FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY S£3 SBOgr CHURC FOR THE USE OF EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS. BY AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. u united UutViercun CViurch \n h ruenca PHILADELPHIA: LUTHERAN BOOK STORE. 186 9. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1 8 68, by The German Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. CAXTON PRESS OF SHERMAN & CO. PHILADELPHIA. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 1. Festivals of the Church, II. Table of Epistles and Gospels, III. Table of Scripture Lessons, VI. VII. Table of Hymns for Sundays and Festivals The Order of Morning Service, — The Holy Communion, . Second Order of Morning Service, . The Order of Evening Service, Till. Introits for the Church- Year, and General Introits, Advent, . Christmas, New Year, Epiphany, Passion, . Good Friday, Easter, . Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity, Harvest, Reformation, Thanksgiving, Humiliation, . Sundays after Trinity, IX. Yersicles and Collects, Festival, General, and Special, Advent, . Christmas, New Year, Epiphany, Passion, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity, Miuor Festivals, General Yersicles, 55 56 57 5S 59 61 62 63 64-68 General Collects, Church, . Rulers and People, . Affliction and Distress, The Erring, . General Need, Temporal Blessings, Spiritual Blessings, Forgiveness of Sins, Faith and a Godly Life, Peace, . X. General Prayers for Morning or Evening Service. The Litany, , . . . . 92 I General Prayers, The Suffrages, . . . . 97 1 Bidding Prayers, XI. The Augsburg Confession, .... XII. Luther's Small Catechism, .... XIII. Canticles, XIV. Selections from the Psalms. .... XAT. A Collection of Metrical Hymns, PAGE V viii x xi 92 99-102 . 103 . 1-38 39-58 . 3-6 . 7-28 29-451 ( »i ) ARRANGEMENT OF HYMNS. I. — WoRsnir. Hymn. Praise and Thanksgiving, . 1 General Petition, ... 21 The Lord's Day, ... 33 II.— (JOD Hymn. Public 'Worship, 42 Close of Worship, 56 III. — CREATION AND PROYIDENCi, Creation Providence, .... IT. — SIX AND REDEMPTION, V — THE CnCRCU YEAR. . Advent, Christmas, .... New Year, .... Epiphany, .... Example and Teaching of Christ, . . The Passion, .... Passion Week, Good Friday, .... YI —THE CHURCH Foundation and Nature, Protection and Defence (Fes- tival or the Reformation), . The Communion of Saints, . The Ministry, .... VII. — THE MEANS OP CRACK, . The Word oi God Baptism [and Confirmation], Till. — THE ORDER OF SALVATION; . Calliug, Repentance, .... IX. SAN' TIF1CATIOX AND THE CHR Consecration, Holiness, Love to Goil and Christ, Trust — in General. —in God and Provi- dence, —in Christ and Redemp- tion, .... X.— THE CROSS AND COMFORT, . XI— VARIOUS OCCASIONS, . National, Harvest The Family, .... Morning XII. — DEATH AND ETERNITY, . Preparation for Death, . Burial Resurrection, .... SIB8. ( iv | 79 I 82 I The Ministry of Angels, 65-78 79-94 . 93 110 140 ISA 157 107 171 Easter Eve, .... Easter, Ascension, .... Christ's Kingdom and Priesthood Praise to Chri=t, Communion with Christ, Sunday after Ascension, Pentecost, .... Trinity, 259 The House of God, 291 Corner-stone Laying, 291 Dedication, Missions, 2jo 95-109 il -263 . 1-5 . 190 . 199 . 205 . 213 . 2-24 . 236 . 240 The Lord's Supper, .44 - 551 | 314 CGI ISTIAN 3S2 0-7 4' 4 411 Faith and Justification, . Peace and Joy, LIFE, Following Christ, . Heavenly Spirit, Watchfulness and Fidelity Wisdom and Self Knowkd Simplicity and Humility, Benevolence, . . 323 U4-P.81 . 362 . 375 44 4 460 4.-7 4GC -;-'. 4'.>3 Evening, 507 I Private Devotion, -492 -537 515 5i6 533 538 | Judgment, 553 Heaven, 561 -5S8 565 FESTIVALS OF THE CHURCH. IMMOVEABLE FESTIVALS. Chief Festivals. Christmas, or the Nativity of our Lord, December 25. The Circumcision of Christ, and New Tear's Day, . . January 1. The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, " 6. The Festival of the Reformation, October 31. Minor Festivals, observed ix some parts of the lutheran church. St. Andrew the Apostle's Day, . November 30. St. Thomas the Apostle"s " . December 21. St. Stephen the Martyr's " 26. St. John the Apostle's " " 27. The Conversion of St. Paul, . January 25. The Presentation of Christ, February 2. St. Matthias the Apostle's Day, 24. The Annunciation, March 25. St. Philip and St. James the Apostles' Day, May 1. The Birthday of St. John the Baptist, . June 24. St. Peter and St. Paul the Apostles' Day, " 29. The Visitation, July 2. St. James the elder, the Apostle's Day, . " 25. St. Bartholomewthe Apostle's " August 24. St. Matthew the Apostle's <: . September 21. St. Michael the Archangel's " 29. St. Simon and St. Jude the Apostles' Day, October 28. (v) II. MOVEABLE FESTIVALS. EULE5 To fixd the Moveable Festivals. The Mhoeable Festivals all depend upon Easter except A : Advent Sunday is always the nearest Sunday to the thirtieth day of JVorem- ber. whether hefore or after. • is always the first Sunday after the Full Moo», which happens upon, or next after the twenty-first day of March ; and if the Full Moon happen upon a Sunday, Easter is the Sunday after. The time of Easter being found, the other festivals occur as follows : Septuagesima Sunday is nine weeks before Z ' Ash- Wednesday, or the beginning of Lent, is forty-six days before E Palm Sunday, or the beginning at Possum Week, is eight days before i Green- Thursday is the Thursday bef : I Good-Friday is the Friday bef ^non-Day is forty days after E Whit-Sundoy is seven w Trinity Sunday is eight weeks after £ A Table of THE )N WHICH EASTEF. "WILL FALL FROM 1868— If 1868. April 12. - April 16. April April 17. ! 1877. 1. ■ 0. . April IT. 21. - ' 1 irch 25. J8TL 9. 13. h SL March 28. 1. 5. 1873. April 13. April 17. a IS. 5. 19 March 25. March ■ A Table of the M oyeable Festivals, According to the several days that Easter can possibly fall upon. Easter. u 11 S . I! ■ "3 ja gj J- 2 a 0 n a 3 EQ u "0 . < a ■a .2* 3 3 <~ a 0 2 a ^ *= 3 £'* £ < £ 3 W. S March 22 1 Jan. 18 Feb. 4 April 30 May , 10 27 Nov. 29 23 1 19 5 May 1 11 27 30 24 1 20 6 _ — 2 12 27 Dec. 1 25 2 21 . 7 3 13 27 2 26 2 22 .8 4 14 27 3 27 2 23 9 — - 5 15 26 Nov. 27 °S 2 2 -24 10 11 6 16 26 26 28 29 25 17 29 30 2 26 12 8 18 26 30 31 2 27 13 9 19 26 Dec. 1 April 1 3 28 14 10 20 26 2 2 3 29 15 11 21 26 3 3 3 30 16 12 22 25 Nov. 27 4 3 31 17 13 ■ 23 25 ■ 28 5 3 Feb. 1 18 14 — 24 25 29 6 3 2 19 15 25 25 30 7 3 3 20 16 26 25 Dec. 1 8 4 4 21 17 27 25 2 9 4 5 22 18 28 25 3 10 4 6 23 19 29 24 Nov. 27 11 4 , 7 24 20 30 24 28 12 4 8 25 21 31 24 29 13 4 9 26 22 June 1 24 30 14 4 10 27 23 2 24 Dec. 1 15 5 11 28 24 3 24 — 2 16 5 12 Mar. 1 25 4 24 3 17 5 13 2 26 5 23 Nov. 27 18 5 14 3 27 G 23 28 19 5 15 4 28 7 23 29 20 5 16 5 29 8 23 30 21 5 17 6 30 9 23 Dec. 1 22 6 18 7 31 10 23 2 23 6 19 8 June 1 11 23 3 24 6 20 9 2 12 22 Nov. 27 25 6 21 10 3 13 22 28 * In a Leap Yea r. the number of Su odays after Epiphany s the s ime a<= if Easter had fallen )neday later than it really does and Septu agesiim 1 Sunday and Ash-Wednesd ay fall one day later than that given in t ie Tabl e, unless the Table gives so me day in March for Ash-Wed n esday; for in that case the day in the Table i 3 right. Table of tue Epistles and Gospels For the Sundays and Festivals of the Chart BUHDAT9 A.BB CHIEF FESTIVALS. Sundays in Advent. 1 2 3 4 Christmas Day, Sunday after Cltristmas,- New Tear's Eve. r*s Day. Sunday after New Year,- Epiphany, Sundays after Epiphany. 1 Sept uaaesim a Sit nday. — na Sunday. Quinquageiima Sunday, Sundays in Lent. 1 Intoeavit, 2 Hemint.<• shall ask me nothing." i viii ) : "Verily, verily. I Fay." e •• « Be ye thereto ! Table of the Epistles and Gospels — Continued SUNDAYS AND CHIEF FESTIVALS. Sunday after Irinity,- Epistli 1 Peter- Romans 1 Peter- t, 6-11. ■ viii, 18-23. iii, 8-15 h Romans vi, 3-11. Ti, 19-23. viii, 12-17. 1 Corinthians x, 6-13. xii, 1-11. xv, 1-10. 2 iii, 4-11. Galatians iii, 15-22. v, 16-21. v, 25— vi, 10. Ephesians iii, 13-21. iv, 1-6. 1 Corinthians i, 4-9. Ephesians iv, 2^-28. v, 15-21. vi, 10-17. Philippians i. 3-11. iii, 17-21. Colossians i, 9-14 IThessalomans iv, 13-1S, 2 Peter iii, 3-14. or2Thes- salonians i; S-10. 1 Thessalonians, v, 1-11. -xv, 1-10. vi, 36-42. - v, 1-11. Matthew v, 20-26. Mark viii, 1-9. Matthew vii, 15-23. Luke xvi, 1-9. xix, 41-48. xviii, 9-14. -vii, 31-37. -x, 23-S7. Mark- Luke- xvii, 11-19. Matthew— vi, 24-34. Luke vii, 11-17. xiv, 1-11. Matthew xxii, 34-46. ix, 1-8. xxii, 1-14. iv, 46-54J John- Matthew xviii, 23-35. xxii, 15-22. ix, 18-26. xxiv, 15-28. xxv. 31-46. h End: " sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." i Begin: ;c And there was a certain nobleman," Apostles' Days and other, Minor Festivals, Observed in some parts of the Lutheran Church. Mixor Festival Days. St. Andrew Vie Apostle, St. Thomas the Aposlle, St. Stephen the Martyr, St. Jdh n the Apostle.- The Conversion of St. Paul,- The Presentation of Christ,— St. Matthias the Apostle, The Annunciation. St. Philip dc St. James, Apostles. St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles, The Visitation, St. James the elder, Apostle. . Easier Sunday, Sundays after Easter. 1 Quasimodogeniti,- 2 Misericordias, 3 Jubilate. 4 Cant ate, 5 L'oyale, ft Day, Sunday after Ascension, Whit- Sunday, Trinity Sunday. Sundays after Trinity. 1 . 344, SCO. 340, 210, 226-8, 230, 310, 313, 91, 490, 159 175-6, 162, 368-74, 210-11, 367, 405, 410, 4 L68, 214, 155, 191, 207-8. 163-9, 183, 213, -J I 167-84, 328, 332. 339, 15, 23, 81, 84, 99, 1 366-74, 209-10, 213, 215, 217, 22o, 231-2, 2:j5 435. 444-9. 174-84. OS, 158-9. 163. 165, 828, 367, 410, 446, 448. 1S5-9, 379, 492. 542, 547, 549. 190-3, 19, 33-40, 69, 63, 418, 452, 456, 561-4. 195, 100.108. 202.200. 22S. 97. 100.104,370, 443. 402 430-5, 307, 107, 2>7. 85, 87, 3^7. 20S, 442, 447. 486. 127. 447. 453-6, 530, 195, 2U3, 225, 228. 232, 234. 578-88. 31, 36, 50, 245-55. 236-7, 395-7, 424. 451. 4n7. 25-9. 170. 202, 211, 401, 367, 370. 55. 254, 28 I, 424 L99-204,196,17 213,465, 570, 5S4, 585. -4 >-:,7. 204-8, 104, 170, 196, 42. - 19,31,36, 27 15, 340.350,424. 259-03, 65, 280, 310, 319, 8, 9, IS, 33, 34, 04. 2, 91, 100, 203, 359, 387, 418, 451,457, 403. 344-5n, 340, 23. 30, 41, 55, 221, 224, 404, 414, 5S8. 230, 231, 31, 63. 77, 145, 210, 220, : 403-10, 9, 10, 78, 125, 3S8, 302. 399, 428, 474, 572. 433, 434. 447. 148, 147. 31. 250, 2GS, 209. 301, 3 14, 3 7 «7,J 89, 392-3, 3: 6-7, 401, 403, 327, 388. 404. 400. 44, 3: 6, 349, 501-2, 504, 97, 99, 359, 382, 15. 20. 3S5, 390-7. 441. 43. 1. 468, 47 0, 472-:;. 390. 255. . 450, 505, 507, 572-3, 303, 110, 96-7, 72. 249-54, 143, 145, 148, 151, 155, 135, 124,121.114,22. 23, 25, 27, 28, 356-7, 471, 473. 100, 198, 201-4. ,354,358. 404-10, 447, 474-8, 31, 50, 77, 103, 300, 369, 372. -■7. 358-9,361, 363, 368,371,215,217,223-4,410. S4-6, 8S, 90-1, 17, 431-2, 492, 4o:-». 5< 105-8, 1S0-9. 202. 2 (9, 212. 233, 470-02, 543-51. 35, 34, 39, 151-3, 226, 2 . 392, 395, 472. 97-9, 69, 77. 4 5,408, 410. 276, 27 8, 280,478, 213-31 353-62, 364-70, 95, 99,106, 108, 55. 25, 27. 20. 344-9,119,235. 372,569,671. . 480. 411. 419, 421-5, 462-3. 268, 274, 443. 73-7, 3 «, 3S5, 399, 444. 150, 156, 31. 21. 505. S3, 387-01, 393, 450, 40S, 470, 500, 536. 538, 543, 547-50. 501, 187. 453-0, 105-6, 198. 228. 543. 572, 568, 548, 551. 547, 541, 98, 422-:;. 4.7. 440. 73. 576, 578, 5S1-8. . 507. 570. 50". 550, 453-8, 403. 405. 517. ( xii ) ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE FOR SUNDAYS AXD FESTIVALS. " ^m is one BotJii, aniJ one Spirit, rben as $z arc rallcfr £n one rjope of ;nour railing; one HLcrir, one jFaitf), one Baptism, oiu (DcoU aiiir jfatrjtr of all."— ephes. iv, 4-6. "3Ut all things fie bon* fcrnntlg au& in orim."— 1 cor. xiv., 40. THE ORDER OF MORNING SERVICE. £ The Minister, standing before the Altar, shall begin the Morning Service, as here followeth, the Congregation all standing. IN the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. fl The Congregation shall sing or say : Amen. fl Then shall the Minister say the Confession of Sins, as here folio weth: The Confession of Sins. BELOVED in the Lord ! Let us draw near with a true heart, and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us forgiveness. ^ Then, all kneeling or standing, shall be sung or said: Minister. Our help is in the Name of the Lord. Congregation. Who made heaven and earth. Minister. I said, I will confess my trans- gressions unto the Lord. Congregation. And Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. (S) MORNING SERVICE. fl Then shall the Minister say : ALMIGHTY God, our Maker and Re- deemer, we poor sinners confess unto Thee, that we are by nature sinful and un- clean, and that we have sinned against Thee by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Thine infinite mercy, seek- ing and imploring Thy grace, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. ^[ Then shall he say ; or if there be an Assistant, he may say : 0 most merciful God, who hast given Thine Only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us, and for His sake grant us remission of all our sins : and by Thy Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy will, and true obedience to Thy word, to the end that by Thy grace we may come to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^[ Then shall the Congregation sing or say : Amen. \ Then the Minister, standing, shall pronounce The Absolution. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, hath had mercy upon us, and for the sake of His dear Son, forgiveth us all our sins. To them that believe on His Name, He also giveth power to become the sons of God, and MORNING SERVICE. 5 bestoweth upon them His Holy Spirit. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Grant us, 0 Lord, this salvation. ^ Then shall the Congregation sing or say : Amen. fl Then, all standing to the close of the Collect, shall be sung or said: The Introit. ^[ One of the Iutroits appointed for the Season of the Church- Year, or a general Introit, shall be used. The Introit, with the Gloria Patri, mag be sung by the Congregation ; or the Introit may be said by the Minister, and the Gloria Patri sung or said by the Congregation ; or the Introit and Gloria Patri may be said or sung responsively by the Minister and Congregation'. \ The Introit, except in the week before Easter, shall always end with the Gloria Patri. 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. \ Then shall follow the Kyrie. \ The Kyrie may be said by the Minister, and sung or said after him by the Congregation, as here followeth; or it may be sung or said but once by the Minister and Congregation together. Minister. Lord, have mercy upon us. Congregation. Lord, have mercy upon us. Minister. Christ, have mercy upon us. Congregation. Christ, have mercy upon us. Minister. Lord, have mercy upon us. Congregation. Lord, have mercy upon us. 6 MORNING SERVICE. ^[ Then shall be sung the Gloria in Excelsis, as here followeth ; or instead of it may be sung the Te Deum Laudamus, or another Hymn of Praise. ^[ When the Te Deum is sung, the Minister shall say, We praise Thee, 0 God ; when a Hymn is sung he shall announce it. Gloria in Excelsis. ^ The Minister shall say : Glory be to God on high ! fl The Congregation shall sing: GLORY be to God on high, and on 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, 0 Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. 0 Lord, the Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; 0 Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that 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, 0 Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. ^[ Then shall the Minister say : The Lord be with you. MORNING SERVICE. 7 ^[ The Congregation shall sing or say : And with thy spirit. ^[ The Minister shall say : Let us pray. ^ Then shall the Minister say one of the Collects appointed for the Season of the Church-Year, or one of the general or special Collects. A Versicle may precede the Collect if there be no Communion. The Collect. \ The Collect ended, the Congregation shall sing or say : Amen. T[ When there is but one Service on the Lord's Day, other Scripture Lessons from the Old or New Testament may be read before the Epistle, but the Epistle and Gospel for the Day shall always be read. *[ Then shall the Minister read the Epistle for the Day, saying : The Epistle for (here he shall name the Day) is written in the Chapter of , be- ginning at the Verse. The Epistle for the Day. ^ The Epistle ended, the Minister shall say : Here endeth the Epistle. fl Then shall the Hallelujah be sung or said, except in the week before Easter. The Hallelujah. Hallelujah ! ^[ Instead of the simple Hallelujah, a Sentence for the Season of the Church-Year may be sung with it; or a Psalm or Hymn may be sung after the Hallelujah. MORNING SERVICE. The Hallelujah and Sentence. For the Advent Season. Hallelujah! Kemember, O Lord, Thy tender mercies: for they have been ever of old. Hal- lelujah ! For the Epiphany Season. Hallelujah! O praise the Lord, all ye nations: and land Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us : and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Hallelujah ! For the Passion Season. Christ hath humbled Himself, and become obe- dient unto death : even the death of the Cross. For the Faster Season. Hallelujah ! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Hallelujah ! For the Season of Pentecost. Hallelujah ! Thou sendest forth Thy Spirit, they are created : and Thou renewest the face of the earth. Hallelujah ! For the Sundays after Trinity. Hallelujah! 0 Lord, deal with Thy servant according unto Thy mercy: and teach me Thy statutes. I am Thy servant, give me understand- ing : that I may know Thy testimonies. Hal- lelujah ! Or this: Hallelujah! Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers : praise Him, and highly exalt . Him for ever. Hallelujah ! MORNING SERVICE. 9 fl Then shall the Minister announce the Gospel for the Day, saying: The Holy Gospel is written in the Chapter of St. , beginning at the Verse. \ The Congregation may sing or say: Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord. fl Then shall the Minister read The Gospel for the Day. fl The Gospel ended, the Minister shall say : Here endeth the Gos- pel, and the Congregation shall stand up, unless they have stood at the reading of the Gospel, and shall sing or say : Praise be to Thee, 0 Christ. \ Then shall the Creed be said or sung by the Minister and the Con- gregation. Either the Apostles' or the Nicene Creed may be used, but if there be a Communion, the Nicene Creed shall be used. The Apostles Greed. 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. T believe in the Hoi} Ghost; The holy 10 MORNING SERVICE. Christian Church, the Communion of Saints ; The Forgiveness of sins; The Eesurrection of the body ; And the Life everlasting. Amen. The Nicene Creed. I BELIEVE in one God, the Father Al- mighty, 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 j udge both the quick and the dead; Whose king- dom 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 glori- MORNING SERVICE. 11 fied, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Christian and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins ; And I look for the Resur- rection of the dead; And the Life of the world to come. Amen. ^ Then shall the Minister announce the Hymn to be sung, and go into the pulpit. After the Hymn shall follow The Sermon. fl When the Sermon is ended, the Congregation all standing up, and continuing to stand to the end of the Lord's Prayer, the Minister shall say : THE peace of God, which passeth all un- derstanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus unto everlasting life. ^[ Then shall the Congregation sing : CREATE in me a clean heart, 0* God : and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence : and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation : and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. \ Instead of this the second and third verses of Hymn 356 may be sung. \ Whilst this is sung, the Minister shall go to the Altar, and the singing ended, he shall offer pr ay er. He may use the Prayer here following, or, if there be no Communion, the Litany, or the Suf- frages, or a selection from the general and special Collects, or any other suitable prayer. 12 MORNING SERVICE. The General Prayer. ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ : We give Thee thanks for all Thy goodness and tender mercies, especially for the gift of Thy dear Son, and for the revelation of Thy will and grace ; and we beseech Thee so to implant Thy Word in us, that, in good and honest hearts, we may keep it, and bring forth fruit by patient continuance in well doing. Most heartily we beseech Thee so to rule and govern Thy Church universal, with all its pastors and ministers, that it may be pre- served in the pure doctrine of Thy saving word, whereby faith toward Thee may be strengthened, and charity increased in us toward all mankind. Grant also health and prosperity to all that are in authority, especially to the President [and Congress] of the United States, the Governor [and Legislature] of this Common- wealth, and to all our Judges and Magistrates; and endue them with grace to rule after Thy good pleasure, to the maintenance of righte- ousness, and to the hinderance and punishment of wickedness, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. May it please Thee also to turn the hearts of our enemies and adversaries, that they may MORNING SERVICE. 13 cease their enmity, and be inclined to walk with us in meekness and in peace. All who are in trouble, want, sickness, anguish of labor, peril of death, or any other adversity, especially those who are in suffer- ing for Thy Name and for Thy truth's sake, comfort, 0 God, with Thy Holy Spirit, that they may receive and acknowledge their af- flictions as the manifestation of Thy fatherly will. And although we have deserved Thy righte- ous wrath and manifold punishments, yet, we entreat Thee, 0 most merciful Father, remember not the sins of our youth, nor our many transgressions; but out of Thine un- speakable goodness, grace and mercy, defend us from all harm and danger of body and soul. Preserve us from false and pernicious doctrine, from war and bloodshed, from plague and pestilence, from all calamity by fire and water, from hail and tempest, from failure of harvest and from famine, from an- guish of heart and despair of Thy mercy, and from an evil death. And in every time of trouble, show Thyself a very present Help, the Saviour of all men, and especially of them that believe. Cause also the needful fruits of the earth to prosper, that we may enjoy them in due season. 14 MORNING SERVICE. Give success to the christian training of the young, to all lawful occupations on land and sea, and to all pure arts and useful knowledge ; and crown them with Thy blessing. ^[ Here special Supplications, Intercessions, and Prayers may be made. These, and whatsoever other things Thou wouldest have us ask of Thee, 0 God, vouch- safe unto us for the sake of the bitter suffer- ings and death of Jesus Christ, Thine only Son, our Lord and Saviour, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. ^[ Then shall the Minister, and the Congregation with him, say the Lord's Prayer ; but if there be a Communion it may be omitted here. The Lord's Prayer. 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 for- give us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from evil ; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. MORNING SERVICE. 15 fl Then may the Minister make any needful announcements, and the Offerings of the Congregation be gathered ; and after that shall follow a Hymn which shall end with a Doxology when there is no Communion. Whilst the Doxology is sung the Congregation shall stand. ^ WJien the Doxology is ended, the Minister, standing before the Altar, shall pronounce the Benediction, after which the Congregation, still standing, should offer silent prayer. The Benediction. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. fl The Congregation shall sing or say : Amen. Cjje polg CflMimmiatt ^ Whilst the Hymn after the General Prayer is sung, the Minister shall uncover the Communion vessels, and devoutly prepare for the administration of the Holy Communion. \ The Minister, standing before the Altar, shall begin the Communion Service, as here follow eth, the Congregation all standing to the end of the Agnus Dei. The Lord be with you. 16 MORNING SERVICE. fl The Congregation shall sing or say : And with thy spirit. Minister. Lift up your hearts. Congregation. We lift them up unto the Lord. Minister. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. Congregation. It is meet and right so to do. Minister. It is truly meet, right, and salu- tary, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, 0 Lord, Holy Father, Almighty Everlasting God. fl Here shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed, or else immediately shall follow, There- fore with angels, etc. Proper Prefaces. On Christmas-Day. FOR in the mystery of the Word made flesh, Thou hast given us a new revelation of Thy glory ; that seeing Thee in the person of Thy Son, we may be drawn to the love of those things which are not seen. Therefore with Angels, etc. In the Passion Season. THROUGH Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord and Saviour ; Who for the redemption of our sinful race was lifted up upon the Cross ; to the end that where death began, there also life misrht l"' restored; thai he who overcame at the i pee of i he garden sh< mid all o be o\ eroome on I he tree of i he < froi s. Therefore w il h A ngels, eto. On Easter i 1) ( ''I1 chief!) are w e bound to praise Thee for ) the glorious Resurrecl ion of Thy Son Ji Ohrisl our Lord : for I [e is i he \ erj Pasoha] Lamb, which was offered for as, and hath taken awaj the sin of the \\ orld ; v\ ho bj 1 1 is death hal l> desl roj ed deal li, and bj His ri ling to life again, hal h restored to as «'\ erlasting life. Therefore \\ il h A ogeli , eto. On Whit Sunday, mHBOUGB Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our 1 Lord and Saviour; Who ascending above the 1h-:i\ ens, and i itl ing al Th\ righl hand, poured out on this day the I [oly Spirit, as I Ce bad promised, upon t he chosen disciples ; \\ hereal I he u hole earth rejoioes with exceeding joy. Therefore with Angels, etc. On Trinity Sunday, WIlo with Thine Only begotten Son, and the I loly < • host, art one < tod, one Lord ; not one «>nl \ Person, but three Persons in one Sub- stance'. For that which we belies e, according to Thy revelation, of the glory of the Father, the same .. e belies 0 of the Son, and of the I foh ( l-host, wit limit, :in\ difference or inequalil y, A nd in 1 he confession of 1 he only 1 rue ( tod, w e worship t he Trinity in Person, and the Unity in Substance, of Majesty co-equal. Therefore with Angels, eta 18 MORNING SERVICE. ^ After the Preface shall follow immediately: THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we land and magnify T*hy glorious name ; ever- more praising Thee, and saying : ^[ Then shall be sung or said the Sanctus. HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth ; Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory; Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. fl Then may the Minister (jive this Exhortation to those that be minded to receive the Lord's Supper : The Exhortation. DEARLY Beloved ! Forasmuch as we pur- pose to come to the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, in which He giveth His Body to eat and His Blood to drink, in order to strengthen and confirm our faith, it be- cometh us diligently to examine ourselves, as St. Paul exhort eth us. For this Holy Sacra- ment hath been instituted for the special comfort and strengthening of those who hum- bly confess their sins, and who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Our own conscience accuseth us that we THE HOLY COMMUNION. 19 are by nature sinners, and have grievously offended the Lord our God; but our Lord Jesus Christ hath had mercy upon us, and by His death and passion hath wrought per- fect redemption for us. And to the end that we should the more confidently believe this, and be strengthened by our faith in a cheerful obedience to His holy will, He hath given us His Body to eat and His Blood to drink. Therefore whoso eateth of this bread, and drinketh of this cup, firmly believing the words of Christ, clwelleth in Christ, and Christ in him, and hath eternal life. We should also do this in remembrance of Him, showing His death, that He was de- livered for our offences, and raised again for our justification, and rendering unto Him most hearty thanks for the same, take up our cross and follow Him, and according to His commandment, love one another even as He hath loved us. For we are all one bread and one body, even as we are all partakers of this one bread, and drink of this one cup. ^[ Then the Minister, turning to the Altar, and extending his hands over the Bread and Wine, shall sag : Let .us pray. 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 20 MORNING SERVICE. us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who tres- pass against us ; and lead us not into tempta- tion ; but deliver us from evil ; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. ^[ Then shall the Congregation sing or say : Amen. fl Then shall the Minister say: OUR Lord Jesus Christ, in the (a)mrfheshaU night in which He was be- \teBreadTht trayed, took bread ; (a) and when haml he had given thanks, He brake and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you; this do in re- membrance of Me. After the same manner, also, He o>) &* he &an , i /7N 1 , ,-, take the Cup in his took the cup, [o) when he had hand. supped, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying. Drink ye all of it ; this cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins ; this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. 0 THE HOLY COMMUNION. 21 ^ Then shall be sung or said the Agnus Dei. CHRIST, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us ' 0 Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us ! 0 Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace. Amen. ^ Then shall the Distribution begin, the Commurncants kneeling or standing at the Altar. During the Distribution communion Hymns may be sung. ^[ When the Minister giveth the Bread, he shall say : rpAKE, eat, this is the Body of our Lord JL Jesus Christ, which was given for you ; may it strengthen and preserve you in the true faith unto everlasting life. ^ When he giveth the Cup, he shall say : TAKE and drink, this is the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you and for many for the remission of sins; may it strengthen aiid preserve you in the true faith unto everlasting life. ^[ When all have communed, or when a portion of the Communicants have received the communion together, to be followed by others, the Minister shall dismiss them with the words : The peace of the Lord be with you alway. 22 MORNING SERVICE. fl If the consecrated Bread or Wine be spent before all have communed, the Minister shall consecrate more, saying aloud, so much of the Words of Institution as pcrtaineth to the element to be consecrated During the consecration the singing shall cease. \ When all have communed, the Minister shall reverently cover what remaineth of the Bread and Wine. ^[ Then, all standing, may be sung or said the Nunc Dimittis. LORD, now lettest Thou Thy servant de- part in peace : according to Thy word : For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation : which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people ; A light to lighten the Gentiles : and the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost : as it was in the be- ginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. fl Then shall be said: The Thanksgiving. Minister. 0 give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. \ The Congregation shall sing or say : And His mercy endureth for ever. Minister. ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, we most heartily thank Thee that Thou hast again vouchsafed to feed us with the THE HOLY COMMUNION. 23 most precious Body and Blood of Thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ; and we hum- bly beseech Thee, graciously to strengthen us, through this Holy Sacrament, in faith toward Thee, in charity toward one another, and in the blessed hope of everlasting life ; through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. ^[ The Congregation shall sing or say : Amen. \ Then may be sung a Doxology, after which the Minister shall say : Blessed be the name of the Lord. ^[ The Congregation shall sing or say : From now, henceforth, and for ever. Minister. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. ^[ The Congregation shall sing or say : Amen. 24 MORNING SERVICE. SECOND ORDER OF MORNING SERVICE. fl The Service shall begin with one of the Introits appointed for the Season of the Church- Year, or a general Introit. The Minister, standing before the Altar, may say the Introit and the Congrega- tion sing or say the Gloria Patri ; or the Introit, toith the Gloria Patri, may be said or sung responsively by the Minister and Con- gregation, or be sung by both together. ^f The Congregation shall stand from the beginning of the Service to the end of the Collect, before the reading of the Epistle ; except that during the Confession and Absolution they may kneel. The Introit. If The Introit, except in the week before Easter, shall always end with the Gloria Patri. 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. fl Then shall the Minister say the Confession of Sins, as here f olio weth: The Confession of Sins. DEARLY Beloved! If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- ness. Let us therefore confess our sins unto God our heavenly Father, and humbly beseech Him, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us forgiveness. SECOND ORDER. 25 ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; we poor miserable sinners acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness, which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against Thy Divine Majesty. We have pro- voked Thy wrath and indignation against us, and deserve at Thy hands present and ever- lasting punishment. But we do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; and we beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to be merciful unto us. Par- don and deliver us from all our sins, for the sake of the holy, innocent, and bitter suffer- ings and death of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ^ Then shall the Congregation sing or say the Kyrie. LORD, have mercy upon us ! Christ, have mercy upon us ! Lord, have mercy upon us ! Or this : GOD the Father in heaven ; have mercy upon us ! 