is forbidden and so on the other side where a Sin is forbidden there the contrary Duty is commanded Q. Why doth the Minister rehearse the Commandments Standing A. To shew his Authority here is God speaking by the Priest Q. Why do the People kncel all the time and beg mercy A. Because they have offended against all the Commandments therefore they kneel down as Criminals ought to do and earnestly beseech Pardon and that we may never commit the like again we pray that the Lord would incline our hearts to keep these Laws and so the Law may be a means of our Repentance and Reformation Q. Why do we pray for the King immediately after the Commandments A. Because he is Custos utriusque Tabulae the Defender of both Tables Q. Why is the Prayer for the King just before the daily Collect A. Because that when we have prayed for outward Prosperity to the Church the consequent of the King's Welfare we may in the Collect pray for inward Grace to make it compleatly happy Q. How long have the Collects been fixed to those very Sundays on which we now use them A. Above Twelve Hundred Years Q. Why is the Epistle read first A. As being the Word of the Servant appointed to personate the Law preceding the Gospel Q. Why doth the Gospel follow A. As being the Word of our great Master therefore when the Minister is about to read all the People stand up to express a more than ordinary reverence to it and to give Glory to God before it 's read and Thanks to God after Q. Why is that Creed which is rehearsed after the Gospel called the Nicene Creed A. Because it was for the most part framed at the great Council of Nice the same in substance with the Apostles Creed but doth more largely condemn all Heresies therefore is fitly enjoin'd to be recited before the Sacrament Q. Why are those Sentences used at the beginning of the Communion A. To stir us up more effectually to give bountifully Q. How is our Charity to be express'd A. Three Ways viz. by Giving Praying and Forgiving Q. Where have we Directions for each of these A. For Giving in the Sentences For Prayer in the Prayer for the Church Militant For Forgiving in the general Warning Q. How often ought we to receive A. It seems very probable from the Institution of this Sacrament that our Saviour design'd it should be part of God's Service in all the solemn Assemblies of Christians And we shew our Love by coming freely and frequently as often as we have an Opportunity for Publick Worship is very lame and imperfect without it Q. What is the Design of the Exhortations and of the Invitation before the Sacrament A. The former is to increase the Number and the latter to rectifie the Dispositions of the Communicants In the Invitation the Guests being prepared the Priest invites them to come near with Fear and Faith and that God may accept them he repeats those Graces with which they must be adorned viz. Repentance Charity and Holy Purposes shewing them what is the first Duty to be done viz. making an humble Confession upon their Knees Q. Why is this Confession here used A. Since Christ's Sufferings are here remembred we must own our Sins which were the Cause of them And since we hope for Pardon we ought with Shame and Sorrow first to own our Transgressions Q. Why is this Form of Absolution here used A. Lest our Guilt should terrifie us from coming to this Holy Table the Priest pronounceth Absolution in Christ's Name in the Form of a Prayer or Benediction which ought to be received with Faith and Gratitude Q. Why are those Sentences of Scripture used A. The Church hath chosen these Sentences to confirm the Faith and revive the Hope of poor Penitents and they are those very Promises on which the foregoing Absolution is grounded so that unless they doubt the Truth of God's Word they must believe these Promises of Mercy Q. Why are the Responses Prefaces and Trisagium here appointed to be used A. This Sacrament is a Feast of Joy and Thanksgiving and the Nature of the Eucharist requires some Acts of Praise and Gratitude 1. Here the Priest admonisheth us to Praise God in the Responses 2. And gives the Reason of it in the Prefaces 3. And joins with us in doing of it in the Trisagium which because the Word Holy is Thrice repeated was by the Greeks so called Q. Why are the Angels mentioned in this Hymn A. Because the Christian Church believed the Angels were present in Christian Assemblies therefore thought it sit that Men should join with them in this Heavenly Song over the Memorial of our Redemption Q. Why doth the Priest on great Festivals add other Prefaces A. They contain proper Reasons for our Thanksgiving on those special Occasions and the Decay of Devotion letting fall the Primitive and Apostolical Life of Weekly