execution hereof the Queens most excellent Majesty the Lords Temporal and all the Commons in this present Parliament assembled doth in Gods name earnestly require and charge all the Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Ordinaries that they shall ende about themselves to the uttermost of their knowledges that the due and true execution hereof may be had throughout their Diocesse and charges as they will answere before God for such evils and plagues wherewith Almighty God may justly punish his people for neglecting his good and wholsome Law And for their authority in this behalf be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that all and singular the same Arch-Bishops Bishops and all other their officers exercising Ecclestastical iurisdiction as well in place exepmt as not exempt within their Diocesse shall have full power and authority by this act to reform correct and punish by Censures of the Church all and singular persons which shall offend within any their jurisdictions or Diocesse after the said feast of the Nativity of saint John Baptist next comming against this act and statute Any other law statute priviledge liberty or provision heretofore made had or suffered to the contrary notwithstanding And it is ordeined and enacted by the authority aforsaid that all and every Justices of Oyer and Determiner or Justices of Assise shall have full power and authority in every of their open and general Sessions to enquire heare and determine all and all manner of offences that shall be committed or done contrary to any article conteined in this present act within the limits of the Commission to them directed and to make processe for the execution of the same as they may do against any person being indited before them of trespasse or lawfully convicted thereof Provided alwayes and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid that all and every Arch-Bishop and Bishop shall or may at all time and times at his liberty and pleasure joyn and associate himself by vertue of this act to the said Justices of Oyer and Determiner or to the said Justices of Assise at every of the said open and said general Sessions to be holden in any place within his Diocesse for and to the inquiry hearing and determining of the offences aforsaid Provided also and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid that the books concerning the said services shall at the costs and charges of the Parishioners of every Parish and Cathedral Church be attained and gotten before the said feast of the Nativty of saint John Baptist next following and that all such Parishes and Cathedral Churches or other places where the said books shall be attained and gotten before the said feast of the Nativity of saint John Baptist shall within three weekes next after the said books so atteined and gotten use the said service and put the same in ure according to this act And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that no person or persons shall be at any time hereafter impeached or otherwise molested of or for any of the offences above-mentioned hereafter to be committed or done contrary to this Act unlesse he or they so offending be thereof indited at the next general Sessions to be holden before any such Justices of Oyer and Determiner or Justices of assise next after any offence committed or done contrary to the tenour of this act Provided alwayes and be it ordeined and enacted by the authority aforesaid that all and singular Lords of the Parliament for the third offence above-mentioned shall be tried by their Peeres Provided also that and be it ordeined and enacted by the authority aforesaid that the Major of London and all other Majors Bayliffes and other head officers of all and singular cities boroughs and towns corporate within this Relam Wales and the Matches of the same to the which Justices of Assise do not commonly repaire shall have full power and authority by vertue of this act to enquire heare and determine the offences bobe-said and every of them yeerly within xv dayes ofter the feasts of Easter and saint Michael the archangel in like manuer and form as Justices of Assise and Dyer and Determiner may do Provided alwayes and be it ordeined and enacted by the authority aforesaid that all and singular Arch-Bishops and Bishops and every of their Chancellours Commissaries Archdeacons and other Ordinaries having any peculiar Ecclesiastical jurisoiction shall have full power and authority by vertue of this act as well to enquire in their visitation synods and else where within their jurisoiction at any other time and place to take accusations and informations of all and every the things above mentioned done committed or perpetrated within the limits of their iurisdictions and authority and to punish the same by admonition excommunication sequestration or deprivation and other Censures and processe in like form as heretofore hath been used in like cases by the Queens Ecclesiastical laws Provided alwayes and be it enacted that whatsoever person offending in the premisses shall for the offence first receive punishment of the Ordinary having a testimonial thereof under the said Ordinaries seal shall not for the same offence eftsoones be condicted before the Justices And likewise receiving the said first offence punishment by the Justices be shall not for the same offence estsoones ceive punishment of the Ordinary any thing contained in this act to the contrary notwithstanding Provided alwayes and be it enacted that such ornaments of the Church and of the Ministers thereof shall be reteined and be in use as was in this Church of England by the authority of Parliament in the second year of the raign of King Edward the sixt until other order shall be therein taken by authority of the Queens Majesty with the advise of her Commissioners appointed and authorised under the great seal of England for causes Ecclesiastical or of the Metropolitans of this realnt And also that if there shall happen any contempt or irreverence to be used in the Ceremonies or Rites of the Church by the misusing of the orders appointed in this book the Queens majesty may by the like advice of the said Commissioners or Metropolitans ordein and publish such farther Ceremonies or Rites as may be most for the advancement of Gods glory the edifying of his Church and the due reverence of Christs holy mysteries and Sacraments And ve it further enacted by the authority aforsaid that all laws statutes and ordinances wherein or whereby any other service administration of Sacraments or Common prayer is limited established or set forth to be used within this Realm or any other the Queens domiuions and contreyes shall from henceforth be utterly void and of noue effect By the King A proclamation for the authorizing an uniformity of the Book of Common Prayer to be used throughout the Realm ALthough it cannot be unknown to our Subjects by the former Declarations we have published what Our purposes and proceedings have been in matters of Religion since our coming to this Crown Yet
body or in soul that the Almighty would send them the thing that is most profitable as well bodily as ghostly Also ye shall pray for all Pilgrims and Palmers that have taken the way to Rome to saint James of Jerusalem or to any other place that Almighty God may give them grace to go safe and to come safe and give us grace to have part of their prayers and they part of ours Also ye shall pray for the holy Crosse that is in possession and hands of unrightful people that God Almighty may send it into the hands of Christian people when it pleaseth him Furthermore I commit unto your devout prayers all women that be in our Ladies bonds that Almighty God may send them grace the child to receive the Sacrament of Baptisme and the mother purification Also ye shall pray for the good man and woman that this day giveth bread to make the holy-loaf and for all those that first began it and them that longest continue For these and for all true Christian people every man and woman say a Pater Noster and an Ave c. After this followeth a Prayer for all Christian Souls reckoning first Arch-Bishops and Bishops and especially Bishops of the Diocess then for all Curates c. then for all Kings and Queens c. then for all Benefactors to the Church then for the Souls in Purgatory especially for the Soul of N. whose Anniversary then is kept This was the form preceding the Reformation of it made by King Henry the eighth This King having once ejected the Popes usurped Authority used all possible Artifice to keep possession of his new-gained Power That by the whole â—lergy in Convocation that by Act of Parliament he was recognized Supream Head of the Church of England he thought it not enough But further ordered the Popes name to be utterly rased out so are the words of the Proclamation of all Prayers Orisons Rubrioks Canons of Mass Books and all other Books in the Churches and his memory never more to be remembred except to his contumely and reproach Accordingly also he caused this Form to be amended by omitting the Popes name with all his Relations by annexing the title of Supream head to himself and by contracting it into a narrower model But though this King corrected so much as served his own turn yet all the Popery of this form he did not reform but left the Prayer of the Dead remaining As for King Edward the sixth the form enjoyned by him was the same precisely with that of Henry the eighth That of Queen Elizabeth varieth for the better from both these Praying for being changed into Praysing God for the dead and with her form agreeth that in the 55 Canon of our Church almost to a syllable Before all Sermons Lectures and Homilies Preachers and Ministers shall move the People to joyn with them in Prayer in this form or to this effect as briefly as conveniently they may Ye shall pray for Christs holy Catholick Church that is for the whole Congregation of Christian People dispersed throughout the whole world and especially for the Churches of England Scotland and Ireland And herein I require you most especially to pray for the Kings most excellent Majesty our Soveraign Lord James King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defendor of the Faith and Supreme Governour in these his Realms and all other his Dominions and Countries over all persons in all causes aswell Ecclesiastical as Temporal Ye shall also pray for our gracious Queen Anne the Noble Prince Charles Frederick Prince Elector Palatine and the Lady Elizabeth his wife Ye shall also pray for the Ministers of Gods holy word and Sacraments aswel Arch-Bishops and Bishops as other Pastours and Curates Ye shall also pray for the Kings most honourable Councel and for all the Nobility and Magistrates of this Realm that all and every of these in their several Callings may serve truely and painfully to the glory of God and the edifying and well governing of his people remembring the account that they must make Also ye shall pray for the whole Commons of this Realm that they may live in true Faith and Fear of God in humble obedience to the King and brotherly charity one to another Finally let us praise God for all those which are departed out of this life in the Faith of Christ and pray unto God that we may have grace to direct our lives after their good example that this life ended We may be made partakers with them of the glorious Resurrection in the life Everlasting Alwayes concluding with the Lords prayer Having beheld the Reformation of the form it will not be amisse to look into the practise This upon my best inquiry all along the dayes of Edward the 6. and Queen Elizabeth is exhibited by onely six Authors Two Arch-Bishops Parker and Sands Four Bishops Gardner Latimer Jewel and Andrews In all these I observe it interveneth betwixt the Text delivered and the Sermon Arch-Bishop Parker onely excepted who concludeth his Sermon with it I observe also in them all that it is terminated in the Lords Prayer or Pater Noster for which reason it was stiled Bidding of Beades Beads and Pater Nosters being then relatives Lastly I observe in every of them some variation more or lesse as occasion is administred not onely from the precise words but even contents of this form And from hence I infer that the Injunctions both of Edw. the 6. and Queen Elizabeth being framed before any reformed Liturgie was by Law established did not bind Preachers so strictly to the precise words of that form when the service was rendred in English as when in Latin for it is not presumable those eminent men would have assumed such a liberty to vary the expression and enlarge in some other matters had not they understood the Churches dispensation therein But there were afterward some overforward to abuse this Liberty and minding the interest of their owne Principles took the boldnesse to omit the main who could be content to pray for James King of England France and Ireland defender of the faith but as for supreme Governor in all causes and over all Persons as well Ecclesiastcal as Civil they passed that over in silence as that very King hath it who thereupon re-inforced the form by the Canon afore specified As for the late practical change of Exhortation Let us pray into Invocation we pray In my weak apprehension it is but the very same in effect and operation and neither to be justly quarrelled at especially when the Lords Prayer which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 summarily comprehendeth all we can ask is the close to both Having discoursed the practise of our own Church it will not be amisse to examine that of the Primitive Church and the rather because many have been of that opinion that no prayer before the Sermon was used in those times Counter to which several Authorities may be opposed