0 God the Son, Redeemer of the world ; have mercy upon us ! 0 God the Holy Ghost ; have mercy upon us, and grant us Thy peace ! 26 MORNING SERVICE. fl Then the Minister, standing, shall pronounce The Absolution. ALMIGHTY God., our heavenly Father, hath had mercy upon us, and for the sake of His dear Son, forgiveth us all our sins. To them that believe on His Name, He also giveth power to become the sons of God, and bestoweth upon them His Holy Spirit. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Grant us, 0 Lord, this salvation. ^[ Then shall the Congregation sing or say : Amen. \ Then shall be sung the Gloria in Excelsis, as here folloioeth; or instead of it may be sung the Te Deum Laudamus, or another Hymn of Praise. ^ When the Te Deum is sung, the Minister shall say, We praise Thee, 0 God ; when a Hymn is sung he shall announce it. Gloria in Excelsis. ^[ The Minister shall say : Glory be to God on high ! ^[ The Congregation shall sing : GLORY be to God on high, and on 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, 0 Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. 0 Lord, the Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; 0 Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of SECOND ORDER. 27 the Father, that 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, 0 Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. ^[ Then shall the Minister say : The Lord be with you. ^[ The Congregation shall sing or say : And with thy spirit. ^[ The Minister shall say : Let us pray. )\ Then shall the Minister say one of the Collects appointed for the Season of the Church-Year, or one of the general or special Collects. A Versicle may precede the Collect if there be no Communion. The Collect. \ The Collect ended, the Congregation shall sing or say : Amen. ^ When there is but one Service on the Lord's Bay, other Scripture Lessons from the Old or New Testament may be read before the Epistle, but the Epistle and Gospel for the Day shall always be read. ^ Then shall the Minister read the Epistle for the Day, saying : The Epistle for {here 7 e shall name the Day) 28 MORNING SERVICE. is written in the Chapter of , be- ginning at the Verse. The Epistle for the Day. \ The Epistle ended, the Minister shall say : Here endeth the Epistle. fl Then shall the Hallelujah be sung or said, except in the week before Easter. The Hallelujah. Hallelujah ! fl Instead of the simple Hallelujah, a Sentence for the Season of the Church- Tear may be sung with it; or a Psalm or Hymn may be sung after the Hallelujah. The Hallelujah and Sentence. For the Advent Season. Hallelujah ! Kemember, 0 Lord, Thy tender mercies: for they have been ever of old. Hal- lelujah ! For the Epiphany Season. Hallelujah! 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations: and land Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us : and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Hallelujah ! For the Passion Season. Christ hath humbled Himself, and become obe- dient unto death : even the death of the Cross. For the Easter Season. Hallelujah ! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Hallelujah ! SECOND ORDER. 29 For the Season of Pentecost. Hallelujah. ! Thou sendest forth Thy Spirit, they are created: and Thou renewest the face of the earth. Hallelujah ! For the Sundays after Trinity. Hallelujah! 0 Lord, deal with Thy servant according, unto Thy mercy: and teach me Thy statutes. I am Thy servant, give me understand- ing : _ that I may know Thy testimonies. Hal- lelujah ! Or this: Hallelujah ! Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers: praise Him, and highly exalt Him for ever. Hallelujah ! fl Then shall the Minister announce the Gospel for the Day, saying : The Holy Gospel is written in the Chapter of St. , beginning at the Verse. ^[ The Congregation may sing or say: Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord. ^[ Then shall the Minister read The Gospel for the Day. fl The Gospel ended, the Minister shall say : Here endeth the Gos- pel, and the Congregation shall stand tip, unless they have stood at th# reading of the Gospel, and shall sing or say : Praise be to Thee, 0 Christ. 30 MORNING SERVICE. *§ Then shall the Apostles' Creed be said or sung by the Miruster and the Congregation. 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 Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body ; And the Life everlasting. Amen. ^ Then shall the Minister announce the Hymn to be sung, and go into the pulpit. After the Hymn shall follow The Sermon. ^[ When the Sermon is ended, the Congregation all standing vp, and continuing to stand to the end of the Lord's Prayer, the Minister shall say : THE peace of God, which passeth all un- derstanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus unto everlasting life. SECOND ORDER. 31 ^ Then shall the Congregation sing : CREATE in me a clean heart, 0 God : and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence : and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation : and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. ^[ Instead of this the second and third verses of Hymn 356 may he sung. fl Whilst this is sung, the Minister shall go to the Altar, and the singing ended, he shall offer prayer. He may use the Prayer in the First Order, or, if there be no Communion, the Litany, or the Suf- frages, or a selection from the general and special Collects, or ar.y other suitable prayer. The General Prayer. fl Then shall the Minister, and the Congregation icith him, say the Lord's Prayer ; but if there be a Communion it may be omitted here. The Lord's Prayer. 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 tres- pass against us ; And lead us not into tempta- tion ; But deliver us from evil ; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 32 MORNING SERVICE. ^ Then may the Minister make any needful announcements, and the Offerings of the Congregation be gathered; and after that shall follow a Hymn which .shall end with a Doxology when there is no Communion. Whilst the Doxology is sung the Congregation shall stand. *fi Jllien the Doxology is ended, the Minister, standing before the Altar, shall pronounce the Benediction, after which the Congregation, still standing, should offer silent prayer. The Benediction. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. IT The Congregation shall sing or say : Amen, EVENING SERVICE. THE ORDER OF EVENING SERVICE. ^ The Service shall begin with one of the following Invitatorics. The Minister, standing before the Altar, mag sag the Invitatory, and the Congregation sing or say the Gloria Patri ; or the Invi- tatory, with the Gloria Patri, mag be said or sung responsively by the Minister and Congregation, or be sung by both together. 1[ The Congregation shall stand from the beginning of the Service to the end of the Collect before the reading of the Scriptures ; ex- cept that during the Confession and Absolution they may kneel. The Invitatory. X. ;9ms ^Hi'smaiur. Ps. lxvii. GOD be merciful unto us, and bless us : and cause His face to shine upon us. That Thy way may be known upon earth : Thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise Thee, 0 God : let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase: and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us : and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. 2. 3tMat* Sto. Ps. c. MAKE a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands : Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing. Know ye 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. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise : be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. 4 34 EVENING SERVICE. For the Lord is good ; His mercy is everlastir.g : and His truth endureth to all generations. 3. Vinitt sExuItimiLS Sorntuo. Ps. xcv. OCOME, let us sing unto the Lord : let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanks- giving : and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God : and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth : the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it : and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God : and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. X- Blatiaius .Sum. Ps. cxxii. I WAS glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord : our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls : and prosperity within thy palaces. 5. 3labaio Enter JEnnoteritjCJEf. Ps. xxyi. I WILL wash mine hands in innocency : so will I compass Thine Altar, O Lord. That I may publish with the voice of thanks- giving : and tell of all Thy wondrous works. EVENING SERVICE. 35 Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house : and the place where Thine honor dwelleth. ^ Any suitable Psalm from the Selections which precede the Hymns may be used as an Invitatory. ^ The Invitatory, except in the week before Easter, shall always end with the Gloria Patri. GLORY be to the Father, and io the Son, and to the. Holy Ghost : as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. fl Then may the Minister say the Confession of Sins, as here foU loweth : The Confession of Sins. DEARLY Beloved! If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- ness. Let us therefore confess our sins unto God our heavenly Father, and humbly beseech Him, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us forgiveness. ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; we poor miserable sinners acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness, which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, 36 EVENING SERVICE. against Thy Divine Majesty. We have pro- voked Thy wrath and indignation against us, and deserve at Thy hands present and ever- lasting punishment. But we do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; and we beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to be merciful unto us. Par- don and deliver us from all our sins, for the sake of the holy, innocent, and bitter suffer- ings and death of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. fl Then shall the Congregation sing or say the Kyrie. LORD, have mercy upon us ! Christ, have mercy upon us ! Lord, have mercy upon us ! Or this : OGOD the Father in heaven ; have mercy upon us ! 0 God the Son, Redeemer of the world ; have mercy upon us ! 0 God the Holy Ghost ; have mercy upon us, and grant us Thy peace ! ^[ Then the Minister, standing, shall pronounce The Absolution. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, hath had mercy upon us, and for the Bake of His dear Son, forgiveth us all our sins. EVENING SERVICE. 37 To them that believe on His Name, He also giveth power to become the sons of God, and bestoweth upon them His Holy Spirit. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Grant us, 0 Lord, this salvation. fl Then shall the Congregation sing or say : Amen. Minister. 0 Lord, open Thou my lips. Congregation. And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. 1T Then shall be sung the Magnificat, as here follow eth ; or somt other Canticle, Psalm, or Hymn of Praise; and at the end of the Canticle or Psalm may be sung the Gloria Patri. The Minister shall say the first tvords, except when a Hymn is sung, and then he shall announce the Hymn. The Magnificat. ^ The Minister shall say : My soul doth magnify the Lord. ^ The Congregation shall sing: MY soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded : the low estate of His handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth : all genera- tions shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things : and holy is His Name. 38 EVENING SERVICE. And His mercy is on them that fear Him : from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with His arm : He hath scattered the proud in the imagina- tion of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats : and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath holpen His servant Israel, in re- membrance of His mercy : as He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed, for ever. ^ Then shall the Minister say : The Lord be with you. ^[ The Congregation shall sing or sag : And with thy spirit. ^ The Minister shall sag: Let us pray. ^ Then shall the Minister sag one or more of the festival, general, or special Collects. A Versicle mag precede the Collect. The Collect. ^[ The Collect ended, the Congregation shall sing or sag: Amen. ^ Then shall one or more Lessons from the Holg Scriptures be read. If more than one Lesson be read, one of the Sentences after the Epistle in the Morns ~.g Service, or a Psalm, may be sung after the first Lesson. EVENING SERVICE. 39 Scripture Lessons. fl The Les» ons < nded. the Minister shall say : Here endeth the Scrip- ture (or the second) Lesson, and the Congregation shall sing or say: Thanks be to Thee, 0 God. ][ Then may the Apostles' Creed he said or sung by the Minister and Congregation. When the Creed is used, the Congregation shall stand up at the end of the Scripture Lesson. 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 Christian Church, the Communion of Saints ; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body ; And the Life everlasting. Amen. \ Then shall the Minister announce the Hymn to he sung, and go into the puljnt. After the Hymn shall follow 40 EVENING SERVICE. The Sermon. <[ Wlten the Sermon is ended, the Congregation all standing up, and continuing to stand to the end of the Lord's Prayer, the Minuter shall say : THE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. r Then shall the Congregation sing : I WILL praise the Lord with my whole heart : in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered : the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He sent redemption unto His people : holy and reverend is His Name. *~ Instead of this the second a?id third verses of Hymn 356 may be sung. ^ lVhilst this is sung, the Minister shall go to the Altar, and the singing ended, he shall offer prayer ; he may use the Litany, or i^e Suffrages, or a selection from the Collects, or any suitable pray c. The Prayer. r Ti(fn shall the Minister, and the Congregation with him, say the Lord's Prayer. The Lord's Prayer. OL R Father, who art in heaven ; Hallowed be Thy Name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven ; Give EVENING SERVICE. 41 us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who tres- pass against us ; And lead us not into tempta- tion ; But deliver us from evil ; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. fl Then may the Minister make any needful announcements, and the Offerings of the Congregation be gathered; and after that shall follow a Hymn which shall end with a Doxology. Whilst the Doxology is sung the Congregation shall stand. ^[ When the Doxology is ended, the Minister, standing before the Altar, shall pronounce the Benediction, after which the Congrega- tion, still standing, should offer silent prayer. The Benediction. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. ^[ The Congregation shall sing or say : Amen. INTROITS. IHTKOITS FOR THE CHURCH-YEAR, AND GENERAL INTROITS. THE ADVENT SEASON. 1. SAY ye to the daughter of Zion : Behold thy sal- vation cometh. The Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard: and ye shall have gladness of heart. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel : Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock. 2. DROP down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation. The heavens declare the glory of God : and the firmament sheweth His handy work. HOSAXXA to the Son of David: blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. Rejoice greatly, 0 daughter of Zion : shout, 0 daughter of Jerusalem ; Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation. CHRISTMAS. 4. TXTO us a Child is born : unto us a Son is U given. And the government shall be upon His shoulder : EPIPHANY. 43 and He shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 0 sing unto the Lord a new song : for He hath done marvellous things. NEW-YEAR. 5. OLORD our Lord, how excellent is- Thy Name in all the earth : Who hast set Thy glory above the heavens. What is man, that Thou art mindful of him : and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? Thou, 0 Lord, art our Father and our Redeemer : from everlasting is Thy Name. Hear my pra}^er, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry : for I am a stranger with Thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. THE EPIPHANY SEASON. 6. MAKE a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands : serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing. For the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us : and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the OnhT-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 will praise Thee, 0 Lord, with my whole heart- I will show forth all Thy marvellous works. THE Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice: let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all 44 INTROITS. flesh shall see it : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Zion heard, and was glad : and the daughters of Judah rejoiced. THERE shall come a Star out of Jacob : and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel. Give the King Thy judgments,-*} God: and Thy righteousness unto the Kind's Son. He shall judge Thy people with righteousness: and Thy poor with judgment. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents : the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him: all nations shall serve Him. THE PASSION SEASON. CHRIST JESUS became obedient unto death: even the death of the Cross. Wherefore also God hath highly exalted Him : and given Him a Name which is above every name. That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow: of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord : to the glory of God the Father. 10. REMEMBER, O Lord, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving kindnesses : for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my trans- EASTER. 45 gressions . according to Thy mercy, remember Thou me, 0 Lord. Unto Thee, 0 Lord, do I lift up my soul : 0 my G-od, I trust in Thee, let me not be ashamed. GOOD FRIDAY. 1. BEHOLD, and see if there be any sorrow : like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me? The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and m}r feet. They part my garments among them: and cast lots upon my vesture. Be not Thou far from me, 0 Lord : 0 my strength, haste Thee to help me. [The Gloria Patri is omitted on this day.) 12. BEHOLD the Lamb of God : which taketh away the sin of the world ! Surely He hath borne our griefs : and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions : He was bruised for our iniquities. All we like sheep have gone astray : and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. {The Gloria Patri is omitted on this, day.) THE EASTER SEASON. 13. Easter-Day. THE Lord is risen, and hath appeared unto Simon ; Hallelujah: the Lord is risen indeed. Hallelujah! Why seek ye the living among the dead ? Halle- lujah: He is not here, He is risen. Hallelujah! 46 INTROITS. Thou hast crowned Him with glory and honor ; Hallelujah: Thou madest Him to have dominion over the works of Thy hand. Hallelujah! 14. I AM the resurrection and the life : all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Hallelujah ! Lo, I am with you alway : even unto the end of the world. Hallelujah ! For to this end Christ both died and rose again : that He might be Lord both of the dead and living. 15. DECLARE ye with the voice of singing; Halle- lujah : tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth. Hallelujah ! The Lord hath redeemed His servant Jacob: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Make a joj^ful noise unto God, all ye lands : sing forth the honor of His holy Name. ASCENSION. 16. ~\TE men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into X heaven : Hallelujah ! He shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go iuto heaven: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hal- lelujah! 0 clap your hands, all ye people : shout unto God with the voice of triumph. 17. T IFT up your heads, 0 ye gates ; and be ye lift ! 1 up, ye everlasting doors : and the King of glory shall come in. PENTECOST. 47 Who is this King of glory : the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up 3'our heads, 0 ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors : and the King of glory shall come in. AYho is this King of glory : the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. THE SEASON OF PENTECOST. 18. rpHE whole earth is full of the Spirit of the Lord : _L Hallelujah! I will pour water upon him that is thirsty : and floods upon the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed : and my blessing upon thine offspring. God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light : bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. 19. HIS foundation is in the holy mountains : the Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee : 0 city of God. Of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her : and the Highest Himself shall establish her. 20. THE Lord is in His holy temple : let all the earth keep silence before Him. Thy testimonies are very sure : holiness becometh Tlrv house, 0 Lord, for ever. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord : and to sing praises unto Thy Name, 0 Most High. 48 INTROITS. 21. I SHALL be sanctified in you, saith the Lord God : I will gather you out of all countries. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you : and ye shall be clean. A new heart also will I give you : and a new spirit will I put within you. I will bless the Lord at all times : His praise shall continually be in my mouth. TRINITY SUNDAY. 22. HOLY. holy. holy, is the Lord God of Hosts : the whole earth is full of His glory. There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost* and these Three are One. Of Ilirn. and through Him, and to Him are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. THE FESTIVAL OF HARVEST. 23. PRAISE waiteth for Thee, 0 God, in Zion: and unto Thee shall the vow be performed. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it : Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly. Thou makest it soft with showers : Thou blessest the springing thereof. Tho'u crownest the year with Thy goodness : and Thy paths drop fatness. 24. GREAT is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and His greatness is unsearchable. The eyes of all wait upon Thee : and Thou givest them their meat in due season. SUNDAYS AFTER TRINITY. 49 Thou openest Thine hand : and satisfiest the desire of every living thins,". My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : and let all flesh bless His holy Xame for ever. THE FESTIVAL OF THE REFORMATION. 25. THE Lord our God be with us : as He was with our fathers. Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion : build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Thy testimonies are very sure : holiness becometh Thy house, 0 Lord, for ever. DAY OF THANKSGIVING. 26. PRAISE God in His sanctuary : praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts : praise Him ac- cording to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet : praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord: praise ye the Lord. DAY OF HUMILIATION. (Introits 27, 2S may be used on this Day.) SUNDAYS AFTER TRINITY. I— IX. 21. IF Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities: 0 Lord, who shall stand. But there is forgiveness with Thee : that Thou mayest be feared. Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, 0 Lord: Lord, hear niy voice. 5 60 INTROITS. Let Thine ears be attentive : to the voice of my supplications. 28. BLESSED is he whose transgression is forgiven : whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity : and in whose spirit there is no guile. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord : and my prayer came in unto Thee, into Thy holy temple. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters : come ye, and eat, and your soul shall live. SUNDAYS AFTER TRINITY. X— XXII. 29. 0LORD, be Thou my strong Rock : for an house of defence to save me. For Thou art my Rock and my Fortress : therefore for Thy Name's sake lead me, and guide me. In Thee, 0 Lord, do I put my trust : let me never be ashamed, deliver me in Thy righteousness. 30. BOW down Thine ear, 0 Lord, and hear me : 0 Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee. Be merciful unto me, 0 Lord : for I cry unto Thee daily. Rejoice the soul of Thy servant : for unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 31. I WILL love Thee, 0 Lord, my strength : the Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. SUNDAYS AFTER TRINITY. 51 Unto Thee, 0 Lord, do I lift up my soul : 0 my God, I trust in Thee. Whom have I in heaven but Thee ? : and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth : but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 32. GIYE ear, 0 my people, to my law : incline your ears to the words of my mouth. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul : blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Save Thy people, 0 Lord, and bless Thine inherit- ance : feed them also, and lift them up for ever. 33. THE Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom shall I fear?: the Lord is the strength of my life ; of whom shall I be afraid ? Behold God is my helper : the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not : behold, your God will come and save you. 34. HOW long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord : how long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me ? I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord : thoughts of peace and not of evil. Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in Him : and He shall bring it to pass. 0 Lord, I have trusted in Thy mercy : my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. 52 INTROITS. SUNDAYS AFTER TRINITY. XXIII— XXYII. 35. HOLD thy peace at the presence of the Lord God ; for the day of the Lord is at hand : it is near and hasteth greatly. The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Zion shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord : and a royal diadem in the hand of her God. GENERAL INTROITS. 36. I WILL bless the Lord at all times : His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 0 magnify the Lord with me : and let us exalt His Name together. 1 sought the Lord, and He heard me : and deliv- ered me from all my fears. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him : and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good : blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. 37. HOW long. Lord? wilt Thou be angry for ever: shall Thy jealousy burn like fire ? 0 remember not against us former iniquities: let Thy tender mercies speedily prevent us ; for we are brought very low. Help us, 0 God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name : and deliver us. and purge away our sins, for Thv Name's sake. GENERAL. 53 So we Thy people, and sheep of Thy pasture, will give Thee thanks for ever : we will shew forth Thy praise to all generations. 38. I CRIED with my whole heart : hear me, 0 Lord, I will keep Thy statutes. Yea, even unto Thee do I cry : save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies. Hear my voice, according unto Thy loving-kind- ness : 0 Lord, quicken me according to Thy judg- ment. 39. BEHOLD, 0 God, our shield, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed : for a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. How amiable are Thy tabernacles, 0 Lord of hosts : my soul longeth, 3^ea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord. 40. THE Lord is the strength of His people : and He is the saving strength of His anointed. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance : feed them also, and lift them up for ever. Unto Thee will I cry, 0 Lord my Rock, be not silent to me : hear the voice of my supplications, when I lift up my hands toward Thy holy Altar. 41. BOW down Thine ear, 0 Lord, and hear me: 0 Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee. Be merciful unto me, 0 Lord, for I cry unto Thee daily : rejoice the soul of Thy servant ; for unto Thee, 0 Lord, do I lift up my soul. 54 VERSICLES AND COLLECTS. VERSICLES AND COLLECTS rOB THE SEASONS OF THE CHERCH-YEAR. A>"D GENERAL AXD SPECIAL COLLECTS. FESTIVAL COLLECTS. THE ADVENT SEASON. Minister. Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Hallelujah ! Congregation. Make His paths straight. Hallelujah ! M. Lift up your heads. 0 ye gates ; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors. Hall. C. And the King of glory shall come in. Hall. M. Show me Thy ways. 0 Lord. Hall. C. Teach me Thy paths. Hall. 1. STIR up. we beseech Thee. 0 Lord, our heart?, to make ready the way of Thine Only-begotten Son ; so that by His Advent we may be enabled to serve Him with pure minds, Who with Thee liveth aud reigneth. in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 2. V LMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who by Thy JjL grace dost permit us to begin a new Church- Year ; we beseech Thee to pour out Thy Holy Spirit upou Thy Church, that Thy Word may increase and abound among us. that it may be preached with all boldness ; that so Thy holy Church may be pre- served and edified, and that we. serving Thee with steadfast faith, may persevere in the confession of Thy Name unto the end. through Jesus Christ Thy dear Sou our Lord. Amen. CHRISTMAS. v 55 3. OGOD, Who makest us glad with the yearly re- membrance of our redemption ; Grant that as we joyfully receive Thine Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, so we may also without fear behold Him when he cometh as our Judge; Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 4. MERCIFUL God, Who hast given us Thine Only- begotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and to be born of a pure virgin ; Grant unto Thy people grace to put away impure desires, that so they may be made ready for Thy visitation ; through the same Jesus Christ Thy dear Son our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. CHRISTMAS. M. The Word was made flesh. Hall. C. And dwelt among us. Hall. M. Unto you is born this day a Saviour. Hall. C. Which is Christ the Lord. Hall. 5. Christmas Eve. OGOD, Who hast made this most sacred night to shine with the illumination of the True Light, Grant, we beseech Thee, that as we have known the mystery of that Light upon earth, we may also per- fectly enjoy it in heaven ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. o 6. Christmas Day. LORD God, heavenly Father, we give Thee thanks, that of Thy great goodness and mercy, 56 VERSICLES AND COLLECTS. Thou didst suffer Thiue Onlj'-begotten Son to be- come incarnate, and to redeem us from sin and ever- lasting death; and we beseech Thee, enlighten our hearts, by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may evermore yield Thee unfeigned thanks for this Thy grace, and may comfort ourselves with the same in all time of tribulation and temptation ; through the same Thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST AXD NEW-YEAR. M. His Name shall be called Jesus. Hall. C. For He shall save His people from their sins. Hall. M. 0 give thanks unto the Lord ; for He is good. Hall. C. For His mercy endureth for ever. Hall. 7. OLORD God, heavenly Father, we give Thee thanks that of Thy fatherly mercy Thou didst show Thy pity upon us sinners, and didst make Thy dear Son our Saviour Jesus Christ obedient to the law for man, that by His perfect obedience He might take away Thy righteous wrath and heal our diso- bedience ; and we most heartily beseech Thee, so to enlighten our hearts b}r Thy Holy Spirit that when our consciences accuse us of sin we may comfort ourselves by His obedience, and by the help of the Holy Spirit ma}' become obedient children, and finally attain everlasting salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 8. A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, from whom _i\_ cometh down every good and perfect gift, we give Thee thanks for all the benefits, both temporal and spiritual, which Thou hast bestowed upon us in EPIPHANY. 5t the 3Tear which is past ; and we beseech Thee, of Thy goodness to grant us anew a favorable and joyful 3Tear, to defend us from all dangers and adver- sities, and to send upon us the fulness of Thy bless- ing ; through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son our Lord. Amen. THE EPIPHANY SEASON. M. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. Hall. G. And upon them that dwell in the land of the shadow of death hath the light shined. Hall. M. 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations. Hall. C. Praise Him, all ye people. Hall. OGOD, Who by the leading of a star didst mani- fest Thine Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles ; Mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of Thy glorious Godhead; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 10. 0LOBJ) God, heavenly Father, Who by the ap- pearance of a star didst manifest Thine Only-be- gotten Son Jesus Christ to the wise men, and by the blessed light of Thy divine Word hast in these last times led us also to the knowledge of Thy Son ; we most heartily beseech Thee so to replenish us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit that we may ever walk in the light of Thy truth, and rejoicing with sure confidence in Christ our Saviour, may in the end be brought unto everlasting salvation ; through the same Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 58 VERSICLES AND COLLECTS. THE PASSIOX SEASON. M. Thou hast made Me to serve with thy sins. G. Thou hast wearied Me with thine iniquities. M. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him. 0. And with His stripes we are healed. M. God spared not His own Son. C. But delivered Him up for us all. 11. ALMIGHTY God, we beseech Thee graciously to behold this Tlry family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer the shameful death of the Cross ; who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. 12. GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who for our evil deeds are continually afflicted, may mercifully be relieved by the Passion of Thine Only-begotten Son ; who with Thee liveth and reign- eth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 13. 4 LM1GHTY and everlasting God, Who hast willed J\_ that Thy Son should bear for us the pains of the Cross, that Thou mightest remove from us the power of the adversary ; Help us so to remember and give thanks for our Lord's Passion that we may obtain remission of sin and redemption from ever- lasting: death ; through, the same our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. EASTER. 59 14. Thursday before Easter. OGOD, Who has left unto us in a wonderful Sac- rament a memorial of Thy Passion ; Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so use the most holy Sac- rament of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever- more perceive in ourselves the fruit of Thy redemp- tion ; Who livest and reignest with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen 15. Good-Friday. MERCIFUL and everlasting God, Who hast not spared Thine only Son, but delivered Him up for us all, that He might bear our sins upon the Cross ; Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we may not fear the power of any adversaries ; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE EASTER SEASON. M. Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more. Hall. C. Death hath no more dominion over Him. Hall. M. Christ hath abolished death. Hall. C. And hath brought life and immortality to light. Hall. M. Christ was delivered for our offences. Hall. C. And was raised again for our justification. Hall. Jf. Death is swallowed up in victory. Hall. C. Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory. Hall 60 VERSICLES AND COLLECT*. 16. \ LMIGHTY God, Who by the death of Thy Son J.JL hast abolished sin and death, and by His resur- rection hast restored innoceney and immortal life, that we, being- delivered from the power of the devil, may live for ever in Thy kingdom; Grant, we be- seech Thee, that with our whole hearts we may be- lieve this comfortable truth, and continuing stead- fast in our faith, evermore thank and praise Thee; through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 17. ALMIGHTY God, Who through Thine Only-be- gotten Son Jesus Christ hast. overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life ; we humbly beseech Thee, that, as by Thy special grace preventing us, Thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by Thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 18. 0LORD God, heavenly Father, Who hast given Thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Quicken us, we beseech Thee, by Thy Holy Spirit unto newness of life, that through the power of His resurrection, we may dwell with Christ for ever ; who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the Unit}' of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 19. GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate Thy Paschal Feast, kindled with heavenly desires may ever thirst for the Fountain of Life, Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. ASCENSION. 61 20. GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate the solemnities of the Lord's Resurrection, may by the renewal of Thy Holy Spirit rise again from the death of the soul ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 21. GOD, Who by the humiliation of Thy Son didst raise up the fallen world ; Grant unto Thy faithful ones perpetual gladness, and those whom Thou hast delivered from the danger, of everlasting death, do Thou make partakers of eternal joys ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ASCENSION. M. Christ hath ascended on high. Hall. C. He hath led captivity captive. Hall. M. Seek those things which are above. Hall. C. Where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Hall. 22. GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe Thine Only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens, so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell ; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. 23. OKING of glory, Lord of Hosts, Who didst this Day ascend in triumph far above all heavens ; We beseech Thee leave us not comfortless, but send to us the Spirit of truth, promised of the Father ; 0 Thou, Who with the Father livest and reignest in the Unit}^ of the same Spirit, one God, world without end Amen. 62 VERSICLES AND COLLECTS. THE SEASON OF PENTECOST. M. Lord, teach me to do Thy will. Hall. C. Let Thy good Spirit lead me in the right way. Hall. M. Thou sendest forth Thy Spirit, they are created. Hall. C. And Thou renewest the face of the earth. Hall. M. We have received the Spirit of adoption. Hall. C. Whereby we cry, Abba. Father. Hall. 24. OGOD, 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 our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the same Spirit, one God, world with- out end. Amen 25. GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the brightness of Thy glory may shine forth upon us, and that the light of Thy light by the illumina- tion of the Holy Spirit may stablish the hearts of all that have been born anew by Thy grace ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. 26. OGOD, Who didst give Thy Holy Spirit to Thine Apostles ; Grant unto Thy people the perform- ance of their petitions, so that on us to whom Thou hast given faith, Thou mayest also bestow peace ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen. PENTECOST. 63 27. QEND, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, Thy k5 Holy Spirit into our hearts, that He may rule and direct us according to Thy will, comfort us in all our temptations and afflictions, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth ; that we, being steadfast in the faith, may increase in love and in all good works, and in the end obtain everlasting- life; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 28. OLORD, we beseech Thee, let the power of Thy Holy Spirit be present with us, that it may both mercifully cleanse our hearts, and defend us against all adversities ; that Thy people be in nowise overcome by any assaults of their enemies, but as Thy Son hath graciously promised, be led into all truth ; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Who with Thee liveth ana reigneth, in the Unity of the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end Amen. TRINITY SUNDAY. M. Bless we the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost Hall. C. Let us praise, and highly exalt Him for ever. Hall. 29. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who hast given unto us Thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eter- nal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech Thee, that Thou 64 VERSICLES AND COLLECTS. wouldest keep us steadfast in this faith, and ever- more defend us from all adversities, Who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen. THE FESTIVAL OF HARVEST. M. The eyes of all wait upon Thee, 0 Lord. Hall. C. And Thou givest them their meat in due season. Hall. 30. A LMIGHTY God, most merciful Father, Who J\_ openest Thy hand, and satisfiest the desire of eveiy living thing, we give Thee most humble and hearty thanks that Thou hast crowned the fields with Thy blessing, and hast permitted us once more to gather in the fruits of the earth ; And we beseech Thee to bless and protect the living seed of Thy Word sown in our hearts, that in t\ie plenteous fruits of righteousness, we may always present to Thee an acceptable thankofferihg ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lora. Amen. THE FESTIVAL OF THE REFORMATION. M. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet. Hall. C. And a light unto my path. Hall. 31. ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence Thy ser- vants, our fathers, were sent to prepare the way of Thy Son our Saviour, by preaching repent- ance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ ; Make us so to follow their doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent and believe according to their preaching; and after their example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently PRESENTATION OF CHRIST. 65 suffer for the truth's sake ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world with- out end. Amen. A DAY OF HUMILIATION. Any of the Litany Collects may be used on this Day, A DAY OF THANKSGIVING. M. 0 give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. Hall. C. For His mercy endureth for ever. Hall. 32. OLORD God, heavenly Father, from whom we re- ceive abundantly all good gifts, and by whom we are daily defended against all evil ; Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that acknowledging with our whole heart this Thy goodness, we may now and evermore thank and praise Thy loving kindness and tender mercy ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST. M Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace- Hall. G. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. Hall. 33. ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we humbly be- seech Thy Majesty, that as Thine Only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in sub- 6 66 VERSICLES AND COLLECTS. stance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto Thee with pure and clean hearts, by the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE ANNUNCIATION. M. The Word became flesh. Hall. C. And dwelt among us. Hall. 34. WE beseech Thee, 0 Lord, pour Thy grace into our hearts ; that as we have known the Incar- nation of Thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by His Cross and Passion we may be brought unto the glory of His Resurrection ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE VISITATION. M. My soul doth magnify the Lord. Hall G. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Hall. 35. ALMIGHTY God, Who hast dealt wonderfully with Thy handmaiden the Virgin Mary, and hast chosen her to be the mother of Thy Son, and bast graciously made known that Thou regardest the poor and the lowly and the despised ; Grant us grace in all humility and meekness to receive Thy Word with hearty faith, and so to be made one with Thy clear Son ; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. apostles' days. 67 apostles' and martyrs' days. M. Their voice is gone out through all the earth. Hall. C. And their words to the end of the world. Hall. M. Pray ye the Lord of the harvest. Hall. C. That He would send forth laborers into His harvest. Hall. 36. 0 ALMIGHTY God, Who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the head Corner-stone ; Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable unto Thee ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 21. 0 ALMIGHTY God, Who hast instructed Thy holy Church, with the heavenly doctrine of Thy Evangelists. and Apostles, confessed by our fathers ; Give us grace, that being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of Thy holy Gospel ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 38. 0 ALMIGHTY God, Who hast knit together Thine elect in one communion and fellowship in the mjrstical body of Thy Son Christ our Lord ; Grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed Saints in all vir- tuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable J03-S which Thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love Thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. 68 VERSICLES AND COLLECTS. 39. 0 ALMIGHTY God, Whom truly to know is ever- lasting life ; Grant us perfectly to know Thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life: that following the steps of our fa thful fathers we may steadfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life, through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BIRTHDAY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. M. Behold I will send my messenger before my face. Hall. C. And he shall prepare the way before me. Hall. 40. 0LORD God, heavenly Father, Who by Thy ser- vant hast borne witness that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world ; Most humbly we beseech Thee, so to en- lighten us, by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may at all times receive this testimony with true faith, and steadfastly abiding in Him, with all Thy Saints, come to everlasting life ; through the same Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. ST. MICHAEL'S DAY. M. For He shall give His Angels charge over thee. Hall. C. To keep thee in all thy ways. Hall. 41. 0 EVERLASTING God, Who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order ; Mercifully grant, that as Thy holy Angels alwa3rs do Thee service in heaven, so by Thy appointment they may succor and defend us on earth ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. GENERAL. 69 GENERAL AND SPECIAL COLLECTS. VERSICLES. 1. Minister. Ask, and ye shall receive. Congregation. That your joy may be full. M. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul : and all that is within me bless His holy Name. Hall. C. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul : and forget not all His benefits. Hall. 3. M. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice, saith God, the Lord. G. By me princes rule and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 4. M. Call upon me in the day of trouble. C. I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. M. Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more. Hall. C. Death hath no more dominion over Him. Hall. 6. M. Christ hath abolished death. Hall. C. He hath brought life and immortality to light. Hall. 7. M. Have mercy upon us, 0 God, according to Thy lovmg- kindness. C. According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. 70 VERSICLES. 8. M. Help us, 0 God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name. C. Deliver us, and purge away our sins, for Thy Name's lake. 9. M. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. Hall. C. And to sing praises unto Thy Name, 0 most High. Hall. 10. M. Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble. C. Thou wilt establish their heart, Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear. 11. M. Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts. C. Strengthen Thou me according unto Thy Word. 12. M. 0 God, make clean our hearts within us. C. And take not Thy Holy Spirit from us. 13. M. 0 Lord, deal not with us after our sins. C. Neither reward us according to our iniquities. 14. M. 0 Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant. C. For in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. 15. M. Sanctify us through Thy truth. Hall. C. Thy Word is truth. Hall. 16. AT. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. C. Feed them also, and lift them up for ever. 17 M. Show us Thy mercy, 0 Lord. C. And grant us Thy salvation. GENERAL. 71 18. M. Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not. ' C. For of such is the kingdom of God. 19. M. The Gentiles shall come to Thy light. Hall. C. And kings to the brightness of Thy rising. Hall. 20. M. The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory. Hall. C. No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. Hall. 21. M. The Lord is merciful and gracious. Hall. C. Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Hall. 22. M. The Lord will give strength unto His people. Hall. C. The Lord will bless His people with peace. Hall. 23. M. They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. Hall. C. And they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Hall. - 24. M. This is the day which the Lord hath made. Hall. C. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Hall. 25. M. We have sinned with our fathers. C. We have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 26. M. We have trusted in Thy mercy. C. Our heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. 72 COLLECTS. GENERAL COLLECTS. 42. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who by TLy Holy Spirit dost govern and sanctify the whole Christian Church ; Hear our prayers for all mem- bers of the same, and mercifully grant, that by Thy grace they may serve Thee in true faith ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 43. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, Who, of Thy tender love towards us sinners hast given us Thy Son, that believing on Him we might have everlasting life ; Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that we may continue steadfast in this faith to the end, and may come to everlasting life ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 44. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who by Thy Son hast promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life ; We beseech Thee so to rule and govern our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek help from Him, and by a true and lively faith in Thy Word obtain the same ; through Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Who with Thee Liveth and reigneth, one* God, world without end. Amen, 45. WE beseech Thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon Thy people ; that by Thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved ever- more, both in body and soul ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. GENERAL. 73 4G. LET Thy merciful ear, 0 Lord, be open to the prayers of Thy humble servants ; and that they ma}^ obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please Thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OGOD, our refuge and strength, Who art the author of all godliness ; Be ready, we beseech Thee, to hear the devout prayers of Thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 48. ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts are 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 per- fectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name ; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 49. OGOD, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able to please Thee ; Mercifully grant that Thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 50. OGOD, 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 Tlry promises, which exceed all that we can desire ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 51. JORD of all power and might, Who art the author J and giver of all good things ; Graft in our 74 COLLECTS. hearts the love of Thy Xame, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 52. ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given us command- ment to pray for the gift of the Holy Ghost ; Most heartily we beseech Thee, 0 heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Advocate, to grant us Thy Holy Spirit, that He may quicken our hearts by Thy saving Word, and lead us into all truth, that He may guide, instruct, enlighten, govern, comfort and sanctify us unto everlasting life ; through the same Thy Son. Amen. 53. ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee ; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in Thy Name Thou wilt grant their requests ; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them ; granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen. SPECIAL COLLECTS. FOR THE CHURCH. 54. GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, unto Thy Church, Thy Holy Spirit, and the wisdom which cometh down from above, that Thy Word, as becometh it, may not be bound, but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ's holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve CHUKCH. 75 Thee, and in the confession of Thy Name may abide unto the end ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 55. OLORD, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Church and Household continually in Thy true religion ; that they who do lean only upon the hope of Thy heavenly grace may evermore be defended by Thy mighty power : through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 56. GRANT, 0 Lord, we beseech Thee, that the course of this world may be so peacefully ordered by Thy governance, that Thy Church may joyfully serve Thee in all godly quietness ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 57. KEEP, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, Thy Church with Thy perpetual mercy ; and, because the frailty of man without Thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by Thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. o 58. LORD, we beseech Thee, let Thy continual pity cleanse and defend Thy Church ; and, because it cannot continue in safety without Thy succor, preserve it evermore by Thy help and goodness ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 59. LORD, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Household the Church in continual godliness ; that through Thy protection it may be free from all adversities, 76 COLLECTS. and devoutly given to serve Thee in good works, to the glory of Thy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 60. 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 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 61. MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech Thee to cast the bright beams of Thy light upon Thy Church, that it being instructed by the doctrine of the blessed Apostles, restored by our fathers, may so walk in the light of Thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 62. For the Ministers of the Word. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who alone doest great wonders ; Send down upon Thy Ministers, and upon the Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of Thy grace ; and, that thVy may truly please Thee, pour upon them the continual dew of Thy blessing ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 63. ALMIGHTY and gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast earnestly com- CHURCH. T? manded us to pray that Thou wouldest send laborers into Thy harvest; Give us, we beseech Thee, of Thine infinite mere}-, true teachers and ministers of Thy* Word, and put Thy saving Gospel in their hearts and on their lips, that they may truly fulfil Thy commind, and preach nothing contrary to T#y holy Word ; that we, being warned, instructed, nur- tured, comforted and strengthened by Thy heavenly Word, may do those things which are well pleasing to Thee and profitable to us ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 64. For the Church Militant. \ LMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who wilt have _3_ all men to be saved and to come to the knowl- edge of Thy heavenly truth ; We beseech Th}r glo- rious Majesty, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, that Thou wouldest impart the grace and help of Thy Holy Spirit to all ministers of Thy Word in the Church of Christ, that they may purely teach it to the saving of men ; that by Thine almighty power and unsearchable wisdom, Thou wouldest bring to nought all the counsels of those who hate Tlry Word, and who by corrupt teaching or with violent hands would destroy it, that Thou wouldest enlighten them with the knowledge of Thy glory; that we, leading a quiet and peaceable life, may learn the riches of Thy heavenly grace by a pure faith, and serve Thee the only true God in holiness and righteousness, which are well pleasing to Thee ; through Jesus Christ Tlrr dear Son our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 78 COLLECTS. 65. For the Children of the Church. \ LMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who dost will J\ that not one of these little ones should perish, but hast sent Thine Only Son to seek and to save that which was lost, and through Hirn hast said, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and for- bid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God; Most heartily we beseech Thee so to bless and govern the children of Thy Church, by Thy Holy Spirit, that they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Thy Word ; protect and defend them against all danger and harm, giving Thy holy angels charge over them ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. A men. FOR RULERS AND PEOPLE. 66. ALMIGHTY God, King of kings, Who holdest the supreme authority over all the kingdoms of this world, and ordainest rule and government among men ; We give Thee thanks for the establishment of civil government, and especially for that which Thou hast set over our beloved country, under the shadow of which we can hear and obey Thy Word, and none dare molest or make us afraid ; and we beseech Thee to guide and govern, to protect and defend our Hulers, and continually to preserve unto us the blessed light of Thy Word, that we ma}T lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty ; through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen. RULERS. 79 67. 0 MERCIFUL Father in heaven, Who boldest in Thy hand all the might of man, and who bast ordained the powers that be for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well, and of whom is all rule and authority in the king- doms of the world ; We humbly beseech Thee, gra- ciously regard Thy servants the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, our Judges and Magistrates, and all the Rulers of the earth. May all that receive the sword, as Thy ministers, bear it according to Thy commandment. Enlighten and defend them by Thy Name, 0 God. Grant them wisdom and understanding, that under their peaceable governance Thy people may be guarded and directed in righteousness, quietness, and unit}7. Protect and prolong their life, 0 God of our salvation, that we, with them, may show forth the praise of Thy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 68. For our Enemies. FORGIVE, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, our enemies, and them that despitefully use us, and so change their hearts that they may walk with us in meekness and peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 69. 0 ALMIGHTY, everlasting God, Who, through Thine Ouly Son^ our blessed Lord, hast com- manded us to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate us, and to pray for them that persecute us; We earnestly beseech Thee that by Thy gracious visitation they may be led to true repentance, and 80 COLLECTS. may have the same love, and be of one accord and of one mind and heart with ns, and with Thy whole Christian Church ; through the same Thy dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 70. hi time of War. 0LORD God, heavenly Father, we humbly confess unto Thee that by our evil doings and continual disobedience, we have deserved these Thy chastise- ments ; But we earnestly beseech Thee, for Thy Name's sake, to spare us ; restrain the harmful power of the enemy, and succor Thy suffering people, that Thy Word may be declared faithfully and with- out hinderance, and that we, amending our sinful lives, may walk obediently to Thy holy command- ments ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. IN SPECIAL AND GENERAL NEED. IN TIME OF AFFLICTION AND DISTRESS. u. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Consolation of the sorrowful, and the Strength of the weak ; May the prayers of them that in any tribulation or distress cry unto Thee, graciously come before Thee, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Thy manifold help and comfort ; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, wrorld without end. Amen. 12. 0GOD, merciful Father, Who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful ; Mercifully assist our prayers SPECIAL NEED. 81 which we make before Thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us ; and gra- ciously hear us, that those evils which the craft or subtilty of the devil or man worketh against us, may, by Thy good providence, be brought to nought ; that we Thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. * 73. ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, Who hast appointed us to endure sufferings and death with our Lord Jesus Christ, before we enter with Him into eternal glory ; Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Thy Holy will, and to continue steadfast in the true faith unto the end of our lives, and at all times to find peace and joy in the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead, and of the glory of the world to come ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. U. In time of great Sickness. ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, our heavenly Father, we Thine erring children humbly con- fess unto Thee, that we have justly deserved the chastening, which for our sins Thou hast sent upon us ; But we entreat Thee, of Thy boundless goodness to grant us true repentance, graciously to forgive our sins, to remove from us or to lighten our merited punishment, and so to strengthen us by Thy grace that as obedient children we may be subject to Thy will, and bear our afflictions in patience ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 82 COLLECTS. 75. In time of War, Pestilence, or other great Calamity. MOST loving and gracious Lord God, Who art pleased, for our many grievous sins, sorely to chasten us. we flee to Thy tender and fatherly com- passion alone, beseeching Thee that as a father pitieth his children Thou wouldest pity us miserable sinners. Turn away Thy righteous wrath, and give us not over to deserved death, but deliver us, that we may now and evermore praise Thee, 0 gracious God and Father, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wicked- ness and live ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 76. For Prisoners. ALMIGHTY God, Who didst bring the Apostle Peter forth out of prison ; Have mercy upon all who are suffering imprisonment, and set them free from their bonds, that we may rejoice in their deliv- erance, and continually give praise to Thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 77. For Mothers. 0 ALMIGHTY everlasting God and Father, Crea- tor of all things. Who by Thy grace, through Thy Son our Lord, who hath redeemed us from the flesh and sin. makest the anguish of our human birth a holy and salutary cross; We pray Thee. <> gracious Father. Lord and God. that Thou wouldest preserve and guard the work of Thine own hand. Forsake not them who cry to Thee in sore travail, but deliver them out of all their pains, to their joy and to the glory of Thy goodness ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amt/i, SPECIAL NEED. 83 FOB THOSE WHO HAVE ERRED. 78. 0 ALMIGHTY, merciful, and gracious God and Father, with our whole heart we beseech Thee for all who have forsaken the Christian faith, all who have wandered from any portion thereof, or are in doubt or temptation through the corruptors of Thy Word, that Thou wouldest visit them as a Father, wouldest reveal unto them their error, and bring them back from their wanderings, that they, in singleness of heart, taking pleasure alone in the pure truth of Thy Word, may be made wise thereby unto everlasting life; through faith in Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 79. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, Whose property it is always to have mercy ; We most earnestly beseech Thee to visit with Th}r fatherly correction all such as have erred and gone astray from the truth of Thy holy Word, and to bring them to a due sense of their error, that they may again with hearty faith receive and hold fast Thine un- changeable truth ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world with- out end. Amen. 80. \ LMIGHTY God, Who showest to them that are j\ in error the light of Thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness ; Grant unto all those who are admitted into the fel- lowship of Christ's religion, that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and folio w all such thinos as are agreeable to the same : through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 84 COLLECTS. IN GENERAL NEED. 81. OGOP, the Protector of all that trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy ; Multiply upon us Thy mercy, that by Thy holy inspiration we ma}T think those things that are good, and by Thy merciful guiding may perform the same ; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 82. OLORD God, heavenly Father, from whom with out ceasing we receive exceeding abundantly all good gifts, and who daily of Thy pure grace guardest us against all evil ; Grant us, Ave beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that acknowledging with our whole heart all this Thy goodness, we may now and ever- more thank and praise Thy loving kindness and tender mercy ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Arnen. 83. OLORD God, heavenly Father, we beseech Thee, let Thy Holy Spirit dwell in us, that he may enlighten at.d lead us into all truth, and evermore defend us from all adversities; Who with Thee and the Son liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 84. OGOP, Wrhose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth ; We humbly beseech Thee to put awa\r from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which are profitable for us ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. TEMPORAL BLESSINGS. 85 FOR TEMPORAL BLESSINGS. 85. OLORD, Father Almighty, Who by Thy Son, the Eternal Word, hast created and dost bless and uphold all things ; We pray Thee so to reveal unto us Christ Thy Word, that He dwelling in our hearts, we ma}- by Thy grace be made meet to receive Thy blessing on all the fruits of the earth, and whatso- ever pertains to our bodily need, so= that we may use .these Thy gifts to Tlry glory and our neighbor's good ; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 86. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, Whose mercies are new unto us every morning, and who, though we have in no wise deserved Thy good- ness, dost abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul ; Give us, we praj^ Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that we may heartily acknowledge Thy mer- ciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all Thy benefits, and serve Thee in willing obedience ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. o ST. For Rain. GOD, most merciful Father, we beseech Thee to open the windows of heaven and to send a fruitful rain upon us, to revive the earth and to refresh the fruits thereof, for all things droop and wither ; gra- ciously hear our prayer in this our necessity, that we may praise and glorify Thy Name for ever and ever ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 86 COLLECTS. 