much, give plenteously; if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward, in the day of necessity. Tobit iv. 8, 9.

Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy; the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. Ps. xli. 1.

¶ Whilst these sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Churchwardens, or other fit persons appointed for that purpose, shall receive the Alms and other devotions of the people, in a decent basin to be provided by the parish for that purpose; and reverently bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the Holy Table.

¶ And the Priest shall then place upon the table so much bread and wine, as he shall think sufficient. After which done, he shall say,

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

HOLY Father in heaven, who by thy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks, for all men; we humbly beseech thee most mercifully [* to accept our alms and oblations, and] to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy divine majesty ; beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord and grant that all those who do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. We beseech thee also, so to direct and dispose

*If there be no alms or oblations, then shall the words [to accept our alms and oblations, and] be left unsaid.

the hearts of all Christian rulers, that they may truly and impartially administer justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and other Ministers; that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments. And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present; that with meek heart, and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succor all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless thy holy name, for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

¶ Previous to the celebration of the Communion, the Priest shall make the following Exhortation:

DEARLY beloved in the Lord, ye who mind to come to the holy communion of Christ, must consider how Saint Paul exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that bread, and

drink of that cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy sacrament, so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord; repent ye truly for your sins past ; have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men: so shall ye be meet partakers of these holy mysteries. And above all things, ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God, the sovereign Ruler of the universe, that the redemption of the world is given to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, through the medium of our Saviour Christ; who did humble himself, even to the death upon the cross, for us miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should always remember the exceeding great love of our Master and Saviour Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained for us, he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him, therefore, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, let us give (as we are most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness, all the days of our life. Amen.

T Then shall the Priest say to those who come to receive the Holy Communion,

YE

E who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to your heavenly Father, devoutly kneeling.

T Then shall this General Confession be made, by the Priest and all those who are minded to receive the Holy Communion, humbly kneeling.

GRACIOUS and reconciled Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine majesty; provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us ; the burthen of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant, that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest (the Bishop, if he be present) stand up, and turning to the People, say,

OUR heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Priest say,

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly turn to him: COME unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.

Matt. xi. 28.

Hear also what St. Paul saith:

St.

This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15.

Hear also what St. John saith:

If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John ii. 1, 2.

¶ After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,

Lift up your hearts.

Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord. Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord and Maker.

Answer. It is meet and right so to do.