Prayers and Thanksgivings,
Upon Several Occasions,
To be used before the two final Prayers of the Litany, or of Morning and Evening Prayer

Prayers

For Rain

O God, heavenly Father, who by your Son Jesus Christ has promised to all those who seek your kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, all things necessary to their bodily sustenance; Send us, we beseech you, in this our necessity, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth to our comfort, and to your honour; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

For Fair Weather

O Almighty Lord God, who for the sin of man did once drown all the world, except eight persons, and afterward of your great mercy did promise never to destroy it so again; We humbly beseech you, that although we for our iniquities have worthily deserved a plague of rain and waters, yet upon our true repentance you will send us fair weather, so that we may receive the fruits of the earth in due season; and learn both by your punishment to amend our lives, and for your clemency to give you praise and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

In Time of Dearth and Famine

O God, heavenly Father, whose gift it is that the rain doth fall, the earth is fruitful, beasts do increase, and fishes do multiply; Behold, we beseech you, the afflictions of your people; and grant that the scarcity and dearth, which we do now most justly suffer for our iniquity, may, through your goodness be mercifully turned into cheapness and plenty; for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and for ever.

Amen

Or this:

O God, merciful Father, who, in the time of Elisha the prophet, did suddenly in Samaria turn great scarcity and dearth into plenty and cheapness; Have mercy upon us, that we, who are now for our sins punished with like adversity, may likewise find a seasonable relief : Increase the fruits of the earth by your heavenly benediction; and grant that we, receiving your bountiful liberality, may use the same to your glory, the relief of those that are needy, and our own comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

In the time of War and Tumults

O Almighty God, King of all kings, and Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongs to punish sinners in justice, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech you, from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices; that we, being armed with your defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify you, who are the only giver of all victory; through the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

In the time of any common Plague or Sickness

O Almighty God, who in your wrath did send a plague upon your own people in the wilderness, for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron; and also, in the time of king David, did slay with the plague of Pestilence seventy thousand, and yet remembering your mercy did save the rest; Have pity upon us miserable sinners, who now are visited with great sickness and mortality; that like as you did then accept of an atonement, and did command the destroying Angel to cease from punishing, so it may now please you to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sickness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

In the Ember Weeks, to be said every day, for those that are about to be admitted into Holy Orders

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who has purchased to yourself an universal Church by the precious blood of your dear Son; Mercifully look upon the same, and at this time so guide and govern the minds of your servants the Bishops and Pastors of your flock, that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make choice of fit persons, to serve in the sacred Ministry of your Church. And to those which shall be ordained to any holy function, give your grace and heavenly benediction; that both by their life and doctrine they may show forth your glory, and set forward the salvation of all men; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Or this:

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of your divine providence has appointed diverse Orders in your Church; Give your grace, we humbly beseech you, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of your doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name, and the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

A Prayer that may be said after any of the former

O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive, receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of your great mercy set us loose; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate.

Amen

A Prayer for the High Court of Parliament, to be read during their Session

Most gracious God, we humbly beseech you, as for this Kingdom in general, so especially for the High Court of Parliament, currently assembled under our most religious and gracious King: That you will be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations, to the advancement of your glory, the good of your Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of our Sovereign and her Dominions; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and your whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and by the Mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour.

Amen

A Collect or Prayer for all Conditions of Men, to be used at such times when the Litany is not appointed to be said

* This to be said when any desire the Prayers of the Congregation.O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech you for all sorts and conditions of men: that you will be pleased to make your ways known unto them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially, we pray for the good estate of the Catholic Church; that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those, who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; {*especially those for whom our prayers are desired;} that it may please you to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy outcome out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake.

Amen

Thanksgivings

A General Thanksgiving

* This to be said when any that have been prayed for desire to return praiseAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants do give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us, and to all men; {*particularly to those who desire now to offer up their praises and thanksgivings for your late mercies vouchsafed unto them.} We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for your inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech you, give us that due sense of all your mercies, that our hearts may be truly thankful, and that we show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, world without end.

Amen

For Rain

O God our heavenly Father, who by your gracious providence dost cause the former and the latter rain to descend upon the earth, that it may bring forth fruit for the use of man; We give you humble thanks that it has pleased you, in our great necessity, to send us at the last a joyful rain upon your inheritance, and to refresh it when it was dry, to the great comfort of us your unworthy servants, and to the glory of your holy Name; through your mercies in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

For Fair Weather

O Lord God, who has justly humbled us by your recent plague of immoderate rain and waters, and in your mercy has relieved and comforted our souls by this seasonable and blessed change of weather; We praise and glorify your holy Name for this your mercy, and will always declare your loving-kindness from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

For Plenty

O most merciful Father, who of your gracious goodness has heard the devout prayers of your Church, and turned our dearth and scarcity into cheapness and plenty; We give you humble thanks for this your special bounty; beseeching you to continue your loving-kindness unto us, that our land may yield us her fruits of increase, to your glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

For Peace, and Deliverance from our Enemies

O Almighty God, who is a strong tower of defence unto your servants against the face of their enemies; We yield you praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers wherewith we were surrounded. We acknowledge it is of your goodness that we were not delivered over as a prey to them; beseeching you still to continue such mercies towards us, that all the world may know that you are our Saviour and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

