THE REFORMED PRAYER BOOK: IN WHICH THE MORNING SERVICE IS DIVIDED, AND THREE DISTINCT MORNING SERVICES MADE INSTEAD THEREOF; THE SERVICES FOR BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES, AND BURIALS, AND THE CHURCH CATECHISM REVISED, AND THE OBJECTIONABLE PARTS OF THEM OMITTED. BY THE EEY. THOMAS SPENCER, M.A., Perpetual Curate of Hinton Charterhouse, near Path, and late Fellow of St. John’s College, Cambridge. “ let all things Be done decently and in order.”—! Corinthians xiv. 40. “ But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”-—Matthew vi. 7. " Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, iu faith and love which is in Christ Jesus .’’—2 Timothy i. 13. SIXTH THOUJSAMfU. LONDON: CHARLES GILPIN, 5, BISIIOPSGATE STREET, WITHOUT; JOHN CHAPMAN, 121, NEWGATE STREET; AND SAMUEL GIBBS, 5, UNION STREET, BATH. PRICE TWOPENCE. liiiT No. 15. EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE TO THE AMENDED jPBAYER BOOK OF 1GC2. It hath been the wisdom of the Church of England, ever since the first com¬ piling of her publick Liturgy, to keep the mean between the (wo extremes, of too much stiffness in refusing, and of too much easiness in admitting, any varia¬ tion from it. The particular forms of Divine worship, and the Rites and Ceremonies appointed to be used therein, being things in their own nature indifferent, and alterable, and so acknowledged; it is but reasonable, that upon weighty and important considerations, according to the various exigency of times and occasions, such changes and alterations should be made therein, as to those that are in place of Authority should from time to time seem either necessary or expedient. CONCERNING THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH. There was never any thing by the wit of man so well devised, or so sure established, which in continuance of time hath not been corrupted: as, among other things, it may plainly appear by the Common Prayers in the Church, com¬ monly called Divine Service. PREFACE TO THE REFORMED PRAYER BOOK. Encouraged by such confessions as are contained in the preceding passages of the possibility of error, and the importance of occasional alterations, and being impressed with the conviction that to the want of such alterations, during the last ISO years, may be ascribed the heresies of Puseyism, so flattering to the pride and self-importance of the clergy, and so hurtful to the people deluded by them, the author has endeavoured to carry on that work of the first Reformers, which, owing to the peculiar circumstances of the times, was left incomplete. And although it may be the province of Ministers of State and Dignitaries of the Church to bring about “ such changes and alterations as the exigencies of the times and occasions may render necessary or expedient,” yet it must be through the representations of the clergy, who have practical experience of the evils com¬ plained of, and who have leisure to devise suitable remedies, that prelates and statesmen are most likely to see such changes and alterations to be necessary and expedient. And, therefore, as one of the many hundreds and probably some thousands of clergymen, who feel aggrieved with certain parts of the services which they arc called upon to perform, the author trusts lie shall not deserve the charge of presumption, if he commends the present alterations to the candid consideration of all who may notice them, and if he expresses an earnest hope that in due time, he and others likeniinded, may be permitted to adopt in their respective churches “ The Reformed Prayer Book.” The reasons for the changes which are made in the Reformed Prayer Book may be seen in the following pamphlets by the same author, each of which weighs, with an envelope, less than half an ounce. Practical Suggestions on Church Reform.lllh Thousand .. price Twopence. Clerical Coufnrmily aud Church Property.17tli Thousand .. price Twopence. Observations upon the Diocesan School Return....25th Thousand .. price Twopence. What David Did:-A Reply to tbe Queen's Letter..25th Thousand .. price Twopence. Sold by Charles Gilpin, 8, Bis/, opsgatc Street, Without; John Chapman, m, Newgate Street, London; and Samuel Gibbs, 5, Union Street, Lath. MORNING PRAYER ON THE FIRST SUNDAY IN TIIE MONTH. II At the beginning of Morning Prayer the Minister shall read with a loud mice these sen¬ tences of the Scriptures that follow. And then he shall say that which is written after When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hatli com¬ mitted, and doetli that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Ezekiel xviii. 27. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise. Psalmli.i7. Dearly beloved brethren, tlie Scrip¬ ture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge and confess our mani¬ fold sins and wickedness; and that tve should not dissemble nor cloke them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; hut confess them with an humble, lowly, peni¬ tent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we most chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at liis hands, to set forth his most worthy peraise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as the soul. Where¬ fore I pray and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart, and humble voice, unto the throne of the heavenly grace, saying after me; A general Confession to he said of the whole Congregation after the Minis¬ ter, all kneeling. Almighty anti most merciful Father; We have erred, aud strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. AYe have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. AYe have offended against thy holy laws. AA T e have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health iu us. But thou, 0 Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, 0 most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen. ',[ The following Absolution, or declara¬ tion of pardon to the truly penitent, shall he pronounced hg the Minis¬ ter alone standing: the iieople still kneeling. Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness, and live; and hath given power, and commandment, to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the Absolu¬ tion and Remission of their sins: He pardoneth and a’usolveth all them that truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel. Wherefore let us be¬ seech him to grant us true repentance, and his holy Spirit, that those things may please him, which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy; so that at the last we may come to liis eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 1[ The people shall answer here, and at the end of all oilier prayers. Amen.. 1 Then the Minister shall kneel, and sag the Lord’s Prayer with an audible voice; the people also kneeling, and repealing it with him, both here, and wheresoever else it is used in Divine Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed he thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead ub not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For er 1J Then likewise he shall sat/, 0 Lord, open thou our lips. Answer. And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise. Minister. 0 God, make speed to Answer. 0 Lord, make haste to help H Sere all standing up, the Minister ihall say, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world with¬ out end. Amen. Minister. Praise ye the Lord. Answer. The Lord’sNamebc praised. If Then the Psalms, from the Bible ver¬ sion, as they are appointed. Then shall be read distinctly with an audible voice the First Lesson, taken out of the Old Testament, as is appointed in the Calendar, except there be proper Lessons assigned for that day: He that rcadclh so stand¬ ing and turning himself, as he may best be heard of all such as are pre¬ sent. And after that, shall be said or sung, in English, the Hymn called Te Deum Laudamus. Tf Note, That before every Lesson the Minister shall say, Here beginneth such a Chapter, or Verse of such a Chapter, of such a Book: And after every Lesson, Here endeth the First, or the Second Lesson. Te Deum Laudamus. We praise thee, 0 God: we acknow¬ ledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee: the Father everlasting. To thee all Angels cry aloud: the Heavens, and all the Powers therein. To thee Cherubin, and Seraphin: continually do cry, Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Sabaoth; Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty: of thy Glory. The glorious company of the Apostles: praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the Prophets: praise thee. The noble army of Mar tyrs: praise thee. The holy Church throughout all the world: doth acknowledge thee; The Father: of an infinite Majesty; Thine honourable, true: and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter. Thou art the King of Glory: 0 Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man: thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb. When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death: thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God: in the Glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come : to be our Judge. We therefore pray thee, help thy ser¬ vants : whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy Saints : in glory everlasting. 0 Lord, save thy people: and bless thine heritage. Govern them: and lift them up for Day by day: we ma; And we worship t world without end. Vouchsafe, 0 Lord: to keep us this day without sin. 0 Lord, have mercy upon us: have 0 Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us: as our trust is in thee. 0 Lord, in thee have I trusted: let me never be confounded. Tf Then shall be read in like manner the Second Lesson, taken out of the New Testament. And after that the fat¬ ing Psalm: Jubilate Deo. Psal. c. 0 be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song, 8,-c. 8,-c. Then shall be sung or said the Apos¬ tles’ Creed by the Minister and the people, standing. 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 descend¬ ed into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence 6 THE ORDER DOR MORNING PRAYER ON THE SECOND SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. Reml your heart, and not your gar¬ ments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, andrepentethhimoftheevil. JoelW. Id. To the Lord our God belong mercies belled against him : neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to wallc in his laws which he set before us. Daniel is. 9,10. Dearly beloved Brethren,*—Unto a Christian man there can be nothing either more necessary or profitable, than the knowledge of holy scrip¬ ture ; forasmuch as in it is contained God’s true word, setting forth his glory, anil also man’s duty. And there is no truth nor doctrine neces¬ sary for our justification and ever¬ lasting salvation hut that is, or may he, drawn out of that fountain of truth. Therefore as many as be de¬ sirous to enter into tire right and perfect way unto God, must apply their minds to know Holy .Scripture. And as drink is pleasant to them that he thirsty, and meat to them that he hungry; so is the reading, hearing, searching, and studying of Scripture to them that he desirous to know God or themselves, and to do his will. Let us therefore search for the well of life in the hooks of the Old and New Testaments, and not run to the dirty puddles of men’s tradition, devised by men’s imagina¬ tion, for our justification and salva¬ tion. "Whatsoever is required to the salvation of man, is fully contained in the Scripture of God. I-Ie that is ignorant, may there learn knowledge. He that is hard-hearted and an ob¬ stinate sinner, shall there find ever¬ lasting torments, prepared of God’s justice to make him afraid, and to soften him. He that is oppressed with * Tills exhortation is abridged from the first homily, written by Archbishop Cranmer. misery in this world, shall there find relief in the promises of everlasting life, to his great consolation and comfort. If it shall require to