Communions and the People receiving but at the great Festivals the Church therefore added to the General Prefaces some special ones relating to the peculiar Mercy of that Feast on which they did communicate â— What Reason for the Vse of the Address or the Collect which â—â—ns thus We do not presume to come to this thy Table c A. The nearer we come to God the more Holy we ought to be and when we are just going to make so immediate Approaches our very Joy must be tempered with Humility and we must excuse our own Unworthiness Q. Why is the Prayer of Consecration used A. In Imitation of our Lord and Saviour and his Apostles all the Churches in the World have used such a Form We do not eat our common Food without first praying for a Blessing on it which Pious Custom is so universal that it is certainly a piece of natural Religion much more then are we obliged before we eat and drink this Bread and Wine which Christ designed to set forth the Mystery of his Death to consecrate and set it apart by a solemn Prayer Q. What Words are they which properly make the Consecration A. The Words of our Saviour's Institution pronounced by a lawful Priest Q. Why do the People join with the Priest in saying Amen A. In Testimony of their Faith that the Elements are become what Christ made and intended them to be that they have the Merits of his Sacrifice annexed to them by his own Institution Q. Why do the Communicants receive the Holy Symbols kneeling A. To express their Humility and the Sense they have of their own Unworthiness and that they may be in a posture of Prayer Q. Of how many Particulars do the Words consist which the Priest useth when he delivereth the Bread and Wine A. Three 1. Instruction declaring what it is viz. The Body of our Lord c. The Blood c. 2. Prayer desiring this Communication of them to us may preserve our Bodies and Souls unto everlasting Life 3. Direction what we are to do
A Plain and Rational VINDICATION and EXPLANATION OF THE LITURGY OF THE Church of England Collected out of the Discourses of some of the Reverend Bishops and Doctors of the same CHURCH by Way of QUESTION and ANSWER By J. CLVTTERBVCK Gent. The Second Edition with Improvements LONDON Printed for William Keblewhite at the Swan in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1699. To my Beloved Daughters SARAH LILLINGSTON AND MARY LEACH THE Church's aim in all her Services was to make them reasonable and therefore she hath not only put them in a known Tongue but also instructs us in the Nature of them making her Prayer-Book a Sum of Divinity but because we are fallen into an Age that many who call themselves Saints do actually mock and ridicule her sacred Offices It 's surely a Duty incumbent on all her Obedient Children to vindicate the Honour of their Holy Mother the Church I thought it therefore Time not ill spent having retired my self to a Private Life to collect such Reasons out of the Writings of the Reverend Bishops and Doctors of the Church of England as may justifie not only her Commands but enforce our Obedience to her Pious Edicts and to the Observance of her lawful Ceremonies And that my Affection may last longer than my Life I present ye with these my First-Fruits hoping that not only the Example and constant Practice of your Ancient Father but his Advice and Counsel may prevail with you to persevere to the End in the Doctrine and Discipline of that Church in which ye have been Baptized Educated and Instructed and let not Men deceive you with vain Words I only at First designed these Collections for my own private Satisfaction but I was prevailed upon by some Friends to make them Publick for this Reason because they assured me they would be of Use and Advantage to those of the meaner Understanding and not despised by others that knew them already which I chuse to say that I may prevent the Censure of those that may think this Publication proceeds from an itching Desire of Applause or at least from Vain-Glory Let not the Meanness of my Performances lessen your Reverence to the Holy Offices of our Church but live in the constant Use and Practice of them and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will bless you both in Soul and Body guiding ye by his Counsel here and bringing ye at last to his Glory which is the hearty Prayer of Your Affectionate Father J. CLUTTERBUCK April 16. 