For restoring Public Peace at Home

O Eternal God, our heavenly Father, Who alone makes men to be of one mind in a house, and stills the outrage of a violent and unruly people; We bless your holy Name, that it has pleased you to appease the seditious tumults which have been lately raised up amongst us; most humbly beseeching you to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in your holy commandments; and, leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, may continually offer unto you our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for these mercies of yours towards us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

For Deliverance from the Plague, or other common Sickness

O Lord God, who has wounded us for our sins, and consumed us for our transgressions, by your late heavy and dreadful visitation; and now, in the midst of judgment remembering mercy, has redeemed our souls from the jaws of death; We offer unto your fatherly goodness ourselves, our souls and bodies which you have delivered, to be a living sacrifice, always praising and magnifying your mercies in the midst of your Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Or this:

We humbly acknowledge before you, O most merciful Father, that all the punishments which are threatened in your law might justly have fallen upon us, by reason of our manifold transgressions and hardness of heart: Yet seeing it has pleased you, in your tender mercy and upon our weak and unworthy humiliation, to relieve us of the contagious sickness which lately sore afflicted us, and to restore the voice of joy and health into our dwellings; We offer unto your Divine Majesty the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, lauding and magnifying your preservation and providence over us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

The Order for Evening Prayer

Daily Throughout the Year

At the beginning of Evening Prayer the Minister shall read with a loud voice one or more of the Sentences of the Scriptures which follow

Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. Ezekiel 28:27

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Psalm 51:3

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Psalm 51:9

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Joel 2:13

To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Daniel 9:9-10

Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:24

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:2

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ Luke 15:18-19

Enter not into judgement with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. Psalm 143:2

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

The minister shall say:

Dearly beloved brethren, the Scripture moves us, in various places, to acknowledge and confess our multiudes of sins and wickednesses; and that we should neither disguise nor cloak them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; so that that we may obtain his forgiveness of them, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought, at all times, humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet chiefly we ought to do so when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, both for the body and for the soul. Therefore, I pray and call upon you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice, unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying after me:

A general Confession to be said of the whole Congregation after the Minister, all kneeling.

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred, and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those that are penitent, according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

The Absolution, or Remission of sins, to be pronounced by the Priest alone, standing; the people still kneeling

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who does not desire the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness, and live; and who has given power and commandment to his Ministers to declare and pronounce the Absolution and Remission of sins to his penitent people: He pardons and absolves all who truly repent, and without falsehood believe his holy Gospel. Therefore, let us beseech him to grant us both true repentance, and also his Holy Spirit, that those things which we do at present may please him; and that the rest of our lives hereafter may be pure, and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The people shall answer here, and at the end of all other prayers, Amen

If no priest be present the person saying the service shall read the Collect for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity, that person and the people still kneeling.

The Minister shall kneel, and say the Lord’s Prayer with an audible voice; the people kneeling, and repeating it with him

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

The Minister (still kneeling) shall say:

O Lord, open our lips

And our mouth shall show forth your praise

O God, make speed to save us

O Lord, make haste to help us.

All stand

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen

Praise ye the Lord.

The Lord’s Name be praised.

Then shall be said or sung the Psalms in the appointed order. Following this, the appointed lesson from the Old Testament, and after that the Magnificat or the Psalm Cantate Domino in English (as found below, or read from the Bible):

Magnificat (or the Song of the blessed Virgin Mary)

Luke 1:45-55

My soul does magnify the Lord : and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he has regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden.

For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty has magnified me : and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations.

He has showed strength with his arm : he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He has put down the mighty from their seats : and has exalted the humble and meek.

He has filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He, remembering his mercy, has helped his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen

Cantate Domino

Psalm 98

This Psalm shall not be used here when it is otherwise appointed

O sing unto the Lord a new song : for he has done marvellous things.

With his own right hand, and with his holy arm : he has gotten himself the victory.

The Lord declared his salvation : his righteousness he has openly showed in the sight of the heathen.

He has remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel : and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.

Show yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all you lands : sing, rejoice, and give thanks.

Praise the Lord upon the harp : sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.

With trumpets also and shawms : O show yourselves joyful before the Lord the King.

Let the sea make a noise, and all that is therein : the round world, and that dwell therein.

Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord : for he comes to judge the earth.

With righteousness he shall judge the world : and the peoples with equity.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen

The appointed lesson from the New Testament, followed by Nunc Dimittis or the Psalm Deus Misereatur, in English (as follows, or from the Bible):

Then

Nunc dimittis (or the Song of Simeon)

Luke 2:29-32

LORD, now you let me your servant depart in peace : according to your word.

For my eyes have seen : your salvation,

Which you have prepared : before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of your people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen

Deus misereatur

This Psalm shall not be used here when it is otherwise appointed

Psalm 67

God be merciful unto us, and bless us : and show us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us;

That your way may be known upon earth : your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God : yea, let all the peoples praise you.

O let the nations rejoice and be glad : for you shall judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.

Let the people praise you, O God : yea, let all the people praise you.

Then shall the earth bring forth her increase : and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.

