And when there is a Communion, the
Priest shall then place upon the Table
so much Bread and Wine, as he shall
After which done,

think sufficient.

the Priest shall say,

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's
Church militant here in earth.

A

LMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks,.

herbs, you would think, if not told otherwise, as they all grow from the earth, that probably if one was good for food, another would be so likewise; yet if you asked the gardener he would tell you that one would nourish your body, while another would kill you. If you were like the conceited people who say they will only believe what they can prove, you would take and eat the poisonous herb, and it would kill you for your want of faith, and so prove your folly. In this prayer we pray for the Church and all who are in authority, that they may truly and without undeserved preference administer justice, punish wickedness, and uphold and maintain justice and true religion, and that they may not, as did Pilate, deliver over a just man or a good cause because wicked men make a tumult or riot against a good man or a good thing or a great truth.

Christ came into the world to proclaim truth. One of the truths He taught was that He was the Son of God and the King of the Jews; this the Jews would not listen to, so they got their ruler, who was a heathen, to consent to crucify Him. Christ entrusted to His successors the duty to proclaim this and other truths. Some men would gladly silence Christ's messengers who proclaim that He is God and their King. Pilate crucified Christ, but did not stop the proclamation of the truth; worldly men (the Jews of this time) endeavour to silence the Church by various means.

If there be по alms or

oblations then shall the words

[of accepting our alms and

oblations] be left out un

said.

for all men; We humbly beseech thee most mercifully [to accept our alms and oblations, and] to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: and grant, that all they that do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity, and godly love. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governours; and specially thy Servant Victoria our Queen; that under her we may be godly and quietly governed: And grant unto her whole Council, and to all that are put in authority under her, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion, and virtue. Give grace, O Heavenly Father, to all Bishops and Curates, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments: And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we most humbly

Pray that the Church and the Truth may prevail, and follow in this the good example of those servants of Jesus Christ, who, having contended for His honour and holy name in this life, have departed in faith, to live with Him whom they had fought for.

This is an invitation to all those who have been confirmed to come to receive the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood under the form of bread and wine.

You will notice that to receive, you must be in love and kindness with all, you must resolve to live in purity and penitence. Penitence means without pride, feeling sorry that you are not so good as Jesus was, and intending to copy Him as near as you can, God helping you to do so in answer to your prayers. Before going up you must confess your sins, and approach with great humbleness, as God is present where you are going, He is nearer to you than at any other time, He is received as a guest by you; therefore the house (your body and soul) should be cleaned, and made tidy and cheerful, freed from sin, and made beautiful by love.

beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them, who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom: Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say to them that come to receive the holy Communion,

YE

E that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees. ¶ Then shall this general Confession be made, in the name of all those that are minded to receive the holy Communion, by one of the Ministers; both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying,