COMMUNION.

Rubrick.

PIOUS REFLECTIONS.

and to refuse when I am invited, will but increase my guilt.

I

I will therefore go, that may obtain grace to be better prepared, every time I have an opportunity of going to this sacrament.

At the time of the celebration If you seriously attend of the communion, the priest to the following exhortation, shall say this exhortation. you will be better able to

Dearly beloved in the judge how well you are Lord, ye who mind to come prepared: you will see the to the holy communion of benefits you may depend on the body and blood of by a worthy preparation, our Saviour Christ, must and the evils you expose consider how St. Paul ex- yourself to, by going rashhorteth all persons diligent- ly, or out of mere custom, ly to try and examine them-to this holy sacrament.

selves, before they presume

to eat of that bread, and Directions and Devotions. drink of that cup. For as Here say secretly, May it the benefit is great, if with be according to this word to. a true penitent heart and me, and to every soul here lively faith we receive that present !

holy sacrament; so is the Suffer us not, O God, to danger great, if we receive draw this danger upon ourthe same unworthily. Judge selves, by going presumptutherefore yourselves, breth-ously to thy holy table. ren, that ye be not judged I am indeed a miserable of the Lord; repent ye tru- sinner: God be merciful ly for your sins past; have unto me!

a lively and steadfast faith in I believe; Lord, increase Christ our Saviour; amendiny faith.

COMMUNION.

your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men: so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things, ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God the Father, the Son, and the

DIRECTIONS AND DEVOTIONS.

Holy Ghost, for the redemp-Trinity for our redemption.

tion of the world by the

death and passion of our

Blessed be the glorious

In these thy sufferings, O

Saviour Christ, both God Jesus, I see the punishment

and man; who did humble due to sinners.

himself, even to the death

upon the cross, for us miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we

Blessed be thy holy name,

should always remember the for this instance of thy love exceeding great love of our and concern for sinners, lest Master and only Saviour they should forget themJesus Christ, thus dying for selves and thee. `us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained for us, he hath in-| stituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his May I never forget this love, and for a continual invaluable blessing! May I remembrance of his death, to never neglect this way of ourgreat and endless comfort preserving the remembrance

Jof it!

COMMUNION.

To him, therefore, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, let us give (as we are most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness, all the days of our life. Amen.

Rubrick.

Then shall the priest say to those who come to receive the holy communion,

Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your I sins, and are in love and cha.

DIRECTIONS AND DEVOTIONS.

I do sincerely repent, and am sorry for my sins.

I forgive, as I hope to be

rity with your neighbours, forgiven.

and intend to lead a new life, This I purpose, by the following the commandments grace of God, to do.

of God, and walking from

henceforth in his holy ways;

draw near with faith, and

take this holy sacrament to May it be to mine, and your comfort; and make to the comfort of every soul your humble confession to here present.

almighty God, devoutly

kneeling.

Rubrick.

Observation.

This most excellent form

Then shall this general con-of confession may be made fession be made, by the priest and all those who are minded to use of in private, by every receive the holy communion, one who is preparing himself humbly kneeling. for this sacrament.

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty; provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant, that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

COMMUNION.

Rubrick.

Then shall the priest (the bishop, if he be present) stand up, and turning to the people, say,

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance

COMMUNION.

and true faith turn unto him,

have mercy upon you; par

DEVOTIONS.

May this pardon, O God,

don and deliver you from rest upon my soul, and seal all your sins; confirm and the forgiveness of all my strengthen you in all good-sins.

ness; and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the priest say,

Hear* what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly turn to him.

COMMUNION.

Come unto me, that travel and are laden, and I will you. St. Matt. xi. 28.

DEVOTIONS.

all ye Make me, O Jesus, truly heavy sensible of my sad condition, refresh that I may more gladly go to thee for help.

So God loved the world, I believe; Lord, increase that he gave his only begot-my faith, that I may ever ten Son, to the end that all love and obey thee, who that believe in him should hadst such love and concern not perish, but have ever- for me to save me from lasting life. St. John iii. 16. perishing.

Hear also what St. Paul

saith

This is a true saying, and I receive this truth, O

*These most comfortable words should always be read with great deliberation, that the people may have time to reflect upon them; and to apply them every one to the comfort of his own soul; and to prevent all unreasonable fears and doubts of God's gracious pardon and acceptance.