by the common prayers in the Church commonly called divine service The first original and ground whereof if a man would search out by the ancient Fathers he shall finde that the same was not ordained but of a good purpose and for a great advancement of godlinesse For they so ordered the matter that all the whole Bible or the greatest part thereof should be read over once in the year entending the thereby that the Clergy and specially such as were Ministers of the Congregation should by often reading and meditation of Gods word be stirred up to godlynesse themselves and be more able to exhort other by wholsome Doctrine and to confute them that were adversaries to the truth And further that the people by dayly hearing of holy scripture read in the Church should continually more and more in the knowledge of GOD and be the more enflamed with the love of his true Religion But these many yeers passed this godly and decent order of the ancient Fathers hath been so altered broken and neglected by planting in uncertain Stories Legendes Respondes Verses vain Repetitions Commemorations and Synodalls that commonly when any Book of the Bible was begun before three or four Chapters were read out all the rest were unread And in this sort the book of Esay was begun in Advent and the book of Genesis in Septuagesima but they were onely begun and never read through After like sort were other books of holy Scripture used And moreover whereas saint Paul would have such language spoken to the people in the Church as they may understand and have profit by hearing the same the service in this Church of England these many years hath been read in Latine to the people which they understood not so that they have heard with their eares only and their heart spirit and minde have not been edified thereby And furthermore notwithstanding that the ancient fathers have divided the Psames into seven portions whereof every one was called a Nocturn now of late time a few of them hath been daily said and oft repeated and the rest utterly omitted Moreover the number and hardnesse of the rules called the Pye and the manifold changings of the service was the cause that to turn the book only was so hard and intricate a matter that many times there was more businesse to finde out what should be read then to read it when it was found out These inconveniences therfore considered here is set forth such an order wherby the same shall be redressed And for a readinesse in this matter here is drawn out a Kalender for that purpose which is plain and easie to be understanded wherein so much as may be the reading of holy scriptures is so set forth that all things shall be done in order without breaking one peece from another For this cause be cut off Anthems Respondes Invitatories and such like things as did break the continual course of the reading of the scripture Yet because there is no remedy but that of necessity there must be some rules therefore certain rules are here set forth which as they be few in number so they be plain and easie to be understanded So that here you have an order for prayer as touching the reading of holy Scripture much agreeable to the minde and purpose of the old fathers and a great deal more profitable and commodious then that which of late was used It is more profitable because here are left out many things whereof some be untrue some uncertain some vain and superstitious and is ordained nothing to be read but the very pure word of God the holy scriptures or that which is evidently grounded upon the same and that in such a language and order as is most easie and plain for the understanding both of the readers and hearers It is also more commodious both for the shortnesse thereof and for the plainnesse of the order and for that the rules be few and easie Furthermore by this order the Curates shall need none other book for their publick service but this book and the Bible By the means whereof the people shall not be at so great charges for books as in times past they have been And where heretofore there hath been great diversity in saying and singing in Churches within this Realm some following Salisbury use some Hereford use some the use of Bangor some of York and some of Lincoln Now from hence forth all the whole Realm shall have but one use And if any would judge this way more painful because that all things must be read upon the book whereas before by the reason of so often repetition they could say many things by heart if those men will weigh their labour with the profit and knowledge which dayly they shall obtain by reading upon the book they will not refuse the pain in consideration of the great profit that shall ensue thereof And for as much as nothing can almost be so plainly set forth but doubts may arise in the use and practising of the same To appease all such diversitie if any arise and for the resolution of all doubts concerning the manner how to understand do and execute the things contained in this book The parties that so doubt or diversly take any thing shall alway resort to the Bishop of the Diocesse who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same so that the same order be not contrary to any thing contained in this book And if the Bishop of the Diocesse be in doubt then he may send for the resolution thereof unto the Arch-Bishop Though it be appointed in the forewritten Preface that all things shall be read and song in the Church in the English tongue to the end that the Congregation may be therby edified yet it is not meant but when men say Morning and Evening prayer privately they may say the same in any Language that they themselves do understand 1. B. of Edw. 6. neither that any man shall be bound to the saying of them but such as from time to time in Cathedral and Collegiat Churches Parish Churches and Chappels to the same annexed shall serve the Congregation And all Priests and Deacons shall be bound to say daily the Morning and Evening prayer either privately or openly except they be let by preaching studying divinity or by some other urgent cause Scotch liturgy of which cause if it be frequently pretended they are to make the Bishop of the Diocesse or the Arch-Bishop of the Province the Judge and allower And the Curate that ministreth in every Parish Church or Chappel being at home and not being otherwise reasonably letted shall say the same in the Parish Church or Chappel where he ministreth and shall toll a Bell thereto a convenient time before we begin that such as be disposed may come to hear Gods word and to pray with him THE PREFACE THE Church of Christ hath in all ages had a prescript form
of Common prayer or Divine service as appeareth by the ancient Liturgies of the Greek and Latine Churches This was done as for other great causes so likewise for retaining an uniformity in Gods worship a thing most beseeming them that are of one and the same profession For by the form that is kept in the outward worship of God men commonly judge of Religion If in that there be a diversity strait they are apt to conceive the Religion to be diverse Wherefore it were to be wished that the whole Church of Christ were one as well in form of publick worship as in doctrine And that as it hath but one Lord and one Faith so it had but one heart and one mouth This would prevent many schismes and divisions and serve much to the preserving of unity But since that cannot be hoped for in the whole Catholick Christian Church yet at least in the Churches that are under the protection of one Soveraigne Prince the same ought to be endeavoured It was not the least part of our late Soveraigne King JAMES of blessed memory his care to work this uniformity in all his Dominions but while he was about to do it it pleased God to translate him to a better kingdome His Majestie that now raigneth and long may he raigne over us in all happinesse not suffering his Fathers good purpose to fall to the ground but treading the same path with the like zeal and pious affection gave order soon after his coming to the Crown for the framing of a Book of Common prayer like unto that which is received in the Churches of England and Ireland for the use of this Church After many lets and hindrances the same cometh now to be published to the good we trust of all Gods people and the increase of true piety and sincere devotion amongst them But as there is nothing how good and warrantable soever in it self against which some will not except so it may be that exceptions will be taken against this good and most pious work and perhaps none more pressed then that we have followed the Service book of England But we should desire them that shall take this exception to consider that being as we are by Gods mercie of one true profession and otherwise united by many bonds it had not been fitting to vary much from theirs our especially coming forth after theirs seeing the disturbers of the Church both here and there should by our differences if they had been great taken occasion to work more trouble Therefore did we think meet to adhere to their form even in the festivals and some other rites not as yet received nor observed in our Church rather then by omitting them to give the Adversary to think that we disliked any part of their service Our first Reformers were of the same minde with us as appeareth by the ordinance they made that in all the Parishes of this Realm the Common-prayer should be read weekly on Suâ—daies and other Festival dayes with the Lessons of the old and new Testament conform to the order of the book of Common prayer meaning that of England for it is known that divers years after we had no other order for common prayer This is recorded to have been the first head concluded in a frequent Councel of the Lords and Barons professing Christ Jesus We keep the words of the history Religion was not then placed in rites and gestures nor men taken with the fancie of extemporary prayers Sure the publick worship of God in his Church being the most solemn action of us his poor creatures here below ought to be performed by a Liturgie advisedly set and framed and not according to the sudden and various fancies of men This shall suffice for the present to have said The God of mercy confirm our hearts in his truth and preserve us alike from prophanenesse and superstition Amen Of Ceremonies why some be abolished and some reteined OF such Ceremonies as be used in the Church and have had their beginning by the institution of man some at the first were of godly entent and purpose devised and yet at length turned to vanity and superstition some entred into the Church by undiscreet devotion and such a zeal as was without knowledge and for because they were winked at in the beginning they grew daily to more and more abuses which not only for their unprofitablenesse but also because they have much blinded the people and obscured the glory of God are worthy to be cut away and clean rejected Other there be which although they have been devised by man yet is it thought good to reserve them still as well for a decent order in the Church for the which they were first devised as because they pertein to edification whereunto all things done in the Church as the Apostle teacheth ought to be referred And although the keeping or omitting of a Ceremony in it selfe considered is but a small thing yet the wilfull and contemptuous transgression and breaking of a common order and discipline is no small offence before God Let all things be done among you saith Saint Paul in a seemly and due order The appointment of the which order pertaineth not to private men therefore no man ought to take in hand nor presume to appoint or alter any publick or common order in Christs Church except he be lawfully called and authorized thereunto And whereas in this our time the mindes of men are so divers that some think it a great matter of conscience to depart from a piece of the least of their Ceremonies they be so addicted to their old customes and again on the other side some be so new fangled that they would innovate all things and so despise the old that nothing can like them but that is new It was thought expedient not so much to have respect how to please and satisfie either of these parties as how to please God and profit them both And yet lest any man should be offended whom good reason might satisfie here be certain causes rendred why some of the accustomed Ceremonies be put away and some reteined and kept still Some are put away because the great excesse and multitude of them hath so increased in these latter dayes that the burden of them was intollerable whereof Saint Augustine in his time complained that they were growen to such a number that the state of a Christian people was in worse case concerning the matter then were the Jews And he counselled that such yoke and burden should be taken away as time would serve quietly to do it But what would saint Augustine have said if he had seen the ceremonies of late dayes used among us whereunto the multitude used in his time was not to be compared This our excessive multitude of ceremonies was so great and many of them so dark that they did more confound and darken then declare and set forth Christs benefits unto us And besides this Christs Gospel