teach any truth, or rejwove any false doc¬ trine, to rebuke any vice, to commend any virtue, to give good counsel, to comfort or to exhort,all these things we may learn plentifully from the Scrip¬ tures. These hooks, therefore, ought to be much in our hands, in our eyes, in our ears, in our mouths, hut most of all in our hearts. This word whosoever is diligent to read, and in his heart to print that which he readelh, the great affection to the transitory things of this world shall he diminished in him, and the great desire of heavenly things shall in¬ crease in him. And there is nothing that so much strengthcnetli our faith and trust in God, that so much keepeth up innocency and pureness of heart, and also of life and conver¬ sation, as continual reading of God’s word. For that thing, which, by continual reading of Scripture, and diligent searching of the same, is deeply printed and graven in the heart, at length tumeth almost into nature. Anil moreover the effect of God’s word is to comfort the hearts of them that diligently read it, and to encourage them to perform that which, of God, is commanded. It tcacheth patience in adversity, in prosperity humbleness;—what hon¬ our is due unto God, what mercy and charity to our neighbour. It slieweth to whom we shall look for help in all perils, and that God is the only giver of victory in all battles and temptations of our enemies, bodily and ghostly. And in reading of God’s word, he most profiteth not always that is most ready in turning of the book or in saying of it with¬ out the hook, hut he that is most turned into it; that is most inspired with the I-I0I5' Spirit; most in his heart and life altered and changed into that thing which he readeth; he that is daily less proud, less wrathful, less covetous, and less desirous of worldly and vain pleasures; he that, forsaking his old and vicious life, daily increaseth in virtue more and more. There is nothing that more maintaineth godliness of the mind than the reading or hearing of God’s word, if it be joined to a good affec¬ tion to know and to follow God’s will. For without a single eye, pure intent and good mind, nothing is allowed for good before God. And, on the other side, nothing more dark- enelli Christ and the glory of God, nothing bringeth in more blindness and all kinds of vices than doth the ignorance of God’s word. Let ns, therefore, thank God heartily for this his great and special gift; and let us pray to God, the only author of these heavenly studies, that we may speak, think, believe, live and depart hence, according to the wholesome doctrine and verities of them. And, by that means, in this world we shall have God’s defence, favour, and grace, with the unspeakable solace of peace and quietness of conscience; and after this life we shall enjoy the end¬ less bliss and glory of heaven. Which that he may grant us all, that died for us all, even Jesus Christ, let us all unite in fervent prayer; u A Prayer to besaulby the whole Congre¬ gation,after the Minister, all kneeling. Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning ; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen. 0 Most mighty God, and mer¬ ciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and liatest nothing that thou hast made ; who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but that he should rather turn from his sin, and be saved: Mercifully forgive us our trespasses; receive and com¬ fort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it appertained to forgive sins. Spare us therefore, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgment with thy servants, who are vile earth and miserable sinners; hut so turn thy anger from us, who meekly acknowledge our vileness, and truly repent us of our faults ; and so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Minister alone, offer the following prayer. 0 Lord, we beseech thee merci¬ fully hear our prayers, and spare all those, who confess their sins unto thee ; that they whose consciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall be read the Psalms in or¬ der as they are appointed, then the first Lesson of the Old Testament, and after that the following Psalm. PSAL. 19. Cceli enarrant. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork, $-e. i j'c. Then shall be read the Second Lesson out of the New Testaments and after that the Psalm following: PSAL. 23. Donums regit me. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, S,-c. S,-c. Here followeth the Litany. 0 God the Father, of heaven: have mercy upon us miserable sin¬ ners, Sfc. Bfc. Before the Prayer of St. Chrysostom shall be read the Collect of the day, and afterwards ilieEpistle and Gospel; and A Prayer for Unity. 0 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred ana prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly Union and Concord: that, as there is hut one Body, and one Spirit, and one Hope of our Calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth he all of one heart, and of one soul, united in one holy bond of Truth and Peace, of Faith and Charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. A Prayer of St. Chrysostom. Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications un¬ to thee; and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, 0 Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may he most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy troth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen. 2 Cor. xiii. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow¬ ship of the Holy Ghost, he with us all evermore. Amen. MORNING PRAYER ON THE THIRD SUNDAY IN THE MONTH. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned agajnst heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. St. Luke xv. 18,1!). Enter not into judgment with thy servant 0 Lord: for in thy sight shallno man living be justified. Psalm cxiii. 2. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us: hut, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous¬ ness. 1 St. John i. 8, 9. Dearly beloved brethren,—*Tliere is no doctrine so necessary in the Church of God as the doctrine of repentance and amendment of life. And verily the true preachers of the lament that by them we have so grievously offended our most bounte¬ ous and merciful God, who so ten¬ derly loved us, that he gave his only begotten Son to die a most bitter death for our redemption. And verily this inward sorrow and grief being conceived in the heart for the hein¬ ousness of sin, if it be earnest and un¬ feigned, is as a sacrifice to God, as the holy prophet David doth testify, saying, The sacrifices of God are a. broken spit it: a broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise. The second part of repentance is, an unfeigned confession of our sins unto God. Hereunto doth pertain the saying of David, I said, I will con- gospel have always m their godly fess my transgressions unto the Lord; sermons joined these two together, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my Now there be four parts of repent- sin. These also are the words of ance; the first is, contrition of heart; John the Evangelist, If we confessour for we must be earnestly sorry for sins, he is faithful and just to for- our sins, and we must unfeignedly gioe ns our sins, and to cleanse us * This addressis abridged from thaEomily f r0m a J l righteousness. The third on Repentance. part of repentance is faith, whereby 9 we do take hold upon the promises and contempt against God and man, of God touching the free pardon of who know not how much they heap our sins; which promises are sealed God’s wrath upon themselves, for the up unto us with the death and blood- hardness of their hearts, which can- shedding of his son Jesus Christ, not repent at the day of vengeance. For what would it profit us to be V/lien we have offended the law of sorry for our sins or to confess our God, let us repent of our straying offences unless we do steadfastly from so good a Lord. Let us con- believe and be fully persuaded that fess our unworthiness before him; God, for his son Jesus Christ’s let us trust in God’s free mercy for sake, will forgive us all our sins ? Christ’s sake for the pardon of the The fourth is, an amendment of fife, same; and from henceforth let us or anew life, in bringing forth fruits endeavour to walk in anew life, worthy of repentance. For they that whereby we may glorify our Father do truly repent must become altered which is in heaven, and bear in our and changed; they must become new consciences a good testimony of our creatures; they must be no more faith; so that at the last, we may the same that they were before. And obtain the fruition of everlasting life, therefore thus said John the Baptist through the merits of our Saviour, unto the Pharisees and Sadducees that Ye, therefore, that do truly and came unto his baptism: 0 genera- earnestly repent you of your sins, tion of vipers , wlw hath warned you to and intend to lead a new fife, follow- fleefrom the wrath to come ? Bring ing the commandments of God, and forth therefore fruits meet for repent- walking from henceforth in his holy once. We have the Ninevites for an ways, draw near with faith, and make example, who afc the preaching of your humble confession to Almighty J onas did not only proclaim a general God, saying after me— fast, but they all did turn from their y laws in 01 ing Psalm. hearts, we beseech thee. Psalm 95. if Then the Minister shall i if Then a Lesson of the New Testament, what our Lonl Jem Ch as it is appointed. And after that Thou shalt love the Li the following Psalm. with all thy heart, and with PSAL. 8. Domini Dominus noster. and w ' t * 1 - adtily n "' n ‘ I 0 Lord our Lord, how excellent is . _, _ thy Name in all the earth: who hast thy neighbour as thyself. On_ set thy glory above the heavens! S;c. S{c. commandments hang all the law and the if And after that, these prayers follow- P r 0 P iie£s - ing, all devoutly kneelingthe Min- Let us pray. ‘P rmiouncm d Wll!l 11 lm “l 0 Almighty Lord, and everlasting ’ God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to The Lord be with you. direct, sanctify, and govern, both our Answer. And with thy spirit. hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy Minister. Let us pray. laws, and in the works of thy command. Lord, have mercy upon us. ments; that through thy most mighty Christ, have mercy upon us. protection, both here and ever, we may Lord, have mercy upon us. b e preserved in body and soul; through if Then the Minister, Clerks, andpeo- 3^ ord and Savi ° Ur Jesus Christ ‘ ott^eT wf- T) F> 'T * Then shall follow this Collect for the Mlledt^vN me'lh'y l^S ^ ^ come. Thy will be done in earth, As it TOie, and saying, is in heaven. Give us this day our daily Let us P ra y- bread. And forgive us our trespasses, Almighty and everlasting God, we as we forgive them that trespass against are taught by tbv holy Word, that the 5L- f f?. Iea V s not into temptation; hearts of Kings are in tliy rule and v l r « ° m evil; F ° r 1 thlne is governance, and that thou dost dispose the kingdom, the power, and the glory, and turn them as it seemeth best to thy ior ever and ever. Amen. godly -wisdom: We humbly beseech commandments, and also that by thee For the fourth Sunday in the Month, we being defended from the fear of our anil for the fifth when it occurs, any enemies may pass our time in rest and one of the preceding Services may he quietness ; through the merits of Jesus used at the discretion the Minister. Christ our Saviour. Amen. , The m . (l Morni , w Servlce is mt lo The third Collect, for Aid against all le used when there is a Communion. T -II The Psalms or Hymns which shall he thJ'efo Lord and by tl y gTea^ mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of cl etl0n of lhe Mmsta ' this night; for the love of thy only Son, If The Minister may use an extemporary our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. prayer before and after the Sermon. PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS,