THE SCOTTISH LITURGY
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
AND ADMINISTRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
COMMONLY CALLED THE SCOTTISH COMMUNION OFFICE
The Holy Table, having at the Communion time a fair white linen cloth upon it, with other decent furniture meet for the high Mysteries there to be celebrated, shall stand at the uppermost part of the Chancel or Church. And the Presbyter, standing at the Holy Table, shall say the Lord's Prayer, with the collect following for due preparation, the people kneeling.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Collect.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Presbyter, turning to the people, rehearse distinctly all the Ten Commandments: the people all the while kneeling, and asking God mercy for the transgression of every duty therein, according to the letter or to the spiritual import of each Commandment, and grace to keep the same for the time to come.
God spake these words and said; I am the Lord thy God: Thou shalt have none other gods but me.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shew mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my commandments.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name in vain.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Thou shalt do no murder.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Thou shalt not steal.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Presbyter. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is his.
People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.
| Or he may rehearse, instead of the Ten Commandments, the Summary | of the Law as followeth: | | Our Lord Jesus Christ said: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is | one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, | and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy | strength: This is the first commandment. And the second is like, | namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: there is | none other commandment greater than these. | | On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. | | People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write these thy laws in | our hearts, we beseech thee.
Or else instead of the Ten Commandments or the Summary of the Law, may be sung or said on week-days, not being Great Festivals, as followeth:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Then the Presbyter shall say,
The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Presbyter. Let us pray.
Then the Presbyter, turning to the Holy Table, shall say the Collect, or Collects; and then the Presbyter, or some other Presbyter or Deacon, shall read the Epistle, saying, The Epistle [or, The portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle] is written in the———chapter of———beginning at the———verse. And, the Epistle ended, he shall say, Here endeth the Epistle. Then shall the Presbyter, or some other Presbyter or Deacon, read the Gospel, saying, The Holy Gospel is written in the———chapter of the Gospel according to———, beginning at the———verse; and the people, all standing up, shall devoutly sing or say,
Glory be to thee, O Lord.
And, the Gospel ended, the people shall in like manner sing or say,
Thanks be to thee, O Lord, for this thy glorious Gospel.
Then shall be sung or said this Creed following, the people still reverently standing.
I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible:
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, and Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. Amen.
Then the Presbyter shall declare unto the people what Holy-days or Fasting-days are in the week to be observed. And also (if occasion be) notice shall be given of the Holy Communion; banns of Matrimony may be published; and, subject to the authority of the Bishop, other notices may be read.
If there be a Sermon it followeth here.
When the Presbyter giveth learning of the Holy Communion he may, at his discretion, use the first or the second of the Exhortations appended to this Liturgy.
The third Exhortation appended to this Liturgy may be used at the discretion of the Presbyter before the Offertory, the people standing.
Then the Presbyter, or Deacon, shall say,
Let us present our offerings to the Lord with reverence and godly fear.
Then the Presbyter shall begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient.
In process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. Gen. iv. 3, 4, 5.
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. Exod. xxv. 2.
Ye shall not appear before the Lord empty. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. Deut. xvi. 16, 17.
I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness; I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord. Ps. xxvii. 7.
Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the most Highest. Ps. 1. 14.
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. Ps. xcvi. 8.
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the Name of the Lord; I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the sight of all his people. Ps. cxvi. 15, 16.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. St Matth. vi. 19, 20.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. St Matth. vii. 21.
Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance: but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. St Mark xii. 41, 42, 43, 44.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts xx. 35.
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 Cor. ix. 7.
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 1 Cor. ix. 11.
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14.
He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Gal. vi. 6, 7.
As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men; especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Gal. vi. 10.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19.
God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Heb. vi. 10.
To do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices
God is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16.
While the Presbyter distinctly pronounceth one or more of these sentences for the Offertory, the Deacon, or (if no such be present) some other fit person, shall receive the devotions of the people there present, in a bason provided for that purpose. And when all have offered, he shall reverently bring the said bason, with the offerings therein, and deliver it to the Presbyter; who shall humbly present it before the Lord, and set it upon the Holy Table.
And the Presbyter shall then, offer up, and place the bread and wine prepared for the Sacrament upon the Lord's Table; and shall say,
Blessed be thou, O Lord God, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine: thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all: both riches and honour come of thee, and of thine own do we give unto thee. Amen.