is not a ceremonial law as much of Moses law was but it is a religion to serve God not in bondage of the figure or shadow but in the freedom of the spirit being content onely with those ceremonies which do serve to a decent order and godly discipline and such as be apt to stir up the dull minde of man to the remembrance of his duty to God by some notable and special signification whereby he might be edified Furthermore the most waighty cause of the abolishment of certain ceremonies was that they were so far abused partly by the superstitious blindnesse of the rude and unlearned and partly by the unsaciable avarice of such as sought more their own lucre then the glory of God that the abuses could not well be taken away the thing remaining still But now as concerning those persons which peradventure will be offended for that some of the old ceremonies are retained still if they consider that without some ceremonies it is not posible to keep any order or quiet discipline in the Church they shall easily perceive just cause to reform their judgements And if they think much that any of the old do remain and would rather have all devised anew Then such men granting some ceremonies convenient to be had surely where the old may be well used there they cannot reasonably reprove the old onely for their age without bewraying of their own folly For in such a case they ought rather to have reverence unto them for their antiquity if they will declare themselves to be more studious of unity and concord then of innobations and new-fanglenesse which as much as may be with the true setting forth of Christs religion is alwayes to be eschewed Furthermore such shall have no just cause with the ceremonies reserved to be offended For as those be taken away which were most abused and did burden mens consciences without any cause so the other that remain are retained for a discipline and order which upon just causes may be altered and changed and therefore are not to be esteemed equall with Gods law And moreover they be neither dark nor dumb ceremonies but are so set forth that every man may understand what they do mean and to what use they do serve So that it is not like that they in time to come should be abused as the other have been And in these our doings we condemne no other nations nor prescribe any thing but to our own people onely For we think it convenient that every countrey should use such ceremonies as they shall think best to the setting forth of Gods honour and glory and to the reducing of the people to a most perfect and Godly living without errour or superstition And that they should put away other things which from time to time they perceave to be most abused as in mens ordinances it often chanceth diversly in divers countries Annotations upon CHAP. I. A The necessity of Common Prayer And of a Book of Common Prayer â—b Arguments for set forms Proved to have been used in the three first centuries after Christ. And approved by Reformed Churches B. Set forms of Administring the Sacraments Proved by Primitive practise C. Rites and Ceremonies fit to be prescribed D. Every Particular Church hath authority to prescribe set forms and Rites The main ground of uniformity E. A necessity of an Act for uniformity F. The present Act a revivor of a former G. The Parliament did onely ratify not make the Alterations H. Antiently Bishops visited in person An uniformity of Articles commended I. The Canons 1603. not repugnant to the Act for uniformity The power of the civil Magistrate in Ecclesiastical matters K. The occasion of the conference at Hampton Court. L. The Proclamation Of King James obligatory to Obedience M. Our service not taken out of the Masse-Book N. The Pye several acceptations of the word O. Apocryphal Lessons lawful to be read The Minister hath Liberty to exchange them for Canonical Scripture They are more edifying then many Chapters of the Canon appointed by the Directory P. The Bishops to interpret in doubtful cases Q. The several degrees of the first Reformation R. What meant by the Minister saying daily prayer either privately or openly S. Ceremonies of humane Institution lawful Proved by the several confessions of Reformed Churches T. Order in the Church of Divine institution Orders to be obeyed not disputed where they are not simply unlawful V. The Churches prudence and moderation in her first Reformation W. significant Ceremonies lawful X. Superstition defined Y Our Ceremonies elder then the Masse-Book Directory a Popish word Z. Scandal no just exception against our Liâ—urgy by the confession of Geneva her self More scandalized and more justly by the Directory then our Common Prayer THE Book of Common Prayer As God is the first principle and Prime efficient of our being so that very being of so supereminent a quality is obligation of the highest importance for us to defer to him the greatest Honour we possibly can That which hath the ordering and disposal of this Honour to him is Religion the most noble the most proper act of Religion is Prayer an act by which we turn Tenants to God and own him as the Donor of every good and perfect gift A duty enforced by our Saviours expresse command Pray alwayes so he Luke 18. 1. Continually so his blessed Apostle 1 Thes. 5. 17. that is Levant and couchant morning and evening sutable to the Diurnal sacrifices in the Temple that at least A duty dignified with the gift of miracles exemplified in Elias Joshua and many more Now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i e. if the solitary prayer of one single supplicant be so operative what would it do in a full Assembly who combining together besiege and beset God with their prayers such a storming of and forceable entry into heaven being most acceptable to him as Tertullian elegantly Such an advantage hath the Publick above the Private the Church above the Closet and hence a necessity of Common Prayer But there may be a necessity of Common Prayer yet no necessity of a Book of Common Prayer that is of a set form The prayers of the Minister in the Congregation for the Congregation are Common Prayers which are Prayers conceived and without book Answer Confest such Prayers may in some sort be called Common Prayers but not so properly as set forms because the Minister who officiateth Publickly is but the Agent the representative of the people in their resort to God Now in arbitrary Prayer he cannot so well be called the mouth of the Assembly or said to send up his prayers on their errand when they are not privy to one syllable he will deliver when he speaks alwayes his own not alwayes their sence in which case the peoples Amen should be as Arbitrary as is his Prayer and if upon some dislike at the either matter or form the people think fit to suspend their
highly commendable interdicting all persons not lawfully called that is not publickly authorised from attempting any thing by way of appointing or altering the orders of the Church True it is subjects not onely may but must question the orders of their Superiours in foro conscientiae in the courts of their own consciences but then withal they must state the question aright not whether they be inconvenient scandalous over-numerous in edifying or so but whether they be elemented of things in their own nature indifferent if they be directly evil away with them they must not be obeyed if but collaterally evil Reum regem facit iniquitas imperandi innocentem subditum ordo serviendi i. e. the sinfulnesse of the command findes the King guilty whilst the order of obeying acquits the subject Unlesse this rule of uniform order be punctually observed we must never expect any thing of decency in Gods Church and therefore the Apostle hath very well sent abroad his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum custode with his keeper 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to appointment Something must be appointed before decency can be looked for Should one enter the Church at the Celebrating of the blessed Eucharist and behold here some prostrate on their knees there others sitting with their hats on here some lolling all at length there others standing up were it possible for him if well in his wits to imagin this is decency in an action of such import even common sense is able to inform him otherwise and that one umform establishment is absolutely necessary to preserve due decorum But it may be objected that my Superiour may enjoyn me such a law as my conscience tels me is scandalous to my brother not convenient not edifying c. what shal I do in this coÌ„dition if I conform I sin against my conscience Rom. 14. 23. If I do not I sin against his Authority Answer that Text of Rom. 14. 23. hath onely reference to things not onely indifferent in their own nature but left free from any superiour command interposing therefore the text is not ad idem for though such laws may be of things indifferent yet being commanded by just Authority the indifference by that command determineth they become necessary And whereas in this our time c. In this Paragraph our Church doth not suppose but state the case as it really was In the beginning of the Reformation many thousands beside what where already converted were then well disposed and advancing towards the entertainment of the Gospel-light who yet notwithstanding stood well affected to their ancient Ceremonies to which loth they were to bid an eternal adieu On the other side some whose passion for Reformation had no other bounds then no communion with the Church of Rome no not in those things whose use was harmlesse and innocent would not endure to hear of any thing lesse then a total rout given to the whole Publick worship of that Church Our Godly Reformers standing erect in a discreet neutrality not siding with eithers passions fixt themselves upon a serious view of such things as the Church of Rome had of most ancient extraction and which were tractable to more pious uses of these severed from the drosse they had contracted they compiled this excellent model of our Liturgy in so moderate and well tempered a mode as neither part had just cause to think themselves agrieved By some notable and special signification They who are by the force of reason beaten from their first fort viz. that man hath no power to institute external rites accidental to publick worship their next refuge is to the Objection that humane significant Ceremonies in Gods worship are disagreable to Christian liberty and unlawful and upon the stresse of this position the Crosse in Baptisme and Surplice go to wrack Before I undertake to answer this Objection the authority upon which it is grounded I must crave leave to lay open the Partiality of the objecters The Ancient Authors of the admonition to the Parliament defend their sitting posture at the Communion by the very same doctrine of signification saying it bâ—tâ—kâ—neth rest full accomplishment of legal ceremonies in Christ and the Author of altare Damascenum approveth the same opinion cited out of Johannes Alasco Sessio commendatur per significationem mysterii nempe requiei nostrae in Christo i. e. Session or sitting is commended for the mysterious signification it hath that is of our rest in Christ. It is not very credible that this Doctrine of the adversaries of our Liturgy should passe unobserved to the former of this objection and if it did not we must be bold to tell him he should have done well to have begun his reformation at home with those of his own perswasion But let us examine the foundation of this Objection and this is derived from those words of Isa. urged by our Saviour against the Pharisees In vain ye worship me teaching for Doctrines the traditions of men Matth. 15. 9. where first it will be difficult to prove that this was a significant ceremony the Pharisees standing upon the outward custom without the least hint of signification Again if it were a significant rite here is a non constat of any reproof relating to it as significant but that they stood more upon it then upon the precepts of God that being of a civil relation they urged it as out of an opinion of holinesse and as an essential part of Religion in which respects those Ceremonies of the Crosse and Surplice were never by us entertained or defended And if all significant ceremonies are unlawful what shall we think of that holy kisse mentioned in the holy Scripture used at the Eucharist in the Primitive Church which Zanchy tells us was ad significandam veram Christianam amicitiam ac fraternitatem i. e. to signifie true and Christian friendship and brotherhood Yet Zanchy passeth not the least note of reproof upon it By the Superstitious blindnesse c. Superstition is usually defined to be a will-worship more then God commanded with submission to others I conceive the word defines the thing by Grammatical analysis and resolving of the composition and that it is a standing too much upon a thing more then the nature of it requireth to describe it larger it is the doing or omitting of any thing out of a supposition of some holinesse or pollution resident in it more then is So that superstition is both positive and negative Positive ye observe dayes and months and times and yeers Gal. 4. 10. Negative touch not taste not handle not Colos. 2. 21. And so I may say of those expressions be not signed with the Crosse kneel not at the Sacament for the placing of Religion abstaining from such things of their own nature indifferent is scituated under the same parallel of superstition with the Papists who observe them as meritorious Some of the old Ceremonies be retained still
Some not all some of the old Ceremonies not of those late innovations of the Church of Rome but of those Ceremonies which antidate the Popish Masse hundreds of yeers It is a very pittiful one that trite and false Objection That our Liturgy hath its rise and Original from the Masse-Book ask why because say they all that is in our Liturgy is in the Masse-Book directly false The beginning of morning Prayer Sentences Exhortation Confession Absolution all to the Lords Prayer several Collects in the Litany the rehearsal of the Decalogue and divers Collects belonging to the Communion service are no where to be found either in the Masse-Book or any other Popish service So the All is false But admit all our Liturgy were to be found in the Masse Book that is no evidence it hath its Original from thence not onely the Lords prayer and Book of Psalms but the greatest and most edifying part of Canonical Scripture is there to be found as well as our Liturgy why do we not therefore ascribe its Original to the Masse-Book and upon that very score renounce it Nay if our Book was a compliance with the Papists as the late Assembly have urged against it assuredly it ill sorted with the Prudence of such Divines to present the world with their own establishment under a title borrowed expressly from the Papists their Directory being the same both name and thing with the Directorium Sacerdotum in the Romish Church Such shall have no just cause with the Ceremonies received to be offended Another great exception against our Liturgy is the scandal it hath given to many That some have taken offence there at there is no dispute it shall be granted that they have taken it justly and upon due consideration we deny against all opponents Nor is scandal alone sufficient of it self to cause abolition Quamvis quod obtruditur scandalum asserat quia tamen verbo dei per se non repugnat concedi poâ—est saith the great Legislator of the other side Although that which is enjoyned doth bring some scandal with it yet if it be not of it self against the word of God it may be yeelded to Agreeable to Calvins Doctrine Geneva acteth Nous scavons quelle occasion de Scandal plusieurs ont prins du changement que nous avous fait en cest vne droit we know well enough that many have taken occasion of scandal at the changes we have made in this subject so she in her Rubrick before the Communion And fully perswaded I am the abolishers of the Liturgy of