1694. To the READER IT is observed by a Reverend and Judicious Author Dr. Jo. Cockburn That Early Buds are wont to please the curious who are generally a little impatient But the Trees flourish best and are most fruitful which do not over-hastily put forth before their proper Season This Observation had I duly considered I should not to satisfie the importunity of some Friends so hastily have Published my First Thoughts However it appears that my Intentions to do good have been kindly received the First Edition being Sold off and being hereby encouraged to a Second Impression of this Book and desirous to have it more Correct and Useful I have made some Additions and Enlargements in giving a short Explication of the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments that all may understand what they Pray for and Read This I am sensible is very excellently perform'd by several Eminent Hands but I submit to the Judgment of some worthy Friends That I ought to consult the Reader 's Ease and Conveniency and not to referr him altogether to what Others have writ Several Remarks and Observations you will meet with in this Edition which escaped my first Consideration And lastly I have given some brief Hints of the Argument and Design of each Book of Holy Writ which may in some measure assist in Reading those Sacred Pages The Compilers of the English COMMON-PRAYER-BOOK were Dr. Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Mart. Dr. Goodrick Bishop of Ely Dr. Skip Bishop of Hereford Dr. Thirlby Bishop of Westminster Dr. Day Bishop of Chichester Dr. Holbeck Bishop of Lincoln Dr. Ridley Bishop of Rochester after Bishop of London Mart. Dr. Cox King Edward 's Almoner Dr. Taylor Dean of Lincoln Mart. Dr. Heynes Dean of Exeter Dr. Redman Dean of Westminster Mr. Robinson Archdeacon of Leicester May 1549. Anno Reg. Edw. 6. Tertio The English Reformation is the most compleat and perfect in its Kind as retaining the most ancient Doctrine and soundest Confession of Faith founded upon the Holy Scriptures and agreeable to the first General Councils the most Primitive Church Government and a Liturgy the best accommodated to reconcile and unite Mens Devotions Such a Liturgy as Mr. Fox the Author of the Martyrology is not afraid to say was indited by the Holy Ghost but certainly had a great Testimony in the unspeakable Joy and Contentment holy Men took in it in K. Edward the Sixth's days their Zeal for the Maintenance of it longing for the Restitution of it and Sealed it with their Blood in Q. Maries days and the Universal Triumphs and Acclamations at the Restoring of it in Queen Elizabeth's Reign Dr. Goodman Comp. Inquiry OF THE CALENDAR AND THE Special USE thereof IN THE CHURCH of GOD. THE Calendar of the Church is as full of Benefit as Delight unto such as are given to the serious Study and due Contemplation thereof for besides the admirable Order and Disposition of Times which are necessary for the better transacting of all Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs it hath in it a very Beautiful Distinction of the Days and Seasons whereof some are chosen out and sanctified and others are put among the Days of the Week to number But the chief Use of it in the Church of God is to preserve a solemn Memory and to continue in their due Season sometimes a weekly and sometimes an Annual Commemoration of those excellent and high Benefits which God hath bestowed upon Mankind for the Founding and Propagating of that Christian Religion which we now profess together with a Direction how to find the Lessons which the Church orders to be read every Day in the Week at Morning and Evening Prayer And because the Multitude of Holy Men and Women became so exceeding numerous that all the Days of the Year would not have been sufficient for a several Commemoration of them it was the great Wisdom and Moderation of those Religious Grave Prelates who did reform such things as were many ways amiss among us to chuse One Solemn Day alone wherein to magnifie God for the Generality of all his Saints together and to retain some few selected Days in every Month for the Special Memory of some Holy Persons and Actions hereby avoiding only the Burthen and the unnecessary Number of Festival Days Of the Golden Number and Dominical Letter THE Golden Number was anciently devised to find out the Ecclesiastical beginning of the Year which always happen'd between March the 7th and April the 6th And is