God shall bless us : and all the ends of the world shall fear him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen

All stand and say the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead: he ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen

All kneel devoutly. The Minister shall say with a loud voice:

The Lord be with you

And with your spirit

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

All shall say the Lord’s Prayer with a loud voice:

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

The Priest shall stand and say:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us.

And grant us your salvation.

O Lord, save the Queen.

And mercifully hear us when we call upon you.

Endue your Ministers with righteousness.

And make your chosen people joyful.

O Lord, save your people.

And bless your inheritance.

Give peace in our time, O Lord.

Because there is no other that fights for us, but only you, O God.

O God, make clean our hearts within us.

And take not your Holy Spirit from us.

Three collects now follow: 1, of the day; 2, for Peace; 3, for Aid against all Perils. (These latter two do not change and are said throughout the year.)

All kneel.

The collect of the day shall be said

The second Collect, for Peace

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto your servants that peace which the world cannot give; both that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and that we, being defended by you from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

The third Collect, for Grace

Lighten our darkness, we beseech you, O Lord; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

In Quires and places where services are sung, the anthem follows

A Prayer for the King‘s Majesty

O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who beholds all who dwell upon the earth from your throne; we most heartily beseech you to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King GEORGE in your favour; and so replenish him with the grace of your Holy Spirit, that he may always be inclined to your will, and walk in your way. Endue him plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant him a long life in health and wealth; strengthen him that he may vanquish and overcome all his enemies; and finally, after this life, he may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

A Prayer for the Royal Family

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech you to bless their Royal Highnesses, George Prince of Wales, the Princess Dowager of Wales, the Duke, the Princesses and all the Royal Family: Endue them with your Holy Spirit; enrich them with your heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

A Prayer for the Clergy and People

Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels; send down upon our Bishops, and Curates, and all Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of your grace; and that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ.

Amen

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, who has given us grace to, at this time, with one accord make our common supplications unto you; and has promised, that when two or three are gathered together in your Name you will grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of your servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Amen

II Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Amen

End of the Order of Evening Prayer throughout the Year

The Order for Morning Prayer

Daily Throughout the Year

At the beginning of Morning Prayer the Minister shall read with a loud voice one or more of the Sentences of the Scriptures which follow

Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. Ezekiel 28:27

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Psalm 51:3

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Psalm 51:9

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Joel 2:13

To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Daniel 9:9-10

Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:24

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:2

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ Luke 15:18-19

Enter not into judgement with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. Psalm 143:2

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

The minister shall say:

Dearly beloved brethren, the Scripture moves us, in various places, to acknowledge and confess our multiudes of sins and wickednesses; and that we should neither disguise nor cloak them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; so that that we may obtain his forgiveness of them, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought, at all times, humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet chiefly we ought to do so when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, both for the body and for the soul. Therefore, I pray and call upon you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice, unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying after me:

A general Confession to be said of the whole Congregation after the Minister, all kneeling.

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred, and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those that are penitent, according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

The Absolution, or Remission of sins, to be pronounced by the Priest alone, standing; the people still kneeling

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who does not desire the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness, and live; and who has given power and commandment to his Ministers to declare and pronounce the Absolution and Remission of sins to his penitent people: He pardons and absolves all who truly repent, and without falsehood believe his holy Gospel. Therefore, let us beseech him to grant us both true repentance, and also his Holy Spirit, that those things which we do at present may please him; and that the rest of our lives hereafter may be pure, and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The people shall answer here, and at the end of all other prayers, Amen

If no priest be present the person saying the service shall read the Collect for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity, that person and the people still kneeling.

The Minister shall kneel, and say the Lord’s Prayer with an audible voice; the people kneeling, and repeating it with him (this shall be done every time it is used in the Divine Service)

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

The Minister (still kneeling) shall say:

O Lord, open our lips

And our mouth shall show forth your praise

O God, make speed to save us

O Lord, make haste to help us.

All stand

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen

Praise ye the Lord.

The Lord’s Name be praised.

If not otherwise read in the service, Psalm 95 is now sung or said (on Easter day the appointed anthem is used instead)

Venite, exultemus Domino.

Psalm 95O come, let us sing unto the Lord : let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving : and shew ourselves glad in him with Psalms.
For the Lord is a great God : and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are all the corners of the earth : and the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it : and his hands prepared the dry land.
O come, let us worship and fall down : and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is the Lord our God : and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts : as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness;
When your fathers tempted me : proved me, and saw my works.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said : It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways.
Unto whom I sware in my wrath : that they should not enter into my rest.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen

Psalms

The Psalms are said in the order appointed. After each Psalm, and after the Benedicite, Benedictus, Magnificat, and Nunc dimittis, the following shall be repeated:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen.

First Lesson

Here begins the nth chapter (or nth verse of the nth chapter) of the book

The First Lesson, from the Old Testament and as appointed is now read. If there are proper Lessons for the day, they replace this. The reader shall read distinctly with an audible voice, standing and turning himself to be heard best by all present.