Then shall the Presbyter say,
The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Presbyter. Lift up your hearts.
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Presbyter. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
Answer. It is meet and right so to do.
Presbyter.
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, * [holy Father,] Almighty, everlasting God.
[Margin Note:] * These words [holy Father] must be omitted on
Trinity Sunday
Here shall follow the proper preface, according to the time, if there be appointed; or else immediately shall follow,
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name, evermore praising thee and saying,
Presbyter and People.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen.
PROPER PREFACES.
Upon CHRISTMAS-DAY, and seven days after.
Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born * [as on this day] for us, who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man, of the substance of the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels, &c.
[Margin Note:] *During the seven days after Christmas say, as at this time.
Upon EASTER-DAY, and seven days after.
But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: For he is the very Paschal Lamb which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again, hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, &c.
Upon ASCENSION-DAY, and seven days after.
Through thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who, after his most glorious Resurrection, manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither might we also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels, &c.
Upon PENTECOST or WHITSUNDAY, and six days after.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down * [as on this day] from heaven with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth, giving them both the gift of tongues, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, &c.
[Margin Note:] * During the six days after Whitsunday say, as at this time.
Upon the Feast of TRINITY only.
Who art one God, one Lord; not one only Person, but three Persons in one Substance. For that which we believe of the glory of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with Angels, &c.
| The following may be used at the discretion of the Minister. | | ADDITIONAL PROPER PREFACES. | | Upon THE EPIPHANY, and seven days after. | | Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, in substance of our mortal | flesh, manifested forth his glory, that he might bring us out of | darkness into his own marvellous light. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | Upon THE PURIFICATION. | | Because thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, born of a woman, | born under the Law, was, as on this day, presented in the Temple, | and revealed to thy servants as a light to lighten the Gentiles | and the glory of thy people Israel. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | Upon THE ANNUNCIATION. | | Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born | for us, who by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man, | of the substance of the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and that | without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with | Angels, &c. | | Upon FEASTS OF APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS, except when the | proper preface for any of the Great Festivals is appointed to | be said. | | Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who did vouchsafe to choose thy | servant, Saint N. [or thy servants Saint N. and Saint N.], | to be of the company of the Apostles [or to be an Evangelist], | by whose ministry thine elect might be gathered in from every | nation, and thy Church instructed in the way that leadeth unto | everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | Upon ALL SAINTS DAY. | | Who in the multitude of thy Saints hast compassed us about with | so great a cloud of witnesses, to the end that we, rejoicing in | their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set | before us, and together with them receive the crown of glory | that fadeth not away. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | At the CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS, and ORDINATION OF PRIESTS AND | DEACONS. | | Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the great Shepherd of the sheep, | who, for the feeding and guidance of his flock, did appoint divers | orders of ministers in his Church. Therefore with Angels, &c. | | At the DEDICATION OF A CHURCH, and ANNIVERSARY OF THE | DEDICATION. | | Who in temples made with hands buildest up for thyself a | spiritual temple made without hands. Therefore with Angels, &c.
After which prefaces shall follow immediately this doxology;
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen.
[Margin Note:] Presbyter and People.
Then the Presbyter, standing at such a part of the Holy Table as he may with the most ease and decency use both his hands, shall say the prayer of consecration, as followeth:
All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who, by his own oblation of himself once offered, made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world, and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue a perpetual memorial of that his precious death and sacrifice until his coming again. For, in the night that he was betrayed, (a) he took bread; and when he had given thanks, (b) he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, Saying, Take, eat, (c) this is my body, is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise after supper (d) he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this, for (e) this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this as oft as ye shall drink it in remembrance of me.
[Margin Notes:] a. Here the Presbyter is to take the paten in his hands:
b. And here to break the bread:
c. And here to lay his hands upon all the bread.
d. Here he is to take the cup into his hand:
e. And here to lay his hand upon every vessel (be it chalice or flagon) in which there is any wine to be consecrated.
Wherefore, O Lord, and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy * dearly beloved Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, we thy humble servants do celebrate and make here before thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion, and precious death, his mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same, and looking for his coming again with power and great glory.
[Margin Note:] * The Oblation.
