A
BOOK OF OFFICES
OFFICIAL
A
BOOK OF OFFICES
SERVICES FOR OCCASIONS
NOT PROVIDED FOR IN
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
OF THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS
MILWAUKEE
THE YOUNG CHURCHMAN CO.
1917
tJwu:>
THE NEV^ YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
875910A
COPTEIGHT BY
THE YOUNG CHURCHMAN CO.,
1914, 1917
PREFACE
At tlie General Convention in Richmond, in 1907,
a Committee of the House of Bishops was appointed
to consider the preparation of a Book of Offices for
occasions not provided for in the Book of Common
Prayer. The Bishops of Texas, Kansas, Newark,
Springfield, and Fond du Lac constituted the Com-
mittee.
This Committee found the wish for such a Book so
general that at Cincinnati in 1910 they presented a
Book which was received by the Bishops and allowed to
be distributed in the House.
Subsequently the Bishops retained the copies dis-
tributed and were asked to send further suggestions to
the Committee, which was continued, to report in 1913.
The second Report of the Committee, presented in
"New York in 1913, was again referred back for further
consideration.
At the General Convention at St. Louis, in 1916, a
number of corrections and changes were presented by
the Committee and the following Resolution was
passed :
"Resolved, That the Book of Offices for Occasions not
Provided for in the Book of Common Prayer be published
after the changes submitted with this Report have been
made, and is hereby set forth for use where the Bishop of
the Diocese may authorize it."
After all due care and consideration the Book of
Offices for Occasions not Provided for in the Book of
Common Prayer is now authorized for use in the
Church, subject to the discretion of each diocesan
Bishop.
It may be noted that, while there is considerable new
vi A BOOK OF OFFICES
matter in the Book, the ojffices are mainly taken from
those in use for many years in dioceses in England and
Canada, with some help from American diocesan forms.
The Book of Offices is the property of the Church;
and a royalty from its sale will go to the Church Pen-
sion Fund.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
I.—The Order for the Breaking of the Ground
for a New Church 1
II. — The Order for Laying the Foundation-Stone
or Cornerstone of a Church 5
III. — The Order for the Benediction of a Church
or Chapel 10
IV. — The Order for the Ee-Opening of a Restored
Church 15
V. — The Order for the Consecration of a Ceme-
tery, or of an Addition to a Cemetery - 22
VI. — Form for the Removal of the Consecration
of a Church 28
VII. — Service for the Admission of Lay Readers to
their Office 31
VIIL— A Form for the Setting Apart of Deaconesses 34
IX.— Office for the Benediction of a Holy Table
or Altar 40
X. — The Form for Laying of the Foundation-
Stone of a School, or the Opening of a
School Building 44
XI. — A Form for the Benediction of a Parish
House or Mission Room 48
XII.— Form for the Benedicttion of a New Rectory 51
XIII. — Form for the Opening of a Hospital or a
Ward of a Hospital 56
XIV. — A Form for the Dedication or Benediction
of Various Gifts and Memorials - - - 62
XV. — Service for Dedication Festival or Anni-
versary of the Consecration of a Church 74
XVI.— Feast of the Title or Holy Day or Saint's
Day from Which the Church Takes Its
Name 76
viii TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
XVII. — An OflBce for Harvest Thanksgiving - - - 78
XVIII. — A Form of Prayer and Thanksgiving for the
Fourth of July 81
XIX. — Form of Service for a Day of Special
Humiliation 84
XX.— A Compline Office 89
XXI. — Service of the Beatitudes of the Gospel - - 97
XXII. — An Office for General Use at Parochial or
Society Meetings 100
XXIII.— Office for a Missionary Meeting - - - - 102
XXIV. — A Short Service of Comfort and Hope for
Sick Communicants 104
XXV. — A Form of Service for Use in a House before
a Burial Ill
XXVI.— Order for the Burial of a Child - - - - 114
XXVII.— An Order for the Burial of Those for Whom
The Prayer Book Office may not be Used 119
XXVIII.— Memorial Services 123
XXIX. — Form for the Commemoration of Ancestors
or Members of a Family who have Died
without the True Knowledge of God - - 132
XXX.— Office for the Installation of a Bishop - - 138
XXXI.— Litanies 143
XXXIL— Various Prayers 155
I.
THE ORDER FOR
THE BREAKING OF THE GROUND FOR
A NEW CHURCH
The Clergy, Choir, and others being assembled at the
place, the Officiant shall say:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon its.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Then shall be said
Psalm 132. Memento Domine.
Lord, remember David : and all his trouble:
2 How he sware unto the Lord : and vowed a vow
unto the Almighty God of Jacob :
3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine
house : nor climb up into my bed;
4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye-
lids to slumber : neither the temples of my head to take
any rest;
5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord :
an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob.
6 Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata : and found
it in the wood.
7 We will go into his tabernacle : and fall low on
our knees before his footstool.
2 A BOOK OF OFFICES
8 Arise, Lord, into thy resting-place : thou, and
the ark of thy strength.
9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness : and
let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
10 For thy servant David's sake : turn not away the
presence of thine anointed.
14 For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habita-
tion for himself : he hath longed for her.
15 This shall be my rest for ever : here will I dwell,
for I have a delight therein.
Glory be.
After which the following Lesson shall he read:
Ezra i. 1-6.
Then may he sung a hymn.
Then the Bishop shall say:
Forasmuch as devout and faithful men have taken
in hand to build on this place a House to be dedicated
to the glory of God (and in honor of His servant
Saint ), wherein the Gospel shall be truly preached,
the Sacraments duly administered, and the service of
Prayer and Praise ever offered, in this and coming
generations, let us ask the blessing of Almighty God
upon this undertaking.
Let us pray.
O Almighty God, who hast taught us that what-
soever we do whether in word or in deed we shall do it in
the Name of Thy Blessed Son Jesus Christ ; Mercifully
receive us, coming to Thee in His Name. Hear our
prayers and vouchsafe to bless, consecrate, and hallow
this ground, upon which we purpose to build a Church
to Thy glory and for Thy worship; and grant that all
A BOOK OF OFFICES 3
who shall serve at Thy Altar therein, and they who
shall in it receive the ministry of the Word and Sacra-
ments according to Thine ordinance, may love Thee
with all their heart and mind and soul and strength,
and, fortified by Thy gifts, may serve Thee faithfully
unto their life's end; through the same Thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Officiant standing at the site of the Altar
of the Church, remove the first shovel of earth,
saying :
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, I break the ground for this Church;
and may the Lord bring our undertaking to a prosper-
ous end. Amen.
The Rector and other Clergy or Church Officers present
may also remove earth, each one as he does so say-
ing :
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then shall he said
Psalm 122. Laetatus sum.
1 was glad when they said unto me : We will go
into the house of the Lord.
2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates : O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city : that is at unity in
itself.
4 For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of
the Lord : to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto
the Name of the Lord.
5 For there is the seat of judgment : even the seat
of the house of David.
4 A BOOK OF OFFICES
6 pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall
prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls : and plenteousness
within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions' sakes : I will
wish thee prosperity.
9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God :
I will seek to do thee good.
Glory be.
Let us pray.
1. The Colled of the Saint whose name the Church
will hear.
2. Accept, we pray Thee, Lord, the service of this
day. Let Thy continued blessing rest upon the work
now begun. Put it into the hearts of Thy servants to
give liberally for the building and maintenance of this
Church (of Saint ). Watch over all those who
shall take part in the work, that they may be preserved
from all danger and accident. Give us all thankful
hearts that we may ever praise Thee for all Thy good-
ness to us ; through Thy Son our Lord, who with Thee
and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God for ever
and ever. Amen,
Then may he sung a Hymn of thanhsgiving during
which shall he collected the offerings made hy those
present, for the huilding.
The Te Deum Laudamus may then he sung.
The Benediction.
11.
THE ORDER FOR
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OR
CORNERSTONE OF A CHURCH
While the Bishop or Officiant, with the Clergy and
Choir, shall proceed to the place where the Founda-
tion Stone is to he laid, a Hymn may he sung.
All things heing disposed in order for the Laying of
the Stone, the Bishop shall say:
Dearly beloved in the Lord, we are gathered to-
gether here to lay the Foundation Stone of a building
which we humbly trust may in due time be consecrated
as a House of God.
And first, let us praise God's Holy Name for the
mercy and goodness with which He has so far pros-
pered our work; and let us further devoutly pray that
He will, of His good Providence, bless all who in any
way help forward its completion; that He will protect
from danger those who may be engaged in the build-
ing : and that He will send His blessing upon our
undertaking.
Let us pray.
We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father,
for that Thou hast blessed and forwarded the work of
our hands hitherto : accept the praises that we offer
unto Thee from true and grateful hearts, that rejoic-
ing in Thy goodness we may be accepted of Thee, and
this holy place may be filled from its beginning with
the spirit of thankfulness and loving homage, to Thy
6 A BOOK OF OFFICES
honour and glory, who livest and reignest God for ever
and ever. Amen.
Then shall he read the Lesson,
Ezra iii. 10-11; or Zech. iv. 6-10; or 1 Cor. iii.
Then shall he said or sung:
Y. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious :
R. For His mercy endureth for ever.
V. O give thanks unto the God of all gods :
R. For His mercy endureth for ever.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to
the Holy Ghost.
R. give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious:
for His mercy endureth for ever.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
V. Behold I lay in Sion a chief Cornerstone, elect,
precious :
R. And he that helieveth on Him shall not he con-
founded.
V. This is the Lord's doing:
R. And it is marvellous in our eyes.
V. Other foundation can no man lay than that is
laid:
R. Which is Jesus Christ.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 7
Then shall the Bishop say:
The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray,
O Almighty Lord God, who although the heaven of
heavens cannot contain Thee, yet dost vouchsafe to
dwell with Thy Church here on earth ; Visit, we beseech
Thee, with Thy loving kindness, this place whereon we
lay the foundations of a house to the praise and honour
of Thy Holy Name. Let it not be profaned by impiety
or put to common use; and as Thou didst fulfil the
devotion of Thy servant David through the labors of
his son, so likewise grant that our desire may be ac-
complished, that Thy servants may see Thy work, and
their children Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy
Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen,
Then the Bishop, laying his hind upon the Stone,
shall say:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who
art the brightness of the Father's Glory, and^ the ex-
press image of His Person, the one Foundation, and
the chief Cornerstone ; Bless what we do now in laying
this Stone in Thy name, and be Thou, we beseech Thee,
the beginning, the increase, and the consummation of
this our work, which is undertaken to the glory of Thy
Name; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest
and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
Then, all things heing made ready, he shall lay the
Stone, striking it three times, with these words:
In the faith of Jesus Christ we place this Founda-
tion Stone, in the Name of God the Father, God the
Son, and God the Holy Ghost, Amen.
8 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Then shall the Bishop say:
Here let the true faith and fear of God, with
brotherly love, ever abide; and may this place now set
apart with prayer, and with the invocation and praise
of the Most Holy Name, be evermore the Temple of
the Most High God; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with the Father and the Holy Spirit liveth and
reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.
Then shall he said:
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.
Let us pray.
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 Thee for all estates of men in Thy Holy Church,
especially for those who have given of their substance
to this good work; that every member of the same, in
his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve
Thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
God, who art the shield and defence of Thy
people, be ever at hand, we beesch Thee, to protect and
succour the builders of this house; keep them in their
labour from all sin and profaneness, and shelter them
from all accident and peril, that the work which,
through Thy mercy, hath now begun, may by their
labour be brought to a happy end ; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 9
Then shall the Bishop speak to the people : after which
a Hymn may he sung and the offerings of the
people he collected. The Bishop shall then say the
following prayers:
Direct us, Lord, in all our doings, witK Thy most
gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual
help ; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended
in thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally,
by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast built Thy Church upon
the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the head cornerstone; Grant us
so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doc-
trine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable
unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make
His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give
you peace, now and for evermore. Amen,
III.
THE ORDER FOR THE
BENEDICTION OF A CHURCH OR CHAPEL
To he used hy the Bishop, or a Priest appointed hy him,
when for any good cause the Church cannot he
consecrated. A Church thus blessed must, however,
he duly consecrated when this shall hecome pas-
sihle.
At the appointed time the Bishop with attendant Clergy
standing before the Altar shall say :
Psalm 122. Laetatus sum.
1 was glad when they said unto me : We will go
into the house of the Lord.
2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates : O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city ; that is at unity in
itself.
4 For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of
the Lord ; to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto
the Name of the Lord.
5 For there is the seat of judgment : even the seat
of the house of David.
6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall
prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls : and plenteousness
within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions' sakes : I will
wish thee prosperity.
9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God:
I w^ill seek to do thee good.
Glory be.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 11
The BisJiop then, turning towards the congregation,
shall say:
Good people, we have met together at this time to
bless this Church [Chapel or Building] for the service
of Almighty God, and the use of His Church. It has
pleased God to teach us in His Holy Word that such
dedications are acceptable to Him; we have therefore
good hope that this our work will be pleasing in His
sight. Let us therefore lift up our prayers to Him,
asking that His Blessing may rest upon this place, that
His Spirit may guide those who shall herein minister
in His Name, and that those who worship here may
draw near to Him at all times with reverence and
godly fear.
Let us pray.
The Bishop, followed by the Clergy, Churchwardens,
and others, may then pass around the church saying
or singing
The Litany.
If the size or arrangement of the "building will not per-
mit of passing around within, the Bishop shall
hneel at the Chancel steps attended by two Priests.
The Litany being said as far as the end of the Lord's
Prayer, the Bishop standing at the Chancel steps
shall say the Prayers following:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who hast ap-
pointed divers services and ministrations to be per-
formed in Thy Church; May Thy Holy Spirit guide
and direct those who minister in this place, and fill the
hearts of Thy people that they may rightly take their
part in and profit by that which is done in Thy Name.
12 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Hear tlie prayers which all faithful souls offer Thee
in this place. Grant that all Thy children born again in
Baptism, and strengthened by Thy gift in the Laying
on of Hands, may walk before Thee in newness of life.
Give to all who in true penitence seek it, the Absolution
and Remission of their sins. Grant that all who are par-
takers of the blessed Body and Blood of Thy dear Son
may receive the Bread of Everlasting Life, and ever
live in oneness with Him and He with them. Encour-
age and strengthen the faithful by Thy presence, that
they may continue before Thee in Holiness and Right-
eousness unto their life's end. Amen.
Father Beloved, who didst send Thy dear Son to
preach peace to them that are far off as well as to them
that are nigh ; Make this place to be a witness for Thee
and Thy love. Grant that by the preaching of the Gos-
pel herein many who now know Thee not may hear of
Thee, and turning with all their hearts to Thee may be
cleansed from sin, and made partakers of all the gifts
Thou givest without measure to Thy faithful children.
Grant this our prayer for the love of Thy dear Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A General Thanksgiving.
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we. Thine un-
worthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty
thanks for all Thy goodness and loving-kindness to us,
and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, pres-
ervation, and all the blessings of this life; but above
all, for Thine 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 Thee, give
us that due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts
may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth
Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by
A BOOK OF OFFICES 13
giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking be-
fore Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and
the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world with-
out end. Amen.
The Grace.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us
all evermore. Amen.
Here may follow a Hymn and a Sermon.
IF THERE BE A CELEBRATION OF THE
HOLY COMMUNION:
The Collect.
Almighty God, who hast built Thy Church upon
the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the head cornerstone; Grant us
so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doc-
trine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable
unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Epistle. Ephesians ii. 13-22.
Gospel. St. John xvii. 20-26.
After the Celehration or a Sermon, immediately before
the final Blessing :
Let us pray.
Lord God, who dost vouchsafe to have Thy dwell-
ing upon earth in houses built for the worship of Thy
14 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Name though the heavens and earth cannot contain
Thee; We beseech Thee that, mindful of the work and
labour of all Thy Saints, Thou wouldest visit this place
erected to Thy glory [and in honour of N^. Cleanse
it, by Thy grace, from all defilements, and ever keep it
pure and without spot; And as Thou didst crown the
pious desires of David Thy servant in the work of
Solomon his son, so do Thou of Thy great goodness
grant that our desire may be accomplished, that Thy
servants may see Thy work and their children Thy
gliry; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth with
Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without
end. Amen.
Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord God, that it hath
pleased Thee, by Thy good Spirit, to put into the hearts
of Thy servants the desire to erect this House to Thy
honour and worship. Bless them, O Lord, their families
and their substance, and accept the work of their
hands; and grant, we beseech Thee, that all who shall
enjoy the benefit of this pious work, may show forth
their thankfulness by making a right use thereof, to
the glory of Thy blessed Name; through Jesus Christ
OUT Lord. Amen.
IV.
THE ORDER FOR
THE RE-OPENING OF A RESTORED
CHURCH
The Bishop is received at the entrance of the Restored
Church, or of the Churchyard, hy the Minister and
the Churchwardens, and proceeds with the Clergy,
the Churchwardens, and others towards the Holy
Table, Psalm cxviii. 19-29 heing said or sung as
follows :
Open me the gates of righteousness : that I may go
into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord : the righteous shall
enter into it.
I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me : and art
become my salvation.
The same stone which the builders refused : is be-
come the head-stone in the corner.
This is the Lord's doing : and it is marvellous in
our eyes.
This is the day which the Lord hath made : we will
rejoice and be glad in it.
Help me now, O Lord : O Lord, send us now pros-
perity.
Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord :
we have wished you good luck, ye that are of the house
of the Lord.
God is the Lord, who hath showed us light : bind
the sacrifice with cords, yea, even unto the horns of the
altar.
Thou art my God, and I will thank thee : thou art
my God, and I will praise thee.
16 A BOOK OF OFFICES
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious :
and his mercy endureth for ever.
Glory be.
Then shall the Bishop, standing in the Chancel, say
this prayer, all standing:
Let us pray.
We are not worthy, O Lord, to enter into Thy pres-
ence, for Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil.
But Thou, Lord, art merciful and full of compassion.
Grant that Thine eyes may be upon us continually as
we enter into this Thine house, and that all our
thoughts and words may be hallowed by Thy presence.
Let Thy Holy Spirit be within us, and Thy holy angels
be with us and about us, that in all our ways we may
glorify Thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen,
Then shall the Bishop, standing at the Holy Table, and
turning to the people, say:
Dearly beloved in the Lord, we are gathered together
to-day to render humble and hearty thanks to Almighty
God for His goodness in prospering the work of tlie
Restoration of this Church, and to implore the continu-
ance of His favour and blessing upon it. Let us there-
fore ask the presence and guidance of the Holy Ghost.
Then shall he sung, all Jcneeling:
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire.
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art.
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above.
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 17
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our hlinded sight.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Where thou art guide, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee, of both, to be but One;
That, through the ages all along.
This may be our endless song:
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Then the Bishop shall say:
O most blessed Saviour, who in the days of Thy
earthly Ministry, by Thy gracious presence at the Feast
of Dedication, didst approve and bless such service as
this which we are now offering unto Thee; Be present
with us by Thy Holy Spirit; and because holiness be-
cometh Thine House for ever, sanctify us, we pray
Thee, that we may be living Temples, holy and accept-
able unto Thee; and so dwell in our hearts by faith,
and possess our souls by Thy grace, that nothing which
defileth may enter into us; but that, being cleansed
from all carnal and corrupt affections, we may ever be
devoutly given to serve Thee in all good works, who
art our Saviour, Lord, and God, blessed for evermore.
Amen.
Blessed be Thy !N'ame, O Lord, that it hath pleased
Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to restore
and adorn this House, for Thy honour and worship, and
for the ministry of Thy Holy Word and Sacraments.
Bless them, O Lord, their families, and their sub-
stance, and accept the work of their hands; remember
them concerning this; forget not this kindness that
18 A BOOK OF OFFICES
they have shewed for the House of their God, and for
the offices thereof; and grant, that all who now or here-
after shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work, may
shew forth their thankfulness to Thee for the same, by
making a right use of it, to the glory of Thy blessed
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
If the restoration he a memorial, the prayer on page J^2
may he used here.
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 Thee for all estates of men in Thy holy Church,
that every member of the same, in his vocation and
ministry, may truly and godly serve Thee; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We pray for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, par-
ticularly for those of this Diocese and Parish, that they
may be always found waiting on their ministry, and
by their life and doctrine may set forth Thy glory, and
set forward the salvation of the immortal souls com-
mitted to their charge; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, and Invis-
ible, the only wise God, the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory for ever and ever.
Amen.^
Here may he sung a Hymn.
IF MORNING PRAYER IS SAID:
Proper Psalms.
Psalm 15. Domine, quis hahitahit?
Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle : or who
shall rest upon thy holy hill ?
A BOOK OF OFFICES 19
2 Even he that leadeth an nncorrupt life : and
doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth
from his heart.
3 He that hath nsed no deceit in his tongue, nor
done evil to his neighbor : and hath not slandered his
neighbor.
4 He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his
own eyes : and maketh much of them that fear the
Lord.
5 He that sweareth unto his neighbor, and disap-
pointeth him not : though it were to his own hindrance.
6 He that hath not given his money upon usury:
nor taken reward against the innocent.
7 Whoso doeth these things : shall never fall.
Glory be.
Psalm 84. Quam dilecta!
O how amiable are thy dwellings : thou Lord of
hosts !
2 My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into
the courts of the Lord : my heart and my flesh rejoice
in the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and
the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young : even
thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they
will be alway praising thee.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee : in
whose heart are thy ways.
6 Who going through the vale of misery use it for
a well : and the pools are filled with water.
7 They will go from strength to strength : and
unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them
in Sion,
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer : hearken,
O God of Jacob.
20 A BOOK OF OFFICES
9 Behold, God our defender : and look upon tlie
face of thine anointed.
10 For one day in thy courts : is better than a
thousand.
11 1 had rather be a door-keeper in the house of
my God : than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
12 For the Lord God is a light and defence : the
Lord will give grace and worship, and no good thing
shall he withhold from them that live a godly life.
13 O Lord God of hosts : blessed is the man that
putteth his trust in thee.
Glory be.
Psalm 100. Jubilate Deo.
be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands : serve the
Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with
a song.
2 Be ye sure that the Lord he is God : it is he
that hath made us, and not we ourselves : we are his
people, and the sheep of his pasture.
3 O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise : be thankful unto him,
and speak good of his Name.
4 For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlast-
ing : and his truth endureth from generation to gen-
eration.
Glory be.
Proper Lessons.
First. Ezra iii. or Haggai ii.
Second. St. John iv. 19-26 or Heb. ix. 1-15.
AT THE HOLY COMMUNION:
The Collect.