Here ends the first lesson

The hymn ‘Te Deum Laudamus’ or the canticle ‘Benedicite, Omnia Opera’ shall be said or sung, in English, daily throughout the year:

Te Deum Laudamus

We praise you, O God : we acknowledge you to be the Lord.
All the earth does worship you : the Father everlasting.
To you all Angels cry aloud : the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
To you Cherubin and Seraphin : continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy : Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty : of your glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles : praise you.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets : praise you.
The noble army of Martyrs : praise you.
The holy Church throughout all the world : does acknowledge you;
The Father : of an infinite Majesty;
Your honourable, true : and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost : the Comforter.
You are the King of Glory : O Christ.
You are the everlasting Son : of the Father.
When you yourself undertook to deliver man : you did not abhor the Virgin’s womb.
When you had overcome the sharpness of death : you did open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
You now sit at the right hand of God : in the glory of the Father.
We believe that you shall come : to be our Judge.
We therefore pray you, help your servants : whom you have redeemed with your precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with your Saints : in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save your people : and bless your heritage.
Govern them : and lift them up for ever.
Day by day : we magnify you;
And we worship your Name : ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us : have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let your mercy shine now upon us : as our trust is in you.
O Lord, in you have I trusted : let me never be confounded.

or

Benedicite, omnia opera

O all you Works of the Lord, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Angels of the Lord, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Heavens, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Waters that be above the firmament, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Sun and Moon, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Stars of heaven, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Showers and Dew, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Winds of God, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Fire and Heat, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Winter and Summer, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Dews and Frosts, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Frost and Cold, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Ice and Snow, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Nights and Days, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Light and Darkness, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Lightnings and Clouds, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O let the Earth bless the Lord : yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Mountains and Hills, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Wells, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Seas and Floods, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all ye Fowls of the air, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Children of Men, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O let Israel bless the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Priests of the Lord, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Servants of the Lord, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you holy and humble Men of heart, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless you the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen

Second Lesson

Here begins the nth chapter (or nth verse of the nth chapter) of the book

The Second Lesson, from the New Testament and as appointed is now read. If there are proper Lessons for the day, they replace this. The reader shall read distinctly with an audible voice, standing and turning himself to be heard best by all present.

Here ends the second lesson

The hymn Benedictus or Psalm 100 shall now be said or sung, in English. The Benedictus shall not be used if the same passage from Luke 1 is to be otherwise used that same day.

Benedictus

Luke 1:68-79
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel : for he has visited and redeemed his people
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us : in the house of his servant David
As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets : from of old
That we should be saved from our enemies : and from the hand of all who hate us
To show the mercy promised to our fathers : and to remember his holy covenant
The oath that he swore to our father Abraham : to grant us
That we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies : might serve him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before him : all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High : for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
To give knowledge of salvation to his people : in the forgiveness of their sins
Because of the tender mercy of our God : whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death : to guide our feet into the way of peace

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen.

or

Jubilate Deo

Psalm 100Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! : Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his : we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! : Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever : and his faithfulness to all generations.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end.

Amen

The Creed

The Apostle’s creed shall be said every day throughout the year, unless the Creed of Saint Athanasius is appointed for that day. The Minister and people shall stand.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead: he ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen

All kneel devoutly. The Minister shall say with a loud voice:

The Lord be with you

And with your spirit

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

All shall say the Lord’s Prayer with a loud voice:

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

The Priest shall stand and say:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us.

And grant us your salvation.

O Lord, save the Queen.

And mercifully hear us when we call upon you.

Endue your Ministers with righteousness.

And make your chosen people joyful.

O Lord, save your people.

And bless your inheritance.

Give peace in our time, O Lord.

Because there is no other that fights for us, but only you, O God.

O God, make clean our hearts within us.

And take not your Holy Spirit from us.

Three collects now follow: 1, of the day (the same as used at Communion); 2, for Peace; 3, for Grace to live well. (These latter two do not change and are said throughout the year.)

All kneel.

The collect of the day shall be said

The second Collect, for Peace

O God, who is the author of peace and lover of concord, in the knowledge of whom stands our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; defend us, your humble servants, in all the assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defence, may not fear the power of any adversary, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The third Collect, for Grace

O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has brought us safely to the beginning of this day; defend us throughout it with your mighty power; and grant that this day we might not fall into sin, nor run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by your governance, to do always that which is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In Quires and places where services are sung, the anthem follows

All the following five prayers are now read, except if the Litany is read, in which case only the two last are to be read, as they are found there

A Prayer for the King‘s Majesty

O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who beholds all who dwell upon the earth from your throne; we most heartily beseech you to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King GEORGE in your favour; and so replenish him with the grace of your Holy Spirit, that he may always be inclined to your will, and walk in your way. Endue him plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant him a long life in health and wealth; strengthen him that he may vanquish and overcome all his enemies; and finally, after this life, he may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

A Prayer for the Royal Family

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech you to bless their Royal Highnesses, George Prince of Wales, the Princess Dowager of Wales, the Duke, the Princesses and all the Royal Family: Endue them with your Holy Spirit; enrich them with your heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

A Prayer for the Clergy and People

Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels; send down upon our Bishops, and Curates, and all Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of your grace; and that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ.