And, humbly praying that it may be unto us according to his word, * we thine unworthy servants beseech thee, most merciful Father, to hear us, and to send thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine, that, being blessed and hallowed by his life-giving power, they may become the body and blood of thy most dearly beloved Son, to the end that all who shall receive the same may be sanctified both in body and soul, and preserved unto everlasting life.
[Margin Note:] * The Invocation.
And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion.
And here we humbly offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee, beseeching thee that all we who shall be partakers of this holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious body and blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him.
And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord: by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
Then shall the Presbyter or Deacon say,
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church.
The Presbyter.
Almighty and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks for all men; We humbly beseech thee most mercifully to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all they that do confess thy holy Name, may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governors, and especially thy servant GEORGE our King, that under him we may be godly and quietly governed: and grant unto his whole council, and to all who are put in authority under him, that they may truly and impartially minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and living word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments: and to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, that with meek heart, and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we commend especially to thy merciful goodness the congregation which is here assembled in thy Name, to celebrate the commemoration of the most precious death and sacrifice of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. And 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, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labours. And we yield unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks, for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of thy grace, and the lights of the world in their several generations: most humbly beseeching thee to give us grace to follow the example of their steadfastness in thy faith, and obedience to thy holy commandments, that at the day of the general resurrection, we, and all they who are of the mystical body of thy Son, may be set on his right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
Then shall the Presbyter say,
As our Saviour Christ hath commanded and taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, which art in heaven, * Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.
[Margin Note:] * Presbyter and People.
Then the Presbyter or Deacon shall say this invitation to them that come to receive the Holy Communion,
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees.
Then shall this general confession be made by the people, along with the Presbyter; he first kneeling down.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant, that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Presbyter, or the Bishop, if he be present, stand up, and, turning himself to the people, pronounce the Absolution as followeth:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who, of his great mercy, hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Presbyter also say,
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him.
Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. St Matth. xi. 28.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. St John iii. 16.
Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15.
Hear also what Saint John saith.
If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 St John ii. 1, 2.
Then shall the Presbyter, turning him to the Altar, kneel down, and say, in the name of all them that shall communicate, this collect of humble access to the Holy Communion, as followeth:
We do not presume to come to this thy holy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table: but thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his most sacred body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
Then shall he that celebrateth first receive the Communion in both kinds himself, and next deliver the same to the Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons (if there be any present), and after to the people in due order, into their hands, all humbly kneeling. And when he receiveth himself or delivereth the Sacrament of the body of Christ to any other, he shall say,
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life.
Here the person receiving shall say, Amen.
And the Presbyter that receiveth the Cup himself, as likewise the Presbyter or Deacon that delivereth it to any other, shall say,
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life.
Here the person receiving shall say, Amen.
If the consecrated bread or wine be all spent before all have communicated, the Presbyter is to consecrate more in both kinds, according to the form before prescribed, beginning at the words, All glory be to thee, &c., and ending with the words, preserved unto everlasting life. And the people shall say, Amen.
When all have communicated, he that celebrateth shall go to the Lord's Table, and cover with a fair linen cloth that which remaineth of the consecrated elements.
Then the Presbyter or Deacon, turning to the people, shall say,
Having now received the precious body and blood of Christ, let us give thanks to our Lord God, who hath graciously vouchsafed to admit us to the participation of his holy mysteries; and let us beg of him grace to perform our vows, and to persevere in our good resolutions; and that being made holy, we may obtain everlasting life, through the merits of the all-sufficient sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This exhortation may be omitted except on Sundays and the Great Festivals.
Then the Presbyter shall say this collect of thanksgiving as followeth:
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us, and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people, and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of his most precious death and passion. We now most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy Holy Spirit, that we may continue in that holy communion and fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through Jesus Christ our Lord: to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Then shall be said or sung Gloria in excelsis as followeth:
Glory be to God in the highest, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; and to thee, O God, the only begotten Son Jesu Christ; and to thee, O God, the Holy Ghost.
O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Then the Presbyter, or Bishop, if he be present, shall let them depart, with this Blessing.
The peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.
It is customary to mix a little pure water with the wine in the eucharistic Cup.
According to long existing custom in the Scottish Church, the Presbyter may reserve so much of the Consecrated Gifts as may be required for the communion of the sick, and others who could not be present at the celebration in church. All that remaineth of the Holy Sacrament, and is not required, the Presbyter and such other of the communicants as he shall then call unto him, shall, after the Blessing, reverently eat and drink.