Almighty God, who in days of old didst prosper and
bless Thy servants in the rebuilding of Thy temple at
A BOOK OF OFFICES 21
Jerusalem, and didst then promise to fill the house with
glory, receive also, we pray Thee, and bless the work of,
us. Thy servants; accept the sacrifices which shall be
offered here; make Thy presence known to those who
worship in this place; so shall Thy loving kindness be
manifested and Thy name be glorified among men.
Hear this our prayer, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
For the Epistle. Rev. xxi. 2-5.
The Gospel St. Matt. xxi. 9-17.
V.
THE ORDER FOR THE
CONSECRATION OF A CEMETERY. OR OF
AN ADDITION TO A CEMETERY
The Bishop shall he received at the entrance of the
Church or Churchyard hy the Clergy of the Parish,
the Churchwardens, and others. Then the Bishop,
preceded hy the Churchwardens, and followed hy
the Clergy, the Choir, and the Congregation, shall
proceed around the Ground to he Consecrated,
saying or singing one or more of the Psalms
following :
Psalm 23. Dominus regit me.
The Lord is my shepherd : therefore can I lack
nothing.
2 He shall feed me in a green pasture : and lead
me forth beside the waters of comfort.
3 He shall convert my soul : and bring me forth
in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with
me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
5 Thou shalt prepare a table before me against
them that trouble me: thou hast anointed my head
with oil, and my cup shall be full.
6 But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord for ever.
Glory be.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 23
Psalm 130. De profundis.
Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord ;
Lord, hear my voice.
2 O let thine ears consider well : the voice of my
complaint.
3 If thou. Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is
done amiss : O Lord, who may abide it?
4 For there is mercy with thee : therefore shalt
thou be feared.
6 I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him :
in his word is my trust.
6 My soul fleeth unto the Lord : before the morn-
ing watch, I say, before the morning watch.
7 O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord
there is mercy : and with him is plenteous redemption,
8 And he shall redeem Israel : from all his sins.
Glory be.
[Or J should it he inconvenient, from inclemency of
weather or other cause, to proceed around the
Ground, the Bishop, standing in some convenient
place upon the Ground, shall say the foregoing
Psalms.^
Then shall the Bishop say:
I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me. Write,
From henceforth, blessed are the dead which die in
the Lord: even so saith the Spirit; for they rest from
their labours.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon v^.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
24 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Then shall the Petition for Consecration he presented
to the Bishop J with the words:
Reverend Father in God, we beg you to consecrate
this ground for the burial of our dead.
The Bishop shall cause the Sentence of Consecration to
he read, and shall sign it, and direct its preserva-
tion.
Then shall he declare the Ground consecrated, and hless
it as follows:
Good people, by virtue of our sacred office in the
Church of God, we do now consecrate and for ever
set apart from all profane and common uses, this
ground, to be the resting-place of the dead, until the
glorious Resurrection at the last day; in the Name of
the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost, be ever upon this place, and sanc-
tify and keep it holy, that it may be a fit resting-place
for the bodies of His saints, until the day of the Lord
Jesus, when He shall come to judge the quick and the
dead. Amen.
Then shall the Bishop add these Collects:
Lord Jesus Christ, who art the Resurrection and
the Life, who by Thy Death hast overcome death, and
by Thy Rising again hast opened unto us the gate of
everlasting life, who shalt send Thine angels and
gather Thine elect from all the ends of the earth ; We
humbly beseech Thee for all those whose bodies shall
here be committed to the ground, that they may rest
in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, through
A BOOK OF OFFICES 25
Thee, blessed Lord God, who shalt change the body
of our humiliation that it may be like unto the body of
Thy glory, according to the mighty working whereby
Thou art able to bring all things into subjection to Thy-
self : who livest and reignest with the Father and the
Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
eternal Lord God, who boldest all souls in life:
We beseech Thee to shed forth upon Thy whole Church
in Paradise and on earth the bright beams of Thy
light and heavenly comfort, and grant that we, follow-
ing the good examples of those who have served Thee
here and are at rest, may with them at length enter
into Thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Grant, Lord, that as we are baptized into the
death of Thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so
by continual mortifying 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, Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[The following prayer may he used when there
is a Chapel to be consecrated:
Almighty Father, who hast been pleased to accept
places upon which men have put the remembrance of
Thy name, and hast visited and blessed them; we pray
Thee to be with us assembled here to dedicate this
Chapel to Thy service, separating it from all worldly
uses. Accept this, our offering; sanctify this place by
Thy presence; and grant that whatever prayers are
herein offered in accordance with Thy will may be found
acceptable unto Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.J
26 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Here may follow an address, after which a Hymn may
fee sung.
Then shall the Bishop dismiss the people with the
Blessing.
IF THERE BE A CELEBRATION
The Collect, Epistle, and Gospel shall he:
Collect. merciful God, the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life; in
whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die ; and
whosoever liveth, and believeth in Him, shall not die
eternally ; who also hath taught us, by His holy Apostle
Saint Paul, not to be sorry, as men without hope, for
those who sleep in Him; We humbly beseech Thee, O
Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life
of righteousness; that, when we shall depart this life,
we may rest in Him ; and that, at the general Resurrec-
tion in the last day, we may be found acceptable in Thy
sight, and receive that blessing, which Thy well-beloved
Son shall then pronounce to all who love and fear Thee,
saying. Come, ye blessed children of My Father, receive
the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of
the world. Grant this, we beseech Thee, O merciful
Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Re-
deemer. Amen.
The Epistle. 1 Thess. iv. 13 to end.
The Gospel. St. John vi. 37-41.
The Collect, Epistle, and Gospel for Easter-even may
he used in place of the ahove.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 27
At Morning or Evening Prayer, Psalms iv., xvi., xlix.
may he used; and as Special Lessons, Gen. xxiii.
and St. John xi. 18-47.
Form of benediction of a grave in unconsecrated
ground, to he used at the discretion of the min-
ister.
O merciful God, who has taught us in Thy Holy
Word that the bodies of the faithful are members of
Christ and temples of the Holy Ghost, and that having
been sown in weakness, they will be raised in power;
We humbly beseech Thee to sanctify this Grave to be
a peaceful resting-place for the mortal remains of our
dear brother here departed; and grant, O Lord, that
he, with all those that are departed this life in Thy
true faith and fear, and are fallen asleep in Christ,
may attain to the resurrection of the just, and may
have the full fruition of perfect bliss and everlasting
glory, both in body and soul, in Thy heavenly kingdom,
through Him who is the Eesurrection and the Life,
who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, and
who now liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy
Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
VI.
FORM FOR THE
REMOVAL OF THE CONSECRATION OF
A CHURCH
The Bishop, Clergy, Churchwardens and other officers,
with as many other persons as may desire, being
assembled within the building, a statement shall
be made declaring the reasons why it is considered
desirable that the' consecration shall be removed
from it.
The Bishop may then speaTc after this sort.
Good people, you have heard the reasons for which
it is thought well that this church, hitherto consecrated
and separated from all worldly uses, shall be no longer
thus continued, but that it shall be taken down and
moved away \_or appropriated to other worldly pur-
poses]. We, as Bishop of the Diocese [and consecrator
of the church] have carefully considered these reasons.
and are persuaded that they are just and right and
such as will not be displeasing to Almighty God, to
whom this church was dedicated and given. We be-
lieve rather that the glory of God and the work of His
Spiritual building will be the more promoted by that
which we are about to do.
Doubtless there are some to whom the building has
become endeared by many sacred memories, and to
whom it may appear that a loss has come, that some-
thing has passed out of their lives. Such persons will
be comforted by the assurance that the Presence of
God, and the consolation of our Holy Religion, are not
tied to any one place or building. It may well be that
A BOOK OF OFFICES 29
in the new and perhaps fairer building in which they
will hereafter worship, God will increase to them seven-
fold that with which He has blessed them in this place.
In determining upon the act of to-day, we have
taken council with the Standing Committee of the
Diocese, and have as required by the Canons obtained
their consent.
We have caused that the Altar hitherto in this
church should be carefully removed and protected from
desecration.
We have also taken proper care that the congrega-
tion hitherto worshipping in this church shall be duly
ministered to.
This being done, and there appearing to be no fur-
ther hindrance in the way, we do now declare that the
dedication and consecration placed upon this church
is now removed therefrom, and it is hereby deprived
of all rights, immunities, and privileges attached to a
consecrated building. We further direct that this our
act of to-day and the reasons therefor be entered upon
the records of the diocese.
Then shall the Bishop say:
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon its.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
O Lord God, who in Thy great goodness didst accept
as a dwelling place for Thine honour this Church which
30 A BOOK OF OFFICES
we are about to remove, receive, we pray Thee, our
praises and thanksgivings for the blessings, help, and
comfort Thou hast bestowed upon Thy people through
the ministrations in this place. Grant that they may
never pass from the hearts and lives of those who have
received them. Continue in greater measure, we be-
seech Thee, Thy manifold mercies in the Church to be
erected in Thy name and to Thy glory, that we may be
ever conscious of Thy unchanging love. Hear this, our
prayer, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Assist us mercifully, Lord, in these our supplica-
tions and prayers, and dispose the way of Thy servants
towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that^
among all the changes and chances of this mortal life,
they may ever be defended by Thy most gracious and
ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly
wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto Thy
people, that they may love the thing which Thou com-
mandest, and desire that which Thou dost promise;
that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of
the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where
true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
The Lord bless us and keep us ; the Lord make His
face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us; the
Lord lift up His countenance upon us, and give us
peace. Amen,
vn.
SERVICE FOR
THE ADMISSION OF LAY READERS
TO THEIR OFFICE
At the appointed time each person to he admitted to
the Office of Reader shall he presented unto the
Bishop hy a Priest appointed hy him, with these
words :
Eeverend Father in God, I present unto you this
person to be admitted to the Office of Lay Keader in
this Diocese.
Then those who are to he admitted or licensed kneeling
hefore the Bishop, he shall stand up and say :
Almighty and Merciful God, of whose only gift it
cometh that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true
and laudable service, look down, we beseech Thee, on
this Thy servant [or these Thy servants] who is now to
receive authority from us for his work in Thy Church.
Pour upon him the abundance of Thy grace; make
him modest and humble in his ministrations, ready to
obey those set over him in the Lord, diligent to frame
and fashion his own life, and the lives of his family,
according to Thy blessed Word. Grant unto him to
grow in the knowledge and love of Thy Word, that he
may minister to the salvation of souls, to the edifica-
tion of Thy Church, and to the glory of Thy Holy
Name; so that finally he may have his portion with
those who have faithfully served Thee in Thy Church;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
32 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Then the Bishop shall say unto them as followeth :
Dearly beloved, who are to be admitted as Eeaders
in the House of our God, we call upon you to know the
holiness of that office, and to fulfil it with all reverence
and godly fear. For our God is a mighty God, who
will pour down upon you His grace that ye may go on
to perfection.
And as ye are set in an high place in the Church,
that your voice may be heard of all men, so ought ye
to study to hold an high place likewise in all godly
conversation, that ye may be models of holy living;
to the attaining of which may God bestow upon you
His heavenly grace.
Then shall the Bishop cause the Licence to he read.
After which he shall deliver to each his Licence,
saying :
May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, rest upon tiiee, and upon thy
work done in His Name.
The Lord give thee wisdom, courage, strength, and
love to do His will, now and for evermore. Amen.
Here may he sung a Hymn, and an Address may he
given on the Office and Duty of a Lay Reader.
Then shall the Bishop say:
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Lord God, Holy Father, vouchsafe to bless these
Thy servants in their office of Lay Reader, that they
A BOOK OF OFFICES 33
may be diligent in reading to Thy people, and may in
their lives so set forth the beauty of the things they
read that they may be for examples of holiness in Thy
Church. Keep them by Thy grace in purity of life;
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee liveth
and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost ever One
God, world without end. Amen,
Then shall the Bishop hless those present, saying:
The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you
for ever. Amen.
It is desirable that this Service should he used before
a celebration of the Holy Communion at which the
Lay Readers shall communicate.
VIII.
A FORM FOR THE
SETTING APART OF DEACONESSES
All things being in readiness, a Priest shall present to
the Bishop sitting in his chair, near to the Holy
Table, such as are to be set apart as Deaconesses^
saying :
Eeverend Father in God, I present unto you these
women [or this woman], to be set apart to the office
and work of Deaconess.
The Bishop.
Declare, we pray you, unto those who are here gath-
ered what the office and work of a Deaconess are.
Then shall the Priest, addressing the People, say:
Dearly beloved, that it is agreeable to the mind of
Christ that women should do Him service by offices of
loving kindness, we gather from St. Paul, who saith
to the Philippians, Help those women which labored
with me in the Gospel, and who also commendeth unto
the Romans one Phoebe, a Deaconess of the Church
which was at Cenchrea.
Touching the duty of women set apart to this office
and ministry, the Canons of the Church affirm that it
is to assist the Minister in the care of the poor and
sick, in the religious training of the young and others,
and in the work of moral reformation. That they may
be duly appointed to such service, have these women
come hither.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 35
I%en shall the Bishop say as followeth:
Beloved, we have good confidence that they who are
now presented to be set apart to the office of Deaconess
are competent thereto, for it hath been so certified unto
us, as the Canons require, by them whose word we
trust. Nevertheless, if there be any who can allege
aught on account of which it is inexpedient that these
persons be so set apart, let protest be now made openly
and before all men.
If no good reason he alleged hy any why any should
not he set apart, the following Lesson shall he read:
Romans xii.
Then shall he said or sung:
Psalm 100 or The Magnificat.
Psalm 100. Juhilate Deo.
be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands : serve the
Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with
a song.
2 Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; it is he that
hath made us, and not we ourselves : we are his people,
and the sheep of his pasture.
3 O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise : be thankful unto him,
and speak good of his Name.
4 For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlast-
ing : and his truth endureth from generation to gen-
eration.
Glory be.
Then, all kneeling down, the Bishop shall say:
Unto Thee lift we up our eyes;
Answer. O Thou that dwellest in the heavens.
36 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Bishop. As the eyes of a servant look unto the hand
of his master, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand
of her mistress :
Answer. Even so our eyes wait upon Thee, Lord,
until Thou have mercy upon us.
Bishop. O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Answer. Have mercy upon us.
Bishop. O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us;
Answer. As our trust is in Thee.
The Bishop.
O Eternal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hast in all times accepted and blessed the services
of holy women; Look mercifully, we beseech Thee,
upon these Thy servants, about to be set apart to the
office and work of Deaconess. Protect them in the way
wherein they go, and grant that in singleness of pur-
pose and with a willing mind they may worthily accom-
plish the task to be committed to themj to Thy glory
and to the praise of Thy Christ, to whom with Thee, O
Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, be glory and worship
for ever and ever. Amen.
Then shall the Bishop asTc of them the following ques-
tions, to which each candidate shall answer for
herself :
Dearly beloved in the Lord, who are minded to take
upon you this service in the Church of God, have you
duly considered how weighty an undertaking this is,
and are you prepared with a willing mind to take upon
you this office of ministering to the suffering and
needy, and in all humility and godly submission to
help the Ministers of God's Word and Sacraments?
Answer. I have so considered it, and will so do by
the help of God.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 37
Bishop. Will you be obedient to those who are over
you in the Lord, cheerfully and faithfully performing
the service that shall be appointed to you?
Answer. I will by the help of God.
Bishop. Inasmuch as this office is not to be lightly
undertaken, is it your desire to give yourself to the
work of the Lord as a Deaconess in singleness of heart ?
Answer. I desire so to do by the help of God.
Then shall the Candidate Tcneel, and the Bishop
shall say:
Almighty God, who hath called you to serve Him in
this holy life, give you the power to fulfil this your ser-
vice acceptably, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Bishop lay his hands upon the head of
the person to he made Deaconess, saying:
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost,
bless, preserve, and sanctify you; and so endow you
with all faith, wisdom, and humility, that you may
serve before Him to the glory of His great Name, and
to the benefit of His Church and people ; and make you
faithful unto death, and give you the crown of ever-
lasting life. Amen.
N. or M., I admit thee to the office of Deaconess, in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
Let us pray.
O God, who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful
people, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy
Spirit ; Grant unto this Thy servant by the same Spirit
to perceive and know what things she ought to do,
and to have grace and strength evermore to do the
same; direct her in all times of doubt and perplexity;
38 A BOOK OF OFFICES
strengthen her to bear the trial of her faith and pa-
tience; comfort her in times of sorrow; cheer her when
faint and weary in the way. May Thy love, abounding
towards her more and more, stir up her heart to greater
deeds of love to Thee, and to all who need her service.
And upon all those called to the office of Deaconess in
Thy Church bestow Thy grace and heavenly benedic-
tion; enable tliem to bear each other's burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ. Make them to know and feel
their oneness in the mystical Body of Thy dear Son,
so that their fellowship here in works of love may prove
to them a blessed discipline, and thus prepare them
at last for the society of Thy redeemed in heaven;
through Jesus Christ our most blessed Lord and
Saviour. Amen.
God, who in Thy holy Word dost commend above
all goodly apparel the ornament of a quiet spirit;
adorn, we beseech Thee, these Thy servants with the
meekness and the gentleness of Christ, that in all hu-
mility and singleness of heart they may run the way of
Thy Commandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through our
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
It is desirable that the Service of the Holy Communion
should follow, the Deaconesses newly set apart
communicating.
AT THE COMMUNION
The Collect.
O God, who hast prepared for those who love Thee
such good things as pass man's understanding; Pour
A BOOK OF OFFICES 39
into our hearts such love toward Thee, that we, loving
Thee above all things, may obtain Thy promises, which
exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen,
The Epistle. Eph. iv 1-8.
The Gospel St. Luke xii. 35-39.
IX.
OFFICE FOR
THE BENEDICTION OF A HOLY TABLE
OR ALTAR
The Bishop and Clergy having taken their places in
the Sanctuary, the Bishop standing in the midst
shall say:
v. send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they
may lead me :
R. And bring me unto Thy holy hill and to Thy
dwelling.
V, I will go unto the Altar of God;
R. Even the God of my joy and gladness.
V. I will wash my hands in innocency, Lord :
R. And so will I go to Thine Altar.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
The Cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the
Communion of the Blood of Christ? The Bread which
we break, is it not the Communion of the Body of
Christ?
V. This is the bread which cometh down from
heaven :
R. That a man may eat thereof and not die.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 41
Let us pray.
Almiglaty God, give ear to the prayers whicii we
humbly present before Thee; hallow this Altar [or
Table] and the vessels thereof through the invocation
of Thy holy Name; and grant that the offerings there
made may be acceptable and well-pleasing unto Thee,
through the grace and power of Thy Holy Spirit.
Hearken evermore to the supplications of Thy house-
hold in this place, lighten their load of trouble and
heal their diseases, grant their petitions and accept
their resolutions, strengthen their good hopes and ful-
fil their holy desires; that we may ever draw nigh to
the gift of Thy grace with conscience sound and un-
defiled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast given
Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ not only to die for
us but also to be our spiritual food and sustenance in
the Holy Sacrament of His Body and Blood; Grant
that the memorial of His death may here be made with
reverence and godly fear, and the sacrifice of praise
and thanksgiving be offered with holiness and joy, to
the honour of Thy glorious Name, the benefit of Thy
holy Church, and the comfort of souls that shall live
by feeding upon Him; through the same Jesus Christ
our Lord, to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be
all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Grant, Lord, that they who shall receive in this
place the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of
Christ, may come to that holy Mystery with faith,
charity, and true repentance; and being filled with
Thy grace and heavenly benediction, may, to their
great and endless comfort, obtain remission of their
sins, and all other benefits of His passion. Amen.
42 A BOOK OF OFFICES
The Lesson,
1 Cor. xi. 23-26.
Any of the following prayers may he used before the
Benediction.
Psalm 84, or a Eucharistic Hymn, may he sung.
[If the Holy Tahle he a Memorial, the following prayer
may he added:
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of
those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the
souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the
burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We give
Thee hearty thanks for our brother whom it hath
pleased Thee to deliver out of the miseries of this sin-
ful world; beseeching Thee that it may please Thee,
of Thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the
number of Thine elect, and to hasten Thy kingdom;
that we, with all those that are departed in the true
faith of Thy holy Name, may have our perfect con-
summation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy
eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.']
[If the Holy Tahle he the gift of a special Donor or
Donors, the following may he said:
Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord God, that it hath
pleased Thee, by Thy good Spirit, to put into the
hearts of Thy servants the desire to set up this Holy
Table, to Thy honour and glory. Bless, O Lord, them,
their families and substance, and accept the work of
their hands; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."]
A BOOK OF OFFICES 43
O God, who through the ministry of Thy holy angel
didst so marvellously refresh Elijah in the desert, that
he went in the strength of that meat unto Horeb, the
mount of God; Grant unto us whom Thou dost like-
wise refresh with the Body and Blood of Thy dear
Son, that we may pass safely through the temptations
and trials of this world, until we come to Thy holy hill
and to Thy dwelling; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Blessing,
It is most desirahle thai there should he a Celehration
of the Holy Communion. In this case the Lesson
will he omitted, the Celehration following the
Psalm or Hymn, the last prayers heing said hefore
the Blessing.
The Collect
O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left
us a Memorial of Thy Passion; grant us, we beseech
Thee, so to venerate the sacred Mysteries of Thy Body
and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves
the fruit of Thy Holy Eedemption; who livest and
reignest, with the Fatiier and the Holy Ghost, One
God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle. 1 Cor. xi. 23-27.
The Gospel. St. John vi. 53-59.
X.
THE FORM FOR
LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF
A SCHOOL. OR THE OPENING OF
A SCHOOL BUILDING
When all have taken their appointed places, the Min-
ister shall say:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
O Lord, who never failest to help and govern those
whom Thou dost bring up in Thy steadfast fear and
love; keep us, we beseech Thee, under the protection
of Thy good providence, and make us to have a per-
petual fear and love of Thy holy Name; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
V, Come, ye children, and hearken unto me :
R. And I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
V. What man is he that feareth the Lord: him
shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.
R. I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
V. O ye that love the Lord: see that ye hate the
thing which is evil.
R. I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to
the Holy Ghost.
R. Come, ye children, and hearken unto me: I will
teach you the fear of the Lord.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 45
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
^ F. Behold I lay in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect,
precious :
R. And he that helieveth in Him shall not he con-
founded.
V. This is the Lord's doing:
R. And it is marvellous in our eyes.
V. Other foundation can no man lay than that is
laid:
R. Which is Jesus Christ.
Then the Minister laying his hand upon the ^Stone shall
say:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who
art the brightness of the Father's Glory, and the ex-
press image of His Person, the one Foundation, and
the chief Cornerstone; Bless what we now do in [lay-
ing this Stone], in Thy name, and be Thou, we be-
seech Thee, the beginning, the increase, and the con-
summation of this our work, which is undertaken to
the glory of Thy Name, who with the Father and the
Holy Spirit livest and reignest one God, world without
end. Amen.
^ The Yerslcles may "be omitted if it he the occasion
of the Opening of a School Building, and for the words
in brackets there shall he substituted "dedicating this
Building," "dedicate this Building."
46 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Then all things being made ready, the Stone shall he
laid [or the Building shall he dedicated^ hy the
person appointed thereto striking it three times
with these words:
In the Faith of Jesus Christ we [place this Founda-
tion Stone], in the Name of God the Father, God the
Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then may he sung a Hymn, followed hy
The Lesson: St. Luke ii. 40 to end.
Then shall the Minister say:
V. Except the Lord build the house:
B. Their lahour is hut lost that huild it.
Let us pray.
O Holy Lord God, who art the giver of all wisdom,
and dost will that children should be brought up in
the fear and love of Thy Holy Name; Pour down, we
beseech Thee, Thy mercy and Thy loving kindness
upon this place, that all who shall be gathered together
here may learn to love what Thou commandest, and to
desire that which Thou dost promise, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. Them that are meek shall He guide in judg-
ment:
B. And such as are gentle, them shall Ee learn
His way.
Almighty Father, who didst cause Thy Incarnate
Son to be subject unto earthly superiors, grant Thy
Spirit unto the children who shall gather in this place,
that they may be gentle and tractable, may obey those
set over them, and as they grow in years, may grow in
grace and in Thy favour; through the same Thy Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 47
v. May our sons grow up as the young plants :
R. And our daughters he as the polished corners of
the Temple.
Blessed Lord, who didst bid little children to be
brought unto Thee, that Thou mightest bless them ; We
beseech Thee to bless all who, having been grafted into
Thy Church by Baptism, shall be trained here to lead
a godly and a Christian life. Protect them, Lord,
from all evil, both of body and soul, and preserve them
blameless unto Thy coming, who livest and reignest
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
V. All Thy children shall be taught of the Lord :
B. And great shall he the peace of Thy children.
O God, without whom our labour is but lost; Give
Thy grace, we beseech Thee, to those who shall teach
in this School, granting them a pure intention, patient
faith, sufficient success upon earth, and the bliss of
serving Thee in heaven; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Here an Address may he given, followed hy a Hymn,
during which an offering may he made if so desired.
Then shall the Minister say
The Collect.
O Almighty God, who hast built Thy Church upon
the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the head cornerstone; Grant us
so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doc-
trine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable
unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Benediction.
XI.
A FORM FOR THE
BENEDICTION OF A PARISH HOUSE OR
MISSION ROOM
All "being assembled in the principal Room, a Hymn of
Praise shall be sung.
The Minister shall then say:
Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly
love; in honour preferring one another; not slotliful in
business, fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord:
R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
Blessed be Thy Name, Lord, that it hath pleased
Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to build
and dedicate this Parish House to Thy glory and for
the use of Thy people. Accept, we pray Thee, the
offering of Thy servants, and remember for good all
who have contributed to this work. Let Thy blessing
rest upon this House, that it may serve the purposes
A BOOK OF OFFICES 49
for which it is intended. Grant that here brotherly
love and true fellowship may ever abound, and Thy
people encourage one another in all good works, to the
honour of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
V. Behold how good and joyful a thing it is:
B, For brethren to dwell together in unity.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who
art the chief Cornerstone of Thy Church; Bless this
Building which is now completed in Thy Name, and
grant that it may tend to promote Thy glory, and the
welfare of Thy people in this place. Fill those who
shall frequent it with a spirit of love towards Thee, and
towards all men. Within these walls make all thoughts
and words to be only those of love and kindness, and
grant that those who here shall learn the way of Thy
statutes, may walk before Thee with a perfect heart,
and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. May our sons grow up as the young plants :
R. And our daughters he as the polished corners
of the temple.
We beseech Thy special blessing, Father, on the
Sunday School held in this House. Grant to the
teachers faithfulness, diligence, and devotion, and to
the scholars pure hearts and open minds, that they may
be trained in Thy knowledge and love, to serve Thee
faithfully in their generation and to find acceptance
with Thee at the last; through Jesus Christ Thy Son
our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Minister say:
In the Faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Build-
ing to the glory of God; in the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
50 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Here an Address may he given, followed hy a Hymn,
during which an offering may he made.
Then shall the Minister say:
Visit, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this place with Thy
mercy, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy.
Let Thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in
peace, and may Thy blessing be upon us evermore;
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost,
bless, preserve, and keep you, now and evermore. Amen,
Note. — If a Service for Laying the Foundation Stone
of a Church Room or Institute he required, the
Form for Laying the Stone of a School Building
may he used, with the Lesson, 1 Cor. xiii. ; the
prayers that follow the Lesson to he tahen from
this Office, with such alteration as is necessary.
XII.
FORM FOR THE
BENEDICTION OF A NEW RECTORY
The Clergy and people being assemhled in a convenient
place at the entrance to the House, the Minister
shall say:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Whoso dwelleth under the defence of tHe Most
High:
Answer. Shall abide under the shadow of the Al-
mighty.
Priest. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:
and to the Holy Ghost;
Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be : world without end. Amen.
Priest. The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Direct, us, Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most
gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual
help ; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended
in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally,
by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 121. Levavi oculos.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from
whence cometh my help.
62 A BOOK OF OFFICES
2 My help cometh even from the Lord : who hath
made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : and he
that keepeth tliee will not sleep.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel : shall neither
slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord himself is thy keeper : the Lord is thy
defence upon thy right hand;
6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day :
neither the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : yea,
it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy
coming in : from this time forth for evermore.
Glory be.
Psalm 127. Nisi Dominus.
Except the Lord build the house : their labour is
but lost that build it.
2 Except the Lord keep the city : the watchman
waketh but in vain.
3 It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early,
and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness :
for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
4 Lo, children, and the fruit of the womb : are an
heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
5 Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant :
even so are the young children.
6 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of
them : they shall not be ashamed when they speak with
their enemies in the gate.
Glory be.
The Lesson. Col. iii. 12 to end and iv. 1-3.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 53
Here may follow an Address; which ended, the
Minister shall say:
IN THE HALL.
V. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy
coming in :
B. From this time forth for evermore.
Let us pray.
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light,
from whom every good thing hath its beginning, and
receiveth its life and growth; We pray Thee send Thy
blessing on this house, and on all who shall dwell
therein. May they offer to Thee a willing sacrifice of
their bodily strength, and of all the powers of their
mind, and may they be preserved by Thee both in body
and soul; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
IN THE LIVING ROOM.
V, Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is:
B, For brethren to dwell together in unity.
Let us pray.
Almighty Father, give Thy blessing to those whom,
from time to time. Thou shalt bring together to dwell
as one household in this place, that they may dwell in
love and peace together according to Thy law. Grant
that as Thou dost place them in various relations and
friendships for the discipline of their affections, so by
the exercise thereof they may go forward to perfection,
until all earthly love shall be perfected in the love of
Thee, and Thou, O God, shalt be all in all; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
64 A BOOK OF OFFICES
IN THE STUDY.
v. Mine eyes prevent the night watches:
B. That I might meditate in Thy Word,
Let us pray.
Merciful Lord, grant Thy blessing to Thy servants
the Clergy of this parish in the study of Thy Holy
Word, and of all that helps to the knowledge and to the
effectual ministry of the same. Give them grace to
lay aside the study of the world and the flesh, and so
enlighten their minds with Thy truth, and their hearts
with Thy love, that they may be faithful teachers and
examples in Thy Church; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen,
IN THE DINING ROOM.
V Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do:
B. Do all to the glory of God.
Let us pray.
O Lord, who hast ordained that by daily food we
shall renew our strength for daily labour; Bless, we pray
Thee, this room to the use of Thy servants in their
social meals. Pour Thy grace into their hearts, tliat,
being here nourished by Thy gifts, and living in cheer-
ful harmony one with another, they may be enabled
to render to Thee thanks and praise in the keeping of
Thy commandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
IN THE BED ROOMS.
V, I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest :
B. For it is Thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell
in sai
A BOOK OF OFFICES 55
Let us pray.
O most merciful Father, who givest to Thy beloved
sleep, and to Thy wearied ones rest; May all Thy
servants who shall occupy these chambers lie down in
peace, and may their sleep be sweet to them. Give
Thine Angels charge concerning them, to keep them
in body and soul; when they wake may they rise with
renewed strength and thankful hearts, devoting to Thy
service day by day the life which Thou lengthenest;
and when at last they lie down to die, grant to them a
peaceful passing and a blessed resurrection; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn,
Let us pray.
Our Father.
Visit, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this house and
drive far from it all the snares of the enemy; let Thy
holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with
you always. Amen.
XIII.
FORM FOR THE
OPENING OF A HOSPITAL
OR A WARD OF A HOSPITAL
^fter a Hymn has heen sung, the Bishop or other Miu'
ister shall say:
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
y. Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most
High:
R. Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty,
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to
the Holy Ghost ;
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be : world without end. Amen.
Psalm 121. Levavi oculos.
1 will lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from whence
cometh my help.
2 My help cometh even from the Lord : who hath
made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : and he
that keepeth thee will not sleep.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 57
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel : shall neither
slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord himself is thy keeper ; the Lord is thy
defence upon thy right hand ;
6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day :
neither the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : yea,
it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy
coming in : from this time forth for evermore.
Glory be.
Then one of the following Lessons may he read:
St. Matt. ix. 1-9; St. James v. 11-17; Ecclus.
xxxviii. 1-15.
The Minister.
Let us pray, brethren, unto the Lord our God, that
He may enlighten this Hospital with His loving kind-
ness, and grant unto its inmates the protection of His
divine Majesty.
Then shall follow one or more of these Prayers:
O God, who ever governest Thy creatures with
tender affection; Incline Thine ear to our supplica-
tions, and graciously regard Thy servants who in this
house are suffering from any sickness or weakness.
Visit them with Thy saving health, and bestow on
them the medicine of Thy heavenly grace; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O heavenly Father, we give Thee hearty thanks that
Thou hast enabled us to erect these Buildings for
Thine honour and glory, and for the relief of the suffer-
ing of our fellow men; and we beseech Thy goodness
58 A BOOK OF OFFICES
graciously to accept them for this sacred service, and
to prosper our undertaking. Eeceive our prayers, and
the prayers of all Thy servants who, entering this
house, shall call to Thee for help. Prosper all the
works of tenderness and skill that shall be done in Thy
spirit, and bless this home for ever to the assuaging of
pain, the solace of helplessness and weariness, and to
the comfort of the dying ; through Jesus Christ our Sav-
iour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Then shall the Minister say:
In the Faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Build-
ing to the glory of God; in the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then an Address may he given, after which a Hymn
may he sung and the alms of the people collected
for the Hospital.
Which ended, the Minister shall say:
Let us pray for all Benefactors of this Hospital.
V. Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick
and needy:
E. The Lord shall deliver him in the time of
trouhle.
Bless, O Lord, the work of Thine own hands; and
grant that all they who with pure intent have given
their aid to the raising of tliis Building, whensoever
they shall call upon Thy holy Name, may be preserved
both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 59
Let us pray for the Physicians of the Hospital.
V. I have given you an example:
B. That ye also should do as I have done to you,
O Lord, the healer of all our diseases, who knowest
how the sick have need of a physician; Bless all whom
Thou hast called to be sharers in Thine own work of
healing with health alike of body and soul; that they
may ever exercise their art in dependence upon Thee,
in purity of spirit and in reverent care for Thy sake of
Thy people to whom they minister; grant unto Thy
servants that they may both succour Thy troubled chil-
dren and glorify Thee ; who livest and reignest with the
Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without
end. Amen.
Let us pray for the Nurses.
V. Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of
these My brethren:
B. Ye did it unto Me.
Almighty Father, look with Thy mercy upon Thy
servants who have been called to tend the sick and
suffering; grant to them the guidance and comfort of
Thy Holy Spirit, that with purity, patience and tender-
ness, wisdom and strength, they may faithfully min-
ister to those to whom Thou shalt send them; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Almighty Lord, who is a most strong tower to
all them that put their trust in Him, to whom all
things, in heaven, in earth, and under the earth, do
bow and obey, be now and evermore our defence, and
make us to know and feel that there is none other
Name under heaven given to man, in whom, and
through whom, we may receive health and salvation,
but only the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
60 A BOOK OF OFFICES
The Blessing.
Unto God's gracious mercy and protection we com-
mit you. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord
make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto
you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and
give you peace, both now and evermore. Amen,
Additional Prayers at the discretion of the Minister.
FOR THE HOSPITAL.
Eaise up, we pray Thee, Lord, many who shall
willingly dedicate their substance to the upbuilding and
support of this Hospital. Let there be no lack of means
to carry on continuously and successfully its work of
mercy. And may the influence of its ministry to the
sick and to the wounded, to the young and to the old,
ever be to the advancement of Thy Kingdom, to Thy
honour and glory; who livest and reignest with the
Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without
end. Amen.
FOR THE nurses' HOME.
Almighty God, grant that those who shall dwell in
this place may live together in true fellowship, loyal
to those in authority over them, and to the cause which
they represent; not slothful in business, fervent in
spirit, serving the Lord. And when, in due time, they
go hence, may they be well fitted for their work of car-
ing for the sick. All this we ask for Jesus Christ's
sake. Amen,
A BOOK OF OFFICES 61
FOR THE DEDICATION OF A BED
The Hymn and Lesson may he omitted. The Psalm
shall he Ps. 23.
The Office heing said to the end of the Psalm, the Min-
ister shall say:
Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased
Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to provide
a Bed for this Hospital to Thy honour and glory, for
the alleviation of the sufferings of the sick. Bless them,
O Lord, their families and their substance, and accept
the works of their hand: remember them concerning
this; forget not this kindness that they have shewed
for the sick and needy, and grant that all who shall
enjoy the benefit of this work, may show forth their
thankfulness to the glory of Thy blessed Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Bed
to the glory of God and in loving memory of .
O Lord, we beseech Thee of Thy merciful goodness
to accept the offering of this Hospital Bed that we
make to Thee, not of our own but of Thine, for all
things come of Thee, and of Thine own do we give
Thee: and grant that all those who shall use it may
receive Thy blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O everlasting God, who hast ordained and consti-
tuted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful
order; Mercifully grant that, as thy holy Angels al-
ways do Thee service in heaven, so, by Thy appoint-
ment, they may succour and defend us on earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with
us all evermore. Amen.
XIV.
A FORM FOR THE
DEDICATION OR BENEDICTION
OF VARIOUS GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
This Office may he used hy itself, or in connection with
the Holy Communion or Morning or Evening
Prayer.
The Gifts or Memorials, if they are such as can he con'
veniently handled, shall he placed upon the Holy
Tahle or on some suitahle tahle in or near the
Sanctuary, that the Priest may conveniently lay
his hand upon them.
If the thing to he hlessed is permanently fixed, as a
Font or Window, the Priest shall go to the place
and say the appointed prayer.
'At the appointed time, all things heing placed in order,
the Minister standing hefore the Altar shall say:
Psalm 132. Memento Domine.
Lord, remember David : and all his trouble :
2 How he sware unto the Lord : and vowed a vow
unto the Almighty God of Jacob :
3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine
house : nor climb up into my bed;
4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine
eyelids to slumber : neither the temples of my head
to take any rest;
5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the
Lord : an habitation for lie Mighty God of Jacob.
6 Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata : and found
it in the wood.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 63
7 We will go into his tabernacle : and fall low on
our knees before his footstool.
8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place : thou, and
the ark of thy strength.
9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness :
and let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
10 For thy servant David's sake : turn not away
the presence of thine anointed.
11 The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David :
and he shall not shrink from it :
12 Of the fruit of thy body : shall I set upon thy
seat.
13 If thy children will keep my covenant, and my
testimonies that I shall learn them : their children also
shall sit upon thy seat for evermore.
14 For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habita-
tion for himself : he hath longed for her.
15 This shall be my rest for ever : here will I dwell,
for I have a delight therein.
16 I will bless her victuals with increase : and will
satisfy her poor with bread.
17 I will deck her priests with health : and her
saints shall rejoice and sing.
18 There shall I make the horn of David to flour-
ish : I have ordained a lantern for mine anointed.
19 As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with
shame : but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
Glory be.
Then shall he read the Lesson.
Exodus XXXV. 21-30.
The Lesson ended, the Minister shall say:
V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord :
R. Who hath made Heaven and Earth.
64 A BOOK OF OFFICES
F. Blessed be the ISTame of the Lord:
R. Henceforth and for evermore.
V. O Lord, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto Thee,
v. The Lord be with you :
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who from ancient times hast put it
into tlie hearts of Thy people to make offerings for Thy
Service and the use of Thy Sanctuary, and who hast
been pleased at all times to accept gif to at their hands ;
We pray Thee to accept this gift [memorial] which we
now set apart in Thy Name. May Thy blessing rest
on this gift [and the giver of it], that Thy Church
may be benefited. Thy worship made more worthy, and
Thy Name may be exalted and glorified continually;
we ask this in the name and for the merits of Thy
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then, drawing near and laying his hand upon the gift
or memorial, he shall say:
In the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord we dedicate
this to the glory of God [and in memory of His
servant ] , in the Name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then shall follow the proper Prayer.
OF A FONT.
V. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall
be clean :
R. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall he whiter than
snow.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 65
Let us pray.
Almighty God, hallow by Thy heavenly visitation,
and the radiancy of Thy Holy Spirit, this Font, which
we dedicate unto Thee, that whosoever shall be bap-
tized therein, being cleansed by the threefold washing,
may of Thy bounty obtain the pardon of all their sins ;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, bring us to the fel-
lowship of heavenly joy; that Thou mayest vouchsafe
an entrance into Thy kingdom to those that are born
again of the Holy Ghost, and that the flock may reach
that place whither the Shepherd hath gone before;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OF A PULPIT OR LECTERN
V. When Thy Word goeth forth :
R. It giveth light and understanding unto the
simple.
V. Open Thou mine eyes:
R. That I may see the wondrous things of Thy law.
V. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet:
R. And a light unto my paths.
Let us pray.
\_If it he a pulpit^
O Almighty God, who dost enlighten the minds of
Thy servants with the knowledge of Thy truth; Give,
we beseech Thee, to those who shall preach in this
Pulpit, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, of
counsel and might, that they may speak those things
which belong unto eternal life: Grant that Thy peo-
66 A BOOK OF OFFICES
pie, taught in Thy ways, may so take heed to what they
hear, that by the word of truth they may attain unto
Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
[If it he a lectern]
Grant, O Lord, that all who in this place shall read
the Scriptures which Thou hast given us may be filled
with the faith of the Gospel, and with thankfulness to
Thee who dost reveal Thyself to men by the Word of
Life. And grant that all who hear may receive that
word into honest and good hearts, and may bring forth
fruit with patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
OF AN ORGAN.
Y. God, my heart is ready, my heart is ready :
R. I will sing and give praise.
V. Awake, thou lute and harp :
R. I myself will awake right early.
V. Upon the harp will I give thanks unto Thee,
O God, my God:
R. I will sing and give praise.
Let us pray.
God, who by Thy servant David didst appoint for
the Levites instruments of music, to praise Thee; Gra-
ciously vouchsafe to receive at our hands this Organ,
which we dedicate unto Thy service, tliat we may sing
our songs thereto all the days of our life in the House
of the Lord; and grant us so to do with the spirit and
with the understanding also, that we may be numbered
among those who shall sing the new song before Thy
throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
A BOOK OF OFFICES 67
We praise Thee, Lord, for Thy blessings upon us,
and for all Thy servants into whose hearts Thou hast
put it to dedicate this Organ unto Thy Name. Bless
them with the riches of Thy goodness, and grant that
by the reverent and holy use of this instrument, Thy
praise may now and ever be set forth in Thy Church,
and Thy service day by day be done in the beauty of
holiness for Thy honour and glory; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
OF A BELL^ OR A PEAL, OR A CHIME.
V. Sing we merrily unto God our strength:
R. Make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.
V. Blessed is the people that know the joyful
sound : they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy
countenance.
B. Make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who by the mouth of Thy servant
Moses didst command to make silver trumpets for the
convocation of solemn assemblies ; Be pleased to accept
our offering of this the work of our hands; bless, and
hallow these Bells for our use, and grant that through
this generation, and through those that are to come,
they may continually call together Thy faithful peo-
ple, to praise and worship Thy holy Name; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that whosoever shall be called by the
sound of these Bells to Thine House of Prayer may
enter into Thy gates with thanksgiving, and into Thy
courts with praise; and finally may sing the song of
the Lamb in Thine House not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
68 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Grant, Lord, that whosoever by reason of sickness
or any other necessity, is hindered from coming into
the House of the Lord, may by these Bells be reminded
of the prayers of Thy Church, and rejoice in the Com-
munion of Saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Grant, Lord, that they who with their outward
ears shall in their daily calling hear the sound of these
Bells, may be stirred inwardly in their hearts, and draw
nearer in spirit to Thee, the God of their salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, Lord, that all they who shall minister to
Thy service by ringing these Bells may be filled with
reverence and godly fear, and mindful of the sacred-
ness of Thy House, may put away from them all idle
thoughts and vain words and render to Thee an accept-
able service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, Lord, that all they for whose passing
away from this world these Bells shall sound, may be
received into the Paradise of Thine elect, and find
grace, light, and everlasting rest; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible,
the only wise God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, be honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
OF A WINDOW
Y. Turn us again, O Lord God of Hosts :
R. Show the light of Thy countenance, and we
shall he whole.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 69
Y. Show Thy servants Thy work :
R. And their children Thy glory.
y. Prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us :
R. prosper Thou our handiwork.
Let us pray.
Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth, the
entrance of whose Word giveth light; Vouchsafe, we
beseech Thee, to accept this offering at our hands, for
the adornment of Thy House of Prayer, and to conse-
crate this our gift to Thy glory and ourselves to Thy
service; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
O Almighty and eternal God, whose Divine Majesty
filleth heaven and earth, who nevertheless dost deign to
receive our willing offerings of what Thyself hast
given; Vouchsafe, we humbly beseech Thee, to accept
this Window which we now dedicate to Thy honour, for
the adornment of Thy House [and in memory of Thy
servant]. Grant that they who worship here, being
drawn by thy Holy Spirit to the contemplation and
love of heavenly things, may daily be conformed to the
image of Thy dear Son; to whom, with Thee and the
Holy Ghost, be all honour and praise now and for ever-
more. Amen.
OF A CHANCEL SCREEN.
V, Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee :
R. In whose heart are Thy ways.
V. They will go from strength to strength:
R. And unto the God of gods appeareth every one
of them in Sion.
Let us pray.