this Church cannot but have the same sense of many scandalised by the change of the Liturgy into a Directory I must professe my self of those many to be one upon a solemn day summon'd we are by a bell to Church thither we come what to do to offer up our prayers and prayses in the Congregation it may be and it may not be so for such prayers may scarce be reputed ours whereof as we know not a syllable before-hand what they are so when they are uttered we often hear but little understand lesse and in our judgements consent to least of all told we are by considerable persons engaged in this change that the imposition of set forms was introduced into the Primitive Church as a defensive b against the Arrian and Pelagian Hereticks which did convey their poyson in their set forms of Prayers and hymnes if so never times required the practise of set Prayers upon that consideration more then these never was the poyson of hetorodox opinions more ingredient into the publick prayers of the Church then now where one decryes the Deity of Christ and his mediatorship by making no applications to him nor to God by him Another sets him up too high by omitting of confession of sins as impertinent in those who are planted into Christ and being so as he conceiveth sin not at all if nothing of unsound belief be uttered yet how frequent is the venting of several passions upon the private interest of mens factious ingagement even so far as many have preferred their Petitions to God for the destruction of the very Presbyterial Government whereof Mr. Edwards giveth several instances Who can not justly be offended at such mis-carriages in so holy a duty Far be it from me to charge the generality of our new ministery with these blemishes confesse I must and will many very many of them are excellently qualified and endowed with gifts proper for this sacred duty and do exercise those gifts to the great edification of their congregations but in the mean time if such miscarriages have actually happened already or may so hereafter through the violent passions of other men mis-principled may it not justly be judged a matter of scandal and offence to such as have a due value for that holy ordinance and consequently may not those worthier men be conceived guilty of the crime through whose misprovidence these errours have come to passe How much better were an amicable compliance on both sides by prescribing set forms for the desk and allowing conceived prayer for the Pulpit so that neither may professe and engrosse the whole service to it self but share and divide it by a friendly agreement untill such an award shall be made by those who assume the power of Arbitration in this affair slender hopes have I to see much of either order or edification in the service of our Church The Table and Kalender Expressing the Psalms and and Lessons to be said at Morning and evening prayer throughout the yeer except certain proper feasts as the rules following more plainly declare The order how the Psalter is appointed to be read CHAP. II. Common Prayer Scotch Liturgy The Psalter shall be read through once every moneth And because that some months be longer then some other be it is thought good to make them even by this means The Psalter shall be read through once every month save February and in that month so far as the Psalms are appointed for 28 or 29 dayes in tht leap year TO every moneth shall be appointed as concerning this purpose just xxx dayes And because January and March hath one day above the said number and Februarie which is placed between them both hath onely xxviii dayes February shall borow of either of the monthes of January and March one day And so the Psalter which shall be read in February must begin at the last day of January and end the first day of March. And whereas Scotch Littur many monthes have c. May July August October and December have xxxi dayes a peece it is ordered that the same Psalms shall be read the last day of the said moneths which were read the day before so that the Psalter may begin again the first day of the next monethes ensuing Now to know what Psalms shall be read every day Look in the kalender the number that is appointed for the Psalmes
it more decent laudable and profitable to sanctifie those which the elder Apostolick and purer Church was wont to solemnize Now what those dayes were in Zanchys judgement he soon after deciphers by the Festivals of Easter Pentecost Ascension Good-Friday Christs Nativity But to turn the keen edge of this great mans testimony two places are cited from him which some would perswade are of a contrary import and fit it is we should before we leave him see the peace kept betwixt Zanchy and himself It is more agreeable with the first institution and Apostolical writings that onely one day in a week be kept holy so saith Zanchy and so I for what doth these words exhibite but barely this that in the Apostles times there is no constat of any other Christian Festival observed then the weekly onely which I conceive few will deny Again They have not done ill who have abolished all but the Lords day This is granted too for Festivals being of an adiaphorous and indifferent quality far be it from me to impute sin to them who abrogate them I speak of Magistrates impowred with the supream Authority but though I allow they have not done ill in the abolishing yet do I conceive they had done better in retaining them So that I cannot discern any material interfearing betwixt Zanchy quoted pro and con but that he is reconcileable enough both to himself and to the Doctrine of the forecited Confessions and all speaking home as to the advantage of our Churches liberty in appointing dayes and of her prudential piety in selecting these But the best reformed Churches have laid these Holy dayes aside and it is fit we conform to them Answer If the Churches here intended be as the contrivers of it administer cause of conjecture those of Geneva France Scotland Belgia it will raise a new question whether they may properly be called the best reformed Churches a question fit to be stated before they be propounded as exemplary to us To which end very proper it is that it be demonstrated to us that the advenu'es the entries the mode and way of their Reformation was agreeable to principles of Christianity that the work proceeded in a regular sober and orderly manner was not carried on by tumult sedition and Rebellion For this hath been controverted and no satisfaction given adaequate or which hath made even with all scruples Again omitting how and to examine what they did we say their several parcels of that new structure which they cry up for so rare a beauty whose symmetry and proportion in the sense of many learned and judicious men holds no conformity to the rules of Christianity They have it is feared in an odd humour of singularity abandoned the most excellent order of Bishops an order of 1500. years standing before the new fangled discipline wherein if they have done well the consequence must infallibly be that all those blessed Martyrs Confessors Fathers and others holy men of former ages did abuse the Church in preserving such a Prelacy and that Gods providence was supinely negligent and fast asleep to permit his Church all along so many Centuries to be so mis-governed To proceed they have not onely layed aside these holy-dayes above specified but even the Lords day it self which our great adversaries themselves repute to be of Divine institution True it is they make it a day of publick assembling but not for sacred concernments alone No for civil also having their markets kept upon those dayes Till these obstacles be removed we hold it not just that they pretend to the title of the best reformed Churches Onely one objection more I must not fastidiously slight To which though à clarissimo ingenio occupata sunt meliora it hath been the exercise of a more learned pen I shall endeavour an answer The Objection is this many of these festivals had their rise and growth from Christians conformity to the heathenish feasts and customs which is not agreeable to Gospel principles Answer No proof being produced out of ancient monuments to strengthen this assertion it is as easily repelled as offered there is indeed reference made to Gregory the great but that Epistle being the 71. of his 9. Book speaks short The Question is matter of Fact whether actually the Christian came in place of Pagan feastivals of this Gregory affords not a syllable all he saies is onely this That Augustine the monk who was his Emissary into England desired his resolution what should be done with the Pagan Temples as also with their festivals Gregories direction in this case was this that the Temples he should convert into Churches and the Pagan festivals into Christian holy-dayes How far Augustine pursued his Masters Order there is no constat suppose it acted what was commanded then I say first the same objection lieth against our Churches also which they have urged against our festivals Secondly this is enough to confute that miserable mistake that Christmas day took it's rise from the Paganish Saturnals when certain it is that day was in observation hundreds of years before St. Gregory and for other Festivals they must rather be then supposed translated then instituted considering that Gildas speaking of the peace restored to the Church after the Dioclesian persecution gives this account of the Christians doings renovant Ecclesias ad solum usque destructas basilicas sanctorum martyrum fundant dies festos celebrant they repair the Churches demolisht to the ground they rear up monuments for the blessed Martyrs they celebrate holy-dayes This Gildas delivers who was neer a century of years Gregory his Ancient And if holy dayes were celebrated then they could not take rise from this Act of Augustines 300. years after Lastly if the Christian festivals were removed and translated to a coincidence with those of the Heathens neither was the either direction or execution too blame St. Paul in order to the Jews conversion made himself a Jew to them upon this very score he circumcised Timothy and shaved his own head at Cenchrea why might not Pauls act be a leading case to all posterity why might not Gregory and Augustine shew his act for their warrant Beleeve it if they could by this complyance cheat the Heathens of their Idolatry and cozen them to the saving of their Souls it was for ought I see a pious fraud If Gregory be thought to have adventured too far in his direction hear a Protestant of eminent note and account amongst us Learned Zanchy speaking of the Jewish feasts of Pasch Pentecost Tabernacles Jubiles c. Quis prohibet quin Ecclesia sicut Diem septimum transtulit in Dominicum sic etiam illos reliquos dies festos in alios transferre potuerit who can hinder but as the Church did translate the seventh day into the Lords day so she may also change those festivals into others Now if Zanchy be in the right as to Jewsh festivals what just cause can be shewed why
Church Our manner of reading them most conformable to antiquity The Contents of the Chapters of what use Q The Primitive custome before every Lesson R The Benefit of mixing Psalmes or hymnes with Lessons S Te deum how ancient T Benedicite ancient V Benedictus and other hymns vindicated used by the Dutch Church W The Creed anciently no part of the Liturgy how imployed why called the Apostles the Catholick Church a phrase as ancient as Ignatius reason why so called The variety of Symbols whence derived why the Creed pronounced standing X The Lord be with you whence derived difference betwixt it and Peace be to you Y Let us pray an ancient formula Z Lord have mercy upon us c. called the Lesser Litany AA O Lord shew thy mercy upon us c. are canonical Scripture BB Collects why so called MOrning and Evening Prayer Prayer ought to be made as oft as occasion requireth as there is daily occasion so there must be daily prayer Our daily sins exact a daily confession our daily wants teach us as our Saviour prescribed us to say Give us this day our daily bread The Lords mercies are new every morning so should our prayers and thanksgivings be new in practice though the same in form Upon this account were the Diurnal sacrifices of the Temple upon this account did the Primitive Christians practice it sacrificia quot idie ceâ—â—bramus we daily offer sacrifices to God saith Cyyrian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Theodoret. Yea not only daily but twice a day at Morning and Evening according to the order of our Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Chrysostome all the faithful can bear witness of this how it is observed in the Morning and Evening Service and to the same purpose d Epiphanius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Morning Prayers and Hymns are continually used in the holy Church as also Evening Prayers and Hymns what these morning and evening hymns were shall be seen afterwards As for the hour of morning prayer with us it is nine in the forenoon agreeable to the Primitive practice of the Greek Church especially derived either from the miraculous descent of the holy Ghost at that hour upon the Apostles or from the Jewish custome of assembling for the performance of Religious duties at that hour their Third whereof instances there are enough in H. Scripture This in all probability of divine establishment not so I conceive the next or sixth in order of Canonical hours this being added by private devotion at which hour after dinner devout people resorted to the Temple to offer up their more pecular supplications in reference to their private and proper wants So Hannah rose up early after they had eaten in Shiloh and after they had drunk and went into the Temple and prayed unto the Lord. 1 Sam. 1. 