Amen

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, who has given us grace to, at this time, with one accord make our common supplications unto you; and has promised, that when two or three are gathered together in your Name you will grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of your servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Amen

II Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Amen

End of the Order of Morning Prayer throughout the Year

The First day of Lent, Commonly called Ash-Wednesday

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, who hates nothing that you have made and does forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

This Collect is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: Joel 2:12-17

Gospel: Matthew 6:16-21

The First Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

O LORD, who for our sake fasted forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit, we may ever obey your godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to your honour and glory, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

The Second Sunday in Lent

The Collect

ALMIGHTY God, who sees that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

The Third Sunday in Lent

The Collect

We beseech you, Almighty God, look upon the heartfelt desires of your humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of your Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: Ephesians 5:1-14

Luke: 11:14-28

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

The Collect

Grant, we beseech you, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds worthily deserve to be punished, may mercifully be relieved by the comfort of your grace; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: Galatians 4:21-31

Gospel: John 6:1-14

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Collect

We beseech you, Almighty God, to look mercifully upon your people; that they may be governed by thy great goodness and preserved evermore, both in body and in soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-15

John 8:46-59a

The Sunday next before Easter

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, has sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take our flesh upon himself, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 27:1-54

Monday before Easter

Epistle: Isaiah 63

Gospel: Mark 14

Tuesday before Easter

Epistle: Isaiah 50:5-11

Gospel: Mark 15:1-39

Wednesday before Easter

Epistle: Hebrews 9:16-28

Gospel: Luke 22

Thursday before Easter

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Gospel: Luke 23:1-49

Good Friday

The Collects

Almighty God, we beseech you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross, who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all stations of men in your holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry may truly and godly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

O merciful God, who has made all men, and hates nothing that you have made, nor desires the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all Jews, Muslims, Infidels, and Heretics, and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to your flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: Hebrews 10:1-25

Gospel: John 19:1-37

Easter-Eve

The Collect

Grant, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of your blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying of our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.

Epistle: 1 Peter 3:17-22

Gospel: Matthew 27:57-66

g

At Morning Prayer

The priest and people shall stand and say together:

Quicunque Vult

Whoever will be saved must first of all hold to the catholic faith; unless this faith be kept whole and undefiled he shall without doubt perish eternally.

This is the catholic faith: that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance.

There is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost.
However, the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one – the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal.

Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost.

The Father is uncreate, the Son is uncreate, and likewise the Holy Ghost is uncreate.

The Father is incomprehensible, the Son is incomprehensible, and likewise the Holy Ghost is incomprehensible.

However, there are not three eternals, but one eternal.

Likewise, there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated – but one uncreated, and one incomprehensible.

In the same manner, the Father is Almighty, the Son is Almighty and the Holy Ghost is Almighty.

However, there are not three Almighties, but one Almighty.

Again, the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God.

However, there are not three Gods, but one God.

In the same manner, the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord and the Holy Ghost is Lord.

However, there are not three Lords, but one Lord;

for, in the same way that we are compelled by Christian truth to acknowledge every person by himself to be both God and Lord,
so also are we forbidden by the catholic faith to say that there are three Gods or three Lords.

The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten.

The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten.

The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.

So, there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons, one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts;

and in this trinity, none is in front of or after another; none is greater or lesser than another;

but the whole three persons are co-eternal and go-equal together.

In all things, as has been already said, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.

Therefore, he who will be saved must think of the Trinity in this manner.

Further, it is necessary for everlasting salvation that he also believe correctly regarding the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man:

God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man, of the substance of his Mother, born into the world.
Perfect God and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.

Equal to the Father, as regarding his Godhead; and inferior to the Father, as regarding his manhood;

Who, although he is both God and Man is yet not two, but rather one Christ:

One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of the Manhood into God;

One altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of person.

Just as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so too God and Man is one Christ,
who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, and rose again the third day from the dead.

He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right and of the Father, God Almighty, from whence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

At whose coming, all men will rise again with their bodies, and shall give account for their own works.

And, they that have done good shall go into life everlasting – but they that have done evil into everlasting fire.

This is the catholic faith, which unless a man believe if faithfully, he cannot be saved.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

The Form of
Solemnization of Matrimony

The Solemnization

At the day and time appointed for solemnization of Matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into the body of the Church with their friends and neighbours. The persons shall stand together, the Man on the right hand, and the Woman on the left. The Priest shall say:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is between Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and the first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee. It is commended of Saint Paul to be honoured among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered into, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men’s fleshly lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ’s body.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.

It is unto this holy estate that these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show any just reason why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now, or else forever hold his peace.

And also, speaking to the persons that shall be married, he shall say:

I require and charge you both, remembering you will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, you are to confess it now. Know for certain that that all those who are coupled together contrary to what God’s Word allows are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.

If on the day of Marriage anyone alleges and declares an impediment to the persons being coupled together in Matrimony, whether from God’s law or the laws of this Realm, he is to swear to it by an oath and give sufficient surities to the parties; or otherwise be put under caution to prove his allegation or compensate the parties to the full value of such damages as the persons to be married do thereby sustain. The solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be tried.

If no impediment is alleged, the Curate shall say to the Man:

N., will you have this woman as your wedded wife, to live together according to God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her both in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only to her, so long as you will both live?