O Alinigtty Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to accept this offering at
70 A BOOK OF OFFICES
our hands, which we dedicate to Thee for the adorn-
ment of Thy Sanctuary and House of Prayer, and to
consecrate this our gift to Thy glory and ourselv^es to
Thy service; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Grant, Lord, that all who shall approach Thy
Sanctuary through these gates, may come before Thee
with pure thoughts and clean hearts, and serving Thee
with reverence and godly fear, may be acceptable in
Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, Lord, that we with all those that are de-
parted in Thy faith and fear, may be counted worthy
to enter hereafter through the gates into the heavenly
Jerusalem, and be partakers of Thy everlasting king-
dom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OF A REREDOS.
V. O send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they
may lead me.
R. And bring me unto Thy holy hill and to Thy
dwelling.
V. I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord.
B. And so will I go to Thine altar.
Let us pray.
Lord, we beseech Thee of Thy merciful goodness to
accept the Offering of this Eeredos that we make not
of our own but of Thine, for all things come of Thee
and of Thine own do we give Thee; and grant that
what neither art nor costliness can make meet for Thy
service may ever be hallowed by Thy blessing; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God, who didst teach Thy servant Moses to build
Thee a tabernacle after the pattern that was shown
him in the mount, making earthly things to be a sign
A BOOK OF OFFICES 71
and token of things heavenly; Grant to us who have
been brought unto Thee by the more excellent ministry
of Thy Son, to grow into an holy temple in the Lord,
builded together for an habitation of God in the
Spirit; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
God, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left us
a memorial of Thy passion ; Grant us, we beseech Thee,
so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and
Blood that we may ever perceive within ourselves the
fruit of Thy holy redemption, who livest and reignest
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
OF THE SACRED VESSELS.
V. O God, make clean our hearts within us :
R. And take not Thy Holy Spirit from us.
V. Thou givest them Bread from Heaven:
B. Containing in itself all sweetness.
Let us pray.
O Almighty God, who didst appoint of old time
vessels of gold and silver for the service of Thy Sanc-
tuary; Vouchsafe we pray Thee to bless, hallow, and
consecrate these Vessels we offer for the service of Thy
Church on earth, and the glory of Thy Name.
Grant, O Lord, that those who shall receive from
these Vessels the Sacramental Gifts which Thou by
Thy Son hast appointed, may be fed with the Food of
Everlasting Life, and hereafter eat and drink with
Thee in Thy Kingdom, where with the Son and the
Holy Ghost Thou art worshipped God for evermore.
Amen.
72 A BOOK OF OFFICES
OF A PASTORAL STAFF.
To he said hy a Bishop.
v. Honour them who have the rule over you:
R. And esteem them highly for their work's sake.
Y. Lord, hear our prayer:
R. And let our cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Ahnighty God, who from the beginning hast been
pleased to appoint men to hold office in the worship of
Thy Sanctuary and in the care of Thy people, and hast
in Thy wisdom given unto them symbols of the offices
they hold for Thee; Bless, sanctify, and hallow this
Staff which we bless in Thy Name and Presence, and
grant that he to whom it shall be committed may ever
be found worthy to bear it before Thee. May he be
diligent in gathering Thy people, especially those who
like sheep have gone astray; may he rule the faithful
in righteousness ; and may he be careful in Thy Name
to correct offenders and to stir up those who are neg-
ligent; and grant that he, filled with the Holy Ghost,
may so persevere in all holiness of living and service
that, when the great Shepherd shall appear, he may be
found among His faithful servants and find a place
of rest at Thy Right Hand with Him in glory ; through
the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OF MISCELLANEOUS GIFTS.
v. Our help is in the Name of the Lord :
R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
y. Lord, hear our prayer:
R. And let our cry come unto Thee.
: A BOOK OF OFFICES 73
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who wiliest that all things should be
done decently and in order, and acceptest from the
hands of Thy servants things great and small; Accept,
bless, and sanctify this which we now
offer for the service of Thy House, and grant that all
our gifts and prayers may come up before Thee and
be acceptable in Thy sight ; through the merits of Thy
Son, Christ our Lord. Amen.
If the gift he a Memorial of one departed the follow'
ing prayer may he added:
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of
those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom
the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from
the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We
give Thee hearty thanks for our hrother whom it hath
pleased Thee to deliver out of the miseries of this sin-
ful world; beseeching Thee that it may please Thee,
of Thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the
number of Thine elect, and to hasten Thy kingdom;
that we, with all those that are departed in the true
faith of Thy holy Name, may have our perfect con-
summation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy
eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
The Minister having completed the Dedication shall
return to the Altar and say:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with
us all evermore. Amen,
XV.
SERVICE FOR
DEDICATION FESTIVAL OR ANNIVERSARY
OF THE CONSECRATION OF
A CHURCH
Morning and Evening Prayer shall he the same with
the usual Office for the Day, except where it is in
this Office otherwise appointed. If the Service is
said on a Sunday or Holy Day the Lessons shall
he the Lessons proper for the Day, hut the Psalms
shall he those appointed in this Office, and the Col-
lect for the Sunday or Holy Day shall he the first
said.
PROPER PSALMS.
Any of the following may he u^ed: Psalms 24, 26,
27, 84, 122, 132, 133, 134.
PROPER LESSONS.
Any of the following may he used:
First Lesson. Hag. ii. 1-10 ; 1 Chr. xxix. 1-23 ; 1 Kings
viii. 22-54; or 1 Kings viii. 54 to end.
Second Lesson. Heb. x. 19-26; Rev. xxi. 1-8; Eph. ii. 11
to end.
The Collect.
O God, who in Thy love hast brought us again to
the day of consecration of this, Thy holy temple, and
hast enabled us to be present in safety at the celebra-
A BOOK OF OFFICES 75
tion of Thy holy mysteries, hearken to the prayers of
Thy people, and grant that whosoever shall enter into
this place to ask any blessing from Thee, may rejoice
in the obtaining of their petitions; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Epistle. 1 Cor. iii. 16 to end.
Gospel. St. John x. 22-29.
The following Collect may he used immediately before
the Blessing:
O Lord, we glorify Thee in Thy servants our
founders and benefactors departed out of this present
life; beseeching Thee that, as they for their time be-
stowed charitably to our comfort the temporal things
which Thou didst give them, so we for our time may
fruitfully use the same to the setting forth of Thy
holy Word to Thy laud and praise; and finally that
both they and we may reign with Thee in glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At Morning or Evening Prayer.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our prayers,
that all we who enter this temple (the dedication of
which we celebrate on this anniversary), may please
Thee with full and perfect devotion of soul and body;
that while we now render to Thee our prayers, we may
by Thy help be enabled to attain Thine eternal re-
wards; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen,
XVI.
FEAST OF THE TITLE
OR HOLY DAY OR SAINT'S DAY FROM WHICH
THE CHURCH TAKES ITS NAME
On these Festivals, where the Saint or Mystery ^ in
whose name the Church is dedicated has a proper
office in the Prayer Booh, the Service shall he that
of the Day.
Where the Saint has no proper office in the Prayer
Book, the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel and the
Lessons for All Saints' Day may he used; the
words "especially Saint " heing used after
the words "blessed Saints" in the Collect.
For Proper Psalms any of the following may he said:
Psalms 15, 16, 25, 26, 35, 116.
The following prayers may he used hefore the Blessing
at the Holy Communion, and at Morning or Even-
ing Prayer:
God, who hast chosen material things to be the
instruments of divine grace, grant us so to realize the
glory of that heavenly fellowship wherein Thou callest
us to worship Thee, that we may better show our rever-
ence for Thy majesty by our care for Thy holy house,
and in the beauty with which we are permitted to
celebrate Thy sacred functions, may attain to the more
1 e. g. Trinity Church would have its Feast of the Title on
Trinity Sunday, and Emmanuel Church on Christmas Day or
the Annunciation.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 77
faithful acknowledgment of their inward power, to the
glory of Thy great name; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O God, Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful, visit,
we pray thee, this Congregation with thy love and
favour; enlighten their minds more and more with the
light of the everlasting Gospel ; graft in their hearts a
love of the truth; increase in them true religion;
nourish them with all goodness ; and of thy great mercy
keep them in the same, O blessed Spirit, whom, with
the Father and the Son together, we worship and
glorify as one God, world without end. Amen.
XVII.
AN OFFICE FOR
HARVEST THANKSGIVING
First Lesson. Deuteronomy xxvi.
Second Lesson. Acts xiv. 8-18.
Morning Prayer having been said to the end of the
Collect for Grace, the following may he used at
the discretion of the Minister.
Then shall he sung a Hymn or Anthem: after which
the Minister shall say:
Let us give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gra-
cious ;
Answer. And His mercy endureth for ever.
Then, all kneeling, shall he said this Thanksgiving :
Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths
are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew; We
yield Thee unfeigned thanks and praise for the return
of seed-time and harvest, for the increase of the
ground and the gathering in of the fruits thereof, and
for all the other blessings of Thy merciful providence
bestowed upon this nation and people. And we be-
seech Thee, give us a just sense of these great mercies ;
such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy,
and obedient walking before Thee all our days ; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the
Holy Ghost, be all glory and honour, world without
end. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 79
Then these Prayers:
For Grace to honour God with our Substance,
O Lord God, to whom belongeth the earth and the
fullness thereof; Give us grace to honour Thee with
our substance, and with the first-fruits of all our in-
crease; that we may be blessed in the use of Thy gifts,
and sanctified to Thy service; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
For a Blessing on the Families of the Land.
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is
named; We commend to Thy continual care the fam-
ilies of Thy people, and the homes in which they dwell.
Put far from them, we pray Thee, the desire of vain
glory, the pride of life, and every root of bitterness.
Endue them with faith, temperance, patience, and god-
liness. Knit together in constant affection those who
have been united in holy wedlock and the children
whom Thou hast given them; and so kindle charity
among us all, that we may be evermore kindly af-
fectioned with brotherly love; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen,
For all Poor, Homeless, and Neglected Folk.
O God, almighty and merciful, who healest those
that are broken in heart, and turnest the sadness of
the sorrowful to joy; Let Thy fatherly goodness be
upon all that Thou hast made. Remember in pity such
as are this day destitute, homeless, or forgotten of their
fellow-men. Bless the congregation of Thy poor. For-
give us wherein we have failed to care for the sick,
the helpless, and the needy, and stir us up to love and
80 A BOOK OF OFFICES
to good works. Give unto all men the desire of indus-
try and the opportunity of honest labour, that they may
dwell peaceably upon the earth. Lift up those who are
cast down; befriend innocent sufferers, sanctify to
them the endurance of their wrongs, and mightily de-
liver them. Cheer with hope all discouraged and un-
happy people; and by Thy grace preserve from falling
those whose penury tempteth them to sin. Hear us, O
Lord, for the love of Him who for our sakes became
poor, Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with
us all evermore. Amen.
AT THE HOLY COMMUNION
The Collect
O God, who hast promised that, while the earth
remaineth, seed-time and harvest shall not cease;
Grant that, being nourished by Thy bounty, we may
be faithful in Thy service; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
The Epistle, 2 Cor. ix. 6 to end.
The Gospel. St. John vi. 27-36.
XVIII.
A FORM OF
PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING FOR
THE FOURTH OF JULY
OR OTHER DAYS OF SPECIAL THANKSGIVING OR
PATRIOTIC OBSERVANCE SET FORTH
BY AUTHORITY
AT MORNING PRAYER.
The Sentences.
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are
the everlasting arms.
Happy art thou, O Israel; who is like unto thee,
O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help,
and who is the sword of thy excellency.
The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will
we obey.
First Lesson. Deut. xxvi. 1-12.
Second Lesson. Rom. xiii. 1-11.
The Collect as printed on page 82.
At the end of Morning Prayer a Hymn or Anthem may
he sung and an Address given.
After the Address shall he said:
Let us pray.
82 A BOOK OF OFFICES
For the Country,
Almighty God, who in the former time didst lead
our fathers forth into a wealthy place, and set their
feet in a large room; Give Thy grace, we humbly be-
seech Thee, to us their children, that we may always
approve ourselves a people mindful of Thy favour and
glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honourable
industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Defend
our liberties; preserve our unity; save us from lawless-
ness and violence, from discord and confusion, from
pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Fash-
ion into one godly people the multitude brought hither
out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the
spirit of wisdom those whom we entrust in Thy Name
with the authority of governance, to the end that there
may be good government at home and peace with all
the world. In the time of prosperity fill our hearts
with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble suffer not
our trust in Thee to fail. All which we ask for Jesus
Christ's sake. Amen.
On the Fourth of July.
O God, whose Name is excellent in all the earth,
and Thy glory above the heavens; who on this day
didst inspire and direct the hearts of our delegates in
Congress to lay the foundations of our national peace,
liberty, and safety; We bless and adore Thy glorious
Majesty for all Thy loving kindness manifested to-
wards this land and people; and we humbly beseech
Thee to continue Thy goodness to us, that the heritage
received from our fathers may be preserved in our time,
and be transmitted unimpaired to the generations to
come; that all nations of the earth may know that
Thou, O Lord, art our Saviour and mighty Deliverer,
and our King for ever. Grant this, we beseech Thee,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 83
For the Public Peace,
O God, whose kingdom ruleth over all; Bestow Thy
blessing, we beseech Thee, upon those who hold the
civil authority in this state and nation, that by their
right administration of the laws and our careful obedi-
ence to the same, we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life, in all godliness and honesty ; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen,
Any other Prayers or ThanJcsgivings suitable to the day
from the Prayer Book or Book of Offices as set
forth by authority may be added here.
Then may follow a special Hymn of Thanksgiving,
The Benediction,
IF THERE BE A CELEBRATION OF THE
HOLY COMMUNION,
Morning Prayer shall end after the Prayer for the
President and the Prayers given above shall be said
immediately before the Benediction,
The Collect,
O Almighty Lord, who fashionest the hearts of men,
and considerest all their works; Grant, we beseech
Thee, to us and to all the people of this land, the spirit
of obedience to Thy commandments, that walking
humbly in Thy fear, we may, under Thy mighty pro-
tection, possess our liberties in righteousness and
peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
For the Epistle. Acts xvii. 24-27 and 28, 1st half.
The Gospel, St. Mark xii. 28-34.
For the Fourth of July,
The Gospel, St. John viii. 31-37.
XIX.
FORM OF SERVICE FOR
A DAY OF SPECIAL HUMILIATION
AT MORNING PRAYER
Proper Psalms.
Psalm 6. Domine, ne in furore.
O Lord, rebuke me not in thine indignation:
neitlier chasten me in thy displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak : O
Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul also is sore troubled : but Lord, how
long wilt thou punish me?
4 Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul : save
me, for thy mercy's sake.
5 For in death no man remembereth thee : and who
will give thanks in the pit?
6 I am weary of my groaning, every night wash I
my bed : and water my couch with my tears.
7 My beauty is gone for very trouble : and worn
away because of all mine enemies.
8 Away from me, all ye that work vanity : for the
Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The Lord hath heard my petition : the Lord will
receive my prayer.
10 All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore
vexed : they shall be turned back, and put to shame
suddenly.
Glory be.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 85
Psalm 25. Ad te, Domine, levavi.
Unto thee, Lord, will I lift up my soul ; my God,
I have put my trust in thee : O let me not be con-
founded, neither let mine enemies triumph over me.
2 Eor all they that hope in thee shall not be
ashamed : but such as transgress without a cause shall
be put to confusion.
3 Show me thy ways, Lord : and teach me thy
paths.
4 Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn me : for
thou art the God of my salvation ; in thee hath been my
hope all the day long.
5 Call to remembrance, O Lord, thy tender mer-
cies : and thy loving-kindnesses, which have been ever
of old.
6 O remember not the sins and offences of my
youth : but according to thy mercy think thou upon
me, O Lord, for thy goodness.
7 Gracious and righteous is the Lord : therefore
will he teach sinners in the way.
8 Them that are meek shall he guide in judgment :
and such as are gentle, them shall he learn his way.
9 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth :
unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10 For thy Name's sake, O Lord : be merciful unto
my sin; for it is great.
11 What man is he that feareth the Lord : him
shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
12 His soul shall dwell at ease : and his seed shall
inherit the land.
13 The secret of the Lord is among them that fear
him : and he will show them his covenant.
14 Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord : for
he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
15 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me :
for I am desolate, and in misery.
86 A BOOK OF OFFICES
16 The sorrows of my heart are enlarged : bring
thou me out of my troubles.
17 Look upon my adversity and misery : and for-
give me all my sin.
18 Consider mine enemies, how many they are : and
they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
19 O keep my soul, and deliver me : let me not be
confounded, for I have put my trust in thee.
20 Let perfeetness and righteous dealing wait upon
me : for my hope hath been in thee.
21 Deliver Israel, O God : out of all his troubles.
Glory be.
Proper Lessons. Daniel ix. 1-20. St. Luke xix. 41-
45. Or St. Luke xx. 9-19.
Collects,
Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing
that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all
those who are penitent; Create and make in us new
and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our
sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain
of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and
forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, who art always
more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to
give more than either we desire or deserve ; Pour down
upon us the abundance of Thy mercy; forgiving us
those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giv-
ing us those good things which we are not worthy to
ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of
concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal
life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend ns Thy
A BOOK OF OFFICES 87
humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that
we, surely trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the
power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall follow the Litany, omitting the General '
Thanksgiving.
A Sermon or Address.
The first two Collects as ahove, followed hy the Collect
for aid against perils, the Prayer of St. Chrysos-
tom, and the Grace.
AT EVENING PRAYER
Proper Psalms. 42, 43, 70.
Proper Lessons. 2 Chron. vi. 18 to end. Heb.
X. 23 32.
The Collects as ahove followed hy the Prayer of
St. Chrysostom and the Grace.
Then may follow a Sermon or Address.
After the Sermon may he said a Litany from the Booh
of Offices or the Penitential Office from the Prayer
Book.
IF THERE BE A CELEBRATION OF THE
HOLY COMMUNION.
the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel for Ash Wednesday
may he used, the Penitential Office heing omitted.
Or the following:
The Collect.
O God, whose nature and property is ever to have
mercy and to forgive; Receive our humble petitions;
88 A BOOK OF OFFICES
and though we be tied and bound with the chain of
our sins, yet let the pitifulness of Thy great mercy
loose us ; for the honour of Jesus Christ, our Mediator
and Advocate. Amen.
For the Epistle. Micah vi. 3-9.
The Gospel St. Matt vii. 21-28.
XX.
A COMPLINE OFFICE
Minister. In the Name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Amen.
Minister. Turn thou us, O God our Saviour;
Answer. And let Thine anger cease from us.
Minister. O God, make speed to save us.
Answer. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Here, all standing up, the Minister shall say:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost;
Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Minister. Praise ye the Lord.
Answer. The Lord's Name be praised.
Then shall he sung or said the Antiphon, and after that
one or more of the Psalms following.
Antiphon. Save us, O Lord.
Psalm 4. Cum invocarem.
Hear me when I call, God of my righteousness :
thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble;
have mercy upon me, and hearken unto my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye blaspheme
mine honour : and have such pleasure in vanity, and
seek after falsehood?
3 Know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to
90 A BOOK OF OFFICES
himself the man that is godly : when I call upon the
Lord he will hear me.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not : commune with your
own heart, and in your chamber, and be still.
5 Offer the sacrifice of righteousness : and put
your trust in the Lord.
6 There be many that say : Who will show us any
good?
7 Lord, lift thou up : the light of thy countenance
upon us.
8 Thou hast put gladness in my heart : since the
time that their corn and wine and oil increased.
9 I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest :
for it is thou. Lord, only, that makest me dwell in
safety.
Glory be.
Psalm 31. In te, Domine, speravi.
In thee, O Lord, have I put my trust : let me never
be put to confusion; deliver me in tliy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me : make haste to de-
liver me.
3 And be thou my strong rock, and house of de-
fence : that thou mayest save me.
4. For thou art my strong rock, and my castle :
be thou also my guide, and lead me for thy Name's
sake.
5 Draw me out of the net that tliey have laid
privily for me : for thou art my strength.
6 Into thy hands I commend my spirit : for thou
hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth.
Glory be.
Psalm 91. Qui habitat.
Whoso dwelleth under tlie defence of the Most
High : shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 91
2 I will say unto the Lord, Thou art my hope, and
my stronghold : my God, in him will I trust.
3 For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the
hunter : and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall defend thee under his wings, and thou
shalt be safe under his feathers : his faithfulness and
truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night :
nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 For the pestilence that walketh in darkness : nor
for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon-day.
7 A thousand shall fall beside thee, and ten thou-
sand at thy right hand : but it shall not come nigh
thee.
8 Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou behold : and see
the reward of the ungodly.
9 Foi thou, Lord, art my hope : thou hast set thine
house of defence very high.
10 There shall no evil happen unto thee : neither
shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee :
to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee in their hands : that thou
hurt not thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt go upon the lion and adder : the
young lion and the dragon shalt thou tread under thy
feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore
will I deliver him : I will set him up, because he hath
known my Name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will hear him :
yea, I am with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and
bring him to honour.
16 With long life will I satisfy him ; and show
him my salvation.
Glory be.
92 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Psalm 134. Ecce nunc.
Behold now, praise the Lord : all ye servants of
the Lord;
2 Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord :
even in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary : and praise
the Lord.
4 The Lord that made heaven and earth : give thee
blessing out of Sion.
Glory be.
Antiphon. Save us waking, O Lord, and guard us
sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and
asleep we may rest in peace.
HYMN
Before the ending of the day.
Creator of the world, we pray
That with Thy wonted favor, Thou
Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.
2 From all ill dreams defend our sight.
From fears and terrors of the night;
Withhold from us our ghostly foe.
That spot of sin we may not know.
3 O Father, that we ask be done.
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
Then may follow a Lesson of Holy Scripture.
Then shall the Minister say the Compline Verse:
Thou, Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are
called by Thy Name; leave us not. Jer. xiv. 9.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 93
Minister. Into Thy hands I commend my spirit.
Answer. For Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord,
Thou God of truth.
Minister. Keep me as the apple of an eye;
Answer. Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.
Antiphon. Lord, grant us Thy light.
Nunc dimittis. St. Luke ii. 29.
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace :
according to Thy word.
For mine eyes have seen : Thy salvation.
Which Thou hast prepared : before the face of all
people ;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be
the glory of Thy people Israel.
Glory be.
Antiphon. Lord, grant us Thy light, that being rid
of the darkness of our hearts, we may come to the true
Light, which is Christ.
Then shall he said 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; The third
day He rose again from the dead: He ascended into
heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the
Father Almighty : From thence He shall come to judge
the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholic
Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness
of sins: The Kesurrection of the body: And the Life
everlasting. Amen.
94 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Then shall he said, all kneeling:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Minister. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, God of our
fathers :
Answer. And worthy to be praised, and glorified
for ever.
Minister. Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and
the Holy Ghost;
Answer. Let us praise and exalt Him forever.