88. For fair Weather. OLORD God, heavenly Father, Who art gracious and merciful, and hast promised by Thy Son, that Thou wilt hear us when we call upon Thee in our troubles ; We beseech Thee, look not upon our sins and evil doings, but upon our necessities, and according- to Thy mercy send us such seasonable weather, that the earth may in due time yield her increase ; that by Tlry goodness we may receive our daily bread, and learn to know Thee as a merciful God, and evermore to give thanks to Thee for Thy goodness ; through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son our Lord. Amen. 89. OLORD God Almighty, Who rulest all the works of Thy hand, and suppliest the wants of every living thing, by whose gracious will all things are ordered; Grant us, Thy children, a gracious rain, (favorable weather,) that our land ma}', by Thy blessing, be lilled with its fruits, and that we, be- holding and acknowledging Thy hand in all our mercies, may ever magnify Thee ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. FOR SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. 90. , OLORD, from whom all good things do come ; Grant to us Tlry humble servants, that by Thy hoi}^ inspiration we may think those things that are good, and by Thy merciful guiding ma}' perform the same ; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. FORGIVENESS OF SINS. 87 91. OGOD, the Protector of all that trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy ; Increase and multiply upon us Thy mercy ; that, Thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, 0 heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake our Lord. Amen. FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. 92. A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, Who do- jLJL sirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his evil way and live ; We be- seech Thee graciously to turn from us those punish- ments which we by our sins have deserved, and to grant us grace ever hereafter to serve Thee in holi- ness and pureness of living ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 93. ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, our heavenly Father, of whose compassion there is no end, who art long-suffering, gracious, and plenteous in goodness and truth; forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin ; we have sinned and done perversely, we have forsaken and grievously offended Thee ; against Thee, Thee only, have we sinned and done evil in Thy sight ; But we beseech Thee, O Lord, re- member not against us former iniquities ; let Thy tender mercies speedily prevent us, for we are brought very low ; help us, 0 God of our salvation, and purge away our sins, for the glory of Thy holy Name, and for the sake of Thy dear Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. A^ien. 88 COLLECTS. 94. ALMIGHTY God, Who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright ; Grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 95. 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 wretched- ness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, per- fect remission and forgiveness ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 96. SPARE us, 0 Lord, and mercifully forgive us our sins, and though by our continual transgressions we have merited Thy punishments, be gracious unto us, and grant that all those evils which we have de- served, may be turned from us, and overruled to our everlasting good ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 97. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who, of Thy great meixyy in Jesus Christ Thy Son, dost grant us forgiveness of sin, and all things pertaining to life and godliness ; Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that He may so rule our hearts, that we, being ever mindful of Thy fatherly mercy, may strive to mortify the flesh, and to overcome the world ; and serving Thee in holiness and pureness of FAITH. 89 living, may give Thee continual thanks for all Thy goodness ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. FOR FAITH AND A GODLY LIFE. 98. GRANT us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Thy rnercy, and a sincere love to Thee and to all our fellow men ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 99. GRANT to us, Lord, we beseech Thee, the spirit to think and do alwaj^s such things as are right ; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good with- out Thee, may by Thee be enabled to live according to Thy will ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 100. 0LORD, raise up, we pray Thee, Thy power, and come among us, and with great might succor us ; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore hindered in running the race that is set before us, Tlrv bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us : through the satisfac- tion of Thy Son our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 101. ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true and laudable service ; Grant, we beseech Thee, that we niay so faithfulh' serve Thee in this life that we fail not finally to attain Thy heavenly promises ; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 90 COLLECTS. 102, \ SSIST its mercifully, O Lord, i.i these our sup- j~\_ plications and prayers ; and dispose the way of Thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation ; that among all the chances and changes of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by Thy most gracious and ready help ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 103. DIRECT us, 0 Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help ; that in all our works begun, con- tinued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy hoty Name ; and finally, b}' Thy mere}', obtain everlast- ing life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR PEACE. 104. A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, King of glory j_jl and Lord of heaven and earth, by whose Spirit all things are governed, b}' whose providence all things are ordered, who art the God of peace, and the author of all concord ; Forgive us. we beseech Thee, our sins, and grant us Thy heavenly peace and concord, that we may serve Thee in true fear, to the praise and glory of Thy Name ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 105. OGOD, from Whom all holy desires, all good coun- sels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto Thy servants that peace, which the world cannot PEACE. 91 give ; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy com- mandments, and also that by Thee, we,' being de- fended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness ; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 106. 0GOD, Who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom ; De- fend us Thine 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. 101. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, Who dost govern all things in heaven and earth ; Merci- fully, hear the supplications of Thy people, and grant us Thy peace all the days of our life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 108. 0LORD, favorably receive the prayers of Thy Church, that, being delivered from all adversity and error, it may serve Thee in safety and freedom ; and grant us Thy peace in our time ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. 92 GENERAL PRAYERS. GENERAL PRAYERS FOR MORNING OR EVENING SERVICE. I. THE LITAXY. The Litany may be used at Evening Service on Sundays, Wed- nesdays, and Fridays, on Days of Humiliation and Prayer, and at Morning Service on Sundays ichen there is no Communion. The responses in italics should be sung or said by the Congrega- tion. The responses may be repeated after each phrase, or only at (he end of each group, as here folloiceth : Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. 0 Christ, hear us 0 Christ, hear us. 0 God, the Father in heaven ; Have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world; Have mercy upon us. 0 God, the Holy Ghost ; Have mercy upon us. Be gracious unto us. Spare us, good Lord. Be gracious unto us. Help us, good Lord. From all sin ; From all error ; From all evil : Good Lord, deliver us THE LITANY. 93 From the crafts and assaults of the devil ; From sudden and evil death ; From pestilence and famine ; From war and bloodshed ; From sedition and rebellion ; From lightning and tempest ; From all calamity by fire and water ; And from everlasting death : Good Lord, deliver us. • By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation ; By Thy holy Nativity ; By Thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation ; B}T Thine Agoiry and Bloody Sweat ; By Tlry Cross and Passion ; By Tlry precious Death and Burial ; By Thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension ; And by the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Com- forter : Help us, good Lord. In all time of our tribulation ; In all time of qpr prosperity ; In the hour of death ; And in the day of judgment: Help us, good Lord. We poor sinners do beseech Thee ; To hear us, 0 Lord God. And to rule and govern Thy holy Christian Church ; To preserve all pastors and ministers of Thy Church in the true knowledge and understanding of Thy Word, and in holiness of life ; To put an end to all schisms and causes of offence ; To bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived ; To beat down Satan under our feet ; To send faithful laborers into Thy harvest ; To accompany Thy Word with Thy Spirit and 94 GENERAL PRAYERS. To raise up them that fall, and to strengthen such as do stand ; And to comfort and help the weak-hearted and the distressed : We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. To give to all nations peace and concord ; To preserve our country from discord and conten- tion ; ^ To gi**e to our nation perpetual victory over all its enemies ; To direct and defend our President, and all in authority : And to bless and keep our magistrates, and all our people : We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. To behold and succor all who are in danger, ne- cessity, and tribulation ; To protect all who travel by land or water ; To preserve all women in the perils of childbirth ; To strengthen and keep all sick persons and young children ; To set free all who are innocently imprisoned ; To defend and provide for all fatherless children and widows ; And to have mercy upon all men : We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slan- derers, and to turn their hearts ; To give and preserve to our use the fruits of the earth ; And graciously to hear our prayers : We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 0 Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God ; We beseech Thee to hear us. 0 Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world ; Have mercy upon us. LITANY COLLECTS. 95 0 Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world ; Have mercy upon us. 0 Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world ; Grant us Thy peace. 0 Christ, hear us. 0 Christ, hear us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Ghristj have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen ^ Then shall the Minister, and the Congregation with him, sag the Lord's Prayer, after which mag be said one or more of the Litany Collects here following. 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 ; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. LITANY COLLECTS. 1. M. 0 Lord, deal not with us after our sins. C. Neither reward us according to our iniquities. \ LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, Who tfe- l'\ sirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his evil way and live ; We be- seech Thee graciously to turn from us those punish- ments which we by our sins have deserved, and to grant us grace ever hereafter to serve Thee in noli 96 GENERAL PRAYERS. ness and pureness of living ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2, M. Help us. 0 God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name. C. Deliver us. and purge away our sins, for Thy Name's sake. \ LMIGHTY and everlasting God. Who by Thy Jjl Holy Spirit dost govern and sanctify the whole Christian Church : Hear our prayers for all members of the same, and mercifully grant, that by Thy grace they may serve Thee in true faith ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 3. M. 0 Lord, deal not with us after our sins. C. Neither reward us according to our iniquities. OGOD, merciful Father. Who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, uur the desire of such as are sorrowful ; Mercifully assist our prayers which we make before Thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us ; and gra- ciously hear us. that those evils which the craft and subtiity of the devil or man worketh against us. may. by Thy good providence, be brought to nought : that we Thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. L M. 0 Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant. C. For in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. \ LMIGHTY God. Who knowest us to be set in ^\_ the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright ; Grant to us such strength and SUFFRAGES. 97 protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 5. M. Call upon me in the day of trouble. C. I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. SPARE us, 0 Lord, and mercifully forgive us our sins, and though by our continual transgressions we have merited Thy punishments, be gracious unto us, and grant that all those evils which we have de- served, may be turned from us, and overruled to our everlasting good ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. 6. For Peace. M. The Lord will give strength unto His people. C. The Lord will bless His people with peace. OGOD, from Whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed ; Give unto Thy servants that peace, which the world' cannot give ; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy com- mandments, and also that by Thee, we, being de- fended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through" the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. II. THE SUFFRAGES. The Suffrages may be usedi at Morning or Evening Service the same manner as the Litany. Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. 98 GENERAL PRAYERS. Lord, have mercy upon us. 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 \ve forgive those who trespass against us ; and lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from evil. I said ; 0 Lord, be merciful unto me ; Heal my soul : for I have sinned against Thee. Return. 0 Lord, how long? And let it repent The* ring Thy servants. Let Thy mercy. 0 Lord, be upon us ; According as we hope in Thee. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness ; And let Thy saints shout for joy. 0 Lord our King, save us ; Let the King hear as when we call. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; Feed them also, and lift them up for erer. Remember Thv conofreo-ation ; Which Uiov hast purchased of old. Peace be within thy walls : And prosperity within thy pah. Let as pray for our absent brethren ; 0 Thou, our (rod. save Thy servants that trust in Thee. Let us pray for the broken-hearted and the captives ; Redeem Israel, 0 God, out of all Ik's troubles. Send them help from the Sanctuary : / strengthen them <:>>>* of Zion. Hear my prayer. 0 Lord ; And let my cry come unto Thee. \ Then may he said responsively, by the Minister and Congregation, the Psalm De Profundis. S 20, at Morning Service, and GENERAL PRAYERS. 99 at Evening Service the Psalm Miserere Mei, Selection 6, after which shall follow : Turn us again, 0 God of hosts ; Cause Thy face to shine and we shall be saved. Arise, 0 Christ, for our help ; And redeem us, for Thy me?*cy's sake. Hear my prayer, 0 Lord ; And let my cry come unto Thee. The Lord be with you. And with Thy spirit. Let us pray. ^[ Then may the Minister say a Collect for the Season and any other suitable Collects, and after that he may say this Collect for peace. Give peace in our days, 0 Lord: Because there is none other that fighteth for us, except Thou, our God. 0 Lord, let there be peace in Thy strength : And abundance in Thy towers. Let us pray. OGOD, from Whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto Thy servants that peace, which the world cannot give ; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy com- mandments, and also that b}^ Thee, we, being de- fended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness ; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Thanks be to God for ever. Amen. III. ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and heart}' thanks for all Thy goodness and loving- 100 GENERAL PRAYERS. kindness to us, and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life ; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord and Saviour 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 may show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives : that walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our daj^s, we may enjoy the testimony of a good conscience and the hope of Thy favor, be sustained and comforted under the troubles of this life, and finally be received into Thine ever- lasting kingdom, through Thine infinite mercy in Jesus Christ our Lord. We oifer unto Thee our common supplications for the good estate of Thy Church throughout the world ; that it may be so guided and governed by Thy good Spirit, that all who profess themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Send down upon all ministers of the gospel, and upon all congregations committed to their charge, the healthful spirit of Thy grace, and that they may truly please Thee, pour upon them the continual dew of Thy blessing. Most heartily we beseech Thee, with Thy favor to behold the President [and Congress] of the LTnited States, and all others in authority ; and so replenish them with Thy grace, that they may always incline to Thy will, and walk in Thy way. Prosper all good counsels and all just works, that peace and happiness, truth and righteousness, religion ami piety, may be established among us throughout all generations. GENERAL PRAYERS. 101 We humbly entreat Thee also for all sorts and conditions of men ; that Thou wouldest be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations. May it please Thee to preserve all that travel by land or water ; to succor all that are in peril or need : and to satisfy the wants of all Thy creatures. We also commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please Thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their suffer- ings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. IT Here special Supplications, Intercessions, and Prayers may be made. Hear us, most merciful God, in these our humble requests, which we offer up unto Thee in the Name of Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. IY. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art worthy to be had in reverence by all the children of men, we give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for the innumerable blessings, both temporal and spiritual, which, without any merit or worthiness on our part, Thou hast bestowed upon us. We praise Thee, especially, that Thou hast pre- served unto us, in their purity, Thy saving Word, and the sacred ordinances of Thy house. And we beseech Thee, 0 Lord, to grant and preserve unto Thy holy Church, throughout the world, purity of doctrine, and faithful pastors who shall preach Thy Word with power ; and help all who hear, rightly 102 GENERAL PRAYERS. to understand, and truly to believe the same. Be Thou the Protector and Defender of Thy people in all time of tribulation and danger ; and may we, in communion with Thy Church, and in brotherly unity with all our fellow Christians, fight the good fight of faith, and in the end receive the salvation of our souls. Bestow Tlry grace upon all the nations of the earth. Especially, do we entreat Thee to bless our land, and all its inhabitants, and all who are in authority. Cause Thy glory to dwell among us, and let mercy and truth, righteousness and peace every- where prevail. To this end, we commend to Thy care all our schools, and pra}r Thee to make them nurse- ries of useful knowledge and of Christian virtues, that they may bring forth the wholesome fruits of life. Graciously defend us from all calamities by fire and water, from war and pestilence, from scarcity and famine. Protect and prosper every one in his appropriate calling, and cause all useful arts to flourish among us. Be Thou the God and Father of the widow and the fatherless children, the Helper of the sick and needy, and the Comforter of the for- saken and distressed. r Hi re special Supplications, Intercessions, and Prayers may be made. And as we are strangers and pilgrims on earth, help us by true faith and a godly life to prepare for the world to come ; doing the work which Thou hast given us to do while it is day ; before the night cometh when no man can work. And when pur last hour shall come, support us by Thy power, and receive us into Thine everlasting kingdom ; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who GENERAL PRAYERS. 103 liveth and reigneth with Thee arid the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. Brethren, let us pray for the whole Christian Church, that our Lord God would vouchsafe to defend it against all the assaults and temptations of the adversary, and to keep it perpetually upon the true foundation, Jesus Christ. Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast re- vealed Thy glory to all nations in Jesus Christ and the word of His truth ; Keep, we beseech Thee, in safety the works of Thy merc}^, that so Thy Church, spread throughout all nations, may serve Thee in true faith, and persevere in the confession of Thy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray for the Ministers of the Word, for all orders of men in the Church, and for all the people of God. 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, ma}r truly and godly serve Thee ; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray for all in authority, and especially for the government of the United States, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 104 GENERAL PRAYERS. 0 merciful Father in heaven, Who t oldest in Thy hand all the might of man, and who hast ordained the powers that be for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well, and of whom is all rule and authority in the kingdoms of the world ; We humbly beseech Thee, graciously regard Thy servants the Presi- dent of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, our Judges and magistrates, and all the Rulers of the earth ; that all who receive the sword, as Thy ministers, may bear it according to Thy commandment ; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray our Lord God Almighty that he would deliver the world from all error, take away disease, ward off famine, open the prisons, set free those in bondage, grant a safe return to the icayfarers. health to the sick, and to our mariners a harbor of security. Almighty and everlasting God, the Consola- tion of the sorrowful, and the Strength of the weak ; May the prayers of them that in any tribulation or distress cry unto Thee graciously come before Thee, so that in all their neces- sities they may mark and receive Thy mani- fold help and comfort ; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray for peace, that we may come to .xie knowledge of God's holy Word, and walk before Him as becometh Christians. Almighty and everlasting God, King of glory, and Lord of heaven and earth, by whose Spirit all things are governed, by whose providence all things are ordered, who art the God of GENERAL PRAYERS. 105 peace, and the author of all concord ; Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy heavenly peace and concord, that we may serve Thee in true fear, to the praise and glory of Thy Name ; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray for our enemies, that God would re- member them in mere}', and graciously vouchsafe unto them such things as are both needful for them and profitable unto their salvation. 0 almighty, everlasting God, Who, through Thine Only Son, our blessed Lord, hast com- manded us to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate us, and to pray for them that persecute us ; We earnestly beseech Thee, that by Tlrv gracious visitation all our enemies may be led to true repentance, and may have the same love, and be of one accord and of one mind and heart with us and with Thy whole Christian Church ; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us pray for the fruits of the earth, that God would send down His blessing upon them, and gra- ciously dispose our hearts to enjoy them in submis- sion to His holy will. 0 Lord, Father Almighty, Who by Thy Word hast created and dost bless and uphold all things ; We pray Thee so to reveal unto us Thy Word our Lord Jesus Christ, that He dwell- ing in our hearts, we may by Thy grace be made meet to receive Thy blessing on all the fruits of the earth, and whatsoever pertains to our bodily need; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Finally, let us pray for all those things for which our Lord would have us ask, saying: 106 GENERAL PRAYERS. u vu Jather' Wh0 art iu heaven; Hallowed be IhyAame; 1 by kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our tres- passes, as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not into temptation ; But de- liver us from evil ; For Thine is the Kingdom,. and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. CONFESSION OF FAITH. PRESENTED TO THE INVINCIBLE EMPEROR CHARLES V, CAESAR AUGUSTUS, AT THE DIET OF AUGSBURG, ANNO DOMINI MDXXX. [This translation is made from the Latin. The words in* brackets are added from thb German text. The numbers in the margin are designed to facilitate reference.] "I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed." P8ALM 119 : 46. Preface to the Emperor Charles V. Most Invincible Emperor, Cossar Augustus, Most Clement Master : Inasmuch as Your Imperial Majesty has summoned a Convention of the Empire at Augsburg, to deliberate in regard to aid against the Turk, the most atrocious, the here- ditary, and ancient enemy of the Christian name and religion, in what way, to wit, resistance might be made to his rage and assaults, by protracted and perpetual preparation for war : Because, moreover, of dissensions in the matter of our holy religion and Christian faith, and in order that in this matter of religion the opinions and judgments of diverse parties may be heard in each other's presence, may be under- stood and weighed among one another, in mutual charity, meekness, and gentleness, that those things which in the writings on either side have been handled or understood amiss, being laid aside and corrected, these things may be harmonized and brought back to the one simple truth and Christian Concord ; so that hereafter the one unfeigned and true religion may be embraced and preserved by us, so fhat as we are subjects and soldiers of the One Christ, so also, in unity and concord, we may live in the one Christian Church : and inasmuch as We, the Electors and Princes, whose names 1 2 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. are subscribed, together with others who are conjoined witn us, in common with other Electors and Princes, and States, have been called to the aforenamed Diet, we have, in order to render most humble obedience to the Imperial Mandate come early to Augsburg, and with no desire to boast would state that we were among the very first to be present. When therefore Your Imperial Majesty, among other things, 6 has also at Augsburg, at the very beginning of these sessions, caused the proposition to be made to the Princes and States of the Empire, that each of the States of the Empire, in virtue of the Imperial Edict, should propose and offer in the German and in the Latin language its opinion and decision ; after dis- 7 cussion on Wednesday we replied to Your Imperial Majesty that on the following Friday we would offer on our part the Articles of our Confession : Wherefore, in order that we may do homage to the will of 8 Your Imperial Majesty, we now offer in the matter of religion the Confession of our preachers and of ourselves, the doctrine of which derived from the Holy Scriptures and pure Word of God they have to this time set forth in our lands, duke- doms, domains, and cities, and have taught in the churches. 9 If the other Electors. Princes, and States of the Empire, should in the writings, to wit. in Latin and German, accord, ing to the aforementioned Imperial proposition, produce their opinions in this matter of religion : we here in the presence of Your Imperial Majesty our most Clement Lord, offer our- 10 selves, prepared, in conjunction with the Princes and our friends already designated, to compare views in a kindlv man- ner in regard to mode and ways which may be available, so that as far as may honorably be done, we may agree, and the matter between us of both parts being peacefully discussed, with no hateful contention, by God's help the dissension may be removed, and may be brought back to one true accordant religion (as we are all subjects and soldiers under one Christ. II so also we ought to confess one Christ, in accordance with the tenor of the decree of Your Imperial Majestv), and all things should be brought back to the truth of God, which with most fervent prayers we beseech God to grant. But if. as regards the rest of Electors. Princes, and States, 12 those of the other party, this treatment of the matter of religion, in the manner in which Your Imperial Majesty has wisely thought fit it should be conducted and treated, to wit, with such a mutual presentation of writings and calm con- ference between us, should not go on, nor be attended by any PREFACE TO THE EMPEROR CHARLES V. 3 result ; yet shall we leave a clear testimony that in no manner 13 do we evade anything which can tend to promote Christian concord (anything which God and a good conscience allow) ; and this Your Imperial Majesty and the other Electors and 14 States of the Empire, and all who are moved by a sincere love of religion and concern for it, all who are willing to give an equitable hearing in this matter, will kindly gather and understand from the Confession of ourselves and of ours. Since, moreover, Your Imperial Majesty has not once only, 15 but repeatedly signified to the Electors, Princes, and other States of the Empire ; and at the Diet of Spires, which was held in the year of our Lord 1526, caused to be recited and publicly proclaimed, in accordance with the form of Your Imperial instruction and commission given and prescribed : That -Your Imperial Majesty in this matter of religion for cer- 16 tain reasons, stated in the name of Your Majesty, was not willing to determine, nor was able to conclude touching anything, but that Your Imperial Majesty would diligently endeavor to have the Roman Pontiff, in accordance with his office, to assemble a General Council : as also the same matter 17 was more amply set forth a year ago in the last public Con- vention, which was held at Spires, where through His High 18 ness Ferdinand, King of Bohemia and Hungary, our friend and clement Lord, afterward through the Orator and the Imperial Commissioners, Your Imperial Majesty, among other proposi- tions, caused these to be made, that Your Imperial Majesty had known and pondered, the resolution to convene a Council, 19 formed by the Representatives of Your Imperial Majesty in the Empire, and by the Imperial President and Counsellors, and by the Legates of other States convened at Ratisbon, and this Your Imperial Majesty also judged that it would be use- ful to assemble a Council, and because the matters which were to be adjusted at this time between Your Imperial Ma- jesty and the Roman Pontiff were approaching agreement and Christian reconciliation, Your Imperial Majesty did not doubt that, but that the Pope could be induced to summon a General Council : Wherefore Your Imperial Majesty signified 20 that Your Imperial Majesty would endeavor to bring it to pass that the Chief Pontiff, together with Your Imperial Majesty, would consent at the earliest opportunity to issue letters for the convening of such a General Council. As the event, therefore, has been that in this matter of 21 religion the differences between us and the other party have not been settled in friendship ar;d love, ve here present our- •4 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. selves before Your Imperial Majesty, in all obedience, aud in more than mere obedience, ready to compare views, and to defend our cause in such a general, free, and Christian Council, concerning the convening of which, there has been concordant action and a determination by agreeing votes on the part of the Electors, Princes, and the other States of the Empire, in all the Imperial Diets which have been held in the reign of Your Imperial Majesty. To this Convention of a 22 General Council, as also to Your Imperial Majesty, we have in the due method and legal form, -before made our protesta- tion and appeal in this greatest and gravest of matters. To which appeal both to Your Imperial Majesty and a Council 23 we still adhere ; nor do we intend, nor would it be possible for us to forsake it by this or any other document, unless the matter between us and the other party should, in accordance with the tenor of the latest Imperial citation, be compared, settled, and brought to Christian concord, in friendship and love ; concerning which appeal we here also make our solemn 24 and public protest. I. CHIEF ARTICLES OF FAITH. Article I. Of God. The churches with common consent among us, do teach that the decree of the Nicene Synod [Council] concerning the unity of the divine essence and of the three persons is true, and without doubt to be believed : to wit, that there is one divine essence which is called and is God, eternal, with- out body, indivisible [without part], of infinite power, wis- dom, goodness, the Creator and Preserver of all things, visible and invisible; and that yet there be three persons of the same essence and power, who also are coeternal, the Father, the Son. and the Holy Ghost. And They use the name of person in that signification in which the ecclesiastical writers [the fathers] have used it in this cause, to signify, not a part or quality in another but that which properly subsisteth. , . CHIEF ARTICLES OF FAITH. 