The man: I will.

Then the Priest shall say to the Woman:

N., will you have this man as your wedded husband, to live together according to God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him both in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only to him, so long as you will live?

The woman: I will.

Then the Minister shall say:

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Then shall they give their oaths to each other in this manner:

The Minister, receiving the Woman from her father’s or friend’s hands, shall lead the Man with his right hand to take the Woman by her right hand, and to repeat after him as follows:

I N. take you N. as my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and to this constancy I pledge you my oath.

>Then they shall loose their hands; and the Woman, with her right hand taking the Man by his right hand, shall repeat after the Minister as follows:

I N. take you N. as my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and to this constancy I pledge you my oath.

Then they shall loose their hands again; and the Man shall place a ring on the book, along with the usual duty to the Priest and Clerk. The Priest, taking the Ring, shall deliver it to the Man, to put it on the fourth finger of the Woman’s left hand. The Man shall hold the Ring there, and being taught by the Priest, shall say:

With this ring I wed you, with my body I exalt you, and with all my worldly goods I endow you: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then the Man shall leave the Ring upon the fourth finger of the Woman’s left hand. Both shall kneel; and and the Minister shall say:

Let us pray.

O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life: Send you blessing upon these you servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in your Name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them, (of which this Ring is given and received as a token and pledge,) and may always remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to your laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Then the shall Priest join their right hands together, and say:

Mark 10:9What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

Then the shall Minister speak to the people:

Forasmuch as N. and N. have consented to being joined together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and unto this have given and pledged an oath to each other, and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of a Ring, and by the joining of hands; I pronounce that they are together Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

And the Minister shall add this Blessing:

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come you may have life everlasting. Amen.

Then the Minister or Clerks, going to the Lord’s Table, shall say or sing one of the following Psalms:

Psalm 128

See Psalter for traditional formBlessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

Psalm 67

See Psalter for traditional formMay God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

Following the Psalm, with the Man and the Woman kneeling before the Lord’s Table and the Priest standing at the Table facing them, the Priest shall say:

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

O Lord, save your servant, and your handmaid;

Who put their trust in thee.

O Lord, send them help from your holy place;

And evermore defend them.

Be unto them a tower of strength,

From the face of their enemy.

O Lord, hear our prayer.

And let our cry come unto thee.

The Minister shall say:

O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless these your servants, and sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts; that whatsoever in your holy Word they shall profitably learn, they may in deed fulfill the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully upon them from heaven, and bless them. And as you sent your blessing upon Abraham and Sarah, to their great comfort, so vouchsafe to send your blessing upon these your servants; that they obeying your Will, and always being in the safety of your protection, may abide in your love until their lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The following prayer shall be ommitted if the Woman is past child-bearing age:

O Merciful Lord, and heavenly Father, by whose gracious gift mankind is increased: We beseech you, assist with your blessing these two persons, that they may both be fruitful in procreation of children, and also live together so long in godly love and honesty, that they may see their children Christianly and virtuously brought up, to your praise and honour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, who by your mighty power has made all things of nothing; who also (after other things were set in order) appointed, that out of man (created in your own image and similitude) woman should take her beginning; and, knitting them together, did teach that it should never be lawful to separate those whom you, by Matrimony, has made one: O God, who has consecrated the state of Matrimony to such an excellent mystery, that in it is signified and represented the spiritual marriage and unity between Christ and his Church: Look mercifully upon these your servants, both that this man may love his wife, according to your Word, (as Christ loved his spouse the Church, who gave himself for it, loving and cherishing it even as his own flesh,) and also that this woman may be loving and amiable, faithful and obedient to her husband; and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace, be a follower of holy and godly women. O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to inherit your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the Priest shall say:

May Almighty God, who in the beginning created our first parents, Adam and Eve, and sanctified and joined them together in marriage, pour upon you the riches of his grace, sanctify and bless you, that you may please him both in body and in soul, and live together in holy love unto your lives’ end. Amen.

After which, if there is no Sermon detailing the duties of Man and Wife, the Minister shall read as follows.

All you that are married, or that intend to take the holy estate of Matrimony upon yourselves, hear what the holy Scripture says as touching the duty of husbands towards their wives, and wives towards their husbands:

Saint Paul, in his Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter five, gives this commandment to all married men: Ephesians 5:25-32Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Likewise the same Saint Paul, writing to the Colossians, speaks thus to all men that are married: Colossians 3:19Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Hear also what Saint Peter, the Apostle of Christ, who was himself a married man, says to those that are married: I Peter 3:7Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Hitherto you have heard the duty of the husband toward the wife. Now likewise, wives, hear and learn your duties toward your husbands, even as it is plainly set forth in holy Scripture:

Saint Paul, in the aforenamed Epistle to the Ephesians, teaches you thus: Ephesians 5:22-24Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. And again he says: Ephesians 5:33Let the wife see that she respects her husband.

And in his Epistle to the Colossians, Saint Paul gives you this short lesson: Colossians 3:18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Saint Peter also instructs you very well, saying: I Peter 3:1-6Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives – when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

It is convenient that the new-married persons should receive the holy Communion at the time of their Marriage, or at the first opportunity after their Marriage.