Minister. Blessed be Thou, O Lord, in the firma-
ment of heaven;
Answer. And praised for evermore.
Minister. The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us.
Answer. Amen.
Minister and People. We confess to Thee, O God
the Father Almighty, that we have sinned against Thee
in thought, word, and deed, by our own fault, our own
grievous fault. We repent ourselves of these our trans-
gressions, and we beseech Thee to grant us forgiveness
for the past, and grace to amend our lives in time to
come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Alternative form of confession.
We confess to God the Father Almighty, to His
only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and to God the Holy
Ghost, that we have sinned exceedingly in thought,
word, and deed, by our fault, our own fault, our own
grievous fault. Wherefore we pray Almighty God,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to have mercy upon us,
to forgive us all that is past, and to grant us grace to
amend our lives in time to come. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 95
Minister. The Almighty and merciful Lord grant
you remission of your sins, amendment of life, and
the grace and consolation of His Holy Spirit. Amen,
Minister. Vouchsafe, Lord,
Answer. To keep us this night without sin.
Minister. O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Answer. Have mercy upon us.
Minister. O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us:
Answer. As our trust is in Thee.
Minister. Turn us again, Thou God of hosts:
Answer. Show the light of Thy countenance, and
we shall be whole.
Minister. O Lord, hear our prayer;
Answer. And let our cry come unto Thee.
Minister. The Lord be with you ;
Ansiver. And with thy spirit.
Minister. Let us pray.
Then shall he said the Collects following.
Lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, O Lord;
and by Thy great mercy defend us from all perils and
dangers of this night; for the love of Thy only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Give us light in the night season, we beseech Thee,
O Lord, and grant that our rest may be without sin,
and our waking to Thy service; that we may come in
peace and safety to the waking of the great day;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Here the Minister may add, at his discretion, any
prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, or from
this Booh, concluding the Office as followeth:
Minister. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
96 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Minister. The Almighty Lord grant us a quiet
night and a good end.
Answer. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with
us all evermore. Amen.
XXL
SERVICE OF
THE BEATITUDES OF THE GOSPEL
This service may he used on any lueeh day and may he
followed by an address or meditation.
The Minister standing at the Chancel steps facing the
people shall say:
Let us hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, as
He delivers to us the Laws of His Spiritual Kingdom,
praying that we may so fulfil those laws that we may
enter and dwell therein.
The Minister shall then rehearse the Beatitudes, the
people kneeling and making a response to each.
Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.
Response. Lord, open Thou our hearts, that we may
hear and receive Thy most holy Word.
Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be
comforted.
Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the
earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness : for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain
mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see
God.
Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be
called the children of God.
98 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Blessed are they which are persecuted for right-
eousness' sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are the people that are in such a case, yea,
blessed are the people that have the Lord for their
God. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Our Father.
O God, who hast prepared for those who love Thee
such good things as pass man's understanding; Pour
into our hearts such love toward Thee, that we, loving
Thee above all things, may obtain Thy promises, which
exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
O God, who hast made all those that are born again
in Christ to be a royal and priestly race ; Grant us both
the will and the power to do what Thou commandest;
that all Thy people may have tlie same faith in their
hearts, and the same piety in their actions; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, the Comfort of the
sad, the Strength of sufferers, let the prayers of those
that cry out of any tribulation come unto Thee; that
all may rejoice to find that Thy mercy is present with
them in their afflictions; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 90
The Lord bless us, and keep us. The Lord make
His face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon us, and give
us peace, both now and evermore. Amen.
Here may he sung a Hymn, followed hy an Address or
Meditation. A meeting of a Guild or Society
might follow.
^-tixMcrr^^ r\ k
XXII.
AN OFFICE FOR GENERAL USE
AT PAROCHIAL OR SOCIETY MEETINGS
The meeting being called to order, the Rector or
Chairman shall say:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with Thy Spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
O God, who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful
people, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy
Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right
judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His
holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our
Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end.
Amen.
Lord, we beseech thee to keep Thy household the
Church in continual godliness; that through Thy pro-
tection it may be free from all adversities, and de-
voutly given to serve Thee in good works, to the glory
of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
A BOOK OF OFFICES 101
Then shall he said one or more Psalms, 1, 15, 67.
A Lesson of Holy Scripture shall he read.
The Gospel for the week. Or one of the following,
chosen according to the occasion:
Exod. XXXV. 21-30. IsTeh. iv. 15-22. Isa. vi. 1-9 ; xi.
1-11; xxxii. 1-9; Ixii. 1-10. Zech. viii. 1-9. St. Matt
XXV. 34-41. St. Mark xiv. 3-10. Acts iv. 22-31 ; vi. 1-8 ;
xviii. 24 to the end. St. James i. 17-27. Rev. iii. 7-13.
Hymn. Address. Hymn.
Other Prayers (page 155).
The Prayer of any Guild or Society.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with
us all evermore. Amen.
If desired, the Admission of Memhers to any Society
may take place after the Address.
The Litany of General Intercession (page H7) may he
used instead of the prayers after the address.
AN ALTERNATIVE OFFICE
The Litany of General Intercession (page 147).
Hymn. Address. Hymn.
Prayers and Benediction,
XXIII.
OFFICE FOR
A MISSIONARY MEETING
All heing assembled the Minister shall say:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Direct us, Lord, in aU our doings, with thy most
gracious favour, and further us with thy continual
help ; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended
in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by
thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who hast made of one blood all nations of
men for to dwell on the face of the whole earth, and
didst send Thy blessed Son to preach peace to them
that are far off and to them that are nigh ; Grant that
all men everywhere may seek after Thee and find Thee.
Bring the nations into Thy fold, and add the heathen
to Thine inheritance. And we pray Thee shortly to
A BOOK OF OFFICES 103
accomplish the number of Thine elect, and to hasten
Thy kingdom ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then all standing shall he read one or more of the
following Psalms:
Psalms 2, 19, 47, 67. The Benedictus.
Then shall follow a short Scripture Beading.
One of the following may he chosen: Isa. xlix.
5-13; lii. 7 to end. Zech. ix. 9 to end. St. Mark xvi.
14-20. St. John xii. 20-33. Acts x. 34 to end. Kom.
X. 14-19.
A Missionary Hymn.
Address hy the Minister or Chairman.
Followed hy a Hymn.
One or more Addresses.
A Hymn, during which the offering shall he taken.
Prayers. (See pages 162-167.)
Benediction.
A SECOND OFFICE
If the meeting is to he of a devotional or intercessory
character, there will he only one address hosed on
some portion of Holy Scripture.
Then shall follow a Hymn, after which shall he said
the Litany for the Church and its Extension,
Page 143.
XXIV.
A SHORT SERVICE OF
COMFORT AND HOPE FOR
SICK COMMUNICANTS
The Minister coming in shall say :
Peace be to this house.
After brief words of kindly greeting let him say :
Brother, let me read you some words of comfort
from the mind of God.
Then he shall read one or more of the following :
2 Kings iv. 18-38 (for a child). 2 Kings v. 1-4,
9-15. Isa. XXXV. Isa. liv. 7-15. Isa. Ixi. 11-18. S"t.
Matt. vi. 25 to end. St. Luke v. 18-33. St. Luke
xiii. 11-18. St. James i. 12-22; v. 7-12.
Before an operation, Ecclus. xxxviii. 1-14.
Thanksgiving, 1 Sam. ii. 1-11; Isa. xxxviii. 9-21.
Hosea xiv.
Here may follow a meditation on the portion read.
Then the Minister shall say:
Let us praise God in the words of a Psalm.
Then shall he read hy the Minister alone, or alternately
with others if they so desire, one or more of the
following :
Psalms 3, 11, 20, 23, 42, 91, 121, 126, 138, 146.
Thanksgiving, Psalm 103.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 105
Then kneeling down he shall say:
O Lord, save Thy servant;
Answer. Who putteth his trust in Thee.
Send him help from Thy holy place.
Answer. And evermore defend him.
Be unto him, O Lord, a strong tower.
Answer. From the face of his enemy.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Answer. And let our cry come unto Thee.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon ils.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love.
1 believe in Thee, O God, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, my Creator, and my Redeemer, and my Sancti-
fier ; I believe that Thou art All-Holy, Just, and Merci-
ful. I believe that Thou art willing to pardon and to
save me, if I repent and forsake my sins.
my God, strengthen and increase my faith, and
grant me the grace of a true repentance, for Jesus
Christ's sake. Amen.
1 hope in Thee, my God, because Thou art Al-
mighty, Faithful, and Long-suffering. I humbly trust
that Thou wilt pardon my sins for the sake of Thy
dear Son Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for me
upon the Cross; and that Thou wilt cleanse my sinful
soul in His Precious Blood, and make me holy, and
bring me safe to everlasting life.
O Lord, in Thee have I trusted, let me never be con-
founded. Amen.
106 A BOOK OF OFFICES
I love Thee, O my God, above all things, because
Thou hast been so good, so patient, so loving to me,
notwithstanding all the sins by which I have so griev-
ously offended Thee. I love Thee, O Blessed Jesus, my
Saviour, because Thou didst suffer so much for love of
me, an ungrateful sinner, and didst die on the Cross
for my salvation; and for Thy sake I love all whom
Thou dost love.
O make me love Thee more and more, and show my
love to Thee by faithfully keeping Thy Commandments
all the days of my life. Amen.
Let us pray.
O God of heavenly powers, who by the might of
Thy command drivest away from men's bodies all sick-
ness and all infirmity; Be present in Thy goodness to
this Thy servant, that his weakness may be banished
and his strength recalled, and his health being there-
upon restored, he may bless Thy holy Name, through
our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
God, by whose command the moments of our life
run their course; Receive our prayers for this Thy ser-
vant, on whose behalf we implore Thy mercy; that our
fears on account of his danger may be turned into joy
at his recovery; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
Almighty and everlasting God, who succourest those
that labour under perils and afflictions ; We humbly be-
seech Thy Majesty, that it may please Thee to send
Thy holy Angel to uphold with Thy comfort Thy ser-
vant N., who in this house is suffering distress and
affliction; that he may both receive Thy present aid,
and attain eternal healing; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 107
O Sovereign Lord, our God, Almighty, we beseech
Thee to save us all. Thou only Physician of souls and
bodies. Sanctify us all, Thou that healest every dis-
ease; and heal also this Thy servant. Raise him up
from the bed of pain by Thy tender, loving kindness;
visit him in mercy and compassion; drive away from
him all sickness and infirmity; that being raised up by
Thy mighty hand, he may serve Thee with all thank-
fulness; and that we, being made partakers of Thine
unspeakable goodness, may praise and glorify Thee,
who doest works great and wonderful, and worthy to
be praised. It is Thine to pity and to save; and to
Thee would we ascribe glory, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, now and for ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Unto God's gracious mercy and protection we com-
mit thee. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The
Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious
unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon
thee, and give thee peace, both now and evermore.
Amen.
Other prayers will he found on pages 177-181 of this
hook.
JSee also the Litany of the Sick, page 152.
For a Dying Communicant.
Rev. xix. 1, 4-10. St. Luke xxiii. 38-44.
Psalm 4, 23, 43, 121.
O Sovereign Lord, our God, Almighty, who wiliest
that all men should be saved, and come to a knowledge
of the truth; who desirest not the death of the sinner,
but rather that he should be converted and live; We
pray and beseech Thee, loose the soul of this Thy ser-
vant from every bond, and free it from every curse.
For Thou art He that loosest the fettered, and raisest
108 A BOOK OF OFFICES
up the crushed, O Thou Hope of the hopeless! Com-
mand, therefore, O Lord, that the soul of Thy servant
be released in peace, and go to rest in Thine eternal
tabernacles with all Thy Saints; through Thine Only
Begotten Son, with whom, and with Thy Holy and
life-giving Spirit, Thou art blessed now and ever, and
unto ages of ages. Amen,
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast been
pleased to breathe into man a soul according to Thy
likeness; Do Thou, while at Thy bidding dust returns
to dust, gather this soul into the company of Thy
Saints and elect in an everlasting home; and gently
and tenderly receive it as it returns unto Thee, and
send Thy holy Angels to meet it, and show it the way
of righteousness, and open the gates of Thy glory.
Amen.
A Short Litany for the Dying.
God, the Father of Heaven ; have mercy upon the
soul of Thy servant.
O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world ; have mercy
upon the soul of Thy servant.
O God, the Holy Ghost; have mercy upon the soul of
Thy servant.
O Holy Trinity, One God; have mercy upon the
soul of Thy servant.
Thou who art Three and One ; have mercy upon the
soul of Thy servant.
O God, the Holiest of Holies; have mercy upon
him.
By Thy holy Incarnation;
By Thy holy Nativity;
By Thy holy Circumcision;
By Thy holy Epiphany;
A BOOK OF OFFICES 109
By Thy holy Baptism;
By Thy holy Passion;
By Thy holy and most loving Death;
By Thy holy Descent into hell;
By Thy glorious Resurrection;
By Thy wonderful Ascension;
By the Coming of the Holy Ghost the Comforter;
By the majesty at Thy coming in glory;
We sinners do beseech Thee to hear us.
That it may please Thee to deliver the soul of Thy
servant from the prince of darkness, and the place of
punishment ;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Lord.
That it may please Thee to put all his sins out of
remembrance for ever;
That it may please Thee mercifully to pardon what-
ever guilt he hath contracted by the fraud of the devil,
or by his own sinfulness and weakness ;
That he may be enabled by Thy bounty to receive
that remission of his sins which he hath ever longed
for;
That it may please Thee to give to this our brother
a place of refreshment, and light, and everlasting
blessedness ;
That it may please Thee to give him joy and glad-
ness in Thy kingdom, with Thy Saints and elect;
That he may with confidence wait for the Day of
Judgment ;
That it may please Thee to show him that sight so
full of loveliness. Thy holy and glorious Face looking
on him in love;
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the
world ; have mercy upon him.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the
world; have mercy upon him.
110 A BOOK OF OFFICES
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the
world; grant him Thy Peace.
The Commendatory Prayer from the Prayer Book may
follow if the end seems near.
The God of peace, who brought again from the
dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant;
Make you perfect in every good work to do His will,
working in you that which is well pleasing in His
sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever
and ever. Amen,
XXV.
A FORM OF SERVICE
FOR USE IN A HOUSE BEFORE A BURIAL
The Priest coming in shall say:
Peace be to this house.
The family being assembled, he shall say:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost.
Dearly Beloved, hear the words of Holy Scripture
to those who mourn for the dead.
1 Peter i. 3-10.
1 Thess. iv. 13 to end.
For a Little Child.
Rev. xiv. 1-6.
Hear also what the wise man saith:
Wisdom Hi. 1-7.
Hear also what our Lord Jesus Christ saith:
St. John xiv. 1-7.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Almighty God, who through Thine only begotten
Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto
112 A BOOK OF OFFICES
us the gate of everlasting life ; Grant, we beseech Thee,
that as we are baptized into the death of Thy blessed
Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortify-
ing 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. Thy Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We most humbly beseech Thee, of Thy goodness, O
Lord, to comfort and succour 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 only Mediator and
Advocate. Amen,
Almighty God, who art found of those who seek
Thee in loneliness, and whose portion is sufficient for
the sorrowful soul; Upon these Thy servants, bereaved
and afflicted, pour out, we pray Thee, Thy blessing.
Thou only canst keep their feet from falling, and their
eyes from tears. Let not Thy grace of patience fail
them, nor Thy love forsake them; but do Thou so en-
courage and sustain their hearts, that in the country
of Peace and Rest they may, when the end cometh, find
an everlasting home. We ask it for His sake who hath
gone thither to prepare a place for us, Thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty Lord, Great Judge of all men; so fit
and prepare us for that great account which we must
one day give, that when the time of our appointed
A BOOK OF OFFICES 113
change shall come, we may look up to Thee with joy
and comfort, and may at last be received into that
place of rest and peace, where all tears shall be wiped
from our eyes, and all our troubles and sorrows shall
have an end; through the merits and for the sake of
our blessed Saviour and Kedeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy
Ghost, O Holy, Blessed, and Glorious Trinity ; Into the
everlasting arms of Thy loving embrace we commit the
souls and bodies of Thy servants our loved ones, lost
to us a while. Anoint and cheer them with Thy grace.
Make sweet to them the cahn of Paradise the
blessed. Let our prayers and their petitions for us
intermingle before the throne of Thy Divine Majesty,
and when we shall have served Thee here below, may
we join with them in praising Thee above. Thus un-
der the shadow of Thy wings may they and we, with
all the household of faith, abide in peace for evermore.
Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst reveal Thyself more
fully to Thy disciples after Thou wast taken from
them; Grant us faith to believe that no separation
of time or place can sever Thy servants from their
eternal union in Thee; who art with the Father and
the Holy Ghost one God, world without end. Amen.
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead
our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant; Make
you perfect in every good work to do his will, working
in you that which is well pleasing in his sight; through
Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
XXVI.
ORDER FOR
THE BURIAL OF A CHILD
The Minister shall say or sing:
1 am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord:
he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall
he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall
never die.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see
God.
Jesus called them unto Him, and said. Suffer little
children to come unto Me, and forbid them not : for
of such is the Kingdom of God.
He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry
them in His bosom.
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;
blessed be the Name of the Lord.
After they are come into the Church shall he said these
Psalms following :
Psalm 23. Dominus regit me.
The Lord is my shepherd : therefore can I lack
nothing.
2 He shall feed me in a green pasture : and lead
me forth beside the waters of comfort.
3 He shall convert my soul : and bring me forth in
the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with
me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 115
5 Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them
that trouble me : thou hast anointed my head with oil,
and my cup shall be full.
6 But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord for ever.
Glory be.
Psalm 113. Laudate, pueri.
Praise the Lord, ye servants : praise the Name
of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the Name of the Lord : from this time
forth for evermore.
3 The Lord's Name is praised : from the rising up
of the sun unto the going down of the same.
4 The Lord is high above all heathen : and his
glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his
dwelling so high : and yet humbleth himself to behold
the things that are in heaven and earth !
6 He taketh up the simple out of the dust : and
lifteth the poor out of the mire;
7 That he may set him with the princes : even with
the princes of his people.
8 He maketh the barren woman to keep house : and
to be a joyful mother of children.
Glory be.
Then shall follow the Lesson.
St. Matthew xviii. 1-6, 10-15.
Or, Kev. xiv. 1-6.
When they come to the Grave, while the Body is made
ready to he laid into the earth, the Minister shall
say:
Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time
to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is
116 A BOOK OF OFFICES
cut down, like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow,
and never continueth in one stay.
While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept:
for I said. Who can tell whether God will be gracious
to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead,
wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again?
I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
A voice was heard in Kamah, lamentation, and bit-
ter weeping; Eachel weeping for her children refused
to be comforted for her children, because they were
not. Thus saith the Lord, Refrain thy voice from
weeping, and thine eyes from tears ; for thy work shall
be rewarded, saith the Lord ; and they shall come again
from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in
thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come
again to their own border.
Then, while the earth shall he cast upon the hody hy
some standing hy, the Minister shall say:
Forasmuch as It hath pleased Almighty God of His
great mercy to take unto Himself the soul of this dear
child here departed, we therefore commit his body to
the ground ; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ;
in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal
life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change
the body of our humiliation, that it may be like unto
His glorious body, according to the mighty working,
whereby He is able to subdue all things to Himself.
Then shall he said or sung:
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and
serve Him day and night in His temple : and He that
sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ;
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 117
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne
shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living foun-
tains of waters : and God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes.
Then the Minister shall say:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of
those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom
the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from
the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity ; We give
Thee hearty thanks, for that it hath pleased Thee to
deliver this child from the dangers and temptations of
this sinful world; beseeching Thee, that it may please
Thee, of Thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish
the number of Thine elect, and to hasten Thy King-
dom; that we, with all those who are departed in the
true faith of Thy holy Name, may have our perfect
consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy
eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen,
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst take little children
into Thine arms, and bless them; Open Thou our eyes,
we beseech Thee, that we may perceive that Thou, in
very goodness, hast taken this little child into the ever-
lasting arms of Thine infinite love, and hast brought
him to Thy Presence in Paradise ; who livest and reign-
est with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, ever One God,
world without end. Amen,
118 A BOOK OF OFFICES
O Almighty God, who out of the mouth of babes
and sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest in-
fants to glorify Thee by their deaths; Mortify and kill
all vices in us, and so strengthen us by Thy grace, that
by the innocency of our lives, and constancy of our
faith even unto death, we may glorify Thy Holy Name ;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us
all evermore. Amen.
Hymns may he sung after the Lesson and before the
concluding Grace.
IF THERE BE A CELEBRATION OF THE
HOLY COMMUNION.
the Lesson shall he omitted and shall hecome the Gospel.
Collect.
Most merciful Father, who hast been pleased to
take unto thyself the soul of this thy child ; Grant to us
who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet
by faith, that having served thee with constancy on
earth, we may be joined hereafter with thy blessed
saints in glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Epistle. Titus iii. 4-8.
Gospel St. Matt, xviii. 1-6, 10-15.
xxvn.
AN ORDER FOR
THE BURIAL OF THOSE FOR WHOM THE
PRAYER BOOK OFFICE MAY
NOT BE USED
To he used at the grave at the request of Christian rela-
tives of the Departed.
The Minister J standing hy the grave, shall say:
Psalm 130. De profundis.
Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord:
Lord, hear my voice.
2 O let thine ears consider well : the voice of my
complaint.
3 If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is
done amiss : O Lord, who may abide it?
4 For there is mercy with thee : therefore shalt thou
be feared.
6 I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him:
in his word is my trust.
6 My soul fleeth unto the Lord : before the morning
watch, I say, before the morning watch.
7 O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord
there is mercy : and with him is plenteous redemption.
8 And he shall redeem Israel : from all his sins.
Glory be.
Psalm 6. Domine, ne in furore.
O Lord, rebuke me not in thine indignation : neither
chasten me in thy displeasure.
120 A BOOK OF OFFICES
2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak :
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul also is sore troubled : but. Lord, how long
wilt thou punish me?
4. Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul : O save
me, for thy merjy's sake.
5 For in death no man remembereth thee : and
who will give thee thanks in the pit?
6 I am weary of my groaning, every night wash I
my bed : and water my couch with my tears.
7 My beauty is gone for very trouble: and worn
away because of all mine enemies.
8 Away from me, all ye that work vanity : for
the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The Lord hath heard my petition : the Lord will
receive my prayer.
10 All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore
vexed : they shall be turned back, and put to shame
suddenly.
Glory be.
Then shall follow:
Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great good-
ness : according to the multitude of Thy mercies do
away mine offences.
Wash me throughly from my wickedness : and
cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever
before me.
Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil
in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified in Thy
saying, and clear when Thou art judged.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 121
Our Father.