and 19. after Trinity 5. If for the Success of our Hearing Reading and Fasting See St. Barth St. Luke 2. Ad. 1. Lent If for Success of our Prayers 10. and 23. after Trinity 6. If for Grace in general to convert us from Sins See 1. Adv. 1. after Easter St. Andrew James Matthew If to deliver us from Temptation 4. Adv. 4. after Easter 18. Trinity If to enable us to do good 5. after Easter 1 9 11 13 17 25. after Trinity If to bring us finally to eternal Glory Epiph. 6. after Epiph. 7. If for the particular Graces of Regeneration See Christmas-Day If for Charity See Quinquages Sunday If for Mortification See Circumcision East Even For Contrition See Ash-Wednesday For the Love of God See 3. and 4. after Easter For Heavenly Desires See Ascension-Day For a Right and Firm Faith Trinity-Sunday 7. after Trinity and St. Thomas St. Mark For Grace to imitate Christ 6. Lent 2. after East For Grace to imitate his Saints See St. Stephen St. Paul St. Philip and Jacob St. John Baptist All Saints and Innocents If we would pray for Temporal Blessings 1. For God's Providence See 2 3 4 20. after Trinity and St. Michael 2. For Deliverance from Enemies and Judgments See the 3. of Lent Sexag Septuages 3. For Support under Afflictions 4. of Lent 4. For Defence 3 4. after Epiphany For Supply of all good things 6. 15. after Trin. If we would pray for Body and Soul both 2 5. of Lent For those without the Church See Good-Friday For those within that the People may have Truth Unity and Peace 5. after Epiph. Good-Friday St. John Simon Jude and the 5 16 22. after Trinity That the Ministers may be fit diligent and successful See St. Matthias St. Peter 3. of Advent Q. Why in the Collect for Peace do we pray That God would defend us in and not from the Assaults of our Enemies A. Because the latter is more than ever he promised or we can expect but in the former we pray tho they attack us they may not be able to hurt us Q. What Difference do you observe betwixt the Collect for Peace in the Morning and that in the Evening A. We beg outward Peace in the Morning to secure us against the Troubles of the World in which the Business of the Day engageth us and in the Evening we beg inward Peace to comfort and quiet our Minds when we are to take our Rest Q. What pray we for in these Words Lighten our Darkness A. That our Understandings may be enlightned with the Knowledge of God's Providence and our Hearts cheared with the Assurance of his Protection 2. If that answer be too Allegorical thus That God by the Light of his Countenance and Favour would protect us in this disconsolate time of Darkness and chear us with the assurance of his Protection Q. By whom was the Prayer for the King made and what doth that Expression mean The only Ruler of Princes A. The First Reformers of the Church of England made the Prayer and by that Expression we declare that Kings are only accountable to God therefore we have the more need to pray for them that he would direct them to do well and guide them who are to rule us that this their mighty Power may be our Safety and our Peace for if it should be otherwise we neither will nor can oppose them having no other Arms against our Prince but Prayers and Tears Q. Why is that Expression in the Prayer for the Clergy used viz. who alone worketh great Marvels A. Because to make a Church and to bestow miraculous Gifts on it to gather it out of Infidels and to protect it from its Enemies is an Act of as great Power and a greater Miracle of Love than to create the World therefore the Preface is very suitable Q. Who are meant by Curates in the Prayer for the Clergy A. Priests and Deacons to whom the Bishop commits the Care of Souls Q. What is meant by that word Expedient in the Prayer of St. Chrysostom A. Lest we have ignorantly asked any thing unfit we put in this caution That God will fulfil our Petitions so as may be most expedient for us that is How When and Which of them he pleaseth and sees will be for our good Q. Why is the Blessing pronounced by the Bishop if present A. For the Honour of his Authority Heb. 7. 7. Q. What doth the Blessing contain and in what Posture ought we to receive it A. It contains the whole Order of our Salvation the First for our Justification the Second for our Consolation and the Third for Sanctification which ought to be received by us on our Knees for it's God that blesseth us by the Mouth of his Minister Of the Litany Quest WHAT doth the Name signifie Answ An humble and earnest Supplication made to God in Adversity Q. When were these Forms first brought into the Church A. About Four Hundred Years after Christ in Times of great Calamity for the appeasing of God's Wrath. 