5 They condemn all heresies which have sprung up against 5 this Article, as the Manichees, who set down two principles, good and evil ; in the same manner the Valentinians, Arians, Eunomians, Mahometans, and all such like. They condemn also the Samosatenes, old and new ; who, 6 when they earnestly contend that there is but one person, do craftily and wickedly trifle after the manner of Rhetoricians, about the Word and Holy Ghost, that they are not distinct persons, but that the Word signifieth a vocal word, and the Spirit a motion created in things. Article II. Of Original Sin. Also they teach that after Adam's fall, all men begotten 1 after the common course of nature, are born with sin ; that is. without the fear of God, without trust in him, and with 2 fleshly appetite ; and that this disease, or original fault is 3 truly sin, condemning and bringing eternal death now also upon all that are not born again by baptism and the Holy Spirit. They condemn the Pelagians, and others, who deny this 4 original fault to be sin indeed ; and who, so as to lessen the glory of the merits and benefits of Christ, argue that a man may, by the strength of his own reason, be justified before God. Article III. Of the Son of God, and of the Holy Spirit. Also they teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God, 1 took unto him man's nature, in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, so that there are two natures, the Divine and 2 the human, inseparably joined together in unity of person ; one Christ, true God and true man : who was born of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, that he might reconcile the Father unto us, and might be a 3 sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of men. The same also descended into hell, and truly rose again the 4 third day. Afterward he ascended into the heavens, that he might sit at the right hand of the Father ; and reign forever, and have dominion over all creatures ; might sanctify those that believe in him, by sending the Holy Spirit into their 6 . THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. hearts, vho shall rule [purify, strengthen], comfort, and 5 quicken them, and shall defend them against the devil, and the power of sin. ■ The same Christ shall openly come again, to judge the quick 6 and the dead, according as the Apostles' Creed declareth these and other things. Article IV. Of Justification. Also they teach, that men cannot be justified [obtain for- 1 giveness of sins and righteousness] before God by their own powers, merits, or works: but are justified freely [of grace] 2 for Christ's sake through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and their sins forgiven for Christ's sake, who by his death hath satisfied for our sins. This faith doth God impute for righteousness before Him, Rom. 3 iii and iv. Article V. Of the Mitiistry of the Church. For the obtaining of this faith, the ministry of teaching the 1 Gospel, and administering the Sacraments was instituted. For by the Word and Sacraments, as by instruments, the 2 Holy Spirit is given : who worketh faith, where and when it pleaseth God. in those that hear the Gospel, to wit. that God, not for our merit's sake, but for Christ's sake, doth justify 3 those who believe that they for Christ's sake are received into favor. They condemn the Anabaptists and others, who imagine 4 that the Holy Spirit is given to men without the outward word, through their own preparations and works. Article VI. Of Xeic Obedience. Also they teach that this faith should bring forth good 1 fruits, and that men ought to do the good works commanded of God, because it is God's will, and not on any confidence of meriting justification before God by their works. For remission of sins and justification is apprehended by 2 faith, as also the voice of Christ witnesseth : il When ye have done all these things, say, we are unprofitable servants." The same, also, do the ancient writers of the Church teach ; 3 CHIEF ARTICLES OP F.LITH. 1 for Ambrose saith : " This is ordained of God, that he that believeth in Christ shall be saved, without works, by faith alone, freely receiving remission of sins." Article VII. Of the Church. Also they teach, that one holy Church is to continue for- 1 ever. But the Church is the congregation of saints [the assembly of all believers], in which the Gospel is rightly taught [purely preached], and the Sacraments rightly admin- istered [according to the Gospel]. And unto the true unity of the Church, it is sufficient to 2 agree concerning the doctrine of the Gospel and the adminis- tration of the Sacraments. Nor is it necessary that human 3 traditions, rites, or ceremonies instituted by men, should be alike everywhere ; as St. Paul saith : " There is one faith, one 4 baptism, one God and Father of all." Article VIII. What the Church is. Though the Church be properly the congregation of saints 1 and true believers, yet seeing that in this life many hypocrites and evil persons are mingled with it, it is lawful to use the Sacraments administered by evil men ; according to the voice of Christ : " The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat," and the words following. And the Sacraments and 2 the Word are effectual, by reason of the institution and com- mandment of Christ, though they be delivered by evil men. They condemn the Donatists and such like, who denied 3 that it was lawful to use the ministry of evil men in the Church, and held that the ministry of evil men is useless and without effect. Article IX. Of Baptism. Of Baptism they teach, that it is necessary to salvation, 1 and that by Baptism the grace of God is offered, and that 2 children are to be baptized, who by Baptism, bei: g offered to God, are received into God's favor. 8 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. They condemn the Anabaptists -who allow not the Bap- 3 tism of children, and affirm that children are saved without Baptism. Article X. Of the Lord's Supper. Of the Supper of the Lord they teach that the [true] 1 body and blood of Christ are truly present [under the form of bread and wine], and are [there] communicated to those 2 that eat in the Lord's Supper [and received]. 3 And they disapprove of those that teach otherwise [where- 4 fore also the opposite doctrine is rejected]. Article XL Of Confession. Concerning confession, they teach that private absolution 1 be retained in the churches, though enumeration of all offences be net necessary in confession. For it is impossi- ble ; according to the Psalm : " Who can understand his 2 errors ?" Article XII. Of Repentance. Touch? ag repentance, they teach that such as have fallen 1 after baptism may find remission of sins, at what time they are converted [when they come to repentance], and that the 2 Church should give absolution unto such as return to repentance. Now repentance consisteth properly of these two parts : 3 One is contrition, or terrors stricken into the conscience 4 through the acknowledgment of sin : the other is faith. 5 which is conceived by the Gospel, or absolution, and doth believe that for Christ's sake sins be forgiven, and com- forteth the conscience, and freeth it from terrors. Then should follow good works, which are fruits of repentance. 6 They condemn the Anabaptists, who deny that men once 7 justified can lose the Spirit of God, and do contend that 8 some men may attain to such a perfection in this life, that they cannot sin. [Here are rejected those who teach, that CHIEF ARTICLES OF FAITH. 9 those who have once been holy cannot fall again.] The 9 Novatians are also condemned, who would not absolve such as had fallen after baptism, though they returned to repent- ance. They also that do not teach that remission of sins is 10 obtained by faith, and who command us to merit grace by satisfactions are rejected. Article XIII. Of the Use of Sacraments. Concerning the use of the Sacraments, they teiach that they 1 were ordained, not only to be marks of profession amongst men, but rather that they should be signs and testimonies of the will of God towards us, set forth unto us, to stir up and confirm faith in such as use them. Therefore men must use 2 Sacraments so, as to join faith with them, which believes the promises that are offered and declared unto us by the Sacra- ments. Wherefore they condemn those that teach that the Sacra- 3 ments do justify by the work done, and do not teach that faith which believes the remission of sins is requisite in the use of Sacraments. Article XIV. Of Ecclesiastical Orders. Concerning Ecclesiastical Orders [Church Government], 1 they teach, that no man should publicly in the Church teach, or administer the Sacraments, except he be rightly called [without a regular call]. Article XV. Of Ecclesiastical Rites. Concerning Ecclesiastical rites, they teach, that those 1 rites are to be observed, which may be observed without sin, and are profitable for tranquillity and good order in the Church ; such as are, set holidays, feasts, and such like. Yet 2 concerning such things, men are to be admonished, that con- sciences are not to be burdened as if such service were necessary to salvation. They are also to be admonished that human traditions, 3 10 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. instituted to propitiate God, to merit grace and make sat- isfaction for sins, are opposed to the Gospel and the doc- trine of faith. "Wherefore vows and traditions concerning 4 foods and days, and such like, instituted to merit grace and make satisfaction for sins, are useless and contrary to the Gospel. Article XVI. Of Civil Affairs. Concerning civil affairs, they teach that such civil ordi- 1 nances as are lawful, are good works of God ; that Chris- 2 tians may lawfully bear civil office, sit in judgments, determine matters by the imperial laws, and other laws in present force, appoint just punishments, engage in just war, act as soldiers, make legal bargains and contracts, hold pro- perty, take an oath when the magistrates require it, marry a wife, or be given in marriage. They condemn the Anabap- 3 tists, who forbid Christians these civil offices. They con- 4 demn also those that place the perfection of the Gospel, not in the fear of God, and in faith, but in forsaking civil offices, inasmuch as the Gospel teacheth an everlasting righteous- ness of the heart. In the meantime, it doth not disallow 5 order and government of commonwealths or families, but requireth especially the preservation and maintenance there- of, as of God's own ordinances, and that in such ordinances we should exercise love. Christians, therefore, must neces- 6 sarily obey their magistrates and laws, save only then, when they command any sin ; for then they must rather obey God than men. Act3 5 : 29. Article XVII. Of Christ's Return to Judgment. Also they teach that, in the consummation of the world 1 [at the last day], Christ shall appear to judge, and shall raise up all the dead, and shall give unto the godly and elect, eternal life, and everlasting joys ; but ungodly men and the devils shall he condemn unto endless torments. They condemn the Anabaptists, who think that to con- 2 demned men and the devils shall be an end of torments. They condemn others also, who now scatter Jewish opinions, 3 CHIEF ARTICLES OF FAITH. 11 that, before the resurrection of the dead, the godly shall occupy the kingdom of the world, the wicked being every- where suppressed [the saints alone, the pious, shall have a worldly kingdom, and shall exterminate all the godless]. Article XVIII. Of Free Will. Concerning free will, they teach, that man's will hath 1 some liberty to work a civil righteousness, and to choose such things as reason can reach unto : but that it hath no 2 power to work the righteousness of God, or a spiritual righteousness, without the Spirit of God ; because that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : 1 Cor. 2 : 14. But this is wrought in the heart when men do 3 receive the Spirit of God through the word. These things are in as many words affirmed by St. Augus- 4 tine, Hypognosticon, lib. iii : " "We confess, that there is in all men a free will, which hath indeed the judgment of reason ; not that it is thereby fitted, without God, either to begin or to perform anything in matters pertaining to God, but only in works belonging to this present life, whether they be good or evil. By good works, I mean those which are of the 5 goodness of nature ; as to will to labor in the field, to desire meat or drink, to desire to have a friend, to desire apparel, to desir# to build a house, to marry a wife, to nourish cattle, to learn the art of divers good things, to desire any good thing pertaining to this present life ; all which are not with- 6 out God's government, yea, they are, and had their begin- ning from God and by God. Among evil things, I account 7 such as these : to will to worship an image ; to will man- slaughter, and such like." They condemn the Pelagians, and others, who teach, that 8 by the powers of nature alone, without the Spirit of God, we are able to love God above all things ; also to perform the commandments of God, as touching the substance of our actions. For although nature be able in some sort to do the 9 external works (for it is able to withhold the hands from theft and murder), yet it cannot work the inward motions, such as the fear of God, trust in God, chastity, patience and such like. 12 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. Article XIX. Of the Cause of Sin. Touching the cause of sin, they teach, that although God doth create and preserve nature, yet the cause of sin is the will of the wicked ; to wit, of the devil, and ungodly men ; which will, God not aiding, turneth itself from God, as Christ saith, " When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own." John 8 : 44. Article XX. Of Good Works. Ours are falsely accused of forbidding good works. For 1 their writings extant upon the Ten Commandments, and 2 others of the like argument, do bear witness, that they have to good purpose taught concerning ev^ery kind of life, and its duties ; what kinds of life, and what works in every calling, do please God. Of which things, preachers in 3 former times taught little or nothing : only they urged certain childish and needless works ; as, keeping of holi- days, set fasts, fraternities, pilgrimages, worshippingof saints, the use of rosaries, monkery, and such like things. Whereof 4 our adversaries having had warning, they do now unlearn them, and do not preach concerning these unprofitable works, as they were wont. Besides, they begin no^ to 5 make mention of faith, concerning which there was formerly a deep silence. They teach that we are not justified by 6 works alone, but they conjoin faith and works, and say we are justified by faith and works. Which doctrine is more 7 tolerable than the former one, and can afford more consola- tion than their old doctrine. Whereas, therefore, the doctrine of faith, which should be 8 the chief one in the Church, hath been so long unknown, as all men must needs grant, that there was the deepest silence about the righteousness of faith in their sermons, and that the doctrine of works was usual in the Churches, for this cause our Divines did thus admonish the Churches : First, that our works cannot reconcile God, or deserve 9 remission of sins, grace, and justification at his hands, but that these we obtain by faith only, when we believe that we are received into favor for Christ's sake ; who alone is ap- pointed the Mediator and Propitiatory, by whom the Father CHIEF ARTICLES OF FAITH. 13 is reconciled. He, therefore, that trusteth by his -works to 10 merit grace, doth despise the merit and grace of Christ, and seeketh by his own power, -without Christ, to come unto the Father : -whereas Christ hath said expressly of himself, " I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14 : 6. This doctrine of faith is handled by Paul almost every- 11 where : " By grace ye are saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God ; not of works :" Ephes. 2 : 8, 9. And lest any here should cavil, that we bring in a 12 new-found interpretation, this whole cause is sustained by testimonies of the Fathers. Augustine doth in many vol- 13 umes defend grace, and the righteousness of faith, against the merit of works. The like doth Ambrose teach in his 14 book, De Vocatione Gentium, and elsewhere ; for thus he saith of the calling of the Gentiles : " The redemption made by the blood of Christ would be of small account, and the preroga- tive of man's works would not give place to the mercy of God, if the justification which is by grace were due to merits going before ; so as it should not be the liberality of the giver, but the wages or hire of the laborer." This doctrine though it be contemned of the unskilful, yet 15 godly and fearful consciences find by experience that it bringeth very great comfort : because that consciences can- not be quieted by any works, but by faith alone, when they believe assuredly, that they have a God who is propitiated for Christ's sake; as Paul teacheth, "Being justified by 16 faith, we have peace with God :" Rom. 5: 1. This doctrine 17 doth wholly belong to the conflict of a troubled conscience ; and cannot be understood, but where the conscience hath felt that conflict. Wherefore, all such as have had no ex- 18 perience thereof, and all that are profane men, who dream that Christian righteousness is naught else but a civil and philosophical righteousness, are poor judges of this matter. Formerly, men's consciences were vexed with the doc- 19 trine of works ; they did not hear any comfort out of the Gospel. Whereupon conscience drove some into the desert, 20 into Monasteries, hoping there to merit grace by a monasti- cal life. Others devised other works, whereby to merit 21 grace, and to satisfy for sin. There was very great need 22 therefore to teach and renew this doctrine of faith in Christ ; to the end that fearful consciences might not want comfort, but might know that grace, and forgiveness of sins, and justification, were received by faith in Christ. 14 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. Another thing, which we teach men, is, that in this place 23 the name of Faith doth not only signify a knowledge of the history, which may be in the wicked, and in the Devil, but that it signifieth a faith which believeth, not only the his- tory, but also the effect of the history ; to wit, the article of remission of sins ; namely, that by Christ we have grace, righteousness, and remission of sins. Now, he that knoweth 24 that he hath the Father merciful to him through Christ, this man knoweth God truly : he knoweth that God hath a care of him ; he loveth God, and calleth upon him ; in a word, he is not without God, as the Gentiles are. For the devils, and 25 the wicked, can never believe this article of the remission of sins : and therefore they hate God as their enemy ; they call not upon him, they look for no good thing at his hands. After this manner doth Augustine admonish the reader 26 touching the name of Faith, and teacheth, that this word Faith is taken in Scriptures, not for such a knowledge as is in the wicked, but for a trust, which doth comfort and lift op disquieted minds. Moreover, ours teach, that it is necessary to do good 27 works; not that we may trust that we deserve grace by them, but because it is the will of God that we should do them. By faith alone is apprehended remission of sins and 28 grace. And because the Holy Spirit is received by faith, our 29 hearts are now renewed, and so put on new affections, so that they are able to bring forth good works. For thus saith Am- 30 brose, " Faith is the begetter of a good will, and of good actions." For man's powers, without the Holy Spirit, are 31 full of wicked affections, and are weaker than that they can do any good deed before God. Besides, they are in the 32 Devil's power, who driveth men forward into divers sins, into profane opinions, and into heinous crimes : as was to be 33 seen in the philosophers, who, assaying to live an honest life, could not attain unto it, but were defiled with many heinous crimes. Such is the weakness of man, when he is without 34 faith and the Holy Spirit, and hath no other guide but the natural powers of man. Hereby every man may see that this doctrine is not to be 35 accused, as forbidding good works ; but rather is much to be commended, because it showeth after what sort we must do good works. For without faith, the nature of man can 36 by no means perform the works of the First or Second Table. Without faith, it cannot call upon God, hope in God, bear 31 CHIEF ARTICLES OF FAITH. 15 the cross ; but seeketh help from man, and trusteth in man's help. So it cometh to pass, that all lusts and human coun- 38 gels bear sway in the heart so long as faith and trust in God is absent. Wherefore also Christ saith, "Without me ye can do noth- 39 ing," John 15: 5, and the Church singeth, "Without thy 40 power is naught in man, naught that is innocent.' Article XXI. Of the Worship of Saints. Touching the worship of saints, they teach, that the 1 memory of saints may be set before us, that we may follow their faith and good works according to our calling ; as the Emperor may follow David's example in making war to drive away the Turks from his country : for either of them is a king. But the Scripture teacheth not to invocate saints, or 2 to ask help of saints, because it propoundeth unto us one Christ the Mediator, Propitiatory, High Priest, and Inter- 3 cessor. This Christ is to be invocated, and he hath promised that he will hear our prayers, and liketh this worship es- pecially, to wit, that he be invocated in all afflictions. " If any man sin, we have an advocate with God, Jesus Christ the righteous :" 1 John 2 : 1. This is about the sum of doctrine among us, in which can 1 be seen that there is nothing which is discrepant with the Scriptures, or with the Church Catholic, or even with the Eoman Church, so far as that Church is known from writers [the writings of the Fathers]. This being the case they judge us harshly, who insist that we shall be regarded as heretics. But the dissension is concerning certain [tradi- 2 tions and] abuses, which without any certain authority have crept into the Churches, in which things even if there were some difference, yet would it be a becoming lenity on the part of the bishops, that on account of the Confession which we have now presented, they should bear with us, since not even the Canons are so severe, as to demand the same rites everywhere, nor were the rites of all Churches at any time the same. Although among us in large part the ancient 3 rites are diligently observed. For it is a calumnious false- 4 hood, that all the ceremonies, all the things instituted of old 16 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. are abolished in our Churches. But the public complaint 5 was, that certain abuses were connected with the rites in common use. These, because they could not with good con- science be approved, have to some extent been corrected. II. ARTICLES IN WHICH ARE RECOUNTED THE ABUSES WHICH HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. Inasmuch as the Churches among us, dissent in no article 1 of faith from the Church Catholic [the Universal Christian Church], and only omit a few of certain abuses, which are novel [in part have crept in with time, in part have been introduced by violence], and contrary to the purport of the Canons have been received by the fault of the times, we beg that Your Imperial Majesty would clemently hear both what ought to be changed, and what are the reasons that the peo- ple ought not to be forced against their consciences to observe those abuses. Nor should Your Imperial Majesty have faith 2 in those who, that they may inflame the hatred of men against us, scatter amazing slanders among the people. In 3 this way the minds of good men being angered at the begin- ning they gave occasion to this dissension, and by the same art they now endeavor to increase the discords. For be- 4 yond doubt Your Imperial Majesty will find that the form both of doctrines and of ceremonies among us, is far more tolerable than that which these wicked and malicious men describe. The truth, moreover, cannot be gathered from 5 common rumors and the reproaches of enemies. But it is 6 easy to judge this, that nothing is more profitable to preserve the dignity of ceremonies and to nurture reverence and piety among the people, than that the ceremonies should be rightly performed in the Churches. Article XXII. (I.) Of both Kinds [in the. Lord's Supper~\. Both kinds of the Sacrament in the Lord's Supper are 1 given to the laity, because that this custom hath the com- mandment of the Lord, "Drink all ye of this :" Matt. 26 : 27 ; ABUSES (XXIIl) II. 17 where Christ doth manifestly command concerning the cup, that all should drink. And that no man might cavil, that 2 this doth only pertain to the priests, the example of Paul to the Corinthians witnesseth, that the whole Church did use both kinds in common: 1 Cor. 11 : 28. And this custom 3 remained a long time in the Church ; neither is it certain, when, or by what authority, it was changed. Cyprian in 4 certain places doth witness, that the blood was given to the people : the same thing doth Jerome testify, saying, " The 5 priests do minister the Eucharist, and communicate the blood of Christ to the people." Nay, Pope Gelasius com- 6 mandeth, that the Sacrament be not divided : Dist. 2, Be 7 Consecr. Cap. Comperimus. Only a custom, not thus ancient, 8 doth otherwise. But it is manifest that a custom, brought 9 in contrary to the commandments of God, is not to be ap- proved, as the Canons do witness : Dist. 8, Cap. Veritate ;, with the words which follow. Now this custom has been 10 received, not only against the Scripture, but also against the ancient Canons, and the example of the Church. Therefore 11 if any would rather use both kinds in the Sacrament, they are not to be compelled to do otherwise with the offence of their conscience. And because that the division of the 12 Sacrament doth not agree with the institution of Christ, among us it is the custom to omit that procession which hitherto hath been in use. Article XXIII. (II.) Of the Marriage of Priests. There was a common complaint of the examples of such 1 priests as were not continent. For which cause also Pope 2 Pius is reported to have said, " that there were certain causes for which marriage was forbidden to priests, but there were many weightier causes why it should be permitted again :" for so Platina writeth. Whereas therefore the priests among 3 us seek to avoid these public offences, they have married wives, and have taught that it is lawful for them to enter into marriage. First, because that Paul saith, " To avoid 4 fornication, let every man have his wife:" again, "It is better to marry than to burn:" 1 Cor. 7: 2, 9. Secondly, Christ 5 saith, "All men cannot receive this word:" Matt. 19: 11; where he showeth that all men are not fit for a single life, because that God created mankind, male and female : Gen. 18 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. 1 : 28. Nor is it iijL man's power, without a special gift and 6 work of God, to alter His creation. Therefore such as are 7 not meet for a single life, ought to contract marriage. For 8 no law of man, no vow, can take away the commandment of God, and his ordinance. By these reasons the priests do 9 prove that they may lawfully take wives. And it is well 10 known, that in the ancient Churches priests were married. For Paul saith, "that a bishop must be chosen which is a 11 husband:" 1 Tim. 3: 2. And in Germany, not until about 12 four hundred years ago, the priests were by violence com- pelled to live a single life ; who then were so wholly bent against the matter, that the Archbishop of Mentz, being about to publish the Pope of Rome's decree to that effect, was almost murdered in a tumult by the priests in their anger. And the matter was handled so rudely, that not 13 only were marriages forbidden for the time to come, but also such as were then contracted, were broken asunder, con- trary to all laws divine and human, contrary to the Canons themselves, that were before made not only by Popes, but also by most famous Councils. And seeing that, as the 14 world decayeth, man's nature by little and little waxeth weaker, it is well to look to it, that no more vices do over- spread Germany. Furthermore, God ordained marriage to 15 be a remedy for man's infirmity. The Canons themselves do 16 say, that the old rigor is now and then in latter times to be released because of the weakness of men. Which it were to be wished might be done in this matter also. And if mar- 17 riage be forbidden any longer, the Churches may at length want pastors. Seeing then that there is a plain commandment of God ; 18 seeing the use of the Church is well known ; seeing that impure single life bringeth forth very many offences, adulteries, and other enormities worthy to be punished by the godly magistrate, it is a marvel that greater cruelty should be showed in no other thing, than against the mar- riage of priests. God hath commanded to honor marriage : 19 the laws in all well-ordered commonwealths, even among the 20 heathen, have adorned marriages with very great honors. But now men are cruelly put to death, yea, and priests also, 21 contrary to the mind of the Canons, for no other cause, but marriage. Paul calleth that " a doctrine of devils," which 22 forbiddeth marriage : 1 Tim. 4:1; which may now very well 23 be seen, since the forbidding of marriage is maintained by ABUSES (XXIV) III. 19 such punishments. But as no law of man can take away the 24 law of God, no more can any vow whatsoever. Therefore 25 Cyprian giveth counsel, that those women should marry, which do not keep their vowed chastity. His words are these, in the 1st Book, the 2d Epistle : " If they will not or are not able to endure, it is far better they should marry, than that they should fall into the fire by their importunate desires. In anywise let them give no offence to their brethren sisters." Yea, even the Canons show some kind of justice 26 towards such as before their ripe years did vow chastity ; as hitherto the use hath for the most part been. „ Article XXIV. (III.) Of the Mass. Our Churches are wrongfully accused to have abolished 1 the Mass. For the Mass is retained still among us, and celebrated with great reverence ; yea, and almost all the 2 ceremonies that are in use, saving that with the things sung in Latin, we mingle certain things sung in German at various parts of the service, which be added for the people's instruc- tion. For therefore alone we have need of ceremonies, that 3 they may teach the unlearned. This is not only commanded 4 by St. Paul, to use a tongue that the people understand, 1 Cor. 14 : 9, but man's law hath also appointed it. We 5 accustom the people to receive the Sacrament together, if so be any be found fit thereunto ; and that is a thing that doth increase the reverence and due estimation of the public ceremonies. For none are admitted, except they be first 6 proved. Besides, we put men in mind of the worthiness and 7 use of the Sacrament, how great comfort it bringeth to fearful consciences ; that they may learn to believe God, and to look for and crave all good things at his hands. This worship doth 8 please God : such an use of the Sacrament doth nourish piety towards God. Therefore it seemeth not that Masses be more 9 religiously celebrated among our adversaries, than with us. But it is evident, that of long time this hath been the 10 public and most grievous complaint of all good men, that Masses are basely profaned, being used for gain. And it is 11 not unknown, how far this abuse hath spread itself in all Churches ; of what manner of men Masses are used, only for a reward, or for wages ; and how many do use them against the prohibition of the Canons. But Paul doth grievously 12 20 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. threaten those who treat the Lord's Supper unworthily, saying, " He that eateth this bread or drinketh this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord :" 1 Cor. 11 : 27. Therefore, when the priests 13 among us were admonished of this sin, private Masses were laid aside among us, seeing that for the most part there were no private Masses but only for lucre's sake. Neither were 14 the bishops ignorant of these abuses, and if they had amended them in time, there had now been less of dissen- sions. Heretofore, by their dissembling, they suffered much 15 corruption to creep into the Church : now they begin, though 16 it be late, to complain of the calamities of the Church ; seeing that this tumult was raised up by no other mean, than by those abuses, which were so evident, that they could no longer be tolerated. There were many dissensions, concern- 17 ing the Mass, concerning the Sacrament. And perhaps the 18 world is punished for so long a profaning of Masses, which they, who both could -and ought to have amended it, have so many years tolerated in the Churches. For in the Ten Com- 19 mandments it is written, " He that taketh in vain the name of the Lord, shall not be held guiltless :" Exod. 20 : V. And 20 from the beginning of the world, there neither was nor is any divine thing, which seems so to have been employed for gain, as the Mass. There was added an opinion, which increased private 21 Masses infinitely ; to wit, that Christ by his passion did satisfy for original sin, and appointed the Mass, wherein an oblation should be made for daily sins, both mortal and venial. Hereupon a common opinion was received, that the 22 Mass is a work, that taketh away the sins of the quick and the dead, and that for the doing of the work. Here men 23 began to dispute, whether one Mass said for many were of as great force, as particular Masses said for particular men. This disputation hath brought forth that infinite multitude of Masses. Our preachers have admonished, concerning 24 these opinions, that they do depart from the holy Scriptures, and diminish the glory of the passion of Christ. For the 25 passion of Christ was an oblation and satisfaction, not only for original sin, but also for all other sins ; as it is written in the Epistle to the Hebrews, 10 : 10 : "We are sanctified by the 26 oblation of Jesus Christ once made :*' also, " By one oblation 27 he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified :" Heb. 10 : 14. The Scripture also teacheth, that we are justified before 28 ABUSES (XXIV) III. 21 God through faith in Christ, when we believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake. Now, if the Mass do take 29 away the sins of the quick and the dead, even for the work's sake that is done, then justification cometh by the work of Masses, and not by faith ; which the Scripture cannot endure. But Christ comraandeth us " to do it in remembrance of him- 30 self:" Luke 22 : 19, therefore the Mass has been instituted, that faith, in them which use the Sacrament, may remember* what benefits it receiveth by Christ, and that it may raise and comfort the fearful conscience. For this is to remember 31 Christ, to wit, to remember his benefits, and to feel and per- ceive that they be indeed imparted unto us. Nor is it sufli- 32 cient to call to mind the history ; because that the Jews also, and the wicked, can do. Therefore the Mass must be used 33 to this end, that there the Sacrament may be reached unto them that have need of comfort ; as Ambrose saith, " Be- cause I do always sin, therefore I ought always to receive the medicine." And seeing that the Mass is such a com- 34 munion of the Sacrament, we do observe one common Mass every holyday, and on other days, if any will use the Sacra- ment, at which times it is offered to them which desire it. Neither is this custom newly brought into the Church. For 35 the ancients, before Gregory's time, make no mention of any private Mass : of the common Mass they speak much. Chry- sostom saith, " that the priest doth daily stand at the altar, 36 and call some itnto the Communion, and put back others." And by the ancient Canons it is evident that some one did 37 celebrate the Mass, of whom the other elders and deacons did receive the body of the Lord. For so the words of the 38 Nicene Canon do sound : " Let the deacons in their order, after the elders, receive the holy Communion of a bishop, or of an elder." And Paul, concerning the Communion, com- 39 mandeth, "that one tarry for another," 1 Cor. 11 : 33, that so there may be a common participation. Seeing therefore 40 that the Mass amongst us hath the example of the Church, out of the Scripture, and the Fathers, we trust that it can- not be disapproved ; especially since our public ceremonies are kept, the most part, like unto the usual ceremonies : only the number of Masses is not alike, the which, by reason of very great and manifest abuses, it were certainly far better to be moderated. For in times past also, in the Churches 41 ■^hereunto was greatest resort, it was not the use to have Mass said every day ; as the Tripartite History, lib. 9, cap . 