The Litany

O God, the Father of heaven : have mercy upon us miserable sinners

O God the Father of heaven : have mercy upon us miserable sinners

O God the Son, Redeemer of the world : have mercy upon us miserable sinners

O God the Son, Redeemer of the world : have mercy upon us miserable sinners

O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinty, three Persons and one God : have mercy upon us miserable sinners

O holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God : have mercy upon us miserable sinners

Remember not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; neither take your vengeance for our sins : spare us, good Lord, spare your people, whom you have redeemed with your most precious blood, and do not be angry with us forever

Spare us, good Lord

From all evil and mischief : from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from your wrath, and from everlasting damnation

Good Lord, deliver us

From fornication, and all other deadly sin : and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil

Good Lord, deliver us

From lightening and tempest : from plague, pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from sudden death

Good Lord, deliver us

From all sedition, secret conspiracy, and rebellion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word and Commandment

Good Lord, deliver us

By the mystery of your holy Incarnation; by your holy Nativity and Circumcision; by your Baptism, Fasting and Temptation

Good Lord, deliver us

By your Agony and Bloody Sweat; by your Cross and Passion; by your precious Death and Burial; by your glorious Resurrection and Ascension, and by the Coming of the Holy Ghost

Good Lord, deliver us

In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment

Good Lord, deliver us

We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universal in the right way

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to keep and strengthen your Servant ELIZABETH, our most gracious Queen and Governor in worshipping you truly, with righteousness, and in holiness of life

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to rule her heart in your faith, fear, and love, and that she may evermore have trust in you, and ever seek your honour and glory

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to be her defender and keeper, giving her victory over all her enemies

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to bless and preserve Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles, Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to enlighten all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of your Word; and that both by their preaching and their living they may set it forth, and show it accordingly

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to endue the Lords of the Council, and all the Nobility, with grace, wisdom, and understanding

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to bless and keep the Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to bless and keep all thy people

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to give us an heart to love and fear you, and diligently to live after your commandments

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to give to all your people increase of grace to hear your Word meekly, to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to strengthen such as do stand; to comfort and help the weak-hearted; to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to succour, help, and comfort, all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to preserve all who travel by land or by water, all women labouring in childbirth, all sick persons, and young children; and to show your pity upon all prisoners and captives

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to defend, and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and all who are desolate and oppressed

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to give and preserve to our use the good fruit of the earth, so that in due time we may enjoy them

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

That it may please you to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to you holy Word

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord

Son of God:

We beseech you to hear us

Son of God:

We beseech you to hear us

O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world

Grant us your peace

O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world

Have mercy upon us

O Christ, hear us

O Christ, hear us

Lord, have mercy upon us

Lord, have mercy upon us

Christ, have mercy upon us

Christ, have mercy upon us

Lord, have mercy upon us

Lord, have mercy upon us

The Lord’s Prayer

Then the Priest and people shall say the Lord’s Prayer together

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
Amen.

O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins

Neither reward us according to our iniquities

Let us pray

O God, merciful Father, that despises not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful; mercifully assist our prayers which we make before you in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us. Graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtilty of the devil or man work against us be brought to nought. Grant by the providence of your goodness that our enemies may be dispersed, so that we your servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks to you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord

O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for your Name’s sake

O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared to us, the noble works that you did in their days, and in the days before theirs

O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for your honour

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

From our enemies defend us, O Christ.

Graciously look upon our afflictions.

Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts.

Mercifully forgive the sins of your people.

Favourably, with mercy, hear our prayers.

O Son of David, have mercy upon us.

Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.

Graciously hear us, O Christ;
graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.

O Lord, let your mercy be showed upon us

As we put our trust in thee

Let us pray:

We humbly beseech you, O Father, to look mercifully upon our infirmities; and, to the glory of your Name, turn away from us all those evils that we most justly deserve; and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in your mercy, and evermore serve you in holiness and pureness of living, to your honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, who has given us grace at this time to bring to you our common supplications with one accord; and has promised, that when two or three are gathered together in you Name you will grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of your servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting

Amen

II Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all

Amen

The Ministration of
Public Baptism of Infants
to be used in the church

The Baptism

Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Saviour Christ said “none can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born anew of Water and of 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 this Child that thing which by nature he cannot have; that he may be baptised with Water and the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ’s holy Church, and be made a lively member of the same.

Then the Priest shall say:

Let us pray:
Almighty and everlasting God, who of your great mercy saved Noah and his family in the ark from perishing by water; and also safely led the children of Israel your people through the Red Sea, figuring in this your holy Baptism; and by the Baptism of your well-beloved Son Jesus Christ, in the river Jordan, did sanctify Water to the mystical washing away of sin: We beseech you, for your infinite mercies, that you will mercifully look upon this child; wash him and sanctify him with the Holy Ghost; that he, being delivered from your wrath, may be received into the ark of Christ’s Church; and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally he may come to the land of everlasting life, there to reign with you world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Almighty and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the leper of all that flee to you for succour, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead: We call upon you for this Infant, that he, coming to your holy Baptism, may receive remission of his sins by spiritual regeneration. Receive him, O Lord, as you have promised by your well-beloved Son, saying, Ask, and you shall have; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: So give now unto us that ask; let us that seek find; open the gate unto us that knock; that this Infant may enjoy the everlasting benediction of your heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which you have promised by Christ our Lord.