9. whence old Eli mistook her to be drunk 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith S. Chrysostome from the heat of the day for it was about noon So the Prophet David at Morning and Evening and at high noon day will I rise up to praise thee In conformity to which the Antient Christians preserved the same observation though satisfied I am not that it was an universal practice because Clemens Alexandrinus restraineth it to some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some allot set hours for Prayers the Third Sixth and Ninth Except it shall be otherwise determined by the Ordinary c. The first Reformat on putting a positive restraint that general upon all Divine Offices to the Chorus or Quire Bucer whose judgment was called in to aid by Arch-Bishop Cranmer in order to a future Reformation of our Liturgy justly faulted it wishing quam primum corrigi that with all expedition it might be mended for Oportet ut sacra omnia Populus audiant percipiant que religione summâ Fit it is that all holy offices the people should both hear and minde with all possible devotion and this they could not doe in such Churches where the high Altars were disposed very distant from the Nave or Body of the Church by the interposition of a Belfrey as in many places it happened Thereupon in the next Liturgy order was given for the service to be used in such places of the Church c. as the people might best hear And if controverted the Ordinary to determine the place Now the last Reformers in Q. Elizabeth her time observing that in many Churches the edification of the people might be secured and the ancient practice observed restored the service to its former station leaving notwithstanding an overruling power in the Ordinary to dispose it otherwise if he saw just cause so to doe Whereby it appeareth that the Bishops lately enjoyning the service to be said at the holy Table or in the Chancel did not innovate but held to the Rubrick and that the officiating in the Desk was a swerving from the rule unless where it was able to shew Episcopal dispensation expresly to warrant it And the Chancels shall stand as they have done In the beginning of the Reformation under King Edward the 6. his Reign Altars were taken down upon good and godly consideration as King Edwards Letter to Bishop Ridley imports But as there is no constat that all altars were then taken down for the letter speaketh but of most part not of all the Churches in the Realm so is it dubious whether they were taken down by publick order or popular tumult for the consideration might be good and Godly yet the way of proceeding therein not approvable But taken down they were and by way of concomitancy probably in many places the steps of ascent were levelled also set so as some were notwithstanding left in their former state about which much strife and contention arising in several places some eager to pull them down others as earnest to continue them The wisdom of the Church interposeth to part the fray ordering in this Rubrick no alteration to be attempted therein which notwithstanding the people in the begining of Queen Elizabeth her Reign began to be unquiet again in this particular so as she was enforced to restrain them by a new order in these words Also that the Steps which be as yet at this day remaining in any our Cathedral Collegiate or Pâ—rish Churches be not stirred nor altered but be suffered to continue And if in any Chancel the steps be transposed that they be not erected again but that the place be decently paved By which words evident it is Authority had no designe to end the dispute by closing with either party but by stating things in their present posture The minister shall use such Ornaments c. In the latter end of the Act for uniformity there was reserved to the Queen a power to make some further order with the advice of her Commissioners c. concerning Ornaments for Ministers but I do not finde that she made any use of that Authority or
prayers of God would take up much more of the Lords day then in most places they do as Master Baxter saith very well As for this Doxology so often repeated in the service of our Church cause there is to think it very ancient and of much elder standing then the Councel of Nice St. Basil derives it very high citeth Irenaeus for the use thereof calleth it antiquam vocem a phraâ—e of great antiquity And doubtlesse so it is for Justine mentions it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Glorifying the Father the Son and the holy Ghost without a sound Confession of the Trinity is not enough to save us So also Clemens Alexandinus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Glorifying the Father onely and the Son with the holy Ghost And in all probability to this had Tertullian regard where interpreting that of the prophet Malachi Incense shall be offered and a pure offering he gives his sense of it thus by id est Gloriae relatio Benedictio Hymni the giving Glory to God the blessings and Hymnes Truth it is there might in the former times be some small syllabical difference in the rehearsing of it some thus Glory be to the Father by the Son in the holy Ghost some thus Glory be to the Father and the Son with the holy Ghost as Irenaeus in St. Basil others as we use it now in which diversity there was certainly nothing either intended ill towards the truth or which could be directly drawn into ill construction but when about the time of the Nicene Councel the Arrians began to sow their seeds of heresie touching the inequality of the three Persons and the better to colour their pretences sheltered themselves under the protection of the Doxology the Father by the Son in the holy Ghost formerly used to which they constantly adhered hereupon the Councel of Nice to avoid all occasion of future question held her self to that form which came nighest to the form of Baptisme composed by our Saviour and the Doctrine of Christian faith prescribing it to be punctually observed by all such as were of the Orthodox party So that the Church being then split into two divisions the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and form of Doxology used by ether side because the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and note of distinction from the other Now whereas it may be urged out of Philostorgius that Flavianus first brought it into use if the Author may not be questioned as partial being an Arrian yet may he be interpreted to speak in reference to Antioch onely And whereas St. Hierom hath been currantly delivered to be the Author and composer of the second verse As it was in the beginning c. the story of Leontius his cunning pronouncing of onely the end of that versicle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. world without end in an audible tone is evidence to the contrary that Leontius being contemporary with Athanasius and both long before Jerom. And from Easter to Whitsunday Hallelujah The fifty dayes between Easter and Whitsunday were dayes of excessive joy in the primitive Church in honour of our Saviours Resurrection and were in some particulars observed with equal solemnity to the Lords day as in not fasting not kneeling chanting this Angelical Hallelujah upon these dayes which last was retained by our first Reformers as a mark of honour fixt upon them In the Scotch Liturgy by way of responce is added The Lords name be praised more in compliance to exemplary usage then in advantage of the sense which is compleat enough without it for the Allocution of praise ye the Lord hath no implied reference to any such return from the people but onely regardeth the subsequent Psalm for as let us pray is usually premised to incite intention to an ensuing prayer with the same congruity is praise ye the Lord assigned as an impressive invitatory to a following Hymn calling upon the people to joyn not not onely mentally but vocally by way of alternate response after the Priest Then shall be said or sung this Psalm Such also was the mode in St. Basils time Ab oratione surgentes ad Psalmodiam instituuntur i. e. Rising from prayers they the Assembly fall to singing of Psalmes O come let us sing c. This is not to say properly the Invitatory but the Invitatory Psalm so called because it comprehends the Invitatory for the Invitatory it self is onely the verse O come let us worship and fall down and kneel before the Lord our maker which was in the Church of Rome often no lesse then six times repeated by the Priest at certain closes and Periods of this Psalm and as oft returned by the people which our Reformers judging to be a vain Tautology thought fit to omit it appointing the venite to be without the Invitatory The Original of this Invitatory was at first of valuable consideration For you must know that anciently as appeareth out of Chrysostome before the Congregation was compleat and fully assembled the usage was to entertain the time with singing of Psalms where of this was the chief And Durandus who lived about the 400 years since tells us it was then the fashion in some Churches for the people who lay in expectation of the morning Service as soon as they heard this Psalm once began presently they all hasted into the Church Then shall follow certain Psalmes Concerning the dividing of the Psalmes into certain portions for every day I have spoke before Then shall be read two Lessons In the Romish Church there are usually appointed nine Lessons whereof the three first are commonly out of the Epistles the three next are short extracts out of the Homilies and Sermons of the Fathers the seventh is almost constantly out of the Gospel next which followeth ashred of a homily out of the Fathers which supplieth the place of the Sermon in more ancient times and is a short exposition upon the Gospel then two Lessons taken out of some antient writer Therefore in the first injunctions of Edw. the 6. elder by a year then the first Liturgy it is appointed that in order to the reading of the Epistles and Gospels and one Chapter in the New Testament in English when nine Lessons should be read in the Church three of them shall be omitted and left out with their Responds The reading of Lessons out of the Old as also out of the New-Testament is in a punctual imitation of the Ancient Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Justine Martyr i. e. the Commentaries of the Apostles and writings of the Prophets are read as the time permits These Lessons except before excepted are not left arbitrary but either to be appointed by the Kalendar or by the Table of proper Lessons the first for Ordinary and work-dayes the second for Festivals And such also was the Primitive Custom Audistis Librum legi Job saith Ambrose qui solemni munere est decursus tempore you have
none other argument or testimony to produce against her antagonist then this very Creed in respect of Athanasius his so high reputation in that Church Lastly that there is seldome mention of it untill about a thousand years after Christ. These are the reasons perswading that judicious man that the Tradition is fabulous And it is likely enough to be so for the late reverend Primate that great inquiâ—er into ancient â—arities in one very old manuscript observed it ascribed to a triumvirate Eusebius Dâ—onysius and a namelesse third in another belonging to King Aethelstane about the year 924 it is called fides Sancti Athanasiâ— the Creed of St. Athanasius In another ancienter far then the other two it is called Symbolum fideâ— Catholicae the Symbol of the Catholick Faith without any name affixt Now this last being written in capital Letters the Primate thence inferreth Gregorii 1. tempore non fuisse recentius it was meaning the M. S. at least as old as the age of Gregory the great and if so the Creed it self must be elder and then be the Author who he will satisfaction it is enough that it is ancient The Litany Our sacred addresses and applications to God are quadrupartite fourfold alâ— comprehended in one ver of the Apostle 1 Tim. 2. 1. where first there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 supplication deprecation a praying to be delivered from dangers ghostly and bodily such as is the Litany Secondly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Petition apprecation an invocation of divine blessings and benefits upon our selves Thirdly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Intercession an importuning the throne of grace in the behalf of others Lastly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thanksgiving for blessings received either by our selves or others Did not this sufficiently warrant sacred Litanies we might derive authority from the last Petition of the Lords prayer Deliver us from evil To which pattern of our Saviour and precept of his Apostle the Primitive Church began early to conform The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and first moment of their admission into the Classis of Divine offices is difficult to define that these Litanies made a distinct part of the Liturgy in St Augustins time is evident for enumerating the several parcels thereof he expostulateth Quando non est tempus cantandi in Ecclesia nisi cum Legitur aut disputatur aut Antistites clarâ voce deprecantur aut communis oratio voce Diaconi indicitur What space is free from singing of Psalmes in the Church unlesse it be when the Lessons are reading or the Sermon Preaching or the Priests are rehearsing the Litany aloud or Common prayer is enjoyned by the mouth of the Deacon To ascend up unto St. Cyprian he testifieth as much of his time Pro arcendis hostibus imbribus impetrandis vel auferendis vel temperandis adversis rogamus semper preces funâ—imus for deliverance from our enemies for rain in time of droughts for the removing or moderating of our afflictions we constantly pray Senior to St. Cyprian Tertul. Quando non geniculationibus nostris jejunationibus nostris siccitates sunt depulsae Tell me the time when by our kneelings and fastings droughts are not changed into moisture In the Greek Church they moved somewhat slower not entring until about the year 300. In the dayes of Gregory Thaumatergus who florished about the year 260. St. Basil tells the Neocesarians there was not any such thing as Litanies known and his telling them so implieth that in his own time they had made their entry By what hath already been said Mr. Cartwrights mistake seems grosse enough in founding the first rise of Litanies upon Mamercus Bishop of Vienna He if he did any thing in their establishment probably went no further then the reviewing of anteceding Litanies and disposing them into a form agreeable to Vienna's sad condition and the assigning three dayes before Ascension for that service As did also the Councel of Aurelia after him can 23. Next Mamercus comes in Gregory the great the supposed Author of the great Litany that of Mamercus being stiled the lesse and most probably so he was but the sneezing sicknesse being decryed by all learned men as fabulous and so it no motive or inducement to the work some other cause must be assigned which perhaps might be some rage of contagious Pestilence or else it may be conjectured to have been compiled upon the general score of Reformation For Gregory observing in the several offices of diverse Latine Churches many things which gave cause of dislike some being vain some unapt some scarce making out sense he presently applied himself to consider of and compare them all together and so to compile a Liturgy of the most choice peeces extracted from them which he performing left as a Legacy to his successors which was at first owned as the proper service of the Romish Church Part of this Liturgy was the Great Litany which contained the very quintessence of all former Models with additions of his own some for the better and some for the worse and these rather the blemishes of his times then of himself That age wherein he lived was none of the learnedst but declined much towards ignorance which is worthily stiled the mother of blinde devotion or superstition this ignorance soon brought in the Invocation of Saints an errour which began to be whispered in the writings of others some few yeers preceding but never durst shew it self 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bare-faced in the service of the Church untill this Gregory led it in who over facile to credit mis-reported miracles as his Dialogues demonstrate was made susceptible of any errour which presented it self under the shape of devotion and consequently of invocation of Saints He therefore imbibing this fallacious opinion acted agreeable to its principles and after the addresse to the sacred Trinity inserted in the Litany an application first to the Virgin Mary next to the Archangels and Angels then to the Apostles Martyrs Confessors and Virgins bestowing upon every one an Orapro nobis nominally applied As for the Litany used in our Church a very neer resemblance it hath with that devised by St. Gregory if he were the Author of the Sacramontary as I am prone to beleeve he was The first part of it whose Responsory terminations are Have mercy upon us seems to be an exemplification of the most ancient forms for in those Liturgies extant under the names of misreputed Authors which neverthelesse retain some relicks of remote antiquity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the great ingredient into the Litanies between these and the Deprecatory part immediately before Remember not Lord our iniquities c. grew that exâ—rescence of misguided zeal and the forementioned addresse to the Saints which our Church worthily expunged Those answers of Good Lord deliver us vary little from the ancient mode Those of we beseech thee to hear us good Lord pretend a neer conformity to that model
gifts with the Wismen applying the most remarkable occurrents of that day as inciâ—ements to rejoyce upon it Consonant is that of St. Basil who reckoning the special events on Christs Nativity saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The stars from heaven came to behold him the Magicians among the Gentiles made hast to adore him Ash-Wednesday and Lent Ash-Wednesday hath in antiquity two names First it is called Dies cinorum in reference to the Penitents whereof more under the title of Commination who were this day sprinckled with Dust and Ashes Secondly Caput jejunii the top of the Fast or first day of Lent Instituted it was by Gregory the Great the occasion this Lent commencing according to the former mode on the Sunday after Quinquagessima lasted six weeks or forty dayes from these substract six Sundayes which were never to be fasted there remained thirty six Lenten dayes the just tenth of the year abating the fraction of five dayes for multiply 360 by 10 the quotient will be 36. so then God by this observation received from the Christians a tenth as well of their time as of their fruits this was one designe of Lents original Now St. Gregory that the Churches practise might be more agreeable to the great exemplar of our Saviours 40. dayes the quotient observed by Moses and Elias abstinence in the wildernesse added these four dayes to compleat the number of 40. dayes But though by this rule the Church conformed nigher to the pattern of our Saviour as to the Number of 40. yet in the appointment of that time she varied from his copy Christ fasting immediatly after his baptisme she fasting before Baptisme and great reason had she so to do there were in those dayes many persons adult of full growth who became converts to Christianity and had besides original many actual sins to account for these could not be cleansed by the water of Baptisme unlesse they were first rinsed in the water of contrition therefore to these repentance was as necessary a requisite before baptisme as faith for as St. Basil saith exellently 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Repentance must lâ—ad the way to Faith whereas our Saviour being without sin had no need of Repentance to precede his baptisme in this respect this Quadragesimal fast whose chief end is humiliation and Repentance was very aptly premised before Easter the grand time designed for that Sacrament as a preparation to it And not in this respect alone but in several others for at that great solemnity Penitents were to be restored to a neerer Communion with the faithful did they shew any evident signes of Godly sorrow or contrition which the Scleragogy and hard treatment of so long a time of fasting and humiliation was most like to create And as Penitents were at that time to be reconciled to the faithful so were the faithful then also more then ordinarily to be reconciled to God Easter being the most solemn time alloted for the celebration of the Lords supper whereof the Jewish Passeover was a Type As for the first Institution uncertain it is from whom to derive it St. Hierom ascends to Apostolical Tradition Nos unam Quadragesimam toto Anno jejunamus secundum traditionem Apostolicam We observe in the whole year one Quadragesimal Fast according to Apostolical tradition Not strictly so I conceive but according to the latitude of the Language or conception of those times wherein the same Hierom tells us Unaquaeque Provintia praecepta majorum lâ—ges Apostolicas arbitratur every Province accounts the Precepts of their Ancestors as Apostolical Ordinances But though its derivation possibly will not reach so far yet considering that Origen Tertullian and the Councel of Laodicea mention it it must be allowed for very ancient For the manner how it was in general observed leaving particular dayes to be spoken to in their proper order the Councel of Laodicea informs us of these four particulars First 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That no consecration of the Sacrament be made in Lent but onely on the Sabbath and Lords-day This was done upon this account The consecration of the Bread and Wine was as those Fathers supposed an action more properly ally'd to the nature of a Festival then of a Past and it being the custom at that time to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper every day that there might be wherewith to supply the concernments of that Service and also for a Viaticum to Penitents and others in theâ—r fatal last it was thought meet that upon the Sabbaths and Lords Dayes there should be consecrated such a surplusage to be reserved as might be sufficient for those intents which consecrated Elements so received were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 foreconsecrated By this Canon the different nay contâ—ary customs of the East and West may be observed the first keeping the Sabbath as a Festival the second as a Fast yea the Trullan Councel magisterially enough decreeth that the 66. Canon of the Apostles which is penal to all such as fast on the Sabbath day shall be of force 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the very Church of Rome her self For which cause saith Balsamon that Church doth disclaim this for an Oecumenical Councel The second particular is Canon 50. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That it is meet to fast all Lent eating dry-meats These dry-meats we may safely presume were Bread water and Salt for so Epiphanius deciphereth them at the end of his Panarium If so it may be positively concluded that Wine Whit-meats Oyl and Fish as well as Flesh were within the interdict of the ancient Abstinence The third is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That the Birth dayes of the holy Martyrs be not celebrated in Lent But that their commemoration be transferred to the Sabbaths and Lords dayes whether this was extended to all other Festivals as well as the Birth-dayes of Martyrs I cannot say sure I am the day 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Annuntiation which alwayes falls in Lent was observed under the sixth General Counsel The last 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That there must no Marriages nor Birth-dayes be celebrated during the time of Lent At what hour this Fast was to determine and when the people were to take their repast this Synod hath no decree in which point I observe in the Primitive Church a diversity betwen the Quadragesimal the Lent Fast and that of Wednesdayes and Fridays The Lent as all extraordinary and high Fasts were protended and reached to the evening thereof Expectas vesperam ut cibum oapias saith Basil of Lent Fast thou waitest for the Evening that thou maist refresh thy self The weekly Fast determined at the ninth hour or three in the afternoon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Epiphanius All the year long and Wednesdays and Fridayes they brake not their fasts until three in the afternoon But this distinction was not entertained in the Catholik Church until after
and Collegiate Churches there shall alwayes some Communicate with the Priest that ministreth And that the same may be also observed every where abroad in the Country some one at the least of that house in every Parish to whom by course after the ordinance herein made it pertaineth to offer for the charges of the Communion or some other whom they shall provide to offer for them shall receive the holy Communion with the Priest The which may be better done for that they know before when their course cometh and may therefore dispose themselves to the worthy receiving of the Sacrament And with him or them who doth so offer the charges of the Communion all other who be then Godly disposed thereunto shall likewise receive the Communion And by this means the Minister having alwayes some to Communicate with him may accordingly solemnize so high and holy mysteries with all the suffrages and due order appointed for the same And the Priest in the week day shall forbear to celebrate the Communion except he have some that will Communicate with him And in Cathedral or Collegiat Churches where be many Ministers and Deacons they shall all receive the Communion with the Minister every Sunday at the least except they have a reasonable cause to the contrary  2 B. of Edw. 6. V Although no order can be so perfectly devised but it may be of some either for their Ignorance and infirmity or else for malice and obstinacy misconstrued depraved and interpreted in a wrong part and yet because brotherly Charity willeth that so much as conveniently may be offences should be taken away therefore we willing to do the same Whereas it is ordained in the Book of Common prayer in the Administration of the Lords Supper that the Communicants kneeling should receive the same which thing being well meant for a signification of the humble and grateful acknowledging of the benefits of Christ given unto the worthy receiver And to avoid the prophanation and disorder which about the holy Communion might else ensue least yet the same kneeling might be thought or taken otherwise we do declare that it is not meant thereby that any adoration is done or ought to be done either unto the Sacramental Bread or wine there bodily received or unto any real and essential presence there being of Christs natural flesh and blood For as concerning the Sacramental Bread and wine they remain still in their very natural substances and therefore may not be adored for that were Idolatry to be abhorred of all faithful Christians And as concerning the natural Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ they are in heaven and not here for it is against the truth of Christs true natural body to be in mo places then one Common Prayer 1 B. of Edw. 6. And to take away the superstition which any person hath or might have in the bread and wine it shall suffice that the bread be such as is usual to be eaten at the table with other meats but the best and purest wheat bread that conveniently may be gotten W And if any of the bread and wine remain the Curate shall have it to his own use Scot. Lit. And if any of the Bread and Wine do remain which is consecrated it shall be reverently eaten and drunk by such of the Communicants onely as the Presbyter which celebrates shall take unto him but it shall not be carried out of the Church And to the end there may be little left he that officiates is required to consecrate with the least and then if there be want the words of consecration may be repeated again over more either Bread and Wine The presbyter beginning at these words in the Prayer of consecration Our Saviour in the night that he was betrayed c. For avoiding of all matters and occasion of dissention it is meet that the bread prepared for the Communion be made through all this Realm after one sort and fashion that is to say unleavened and round as it was afore but without all manner of print and something more larger and thicker then it was so that it may be aptly divided in divers peeces and every one shall be divided into two peeces at the least or more by the discretion of the Minister and so distributed And men must not think lesse to be received in part then in the whole but in each of them the whole body of our-Saviour Jesus Christ. Common Prayer 1. B. of Edw. 6. The bread and wine for the Communion shall be provided by the Curate and Church-wardens at the charges of the Parish and the Parish shall be discharged of such sums of money or other