38, 22 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. doth witness. "Again," saith it, « in Alexandria, every fourth and sixth day of the week, the Scriptures are read, and the doctors do interpret them : and all other things are done also, except only the celebration of the Eucharist. Article XXV. (IV.) Of Confession. Confession is not abolished in our Churches. For it is 1 not usual to communicate the body of our Lord, except to those who have been previously examined and absolved. And the people are taught most carefully concerning the 2 faith required to Absolution, about which before these times there has been a deep silence. Men are taught, that they 3 should highly regard Absolution, inasmuch as it is God s voice, and°pronounced by God's command. . The power of the keys is honored, and mention is made, 4 how great consolation it brings to terrified consciences, and that God requires faith, that we believe that absolution as a voice sounding from heaven, and that this faith in Christ truly obtains and receives remission of sins. Aforetime satisfactions were immoderately extolled : of 5 faith, and the merit of Christ, and justification by faith no mention was made. Wherefore on this point our Churches are by no means to be blamed. For this even our adversaries 6 are compelled to concede in regard to us, that the doctrine of repentance is most diligently treated and laid open by us. But of Confession our Churches teach, that the enumera- 7 tion of sins is not necessary, nor are consciences to be burdened with the care of enumerating all sins, inasmuch as it is impossible to recount all sins, as the Psalm (19 : 31) testifies : " Who can understand his errors ?" So also Jere- 8 miah (17 : 9) : "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it?" But if no sins 9 were remitted except what were recounted, consciences could never find peace, because very many sins they can neither see nor remember. , , The ancient writers also testify that the enumeration is 10 not necessary. For in the Decrees Chrysostom is cited, who 11 speaks thus : " I do not say to thee, that thou shouldst dis- cover thyself in public, or accuse thyself before others, but I would have thee obey the prophet when he says : ' Reveal thy way unto the Lord.' Therefore with prayer confess thy ABUSES (xxvi) V. 23 sins before God the true Judge. Pronounce thine errors, not with the tongue, but with the memory of thy conscience." And the Gloss (Of Repentance, Dist. V, Chap. Consideret), 12 admits that Confession is of human right only [is not com- manded iu Scripture, but has been instituted by the Church], Nevertheless, on account of the very great benefit of Absolu- 13 tion, as well as for other uses to the conscience, Confession is retained among us. Article XXVI. (V.) Of the Distinction of Meats, and of Traditions. It hath been a general opinion, not of the people alone, but 1 also of such as are teachers in the Churches, that the differ- ences of meats, and such like human traditions, are works available to merit grace, and are satisfactions for sins. And 2 that the world thus thought is apparent by this : that daily new ceremonies, new orders, new holidays, new fasts, were appointed; and the teachers in the Churches did exact these works as a service necessary to deserve grace ; and they did greatly terrify men's consciences, if aught were omitted. Of this persuasion concerning traditions, many disadvan- 3 tages have followed in the Church. For first the doctrine 4 of grace is obscured by it, and also the righteousness of faith, which is the principal part of the Gospel, and which it behoveth most of all to stand forth and to have the pre- eminence in the Church, that the merit of Christ may be well known, and faith, which believeth that sins are remitted for Christ's sake, may be exalted far above works. For which 5 cause also Paul lays much stress on this point : he removeth the law, and human traditions, that he may show that the righteousness of Christ is a far other thing, than such works as these be, namely, a faith, which believeth that sins are freely remitted for Christ's sake. But this doctrine of Paul 6 is almost wholly smothered by traditions, which have bred an opinion, that, by making difference in meats, and such like services, a man should merit grace and justification. In their doctrine of repentance there was no mention of faith ; 7 only these works of satisfaction were spoken of: repentance seemed to consist wholly in these. Secondly,. these traditions obscured the commandments of 8 God, because traditions were preferred far above the com- mandments of God. All Christianity was thought to be an 10 24 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. observation of certain holidays, rites, fasts, and attire. These 9 observations were in possession of a most goodly title, that they were the spiritual life, and the perfect life. In the 10 meantime. Gods commandments, touching every man's call- ing, were of small estimation : that the father brought up his children, that the mother nurtured them, that the prince governed the commonwealth. These were reputed worldly affairs, and imperfect, and far inferior to those glittering observances. And this error did greatly torment pious con- 11 sciences, which were grieved that they were held by an im- perfect kind of life, in marriage, in magistracy, or in other civil functions. They had the monks, and such like, in admira- tion, and falsely imagined that the observances of these men were more grateful to God than their own. Thirdly, traditions brought great danger to men's con- 12 sciences, because it was impossible to keep all traditions, and yet men thought the observation of them to be necessary services. Gerson writeth. -that many fell into despair, and 13 some murdered themselves, because they perceived that they could not keep the traditions :" and all this while, they never heard the comfort of the righteousness of faith, or of grace. We see the Summists and divines gather together the tradi- 14 tions. and seek qualifications of them, to unburden men's consciences : and yet all will not serve, but meantime they bring more snares upon the conscience. The schools and 15 pulpits have been so busied in gathering together the tradi- tions, that they had not leisure to touch the Scripture, and to seek out a more profitable doctrine, of faith, of the cross, of hope, of the dignity of civil affairs, of the comfort of con- science in arduous trials. Wherefore Gerson, and some 16 other divines, have made grievous complaints, that they were hindered by these strifes about traditions, so that they could not be occupied in some better kind of doctrine. And 17 Augustine forbiddeth that men's consciences should be burdened with observations of this kind, and doth very pru- dently warn Januarius to know, that they are to be observed as things indifferent : for he so speaketh. Wherefore our 18 ministers must not be thought to have touched this matter rashly, or from hatred of the bishops, as some do falsely sur- mise. There was great need to admonish the Churches of 19 those errors, which did arise from mistaking of traditions : for the Gospel compelleth men to urge the doctrine of grace, 20 and of the righteousness of faith, in the Church ; which yet ABUSES (xxvi) V. 25 can never be understood, if men suppose that they can merit remission of sins, and justification, by observances of their own choice. Thus therefore they teach us, that we cannot 21 merit grace, or justification, by the observation of man's traditions ; and therefore we must not think that such observa- tions are necessary service. Hereunto they add testimonies 22 out of the Scriptures. Christ excuseth his disciples, which kept not the received tradition (which yet seemed to be about a matter not unlawful, but indifferent, and to have some affinity with the baptisms of the law) ; and saith, " They wor- ship me in vain with the commandments of men :" Matt. 15 : 9. Christ therefore exacteth no unprofitable service. And a 23 little after, he addeth : " Whatsoever entereth in at the mouth defileth not the man:" ver. 11. So also Paul: "The king- 24 dom of God is not meat and drink :" Rom. 15 : 17. " Let no 25 man judge you in meat or drink, or in respect of the Sabbath- days, or of a holiday :" Col. 2 : 16. Again: "If ye be dead 26 with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though ye lived in the world, are ye subject to traditions ; Touch not, taste not, handle not?" ver. 20, 21. Peter saith, " Why 21 tempt ye God, laying a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither we, nor our fathers, were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even as they:" Acts 15 : 10, 11. Here 28 Peter forbiddeth to burden the consciences with many rites, whether they be of Moses', or of any others', appointing. And Paul calleth the forbidding of meats, " a doctrine of 29 devils :" 1 Tim. 4 : 1, because that it is against the Gospel, to appoint or do such works, to the end that by them we may merit grace, or justification, or as though Christianity could not exist without such service. Here our adversaries object against us, that our ministers 30 hinder all good discipline, and mortification of the flesh ; as Jovinian did. But the contrary may be seen by our men's writings. For they have always taught, touching the cross, 31 that Christians ought to bear afflictions. This is the true, 32 earnest, and unfeigned mortification, to be exercised with divers afflictions, and to be crucified with Christ. Moreover 33 they teach, that every Christian must so by bodily discipline, or bodily exercises and labor, exercise and keep himself under, that plenty and sloth do not stimulate him to sin ; not that he may by such exercises merit grace, or satisfy for sins. And this corporal discipline should be used always, not only 34 26 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. on a few, and set days ; according to the commandment of Christ : " Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged with 35 surfeiting:" Luke 21 : 34. Again, "This kind (of devils) 36 goeth not out but by prayer and fasting:" Matt. 17 : 21. And Paul saith, " I keep under my body, and bring it into 31 subjection :" 1 Cor. 9 : 27, where he plainly showeth, that he 38 did therefore chastise his body, not that by that discipline he might merit remission of sins, but that his body might be apt and fit for spiritual things and to do his duty, according to his calling. Therefore we do not condemn fasts them- 39 selves, but the traditions which prescribe certain days and certain meats, with danger to the conscience, as though such works as these were a necessary service. Yet most of the traditions are observed among us, which 40 tend unto this end, that things may be done orderly in the Church ; as namely, the order of Lessons in the Mass, and the chiefest holidays. But, in the meantime, men are ad- 41 monished, that such a service doth not justify before God, and that it is not to be supposed there is sin in such things, if they be left undone, without scandal. This liberty in 42 human rites and ceremonies was not unknown to the Fathers. For in the East they kept Easter at another time than they 43 did in Rome: and when they of Rome accused the East of schism for this diversity, they were admonished by others, that such customs need not be alike everywhere. And 44 Irenaeus saith : " The disagreement about fasting doth not break off the agreement of faith." Besides, Pope Gregory, in the 12th Distinction, intimates, that such diversity doth not hurt the unity of the Church : and in the Tripartite His- 45 tory, lib. 9, many examples of dissimilar rites are gathered together, and these words are there rehearsed, " The mind of the Apostles was, not to give precepts concerning holidays, but to preach godliness and a holy life [faith and love]." Article XXVII. (VI.) Of Monastic Vows. What is taught amongst us touching the Vows of Monks 1 will be better understood, if one call to mind what was the state of monasteries, and how many things were every day committed in the monasteries, contrary to the Canons. In 2 Augustine's time, cloister-fraternities were free ; but after- ward, when discipline was corrupted, vows were everywhere ABUSES (XXVIl) VI. 27 laid upon them, that, as it were in a newly-devised prison, the discipline might be restored again. Over and besides 3 vows, many other observances by little and little were added. And these bands and snares were cast upon many, before 4 they came to ripe years, contrary to the Canons. Many 5 through error fell into this kind of life unawares, who, though they wanted not years, yet they wanted discretion to judge of their strength and ability. They who were once 6 got within these nets, were constrained to abide in them, though, by the benefit of the Canons, some might be set at liberty. And that fell out rather in the monasteries of nuns 7 than of monks ; although the weaker sex ought more to have been spared. This rigor and severity displeased many good 8 men heretofore, when they saw young maids and young men thrust into monasteries, there to get their living. They saw what an unhappy issue this counsel had, what offences it bred, and what snares it laid upon consciences. They were 9 grieved that the authority of the Canons was wholly ne- glected and contemned in a thing most dangerous. To all 10 these evils there was added such a persuasion concerning vows, as, it is well known, did in former times displease the monks themselves, if any of them were somewhat wiser than the rest. They taught that vows were equal to baptism : 11 they taught that by this kind of life they merited remission of sins, and justification before God ; yea, they added, that 12 the monk's life did not only merit righteousness before God, but more than that, because it observed, not only the com- mandments, but also the counsels of the Gospel. And thus 13 they taught, that the monk's profession was better than bap- tism, that the monk's life did merit more than the life of magistrates, of pastors, and such like, who, in obedience to God's commandment, followed their calling, without any such religions of man's making. None of these things can 14 be denied: they are to be seen in their writings. What occurred afterward in the monasteries? In old time they 15 were schools for the study of sacred letters, and other branches of knowledge, which were profitable to the Church ; and thence were pastors and bishops taken : but now the case is altered. It is needless to rehearse what is notorious. In old time they came together into such places to learn : 16 but now they feign that it is a kind of life taken up to merit remission of sins, and justification ; yea, they say it is* a state of perfection, and prefer it to all other kinds of life, the kinds 28 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. that God ordained. We have therefore mentioned these things, 17 not to excite odium, exaggerating nothing, to the end that the doctrine of our Churches touching this matter might be understood. First, concerning such as contract marriage, thus they 18 teach among us : that it is lawful for any to marry, that are not adapted for a single life ; forasmuch as vows cannot take away God's ordinance and commandment. The command- 19 ment of God is, " To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife:" 1 Cor. 7 : 2. And not only the command- 20 ment, but also the creation and ordinance of God, compelleth such unto marriage, as without the special work of God are not exempted : according to that saying, " It is not good for man to be alone:" Gen. 2 : 18. They therefore that are 21 obedient to this commandment and ordinance of God, do not sin. What can be said against these things ? Let a man ex- 22 aggerate the bond of a vow as much as he will, yet can he never bring to pass that the vow shall take away God's com- mandment. The Canons teach, " that in every vow the 23 right of the superior is excepted :" much less therefore can these vows, which are contrary to God's commandment, be of force. If so be that the obligation of vows has no cause why it 24 might be changed, then could not the Roman Pontiffs have dispensed therewith. For neither is it lawful for man to disannul that bond, which doth simply belong to the law of God. But the Roman Pontiffs have judged very prudently, 25 that in this obligation there must equity be used : therefore they often, as we read, have dispensed with vows. The his- 26 tory of the King of Arragon, being called back out of a monastery, is well known ; and there are examples in our own time. Secondly, why do our adversaries exaggerate the obliga- 27 tion, or the effect of the vow; when in the meantime they speak not a word of the very nature of a vow, that it ought to be in a thing possible, ought to be voluntary, and taken up of a man's own accord, and with deliberation? But it is 28 not unknown, how far perpetual chastity is in the power of a man. And how many a one amongst them is there, that doth vow of his own accord, and well advised ? Maidens 29 and youths, before they know how to judge, are persuaded, yea, sometimes also compelled, to vow. Wherefore it is not 30 ABUSES (XXVII) VI. 29 meet to dispute so rigorously of the obligation seeing that all men confess, that it is against the nature of a vow, that it is not done of a nian;s own accord, nor advisedly. The Canous for the most part disannul vows, which are 31 made before fifteen years of age ; because that, before one come to that age, there seemeth not to be so much judgment, that determination may be made concerning a perpetual life. Another Canon, permitting more to the weakness of men, 32 doth add some years more ; for it forbiddeth a vow to be made, before one be eighteen years of age. But which of 33 these shall we follow? The greatest part have this excuse for forsaking monasteries, because most of them vowed be- fore they came to this age. Last of all, even though the breaking of a vow were to be 34 reprehended, yet it seems not to follow directly that the marriages of such persons are to be dissolved. For Augus- 35 tine, in his 27th quest. 1st chapt. Of Marriages, doth deny that they ought to be dissolved : and his authority is not lightly to be esteemed, although others afterward have thought otherwise. And although the commandment of 3G God, touching wedlock, doth free msst men from vows ; yet our teachers do also bring another reason concerning vows, to show that they are void : because that all the worship of God, instituted of men without the commandment of God, and chosen to merit remission of sins, and justification, is wicked; as Christ saith : "In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men :" Matt. 15 : 9. And Paul doth everywhere teach, that righteousness 37 is not to be sought of our own observances, and services which are devised by men ; but that it cometh by faith to those that believe that they are received into favor by God for Christ's sake. But it is evident that the monks did teach, 38 that these counterfeited religions satisfy for sins, and merit grace and justification. What else is this, than to detract from the glory of Christ, and to obscure and deny the right- eousness of faith ? Wherefore it followeth, that these com- 39 mon vows were wicked services, and are therefore void. For 40 a wicked vow, and that which is made against the command- ments of God, is one of no force ; neither, as the Canon saith, ought a vow to be a bond of iniquity. Paul saith, " Christ 41 is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justi- fied by the law ; ye are fallen from grace :'; Gal. 5 : 4. They 42 therefore who wish to be justified by vows, are made vaid oi 30 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. Christ, and fall from grace. For they also who attribute 43 justification to their vows, attribute to their own works what properly belongs to the glory of Christ. Nor truly can it be 44 denied, that the monks taught that they are justified by their vows and observances, and merit the remission of sins ; nay, they invented yet greater absurdities, and said they could transfer their good works to others. If any man wished to 45 expand these things, so as to excite odium, how many things might he rehearse, whereof the monks themselves are now ashamed I Moreover, they would persuade men that these 46 invented religious orders are a state of Christian perfection. Or is this not attributing justification to works? It is no 47 light offence in the Church to propound unto the people a 48 certain service devised by men, without the commandment of God, and to teach that such a service doth justify men : be- cause that the righteousness of faith, which ought especially to be taught in the Church, is obscured, when those mar- vellous religions of angels, the pretence of poverty and hu- mility, and of celibacy, are cast before men's eyes. Moreover 49 the commandments of God, and the true worship of God, are obscured, when men hear that monks alone are in that state of perfection : because that Christian perfection is this, to fear God sincerely, and again, to conceive great faith, and to trust assuredly that God is pacified toward us, for Christ's sake ; to ask, and certainly to look for, help from God in all our affairs, according to our calling ; and outwardly to do good works diligently, and to attend to our vocation. In 50 these things doth true perfection and the true worship of God consist: it doth not consist in singleness of life, in beggary, or in vile apparel. The people doth also conceive many pernicious opinions 51 from these false commendations of the monastic life. They 52 hear celibacy praised above measure : therefore with offence of conscience they live in marriage. They hear that mendi- 53 cants only are perfect : therefore with offence of conscience they keep their possessions, and buy and sell. They hear 54 that, the Gospel only giveth counsel not to take revenge : therefore some in private life are not afraid to avenge them- selves ; for they hear that it is a counsel, not a command- ment. Others do think that all magistracy and civil offices 55 are unworthy a Christian man. We read examples of men, 56 who, forsaking wedlock, and leaving the government of the commonwealth, have hid tl.smselves in monasteries. This 57 ABUSES (XXVIIl) VII. 31 they called flying out of the world, and seeking a kind of life which is more acceptable to God: neither did they see that God is to be served in those commandments which he him- self hath delivered, not in the commandments which are devised by men. That is a good and perfect kind of life, 58 which hath the commandment of God for it. It is necessary 59 to admonish men of these things. And before these times 60 Gerson did reprehend this error of the monks concerning perfection ; and witnesseth, that in his time this was a new saying, that the monastical life is a state of perfection. Thus 61 many wicked opinions do cleave fast unto vows : as that they merit remission of sins and justification, that they are Chris- tian perfection, that they do keep the counsels and com- mandments, that they have works of supererogation. All 62 these things (seeing they be false and vain) do make vows to be of none effect. Abticle XXVIIL (VII.) Of Ecclesiastical Power. There have been great controversies touching the power of 1 bishops ; in which many have incommodiously mingled to- gether the Ecclesiastical power, and the power of the sword. And out of this confusion there have sprung very great wars 2 and tumults, while that the Pontiffs trusting in the power of the keys, have not only appointed new kinds of service, and burdened men's consciences by reserving of cases, and by violent excommunications ; but have also endeavored to transfer worldly kingdoms from one to another, and to despoil emperors of their power and authority. These faults did 3 godly and learned men long since reprehend in the Church ; and for that cause, our teachers were compelled, for the 4 comfort of men's consciences, to show the difference between the Ecclesiastical power and the power of the sword. And they have taught that both of them, because of God's com- mandment, are dutifully to be reverenced and honored, as the chiefest blessings of God upon earth. Now, their judgment is this : that the power of the keys, 5 or the power of the bishops, by the rule of the Gospel, is a power, or commandment from God, of preaching the Gospel, of remitting or retaining sins, and of administering the Sacra- ments. For Christ doth send his Apostles with this charge : 6 r As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Receive 32 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. ye the Holy Ghost : whosesoever sius ye remit, they are re- mitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained:" John 20 : 21-23. "Go, and preach the Gospel 7 to every creature," &c. : Mark 16 : 15. This power is put in 8 execution, only by teaching or preaching the Gospel, and administering the Sacraments, either to many, or to single individuals, in accordance with their call. For thereby not 9 corporal things, but eternal, are granted ; as an eternal right- eousness, the Holy Ghost, life everlasting. These things can- 1C not be got, but by the ministry of the word and of the Sacra- ments : as Paul saith, " The Gospel is the power of God to salvation to every one that belie veth :'- Rom. 1:16. Seeing 11 then that the Ecclesiastical power concerneth things eternal, and is exercised only by the ministry of the word, it hindereth not the political government, any more than the art of sing- ing hinders political government. For the political ad- 12 ministration is occupied about other matters than is the Gospel. The magistracy defends not the minds, but the bodies, and bodily things, against manifest injuries ; and coerces men by the sword and corporal punishments, that it may uphold civil justice and peace. Wherefore the Ecclesiastical and civil powers are not to 13 be confounded. The Ecclesiastical power hath its own commandment to preach the Gospel, and administer the Sacraments. Let it not by force enter into the office of 1 1 another ; let it not transfer worldly kingdoms ; let it not abrogate the magistrates' laws ; let it not withdraw from them lawful obedience; let it not hinder judgments touching any civil ordinances or contracts : let it not prescribe laws to the magistrate, touching the form of the republic ; as Christ saith, " My kingdom is not of this world :" John 18 : 15 36. Again, " Who made me a judge or a divider over }-ou ?" 16 Luke 12 : 14. And Paul saith, "Our conversation [citizen- 17 ship] is in heaven :" Phil. 3 : 20. " The weapons of ova- warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, casting down imaginations," &c. : 2 Cor. 10:4. In this way do our 18 teachers distinguish between the duties of each power one from the other, and do warn all men to honor both powers, and to acknowledge both to be the [highest] gift and bless- ing of God. If so be that the bishops have any power of the sword, 19 they have it not as bishops by the commandment of the Gospel, but by man's law given unto them of kings and em- ABUSES (XXVIII) VIT. 33 perors, for the civil government of their goods. This, how- ever, is a kind of function diverse from the ministry of the Gospel. Therefore, when the question touches the jurisdiction of 20 bishops, government must be distinguished from Ecclesias- tical jurisdiction. Again, by the Gospel, or, as they term it, 21 by divine right, bishops, as bishops, that is, those who have 'he administration of the word and Sacraments committed to them, have no other jurisdiction at all, but only to remit sin, also to take cognizance of [to judge in regard to] doc- trine, and to reject doctrine inconsistent with the Gospel, and to exclude from the communion of the Church, without human force, but by the word [of God], those whose wickedness is known. And herein of necessity the Churches ought by 22 Divine right to render obedience unto them ; according to the saying of Christ, " He that heareth you, heareth me :" Luke 10 : 16. But when they teach or determine anything 23 contrary to the Gospel, then have the Churches a command- ment of God, which forbiddeth obedience to them : " Beware of false prophets :'•' Matt. 7 : 15. "If an angel from heaven 24 preach any other Gospel, let him be accursed :" Gal. 1 : 9. "We cannot do anything against the truth, but for the truth :" 25 2 Cor. 13 : 8. Also, "This power is given us to edify, and 26 not to destroy :" 2 Cor. 13 : 10. So do the Canons command ; 27 ii. qasest. 7, Cap. Sacerdotes ; and Cap. Oves. And Augustine, 28 in his Treatise against Petition's Epistle, saith, "Neither must we subscribe to Catholic bishops, if they chance to err, or determine anything contrary to the canonical Scriptures." If so be that they have any other power or jurisdiction, in 29 hearing and understanding certain cases, as namely, of Matri- mony, and Tithes, &c, they hold it by human right. But when the ordinaries fail [to attend to this office], princes are constrained, whether the}' wish to do so or not, to declare the law to their subjects, for maintaining of peace. Besides these things, there is a controversy, whether 30 bishops or pastors have power to institute ceremonies in the Church, and to make laws concerning meats, and holidays, and degrees, or orders of ministers. They that ascribe this 31 power to the bishops, allege this testimony for it: "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now ; but when that Spirit of truth shall come, he shall teach you all truth :" John 16 : 12, 13. They allege also the exam- 32 pies of the Apostles, who commanded to abstain from blood, 34 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. and that which was strangled: Acts 15 : 29. They allege the 33 change of the Sabbath into the Lord's day, contrary, as it seemeth. to the Decalogue ; and they have no example more in their mouths, than the change of the Sabbath. They will needs have the Church's power to be very great, because it hath dispensed with a precept of the Decalogue. But of this question ours do thus teach : that the bishops 34 have no power to ordain anything contrary to the Gospel, as was showed before. The same also do the Canons teach, Distinct. 9. Moreover it is against the Scripture, to ordain or 35 require the observation of any traditions, to the end that we may merit remission of sins, and satisfy for sins by them. For the glory of Christ's merit suffers, when we seek by such 36 observances to merit justification. And it is very apparent, 37 that through this persuasion traditions grew into an infinite number in the Church. In the meanwhile, the doctrine concerning faith, and the righteousness of faith, was quite suppressed, for thereupon there were new holidays made, new fasts appointed, new ceremonies, new worships for saints, instituted ; because that the authors of such things supposed by these works to merit grace. After the same 38 manner heretofore did the Penitential Canons increase, whereof we still see some traces in satisfactions. Moreover the authors of traditions do contrary to the com- 39 mand of God, when they find matters of sin in foods, in days and like things, and burden the Church with the servitude of the law, as if there ought to be among Christians, in order to merit justification, a service like the Levitical, the ordina- tion of which God has committed to the Apostles and bishops. For this some of them write, and the Pontiffs in some measure 40 seem to be misled by the example of the Law of Moses. From 41 hence are those burdens, that it is mortal sin, even without offence to others, to do manual labor on the festivals, that it is a mortal sin to omit the Canonical Hours, that certain foods defile the conscience, that fastings are works which appease God; that sin, in a reserved case, cannot be pardoned, but by the authority of him that reserved it; whereas the Canons speak only of reserving of Ecclesiastical penalty, and not of the reserving of the fault. Whence, then, have the 42 bishops power and authority of imposing these traditions upon the Churches, for the ensnaring of men's consciences, when Peter forbids (Acts 15 : 10) "to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples," and St. Paul says (2 Cor. 13 : 10) that ABUSES (xxvm) VII. 35 the power given him was to edification, not to destruction ? Why, therefore, do they increase sins by these traditions? For there are divers clear testimonies, which prohibit the 43 making of such traditions, either to merit grace, or as things necessary to salvation. Paul saith to the Colossians, " Let 44 no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holiday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days :" Col. 2 : 16. Again, " If ye be dead with Christ from the rudi- 45 ments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances (Touch not, taste not, handle not? which all are to perish with the using), after the command- ments and doctrines of men ? which things indeed have a show of wisdom :" Col. 2 : 20-23. And to Titus he doth 46 plainly forbid traditions : for he saith, " Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and to commandments of men, that turn from the truth :" Tit. 1 : 14. And Christ saith of them, which 47 urge traditions, "Let them alone; they be blind leaders of the blind :" Matt. 15 : 14. And he condemneth such services : " Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, 48 shall be rooted up :" ver. 13. If bishops have authority to 49 burden the Churches with innumerable traditions, and to snare men's consciences, why doth the Scripture so oft forbid to make and to listen to traditions ? Why doth it call them the doctrines of devils? 