Amen

Then the people shall stand up, and the Priest shall say:

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint Mark in the tenth chapter at the thirteenth verse.

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.Mark 10:13-16

After the Gospel has been read, the Minister shall give the following exhortation upon the words of the Gospel:

Beloved, you have heard in this Gospel the words of our Saviour Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought to him; how he blamed those that would have kept them from him; and how he exhorts all men to follow their innocency. You perceive how by his outward gesture and deed he declared his good will toward them; for he embraced them in his arms, he laid his ands upon them, and blessed them. Do not doubt therefore, but earnestly believe, that he will likewise favourably receive this present Infant: that he will embrace him with the arms of his mercy; that he will give unto him the blessing of eternal life, and make him a partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Therefore, we being persuaded of the good will of our heavenly Father towards this Infant, declared by his Son Jesus Christ; and nothing doubting but that he favourably allows this charitable work of ours in bringing this Infant to his holy Baptism; let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say:

Almighty and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give you humble thanks that you have vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of your grace and faith in you; Increase this knowledge and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give you Holy Spirit to this Infant, that he may be born again, and be made an heir of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Amen

Then the Priest shall speak to the Godfathers and Godmothers as follows:

Dearly beloved, you have brought this child here to be baptised; you have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive him, to release him from his sins, to sanctify him with the Holy Ghost, to give him the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life.. You have also heard that our Lord Jesus Christ has promised in his Gospel, to grant all these things that you have prayed for; which promise he, for his part, will most surely keep and perform. Therefore, after this promise made by Christ, this infant must also faithfully, for his part, promise by you that are his sureties, (until he comes of an age sufficient to take it upon himself,) that he will renounce the devil and all his works, and constantly believe God’s holy Word, and obediently keep his commandments.

I therefore ask

Do you, in the name of this Child, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that you will not follow nor be led by them?

I renounce them all

Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth? And in Jesus Christ is only begotten Son our Lord? And that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; and from there shall come again ant the end of the world, to judge the living and the dead?

And do you believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the Communion of Saints; the Remission of sins; the Resurrection of the flesh; and everlasting life after death?

All this I steadfastly believe

Will you be baptised into this faith?

That is my desire

Will you then obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of your life?

Answer. I will.

Then the Priest shall say:

Merciful God, grant that the old Adam in this Child may be so buried, that the new man may be raised up in him.

Amen.

Grant that all carnal affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him.

Amen.

Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph, against the devil, the world, and the flesh.

Amen.

Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to you by our office and ministry may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through your mercy, O blessed Lord God, who lives, and governs all things, world without end.

Amen.

Almighty, ever-living God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptise them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Regard, we beseech you, the supplications of your congregation; sanctify this Water to the mystical washing away of sin; and grant that this Child, now to be baptised therein, may receive the fullness of your grace, and ever remain in the number of your faithful and elect children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Then the Priest shall take the Child into his hands, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers, Name this Child. And then naming it after them (if they certify to him that the Child may endure it well) he shall dip the child in the Water discreetly and warily, saying:

N. I baptise you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

But if they certify that the Child is weak, it shall suffice to pour Water upon it, saying the same words as above:

N. I baptise you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Then the Priest shall say:

We receive this Child into the congregation of Christ’s flock, *and do sign him with the sign of the Cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ’s faithful soldier and servant unto his life’s end.
* here the Priest shall make a Cross upon the Child’s forehead.

Amen.

Then the Priest shall say:

Now seeing, dearly beloved brethren, that this Child is regenerate, and grafted into the body of Christ’s Church, let us give thanks unto Almighty God for these benefits; and with one accord make our prayers unto him, that this Child may lead the rest of his life according to this beginning.

Then shall be said:

All kneel

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Then the Priest shall say:

We give you hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it has pleased you to regenerate this Infant with your Holy Spirit, to receive him as your own Child by adoption, and to incorporate him into your holy Church. And humbly we beseech you to grant, that he, being dead unto sin, and living unto righteousness, and being buried with Christ in his death, may crucify the old man, and utterly abolish the whole body of sin; and that, as he is made partaker of the death of your Son, he may also be a partaker of his resurrection; so that finally, with the residue of your holy Church, he may be an heir of your everlasting kingdom; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

All stand. The Priest now says the following to the Godfathers and Godmothers:

Forsomuch as this Child has promised by you his sureties to renounce the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and to serve him: you must remember, that it is your parts and duties to see that this Infant be taught, so soon as he is able to learn, what a solemn vow, promise, and profession, he has here made by you. And that he may know these things the better, you shall call upon him to hear Sermons; and chiefly you shall provide, that he may learn the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in the common language, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul’s health; and that this Child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godly and a Christian life; remembering always, that Baptism represents to us our profession; which is, to follow the example of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like unto him; that, as he died, and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptised, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousness; continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living.

Then he shall further say:

You are to take care that this Child is brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by him, as soon as he can say the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in the common language, and be further instructed in the Church-Catechism set forth for that purpose.