108. Then shall the Priest say to them that come to receive the holy Communion, Ye that do truly, &c.

The limitation of this invitation 'to those that come to receive the Holy Communion,' is consistent with the presence of others, and the possible retirement of some of those who (previously to hearing the exhortation) were minded to come, to a part of the church not occupied by communicants.

109. Then shall this general Confession be made, in the name of all those that are minded to receive the holy Communion, by one of the Ministers; both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying, Almighty God, &c.

This rubric makes it clear that the Confession is primarily intended for those who are about to communicate, though it does not exclude others from joining in it.

With regard to the manner of making the confession, it must be remembered that the direction that it should be made in the name of all those that are minded to come to the Holy Communion, was worded at a time when a considerable proportion of the communicants were too illiterate to follow such a piece of devotion by the use of a book. It was therefore essential that their leader should say it slowly and audibly, if they were to join in it at all. It cannot be said that this reason has wholly disappeared now; while even for persons of high education, so solemn and suggestive a devotion requires all the assistance of ample time, and facility of hearing, that they may join in it devoutly and deliberately.

The retaining the words 'one of the Ministers,' from the older form of the rubric, implies that if the celebrant have assistants one of them may lead the confession. And though it may no longer be read by one of the communicant congregation (as it formerly might) still a lay-clerk at the altar is not absolutely excluded. In any case the celebrant, even though not leading the confession, is to kneel.

110. Then shall the Priest (or the Bishop, being present,) stand up, and turning himself to the people, pronounce this Absolution, Almighty God, &c.

'The Bishop' means the bishop of the diocese, or other bishop acting in his stead. The words 'stand up,' imply that the celebrant has been kneeling for the confession.

111. Then shall the Priest say. Hear what, &c.

112. After which the Priest shall proceed, saying, Lift up, &c.