1 Tim. 4 : 1. Hath the Holy Ghost warned us of them to no purpose ? It remaineth, then, that (seeing ordinations, constituted as 50 necessary, or with the opinion of meriting grace, are repugnant to the Gospel) it is not lawful for any bishops to institute or exact such worship. For it is necessary that the doctrine 51 of Christian liberty should be maintained in the Churches [Christendom] ; that the bondage of the law is not necessary unto justification, as it is written to the Galatians, "Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage :" Gal. 5:1. It is 52 necessary that the chiefest point of all the Gospel should be holden fast, that we do freely obtain grace, by faith in Christ, not because of certain observances, or of services devised by men. What is then to be thought of the Lord's day, and of like 53 rites of temples ? Hereunto they [ours] answer, that it is lawful for bishops or pastors to make ordinances, whereby things may be done in order in the Church ; not that by them we may merit grace, or satisfy for sins, or that men's con- sciences should be bound to esteem them as necessary ser- 3& THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. vices, and think that they sin when they violate them, with- out the offence of others. So Paul ordained, "that women 54 should cover their heads in the congregation :" 1 Cor. 11:6; " that the interpreters of Scripture should be heard in order, in the Church :" 1 Cor. 14 : 27. Such ordinances it behooveth the Churches to keep for 55 charity and quietness' sake, so that one offend not another, that all things may be done in order, and without tumult in the Church, 1 Cor. 14 : 40, and Phil. 2 : 14, but so that con- 56 sciences be not burdened, so as to account them as things necessary to salvation, and think they sin when they violate them, without offence of others : as no one would say that a woman sins, if she went into public with her bead uncovered, provided it were without the offence of men. Such is the observation of the Lord's day, of Easter, of 57 Pentecost, and like holidays and rites. For they that think 58 that the observation of the Lord's day was appointed by the authority of the Church, instead of the Sabbath, as necessary, are greatly deceived. The Scripture, which teacheth that all 59 the Mosaical ceremonies can be omitted after the Gospel is revealed, has abrogated the Sabbath. And yet, because it 60 was requisite to appoint a certain day, that the people might know when they ought to come together, it appears that the [Christian] Church did for that purpose appoint the Lord's day : which for this cause also seemed to have been pleasing, that men might have an example of Christian liberty, and might know that the observation, neither of the Sabbath, nor of any other day, was of necessity. There are certain marvellous disputations touching the 61 changing of the law, and the ceremonies of the new law, and the change of the Sabbath : which all arose from the false persuasion, that there should be a service in the Church, like to the Levitical ; and that Christ committed to the Apostles and bishops, the devising new ceremonies, which should be necessary to salvation. These errors crept into the Church, 62 when the righteousness of faith was not plainly enough taught. Some dispute, that the observation of the Lord's 63 day is not indeed of the law of God, but as it were of the law rf God : and touching holidays, they prescribe how far it is lawful to work in them. What else are such disputations, 64 but snares for men's consciences? For though they seek to moderate traditions, yet the equity of them can never be perceived, so long as the opinion of necessity remaineth ; ABUSES (XXVIIl) VII. 37 which must needs remain, where the righteousness of faith, and Christian liberty are not known. The Apostles commanded to abstain from blood : Acts 15 : 65 29. Who observeth that nowadays ? And yet they do not sin, that observe it not. For the Apostles themselves would not burden men's consciences with such a servitude : but they forbade it for a time, because of scandal. For in the 66 decree, the will of the Gospel is always to be considered. Scarcely any Canons are precisely kept ; and many grow out 67 of use daily, yea, even among them that do most busily de- fend traditions. Neither can there be sufficient care had of 68 men's consciences, except this equity be kept, that men should know that such rites are not to be observed with any opinion of necessity, and that men's consciences are not hurt, though traditions grow out of use. The bishops might easily retain lawful obedience, if they 69 would not urge men to observe such traditions as cannot be kept with a good conscience. Now they command single 70 life ; and they admit none, except they will swear not to teach the pure doctrine of the Gospel. The Churches do not desire 71 of the bishops, that they would repair peace and concord with the loss of their honor (which yet good pastors ought to do) : they only desire that they would remit unjust burdens, which 72 are both new, and received contrary to the custom of the Catholic [Christian Universal] Church. It may well be, that 73 some constitutions had some probable reasons, when they began, which yet will not agree to latter times. It is evident 74 that some were received through error. Wherefore it were a matter for the pontifical gentleness to mitigate them now ; for such a change would not overthrow the unity of the Church. For many human traditions have been changed in time, as the Canons themselves declare. But if it cannot be 75 obtained, that those observances may be relaxed, which can- not be kept without sin, then must we follow the Apostles' rule, which willeth " to obey God rather than men:" Acts 5 : 29. Peter forbiddeth bishops to be lords, and to be im- 76 perious over the Churches : 1 Pet. 5 : 3. Now our meaning 77 is not to have rule taken from the bishops : but this one thing only is requested at their hands, that they would suffer the Gospel to be purely taught, and that they would relax a few observances, which cannot be held without sin. But if they will remit none, let them look how they will give ac' 38 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. count to God for this, that by their obstinacy they afford cause of schism. CONCLUSION. These are the principal articles which seem to be matters I of controversy. For although we might speak of more abuses, yet that we may avoid undue length, we have embraced a few, whereby it is easy to judge of the others. Great have been 2 the complaints about indulgences, about pilgrimages, about the abuse of excommunication. The Parishes have been vexed in manifold ways by the stationarii. Endless conten- tions have arisen between the pastors and the monks about parochial law, about confession, about burials, about sermons on extraordinary occasions, and about other things without number. Things of this sort we pass over, that those which 3 are chief in this matter being briefly set forth may more easily be noted. Nor has anything been here said or adduced for 4 the purpose of casting reproach on any one. Those things 5 also have been enumerated, which it seemed necessary to say, that it might be understood, that in doctrine and ceremonials among us there is nothing received contrary to Scripture or to the Catholic [Universal Christian] Church, inasmuch as it is manifest that we have diligently taken heed that no new and godless doctrines should creep into our Churches. In accordance with the Edict of His Imperial Majesty, we 6 wish to present these articles above written, in which is our Confession, and in which is seen a summary of the doctrine of those who teach among us. If anything be lacking in this 7 Confession, we are prepared, God willing, to present ampler information, in accordance with the Scriptures. Your Imperial Majesty's most faithful and humble, John, Duke of Saxony, Elector. George, Margrave of Brandenburg. Ernest, Duke of Luneburg. Philip, Landgrave of Hesse. John Frederick, Duke of Saxony. Francis, Duke of Luneburg. Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt. Senate and Magistracy of Nurenberg. Senate of Reutlingen. THE SMALL CATECHISM OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER. PREFACE OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER. Martin Luther to all faithful and godly pastors and preachers, Grace, Mercy and Peace, in Jesus Christ, our Lord I , The deplorable condition in which I found religious affairs during a recent visitation of the congregations, has impelled me to publish this Catechism, or statement of the Christian doctrine, after having prepared it in very brief and simple terms. Alas ! what misery I beheld ! The people, especially those who live in the villages, seem to have no knowledge whatever of Christian doctrine, and many of the pastors are ignorant and incompetent teachers. And, nevertheless, they all maintain that they are Christians, that they have been baptized, and that they have received the Lord's Supper. Yet they cannot recite the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, or the Ten Commandments ; they live as if they were irrational creatures, and now that the Gospel has come to them, they grossly abuse their Christian liberty. Ye bishops ! what answer will ye give to Christ for having so shamefully neglected the people, and paid no attention to the duties of your office ? I invoke no evil on your heads. But you withhold the cup in the Lord's Supper, insist on the observance of your human laws, and yet, at the same time, do not take the least interest in teaching the people the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, or any other part of the word of God. Woe unto you ! Wherefore I beseech you in the name of God, my beloved brethren, who are pastors or preachers, to engage heartily in the discharge of the duties of your office, to have mercy on the people who are entrusted to your care, and to assist us in intro- ducing the Catechism among them, and especially among the young. And if any of you do not possess the necessary qualifica- 11 n 40 PREFACE. tions, I beseech you to take at least the following forms, and read them, word for word, to the people, on this wise : — In the first place ; let the preacher take the utmost care to avoid all changes or variations in the text and wording of the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Sacra- ments, etc. Let him, on the contrary, take each of the forms respectively, adhere to it, and repeat it anew, year after year. For young and inexperienced people cannot be successfully in- structed, unless we adhere to the same text or the same forms of expression. They easily become confused, when the teacher at one time employs a certain form of words and expressions, and, at another, apparently with a view to make improvements, adopts a different form. The result of such a course will be, that all the time and labor which we have expended, will be lost. This point wras well understood by our venerable fathers, who were accustomed to use the same words in teaching the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. We, too, should follow this plan when we teach these things, particularly in the case of the young and ignorant, not changing a single syllable, nor introducing any variations when, year after year, we recur to these forms and recite them anew before our hearers. Choose, therefore, the form of words which best pleases you, and adhere to it perpetually. When you preach in the presence of intelligent and learned men, you are at liberty to exhibit your knowledge and skill, and may present and discuss these subjects in all the varied modes which are at your command. But when you are teaching the young, retain the same form and manner without change ; teach them, first of all, the Ten Command- ments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, etc., always presenting the same words of the text, so that those who learn can repeat them after you, and retain them in the memory. But if any refuse to receive your instructions, tell them plainly that they deny Christ and are not Christians; such persons shall not be admitted to the Lord's Table, nor present a child for Baptism, nor enjoy any of our Christian privileges, but are to be sent back to the pope and his agents, and, indeed, to Satan him- self. Their parents and employers should, besides, refuse to furnish them with food and drink, and notify them that the government was disposed to banish from the country all persons of such a rude and intractable character. For although we cannot, and should not, compel them to exercise faith, we ought, nevertheless, to instruct the great mass with all diligence, so that they may know bow to distinguish PREFACE. 41 between right and wrong in their conduct towards those with whom they live, or among whom they desire to earn their living. For whoever desires to reside in a city, and en oy the rights and privileges which its laws confer, is also bound to know and obey those laws. God grant that such persons may become sincere believers I But if they remain dishonest and vicious, let them at least withhold from public view the vices of their hearts. In the second place ; when those whom you are instructing, have become familiar with the words of the text, it is time to teach them to understand the meaning of those words, so- that they may become acquainted with the object and purport of the lesson. Then proceed to another of the following forms, or, at your pleasure, choose any other which is brief, and adhere strictly to the same words and forms of expression in the text, without altering a single syllable ; besides, allow yourself ample time for the lessons. For it is not necessary that you should, on the same occasion, proceed from the beginning to the end of the several parts ; it will be more profitable if you present them separately, in regular succession. When the people have, for instance, at length correctly understood the First Commandment, you may proceed to the Second, and so continue. By neglecting to observe this mode, the people will be overburdened, and be prevented from understanding and retaining in memory any con- siderable part of the matter communicated to them. In the third place ; when you have thus reached the end of this short Catechism, begin anew with the Large Catechism, and by means of it furnish the people with fuller and more compre- hensive explanations. Explain here at large every Command- ment, every Petition, and, indeed, every part, showing the duties which they severally impose, and, both the advantages which follow the performance of those duties, and also the dangers and losses which result from the neglect of them. Insist in an es- pecial manner on such Commandments or other parts as seem to be most of all misunderstood or neglected by your people. It will, for example, be necessary that you should enforce with the utmost earnestness, the Seventh Commandment, which treats of Stealing, when you are teaching workmen, dealers, and even farmers and servants, inasmuch as many of these are guilty of various dishonest and thievish practices. So. too, it will be your duty to explain and apply the Fourth Commandment with great diligence, when you are teaching children and uneducated adults, and to urge them to observe order, to be faithful, obedient and peaceable, as well as to adduce nun erous instances mentioned 42 PREFACE. in the Scriptures, which show that God punished such as rere guilty in these things, and blessed the obedient. Here, too, let it be your great aim to urge magistrates and parents to rule wisely, and to educate the children, admonishing them, at the same time, that such duties are imposed on them, and showing them how grievously they sin if they neglect them. For in such a case they overthrow and lay waste alike the king- dom of God and the kingdom of the world, acting as if they were the worst enemies both of God and of men. And show them very plainly the shocking evils of which they are the authors, when they refuse their aid in training up children to be pastors, preachers, writers, etc., and set forth that on account of such sins God will inflict an awful punishment upon them. It is, indeed, necessary to preach on these things ; for parents and magistrates are guilty of sins in this respect, which are so great that there are no terms in which they can be described. And truly. Satan has a cruel design in fostering these evils. Finally: inasmuch as the people are now relieved from the tyranny of the pope, they refuse to come to the Lord's Table, and treat it with contempt. On this point also, it is very neces- sary that you should give them instructions, while, at the same time, you are to be guided by the following principles : That we are to compel no one to believe, or to receive the Lord's Supper; that we arc not to establish any laws on this point, or appoint the time and place ; but that we should so preach as to influence the people, without any law adopted by us, to urge, and. as it were, to compel us who are pastors, to administer the Lord's Supper to them. Xow this object may be attained, if we address them in the following manner : It is to be feared that he who does not desire to receive the Lord's Supper at least once, or four times, during the year, despises the Sacrament, and is no Christian. So. too. he is no Christian, who neither believes nor obeys the Gospel; for Christ did not say: "Do this, or despise this.'" but, " This do ye. a3 oft as ye drink it, etc." He com- mands that this should be done, and by no means be neglected anl despised. He says : '-This do." Xow he who does not highly value the Sacrament, shows thereby that he has no sin. no flesh, no devil, no world, no death, no danger, no hell ; that is to say. he does not believe that such evils exist, although he may be deeply immersed in them, and completely belong to the devil. On the other hand, he needs no grace, no life, no Paradise, no heaven, no Christ, no God. no good thing. For ^f he believed that he was involved in such PREFACE. 43 evils, and that he -was in need of such blessing? he could not refrain from receiving the Sacrament, wherein aid is afforded against such evils, and, again, such blessings are bestowed. It will not be necessary to compel him by the force of any law to approach the Lord's Table; he will hasten to it of his own accord, will compel himself to come, and indeed urge you to administer the Sacrament to him. Hence, you are by no means to adopt any compulsory law in this case, as the pope has done. Let it simply be your aim to set forth distinctly the advantages and losses, the wants and the benefits, the dangers and the blessings,, which are to be con- sidered in connection with the Sacrament ; the people will, doubtless, then seek it without urgent demands on your part. If they still refuse to come forward, let them choose their own ways, and tell them that those who do not regard their own spiritual misery, and do not desire the gracious help of God, belong to Satan. But if you do not give such solemn admoni- tions, or if you adopt odious compulsory laws on the subject, it is your own fault, if the people treat the Sacrament with con- tempt. Will they not necessarily be slothful, if you are silent, and sleep ? Therefore consider the subject seriously, ye Pastors and Preachers ! Our office has now assumed a very different character from that which it bore under the pope ; it is now of a very grave nature, and is very salutary in its influence. It con- sequently subjects us to far greater burdens and labors, dangers and temptations, whilst it brings with it an inconsiderable re- ward, and very little gratitude in the world. But Christ him- self will be our reward, if we labor with fidelity. May He grant such mercy unto us, who is the Father of all grace, to whom be given thanks and praises through Christ, our Lord, for ever I Amen. WlTTEJTBEW, AD. 1529. LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM. PART I. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. In the plain form in which they are to be taught by the Head of a family. The First Commandment. I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods be- fore me. [Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth ; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me ; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.] What is meant by this Commandment? Answer. We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. The Second Commandment. 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. What is meant by this Commandment ? Answer. We should so fear and love God as not to curse, swear, conjure, lie, or deceive, by his name, but call upon him in every time of need, and worship him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. The Third Commandment. 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it hoi}'. [Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work ; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt 44 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 45 not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man- servant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy 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 sabbath day, and hallowed it.] What is meant by this Commandment ? Answer. We should so fear and love God as not to despise his word and the preaching of the gospel, but deem it holy, and willingly hear and learn it. The Fourth Commandment. Honoi thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. What is meant by this Commandment ? Answer. We should so fear and love God, as not to despise nor displease our parents and superiors, but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them. The Fifth Commandment. Thou shalt not kill. What is meant by this Commandment ? Answer. We should so fear and love God as not to do our neighbor any bodily harm or injury, but rather assist and com- fort him in danger and want. The Sixth Commandment. Thou shalt not commit adultery. What is meant by this Commandment t Ansicer. We should so fear and love God, as to be chaste and pure in our words and deeds, each one also loving and honor- ing his wife or her husband. The Seventh Commandment. Thou shalt not steal. Wliat is meant by this Commandment * Answer. We should so fear and love God, as not to rob our neighbor of his money or property, nor bring it into our posses- sion by unfair dealing or fraudulea t means, but rather assist him to improve and protect it. 46 LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM. The Eighth Commandment. Thou shnlt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. What is meant by this Commandment* Ansicer. We should so fear and lore God as not deceitfully to belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports against our neighbor, but apologize for him, speak well of him, and put the most charitable construction on all his actions. The Ninth Commandment. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Wliat is meant by this Commandment* Ansicer. We should so fear and love God as not to desire by craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's inheritance or home, or to obtain it under the pretext of a legal right, but be ready to assist and serve him in the preservation of his own. The Tenth Commandment. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. What is meant by this Commandment * Ansicer. We should so fear and love God as not to alienate our neighbor's wife from him. entice away his servants, nor let loose his cattle, but use our endeavors that they may remain and discharge their duty to him. What does God declare concerning all these Commandments* Ansicer. He says : I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, i visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me : and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments ? What is meant by this declaration ' Ansicer. God threatens to punish all those who transgress these commandments. We should, therefore, dread his dis- pleasure, and not act contrarily to these commandments. But he promises grace and every blessing to all who keep them. We should, therefore, love and trust in him, and cheerfully do what he has commanded us. PAKT II. . THE CUE ED. In Vu. plain form in which it is to be taught by the Head of a family. The First Article. Of Creation. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. What is meant by this Article t Answer. I believe that God has created me and all that exists ; that he has given and still preserves to me my body and soul with all my limbs and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with my raiment, food, home, and family, and all my property ; that he daily provides me abundantly with all the necessaries of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me and guards me against all evil ; all which he does out of pure, paternal, and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me ; for all which I am in duty bound to thank, praise, serve, and obey him. This is most certainly true. The Second Article. Of Redemption. And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord ; who was con- ceived 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. What is meant by this Article ? Answer. I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father.from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord ; who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned crea- ture, secured and delivered me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood, and with his innocent sufferings and death ; in order that " might be his, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in sverlasting righteousness, innocence 47 48 luther's small catechism. and blessedness : even as he is risen from the dead, and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true. The Third Article. Of Sanctijzcation. I believe in the Holy Ghost : the holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints ; the Forgiveness of sins ; the Resurrection of the body; and the Life everlasting. Amen. What is meant by this Article? Answer. I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him ; but the Holy Ghost has called me through the gospel, enlightened me by his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith ; in like manner as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the true faith ; in which Christian Church he daily forgives abundantly all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and will raise up me and all the dead at the last day. and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true. PART III. THE LORD'S PRAYER. In the plain form iti ivhich it is to be taught by the HeSid of a family. The Introduction. Our Father who art in heaven. What is meant by tltis Introduction ? Ansioer. God would thereby affectionately encourage us to believe that he is truly our Father, and that we are his children indeed, so that we may call upon him with all cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved children entreat their affectionate parent. The First Petition. Hallowed be thy name. THE lord's prayer. 49 Wltat is meant by this Petition t Answer. The name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may be hallowed also by us. How is this effected t Ansioer. When the word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, lead holy lives, in accor- dance with it ; to this may our blessed Father in heaven help us ! But whoever teaches and lives otherwise than as God's word prescribes, profanes the name of God among us ; from this pre- serve us, Heavenly Father ! The Second Petition. Thy kingdom come. What is meant by this Petition t Answer. The kingdom nf God comes indeed of itself, without our prayer ; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also. When is this effected * Answer. "When our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his holy word, and live a godly life here on earth, and in heaven for ever. The Third Petition. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. What is meant by this Petition T Answer. The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer ; but we pray in this petition that it may be done by us also. When is this effected t Answer. When God frustrates and brings to nought every evil counsel and purpose, which would hinder us from hallowing the name of God, and prevent his kingdom from coming to us, such as the will of the devil, of the world, and of our own flesh ; and when he strengthens us, and keeps us steadfast in his word and in the faith, even unto our end. This is his gracious and good will. The Fourth Petition. Give us this day our daily bread. Wliat is meant by this Petition? Answer. God gives indeed without our prayer even to the wicked also their daily bread ; but we pray in this petition that 50 LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM. he would make us sensible of his benefits, and enable us to re- ceive our daily bread with thanksgiving. What is implied in the words : " our daily bread" t Answer. All things that pertain to the wants and the support of this present life ; such as food, raiment, money, goods, house and laud, and other property; a believing spouse and good chil- dren ; trustworthy servants and faithful magistrates ; favorable seasons, peace and health ; education and honor ; true friends, good neighbors, and the like. The Fifth Petition. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who tres- pass against us. What is meant by this Petition t ' Answer. We pray in this petition, that our heavenly Father would not regard our sins, nor deny us our requests on account of them ; for we are not worthy of any thing for which we pray, and have not merited it; but that he would grant us all things through grace, although we daily commit much sin, and deserve chastisement alone. We will therefore, on our part, both heartily forgive, and also readily do good to those who may in- jure or offend us. The Sixth Petition. And lead us not into temptation. What is meant by Vtis Petition * Answer. God indeed tempts no one to sin ; but we pray in this petition that God would so guard and preserve us, that the devil, the world, and our own flesh, may not deceive us, nor lead us into error and unbelief, despair, and other great and shameful sins ; and that, though we may be thus tempted, we may never- theless finally prevail and gain the victory. The Seventh Petition. But deliver us from evil. W/tat is meant by this Petition t y Answer. We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our heavenly Father would deliver us from all manner of evil, whether it affect the body or soul, property or character, and, at last, when the hour of death shall arrive, grant us a happy end, and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to himself in heaven. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM. 51 The Conclusion. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. What is meant by the word " Amen" ? Answer. That I should be assured that such petitions are acceptable to our heavenly Father, and are heard by him ; for he himself has commanded us to pray in this manner, and has promised that he will hear us. Amen, Amen, that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so. PAET IV. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM. In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the Head of a family. I. What is Baptism ? Answer. Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water comprehended in God's command, and connected with God's word What is that word of Godt Answer. It is that which our Lord Jesus Christ spake, as it is recorded in the last chapter of Matthew, verse 19 : " Go ye, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." II. 'What gifts or benefits does Baptism confer f Answer. It worketh forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and confers everlasting salvation on all who be- lieve, as the word and promise of God declare. Wl/at are such words and promises of God t Answer. Those which our Lord Jesus Christ spake, as they are recorded in the last chapter of Mark, verse 16: "He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he that believeth not, shall be damned." III. How can water produce such great effects t Answer. It is not the water indeed that produces these effocts, but the word of God which accompanies and is connected with the water, and our faith, which relies on the word of God con- nected with the water. For the water, without the word of God, is simply water and no baptism. But when connected with the 52 LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM. word of God, it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a 'washing of regeneration" in the Holy Ghost; as St. Paul says to Titus, in the third chapter, ver. 5-8 : " According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renew- ing of the Holy Ghost ; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying." IV. What does such baptizing with xcater signify t Ansicer. It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned and destroyed by daily sorrow and repentance, together with all sins and evil lusts ; and that again the new man should daily come forth and rise, that shall live in the presence of God in righteousness and purity for ever. Where is it so written f Ansicer. St. Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, verse 4. says : •• We are buried with Christ by baptism into death : that like as he was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." OF CONFESSION. "What is Confession f Answer. Confession consists of two parts : the one is, that we confess our sins ; the other, that we receive absolution or for- giveness through the pastor as of God himself, in no wise doubt- ing, but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven. Wliat sins ought uud Part. The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion : slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all : and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, 0 I ord : and thy saints shall bless thee. PSALMS. 15 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom : and talk of thy power ; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts : and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom : and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The Lord upholdeth all that fall : and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee : and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand : and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Third Part. The Lord is righteous in all his ways : and holy in all his works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him : to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The Lord preserveth all them that love him : but all the Wicked will he destroj'. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever" and ever. 10. 2.£ba£i ©zulos. Ps. cxxi. J WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord : which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel : shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is tlry keeper : the Lord is thy' shade upon thy right hand. 16 PSALMS. The sun shall not smite thee by day : nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in : from this time forth, and even for ever more. 11. #tijEf£ruortto Somt'ni. Ps. lxxxix. I "WILL sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever : with my mouth will I make known thy faithful- ness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever : thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, 0 Lord : thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord ? : who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord ? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints : and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. Second Part. 0 Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee ? : or to thy faithfulness round about thee ? Thou rulest the raging of the sea : when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine : as for the world, and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. Thou hast a mighty arm : strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne : mercy and truth s\all go before thy face. PSALMS. 17 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound : they shall walk, 0 Lord, in the light o: thy counte- Dance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the clay : and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. Eor thou art the glory of their strength : and in thy favor our horn shall be exalted. For the Lord is our defence : and the Holy One of Israel is our King. Blessed be the Lord for evermore: Amen and Amen. 12. (£onfittf)or TOi. Ps. cxxxviii. I "WILL praise thee with my whole heart : before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth : for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me : and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, 0 Lord : when they hear the words of thy mouth. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord : for great is the glory of the Lord. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly : but the proud he knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me : thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me : thy mercy, 0 Lord, endureth for ever ; forsake not the works of thine own hands. 13. 30omtitt 3£Ufujjium. Ps. xc. LOB D, thou hast been our dwelling-place: in all generations. 1 8 PSALMS. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the eartli and the world : even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou turnest man to destruction: and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yes- terday when it is past : and as a watch in the night. Thou earnest them away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up : in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. For we are consumed by thine anger : and by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before thee : our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath : we spend our years, as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years : yet is their strength labor and sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, and we ity away. "Who knoweth the power of thine anger ? : even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So. teach us to number our days : that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, 0 Lord, how long?: and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy : that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us : and the }Tears wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants : and thy glory unto their children. And let tke beauty of the Lord our God be upon PSALMS. 19 us : and establish thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. 14. 3iMai* 3@jdo. Ps. c. /FAKE a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands Serve the Lord with gladness ; come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God ; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves : wre are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise : be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlasting : and his truth endureth to all generations. 15. Vmitt HSxuItcmuB domino. Ps. xcv. OCOME, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiv- ing: and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God : and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth : the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formec". the dry land. 0 come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God : and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. 18. Conftifrntnt ^Domino. Ps. cxviii. GIVE thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good : because his mercy endureth for ever. 20 PSALMS Let them now that fear the Lord say: that his mercy endureth for ever. The Lord is my strength and song : and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the taber- nacles of the righteous : the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted : the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live : and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness : I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord ; This gate of the Lord : into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee, for thou hast heard me : and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused : is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing : it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, 0 Lord: 0 Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord : we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, which hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, ar d I will praise thee : thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 0 give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good : for his mercy end'ireth for ever. PSALMS. 21 17. <&QV&ttmmi iBomtno in SUtermim. Ps. cxxxvi. OGIVE thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good : for his mere}*" endureth for ever. 0 give thanks unto the God of gods : for his mercy endureth for ever. 0 give thanks to the Lord of lords : for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders : for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens : for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters : for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights : for his mercy en- dureth for ever. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever. And hath redeemed us from our enemies : for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh : for his mercy en- dureth for ever. 0 give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever. 18. 33omuu ^ominus Nosier. Ps. viii. OLORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth : who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies : that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers : the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained ; What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? : and the son of man, that thou visit est him ? 22 PSALMS. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels : and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands: thou hast put all things under his feet. 0 Lord our Lord : how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! 19. (£antat« jSommo. Ps. xcviii. OSING- unto the Lord a new song : for he hath done marvellous things. His right hand, and his holy arm : hath gotten him the victory. The Lord hath made known his salvation : his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight -of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel : all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth : make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp : with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. Let the floods clap their hands ; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord : for he cometh to judge the earth ; With righteousness shall he judge the world : and the people with equity. 20. $£ $rofimlrijj. Ps. cxxx. ' OUT of the depths have I cried: unto thee, 0 Lord. Lord, hear my voice : let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities : 0 Lord, who shall stand ? PSALMS. 23 But there is forgiveness with thee : that thou maj^est be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait : and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy : and with him is plenteous redemp- tion. And he shall redeem Israel: from all his iniquities. 21. &e &mt ^smmur. Ps. lxv. PRAISE waiteth for thee, 0 God, in Sion : and unto thee shall the vow be performed. 0 thou that hearest prayer : unto thee shall all flesh come. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou an- swer us, 0 God of our salvation : who art the confi- dence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea ; Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains : being girded with power: Which stilleth the noise of the seas : the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens : thou makest the out-goings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it : thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. 24 PSALMS. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly : thou settlest the furrows thereof. Thou makest it soft with showers ; thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness : and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness : and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks : the valleys also are covered over with corn ; they shout for joy, they also sing. 22. CmtfiUbor £i6t. Ps. cxi. PRAISE ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart : in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great : sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honorable and o-lorious : and his riohte- ousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remem- bered : the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear him : he will ever be mindful of his covenant. He hath showed his people the power of his works: that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment : all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever : and are done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption unto his people : he hath commanded his covenant for ever ; hol}T and reverend is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom : his praise endureth for ever. PSALMS. 25 23. iaufcatt Bnmhuim lit Cotlte. Ps. cxlviii. P RAISE ye the Lord : praise y e the Lord from the heavens : praise him in the heights. Praise }^e him, all his angels : praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise }Te'him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens : and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord : for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also established them for ever and ever : he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the Lord from the earth: ye dragons and all deeps. Fire, and hail ; snow, and vapors : stormy wind fulfilling his word : Mountains, and all hills : fruitful trees, and all cedars ; Beasts, and all cattle : creeping things, and flying fowl; Kings of the earth, and all people : princes, and all judges of the earth ; Both young men, and maidens : old men, and children ; Let them praise the name of the Lord : for his name alone is excellent ; his glory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints : even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord. 24. £)omtni tst £.ma. Ps. xxiv. rpHE earth fs the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: J_ the world, and they that dwell therein. PSALMS. For he hath founded it upon the seas: and esta- blished it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? : and who shall stand in his holy pla He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart : who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing: from the Lord : and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him : that seek thy face. 0 Jacob. Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates ; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors : and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? : the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads. 0 y even lift them up. ye everlasting doors : and the King of gloiy shall come in. Who is this King of glory ? : the Lord of h he is the King of glory. 25. Corli HEnarnrnt. Ps. xix. THE heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament showeth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech: and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language : where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth: and their words to the end of the world. j ml Part. The law of the Lord i , inverting the soul: the testimony of the Lord . making wise the simple. PSALMS. 27 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart : the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever : the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold : sweeter also than honey and the honey-corub. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there is great reward. Third Part. Who can understand his errors ? : cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins ; let them not have dominion over me : then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the 2;reat transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart : be acceptable in thy sight, 0 Lord, my strength, and nr^ redeemer. 26. 33omtnus 3£Uc$it $te. Ps. xxiii. THE Lord is my shepherd : I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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 they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the 28 PSALMS. days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 27. In (£onfctrtm&o. Ps. cxxvi. WHEN the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion : we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter : and our tongue with singing ; Then said they among the heathen : The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us : whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, 0 Lord : as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears : shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed : shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. HYMNS. PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. Psalm 100. L. M. BEFORE Jehovah's awful throne, Ye nations, bow with sacred joy : Know that the Lord is God alone, He can create, and He destroy. His sovereign power, without our aid, Made us of clay, and formed us men ; And when like wandering sheep we strayed, He brought us to His fold again. We are His people, we His care, Our souls and all our mortal frame : What lasting honors shall we rear, Almighty Maker, to Thy Name ? i We'll crowd Thy gates with thankful songs, High as the heavens our voices raise ; And earth, with her ten thousand tongues, Shall fill Thy courts with sounding praise. 5 Wide as the world is Thy command, " Vast as eternity Thy Love ; Firm as a rock Thy truth must stand, When rolling years shall cease to move. Isaac Wa'tx. 1719. a. 14 (29) I 30 WORSHIP. 2 Psalm 146. L. P. M. 1 T'LL praise my Maker whilst I've breath ; JL And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers: My days of praise shall ne'er be past. While life and thought and being last, Or immortality endures. 2 Happy the man whose hopes rely On Israel's God, who made the sky, And earth, and seas, with all their train ; His truth for ever stands secure ; He saves the opprest, He feeds the poor ; And none shall find His promise vain. 3 The Lord gives evesight to the blind ; The Lord supports the sinking mind ; He sends the laboring conscience peace ; He helps the stranger in distress, The widow and the fatherless, And grants the prisoner sweet release. 4 I'll praise Him while He lends me breath ; And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers : My days of praise shall ne'er be past. While life and thought and being last, Or immortality endures. wattt. i:i£a. 3 Psalm 95. S. M. 1 /HOME, sound His praise abroad, \j And hymns of glory sing ! Jehovah is the sovereign God, The* universal King. 2 He formed the deeps unknown ; He gave the seas their bound ; The watery worlds are all His own, And all the solid ground. PKAISE AND THANKSGIVING. 31 3 Come, worship at His throne ; Coine, bow before the Lord. We are His work, and not our own He formed us by His word. 4 To-day attend His voice, Nor dare provoke His rod ; Come, like the people of His choice, And own your gracious God. WatU 1719. Psalm 147. L. M. 1 ~T)RAISE ye the Lord: 'tis good to raise X Our hearts and voices in His praise : His nature and His works invite To make this duty our delight. 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem, And gathers nations to His Name : His mercy melts the stubborn soul, And makes the broken spirit whole. 3 Great is our Lord, and great His might, And all His glories infinite ; He crowns the meek, rewards the just, And treads the wicked to the dust. 4 His saints are lovely in His sight ; He views His children with delight ; He sees their hope, He knows their fear, And finds and loves His image there. Watts. 1719. a. Psalm 145. C. M. ONG as I live, I'll bless Thy Name, God of eternal love ! My work and joy shall be the same, 'L In the bright world above. 32 WORSHIP. 2 Great is the Lord, His power unknown, And let His praise be great : I'll sing the honors of Thy throne, Th}* works of grace repeat. 3 Fathers to sons shall teach Thy Xame, And children learn Thy ways ; Ages to come Th}T truth proclaim, And nations sound Thy praise. 4 Thy glorious deeds of ancient date Shall through the world be known : Thine arm of power, Thy heavenly state, With public splendor shown. 5 The world is managed by Thy hands, Thy saints are ruled by love ; And Thine eternal kingdom stands, Though rocks and hills remove. wcuts.mQ.a. Psalm 145. L. M. Y God, my King, Thy various praise Shall fill the remnant of my days : Thy grace employ nrv humble tongue. Till death and glory raise the song 2 The wings of every hour shall bear Some thankful tribute to Thine ear ; And every setting sun shall see New works of duty done for Thee. 3 But who can speak Thy wondrous deeds ? Thy greatness all our thoughts exceeds ; Vast and unsearchable Thy ways, Vast and immortal be Thy praise. Wau*. 1719. Tc Deum Laudanum. L. 31, 1 rpHEE we adore, eternal Lord ! L We praise Thy Name with one accord. Thy saints, who here Thy goodness see, Through all the world do worship Thee. 'M PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. 38 2 To Thee aloud all angels cry, The heavens and all the powers on high : Thee, hoi}', holy, holy King, Lord God of hosts, they ever sing. 3 The apostles join the glorious throng; The prophets swell the immortal song ; Thy martyrs' noble army raise Eternal anthems to Thy praise. 4 From day to day, 0 Lord, do we Highty exalt and honor Thee ! Thy Name we worship and adore, World without end, for evermore ! 5 Vouchsafe, 0 Lord, we humbly pray, To keep us safe from sin this day ; Have mere}', Lord ! we trust in Thee ; Oh, let us ne'er confounded be ! Moravian Col. 1754. Thomas CotUriti. 1810. a. Gloria in Excelsis. iJ, M". 1 MHO God be glory, peace on earth, JL To all mankind good will ! We bless, we praise, we worship Thee, And glorify Thee still : 2 And thanks for Thy great glory give, That fills our souls with light ; * 0 Lord, our heavenly King, the God And Father of all might ! 3 And Thou, begotten Son of God, Before all time begun ; 0 Jesus Christ, Thou Lamb of God, The Father's only Son : 4 Have mercy, Thou that tak'st the sins Of all the world away ! Have mercy, Saviour of mankind, And hear us when we pray ! 34 WORSHIP. 5 0 Thou, who sitt'st at God's right hand, Upon the Father's throne, Have mercy on us, Thou, 0 Christ, Who art the Holy One ! 6 Thou only, with the Holy Ghost, Whom earth and heaven adore, In glory of the Father art Most high for evermore. Supplement to Tate and Brady. 1703. a. »7 AUein Gott in der Hot? sey Ehr. Iambic. St 7. 1 A LL glory be to God on High, J\_ Who hath our race befriended I To us no harm shall now come nigh, The strife at last is ended ; God showeth His good will to men, And peace shall reign on earth again ; Oh, thank Him for His goodness. 2 We praise, we worship Thee, we trust, And give Thee thanks for ever, 0 Father, that Thy rule is just, And wise, and changes never : Thy boundless power o'er all things reigns, Thou dost whate'er Thy will ordains ; Well for us that Thou rulest ! 3 0 Jesns Christ, our God and Lord, Son of Thy Heavenly Father, O Thou who hast our peace restored And the lost sheep dost gather, Thou Lamb of God, to Thee on high From out our depths we sinners cry, Have merc}^ on us, Jesus ! 4 0 Holy Ghost, Thou precious Gift, Thou Comforter unfailing, O'er Satan's snares our souls uplift, And let Thy power availing TRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. 35 Avert our woes and calm our dread : For us the Saviour's Blood was shed ; We trust in Thee to save us ! JVicholas Dtcius ( Von Hoft.) 1529. Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1862. a. f\ Sey Lob und Ehr dem hochsten Gut. Iambic, 8, 7* 1 QING praise to God who reigns above, IO The God of all creation, The God of power, the God of love, The God of our salvation. With healing balm my soul He fills, And every faithless murmur stills ; To God all praise and glory ! 2 The angel host, 0 King of kings, Thy praise forever telling, In earth and sky all living things Beneath Thy shadow dwelling, Adore the wisdom which could span, And power which formed Creation's plan ; To God all praise and glory ! 3 I cried to God in my distress, His mercy heard me calling ; JVTy Saviour saw my helplessness, And kept my feet from falling ; For this, Lord, praise and thanks to Thee ! Praise God Most High, praise God with me ' To God all praise and glory ! 4 Thus all my gladsome way along, I'll sing aloud Thy praises, That men may hear the grateful song My voice unwearied raises : Be joyful in the Lord, my heart ! Both soul and body, bear your part ! To God all praise and glory ! John Jacob Schuete. 1673 . Frances Elizabeth Cox, Tr. 1864. a. 36 WORSHIP H Xun danket alle Oott. 6* 7. 1 ATOW thank we all our God, i_\| With heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His earth rejoices ; Who from our mother's arms Hath blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours to-day. 2 0 may this bounteous God, Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts, • And blessed peace to cheer us ; And keep us in His grace, And guide us when perplexed, And free us from all ills, In this world and the next. 3 All praise and thanks to God The Father, now be given, The Son and Him who reigns With them in highest heaven ; The One eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore ; For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore ! Martin Rinhart. 1644. Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1S58. a 12 7s. 1 TJOLY, holy, holy Lord! JlL Be Thy glorious Xame adored. Lord, Thy mercies never fail : Hail, celestial Goodness, hail ! 2 Though unworthy, Lord, Thine ear, Deign our humble songs to hear. Purer praise we hope to bring, When around Thy throne we sing. PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. 37 3 There no tongue shall silent be ; All shall join in harmony; That through heaven's capacious round Praise to Thee may ever sound. 4 Lord, Thy mercies never fail : Hail, celestial Goodness, hail ! Holy, holy, holy Lord ! Be Thy glorious Name adored. Benjamin Williams. 1778. a. 7s. 1 QONGS of praise the angels sang, |k3 Heaven with hallelujahs rang, When Jehovah's work begun, When He spake, and it was done. 2 Songs of praise awoke the morn, When the Prince of Peace was born ; Songs of praise arose, when He Captive led captivity. 3 Heaven and earth must pass away ; Songs of praise shall crown that day : God will make new heavens and earth ; Songs of praise shall hail their birth. 4 And shall man alone be dumb, Till that glorious kingdom come ? No ; — the Church delights to raise Psalms, and hymns, and songs of praise. 5 Saints below, with heart and voice, Still in songs of praise rejoice ; Learning here, by faith and love, Songs of praise to sing above. 6 Borne upon their latest breath, Songs of praise shall conquer death ; Then, amidst eternal joy, Songs of praise their powers employ. James Montgomery 1S19- 38 WORSHIP. 14 *, T. 1 11 /TIGHTY God, while angels bless Thee, 1V_L May a mortal lisp thy Name ? Lord of men, as well as angels, Thon art every creature's theme. 2 Lord of every land and nation, Ancient of eternal daj^s ! Sounded through the wide creation Be Thy just and lawful praise. 3 For the grandeur of Thy nature, ' Grand beyond a seraph's thought ; For created works of power, Works with skill and kindness wrought : 4 For Thy Providence, that governs Through Thine empire's wide domain Wings an angel, guides a sparrow : Blessed be Thy gentle reign. 5 But thy rich, Thy free Redemption, Dark through brightness all along — Thought is poor, and poor expression : Who dare sing that awful song ! 6 From the highest throne in glory To the Cross of deepest woe ! All to ransom guilty captives ! Flow, my praise, for ever flow. Robert Robinson. 1774. 15 C. M. 1 TTTHAT shall I render to my God VV For all His gifts to me ? Sing, heaven and earth, rejoice and praise His glorious majesty. 2 0 let me praise Thee whilst I live, And praise Thee when I die, And praise Thee when I rise again, And to eternity. PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. 39 3 Mysterious depths of endless love Our admiration raise : My God, Thy Name exalted is Far above all our praise. j„iin Ma»m. 1683. 16 a m. 1 TT7HILE Thee I seek, protecting Power ! W Be my vain wishes stilled ; And may this consecrated hour With better hopes be filled. 2 Thy Love the powers of thought bestowed ; To Thee my thoughts would soar. Thy mercy o'er my life has flowed : That mercy I adore. 3 In each event of life, how clear Thy ruling Hand I see ! Each blessing to my soul more dear, Because conferred by Thee. 4 In every joy that crowns my days, In every pain I bear, My heart shall find delight in praise, Or seek relief in prayer. 5 When gladness wings my favored hour, Thy Love my thoughts shall fill : Resigned, when storms of sorrow lower, My soul shall meet Thy will. 6 My lifted eye, without a tear, The gathering storm shall see ; My steadfast heart shall know no fear : That heart shall rest on Thee ! lldtn Maria Williams. 1788. 17 a m. 1 yi^HEN all Thy mercies, 0 my God, \ V My rising soul surveys, Transported with the view, I'm lost In wonder, love, and praise. 40 WORSHIP. 2 Ten thousand thousand precious gifts My daily thanks employ ; Nor is the least a cheerful heart That tastes those gifts with joy. 3 Through every period of my life Thy goodness I'll pursue ; And after death, in distant worlds, The glorious theme renew. 4 When nature fails, and da}>- and night Divide Thy works no more, My ever grateful heart, 0 Lord, Thy mercy shall adore. 5 Through all eternit}' to thee A joyful song I'll raise : But oh ! eternity's too short To utter all Thy praise. Joseph Addison. 1712. 18 7s. GLORY be to God on high, God, whose glory fills the sky : Peace on earth to man forgiven, Man, the well-beloved of Heaven. Sovereign Father, heavenly King, Thee we now presume to sing ; Glad Thine attributes confess, Glorious all, and numberless. Hail, by all Thy works adored ! Hail, the everlasting Lord ! Thee with thankful hearts we prove, Lord of power, and God of love. Christ our Lord and God we own, Christ, the Father's only Son ; Lamb of God, for sinners slain, Saviour of offending man ! PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. 41 5 Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow, Hear, the world's Atonement Thon ! Jesus, in Thy Name we pray, Take, 0 take our sins away ! 6 Hear, for Thou, 0 Christ, alone, Art with Thy great Father one ; One the Holy Ghost with Thee ; One supreme, eternal Three. Charles Wesley. 1739. a. Xy ' Cantemus Ouncti. 1 rpHE strain upraise of joy and praise, JL Alleluia. 2 To the glory of their King Shall the ransomed people sing, Alleluia. 3 And the choirs that dwell on high Shall re-echo through the sk}7", Alleluia. 4 They through the fields of Paradise that roam, The blessed ones, repeat through that bright home, Alleluia. 5 The planets glittering on their heavenly way, The shining constellations, join, and say Alleluia. 6 Ye clouds, that onward sweep, Ye winds, pn pinions light, Ye thunders, echoing loud and deep, Ye lightnings, wildly bright, In sweet consent unite your Alleluia. 7 Ye floods and ocean billows, Ye storms and winter snow, Ye days of cloudless beauty, Hoar frost and summer glow, Ye groves that wave in spring, And glorious forests, sing Alleluia. 42 WORSHIP. 8 First let the birds, with painted plumage gay, Exalt their great Creator's praise, and say Alleluia. 9 Then let the beasts of earth with varying strain, Join in Creation's Hymn, and cry again, Alleluia. 10 Here let the mountains thunder forth sonorous, Alleluia. There let the vallej-s sing in gentler chorus, Alleluia. 11 Thou jubilant ab}'ss of ocean, cry Alleluia. Ye tracts of earth and continents, reply Alleluia. 12 To God, who all creation made. The frequent hymn be duty paid : Alleluia. 13 This is the strain, the eternal strain, the Lord of all things loves : Alleluia. This is the song, the heaventy song, that Christ Himself approves : Alleluia. 14 Wherefore we sing, both heart and voice awaking, Alleluia. And children's voices echo, answer making, Alleluia. 15 Xow from all men be outpoured Alleluia to the Lord ; With Alleluia evermore The Son and Spirit we adore. 16 Praise be done to the Three in One. Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Godescalcus. ALLELUIA ! best and sweetest Of the lrrmns of praise above ! Alleluia! thou repeatest, Angel host, these notes of love. This ye utter, While y our golden harps ye move. Alleluia ! Church victorious, Join the concert of the sky ! Alleluia ! bright and glorious, Lift, ye saints, this strain on high ! We, poor exiles, Join not yet your melody. Alleluia ! strains of gladness Suit not souls with anguish torn : Alleluia ! sounds of sadness Best become our state forlorn : Our offences We with bitter tears must mourn. But our earnest supplication Holy God, we raise to Thee : Yisit us with Thy salvation, Make us all Thy joys to see ! Alleluia ! Ours at length this strain shall be. John Chandler. 1837 GENERAL PETITION. Splendor Paternse Glorias. L. 31, JESUS, Lord of heavenly grace, Thou Brightness of Thy Father's face, Thou Fountain of eternal light, Whose beams dispci.se the shades of night! ■o 44 WORSHIP. 2 Come, holy Sun of heavenly love, Send down Thy radiance from above ; And to our inmost hearts convey The Holy Spirit's cloudless ray. 3 And we the Father's help will claim, And sing the Father's glorious Name : His powerful succor we implore, That we ma}r stand, to fall no more. 4 May He our actions deign %p bless, And loose the bonds of wickedness ; From sudden falls our feet defend, And guide us safely to the end. 5 May faith, deep-rooted in the soul, The flesh subdue, the mind control : May guile depart, and discord cease, And all within be joy and peace. 6 O hallowed thus be every day ! Let meekness be our morning raj', And faithful love our noonday light, And hope our sunset, calm and bright. 7 0 Christ, with each returning morn, Thine image to our hearts is borne : 0 ma}r we ever clearly see Our Saviour and our God in Thee ! Ambrose, d. 397. John dtundler, Tr. 1837. a. Zk£x Zeige Dich uns ohne H'dUe. fs, 1 T ORD, remove the veil away, I i Let us see Thyself to-day ! Thou who earnest from on high, For our sins to bleed and die, Help us now to cast aside All that would our hearts divide; With the Father and the Son Let Thy living Church be one. GENERAL PETITION. 45 2 0, from earthly cares set free, Let us find our rest in Thee ! Ma}r our cares and conflicts cease In the calm of Sabbath peace, That Thy people here below Something of the bliss may knOw, Something of the rest and love In the Sabbath home above ! 3 Lord, Thy sinful child prepare For a place and portion there 1 Give my soul the spotless dress Of Thy perfect Righteousness : Then at length, a welcome guest, I shall enter to the feast, Earthly cares and sorrows o'er, Joys to last for evermore. Frederick Gottlieb K/opstock. ab. 1760. Jane Borthwick, Tr. 1862.