O God, the Lord of spirits and of all flesh, who didst
put death under Thy feet, didst destroy the power of
the devil, and gavest Thy life for the world; we com-
mend to Thee the soul of Thy servant, that dead unto
the world it may live unto Thee ; and that whatever sins
it hath committed through the weakness of the flesh
in this mortal life, may be done away by the pardon
of Thy merciful love; who art the Resurrection and
the life, in whom only we have hope for this life and
for that which is to come; in which with the Father
and the Holy Ghost Thou art God for ever and ever.
Amen,
We humbly beseech Thee, O Father, mercifully to
look upon our infirmities; and, for the glory of Thy
Name, turn from us all those evils that we most justly
have deserved; and grant, that in all our troubles we
may put our whole trust and confidence in Thy mercy,
and evermore serve Thee in holiness and pureness of
living, to Thy honour and glory ; through our only Me-
diator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Merciful God and heavenly Father, who hast
taught us in Thy holy Word that Thou dost not will-
ingly afflict or grieve the children of men; Look with
pity, we beseech Thee, upon the sorrows of Thy serv-
ants, for whom our prayers are desired. In Thy wis-
dom Thou hast seen fit to visit them with trouble, and
to bring distress upon them. Remember them, O Lord,
in mercy; sanctify Thy fatherly correction to them;
endue their souls with patience under their affliction,
and with resignation to Thy blessed will; comfort
them with a sense of Thy goodness; lift up Thy coun-
tenance upon them, and give them peace; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
122 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who
knowest our necessities before we ask, and our igno-
rance in asking; We beseech Thee to have compassion
upon our infirmities; and those things which for our
unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we
cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness
of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with
us all evermore. Amen.
xxvin.
MEMORIAL SERVICES
To he used on the anniversary of a death, or on a
specially appointed occasion.
A.
*'The Order for the Burial of the Dead** may be
used, providing in place of the words of committal a
short time of silence for prayer and thanksgiving, fol-
lowed by a Hymn or Anthem.
A Hymn or Anthem may also suitably follow "The
Grace," and the Service conclude with the Benediction.
B.
Special Service.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Remember not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences
of our forefathers ; neither take Thou vengeance of our
sins : spare us, good Lord, spare Thy people whom Thou
hast redeemed with Thy most precious blood, and be
not angry with us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.
V. Turn Thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul.
R. save me for Thy mercy's sake.
V, Enter not into judgment with Thy servants.
R. For in Thy sight shall no man living he justi-
fied.
124 A BOOK OF OFFICES
v. Lord, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto Thee,
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father.
Ahnighty God, with whom do live the spirits of
those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the
souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the
burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We give
Thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those
Thy servants, who, having finished their course in
faith, do now rest from their labours. And we beseech
Thee, that we, with all those who are departed in the
true faith of Thy holy Name, may have our perfect
consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy
eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen,
Antiphon. I heard a voice from heaven, saying,
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.
Or: If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what
is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it?
Psalms (one or more).
Psalm 84. Quam dilecta!
O how amiable are thy dwellings : thou Lord of
hosts !
2 My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into
the courts of the Lord : my heart and my flesh rejoice
in the living God.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 125
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and
the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young :
even thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they
will be alway praising thee.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee :
in whose heart are thy ways.
6 Who going through the vale of misery use it for
a well : and the pools are filled with water.
7 They will go from strength to strength : and
unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in
bion.
8 Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer : hearken,
O God of Jacob.
9 Behold, O God our defender : and look upon the
face of thine anointed.
10 For one day in thy courts : is better than a
thousand.
11 I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of
my God : than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
12 For the Lord God is a light and defence : the
Lord will give grace and worship, and no good thing
shall he withhold from them that live a godly life.
13 O Lord God of hosts : blessed is the man that
putteth his trust in thee.
Glory be.
Psalm 130. De profundis.
Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord :
Lord, hear my voice.
2 O let thine ears consider well : the voice of my
complaint.
3 If thou, Lord, wiH be extreme to mark what is
done amiss : O Lord, who may abide it?
4 For there is mercy with thee : therefore shalt
thou be feared.
126 A BOOK OF OFFICES
5 I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him :
in his word is my trust.
6 My soul fleeth unto the Lord : before the morning
watch, I say, before the morning watch.
7 O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord
there is mercy : and with him is plenteous redemption.
8 And he shall redeem Israel : from all his sins.
Glory '
Psalm 121. Levavi oculos.
1 will lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from whence
Cometh my help.
2 My help cometh even from the Lord : who hath
made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : and
he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel : shall neither
slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord himself is thy keeper : the Lord is thy
defence upon thy right hand;
6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day :
neither the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : yea,
it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy
coming in : from this time forth for evermore.
Glory be.
Psalm 23. Dominus regit me.
The Lord is my shepherd : therefore can I lack
nothing.
2 He shall feed me in a green pasture : and lead
me forth beside the waters of comfort.
3 He shall convert my soul : and bring me forth
in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 127
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with
me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
5 Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them
that trouble me : thou hast anointed my head with oil,
and my cup shall be full.
6 But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord for ever.
Glory be.
Psalm 51. Miserere mei, Deus,
Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great good-
ness : according to the multitude of thy mercies do
away mine offences.
2 Wash me throughly from my wickedness : and
cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my faults : and my sin is ever
before me.
4 Against thee only have I sinned, and done this
evil in thy sight : that thou mightest be justified in
thy saying, and clear when thou art judged.
5 Behold, I was shapen in wickedness : and in sin
hath my mother conceived me.
6 But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts :
and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.
7 Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall
be clean : thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter
than snow.
8 Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness :
that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Turn thy face from my sins : and put out all
my misdeeds.
10 Make me a clean heart> O God : and renew a
right spirit within me.
152» A BOOK OF OFFICES
11 Cast me not away from thy presence : and take
not thy holy Spirit from me.
12 give me the comfort of thy help again : and
stablish me with thy free Spirit.
13 Then shall I teach thy ways nnto the wicked :
and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou
that art the God of my health : and my tongue shall
sing of thy righteousness.
15 Thou shalt open my lips, Lord : and my
mouth shall show thy praise.
16 For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give
it thee : but thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
17 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit : a
broken and contrite heart, God, shalt thou not de-
spise.
18 be favorable and gracious unto Sion : build
thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice
of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and obla-
tions : then shall they offer young bullocks upon thine
altar.
Glory be.
Aniiphon. I heard a voice from heaven, saying.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.
Or: If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what
is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it?
Then shall he read St. John v. 24-31,
A Hymn or Anthem may he sung here, followed (if
desired) hy an Address.
The Service may conclude with a Hymn, and the fol-
lowing Prayers:
eternal and everlasting God, the Life and the
Resurrection of all that believe in Thee, trust Thee,
A BOOK OF OFFICES 129
and serve Thee; that art always to be praised as well
for the departed as for such as be still living upon the
earth ; We give Thee most hearty thanks for Thy serv-
ant who has (or, who as on this day) entered into
rest; beseeching Thee to show forth upon Thy whole
Church, in Paradise and on earth, the bright beams of
Thy light and heavenly comfort, and to grant that we
who are alive this day may follow the steps of all those
who have served and loved Thee here, and have gone
before us, in the confession of Thy holy Name, that
with them we may at length enter into Thine unending
joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, who by Thy death didst take
away the sting of death; Grant unto us Thy servants
so to follow in faith where Thou hast led the way, that
we may at length fall asleep peacefully in Thee, and
awake up after Thy likeness ; through Thy mercy, who
livest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
On a Public Occasion.
Almighty and everliving God, we yield unto Thee
most high praise and hearty thanks, for the wonderful
grace and virtue declared in Thy saints, the fathers,
doctors, confessors, and martyrs of Thy Church in
America and throughout the world, who have given
unto us Thy holy Word in a language understanded of
the People, together with a r^ch heritage of civil and
religious freedom, and the blessings of Apostolic faith,
order, fellowship, and worship. And we pray that Thou
wouldst vouchsafe to give us grace so to follow the
example of their steadfastness in Thy faith, even unto
death, and of their obedience to Thy holy command-
ments, that at the day of the general Resurrection, we,
together with them, may obtain a good report through
130 A BOOK OF OFFICES
faith, receive Thy heavenly promises, and enter upon
our perfect consummation and bliss in Thy kingdom,
eternal in the heavens. Grant this, O Father, for
Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate.
Amen.
Almighty God, who hast knit together Thine
elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mys-
tical body of Thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace
so to follow Thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and
godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable
joys which Thou hast prepared for those who un-
feignedly love Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
May the Almighty and Merciful Lord grant us,
with all the faithful, light, peace, and life everlasting.
Amen.
Or,
Unto God's gracious mercy and protection we com-
mit thee. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The
Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gra-
cious unto tliee. The Lord lift up His countenance
upon thee, and give thee peace, both now and evermore.
Amen.
IF THERE BE A CELEBRATION OF THE
HOLY COMMUNION
Collect.
O Merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life; in whom
whosoever believeth, shall live, though he die ; and who-
soever liveth, and believeth in Him, shall not die eter-
nally; who also hath taught us, by His holy Apostle
A BOOK OF OFFICES 131
Saint Paul, not to be sorry, as men without hope, for
those who sleep in Him; We humbly beseech Thee, O
Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life
of righteousness; that, when we shall depart this life,
we may rest in Him ; and that, at the general Resurrec-
tion in the last day, we may be found acceptable in
Thy sight; and receive that blessing, which Thy well-
beloved Son shall then pronounce to all who love and
fear Thee, saying. Come, ye blessed children of my
Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the
beginning of the world. Grant this, we beseech Thee,
O Merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator
and Kedeemer. Amen.
The Epistle. 1 Thess. iv. 13 to end.
The Gospel. St. John vi. 37-41.
Or
The Epistle. 1 Cor. xv. 20-29.
The Gospel. St. John xi. 21-28.
XXIX.
FORM FOR THE
COMMEMORATION OF ANCESTORS
OR MEMBERS OF A FAMILY WHO HAVE DIED
WITHOUT THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE
OF GOD
THIS FORM OF SERVICE IS PROVIDED FOR THE ESPECIAL
USE OF THE CLERGY WHO MINISTER AMONG
NON-CHRISTIAN NATIONS.
Being assembled with the friends at the grave, or in
any suitable place, the Minister shall say:
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not con-
sumed, because His compassions fail not. They are
new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore
will I hope in Him.
The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to
the soul that seeketh Him.
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly
wait for the salvation of the Lord.
For the Lord will not cast off forever: but though
He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according
to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not
willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.
O Lord, Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul.
Thou hast redeemed my life.
Lord, Thou hast seen my wrong; judge Thou my
cause.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 133
Or the Minister may read
Job xiv. 1-7, 10-14.
Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full
of trouble.
He Cometh forth like a flower and is cut down: he
fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
And dost Thou open Thine eyes upon such an one,
and bringest me into judgment with thee ?
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
not one.
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his
months are with Thee, Thou hast appointed his bounds
that he cannot pass;
Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall ac-
complish, as an hireling, his day.
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that
it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof
will not cease.
But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth
up the ghost, and where is he?
As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood de-
cayeth and drieth up:
So man lieth down, and riseth not : till the heavens
be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of
their sleep.
O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that
Thou wouldest keep me secret, until Thy wrath be past,
that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remem-
ber me!
If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of
my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
The following passages of Scripture shall then he read:
As I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found
an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN
134 A BOOK OF OFFICES
GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him
declare I unto you. God that made the world and all
things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and
earth, dwelleth not in temples, made with hands;
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though
He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and
breath, and all things: And hath made of one blood
all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the
earth, and hath determined the times before appointed,
and the bounds of their habitation; That they should
seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and
find Him, though He be not far from every one of us :
For in Him we live, and move, and have our being;
as certain also of your own poets have said. For we
are also of His offspring. Forasmuch then as we are
the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the
Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven
by art and man's device. And the times of this igno-
rance God overlooked; but now commandeth all men
everywhere to repent. — Acts xvii. 23-30.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before
God ; and the books were opened : and another book was
opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in the
books, according to their works. — Rev. xx. 12.
Then shall the King say unto them on His right
hand. Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the king-
dom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat:
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink : I was a stranger,
and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was
sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came
unto me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying.
Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee?
or thirsty, and gave Thee drink ? When saw we Thee
A BOOK OF OFFICES 135
a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed
Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and
came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say
unto them. Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me. — St. Matt. xxv. 34-40.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just
for the unjust, rhat He might bring us to God, being
put to death in the flesh, but quickened in the Spirit.
In which also He went and preached unto the spirits
in prison; which sometime were disobedient. — 1 St.
Peter iii. 18-20.
For, for this cause was the gospel preached also
to them that are dead, that they might be judged ac-
cording to men in the flesh, but live according to God
in the spirit. — 1 St. Peter iv. 6.
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have
desired to see those things which ye see, and have not
seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear,
and have not heard them. — St. Luke x. 24.
God sent His only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not
that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent
His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved,
if God so loved us, we ought also to love one an-
other.— 1 St. John iv. 9-11.
Then shall the Minister pray as follows:
Almighty God, Creator and Father of all men, in
whom all live and move and have their being, and
who lovest all whom Thou hast made though they
know Thee not; We humbly commend to Thy love our
136 A BOOK OF OFFICES
fathers and forefathers and all those who have passed
out of this world desiring to know Thee. Thou knowest
all their desires and all their needs and Thou alone
canst satisfy. Be Thou gracious unto them we pray
Thee, for Thy mercy's sake. Amen.
Father of lights, who hast made Thyself known
in many ways and whose wisdom and knowledge have
no limits; We Thy humble servants draw near and pray
Thee to grant to those whom we love and who knew not
Thee in this life such light as they are able to receive.
Thou hast taught us little of the life of those who to
us seem to sleep, but we believe that all men live unto
Thee, and that Thou didst send Thy Son into the
world to be the Light of every man. Give to Thy serv-
ants, we beseech Thee, that in Thy light they shall see
light and glorify Thee for Thy great goodness. We
ask this for the sake of Him through whom alone we
have received the knowledge of Thee the only true God,
Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
most great and merciful Judge of all men, before
whom all stand, both small and great, to receive ac-
cording to the things done in the body, and who hast
taught us in Thy word that all judgment is according
to knowledge ; We praise Thee for Thy unfailing justice,
confident that in all things the Judge of all the world
shall do right. Into Thy hands therefore we commit
the souls and bodies of those whom we to-day commem-
orate. Reward Thou them not according to that they
have deserved, but according to the multitude of Thy
mercies, and purify them if it may be from all evil;
that they, filled with the knowledge of Thy love and
power, may glorify Thee in that place in which Thou
hast placed them. Grant these our prayers for the
sake of Him who came to be the Saviour of all, Thy
Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 137
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who
knowest our necessities before we ask and our igno-
rance in asking; We beseech Thee to have compassion
upon our infirmities; and those things which for our
tinworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we
cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness of
Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Unto God^s gracious mercy and protection we com-
mit you. The Lord bless you, and keep you. The
Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious
unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace, both now and evermore. Amen.
XXX.
OFFICE FOR
THE INSTALLATION OF A BISHOP
The Choir, Clergy, Cathedral Chapter, and Bishop,
being assembled in the appointed place, the fol-
lowing order shall be observed:
As the Procession enters the following Psalms shall be
sung.
Psalm 122. Laetatus sum.
1 was glad when they said unto me ; We will go into
the house of the Lord.
2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates: Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city : that is at unity in
itself.
4 For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the
Lord : to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the
Name of the Lord.
5 For there is the seat of judgment : even the seat
of the house of David.
6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall
prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls : and plenteousness
within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions' sakes : I will
wish thee prosperity.
9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God : I
will seek to do thee good.
Glory be.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 139
Psalm, 46. Deus noster refugium,
God is our hope and strength : a very present help
in trouble.
2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be
moved : and though the hills be carried into the midst
of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof rage and swell : and
though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.
4 The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the
city of God : the holy place of the tabernacle of the
Most Highest.
5 God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she
not be removed : God shall help her, and that right
early.
6 The heathen make much ado, and the kingdoms
are moved : but God hath showed his voice, and the
earth shall melt away.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of Jacob
is our refuge.
8 O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord:
what destruction he hath brought upon the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease in all the world : he
breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder,
and burneth the chariots in the fire.
10 Be still then, and know that I am God : I will
be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in
the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of Jacob
is our refuge.
When all are in their places the Bishop shall "kneel
hefore the entrance to the Sanctuary, all others
standing.
The Dean or Senior Priest shall then say:
Good people, we are here met in the sight of God,
to receive, and install in his office, him who has been
140 A BOOK OF OFFICES
elected and consecrated to the office and dignity of
Bishop of this Diocese. We ask you to give reverent
heed to that which we do, and to offer your earnest
prayers that the grace of God may be with us in our
undertaking, and may rest upon him now to be in-
stalled as our Bishop.
Let the Letters of Consecration now be read.
The Chancellor of the Diocese shall then read the
Letters of Consecration.
The Dean or Senior Priest, addressing the Bishop,
shall then say:
You, the Right Reverend Father in God
have been duly elected according to the Will
of God and the Canons of this Church, and duly con-
secrated to the office and dignity of Bishop of the
Diocese of . We, representing the Clergy and
People of this Diocese, do ask of you, in the Name of
God, your intention and purpose in respect thereof.
The Bishop shall answer:
by the Grace of God Bishop of
this Diocese of , do promise and declare that it
is my intention and purpose, well and faithfully to
rule and govern the Church in this Diocese; that I
will firmly observe the rights and privileges of both
Clergy and People, and the laws of the State; [I will
observe all the Statutes and Ordinances of this Cathe-
dral Church;] and as much as in me lies, will take
care that they are observed by others; and I will also
endeavour to promote the welfare and honour of the
Diocese and of this Cathedral Church. So help me
God.
There shall then he space for silent prayer j all kneeling.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 141
Then shall he said:
Almighty God, Holy Father, Everlasting Lord, be-
fore whom the angels in their several orders stand,
and who didst under the dispensation of the Old Testa-
ment ordain Moses Thy Lawgiver, Aaron Thy High
Priest, and Samuel among such as call upon Thy Name ;
who didst under the New Testament anoint Thy Son
Jesus Christ with the Holy Ghost that He might be the
Great High Priest, Chief Pastor, and Ruler of Thy peo-
ple, and didst through Him choose the twelve apostles to
go forth in His Name and power; look in favour we
beseech Thee on Thy servant whom Thou
hast appointed Bishop and Pastor of Thy flock in this
place ; give him grace that he may keep his life without
spot or harm, and both by word and good example edify
those over whom Thou hast set him to rule, that he,
with the flock committed to his charge, may attain to
everlasting life; through Thy Son Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
All standing, the Dean or Senior Priest shall then raise
and conduct the Bishop to the Episcopal Chair and
place him therein, saying ;
We, and , being the
Dean [or Senior Priest of this Diocese] of , and
representing the Clergy and People of the same, do
hereby induct, install, and enthrone you the Right
Reverend , into the real, actual, and cor-
poral possession of the Bishopric [and Cathedral
Church] of , and do place you in the Episcopal
Chair, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost; promising for ourselves and the
Diocese all honour and obedience to your person and
office as to our Father in God. The Lord preserve thy
going out and thy coming in, henceforth and for ever-
more. Amen.
142 A BOOK OF OFFICES
The Te Deum shall then he sung.
After a Hymn the Bishop shall proceed with the Com-
munion Service.
The Collect:
Almighty God, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst
give to Thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and
didst charge them to feed Thy flock; Give grace, we
beseech Thee, to all Bishops, the Pastors of Thy
Church, that they may diligently preach Thy Word,
and duly administer the godly Discipline thereof; and
grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the
same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting
glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Hebrews iv. 14 to v. 7.
The Gospel. St. John xv. 9 to 17.
The following Collect shall he used hefore the Blessing:
O Lord our God, who dost shed the abundance of
Thy grace upon those whom Thou dost appoint to serve
Thee in the sacred ministry of Thy Church, keep Thy
s rvant whom Thou hast called to the office of a Bishop,
that I may ever hold the faith with a pure conscience
and with all virtue. Give me strength to administer
this high office according to Thy good pleasure. By the
power of Thy Holy Spirit fill me with love and zeal,
and sanctify me wholly, that I may be well pleasing
unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
It is desirahle that, if possihle, the Bishop should meet
the Clergy and People in some huilding adjacent
to the Cathedral after the Service, or at some later
hour in the day.
XXXI.
LITANIES
I.
A LITANY FOR THE CHURCH AND ITS EXTENSION.
O God the Father Almighty, have mercy upon us.
God the Father Almighty, have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy
upon us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy
upon us.
,0 God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful,
have mercy upon us.
God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful,
have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons
and one God, have mercy upon us.
holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons
and one God, have mercy upon us.
Kemember not. Lord, our offences, nor the offences
of our forefathers ; neither take Thou vengeance of our
sins: spare us, good Lord, spare Thy people, whom
Thou hast redeemed with Thy most precious blood, and
be not angry with us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.
From the guile and malice of the devil.
Good Lord, deliver us.
From the vanity of worldly pleasure, and the anxie-
ties of worldly business ;
From the carnal mind, from selfishness and self-
will, from hardness and coldness of hear^ and from
want of zeal in Thy service;
144 A BOOK OF OFFICES
From alothfulness, from dulness in faith, and from
distrust of Thy power ;
By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation;
By Thy Cross and Passion;
By Thy precious Death and Burial;
By Thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension;
By Thy Intercession at the rigiit hand of God;
By the gift of the Holy Ghost ;
By Thy desire for the Sanctification of the Church;
That it may please Thee, O Lord, to revive Thy
work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the
years to make known ; in wrath to remember mercy ;
We leseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please Thee to perfect Thy Church in
faith and godly discipline, and to grant that she may
be throughly furnished unto all good works;
That it may please Thee, to give all Bishops, Priests,
and Deacons, the spirit of faithfulness, devotion, and
love; and to make them examples to Thy flock in all
holy conversation and godliness ;
That Thou wouldest especially bless, protect, com-
fort, and strengthen Thy Bishops and Clergy in for-
eign lands;
That it may please Thee to send forth labourers into
Thine harvest;
That it may please Thee to fit and prepare all mis-
sionaries for their ministry, bestowing upon them Thy
manifold gifts of grace and making them true workers
of righteousness and helpers of mankind;
That it may please Thee to move Thy people freely
to give of their substance for the increase of Thy king-
dom and salvation of all men ;
That it may please Thee to bless all in every place
who are engaged in the extension of Thy kingdom;
A BOOK OF OFFICES 145
That it may please Thee to prosper and extend Thy
holy Church;
That it may please Thee to call many to the work of
missions, and to bless all who are obedient to Thy call;
That it may please Thee to have mercy upon the
, and upon all that have not known Thy Name;
That it may please Thee to send them the light of
Thy truth, and to give them grace to receive Thy
Word;
That it may please Thee to bring to nought the
powers of ignorance and error by which souls are held
in bondage;
That it may please Thee to encourage and sustain
the converts to the faith in every land, making them
strong to endure enmity and patient under reproach;
That it may please Thee to extend the means of
grace to all in our own land and in our other posses-
sions who have them not;
That it may please Thee to bring all who profess
and call themselves Christians to serve Thee in the
unity of Thy Church, that the world may believe in
Thee;
That it may please Thee to cast out of Thy Church
all error and worldliness, and to strengthen her with
faith and purity;
That it may please Thee to make all nations to be
at peace one with another ;
That it may please Thee to pardon our sins, whereby
we have hindered the progress of Thy kingdom;
That it may please Thee to perfect Thy Church in
Thy fear and love, that all her members may attain to
the fruition of Thy glory;
Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the
world ;
Have mercy upon us.