2. Others think the Practice is derived from the Apostles and the Custom of their Times Q. By what Motives are your Addresses urged A. By Two Because we are miserable and because we are Sinners Q. Why do the People answer to every Petition A. By these Suffrages their Devotion is excited quickned and exercised and every Word is significant for there 1. We declare we ask every thing with Humility and Earnestness by the word We Beseech 2. With Faith by calling him we pray unto Good Lord. 3. We declare we seek not to Saints or Angels to hear us but to our God alone We beseech Thee c. All which shews the stupidity and baseness of those who are Mute at this part of this excellent Litany whose Bodies are present but their Souls it is to be feared are absent from this Service for whosoever would perform it with a present Mind cannot be better helped by any Means than by carefully attending When and How he ought to say this Devout Answer We Beseech c. Q. Why is the Litany broke into so many short Ejaculations and not one continued Prayer A. That the Intention and Devotion which is most necessary in Prayer may not be dulled and vanish as in a long Prayer it 's apt to do but be quickned and the nearer to the End the shorter and livelier are the Expressions strengthning our Devotion by raising in us an Apprehension of our Misery and Distress and therefore crying out O Lamb of God c. Q Why is the Litany ordered to be read on Sunday Wednesday and Friday A. Upon Sunday in Honour to that Day it being the Chief Service and on Wednesdays and Fridays because they are Days of publick Assemblies and Fastings and commanded more particularly to be said by the Minister those Days weekly tho' they be not Holy-days Canon the 15 th Q. Why do we repeat the First Four Verses intirely after the Minister
Finger of the Left Hand where is a Vein that comes directly from the Heart and where it may be always in View and being a Finger least used it may be less subject to be worn out Q. What 's the meaning of those Words With this Ring I thee wed A. This is a Pledge of that Covenant of Matrimony which I just now make with thee Q. What are the Rights accruing to the Wife by this Covenant of Matrimony A. To share in all the Honours belonging to the Man's Person which is the meaning of those Words With my Body I thee worship 2. To have an Interest in his Estate signified by that Phrase With all my worldly Goods I thee endow and it was an ancient Usage to lay down a Summ of Money on the Book which the Priest delivers the Wife to give her Livery and Seising of her Husband's Estate Q. What do those Words signifie In the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost A. The Man makes this Covenant by his Christianity and before the Trinity as Witnesses thereto who if he break will be the Avenger of this Perjury for these Words calling God to Witness turn this Promise into a solemn and sacred Oath Q. Why are Isaac and Rebecca proposed as Examples A. Because Isaac kept him only to this One Wife when he might have had more Q. How is this Matrimonial Covenant ratified A. The Priest pronouncing them to be Man and Wife together In the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Amen doth set God's Seal to this Holy and Religious compact to make it perfect and compleat so that the Union is sacred inviolable and never to be dissolved Q. When God made the Society of Marriage why was Man made Superiour A. Because he knew Equality would breed Confusion Q. Why is Man commanded to Honour his Wife A. The Meaning is That he must give Respect and Maintenance suitable to her Degree Q. Why doth the Rubrick after this Office advise the Persons who are married to receive the Holy Communion either that Day or as soon after as is possible A. To confirm their Vows to each other by the Blessed Sacrament and to bind themselves more strictly to their several Duties Of the Visitation of the Sick Quest TO whom doth this Duty especially belong A. To the Clergy Q. Have we any Command in Holy Scripture for it A. Yes In St. James 5. 14 15. Is any sick among you Let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with Oil c. Q. Why are not the sick now anointed with Oil A. In St. James's Time as long as the miraculous Gift of Healing continued it was used not to convey Grace to the Soul but to work a miraculous Cure which was the usual Effect But the Power and Gift being ceased the Church hath left off the Oil which was the Sign but we retain all the Substantial Parts of this Office Q. Why doth the Priest when he enters the sick Man's House salute all that are in it with those Words Peace be to this House A. Because our Lord and Saviour ordered his Disciples to use it when they went to cure both Souls and Bodies Q. What 's the Meaning of that Phrase A. It is a Pious Wish for the Health and Prosperity of all that dwell in it Q. VVhy is the Exhortation used A. Because we are commanded by God not only to pray for but to support the Weak by Comfort Counsel and Exhortation Q. VVhat are the Duties we are exhorted to A. Repentance Charity and Confession Q. VVhat doth the Exhortation consist of A. Of Instruction concerning the Author of Afflictions the End why they are sent the Manner how we must bear them the Benefit of so doing with Exhortations to several Graces and Duties Q. Why doth the Priest repeat the Creed and the Sick Man say