minister. Thou shalt not bear false witness against
thy neighbour.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our
hearts to keep this law.
Minister. 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 any thing that is his.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these
thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.
¶
Then the Minister may say,
Hear also what our Lord Jesus Christ saith.
THOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first
and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and
the Prophets.
Let
us pray.
O
ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct,
sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws,
and in the works of thy commandments that through thy most mighty protection,
both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
¶
Then shall be said the Collect of the day. And immediately after the Collect
the Minister shall read the Epistle, saying, The	*
Epistle [or, The portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle]	"be" until 1833; but in some later printings also.
is written in the -- Chapter of -- beginning at the -- Verse. And the
Epistle ended, he shall say, Here endeth the Epistle. Then shall
he* read the Gospel (the People all standing up) saying The Holy Gospel
is written in the -- Chapter of --, beginning at the -- Verse.
¶
Here the People shall say,
Glory be to thee, O Lord.
¶
Then shall be read the Apostles’, or Nicene Creed; unless one of
them hath been read immediately before in the Morning Service.
¶
Then the Minister shall declare into the People what Holy-days, or Fastingdays,
are in the week following to be observed and (if occasion be) shall Notice
be given of the Communion, and of the Banns of Matrimony, and other matters
to be published.
¶
Then shall follow the sermon. After which the Minister, when there is
a Communion, shall return to the Lord’s Table, and begin the Offertory,
saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient.
LET
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. v. 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
corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal. St. Matt.
vi. 19, 20.
Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do
to them: for this is the Law and the Prophets. St. Matt. vii. 12.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which
is in heaven. St. Matt. vii. 21.
Zaccheus stood forth, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord,
the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have done any wrong
to any man, I restore fourfold. St. Luke xix. 8.
Who goeth a warfare at any time of his own cost? 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
matter if we shall reap your worldly things? 1 Cor. ix. 11.
Do ye not know, that they who minister about holy things
live of the sacrifice; and they who wait at the altar are partakers with
the altar? Even so hath the Lord also ordained, that they who preach the
Gospel should live of the Gospel. 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14.
He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth
plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as he is
disposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth
a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
Let him that is taught in the Word minister unto him that
teacheth, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. Gal. vi. 6, 7
While we have time, let us do good unto all men; and especially
unto them that are of the household of faith. Gal. vi. 10.
Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that
he hath: for we brought nothing into this world, neither may we carry
any thing out. 1 Tim. vi. 6, 7.
Charge them who are rich in this world, that they be ready
to give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life.
1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19.
God is not unrighteous, that he will forget your works and
labour that proceedeth of love which love ye have showed for his Name’s
sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister. Heb.
vi 10.
To do good and to distribute forget not; for with such sacrifices
God is well pleased Heb. xiii. 16.
Whoso hath this world’s good and seeth his brother have
need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of
God in him? 1 St. John iii. 17.
Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any
poor man; and then the face of the Lord not be turned away from thee.
Tobit iv. 7.
Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously;
if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little: for
so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity. Tobit
iv. 8,9.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and
look, what he layeth out, it shall be paid him again. Prov. xix.
17.
Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy:
the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. Psalm xli. 1.
¶
Whilst these Sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Church-wardens, or
other fit persons appointed for that purpose shall receive the Alms for
the Poor, and other Devotions of the People, in a decent Basin 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 the Priest shall then place upon the Table so much Bread and Wine
as he shall think sufficient. After which done, he shall say,
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church militant.
ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy
holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to
give thanks for all men.; We humbly beseech thee most mercifully [*to
accept our alms and oblations, and] to receive these our prayers,
which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually
the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: And
grant that all those who 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,
so to direct and dispose the hearts of all Christian Rulers, that they
may truly and impartially administer 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 and other Ministers, that they
may, both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively Word,
and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments. And to all thy people
give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present;
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 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 departed this life in thy faith and
fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples,
that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this,
O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate.
Amen.
¶ When the Minister giveth warning for the Celebration of the Holy Communion
(which he shall always do upon the Sunday, or some Holy Day, immediately
preceding), he shall read this Exhortation following, or so much thereof
as, in his discretion, he may think convenient.
DEARLY
beloved. on ----- day next I purpose through God’s assistance, to
administer to all such as shall be religiously and devoutly disposed the
most comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; to be by them
received in remembrance of his meritorious Cross and Passion; whereby
alone we obtain remission of our sins, and are made partakers of the kingdom
of heaven. Wherefore it is our duty to render most humble and hearty thanks
to Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that he hath given his Son our
Saviour Jesus Christ ,not only to die for us, but also to be our spiritual
food and sustenance in that holy Sacrament. Which being so divine and
comfortable a thing to them who receive it worthily, and so dangerous
to those who will presume to receive it unworthily, my duty is to exhort
you, in the mean season to consider the dignity of that holy mystery,
and the great peril of the unworthy receiving thereof; and so to search
and examine your own consciences (and that not lightly and after the manner
of dissemblers with God; but so) that ye may come holy and clean to such
a heavenly Feast in the marriage-garment required by God in holy Scripture,
and be received as worthy partakers of that holy Table.