146 A BOOK OF OFFICES
O Lamb of God, who taJiest away the sins of the
world ;
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the
world ;
Grant us Thy Peace.
O Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon u^.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 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
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Let us pray.
O Lord our Saviour, who hast taught us that Thou
wilt require much of those to whom much is given;
Grant that we and all those to whom Thou hast en-
trusted earthly treasure, may use it to Thy glory; and
that, being mindful of our stewardship to Thee, we may
dispense our gifts to help and not to hurt; that so,
making friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, we
may be enabled to set forward the coming of Thy King-
dom, and at last, with all Thine elect people, be re-
ceived into Thy heavenly habitations, tiirough Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 147
Grant, Lord, that we whose lot Thou hast cast in
a goodly heritage, may strive together the more abun-
dantly, by prayer, by giving, and by work, to extend
to others what we enjoy; and as we have entered into
the labours of other men, so to labour that other men
may in turn enter into ours, to the edifying of Thy
Kingdom and the glory of Thy Holy Name; who art
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us
all evermore. Amen.
Other prayers may he used here. See pages 155 to 158
of this hook.
A LITANY OF GENERAL INTERCESSION
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, have
mercy upon us.
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, have
mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Eedeemer of mankind, have mercy
upon us.
God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, have mercy
upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful,
have mercy upon us.
God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful,
have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, have mercy
upon us.
148 A BOOK OF OFFICES
holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, have mercy
upon us.
From all evil and wickedness.
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all want of Thy holy fear, from neglect of
Thy commandments, and from forgetfulness of Thy
continual presence.
From the worship of any creature by superstition,
covetousness, or undue affection.
From foolish thoughts of Thee, and vain imagina-
tion.
From timidity in confessing Thee before men ; from
irreverence in thought, word, or deed; from profaning
Thy holy Name ; and from levity in sacred things.
From forgetfulness of our dedication to Thee in
baptism.
From the neglect of times set apart for Thine espe-
cial worship; and from seeking our own gratification
on Thy holy day to the hurt of the soul.
From forgetfulness of Thy presence in the assembly
of Thy people; from irregular attendance and wander-
ing thoughts; and from want of reverence towards Thy
holy Word,
From neglect of the Sacraments and ordinances
which are administered in Thy Name,
From neglect of honouring Thee with our substance,
and with the first-fruits of all our increase,
From the love of self; from boasting, pride, and
blasphemy; and from forgetfulness of our entire de-
pendence upon Thee,
From want of reverence to parents and others who
have lawful authority over us.
From pride of station; from discontent with those
set over us; from all discourtesy in word or action;
and from despising Thy goodness in any of Thy people.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 149
From malice and hatred; from party-spirit and vin-
dictiveness; from fierceness of temper, irritability, and
sullenness,
From any habit that is inconsistent with our do-
mestic duty and natural affection and from words and
actions which may injure others.
From all impurity, whether in thought, word, or
deed.
From luxurious living; from the undue indulgence
of appetite; from all undue gratification of the flesh;
and from vanity of dress and bodily display.
From untruth, injustice, and unfaithfulness in
promises and contracts; and from false pretences,
fraud, and theft.
From scornfulness and disparagement; from exag-
geration and slander; from deceit, hypocrisy, and all
untruthfulness.
From idleness and discontent; from envy and covet-
ousness; and from the desire of anything that is con-
trary to Thy will.
Help us, God our Saviour, and grant us, O Lord,
that we may lead godly and peaceable lives in this
present world.
Grant us, Lord,
The graces of humility, poverty of spirit, meekness,
long-suffering, and obedience to those set over us.
Quiet and thankful minds, contentment with our
lot, and true peace and joy in the Holy Ghost,
Temperance and modesty; sobriety and chastity; a
humble opinion of ourselves and of the things of this
world; and honesty and compassion towards others.
Diligence and watchfulness ; hunger and thirst after
righteousness ; zeal and fervour of spirit in Thy cause ;
and Christian fortitude and patience unto the end.
We beseech Thee to hear us, Lord; and that we
150 A BOOK OF OFFICES
may have grace to love Thee with all our heart, and
witii all our soul, and with all our strength ;
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
That we may sincerely love our neighbours as our-
That whatsoever we do in word or deed, we may do
all to Thy glory, and not receive Thy grace in vain;
That looking up to Jesus, who suffered for us, we
be not weary nor faint in our minds ;
That considering His example, and the conversation
of His saints, we may imitate their faith and patience;
That as the baptized soldiers and servants of Christ,
we entangle not ourselves unduly in the affairs of this
life, but having food and raiment be therewith content;
That forbearing one another in love, we may keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ;
That bearing one another's burdens, we may fulfil
the law of Christ;
That being strengthened in all virtue through the
power of Thy grace, we may give Thee thanks for all
things;
That waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, we may be found in Him pure and without spot,
and may receive the end of our faith, even the salva-
tion of our souls ;
Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us.
Son of God, we heseech Thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the
world ;
Increase our faith.
O Lamb of God, that art in the midst of the throne;
Confirm our hope.
Lamb of God, Bridegroom of the Church;
Kindle our charity.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 151
Lamb of God, that takeat away the sins of the
world ;
Have mercy upon us.
O Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon v^.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 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 those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Let us pray.
O Lord, raise up, we pray Thee, Thy power, and
come among us, and with great might succour us; that
whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore
let and hindered in running the race that is set before
us. Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help
and deliver us; through the satisfaction of Thy Son
our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be
honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Other special prayers may he added. See page 155
and onward.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us
all evermore. Amen.
152 A BOOK OF OFFICES
ni.
A LITANY FOR A SICK PERSON
O God the Father, have mercy upon Thy servant,
keep and deliver him.
God the Father^ have mercy upon Thy servant,
keep and deliver him.*
O God the Son, have mercy upon him, save and de-
liver him.
God the Son, have mercy upon him, save and de-
liver him.
O God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon him,
stren^hen and comfort him.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon him,
strengthen and comfort him.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, have mercy
upon him.
holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, have mercy
upon him.
From all evil;
Good Lord, deliver him.
From his sins;
From unholy thoughts;
From pain and anguish;
From the snare of the devil;
From the power of evil spirits ;
From all tribulation at this time;
From everlasting damnation;
By Thy Holy Incarnation ;
By Thy Suffering Life on earth ;
By Thine unknown Sufferings;
By Thine Agony and Bloody Sweat;
By Thy strong Crying and Tears;
* If the sick person "be ahle to join in this Litany, let him
iubstitute the word me for him.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 153
By Thy bitter Cross and Passion;
By Thy precious Death and Burial ;
By Thy mighty Eesurrection ;
By Thy glorious Ascension;
By Thine effectual Intercession and Mediation;
By the graces and comforts of the Holy Ghost;
For the glory of Thy Name; for Thy loving mercy
and for Thy truth's sake;
In the time of his extremity; in tlie hour of his de-
parture, and in the day of judgment;
We sinners do beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord
God; and that it may please Thee to be his defender
and keeper, and to remember him with the favour Thou
bearest unto Thy people, and to visit him with Thy
salvation ;
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please Thee to save and deliver his
soul from the power of the enemy;
That it may please Thee to give him a humbled
and contrite heart;
That it may please Thee to give him perfect faith,
hope, and love;
That Thou wouldest take away from him all mur-
muring and impatience;
That it may please Thee mercifully to raise him up
from the bed of sickness ;
That it may please Thee to restore him in health
and safety to Thy Holy Church ;
That it may please Thee to give him pardon of all
sins;
That it may please Thee to give him Thy grace;
That it may please Thee to grant unto him when
Thou shall call him hence, rest and peace, and a part
in the blessed resurrection unto life and glory;
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord,
154 A BOOK OF OFFICES
That it may please Thee to vouchsafe unto him at
the last estate of joy and immortality, with all Thy
blessed saints in Thy heavenly kingdom.
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.
Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the
world,
Have mercy upon Thy servant.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world.
Have mercy upon him.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the
Father,
Grant him Thy peace.
Lord, have mercy upon him.
Christ, have mercy upon him.
Lord, have mercy upon him.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 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 those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Then may he added such Collects and Prayers as the
Minister shall think fit. See pages 177-181 of this
booh.
IV.
A LITANY FOR THE DYING
See page 108.
XXXII.
VARIOUS PRAYERS
For the Purification of the Church From Error.
O Eternal God and merciful Father, we humbly
pray for Thy holy Church throughout the world, that
it being purged from false philosophy and vain deceit,
we may live and act as befits the members of the mys-
tical Body of Thy Son, and in the end be found ac-
ceptable unto Thee; through the same Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
An Intercession for the Church.
We beseech Thee, Lord, let the strong crying of
Thy Church ever be acceptable unto Thee; that re-
ceiving forgiveness of sins, it may become devout by
the working of Thy grace, and tranquil under the pro-
tection of Thy power; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For the Reunion of Christendom.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apos-
tles, Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you ;
Regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and
grant her that peace and unity which is agreeable to
Thy will; who livest and reignest with the Father and
the Holy Ghost one God, world without end. Amen.
For Bishops.
O God, who rulest over Thy people with fatherly
love, give the spirit of wisdom to all who have received
156 A BOOK OF OFFICES
from Thee the authority of government, that the wel-
fare of Thy flock may turn to the everlasting joy of
their pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
For the Bishop of the Diocese.
God, the Pastor and Ruler of Thy faithful ser-
vants, look down in mercy on Thy servant, .... our
bishop. Do Thou evermore guide, defend, comfort,
sanctify, and save him, and grant him by Thy grace so
to advance in word and good example, that he may,
with the flock committed to him, attain to everlasting
life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the Vacancy of a See (or Parish).
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all
things in heaven and earth ; Grant, we beseech thee, of
Thy loving-kindness, to this Thy flock a Bishop (or
Pastor) who shall by holiness of life, wisdom in ruling,
and faithfulness in teaching, be well-pleasing unto
Thee, and by watchfulness and zeal promote Thy glory
and the salvation of souls; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
For the Diocese.
We implore Thy blessing on all the parishes and
missions of this diocese. Grant to them all things
needful for their spiritual welfare. Strengthen and
confirm the faithful; visit and relieve the sick; turn
and soften the wicked ; arouse the careless ; recover the
fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to
the advancement of Thy truth; and bring all to be of
one heart and mind within the fold of Thy holy Church,
to the honour and glory of Thy Name; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and
the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 157
For the Clergy.
O Christ, whose Priesthood never passeth away, let
Thy power come to the aid of Thy servants, tlie Clergy
of this Diocese (Parish), that they may carefully and
excellently discharge their ministry according to Thy
pleasure; and as they have received their talents to be
profitably employed, as the Spirit giveth ability, they
may at last lay them on Thy altar with abundant gain,
that they may become worthy to hear that voice full
of hope, "Enter into the joy that has no end." W-^v
they go on, O Lord, from strength to strength; liii
them up while they worship Thee; perfect Thy gifts in
them, and crown their heads with a diadem, and in
their hearts, as in an ark, may Thy grace be stored up ;
grant them Thine abundant heln, and fill their Inbours
with power, that all mav be to Thv glory, who with the
Father and the Holy Ghost art God for ever and ever.
Amen.
O God, whose ways are all mercy and truth, carry
on Thy gracious work, and bestow, by Thy benefits,
what human frailty cannot attain; that they who at-
tend upon the heavenly Mysteries may be grounded in
perfect faith, and shine forth conspicuous by the purity
of their souls; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Their Success in the Edification of the Faithful.
Grant, O Lord, that they who minister in Thy Name
in this Diocese (or Parish) may be enabled so to dis-
pense tlie mysteries of Thy grace and truth, that many
by their ministrations may be built up in our most holy
faith, and perfected in the energies of a loving obedi-
ence; through Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
158 A BOOK OF OFFICES
For Their Success Against the Powers of Evil.
O Lord God of Hosts, fill, we beseecli Thee, all those
whom Thou hast set as pastors over Thy sheep, with
righteousness and true holiness, that by their faith and
piety they may overcome the wicked one, and save the
Lord's flock from the danger of his assaults; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Those Who Have Ministered to us in Spiritual
Things.
Almighty God, who art the Giver of all good things ;
We praise Thee for Thy blessing vouchsafed to us by
the hands of Thy servants (....). Perfect Thy work
in their hearts according to the fullness of Thy love,
and grant that we, keeping the grace which we have
received through their instrumentality, may give them
cause to rejoice with us in its growth ; and that, by the
manifold fruit of their ministrations, the thanksgivings
of many may abound for them in the day of reward;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
For the Increase of the Clergy.
Almighty God, look mercifully upon the world,
redeemed by the blood of Thy dear Son, and send forth
many more to do the work of the ministry, that perish-
ing souls may be rescued, and Thy glorious triumph
may be hastened by the perfecting of Thine elect;
through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For a Parish.
Almighty and Everlasting God, who dost govern all
things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the sup-
plications of us Thy servants, and grant unto this
A BOOK OF OFFICES 159
Parish all things that are needful for its spiritual wel-
fare: schools wherein to bring up the young in Thy
faith and fear; ministers to labour in this portion of
Thy vineyard; a church perfected according to the
beauty of holiness; strengthen and increase the faith-
ful, visit and relieve the sick, turn and soften the
wicked, arouse the careless, recover the fallen, restore
the penitent, remove all hindrances to the advancement
of Thy truth, and bring all to be of one heart and mind
within the fold of Thy Holy Church, to the honour and
praise of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For a Church School.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to prosper with Thy blessing
the work of this school, and all other works undertaken
in Thy fear and for Thy glory. Grant that all who
serve Thee here, whether as teachers or learners, may
set Thy will ever before them, and do such things as
are pleasing in Thy sight ; that so both the Church and
the State of this land may be bettered by their studies,
and they themselves may attain to everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For a College or University.
Almighty God, who hast created man in Thine own
image and made him a living soul that he may seek
after Thee and have dominion over Thy creatures ; Send
Thy blessing on this University. Grant to the Presi-
dent and all in authority, love, grace, and wisdom to
rule justly. Give to those who teach, knowledge and
skill; and to those who learn, a willing and childlike
spirit. Give to all, both teachers and learners, the
guidance of Thy Holy Spirit, that whether they study
the works of Thy hands, or learn to subdue the earth
160 A BOOK OF OFFICES
for the use of man, or train the reason for Thy ser-
vice, they may seek Thy glory in all things, and fol-
lowing Thy will in a humble and teachable spirit, may
be delivered in all temptations that meet them in their
life and through their work, and at last attain to their
perfection in Thy likeness; through Thy Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a Church Hall,, or Dormitory.
We commend this Hall and all those who shall live
therein to God's most holy keeping, praying that it
may be a place wherein He may ever dwell in the
hearts of His children; that they may be preserved in
all temptations and dangers, live in love one with an-
other, work faithfully according to His will, and set
forth His glory in all tilings; through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
FOR SOCIETIES WITHIX THE CHURCH.
The Wo7nan's Auxiliary.
O Lord, without whom our labour is but lost, and
with whom Thy little ones go forth as the mighty; We
humbly beseech Thee to prosper all works in Thy
Church undertaken according to Thy holy will, espe-
cially the work of the Woman's Auxiliary, and grant
to Thy labourers a pure intention, patient faith, suffi-
cient success upon earth, and the blessedness of serving
Thee in heaven ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Girls' Friendly Society.
Lord, our Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee to
bless us, and all who belong to the Girls' Friendly
Society. May its members be sheltered and protected
A BOOK OF OFFICES 161
evermore by Thy fatherly love; and to its Associates
vouchsafe the help and guidance of Thy Holy Spirit.
Help us all to bear one another's burdens, to live not
for ourselves, but for others as members of one family
in Christ. Wash us from our sins in His precious blood,
make us holy by the indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit,
and bring us all at last to the joy of Thy Heavenly
Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew.
O Almighty and Eternal God, we humbly pray Thee
to vouchsafe Thy blessing to the Brotherhood of St.
Andrew, that all its members, being inspired with lively
faith and love, may earnestly strive to promote the
honour due to Thy dear Son and the gathering of wan-
derers into the fold. Give us grace to fulfil in our lives
what we profess with our lips. Deliver us, God, from
false doctrine and slackness of living, and grant that,
persevering unto the end, we may obtain everlasting
life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Church Temperance Society.
Almighty God, who didst make man in Thine own
Image, and afterwards didst sanctify our human na-
ture by the Incarnation of Thy Son; Give us grace to
resist all those sinful lusts whereby that which Thou
hast made and sanctified may be defiled.
Send Thy blessing in particular, we pray Thee,
upon the Church Temperance Society, that by its
means many may be brought back from the ways of
sin, and that all its members, living in mutual help
and sympathy, may grow in holiness both of soul and
body, until they come to Thy perfect likeness, through
the mediation of Thy Sou Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
162 A BOOK OF OFFICES
An Altar Guild.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst accept the ministry
of faithful women during Thy earthly life; We pray
Thee to accept and bless the work which this Altar
Guild undertakes in the care of Thy sanctuary. Grant
us a spirit of reverence for Thy House and worship.
Thy Word and Sacraments, and preserve in purity and
holiness our own souls and bodies as living Temples of
Thy presence; to whom with the Father and the Holy
Spirit be all praise and honour, now and forever. Amen.
For a Blessing on Social Intercourse.
O God, who makest manifest to us in Thy servants
the signs of Thine own Presence; Send forth upon us
the Spirit of love; that by the coming together of our
brethren and fellow-servants. Thy bountiful grace may
be increased in ourselves; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE CHURCH.
For the World Around.
O Good Shepherd of the sheep, look mercifully
upon those who have none to watch over them in Thy
Name. Prepare them to receive Thy truth, and send
them pastors after Thine own heart. Eeplenish with
Thine abundant grace those whom Thou dost send,
and waken tlie pity of Thy people for all these
strangers to Thy covenant, so that, by their cheerful
contribution and the cooperation of Thy Holy Spirit,
multitudes may be added to the Church and become
partakers of the salvation which Thou hast promised,
O Lord and lover of souls. Amen.
A BOOK OF OFFICES 163
For Members of the Church Who Are Removed From
the Ordinances of Grace,
O Lord, make Thy sanctifying Presence continually
manifest to those who are without any to minister in
Thy Name (especially ). Teach them so meekly
to use their afflictions, whether of mind or body, as a
means of grace uniting them to the Passion of Thy
dear Son, that their faith and patience being perfected
by inward communion with Him, they may in the
end obtain Thy promises along with Thy redeemed;
through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen,
For the Missions of the Church.
O God, our heavenly Father, who didst manifest
Thy love by sending Thine only begotten Son into the
world that all may live through Him : Pour Thy Spirit
upon Thy Church, that it may fulfil His command to
preach the Gospel to every creature; send forth, we be-
seech Thee, labourers into Thy harvest ; defend them in
all dangers and temptations, and hasten the time when
the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and
all Israel shall be saved; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
For the Prosperity of Missions.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst charge Thine Apos-
tles that they should preach the Gospel to every nation ;
Make us to show our gratitude for Thy benefits by
earnestness in fulfilling Thy command. Prosper all
missions, both at home and abroad, with an increase
of sanctity, that they may win many to the acknowl-
edgement of Thy truth (especially those in ),
and give them all things needful for their work, mak-
164 A BOOK OF OFFICES
ing them to be centres of spiritual life, to the quicken-
ing of many souls, and the glory of Thy Holy Name,
our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
[Also page 38 in the Prayer Book.]
For Their Increase in Number,
Lord Jesus Christ, cause the witness of Thy truth
to be set forth by the establishment of mission works
in other places also (especially ), that our fel-
low-countrymen who have gone astray may be brought
back to the faith, and that those who know Thee not
may be partakers of Thy grace, who livest and reignest
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
For Those in Foreign Lands.
O God of all nations of the earth, remember the
multitude of Thy people who though created in Thine
image, are perishing in their ignorance ; and according
to the propitiation of Thy Son Jesus Christ, grant that
by the prayers and labours of Thy holy Church, they
may be delivered from all superstition and unbelief,
and brought to worship Thee; through Him whom
Thou hast sent to be our salvation, the Resurrection
and the Life of all the faithful, the same Thy Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Jews.
Everlasting Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob ; We beseech Thee to look upon Thine
appointed people Israel, scattered abroad throughout
the world, and to visit them with Thy salvation. Take
away from them all ignorance and prejudice; bring
A BOOK OF OFFICES 165
them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Messiah
and the Saviour of us all; and so fetch them home,
Blessed Lord, to Thy 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.
Amen.
O Jesus Christ, Son of David, King of Israel, who
hast in all ages an elect remnant amongst Thine
ancient people, and who art ever hastening the time
when all Israel shall be saved; We beseech Thee by
Thy good Spirit to make us share Thy tender compas-
sion for them, to show us what Thou wouldest have us
attempt for their salvation, and to enable us earnestly
to accomplish the same, to Thy glory, and the estab-
lishment of Thy kingdom for ever and ever. Amen.
For the Unhaptized.
Have mercy. Thou God and Father of all, upon
those who have not been admitted within Thy cov-
enant of grace. Draw them by Thy love, that they
may seek the Water of Life. Give them boldness, that
they may not be kept from Thee by any fear of man,
or prejudice of the natural heart, but, yielding them-
selves up to Thy command, may escape the corruption
which is in the world through sin, and be admitted
to the participation of Thy Divine Nature; through
Jesus Christ our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
For Those Who Are Inquiring After the Truth,
O Lord Jesus Christ, who dost give power to such
as will receive Thee, that they may become the sons
of God; Draw unto Thyself all those who are desirous
to come to Thy light; make the way plain for them.
166 A BOOK OF OFFICES
that they may no longer be entangled by any worldly
cares, so as to be kept out of the way of salvation.