duties which hitherto they have payed for the same by order of their houses every Sunday And for as much as the Pastors and Curates within this Realm shall continually finde at their costs and charge in their Cures sufficient bread and wine for the holy Communion as oft as their Parishioners shall be disposed for their spiritual comfort to receive the same It is cherefore ordered that in recompence of such costs and charges the Parishioners of every Parish shall offer every Sunday at the time of the Offertory the just value and price of the holy Loaf with all such money and other things as were wont to be offered with the same to the use of their Pastors and Curates and that in such order and course as they were wont to finde and pay the said holy Loaf Common Prayer 1 B. of Edw. 6. And note that every Parishioner shall Communicate at the least three X times in the year of which Easter to be one and shall also receive the Sacraments and Scot. Lit. observe other rites according to the order in this book appointed And yearly at Easter every Parishioner shall reckon with his Parson Vicar Curate or his or their Deputy or Deputies and pay to them or him all Ecclesiastical duties accustomably due then and at that time to be payed Furthermore every man and woman to be bound to hear and to be at Divine service in the Parish Church where they be resident and there with devout Prayer or Godly silence and meditation to occupy themselves There to pay their duties to communicate once in the year at the least and there to take and receive all other Sacraments and rites in this book appointed And whosoever willingly upon no just cause doth absent themselves or doth ungodly in the Parish Church occupy themselves upon proof thereof by the Ecclesiastical laws of the Realm to be excommunicated or suffer other punishment as shall be to the Ecclesiastical Judge according to his discretion seem convenient And although it be read in ancient writers that the people many years past received at the Priests hands the Sacrament of the body of Christ in their own hands and no Commandment of Christ to the contrary yet for as much as they many times conveyed the same secretly away kept it with them and diversly
celebrari It is very convenient that the Lords supper be celebrated on Easter Whitsuntide and on the birth day of our Saviour The word Parishioner must here be understood according to several qualifications and capacities First it intendeth the Laity and therefore this Rubrick is no dispensation to the Clergy belonging to Cathedrals who are still obliged to receive every Sunday unlesse they shew cause to the contrary Secondly it meaneth such as can say their Catechisme and have been confirmed as is in the Rubrick at the end of Confirmation Lastly it importeth infants also which in the second qualification it excluded for it is said every Parishioner shall also receive the Sacraments c. meaning when Infants Baptisme and when of riper years the Eucharist else we make more then two Sacraments contrary to our Church Catechisme CHAP. VIII Common Prayer The Ministration of A Baptisme to be used in in the Church 1 B. of Edvv. 6. Of the Administration of Publick Baptisme to be used in the Church IT appeareth by ancient writers that the B Sacrament of Baptisme in the old time was not commonly ministred but at two times in the year C at Easter and Whitsuntide At which time it was openly ministred in the presence of all the Congregation which custom now being grown out of use although it cannot for many considerations be well restored again yet it is thought good to follow the same as neer as conveniently may be wherefor the people are to be admonished that it is most convenient that Baptisme should not be ministred but upon Sundayes and other holy-dayes when the most number of people may come together as well for that the congregation there present may testifie the receiving of them that be newly baptized into the number of Christs Church as also because in the Baptisme of infants every man present may be put in remembrance of his own profession made to God in baptisme For which cause also it is expedient that Baptisme be ministred in the English tongue Neverthelesse if necessity so require children 1 B. of Edw. 6. ought at all times to be baptised either at the Church or else at home may at altimes be baptised at home Publick Baptisme When there are children to be baptised upon the Sunday or holy day the parents shall give knowledge overnight or in the morning afore the beginning of morning prayer to the Curate And then the Godfathers Godmothers and people with the children D must be ready at the Font 1 B. of Edw. 6. at the Church door either immediately after the last 1. B. of Edw. 6. Canticle Lesson at Morning prayer or else immediatly after the last 1 B. of Edw. 6. Canticle Lesson at Evening prayer as the Curate by his discretion shall appoint And then standing there the minister shall ask whether the children be baptised or no If they answer no Then shall the Minister say thus DEarly beloved forasmuch as all men be conceived and born in sin and that our saviour Christ saith None can enter into the kingdome of God except he be regenerate and born a new of water and the holy ghost I beseech you to call upon God the father through our Lord Jesus Christ that of his bounteous mercy he will grant to these children that thing which by nature they cannot have that they may be baptised with water and the holy ghost and received into Christs holy Church and be made lively members of the same Then the Minister shall say Let us pray  1 B. of Edw. 6. ALmighty and everlasting God which of thy great mercy didst save Noah and his family in the Ark from perishing by water and also didst safely send the children of Israel thy people through the red sea figuring thereby thy holy Baptisme And by the Baptism of thy well beloved son Jesus Christ didst sanctifie the flood Jordan and all other waters to the mystical washing away of sin Scot. Lit. sanctifie this fountain of Baptisme thou which art the Sanctifier of all things And further we beseech thee for thy infinite mercies that thou wouldest mercifully look upon these children sanctifie and wash them with the holy Ghost that they being delivered from thy wrath may be received into the Ark of Christs Church and being stedfast in faith joyful through hope and rooted in charity Almighty and everlasting God which of thy justice didst destroy by floods of water the whole world for sin except eight persons whom of thy mercy the same time thou didst save in the Ark And when thou didst drown in the red sea wicked king Pharaoh with all his Army yet at the same time thou didst lead thy people the children of Israel safely through the midst thereof wherby thou didst figure the washing of thy holy Baptisme And by c.  1. B. of Edw. 6. May so passe the waves of this troublesome world that finally they may come to the land of everlasting life there to reign with thee world without end through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen May ever serve thee And finally attain to everlasting life with all thy holy and chosen people This grant us we beseech thee for Jesus Christs sake our Lord Amen 1. B. of Edw. 6. Here shall the Priest ask what shall be the name of the child and when the God-fathers and God-mothers have told the name then shall he make a F Crosse upon the childs forehead and breast saying N. Receive the sign of the holy Crosse both in thy fore-head and in thy breast in token that thou shalt not be ashamed to confesse thy faith in Christ crucified and manfully to sight under his bannor against sin the world and the Devil and to continue his faithful souldier and servant unto thy lives end Amen And this he shall do and say to as many children as be present to be baptized one after another 1 B. of Edw. 6. Let us pray Almighty and immortal God c. Common prayer ALmighty and Immortal God the did of them that need the helper of all hat flee to thee for succour the life of them that beleeve and the resurrection of the dead we call upon thee for these infants that they coming to thy holy baptisme may receive remission of their stirs by spiritual regeneration Receive them O Lord as thou hast promised by thy welbeloved son saying Ask and you shall have seek and ye shall finde knock and it shall be opened unto you So give now unto us that ask let us that seek finde open the gate unto us that knock that these infants may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord Amen 1 B. of Edward the 6. Then let the Priest looking upon the children say I command thee G unclean spirit in the name of the Father of the Son and of the holy Ghost that thou come out and depart from these infants whom our Lord Jesus Christ
Church it will be proper and pertinent to inquire into the Original inducement to this Cermony These I observe to be three First an ancient Rite it was for servants or captives to be stygmatized or branded with the names of their Masters on their foreheads as it was for their souldiers enrolled with the names of their Emperours or Generalissimo's on the hands declaring thereby to whom they did belong To this custome the Prophet Ezechiel is thought to allude chap. 9. vers 4. Set a mark upon the forehead of them that mourn and cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst of Jerusalem To this custome the Angel in the Revelation is thought to regard chap. 7. vers 3. Hurt ye not the earth c. until we have sealed the Servants of God on the forehead and chap. 14. vers 1. where the retinue of the Lamb are said to have his Fathers name written on their foreheads And as Christ's Flock carried their cognizance on their foreheads so did his great adversary the Beast sign his servants there also Revel 14. 9. If any man shall receive the mark of the Beast on his forehead or on his hand Now that the Christian Church might hold some Analogy with those sacred applications she conceived it a most significant ceremony for Baptism it being our first admission into Christian Profession that all her children should be signed with the Cross on their forehead at their reception of it signifying thereby their consignment up to Christ whence it is so often called by the Fathers Signaculum Dominicum the Lords Signet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ's broad Seal or by words of the same import and hence Tertullian signat illic in fronte milites suos he marketh on the forehead his own soldiers Secondly The real miracles which were in those times daily wrought by the use thereof both in expelling and driving out of the Devil and by healing of corporal diseases whereof I lately produced one Testimony out of St. Augustin who from that very place can furnish you with many more So that woman in Epiphanius was preserved from Poyson 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 She was helped by the sign of the Cross and faith in Cirist Not by either separated but by both together Many other instances might be produced Now in case any shall object that many of those anciently recorded miracles were impostures and meer fables were it possible to be proved it would be of no force unless they could also prove al were so which is a thing impossible considering that so many of the Primitive Fathers witnesse the contrary nor is there any Protestant of remarque who doth not acknowledg as much Confest it is this gift of working miracles lasted not many Centuries after Christ and that for two reasons one least the familiarity of them should breed contempt for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith elegant Philo real miracles loose their estimation when they grow common Again the work was done for which they were wrought 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when the knowledg of the Christian faith was not far diffused miracles were wrought as necessary for the conversion of Proselites but when the Gospel began to be spread abroad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there was no further need of that way of teaching Therefore St. Paul saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wonders were exhibited more for the unbelievers than for the faithful which is the cause that Timothy and Epaphroditus being sick 1 Tim. 5. 73. Phil 2. 30. No miracle was applied to recover them they being faithfull and confirmed believers Lastly The Heathens were wont to deride the Christians and to speak disdainfully of them as worshippers of a Malefactor crucified To encounter which reproach and to shew that they gloried in the Cross of Christ Galath 6. 14. Taking it to be an honour not an ignominy they assumed this Ceremony of signing themselves with the Cross both in Baptism and at several other times Cor quidem habemus non tamen tale quale vos habet is nec nos pudet crucifixi sed in parte ubi pudoris signum est signum ejus crucis habemus We have an heart saith Austen to the Pagans but of a better mould than yours nor are we at all ashamed of Christ crucified but bear his cognizance in our foreheads the seat of shamefacenesse Now as to the establishment of this Ceremony by our Church though we have slender expectation that it should operate as formerly yet why may it not be retained as an honorable memorial of its miraculous effects of old But the Church is so exceedingly expresse and perspicuous in her explanation of the use thereof as nothing can be disired more which explication being the product of the Conference at Hampton Court was so abundantly satisfactory to the Foreman of those Opponents Dr. Reinolds as haveing once perused it he ingenuously profest he would never gain-say that Ceremony any more In that Explication not a sillable appears of any operation ascribed to this sign therefore they who have adhered to any such opinion cannot plead the Church of England for their guide Eminent and most remarkable was the great prudence of King James in this concernment All along King Edward the sixt'h and Queen Elizabeth her Reign when the Strumosi such as had the King 's evil came to be touched the manner was then for her to apply the sign of the Cross to the tumour which raising cause of jealousies as if some mysterious operation were imputed to it That wise and learned King not onely with his son the late King practically discontinued it but ordered it to be expunged out of the prayers relating to that Cure which hath proceeded as effectually that omission notwithstanding as it did before The sign of the Cross being then significant onely and not operative and significant of a duty to be elicited by future practice good reason hath our Church to continue it in which sence non est reprobanda with Zanchy it is not to be disallowed Adhiberi nec indecens nec inutile esse existimo saith Bucer p. 479. in my opinion the use of it is neither unseemly nor unprofitable Of them that be baptized in private houses if the custome of the Ancient Fathers yea if the practice of the very Apostles themselves be allowed us as directory sufficient in all sacred relations Private Baptisme that is baptizing out of and apart from the publique Congregation in case of necessity can draw its extraction as high as almost any other part of our Divine Service When Philip converted and baptized so many in Samaria Acts 8. We do not read any thing implying much less expressing that he did it in the place of publique worship or in the face of the Congregation So when he baptized the Eunuch ibid. 38. He did it not in the place of publiâ—k worship nor in the face of the Congregation When Ananias baptized Saul Acts