The way and means thereto is; First, to examine your lives
and conversations by the rule of God’s commandments and whereinsoever
ye shall perceive yourselves to have offended either by will, word, or
deed, there to bewail your own sinfulness, and to confess yourselves to
Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life. And if ye shall
perceive your offences to be such as are not only against God, but also
against your neighbours; then ye shall reconcile yourselves unto them;
being ready to make restitution and satisfaction, according to the uttermost
of your powers, for all injuries and wrongs done by you to any other;
and being likewise ready to forgive others who have offended you, as ye
would have forgiveness of your offences at God’s hand: for otherwise
the receiving of the holy Communion doth nothing else but increase your
condemnation. Therefore, if any of you be a blasphemer of God, an hinderer
or slanderer of his Word, an adulterer, or be in malice, or envy, or ill
any other grievous crime; repent ye of your sins, or else come not to
that holy Table.
And because it is requisite that no man should come to the
holy Communion, but with a full trust in God’s mercy, and with a
quiet conscience; therefore, if there be any of you, who by this means
cannot quiet his own conscience herein, but requireth further comfort
or counsel, let him come to me, or to some other Minister of God’s
Word, and open his grief; that he may receive such godly counsel and advice,
as may tend to the quieting of his conscience, and the removing of all
scruple and doubtfulness.
¶
Or, in case he shall see the People negligent to come to the Holy Communion,
instead of the former, he shall use this Exhortation.
DEARLY
beloved brethren, on --------- I intend, by God’s grace, to celebrate
the Lord’s Supper: unto which, in God’s behalf, I bid you all
who are here present; and beseech you, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s
sake, that ye will not refuse to come thereto, being so lovingly called
and bidden by God himself. Ye know how grievous and unkind a thing it
is, when a man hath prepared a rich feast, decked his table with all kind
of provision, so that there lacketh nothing but the guests to sit down;
and yet they who are called (without any cause) most unthankfully refuse
to come. Which of you in such a case would not be moved? Who would not
think a great injury and wrong done unto him? Wherefore, most dearly beloved
in Christ, take ye good heed, lest ye, withdrawing yourselves from this
holy Supper, provoke God’s indignation against you. It is an easy
matter for a man to say I will not communicate because I am otherwise
hindered with worldly business But such excuses are not so easily accepted
and allowed before God. If any man say, I am a grievous sinner and therefore
am afraid to come: wherefore then do ye not repent and amend? When God
calleth you are ye not ashamed to say ye will not come? When ye should
return to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say ye are not ready? Consider
earnestly with yourselves how little such feigned excuses will avail before
God. Those who refused the feast in the Gospel, because they had bought
a farm, or would try their yokes of oxen, or because they were married,
were not so excused, but counted unworthy of the heavenly feast. Wherefore
according to mine Office, I bid you in the Name of God, I call you in
Christ’s behalf, I exhort you, as ye love your own salvation that
ye will be partakers of this holy Communion. And as the Son of God did
vouchsafe to yield up his soul by death upon the Cross for your salvation;
so it is your duty to receive the Communion in remembrance of the sacrifice
of his death, as he himself hath commanded: which if ye shall neglect
to do, consider with yourselves how great is your ingratitude to God,
and how sore punishment hangeth over your heads for the same; when ye
wilfully abstain from the Lord’s Table, and separate from your brethren,
who come to feed on the banquet of that most heavenly food. These things
if ye earnestly consider, ye will by God’s grace return to a better
mind: for the obtaining whereof shall not cease to make our humble petitions
unto Almighty God, our heavenly Father.
¶
At the time of the Celebration of the Communion, the Priest shall say
the Exhortation.
DEARLY
beloved in the Lord, ye who mind to come to the holy Communion of the
Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth
all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume
to eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For as the benefit is great,
if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament;
so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. 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 those holy mysteries. And above all things ye must
give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of
our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did humble himself, even to
the death upon the Cross, for us, miserable sinners, who lay in darkness
and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and
exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should 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 for 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 those who come to receive the Holy Communion,
YE
who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and
charity with your neighbors, 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, devoutly kneeling.
¶
Then shall this general Confession be made, by the Priest and all those
who are minded to receive the Holy Communion, humbly kneeling.
ALMIGHTY
God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all
men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which
we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, By thought, word,
and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath
and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry
for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us;
The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon
us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,
Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve
and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶
Then shall the Priest (the Bishop, if he be present) stand up, and turning
to the People, say,
ALMIGHTY
God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness
of sins to all those 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 Priest say,
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly
turn to him.