Enable them to realize the privileges of Thy Holy
Church, and the blessedness of our adoption into the
fellowship of Thy Holy Spirit. Deliver them from all
false and unworthy conceptions of Thy service; and
grant that they may give themselves to bring others
with them to serve Thee in spirit and in truth, who
livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy
Ghost, one God, now and ever. Amen,
For Missionaries.
O Most merciful Saviour and Redeemer, who
wouldest not that any should perish, but that all men
should be saved and come to the knowledge of the
truth; Fulfil Thy gracious promise to be present with
those who are gone forth in Thy Name to preach the
Gospel of salvation (in distant lands). Be with them
in all perils by land or by water, in sickness and dis-
tress, in weariness and painfulness, in disappointment
and persecution. Bless them, we beseech Thee, with
Thy continual favour, and send Thy Holy Spirit to
guide them into all truth. Lord, let Thy ministers
be clothed with righteousness, and grant that Thy
Word, spoken by their mouths, may never be spoken
in vain. Endue them with power from on high, and so
prosper Thy work in their hands that the fullness of
the Gentiles may be gathered in, and all Israel be
saved. Hear us, O Lord, for Thy mercy's sake, who
livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.
For Missionaries Journeying.
O God, who didst bring Abraham Thy servant out
of Ur of the Chaldees, and didst preserve him unhurt
A BOOK OF OFFICES 167
through all his pilgrimage; We beseech Thee, that
Thou wouldest vouchsafe to keep these Thy servants:
be unto them, O Lord, a Support in setting out, a
Solace by the way, a Shadow in the heat, a Covering
in the cold, a Shelter from the storm. Rest in weari-
ness, their Guardian in adversity, their Staff in slip-
pery places, and a Haven in shipwreck, that Thou
being their Ruler and Guide, they may in safety reach
their journey's end.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to these
Thy servants a way of safety, that they following the
doctrine of the blessed forerunner St. John, may, with-
out let or hindrance, attain to Him whom he foretold.
Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reign-
eth with Thee and the Holy Ghost for ever and ever.
Amen,
A Mid-Day Prayer.
Blessed Saviour, who at this hour didst hang upon
the Cross, stretching forth Thy loving arms ; Grant that
all mankind may look unto Thee and be saved, through
Thy mercies and merits who livest and reignest with
the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world
without end. Amen.
For all who are in Sin or Error.
Almighty Lord our God, direct our steps into the
way of peace, and strengthen our hearts to obey Thy
commands; may the Day-spring visit us from on high,
and give light to those who sit in darkness and the
shadow of death; that they may adore Thee for Thy
mercy, follow Thee for Thy truth, desire Thee for Thy
sweetness, who art the blessed Lord God of Israel.
Grant this, O Father, for Thy Son Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
168 A BOOK OF OFFICES
Almighty God, we beseech Thee to hear our prayers
for all such as sin against Thee or neglect to serve
Thee [especially ], that Thou wouldest vouch-
safe to bestow upon them true repentance and earnest
longing for Thy service; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen,
We intreat Thee, Lord, holy Father, everlasting
God, grant that the way of Thy truth and of the knowl-
edge of Thee may be shown to Thy servants who wan-
der in doubt and uncertainty amid the darkness of this
world; that their eyes may be opened, and that they
may acknowledge Thee the One God, Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit, and enjoy the fruit of this confession,
both here and in the world to come; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Perseverance of the Faithful,
Vouchsafe we beseech Thee, Lord, to strengthen
and confirm all Thy faithful people [especially ],
and to lift them up more and more to high and heav-
enly desires, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,
For any hetween whom there is Jealousy.
O Lord Jesus Christ, grant that those who are
tempted to estrangement one from another, by con-
sideration and private interest or party feeling [espe-
cially ], may so devoutly cherish the unity of
the Spirit wherewith they are called, that, losing the
consciousness of self in the adoration of Thy glorious
Majesty, they fail not of their portion in the Com-
munion of Saints when Thy Kingdom shall be re-
vealed. Amen.
For Charity amongst Christians,
Lord Jesus Christ, who hast commanded us to
love one another; Put an end to the unhappy divisions
A BOOK OF OFFICES 169
of those who are called by Thy name. Come quickly
and bind us together in the full revelation of Thy love,
and let the desire for Thine appearing unite us even
now while we wait for Thee. Teach us to realize that
the ordinances of Thy grace bind us to each other as
well as unto Thee; and let us not so misuse the means
of our salvation as to foster a spirit of division by
what should be the channels of Thy love. Enable us
to love one another in Thee and for Thee, until all
our imperfections are done away, and we shall shine
forth in Thy light, and rejoice in the manifestations
of Thy love. In Thy Love let us triumph over all
difference of condition, all the estrangements of race,
all the prejudices of education, all the pride of self-
will. In Thy love let us be humble; in Thy love let
us be one; that in Thy love we may be exalted, and in
Thy love we may be Thine for ever. Amen.
For a Parochial Mission.
O Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the
sheep, who seekest those that are gone astray, bindest
up those that are broken, and healest those that are
sick ; Bless, we beseech Thee, the effort now being made
to convert souls unto Thee. Open the deaf ears of the
wanderers, that they may hear the words which belong
unto their salvation; and grant that those whom Thou
dost raise to newness of life, may through Thy grace
persevere unto the end : of Thy mercy, O our God, who
art blessed, and livest with the Father and the Holy
Ghost, one God world without end. Amen.
For a Retreat or Quiet Day.
Lord Jesus Christ, who didst say unto Thy Disci-
ples, Come ye apart into a desert place and rest a
while; Grant we beseech Thee to Thy servants now
170 A BOOK OF OFFICES
gathered together, so to seek Thee whom our souls
desire to love, that we may both find Thee and be found
of Thee. Grant such love and such wisdom to accom-
pany the words which shall be spoken in Thy name,
that they may not fall to the ground, but may be helpful
in leading us onward through the toils of our pilgrim-
age to that rest which remaineth, where, nevertheless,
they rest not day nor night from Thy perfect service;
who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
FOR OUR COUNTRY AND PEOPLE.
For the Fourth of July or any Day of National or
State Observance.
O Almighty God, who givest breath to every living
thing, and of whose power it is that peoples, nations,
and kindreds of men stretch forth the curtains of
their habitations ; We give Thee hearty thanks for that
spirit of brave adventure to which this nation owes its
birth. We rejoice in the insuperable courage of those
who, loving liberty and knowledge, have pushed away
the veil of mountains and of seas, and have sought
light and freedom for themselves and their children;
and we pray that Thou wilt give to us the same spirit,
and make us a people worthy of these heroic ideals
and traditions. Grant us grace ever to witness for
Thee among the nations. And hasten the time, we
pray Thee, when all the peoples of the earth shall
dwell together in righteousness and peace, and war
shall be no more. All which we ask in the Name of
Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
O Lord our Saviour, who hast warned us that Thou
wilt require much of those to whom much is given;
A BOOK OF OFFICES 171
Grant that we whose lot Thou hast cast in so goodly
an heritage may strive together the more abundantly
by prayer, by fasting, by almsgiving, and by every
other appointed means, to extend to others what we so
richly enjoy; and as we have entered into the labours
of other men, so to labour that in their turn other men
may enter into ours, to the fulfilling of Thy Holy will
and our own everlasting salvation; who livest and
reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
For National and State Elections.
Almighty God, who dost hold us to account for the
use of all our powers and privileges; Guide, we pray
Thee, the people of these United States in the election
of their governors and representatives, that by wise
legislation and faithful administration the rights of all
may be protected, and our nation be enabled to fulfil
Thy purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For all in Civil Authority.
O Heavenly Father, we bend the knee before Thee
on behalf of all kings, princes, and governors of this
world, especially those who hold authority in our own
land, beseeching Thee to grant unto them by Thy in-
spiration to rule in right-eousness, to rejoice in peace,
to shine in piety, and to labour for the well-being of
the people committed unto them, so that by the recti-
tude of their government all faithful people may live
without disturbance in the knowledge of Thee, and
labour without hindrance for Thy glory ; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the State Legislature.
O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is the
law of happiness for peoples as for persons ; We beg Thy
172 A BOOK OF OFFICES
guidance and blessing for the Legislative Assembly of
our State; grant that truth and justice may rule in
the deliberations of our senators and representatives,
and that their decisions may promote Thy glory and
our true welfare; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our
Lord. Amen.
[Also pages 13 and 37 in the Prayer Book.]
At the Raising of a Flag.
Almighty God, who in days of old didst lead forth
Thy people arrayed under the standards of their tribes
to march into a land of liberty which Thou appointedst
for them, and to overcome all their enemies ; Look upon
us who are also Thy people; behold and bless that
which we do this day. Grant that this flag which we
are about to raise in Thy Name may be to us a con-
stant reminder of the loyalty to which we are called, in
the service of our country and in the fulfilment of our
duty to Thee.
Enable us so to live that the honour and purity of
our flag shall never by us be sullied with dishonour,
shame, or crime. Where it waves, there let justice,
truth, and purity prevail.
Preserve this Thy people who live under the stand-
ard of these United States from all discord and divi-
sion, from all selfishness and covetous desires, and fill
them with a true sense of the honourable position of
duty to Thee, their fellow-men, and the other nations
of the earth, which Thou hast called us to fill. As we
follow this flag going before us, may it never lead in
any way that is contrary to Thy will, but rather, as
we follow on, let us fulfil every purpose which Thou
hast for us; that walking in a straight path, and in
brotherly love before Thee, we may one by one, and as
a nation, be protected in our own lives and in National
A BOOK OF OFFICES 173
integrity and honour, and finally be found as those who
have fought a good fight and, having finished an ap-
pointed course, shall receive their reward in the pres-
ence of Thee their Eternal Lord and King. Grant
this, O Father of all, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen,
For the Army and Navy.
O most powerful and glorious Lord God, the Lord
of hosts, that rulest and commandest all things;
Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to bless the officers and
men of our army and navy. Grant that in the midst
of the dangers and temptations which beset them, they
may fight manfully against the world, the flesh, and
the devil; and resisting all evil by the mighty power of
Thy Spirit, may acquire true courage in the hour of
danger and in the day of battle. Prosper them in the
maintenance of our country's honour; keep them safe
from enemies, spiritual and temporal; that they may
glorify Thee upon the earth, until they are called to
rest in the triumph of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
During a War.
Almighty God, who art everjrwhere present, we com-
mend to Thy fatherly care our soldiers and sailors ab-
sent from their homes on the service of their country.
Protect them from all evil; give them courage and
obedience in danger, and mercy in victory. Prosper
their arms to the establishment of justice, peace, and
truth among all nations; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen,
Lord, we pray Thee to have mercy upon all who
are this day wounded and suffering. Let Thy grace be
174 A BOOK OF OFFICES
their comfort, though kindred and friends be far away.
Raise them to health again, if it be Thy good pleasure ;
but chiefly give them such patience and faith in Thee,
that they, being delivered from the assaults of their
spiritual enemies, may rest in peace and rise to par-
take of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen,
For Mechanics and Artisans.
O God, we pray Thee to have mercy upon all art-
isans, and grant that the intelligence which they em-
ploy on earthly objects for the benefit of society may
be enlightened by Thy Holy Spirit to a clear percep-
tion of the things of heaven, guiding them, amidst all
their industry, to work out their own salvation with
reverence and godly fear; through Thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Agricultural Labourers.
Have mercy, O Lord, upon all those who labour in
the cultivation of the earth, and grant that by the
power of Thy grace, their own souls may be made fruit-
ful unto all good works; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
For Miners.
Almighty God, to whom darkness and light are
both alike; Look upon all Thy sons who labour under
the earth ; keep them mindful of Thy Presence and pro-
tect them in their labour; let no evil come near them;
save them from all accident and suffering; and grant
that they may serve Thee so faithfully in this life, and
in the darkness of their labour, that they may at last
A BOOK OF OFFICES 175
attain to the brightness of Thy glory; through Him
who gave Himself to labour and suffer for them, Thy
Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those who are ohliged to worJc on the Lord's Day.
O Lord, have mercy upon all those who are required
to continue in their work upon Thy holy day. Draw
their thoughts to Thyself, and make them partakers
of the benefits of the prayers and intercessions of Thy
holy Church. And grant to their employers grace to
consider the needs of those whom Thou hast made in
Thine image ; that they who toil may fail not finally to
attain to that rest which remaineth for the people of
God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Travelers.
O God, of infinite mercy and boundless majesty,
whom no distance of place nor length of time can part
from those for whom Thou carest; Be present to Thy
servants who everywhere confide in Thee; and through
all the way in which they are to go, be pleased to be
their Guide and their Companion. May no accident or
adversity harm them, no difficulty oppose them; may
all things turn out happily and prosperously for them;
that by the aid of Thy right hand, whatsoever they
have asked for with a reasonable desire, they may
speedily find brought to good effect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who didst cause the children of Israel to
go on dry land through the midst of the sea, and who,
by the leading of a star, didst open to the Wise Men
a way unto Thyself; Grant to Thy servants, we be-
seech Thee, a prosperous journey and a quiet time;
176 A BOOK OF OFFICES
that, with the Angel of Thy Presence as their guide,
they may happily reach the place whither they would
go, and finally attain to the haven of eternal salvation;
Qirough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those who are absent from their homes.
O God, have mercy upon all those removed from
their natural home [especially ]. Cause them
always to remember Thy fatherly love protecting them,
and Thine all-seeing eye taking account of them; that
they, in every place realizing that Thou art near,
may be watchful to do that which is well-pleasing in
Thy sight; and if it be Thy good pleasure to grant
them a happy return to those they love on earth, make
them to find therein such a foretaste of the reunion
which shall be hereafter, that when the time of this our
exile shall come to an end they may be partakers of
Thine everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For Widows and Orphans.
O Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee to defend and
protect the fatherless children and widows, and grant
that the loss of their natural guardians may lead them
to rely the more entirely on Thy supernatural care,
who wilt not leave comfortless such as faithfully seek
Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those who have none to pray for them.
Lord Jesus Christ, who ever livest to make in-
tercession for us, let Thy mercy be extended to all
those who have none upon earth to pray for them in
Thy Name, and bring them, for Thine own sake, to a
A BOOK OF OFFICES . 177
participation of Thy grace on earth, that they may
praise Thee with all Thy saints in Thine everlasting
glory. Amen.
For Convicted Criminals,
Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, O Lord, unto all such
as are under sentence of punishment a true sense of
their crimes, true repentence for them, and Thy gra-
cious pardon, that their souls may be saved in the day
of the Lord Jesus; for His sake, who underwent for
them the death of the Cross, who now liveth and reign-
eth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
FOR THE SICK.
For Comfort and Defence.
Lord, we beseech Thee to refresh the soul of Thy
servant [ ], visited with sickness, that by the due
acceptance of this chastisement, it may know the health
of Thy grace and the joy of Thy salvation; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Patience under Suffering.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to
joy but first He suffered pain, and entered not into
glory before He was crucified; Mercifully grant that
we, walking in the way of the Cross, may find it none
other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Persons about to undergo an Operation.
Grant, Lord, we beseech Thee, that this Thy ser-
vant may be strengthened for the approaching opera-
tion, with entire reliance upon Thy grace and Thy
178 A BOOK OF OFFICES
love, so that the suffering of the body, being sanctified
by union with the pain which Thy dear Son bore for
us upon the cross, may be instrumental for the obtain-
ing of Thy manifold gifts, for the perfection of his
soul; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst patiently endure the
wounding of Thy holy flesh that Thou mightest save
the souls and bodies of Thy people, strengthen Thy
servant, we beseech Thee, to submit himself humbly
and devoutly to Thy holy will and to bear patiently
whatsoever suffering Thou shalt see fit to lay upon
him. Grant knowledge and wisdom to those who min-
ister to him, and bless the means employed for the work-
ing out of his cure; that, if it shall be Thy gracious
will, the wounding of the flesh may avail for the heal-
ing of the body and the quickening of the soul ; through
Thy mercy, O Holy Jesus, who, with the Father and
the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world
without end. Amen,
For Those in Prolonged Illness,
God, who dost mercifully accept the offering of
our weakness; Give Thy servant grace to abide in com-
munion with Thee, that the lengthened season of sick-
ness which hinders his work in the world may train
him for the contemplation of Thy glory in the life of
the blessed; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
For the Desponding.
Comfort, we beseech Thee, most gracious God, all
that are cast down and faint of heart amidst the sor-
rows and difficulties of the world [especially ],
A BOOK OF OFFICES 179
and grant that, by the energy of Thy Holy Spirit, they
may be enabled to go upon their way rejoicing, and
give Thee continual thanks for Thy sustaining provi-
dence; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
For Persons recovering from Sickness.
O God, the Giver of life and health, we praise Thee
for Thy mercy which Thou hast shown in restoring
this Thy servant to some measure of health. Enable
him to use for Thy glory all the powers which Thou
hast given him, and incline him, by the remembrance
of his great danger, to live as one separated from the
world, so that he may set about all his actions with a
more steadfast endeavour to be found in the end accept-
able unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Blind.
O God, who hast sent Thy Son to be the true light
of the world ; Grant that they who cannot see the things
of the world may be the more fully enlightened and
comforted by His inward guidance. Cheer them in
their blindness with Thy heavenly manifestations.
Show Thyself to such as know Thee not, and grant
that they may thankfully accept the loss of earthly
sight, as the means ordained of Thee for bringing their
hearts to the contemplation of their own misery and
of Thy holiness. Quicken those who know Thee by
faith to a deeper intuition of Thy purity, that, behold-
ing Thee with increasing love, they may become thf
more conformed to Thine image, until they behold
Thee as Thou art, and awake to the full revelation of
Thy glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
180 A BOOK OF OFFICES
For the Deaf.
O Lord, speak, we beseech Thee, with the voice of
Thy Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who cannot hear
the instruction of Thy ministers [especially _ ],
and grant whatsoever truths of Thy revelation they
have learnt may be brought to their remembrance by
His quickening power, so that the eyes of their under-
standing being opened to contemplate those mysteries
which by the hearing of the ear they are no longer able
to receive, they may advance in Thy knowledge ; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Insane and Imbeciles.
O Heavenly Father, may Thy supernatural power
sustain and comfort Thy servants who have lost the
natural faculties of reason and self-control. Suffer
not the evil one to vex them. Impute not to them
any unseemly word or action into which they may fall.
Look upon them graciously, as redeemed by the Blood
of Thy dear Son ; and grant that they may be delivered
from the darkness of the world, and attain to the glory
of Thine immediate Presence; through the same Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Sanctifi cation of Suffering.
Lord Jesus, have mercy upon all sufferers. Grant
them, continually meditating upon Thy holy life of
suffering, to realize in meekness the strength of Thine
incarnation; in pain, the triumph of Thy passion; in
poverty, the riches of Thy Godhead; in reproach, the
satisfaction of Thy sympathy; in loneliness, the com-
fort of Thy continual Presence; in difficulty, the effi-
cacy of Thine intercession ; in perplexity, the guidance
of Thy wisdom; and bring them of Thy mercy, when
A BOOK OF OFFICES 181
this suffering life is past, to the glorious Kingdom
which, by Thy suffering. Thou didst purchase for all
who would take refuge in Thy mediation. Amen.
For the Aged.
O Lord, make the evening of life bright unto Thy
servant. Cast him not away in the time of age; for-
sake him not when his strength faileth. Abide with
him when it is towards evening and the day is far
spent. Make his latter days pure, peaceful, sinless, and
if it please Thee, painless. Guard his lying down and
his rising up, from henceforth even forever. Let him
wake up and be present with Thee. We ask all in the
Name of our only Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
An Evening Prayer.
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous
life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is
over, and our work is done. Then in Thy mercy grant
us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the
last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A General Intercession.
O God, at whose word man goeth forth unto his
work and to his labour until the evening; Be merciful
to all whose duties are difficult or burdensome, and com-
fort them concerning their toil. Shield from bodily
accident and harm the workmen at their work. Pro-
tect the efforts of sober and honest industry, and suffer
not the hire of the labourers to be kept back by fraud.
Incline the hearts of employers and of those whom they
employ to mutual forbearance, fairness, and good-will.
Give the spirit of governance and of a sound mind to
182 A BOOK OF OFFICES
all in places of authority. Bless all schools of good
learning, and grant to every work of mercy an even
course. Care for all aged persons, and all little chil-
dren, the sick and afflicted, those who travel by land
or by sea, all strangers, and emigrants, and outcasts.
Remember all who by reason of weakness are over-
tasked, or by reason of poverty are forgotten. Let the
sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before Thee,
and have mercy upon those that are appointed to die.
Give ear unto our prayer, O merciful and gracious
Father, for the love of Thy dear Son our Saviour Jesus
Christ. Amen.
For the Spirit of Prayer.
Almighty God, who hast bidden us seek that we
may find, and who pourest out on all who desire it, the
spirit of grace and of supplication; Deliver us, when
we draw nigh to Thee, from coldness of heart and wan-
dering of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and
kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit and
in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Time of War.
Almighty Father, who at the coming of Thy Incar-
nate Son didst declare Peace on Earth to be Thy will
for men, look in mercy upon the nations now engaged
in war.
Control all evil passions; overrule by Thy Holy
Spirit the counsels of those who govern, and direct
them in the way of peace; lead to repentance those by
whose sin the heart of the whole world is so greatly
troubled, that they may find pardon with Thee.
Look in pity also, we pray Thee, upon all widows
and orphans; comfort all to whom sorrow and suffer-
A BOOK OF OFFICES 183
ing shall come; heal the wounded; sustain by Thy
presence those who must die ; let Thy mercy rest upon
the dead; and by Thy divine wisdom lead all Thy peo-
ple in the right way, that in the end peace may prevail
in all the nations of the earth, and Thy glory be mani-
fested among men.
Hear this, our prayer, for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen,
During a Famine.
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all, spare us
while we cry out unto Thee; provide us with the food
needful for our life in the world; enable us to look to
Thee for the bread of immortality ; quicken the liberal-
ity of the rich, that they may help the poor in their
distress ; strengthen the faith of the poor that they fall
not into sin through their necessity; pardon us all and
withdraw Thine anger, for the sake of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
During a Pestilence.
O Almighty God, from whom is derived our life,
both in nature and in grace, remove from us, we be-
seech Thee, if it be Thy good will, the disease which
Thou hast allowed to come upon us, and grant that we
may not forget those lessons which it was intended to
teach, but humbling ourselves before Thee in lasting
penitence for those sins by which we have merited
Thy wrath, may praise Thy name for Thy mercy;
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
In Time of Fatal Calamity.
Have mercy, O Lord, on all those who have suffered
in our recent affliction ; supply their outward need, and
184 A BOOK OF OFFICES
grant that the present distress may awaken many to
energy and love, so that we all, glorifying Thy holy
name, may experience in our sorrows the blessedness
of His help who bore our griefs; and when this life of
sorrow shall be ended, may commit our souls, along
with all those whom we have loved, to Thy most holy
keeping ; through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
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