his executors These words before rehearsed may be said before the Minister begin his Prayer as he shall see cause R The Minister may not forget nor omit to move the sick person and that most instantly to liberality toward the poor S Here shall the sick person make a special confession if he feel his conscience troubled with any weighty matter After which confession the Minister shall absolve him after this sort 1 B. of Edw. 6. and the same form of Absolution shall be used in all private confessions OUr Lord Jesus Christ who hath left power to his Church to absolve all sinners which truly repent and believe in him of his great mercy forgive thee thine offences and by his authority committed to me I absolve thee from all thy sins In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Amen And then the Minister shall say the Collect following Let us pray O Most merciful God which according to the multitude of thy mercies doest so put away the sins of those which truly repent that thou remembrest them no more open thine eye of mercy upon this thy servant who most earnestly desireth pardon and forgiveness Renue in him most loving Father whatsoever hath been decayed by the fraud and malice of the devil or by his own carnal will and frailness preserve and continue this sick member in the unity of thy Church consider his contrition accept his tears asswage his pain as shal be seen to thee most expedient for him And forasmuch as he putteth his full trust onely in thy mercy impute not to him his former sins but take him unto thy favor through the merits of thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ Amen Then the Minister shall say this Psalm In thee O Lord have I put my trust Glory be to the Father and to the Son c. As it was in the beginning is now c. Adding this 1 B of Edw. 6. Adding this Anthem O Saviour of the World save us which by thy crosse and pretious blood hast redeemed us help us we beseech thee O God Then shall the Minister say THE almighty Lord which is a most strong tower to all them that put their trust in him to whom all things in heaven in earth and under the earth do bow and obey be now and evermore thy defence and make thee know and feel that there is none other name under heaven given to man in whom and through whom thou mapest receive health and salvation but onely the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen 1 B. of Edw. 6. If the sick person desire to be T anointed then shall the Priest anoint him upon the fore head or brest onely making the signe of the crosse saying thus As with this visible oyl thy body outwardly is anointed so our heavenly father Almighty God grant of his infinite goodnesse that thy soul inwardly may be anointed with the holy ghost who is the spirit of all strength comfort reliefe and gladnesse And vouchsafe for his great mercy if it be his blessed will to restore unto thee thy bodily health and strength to serve him and send thee release of all thy pains troubles and diseases both in body and minde And howloever his goodnesse by his divine and unsearchable providence shall dispose of thee we his unworthy Ministers and servants humbly beseech the eternal Majesty to do with thee according to the multitude of his innumerable mercies and to pardon thee all thy sins and offences committed by all thy bodily sences passions and carnal affections who also vouchsafe mercifully to grant unto thee ghostly strength by his holy spirit to withstand and overcome all temptations and assaults of thine adversary that in no wise he prevail against thee but that thou mayest have perfect victory and triumph against the Devil sin and death through Christ our Lord who by his death hath overcome the Prince of death and with the Father and the holy Ghost evermore liveth and reigneth God world without end Amen How long wilt thou forget me Lord. c. Glory be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. Edition Lat. Buceri Si videtur commodum dicatur etiam hic Psalmus pro usitata ante haec tempora unctione usque quâ— Domine c. V The Communion of the sick FOR as much as all mortal men be subject to many sodain perils diseases and sicknesses and ever uncertain what time they shall depart out of this life Therefore to the intent they may be alwayes in a readinesse to dye whensoever it shall please almighty God to call them the Curates shall diligently from time to time but specially in the plague time exhort their Parishioners to the oft receiving in the Church of the holy Communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ which if they do they shall have no cause in their sodain visitation to be unquiet for lack of the same But if the sick person be not able to come to the Church and yet is desirous to receive the Communion in his house then he must give knowledge over night or else early in the morning to the Curate signifying also how many be appointed to Communicate with him 1 B. of Edw. 6. And if the same day there be a celebration of the holy Communion in the Church W then shall the Priest reserve at the open Communion so much of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood as shall serve the sick person and so many as shall Communicate with him if there be any And so soon as conveniently he may after the Communion ended in the Church shall go and Minister the same first to those that are appointed to Communicate with the sick if there be any and last of all to the sick person himself But before the Curate distribute the holy Communion the appointed general Confession must be made in the name of the Communicants the Curate adding the Absolution with the Comfortable sentences of Scripture following in the open Communion and after the Communion ended the Collect. Almighty and and everliving God we most hartily thank thee c. But if the day be not appointed for the open Communion in the Church then upon convenient warning given the Curate shall come and visit the sick Person afore-noon Common Prayer 1 B. of Edw. 6. And having a convenient Place in the sick mans house where the Curate may reverently Minister and a good number to receive the Communion with the sick person with all things necessary for the same he shall there minister the holy Communion And having a convenient place in the sick mans house where he may reverently celebrate with all things necessary for the same and not being otherwise letted with the Bublick service or any other just impediment he shall there celebrate the holy Communion after such form and sort as hereafter is appointed The celebration of the holy Communion for the sick
to lead a new life and heartily to follow the Commandements of God and to walk from henceforth in his holy wayes draw near and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort make your humble Confession to Almighty God and to his holy Church here gathered together in his name meekly kneeling upon your knees Then shall a general Confession be made in the name of all those that are minded to receive the holy Communion either by one of them or else by one of the Ministers or by the Priest himself all kneeling humbly upon their knees Almighty God father of our Lord Jesus Christ Maker of all things Judge of all men we acknowledg and bewail our manifold sinnes and wickedness which we from time to time most grievously have committed by thought word and deed against thy divine Majestie provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us we do earnestly repent and be heartily sorry for these our misdoings The remembrance of them is grievous unto us the burthen of them is intollerable have mercy upon us have mercy upon us most mercifull Father for thy son our Lord Jesus Christs 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. Then shall the Priest stand up turning him to the people say thus Our blessed Lord who hath left power to his Church to absolve penitent sinners from their sinnes and to restore to the grace of the heavenly Father such as truely believe in Christ have mercy upon you pardon and deliver you from all sinnes confirme and strengthen you in all goodness and bring you to everlasting life Then shall the Priest stand up and turning him to the people say thus Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith to all that truly turn to him Come unto me all that travail and be heavy laden and I shall refresh you So God loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son to the end that all that believe in him should not perish but have life everlasting Hear what S. Paul saith This is a true saying and worthy of all men to be embraced and received that Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners Hear also what S. John saith If any man sin wee have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous he it is that obtained grace for our sinnes Then shall the Priest kneel down and say in the name of all them that shall receive this Communion this Prayer following WE do not presume to come to this Table O mercifull Lord trusting in our own righteousness but in thy manifold and great mercies we be not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table But thou art the same Lord whose property is alwayes to have mercy Grant us therefore Gracious Lord so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ and to drink his blood in these holy Mysteries that we may continually dwell in him and he in us that our sinfull bodies may be made clean by his body and our soules washed though his most precious blood Amen Then shall the Priest rise the people still reverently kneeling and the Priest shall deliver the Communion first to the Ministers if any be there present that they may be ready to help the Priest and after to the other and when he doth deliver the Sacrament of the body of Christ he shall say to every one these words following The body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given for thee preserve thy body unto everlasting life And the Priest delivering the Sacrament of the bloud and giving every one to drink once and no more shall say The bloud of our Lord Jesus Christ which was shed for thee preserve thy soul unto everlasting life If there be a Deacon or other Priest then shall he follow with the Challice and as the Priest ministreth the bread so shall he for the more expedition minister the wine in form before written Then shall the Priest turning him to the people let the people depart with this Blessing The Peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your hearts and mindes in the knowledge and love of God and of his son Jesus Christ our Lord. To the which the people shall answer Amen Note that the Bread that shall be Consecrated shall be such as heretofore have been accustomed And every of the said consecrated Breads shall be broken in two peices at the least or more by the discretion of the Minister and so distributed And men must not think less to be received in part then in the whole but in each of them the whole body of our Saviour Jesu Christ Note that If it doth so chance that the wine hallowed and consecrate doth not suffice or be enough for them that do take the Communion the Priest after the first cup or Chalice be emptied may go again to the Altar and reverently and devoutly prepare and consecrate another and so the third or more likewise beginning at these words Simili modo postquam coenatum est and ending in these words Qui pro vobis pro multis effundetur in remissionem peccatorum and without any levation or lifting up Imprinted at London the 8th day of March 2º EDW. 6 ti by R. Grafton Anno 1548. Addenda PAge 22. after line 12 begin another Division Thus. Chancellors Commissaries c. As much is it for the both honour and Interest of Christianity That the Professors of that Religion live as well as believe answerable to her Rule Upon this account in the Infancy of the Church for the first three hundred years the first care taken was That morall scandalls should not be committed at all the next was That when committed they should not be known amongst or taken notice of by the Heathens to the infamy of Christianity To this end all Offences of what nature or degree soever Ecclesiastical or Civil had their audience before the Bishop and his Bench of Elders which consistory according to the merit of the cause did admonish correct censure Nor did it take notice of crimes onely but if any contention or brabble chanced to happen between Party and Party the matter was so ordered as it was amicably composed by Arbitration and in case any were refractory and stubborne they were cast out of the Society of Christians Such was the Clergy Discipline before the Supream Magistrates entertained the Christian Faith And although after Constantine Lay-Courts took off Civil Lawes from the Church nisi alteruter Litigatorum aliter postularet unless one of the litigant parties should request to have the cause tried in the Bishops Consistory Yet did the Bishop notwithstanding keep up his Court for the cognizance of crimes Ecclesiastical by which I intend not onely such as are committed by persons Ecclesiastical contrary to Canons but also such others as were of