COME unto me, all ye that travail and are
heavy laden, and I will refresh you. St. Matt. xi. 28.
So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son,
to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. St. John iii. 16.
Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be
received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim.
i. 15.
Hear also what Saint John saith.
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our sins. 1
St. John ii. 1, 2.
¶
After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,
Lift up your hearts.
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
Answer. It is meet and right so to do.
¶
Then shall the Priest turn to the Lord’s Table, and say,
IT
is very meet, right,
and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places,
give thanks unto thee, O Lord, [*Holy Father,] Almighty, Everlasting God.
¶
Then shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there
be any specially appointed; or else immediately shall be said or sung
by the Priest and People,
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.
PROPER
PREFACES.
Upon
Christmas-day and seven days after.
BECAUSE
thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born as at this time
for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost was made very man, of
the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of
sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels, &c.
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 we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore
with Angels, &c.
Upon
Whitsun-day, and six days after.
THROUGH
Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy
Ghost came down as at this time from heaven, with a sudden great sound,
as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting
upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth; giving
them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent
zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have
been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge
of Thee, and of Thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, &c.
Upon
the Feast of Trinity only, may be said,
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.
¶
Or else this may be said, the words [Holy Father]
being retained in the introductory Address.
FOR
the precious death and merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and for
the sending to us of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter; who are one with thee
in thy Eternal Godhead. Therefore with Angels, &c.
¶
Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lord’s Table, say, in
the name of all
those who shall receive the Communion, this Prayer following.
WE
do not presume to come to this Thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in
our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not
worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Thy Table. But Thou art
the same Lord, Whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore,
gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to
drink His blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by His body,
and our souls washed through His most precious blood, and that we may
evermore dwell in Him, and He in us. Amen.
¶
Then 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.
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 made there (by his one oblation
of Himself once offered) 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 memory of that
His precious death and sacrifice, until His coming again: For in the night in which 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, which 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.
	A page of the
	Communion service, from an edition published in 1810.
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	WHICH WE NOW
Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the	OFFER UNTO THEE
memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his	(i. e., in small caps) until 1793.
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 we most
humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty
goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit,
these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them
according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution,
in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most
blessed Body and Blood. 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 offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls
and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee;
humbly beseeching thee, that we, and all others who shall be partakers
of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and
Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction,
and made one body with him, that he may dwell in them, and they in him.
And although we are 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.
¶
Here shall be sung a Hymn, or part of a Hymn, from the Selection for the
Feasts and Fasts, &c.
¶
Then shall the Priest first receive the Communion in both kinds himself
and proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons,	Administration of Communion, from an 1827 American Book
in like manner (if any be present) and, after that, to the People also	of Common Prayer
in order, into their hands all devoutly kneeling. And when he delivereth
the Bread he shall say,
THE
Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy
body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance
that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with
thanksgiving.
¶
And the Minister who delivereth the Cup shall say,
THE
Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy
body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s
Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.
¶
If the consecrated Bread or Wine be spent before all have communicated,
the Priest is to consecrate more according to the Form before prescribed;
beginning at -- All glory be to thee, Almighty
God and ending with these words -- partakers of his most blessed
Body and Blood.
¶
When all have communicated, the Minister shall return to the Lord’s
Table and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated Elements,
covering the same with a fair linen cloth.
¶
Then shall the Minister say the Lord’s Prayer, the People repeating
after him every Petition.
OUR
Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against
us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
¶
After shall be said 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 the most
precious death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most humbly beseech
thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist 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 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, all standing Gloria
in excelsis; or some proper Hymn from the Selection.
GLORY
be to God on high, and on 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, 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 glory of God the Father.
Amen.
¶
Then the Priest (the 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 his Son Jesus Christ our Lord:
And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
¶
Collects that may be said after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer,	These two rubrics printed as one until 1845.
or Communion, at the discretion of the Minister.
ASSIST
us mercifully O Lord in these our supplications and prayers and dispose
the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation,
that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life they may ever
be defended by thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
GRANT,
we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this
day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly
in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living
to the honour and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DIRECT
us, O Lord in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further
us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and
ended in thee we may glorify thy holy Name and finally, by thy mercy,
obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY
God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we
ask and our ignorance in asking; We beseech thee to have compassion upon
our infirmities; and those things, which for our unworthiness we dare
not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us; for the
worthiness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY
God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son’s
Name; We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us who have
now made our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant, that those
things which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually
be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth
of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶
Upon the Sundays and other Holy Days (if there be no Sermon or Communion)
shall be said all that is appointed at the Communion, unto the end of
the Gospel, concluding with the Blessing.
¶
And if any of the consecrated Bread and Wine remain after the Communion
it shall not be carried out of the Church; but the Minister and
other Communicants shall, immediately after the Blessing, reverently eat
and drink the same.

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