it after him A. Because we vowed in Baptism we would believe all the Articles of our Christian Faith And the Sick Man declares his stedfast Faith to every Article to shew he dies a true Christian and a sound Member of the Holy Catholick Church And to arm himself with this Shield against the Fear of Death and the Arguments Satan may use to bring him to Despair Q. Why is the Absolution used in this Office A. Because St. James expresly requires it to be given to a Sick Penitent after the Priest hath prayed over him and since Christ left such a Power with his Church there is never more need to use it than now This is the Highest Form of Absolution used by this Church Q. How doth the Priest close this Office A. He doth it with giving the Sick a Blessing at the parting by 3. Solemn Forms the first directed to God the Son the second is a Formal Blessing in the Name of God the Father and the last is an Address to the whole Trinity Q. Why doth the Church think it necessary that the sick Man should receive the Communion A. It 's the highest Mystery of Religion and fittest for those who are by Sickness put into a Heavenly Frame and are nearest to Perfection 2. It 's God's Seal of Remission to all that receive it with Penitence and Faith 3. It arms them against the Fear of Death by setting Jesus before them who died for them and hath pulled out the Sting of Death 4. It assures them of their Resurrection by making them Members of Christ's Body 5. It declares they die in the Peace and the Communion of the true Church Of the Burial of the Dead Quest HATH the Burial of the Dead been the Practice of all Nations Answ The Care of the Bodies deceased hath been accounted a Pious thing among all Nations tho' the Manner hath been diffesent some Burning others Burying and other Embalming their Dead Q. What Regard had the Jews and Primitive Christians for Burials A. The Jews counted it an eminent kind of Mercy and the Primitive Christians were famous for their Charity in burying the Bodies not of their Friends only but of their very Enemies Q. Did any believe that the Dead were the better for what was done to their Bodies A. No Divers of the Philosophers cared not whether they were buried or no and some of the Martyrs despised their Persecutors threatning them with want of a Grave Q. What then are the true Reasons for Burials A. That our Friends Bodies may not be a Prey to Birds and Beasts 2. That the Shame of nature may not be expos'd 3. That all may return to their proper Place and be covered with the Skirt of their Mother the Earth To which the Christians add three more Reasons Because Men are made after God's Image 2. And as they were Christians their Bodies were the Temples of the Holy Ghost 3. And shall be raised again and made glorious Q. Why do we Bury in the Church or Church-Yard A. To put those in mind of their Mortality
viz. Take Eat Drink this in remembrance that Christ died and his Blood was shed for us and to feed on him in our Hearts by Faith with Thanksgiving and to be Thankful The whole Form together comes as nigh our Lord 's own Words in his Administring this his last Supper as can well be Q. Why is this Feast call'd the Lord's Supper A. Because it was instituted by our Lord Jesus at that time Q. Does it not seem to be improper to call it the Lords Supper when it is in most Churches celebrated in the Morning A. No The Celebration of this Feast at Supper was but a Circumstantial thing and therefore the Church is not oblig'd to keep it yet because it is still in imitation of Christ's Suâ—â—â—â— and that Supper is religiously remembred in it and the 〈◊〉 Essential things together with the scope drift and design 〈…〉 are still preserved it is not unfitly called the Lord's Supper 〈…〉 yet it is and may be lawfully call'd and express'd by other Names and this the Christian Churches have done Some call it a Sacrament taking the Name from the Oaths that the Roman Soldiers took of Truth and Fidelity and here we Vow Allegiance and Fidelity to our Lord Jesus Others call it a Communion because we are hereby ty'd in a Bond of Mutual Love participate of the same Bread are fellow Members of the Mystical Body of Christ and have Communion with Christ their Head and enjoy all the same Benefits of his Death and Sufferings Many other Names are appropriated to this Mystery Q. Why did our Lord Jesus make use of the Night in instituting of it A. Because it was to succeed in the Place of the Passover which according to Custom was Eaten at Night but the Reason ceasing with the Typical Passover the Christian Church celebrates it at all Seasons Q. Why doth the Church of England use Bread with Leaven in the Holy Sacrament whereas our Saviour at the first Institution made use of Vnleaven'd Bread A. Our Lord made use of Unleaven'd Bread because there was no other to be had at that time but it being a thing indifferent and the Substance or Essence of the Sacrament not at all prejudic'd by it the Church makes use of Leavened Bread Q. Why doth the Communicant say Amen after the Prayer at the Delivery of the Bread and Wine A. By it he professeth his Faith of the presence of Christ's Body and Blood in the Sacrament really that is truly exhibited and present to the Faith of the Receiver Of the Post Communion or the Service after the Communion Quest WHY is the Feast concluded with Prayers and Hymns Answ Because it was our Saviour's Practice at its first Institution Q. Why is the Lord's Prayer the first part of this Office A. It 's very fit that after we have received our Saviour into our Hearts the first Words we speak should be His. Q. What is the Design of the other two Prayers A. For the farther Exercise and Improvement of our Devotion the former consists chiefly of Vows and the latter of Praises 〈…〉 and Thanksgiving with an humble Petition for the Grace 〈◊〉 â—erseverance Q. What Reason for the Vse of the concluding Hymn A. After such high Favours and such great Blessings received it is fit and necessary we should express our Joy and how can we welcome our Saviour more properly than by the Hymn with which the Angels welcomed him into the World Q. Why is the Blessing pronounced by the Priest A. In Imitation of our Blessed Saviour who took his Leave of his Disciples with a Blessing and this Form the Church took from St. Paul Philip. 4. 7. Of Matrimony Quest WHY is this Office performed by a Minister A. Marriage is the Bond as well as the Foundation of all Societies which ought to be made sacred and adopted into Religion because it 's the Interest of Mankind it should be inviolable wherefore our Church appoints That none but a lawful Minister shall tie these Bonds for the Covenant is made to God and the Minister is God's Representative to take the Securities and bless the Parties in God's Name Q. What 's meant by Bans or Banes of Matrimony A. Matrimonial Contracts or Decrees Ban comes from a Saxon word which signifies a Proclamation Q. Why is it ordered to be celebrated in the Morning A. Because Men are most serious at that Time and the better to prevent Clandestine Marriages the Church orders it to be made in the Day-time Q. Why is it required that Marriages be celebrated in the Church A. That this Rite may be more solemn the Church being the Place of God's special Presence before whom this Covenant is made and the sacredness of the Place should make them more reverent in entring into it and more careful in keeping it Q. Why is the State of Matrimony called Holy A. Because it is a holy and important Work an Ordinance of God the Father an Estate much respected by God the Son and highly commended by God the Holy Ghost in the Mouths of the Apostles Q. What are the Ends of Matrimony A. Procreation a Remedy against Sin and a mutual Help to each other Q. Why is that Charge given That if the Persons to be joined Know any Impediment c A. Because if there be any Impediment which they conceal from the Priest they must either live in perpetual 〈…〉 separated by an endless Divorce Q. What are the Impediments to a Marriage A. A preceding Marriage or solemn Precontract 2. If the Parties be of near Kindred 3. The Want of the Consent of Parents or Guardians in Case of Minority Q. Why must Women be given A. 1. After the Example of God in Paradise Gen. 2. 22. Dr. Hammond A. 2. In Ancient Times saith the Learned and Judicious Mr. Hooker All Women which had not Husbands or Fathers to govern them had their Tutors without whose Authority there was no Act which they did warrantable and for this cause they were in Marriage delivered unto their Husbands by others which Custom retained hath still this Use that it puts Women in Mind of a Duty whereto the imbecillity or weakness of their Sex doth bind them namely to be always directed and guided by others A. 3. However it 's a Decent Custom whether this was the First Cause or no For a Woman cannot in Modesty offer her self but should rather be led by the Hand of another and given by him Q. Why doth the Priest join the Right Hand A. Because they are generally used in plighting our Troth by which Phrase is meant laying our Truth to pledge or engaging our Faith Q. Why is a Ring given A. To be a visible and lasting Token and Remembrance of this Covenant The Matter is Gold to signifie how noble and durable our Affection is The Form is round being the properest Figure to unite things separated and to imply our Respect shall never have an end and the Place is on the Fourth